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Fortune Bay #2
The Good Neighbor
A cabin on a lake - a haven for people at the crossroads of their lives.
Frankie Alvarez hasn’t spoken to her rich, overbearing father in three years. She has built a life for herself in Fortune Bay, has a good job at the high school and owns a pretty bungalow on Majestic Lake, but her father still sends her a check every month—never a note, just the check—and every month she rips it up.
Then Sean Murphy moves into the cabin next door and everything changes overnight. Sean is just the kind of successful young exec’ Frankie’s father would want her to marry. But if she were looking for a husband—which she is not—it would be for someone completely different. Trouble is, Sean’s so darn charming, and cooks like a dream, and she feels her resolve to shut him out slipping away.
When Sean discovers Frankie hasn’t spoken to her father in years, he can’t stop himself from stepping in. He hates to see them estranged, and would give anything for someone to tell him what happened to the daughter he gave up fifteen years ago.
Frankie Alvarez hasn’t spoken to her rich, overbearing father in three years. She has built a life for herself in Fortune Bay, has a good job at the high school and owns a pretty bungalow on Majestic Lake, but her father still sends her a check every month—never a note, just the check—and every month she rips it up.
Then Sean Murphy moves into the cabin next door and everything changes overnight. Sean is just the kind of successful young exec’ Frankie’s father would want her to marry. But if she were looking for a husband—which she is not—it would be for someone completely different. Trouble is, Sean’s so darn charming, and cooks like a dream, and she feels her resolve to shut him out slipping away.
When Sean discovers Frankie hasn’t spoken to her father in years, he can’t stop himself from stepping in. He hates to see them estranged, and would give anything for someone to tell him what happened to the daughter he gave up fifteen years ago.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2016
134 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Judith Hudson
10 books279 followersJudith writes romantic women's fiction, women's fiction and mystery under the name of J.M. Hudson.
Her latest book came out in October 2024, Italian Murder Mystery , the second Rocky and Bernadette travel mystery.
This time, Rocky and Bernadette are in Cremona Italy the violin capital of the world. It should be a fun week full of scrumptious Italian food, beautiful medieval architecture and wonderful music, Until Rocky's old friend Hamish turns up dead in the Piazza. Rocky owes Hamish his life, so he has to step in.
The Secret of Elk Horn Lodge , is women's fiction rich with family mystery beginning decades ago.
Holly thought she was alone in the world since the recent death of her mother, but then she receives a curious letter from the lawyers of a Grandfather she didn't know she had. It requests her attendance at the reading of his will in the town of Skookum on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. What she discovers here will change her life forever - a new family who wants to claim her inheritance, an abandoned but quite wonderful hunting lodge, and a half-sister she has never known.
Grandad has given her three months to find her sister, the co-inheritor of the lodge, or the whole thing goes to the grasping cousins with their unscrupulous plans.
Judith's romantic women's fiction series, the seven Fortune Bay books , is set on Washington State's Olympic Peninsula. In each book, someone at a crossroads of their life moves into a ramshackle cabin on Majestic Lake. While there, they work through their problems with the help of friends and family, and with the occasional nudge from the friendly spirit of Aunt Augusta, the cabin's previous owner. If a romance grows in the process, and it always does, well, so much the better.
Judith grew up in Toronto Canada, went to high school in St. Louis MO, then moved to the Pacific Northwest where she now lives on beautiful Vancouver Island.
As an landscape artist and photographer, the setting of the story is very important to Judy. "I've painted in the area for many years and I think it helps me make the setting real for the reader. Helps draw them into the story. My characters are often artists, like Maddie, the darkroom photographer in Summer of Fortune who is at Fortune Bay for the summer to work on her first professional show, and Stephanie, the widowed matriarch of the clan who is finding a new life as a painter." She has also done some work as a travel writer and photographer.
All books are available in paperback and eBook formats, and the Fortune Bay books Temple of the Jaguar are available in audio as well.
Her latest book came out in October 2024, Italian Murder Mystery , the second Rocky and Bernadette travel mystery.
This time, Rocky and Bernadette are in Cremona Italy the violin capital of the world. It should be a fun week full of scrumptious Italian food, beautiful medieval architecture and wonderful music, Until Rocky's old friend Hamish turns up dead in the Piazza. Rocky owes Hamish his life, so he has to step in.
The Secret of Elk Horn Lodge , is women's fiction rich with family mystery beginning decades ago.
Holly thought she was alone in the world since the recent death of her mother, but then she receives a curious letter from the lawyers of a Grandfather she didn't know she had. It requests her attendance at the reading of his will in the town of Skookum on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. What she discovers here will change her life forever - a new family who wants to claim her inheritance, an abandoned but quite wonderful hunting lodge, and a half-sister she has never known.
Grandad has given her three months to find her sister, the co-inheritor of the lodge, or the whole thing goes to the grasping cousins with their unscrupulous plans.
Judith's romantic women's fiction series, the seven Fortune Bay books , is set on Washington State's Olympic Peninsula. In each book, someone at a crossroads of their life moves into a ramshackle cabin on Majestic Lake. While there, they work through their problems with the help of friends and family, and with the occasional nudge from the friendly spirit of Aunt Augusta, the cabin's previous owner. If a romance grows in the process, and it always does, well, so much the better.
Judith grew up in Toronto Canada, went to high school in St. Louis MO, then moved to the Pacific Northwest where she now lives on beautiful Vancouver Island.
As an landscape artist and photographer, the setting of the story is very important to Judy. "I've painted in the area for many years and I think it helps me make the setting real for the reader. Helps draw them into the story. My characters are often artists, like Maddie, the darkroom photographer in Summer of Fortune who is at Fortune Bay for the summer to work on her first professional show, and Stephanie, the widowed matriarch of the clan who is finding a new life as a painter." She has also done some work as a travel writer and photographer.
All books are available in paperback and eBook formats, and the Fortune Bay books Temple of the Jaguar are available in audio as well.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 25, 2023
It gets a little frustrating watching Frankie push the people she loves away over and over and then the self loathing and frustration that follows. It's also very sweet watching her bond, be sensitive, and break the cycle understanding her nature to push people away. I enjoyed the several story lines involved with the different characters. I would read more of this series. It was a sweet little Thanksgiving read.
December 6, 2024
I found this tucked away in the bookcase and thought- "go ahead, take it out, dust it off and read it" - so I did..And happy to say I'm rather glad I did!!
It's a sweet romance blended in with some mystery, some charm and a dash of nasty..And a bit of family dysfunction all stemmed from lack of communication..
I loved how this writer fleshed out the main characters, the intermediate characters(Stephanie and Max), the reliable characters -( Jake and Maddie, ) and a beautiful robust, uninhibited -eccentric- true friend -Louise ( a friend most of us love to have, and I'm blessed to have just such a friend!)..
Fortune Bay - a place I think we'd all love to be..And as I live in PNW, the description comes close to several places across the Sound from me..
When I realized this was #2 in a series, I didn't feel lost..or think I shoulda read from the beginning..which I will do-now😆..it is a stand alone..
Yes, I liked this one..I think you will too! So go get yourself a snack or two, something to wash it down- a settle in for an enjoyable read --P/
P.s.-- After reviewing "my books" I have read book 1..( Now I know why Maddie rang a bell in my memory bank! As did Jake!!!)
It's a sweet romance blended in with some mystery, some charm and a dash of nasty..And a bit of family dysfunction all stemmed from lack of communication..
I loved how this writer fleshed out the main characters, the intermediate characters(Stephanie and Max), the reliable characters -( Jake and Maddie, ) and a beautiful robust, uninhibited -eccentric- true friend -Louise ( a friend most of us love to have, and I'm blessed to have just such a friend!)..
Fortune Bay - a place I think we'd all love to be..And as I live in PNW, the description comes close to several places across the Sound from me..
When I realized this was #2 in a series, I didn't feel lost..or think I shoulda read from the beginning..which I will do-now😆..it is a stand alone..
Yes, I liked this one..I think you will too! So go get yourself a snack or two, something to wash it down- a settle in for an enjoyable read --P/
P.s.-- After reviewing "my books" I have read book 1..( Now I know why Maddie rang a bell in my memory bank! As did Jake!!!)
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October 22, 2020Updating all my covers for the Fortune Bay books. I think it better reflects the tone of the books.
What do you think?
PS - the good Neighbor is on sale for 99¢ in amazon until the end of the month!
What do you think?
PS - the good Neighbor is on sale for 99¢ in amazon until the end of the month!
December 1, 2020
Reading Frankie and Sean's love story was like watching good friends find their happily ever after.
Judith Hudson pulls you into Fortune Bay and welcome's you to sit on the dock and read a book in the sunshine. Well done.
Judith Hudson pulls you into Fortune Bay and welcome's you to sit on the dock and read a book in the sunshine. Well done.
September 9, 2024
Great story
Frankie had always had a crush on Sean. Him moving next door brought their feelings to the forefront. Then Frankie had her accident and Sean takes care of her. Was the game changer.
Frankie had always had a crush on Sean. Him moving next door brought their feelings to the forefront. Then Frankie had her accident and Sean takes care of her. Was the game changer.
February 1, 2020
Good
This is part of a series that has young women who have had problems with there can while growing u.
This is part of a series that has young women who have had problems with there can while growing u.
September 20, 2021
I can't wait to ready the other Foturne Bay books!
July 1, 2025
Wonderful book!
The characters in this book were interesting and they had great stories for each one. Excellent author.I will read the next book.
The characters in this book were interesting and they had great stories for each one. Excellent author.I will read the next book.
November 14, 2024
Friends and family relationships with some romance .
May 5, 2017
The Good Neighbor is the second book (third if you include the prequel novella) of the Fortune Bay series. It stands alone and you do not have to read the first book in the series, but you should because it introduces us to Sean and Frankie. This book has off-screen/fade to black sex scenes and minimal cursing with only one very unexpected “f-bomb”.
This book was such a great addition to this series. I loved – LOVED – Sean and Frankie together as a couple, even before they officially became one. Their friendship was so organic and sweet that I loved all of the scenes between them. Their personal stories were both gritty and so incredibly real that I found myself unable to stop thinking about them (specifically Sean's plight, holy cow) even when I was away from the book. I know everyone says this, but it was so difficult for me to put this one down to do 'real life' things. I just wanted to be able sit in a quiet room and read this book from cover to cover without interruption so that I could find out what happened. The story line with Max and Stephanie (who I adore!) was unexpected, but so great. If ever a book character deserved a Happily Ever After, it would be Stephanie Murphy.
This book is both substantial and beautifully written, but I confess that I wanted more of these characters and this story. I found myself being disappointed as I found myself getting closer to the end of the book. That is meant to be a compliment to Ms. Hudson's character building and her writing, not at all a complaint on the book's content or length. I cannot wait for my book budget to rebuild so that I can read the next book in this series, but I am going to be very sad when it ends.
If you like a story that deals with a sweet friendship, love, heartache, family love and issues, and most importantly forgiveness, you should definitely read this book. I am so glad that I did.
This book was such a great addition to this series. I loved – LOVED – Sean and Frankie together as a couple, even before they officially became one. Their friendship was so organic and sweet that I loved all of the scenes between them. Their personal stories were both gritty and so incredibly real that I found myself unable to stop thinking about them (specifically Sean's plight, holy cow) even when I was away from the book. I know everyone says this, but it was so difficult for me to put this one down to do 'real life' things. I just wanted to be able sit in a quiet room and read this book from cover to cover without interruption so that I could find out what happened. The story line with Max and Stephanie (who I adore!) was unexpected, but so great. If ever a book character deserved a Happily Ever After, it would be Stephanie Murphy.
This book is both substantial and beautifully written, but I confess that I wanted more of these characters and this story. I found myself being disappointed as I found myself getting closer to the end of the book. That is meant to be a compliment to Ms. Hudson's character building and her writing, not at all a complaint on the book's content or length. I cannot wait for my book budget to rebuild so that I can read the next book in this series, but I am going to be very sad when it ends.
If you like a story that deals with a sweet friendship, love, heartache, family love and issues, and most importantly forgiveness, you should definitely read this book. I am so glad that I did.
September 4, 2016
The Good Neighbor
Sean Murphy could always rely on his charm and good looks when it came to women, until he met Frankie, that is. Most of the time she acted is if he’d offended her. Nonetheless he finds her the most intriguing woman in the village of Fortune Bay, especially since they were paired up as attendants at a recent wedding. Dressed in a formal gown which showed off her nice legs and a lot of cleavage she held his attention. It was such a contrast to the baggy sweats she usually wore. When he moved into the cabin next door to her, he started inventing reasons to be neighborly, with fluctuating success. But after Frankie has a bad fall he steps right in to help care for her. Can Frankie resist this lovely man who plies her with wine and cooks her mouth-watering dinners? Will their past keep them apart? Frankie’s bitterly estranged from her father and Sean’s easy going nature hides a secret so painful he can’t bear to tell anyone. I found this story a very enjoyable read. Sean is easy to fall in love with and the supporting cast is full of unique characters who pull you into the closely knit community of Fortune Bay.
Sean Murphy could always rely on his charm and good looks when it came to women, until he met Frankie, that is. Most of the time she acted is if he’d offended her. Nonetheless he finds her the most intriguing woman in the village of Fortune Bay, especially since they were paired up as attendants at a recent wedding. Dressed in a formal gown which showed off her nice legs and a lot of cleavage she held his attention. It was such a contrast to the baggy sweats she usually wore. When he moved into the cabin next door to her, he started inventing reasons to be neighborly, with fluctuating success. But after Frankie has a bad fall he steps right in to help care for her. Can Frankie resist this lovely man who plies her with wine and cooks her mouth-watering dinners? Will their past keep them apart? Frankie’s bitterly estranged from her father and Sean’s easy going nature hides a secret so painful he can’t bear to tell anyone. I found this story a very enjoyable read. Sean is easy to fall in love with and the supporting cast is full of unique characters who pull you into the closely knit community of Fortune Bay.
February 27, 2017
Frankie Alvarez and Sean Murphy were two participants in a wedding in Fortune Bay. This was the beginning of their friendship and eventual courtship.
Frankie has a past that includes a domineering father and a mother who died when she was five. Sean also had a past that includes a domineering father but a good mother and a child. The path these two follow is complicated but believable. I really liked when he moved into the cabin next door to her, and he started inventing reasons to be neighborly. Frankie has a bad fall and he steps right in to help care for her. This story was a very enjoyable read. Sean and Frankie are easy to fall like and care about and their supporting neighbors are unique characters who lead you into the community of Fortune Bay. I'm looking forward to reading more stories set in Fortune Bay.
Frankie has a past that includes a domineering father and a mother who died when she was five. Sean also had a past that includes a domineering father but a good mother and a child. The path these two follow is complicated but believable. I really liked when he moved into the cabin next door to her, and he started inventing reasons to be neighborly. Frankie has a bad fall and he steps right in to help care for her. This story was a very enjoyable read. Sean and Frankie are easy to fall like and care about and their supporting neighbors are unique characters who lead you into the community of Fortune Bay. I'm looking forward to reading more stories set in Fortune Bay.
March 3, 2019
Frankie escaped to Fortune Bay to live her life free of her father’s manipulations but it is hard to fit in when you have lived your whole life hiding your true personality. The large Murphy family, her close-knit neighbors, provide the support and friendship she has been searching for with the exception of Sean Murphy. He is the type of man she has always despised, the type of man her father always forced on her, and she wants nothing to do with him. Never mind that he is a great cook, volunteers in the community, and is as handsome as a male model. The characters are well developed and the plot realistically portrays the ups and downs of family relationships. This is the second book in this series that I have read. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more in the series.
April 30, 2017
The cabin has a new tenant, Sean is definitely a good neighbor with a heart of gold. His charisma draws the ladies so he has a reputation but he also has a secret that he no longer wants to hide. I love this character. Francesa has a good heart too, she just has emotional baggage that weighs her down like a tons of bricks. She got on my last nerve at times, lol. This additional to the series has multiple plots, I would have preferred more concentration on the main characters but at the same time the author intertwines the connecting characters & also the growth of the Bay. Love this series!
September 18, 2017
Wow.....what a great story. Fortune Bay is a place to live and enjoy life. This book is about friendship, family, love, the things that really matters in life. You will know about Frankie and Sean, but also about Stephanie and Max, Louise, Jack, Maddie, Philip, and also Amber. The life's of all these people are intertwined in a lovely place. Looking forward to read more about Fortune Bay and their people.
February 13, 2017
Great read
This story encompasses so many family dynamics. While the budding relationship between Frankie and Sean is the main storyline, their relationship with their fathers is very important. It shows just how much these relationships affect their response to others. I look forward to reading every book in this series.
This story encompasses so many family dynamics. While the budding relationship between Frankie and Sean is the main storyline, their relationship with their fathers is very important. It shows just how much these relationships affect their response to others. I look forward to reading every book in this series.
August 2, 2020
A remarkable story about pasts, learning to love someone, and learning to forgive. The cast of characters is perfect for this story and really makes it over the top...great. Even had a little mystery in it. Awesome writing. So good.
September 19, 2016
Good easy read.
July 20, 2017
What a good book. This series is becoming one of my favorites. Definitely recommend this series.
July 29, 2018
A fantastic book. Love this series so far. Wonderfully rich characters, a plot that keeps moving forward and stays riveting throughout, and a happy ending - what more can one ask for?
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews