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Mercy Mountain #1
Dragonfly Dance
Some things are worth the wait…
Ben Mannis never got to be young, wild, and free. Both his parents died when he was 20, leaving him a ranch to run and younger siblings to raise. Now 42, life—and love—seems to have passed him by. Not that he’s complaining, the town is his family and he’s been too busy to fret a missing love-life. When he’s asked by the newspaper editor to show the Gazette’s owner around the local area for a few days, Ben is happy to oblige. Little does he know everything he’s missed out on is arriving wrapped in one sophisticated leggy, blonde package.
Catherine Kendall wants to live her creative dream and not the dictated life her father has assigned. As the only child, she’s been groomed to run the family publishing empire. Trouble is, she hates the news business, hates the city, and longs to live near mountains and indulge in becoming a sculptor. So, while the town thinks she’s come to inspect the Gazette, she’s really there on a frustrated dare her father tossed out—prove herself an artist or return to Kendall Publishing and never speak of her silly ambitions again. The mountains are just what she needed to spark her passion. Turns out, so is the handsome rancher acting as tour guide.
Can two late-bloomers turn a sexy fling into true love, or has their time passed them by?
Ben Mannis never got to be young, wild, and free. Both his parents died when he was 20, leaving him a ranch to run and younger siblings to raise. Now 42, life—and love—seems to have passed him by. Not that he’s complaining, the town is his family and he’s been too busy to fret a missing love-life. When he’s asked by the newspaper editor to show the Gazette’s owner around the local area for a few days, Ben is happy to oblige. Little does he know everything he’s missed out on is arriving wrapped in one sophisticated leggy, blonde package.
Catherine Kendall wants to live her creative dream and not the dictated life her father has assigned. As the only child, she’s been groomed to run the family publishing empire. Trouble is, she hates the news business, hates the city, and longs to live near mountains and indulge in becoming a sculptor. So, while the town thinks she’s come to inspect the Gazette, she’s really there on a frustrated dare her father tossed out—prove herself an artist or return to Kendall Publishing and never speak of her silly ambitions again. The mountains are just what she needed to spark her passion. Turns out, so is the handsome rancher acting as tour guide.
Can two late-bloomers turn a sexy fling into true love, or has their time passed them by?
132 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2020
31 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 3, 2021
I absolutely loved this cover! Mercy Mountain was an idealic, charming place to settle down. Im guessing anyone who loves life and the outdoors would thrive here. I really liked Ben and Catherine’s relationship and thought the author wrote this novella very well. Ben was sexy as hell and the chemistry was believable in this almost instant love.
It’s a short read I found it very satisfying while I escaped away for another day before going back to work. I highly recommend it if you like westernish, contemporary romance.
Thank you BookSirens for the ebook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
It’s a short read I found it very satisfying while I escaped away for another day before going back to work. I highly recommend it if you like westernish, contemporary romance.
Thank you BookSirens for the ebook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 1, 2020
Ben Mannis never had the chance to sow his wild oats. By the time he was 20 years old, his parents died, and he had to juggle raising his younger siblings while running the family ranch. Twenty years have passed, and he wonders if he’s missed out on love. When he’s asked to play tour guide to the Gazette’s owner, he had no idea how swiftly his life is about to change. Catherine Kendall is a passionate woman, one who thrusts his heart into overdrive. What starts off as a harmless fling soon turns serious for Ben. Can he and Catherine make their love last or have they run out of time?
Dragonfly Dance is a feel-good romance any reader will enjoy. Ben and Catherine are late-bloomers, so to speak, and I thoroughly enjoyed their love story. Both have ‘done their duty’ to please others, never having a chance to follow their hearts until now. Dragonfly Dance proves it’s never too late to fall in love. I connected with Catherine on so many levels. Descriptive narration painted such a lush picture of the town, characters, and scenery. The character-driven plot moved quickly but not too fast. The romance itself was beautifully written with just enough conflict to make it realistic. This is the start of a new series and I can’t wait to read more. Dragonfly Dance is a must-read for any romance reader. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited CA.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Dragonfly Dance is a feel-good romance any reader will enjoy. Ben and Catherine are late-bloomers, so to speak, and I thoroughly enjoyed their love story. Both have ‘done their duty’ to please others, never having a chance to follow their hearts until now. Dragonfly Dance proves it’s never too late to fall in love. I connected with Catherine on so many levels. Descriptive narration painted such a lush picture of the town, characters, and scenery. The character-driven plot moved quickly but not too fast. The romance itself was beautifully written with just enough conflict to make it realistic. This is the start of a new series and I can’t wait to read more. Dragonfly Dance is a must-read for any romance reader. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited CA.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
March 17, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a short, sweet romance about a pair of older people in their forties. It was set in a small town with the classic gossip mill and tight-knit community which made it a warm and cozy read. To add to all that, the small town vibes meant a taste of the countryside and ranch living experience. If it were a slightly longer novel, it would probably have developed the characters and plot more organically. I do enjoy a slow build up to a hearty romance which wasn't the case in this story (this was more of an instant attraction). But keeping all the logic aside, this was a super fun and cute story that I read flat out in a few hours :-)
This was a short, sweet romance about a pair of older people in their forties. It was set in a small town with the classic gossip mill and tight-knit community which made it a warm and cozy read. To add to all that, the small town vibes meant a taste of the countryside and ranch living experience. If it were a slightly longer novel, it would probably have developed the characters and plot more organically. I do enjoy a slow build up to a hearty romance which wasn't the case in this story (this was more of an instant attraction). But keeping all the logic aside, this was a super fun and cute story that I read flat out in a few hours :-)
April 7, 2021
Rating it 4 stars because it was a fun, sweet fast read. Characters were likable, but the story moved fast. Love at first sight, sweet, no real depth or angst. I do not say that as a bad thing - it was a good novella that didn’t weigh you down with a lot of nonsensical unnecessary back story. It was exactly what I expected from a soft, sweet, short romance novella.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 14, 2020
I really enjoyed this novella. I liked the fact that Ben and Catherine are a little bit older and weren't expecting to meet someone they'd consider their future. It's a nice small town romance with great side characters and heart-warming story that proves it's never too late to fall in love, and you really can change the direction of your life if you want to badly enough.
I received an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I received an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
January 13, 2021
This was a short and sweet novella that was easy to read and heart warming. It's the love story of Ben Mannis and Catherine Kendall and the love a community has for one another. The author writes this story with the thoughts in mind that love at first sight is real and love can happen at any age. I appreciated the fact that both characters aren't young and inexperienced, but seasoned, experienced, and understands that life doesn't always go the way we dream it would. I laughed, cried, my heart broke a little, and I got a little hot and bothered by the passion of the two love birds. Ashnee Valley sounds like a quaint little town in beautiful Colorado and even though it's not a real town, it makes me wish I could go travel there and to climb Dragonfly Hill to see all its beauty. The people of Ashnee Valley are your typical small town people who look out for one another and everyone's business is never their own. Kind of reminded me a little of the South, which is where I live and can totally relate to how the rumor mill works and how everyone is basically a big ole family. I don't want to give too much away about this book because if you are interested in an easy read that leaves your heart happy then this is the book for you. I am very interested in reading the future books in this series based on the ending of the book and the epilogue.
April 12, 2021
I picked this book, more of an accident, as a review copy. This is a voluntary review for the book.
This is a love story of Ben and Catherine who are into their mid age. They both happened to meet in an unexpected and misunderstood circumstances, their love story kicks off immediately, a little too fast I thought.
Catherine wants to be a sculpture and she is on with a limited time for her to create and sell it off, which was more of an ultimatum from her father, who owns a business of his own and wants his daughter to take it over from him. There are a few turn of events and there is a small distance between Ben and Catherine, which again bridges up towards the end of the book.
This is a nice smooth love story, a nice read, one best part of the book is both the lead roles are in their middle age and so their love story makes the whole of the town a delight. However, I could not connect a few dots in the story yet, I still liked the read.
I recommend this book for those who are interested in quick romantic reads.
This is a love story of Ben and Catherine who are into their mid age. They both happened to meet in an unexpected and misunderstood circumstances, their love story kicks off immediately, a little too fast I thought.
Catherine wants to be a sculpture and she is on with a limited time for her to create and sell it off, which was more of an ultimatum from her father, who owns a business of his own and wants his daughter to take it over from him. There are a few turn of events and there is a small distance between Ben and Catherine, which again bridges up towards the end of the book.
This is a nice smooth love story, a nice read, one best part of the book is both the lead roles are in their middle age and so their love story makes the whole of the town a delight. However, I could not connect a few dots in the story yet, I still liked the read.
I recommend this book for those who are interested in quick romantic reads.
May 19, 2021
Ben Mannis is tasked with acting as tour guide to a representative of a publishing company supposedly in town to close down the local newspaper. His buddy gives him carte blanche to make sure the close-down doesn't happen. Show the gal a good time, flirt a little...she's older.
But Catherine Kendall is closer to Grace Kelly than old crone and Ben finds himself hoping for more than just a few days in her company.
A decent romance, I suppose, though it was more of a lust-at-first-sight than love. It had likeable characters, a charming environment in the form of a little Colorado town with spectacular views and quirky inhabitants, a bit of drama, some angst and lots of pining in the second half (which, given how I felt about the "romance" seemed a bit over the top).
It was the narrative style that really bothered me, though. Rather "jerky", instead of flowing, and a tad amateurish for my taste. Hopefully, the kinks will be ironed out in the next book.
But Catherine Kendall is closer to Grace Kelly than old crone and Ben finds himself hoping for more than just a few days in her company.
A decent romance, I suppose, though it was more of a lust-at-first-sight than love. It had likeable characters, a charming environment in the form of a little Colorado town with spectacular views and quirky inhabitants, a bit of drama, some angst and lots of pining in the second half (which, given how I felt about the "romance" seemed a bit over the top).
It was the narrative style that really bothered me, though. Rather "jerky", instead of flowing, and a tad amateurish for my taste. Hopefully, the kinks will be ironed out in the next book.
March 1, 2021
4.5 stars
What a beautiful story about it never being too late to find love. Ben Mannis lost his parents when he was twenty and he stepped up to care for his younger twin brothers and take over the ranch. More than twenty years have passed and Ben’s friend, Brady asks Ben to show a businesswoman around town. Ben is attracted to Catherine and the feeling is mutual. Will this be his chance at love instead of his arrangement with women in neighboring towns to handle his needs? I will say this story will have you needing some tissues, at certain times, but it’s a good story with a small town setting.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
What a beautiful story about it never being too late to find love. Ben Mannis lost his parents when he was twenty and he stepped up to care for his younger twin brothers and take over the ranch. More than twenty years have passed and Ben’s friend, Brady asks Ben to show a businesswoman around town. Ben is attracted to Catherine and the feeling is mutual. Will this be his chance at love instead of his arrangement with women in neighboring towns to handle his needs? I will say this story will have you needing some tissues, at certain times, but it’s a good story with a small town setting.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 6, 2021
What a sweet story. I was in the mood for a small town romance and got much more. I love reading novellas. This one was good!!
Dragonfly Dance by Becca Maxton takes place in a tight knit community in the mountains of Colorado. Ben, the local bachelor rancher, has been asked to give a tour of the area to Catherine. She’s a Boston gal in town for a mysterious reason.
Oh the people of Ashnee Valley - so fun. Lucy, Mrs. Gordy, Ray, the Wheeler family. Ms. Maxton writes lovely characters.
And I didn’t expect to get teary-eyed from a short novella!! Yep. I did.
I know there are more stories in this series and I’m go glad!!
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Dragonfly Dance by Becca Maxton takes place in a tight knit community in the mountains of Colorado. Ben, the local bachelor rancher, has been asked to give a tour of the area to Catherine. She’s a Boston gal in town for a mysterious reason.
Oh the people of Ashnee Valley - so fun. Lucy, Mrs. Gordy, Ray, the Wheeler family. Ms. Maxton writes lovely characters.
And I didn’t expect to get teary-eyed from a short novella!! Yep. I did.
I know there are more stories in this series and I’m go glad!!
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 30, 2021
Gracious, I seriously wasn’t expecting all the emotions that hit me when reading this book. There is love, humor, passion, romance, sadness, and a wonderful sense of family and community on top of everything else. I always know a book is a keeper, and worthy of being reread, if it can make me cry. Well, this one did just that, but it also made me laugh and sigh a lot. If you want to read a book that will make you feel ALL the emotions, then this is a book you want to own! I’m truly looking forward to more books in this series. Also, I love the cover art!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 3, 2021
This was a great romance. I see no reason it had to be so gut wrenchingly sad. The worst part for me wasn’t even the part at the beginning where Sophia’s brother died of cancer, and she was learning to survive without him. It was the things that happen later on in the book. I love a good romance, and I love a good happy ending, I just don’t know that I need something that is going to make me cry like a baby for pages on end and leave me angst ridden when it’s over.
Jett and Delia appear to be the couple in the next book. I’m just not sure my psyche can handle too much more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jett and Delia appear to be the couple in the next book. I’m just not sure my psyche can handle too much more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 1, 2020
I received an ARC of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily
I could not put this down up till 2 in the morning to finish it
What a great story romance in all it’s finery
Nice to read about real life situations with slightly older people
Ben is adorable Catherine a sweetie how hard it is to tell someone what you want at times duty and obligation can cloud your judgement but how lovely when it all comes together
We all assume what we’re doing is for the right reasons but we need to learn to voice our assumptions or miss out on love
I could not put this down up till 2 in the morning to finish it
What a great story romance in all it’s finery
Nice to read about real life situations with slightly older people
Ben is adorable Catherine a sweetie how hard it is to tell someone what you want at times duty and obligation can cloud your judgement but how lovely when it all comes together
We all assume what we’re doing is for the right reasons but we need to learn to voice our assumptions or miss out on love
December 15, 2020
This is a satisfying story about two people who seemed to have missed their chance at love because they were busy taking care of family obligations--Ben, taking care of his brothers and his family property after the untimely death of his parents, and Catherine, who was being groomed to take over her family's publishing business. The characters are intelligent, engaging, and good-hearted. I enjoyed this story and look forward to continuing the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 27, 2021
Seriously couldn't put this book down! I stayed in the bath until I was literally shivering and then I stayed up reading way too late, until I finished the book!
It's refreshing reading a love story about characters over 25. Their age and history allowed Becca Maxton to give the characters such depth and complexity in good times and through hardships. Really well written, I'm going to have to find more books by this author ASAP. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It's refreshing reading a love story about characters over 25. Their age and history allowed Becca Maxton to give the characters such depth and complexity in good times and through hardships. Really well written, I'm going to have to find more books by this author ASAP. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 17, 2020
Cute novella with a lot packed in.
A quick read for this sweet romance. The couple who thought they missed the chance to find love, goes through a community tragedy. They both find different ways to deal with it while doing what has to be done.... (I don’t want to spoil it!!)
I wasn’t sure how this was going to end, but the HEA was very satisfying!!!
*I received a copy of this book before it was published. My honest review and opinions are my own.
A quick read for this sweet romance. The couple who thought they missed the chance to find love, goes through a community tragedy. They both find different ways to deal with it while doing what has to be done.... (I don’t want to spoil it!!)
I wasn’t sure how this was going to end, but the HEA was very satisfying!!!
*I received a copy of this book before it was published. My honest review and opinions are my own.
November 27, 2020
Catherine and Ben are in their forties and single. He is a farmer who took care of his younger brother’s when their parents died and a wife was never in his mind. Now he has to show Catherine around his hometown and convince her to not close the newspaper. Can they find love, happiness and a future together? Sweet
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 8, 2020
This story was a cute, easy to read story that you can easily fall into from page 1.
Ben and Catherine had instant chemistry. Off the charts. A small town with small town tendencies which was cute.
The setting was lovely in this small town. The secondary characters were very cute and added to this nice short story.
Loved the ending and the epilogue. Very fitting.
I received this free book in exchange for an honest review.
Ben and Catherine had instant chemistry. Off the charts. A small town with small town tendencies which was cute.
The setting was lovely in this small town. The secondary characters were very cute and added to this nice short story.
Loved the ending and the epilogue. Very fitting.
I received this free book in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2020
A short but sweet story of a more mature couple showing it's never too late for love and romance. Ben and Catherine have been busy with family and business to have had time for a serious relationship. Catherine came into town to take care of her family's newspaper business and Ben was to show her around town. It was instant chemistry and love. I enjoyed the story and loved the epilogue.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 23, 2021
This book was both funny and a good quick read. Love at first sight? Is it possible? New love found, lost, and then found again. Artwork and a newspaper bring two people from different lives together. Can they overcome the obstacles that would keep them apart? Love, laughter, and a horrible accident bring these two together, can they make it work? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 3, 2021
A sweet tale of middle aged romance. An easy read.
I'm struggling to say anything else about the book as I don't feel as if I got emotionally involved in the story. There was a death of a child which would generally pull my heart strings, but I felt removed. I felt sad for the loss of the child's life and her family but I didn't feel like I needed to cry like I would normally.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I'm struggling to say anything else about the book as I don't feel as if I got emotionally involved in the story. There was a death of a child which would generally pull my heart strings, but I felt removed. I felt sad for the loss of the child's life and her family but I didn't feel like I needed to cry like I would normally.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
February 26, 2021
Sweet, sexy, small town romance. Catherine Kendall, (of the newspaper publishing Kendalls) arrives at Ashnee Valley, Colorado- is she going to close their small town newspaper?
Ben Mannis is asked by his best friend Brady Wheeler, the newspapers editor, to squire the newcomer around their town. Likable characters, genuine emotion in this fast-moving novella. Recommended.
I received this book at no charge from Booksirens and the author, but all opinions are my own.
Ben Mannis is asked by his best friend Brady Wheeler, the newspapers editor, to squire the newcomer around their town. Likable characters, genuine emotion in this fast-moving novella. Recommended.
I received this book at no charge from Booksirens and the author, but all opinions are my own.
May 6, 2021
A good short novella introducing us to Ben and Catherine. Both are older characters who have been waiting for their romantic lives to begin. Ben is a rancher while Catherine is heir to the publishing company that publishes the local newspaper. Catherine comes to town to check on the paper and also to pursue her real passion - art. Mercy Mountains are a nice backdrop to the town.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 23, 2020
I borrowed this short and sweet feel good novella on kindle unlimited. It is a beautiful heart rendering ever after story. It’ll make you cheer, chuckle, then tear up. The scenes are written visually perfect and each character has their on distinct personality. I loved reading it and I’m sooo happy to volunteer this review.
December 28, 2020
Dragonfly Dance is a really short book, only 90 pages but Becca Maxton managed to bring me to tears with this sweet story.
It is a story about following your dreams, about hope, community spirit and being there for each other.
In my opinion there wasn't much steam, it was over before it begon.
If you love a quick, adorable insta love story, than this is the story for you.
It is a story about following your dreams, about hope, community spirit and being there for each other.
In my opinion there wasn't much steam, it was over before it begon.
If you love a quick, adorable insta love story, than this is the story for you.
March 9, 2021
Humorous, honest, fun, sensitive, emotional, heartwarming.
Ben and Catherine meet later in life when they are mature enough to determine which path to take. After a fun, lighthearted flirtation, Ben and Catherine must deal with a tragedy that inadvertently moves Catherine away from Ben. What Catherine leaves behind is the catalyst for life altering decisions for both her and Ben. I look forward to reading more titles from this author. Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy.
Ben and Catherine meet later in life when they are mature enough to determine which path to take. After a fun, lighthearted flirtation, Ben and Catherine must deal with a tragedy that inadvertently moves Catherine away from Ben. What Catherine leaves behind is the catalyst for life altering decisions for both her and Ben. I look forward to reading more titles from this author. Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy.
March 10, 2021
A jump right in love at first sight story.
Cute story.
Ben and Catherine are adults thinking they missed their chance with love. Forty-ish. They meet and it’s instant. They jumped right in to a love at first sight romance.
Catherine’s obligation to family business gets in the way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cute story.
Ben and Catherine are adults thinking they missed their chance with love. Forty-ish. They meet and it’s instant. They jumped right in to a love at first sight romance.
Catherine’s obligation to family business gets in the way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 7, 2021
The main characters, Catherine and Ben, were so likeable with their amazing personalities and different life styles. Their storyline makes for a very interesting read and page-turner to the end. I look forward to reading Becca Maxton's next book.
November 23, 2020
This was a lovely book. A nice story, likeable main characters, and quirky background characters. This was a fun happy ever after story and a easy one sitting read. Can’t wait for more in the series.
November 25, 2020
I was provided an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review. this was a very pleasant, but predictable story. It flowed nicely and was an easy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews