Home to Stay

Clocktower Romance #1

by Becke Turner

Try dating when you have teen sons.

That's a challenge--even when the man is not your neighbor or the kid's soccer coach. No, no, no! The man in question is a marine officer who led my deceased husband in his final campaign. Got your attention, now?

It gets worse. He's competing against me and my sons for the only available lease in the historic district. Yep, the one with the best foot traffic for our new shop. The shop that required missing team sports, dances, and evenings of chilling in front of the TV. The shop my children and I built to support us and honor their father.

Wish me luck because the gloves are off. We're going to kick Ryan Murphy to the curb. So much for a gal's love life. But family always comes first.

If you like a second chance romance with a courageous woman willing to risk everything for family, you’ll enjoy Becke Turner’s award-winning romance HOME TO STAY . Escape to the Sunberry, North Carolina world of romance. Pick up your copy of HOME TO STAY , today.

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Military Romance

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2020

About the author

Becke Turner writes heartwarming, clean small-town romances filled with family, second chances, and love that feels like home.

Her stories feature sassy, independent women, close-knit communities, and relationships built on trust, gentle humor, and everyday moments that matter most.

She is best known for the Murphy Family Saga, a collection of interconnected romances set in a town where neighbors look out for one another and love often arrives when it’s least expected.

A retired healthcare data analyst, Becke now happily spends her days writing stories rooted in home and heart. A lifelong animal lover, she shares her writing space with Tucker, her opinionated standard poodle, who firmly believes supervising the creative process is part of his job.

When she’s not writing, Becke enjoys traveling, hiking, kayaking, biking, and snorkeling with her husband of more than fifty years.

Her books are written for readers who love clean romance, familiar settings, and stories that leave you feeling hopeful, comforted, and at home.

Reviews

[Diane Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging contemporary romance. Ava Robey lost her first love, her Marine husband, years earlier and has had to work very hard to rebuild a life for herself and her four children. But how can she fall for her husband's former commanding officer, especially when he's competing with her for a lease on the only available space in Sunberry's main business district? I loved the emotional depth of this book-it was at times heartbreaking, but that made the heartwarming parts all the more enjoyable. The characters felt very real, and were people you respect and root for. I especially loved that Ava was given a second chance to find love. She deserved it!

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a small town romance with a military leading man and a strong heroine this is the book to read. Watching the characters learn about themselves and grow was one of my favorite things in this book. Throw in the fact that this book wasn’t about first love but about two characters that had life experience and maturity behind them, it was a refreshing change of pace for me.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I loved it so much, I purchased a copy.

This is a new author for me. I totally adored this story. I would suggest though that this book needs a warning that you will need tissues especially if you are softhearted. The scene when Ryan shares the family dinner the first night. Oh my word, I was so choked up on Memory Night. There is another scene but I won’t give that away as it is near the end. Little Hope was also adorable throughout. I loved how she referred to her older brothers as “my boys”!

Ryan Murphy is a Marine Major currently stationed stateside at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. He brings some young teenaged boys home. Their mother, Ava Robey, is a Marine widow. In fact, her husband was under Ryan’s command when he was killed 5 years ago. Ryan is helping a wounded Colonial with PTSD try to win a competition. The winner will get a storefront in the prime area on Main Street. Unbeknownst to him, Ava is the other competitor for the storefront. These two have a whole lot of obstacles to get through to get to the other side.

This book is written in a dual POV format. I love that as it gives me that glimpse into the characters’ thoughts. I can more fully understand the characters and their actions during a scene that way. The story is well thought out and flowed beautifully. I could almost see the scenes like a move.

This is a sweet, clean story. There was a scene leading up to but faded away from a sexy scene. The author did a wonderful job. I look forward to reading more of her books. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a Marine trying to help others and a mother who loves her children while still struggling with being a woman.

[Roxx Tarantini · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-warming second-chance love story.

A Marine widow with four young children to raise; the Major she holds responsible for the loss of her husband, a story of healing and new beginnings.

When Ava brings her children to her late husband's home town in hopes of strengthening their bond and healing their hearts, she finds it harder than she ever imagined. Home to Stay tells their story with empathy and compassion.

You'll find well-drawn characters here who will make you part of their family as you wish for everything they wish for. A great story, well-written with both poignant and humorous moments, this is one I can happily recommend.

[Home to Stay was made available by the author for the 2022 Winter Games Reader Challenge, with no obligation to review.  The opinions herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]

[Isabel Nicholson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that will make you feel good and leave you with a sense of hope when you finish it. It’s a sweet and charming romance as well as showing family determination and togetherness. I like the way the book is written and the pace is good.
I love how strong and supportive Ava is, but also that she still has some flaws and things she needs to work through. The family relationships and sibling relationships shown throughout the book are really heartwarming.
Overall it’s a warm and cosy read that will leave you with a smile.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read about a widower that is just trying to raise her kids three teenage boys and an adorable five year old girl. She is not looking of love or a relationship however Ryan has other plans. He also happens to be her late husband's commanding officer, and the other person that is wanting the same piece of leased land that she wants.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janet Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich, emotional romance. Enjoyed it very much.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Clocktower Romance series a well written story that held my interest until the end, I will say keep the Kleenex near by. Ava Robey and ex-marine Ryan Murphy's story they do not get off to a great start. I enjoyed seeing this story come together. This is a new Author to me and I want to read more by her. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good, enjoyable, emotional and heartwarming romance read. The story has a good story line, and well written read. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Micki Sund · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the strong heroine of this debut novel. Set in a small town, it included of a military hero, teenage hijinx and the family dog. It was well written, fun to read and I can’t wait for the next book! If you like resilient women. sexy men in uniform and the angst of teenage boys you won’t want to put this book down! Read it now!

[Liz Hulin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am by no means a military love story type of person. This book was so good. I loved the main characters more than I can say. The FMC was strong, fiesty, stubborn, and even in her brokenness, she left it all on the table. There was no sugar coating her feelings. Ava Robey is a widow and a mom of 4. She runs a tight unit to keep her sons and 5 year old daughter with their heads above water. She doesn't have time or any inclination toward a relationship. On the anniversary of her husband's death, Major Ryan Murphy, her husband's commanding officer, brings her 3 boys home from a fight and attempted vandalism. Since delivering that devastating news 5 years ago, Major Murphy has not been back to help or see about Robey's wife. Marines take care of each other. It's long overdue, but he intends to help in any way that he can. He pays for the damages the sons caused. Ava is not having that. Robey's pay their debts. She suggests a barter instead. The story continues with twists and turns. Major Murphy is on a tightwire navigating, honoring his fallen brother, respecting the wishes of the commanding household officer, wanting to get to know the kids, and falling in love by accident. This author did a tremendous job building these characters and their world. The only thing that was missing for me was some of the word structure. It seemed like it was supposed to be 2 points of view, and then it changed to 3rd person. It kept throwing me a little, especially if I had to stop and come back. It was definitely worth the read.

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava is a widow with four children three teenage boys and a daughter.She is pacing the floor the boys are late and they are never late especially on today's date.Its memory night.The night they share memories of her husband and their father a Marine killed in action.Its been five years but it's a practice they will continue.As headlights shine in the driveway Ava opens the door an steps out its Ryan the man she blames for her husbands death.He was his commanding officer. She asks Ryan what happened but he tells her to let the boys speak first then he will fill in an blanks .She say this sounds like you need to come in for coffee.When she tells the boys to yet ready for dinner she asks Ryan to join them he starts to object an she says its only pancakes.After they eat she tells her sons to start talking .The chemistry between Ava an Ryan is sizzling hot.Will they fall for each other?Will the boys come around to excepting Ryan? There are so many twists an turns to this story you will be riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.

[Jeannine Wickliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava Robey has moved to Sunberry after the death of her marine husband. She is trying for a new start with her four children and one of those ways is to win the contest for a main street store for her new business. Then her boys are brought home by the one man, Ava does not want to see again. This is her dead husbands commanding officer, and now she finds out that he will be competing against her for the lease on the downtown shop. How can anything good come out of this? Can she keep control of her 3 boys and her little girl, and win this competition? Will she be able to fight the growing attraction between her and this marine? What will any of them do if she loses this competition? This is a great heart warming story of making a strong family, chances at love, and being a strong person.

[Renee Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book definitely hit home for me! Ava Robey has moved her 4 children to Sunberry North Carolina after her husband lost his life in Afghanistan 5 years before. With the help of her children she plans to open a family business in honor of her deceased Marine husband Josh. Being close to Jacksonville and Camp Lejeune where there is a large military base , she hopes to get business from military families. But when Marine Ryan brings her children home after a fight, she immediately recognizes him as Josh’s commanding officer, and now this man is inserting himself into their lives. Not only was he supposed to have been there in Afghanistan, but now he could be the reason the business is in jeopardy before it gets started. Ryan is trying hard to help her, and to be accepted by her children, but Ava is a strong independent widow who is determined do it by herself.

[iread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home to Stay is book one in the Clocktower Romances by this author. Each book is set in the small southern town of Sunberry, NC. I thought the characters were well thought out. Ava is a widowed army wife with kids who has to deal with her dead husband’s commanding officer Ryan. Each of the children has their own personalities which stayed consistent throughout the book. I enjoyed the character of Ryan and how he tries to stay loyal in a conflicting situation. But I got really tired of the heroine Ava and her constant haranguing about being “Robey Strong” and going it alone with just her family. Overall, the book is well written but I wasn’t a huge fan of the heroine or the story line.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Military widow, Ava, her three teenage sons and five year old daughter are working hard to make a better life. They are a strong and proud family. Ryan Murphy serviced with Ava's husband oversees and now want to help the family as the military does for their own. Bartering seems an option. Time together brings Ryan closer to Ava and her family. A lease competition puts them on opposite sides and along with some teenage resentment and life struggles tear them apart or do they have a future. Heart warming story that shows family strength, a chance at love and community involvement.

[Althea Hillier]

Pleasant reading

I love the characters in this story. Ava, a widow and the mother of 4 children, is faced with many challenges just to survive. Her independent nature makes it difficult for her to accept help from anyone, much less Ryan, a marine. Read this beautiful story and become acquainted with the children and see what part they had to play in helping to fulfil their mom’s dreams. Is their any HOPE for this stubborn, independent woman? Has she turned away her chance of loving again?

[Nancy Hatfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Story Truly Worth Reading!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! It’s a story of loss, a husband killed overseas leaving a wife and four children to carry on. I love how the children’s character’s are and how they react to their mom. Love how this story shows the strong resolve that the mom has, Ava was awesome. A Marine filled with guilt over losing a comrade, tried to do what’s right, but ended up falling for Ava and her four children. Ryan made a lot of mistakes but in the end it worked out.

[Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What an emotional story that had me enamored. A strong heroine that deserves a huge shoutout for he awesomeness. She strong, fierce and an incrdible human being. Ryan was perfection. The chemistry between them was explosive and over the top hot. I though the book wasn’t gonna be steamy but thank all Gods I was wrong!!! *wink wink* I couldn’t have love it more. Last but no least, the doggie was my favorite. Sorry, but not sorry!”

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It's sweet, emotional and full of small town charm. The storyline is both heart wrenching and heart warming. I adore our military and all the sacrifies they endure to keep us safe. It breaks my heart what they and their families go through. This book brings alot of that to light. I loved the amazing characters including the kids. Just a wonderful book that will keep you turning pages to the end. I also loved the cover!

[Margaret Heinrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Marine love story you NEED to read!

HOME TO STAY is a beautiful story about love in so many forms! The love of a Marine for his country and his fellow Marines; the love of a fallen Marine by his widow and children and vice versa ... How to heal or recover from loss, while still trying to seek dreams and values. Definitely a one-of-a-kind story you will appreciate making the time to read!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story really touches on all the emotions of the characters as they go through the situation. I like how it never feels like any characters are ever "blaming" the others for their emotional reactions. The reactions are accepted for what they are and they deal and move on from them - stronger because of simply allowing themselves to feel! It is a heartwarming and at time heart wrenching tale that I recommend you read!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family For A Marine

When Ava moved into town as a widow with 4 children, she just wanted to heal her family. Ryan was a Marine who served with Ava's husband. He was in a competition with Ava's family to renovate a store front and the outside sidewalk and parking lot. Winner gets the lease.

[Kate Cavell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Premise was really good.

I don't personally like reading books with sex scenes. I have never liked voyeurism.I do like a well crafted story and this was well written. That is why this book still received 4 stars, but I won't be reading this author again until graphic sex scenes are deleted from her scope. A better book can be written without intimate detail, in my opinion.

[Jenny See · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! It’s so beautifully written. It is one of the most realistic books I’ve read in quite some time. The author does a great job at bringing the characters to life, when you read it, it feels like your right there along for the ride with Ava and Ryan. I laughed, and I cried… I’ll definitely be reading this book again as well as more books from Becke.

[Becke Turner]

Dear Reader,

The idea for this book came while pondering how my four grandchildren could have the same parents and be so different. I have yet to figure out the answer to that question, but I had a lot of fun creating the little people in this book. Even more fun was letting the little ones wreak havoc on the romance. I'm sure all parents can relate.

Hope you enjoy it.

Becke

[Gale Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book and I loved every written word from the beginning to the end. I love second chance romances, especially when there are military women involved. She was an exceptionally strong character and wonderful mother, and I love that she found her happily ever after with an amazing man.

[Kathryn Munsell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book.

There is a few places in here that are to read. So many of our service people struggle when getting home. But the love story that is woven throughout is very sweet. She needs a partner and he needs a family.

[Betty Mandell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan comes to help Ava with her four children and her new business. Their relationship is complex and intriguing, and I enjoyed the focus on deep love and enduring family.
Becke Turner is a master at revealing and navigating the twists and turns of family and loving relationships.

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional and heartwarming read. Love the strong family and community commitments. Lots of twists and drama throughout kept me totally captivated and rooting for a HEA for all. So well woven and well developed that the characters and their story became very realistic to me