Pumpkins and Promises

Holiday Beach #2

by Elle Rush

Working full-time, going back to school, and raising a high school senior – Brooke Portman’s schedule in Holiday Beach is a whirlwind of obligations. As she turns the page into October, the few blank spots left on her calendar are being filled with the man who’s determined that she should have a life of her own with him in the picture.

Sheriff Aaron Gillespie thinks he and Brooke can go the distance if they can get past the obstacles constantly being thrown in their path. When their kids’ social lives are busier than their own, and every date he and Brooke manage to have is interrupted by reports of criminal activity, it feels like the Halloween season is all tricks and no treats.

Then Aaron and Brooke soon find themselves on opposites sides of the same arson case. One that threatens to burn their relationship to cinders.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 5, 2021

About the author

Sweet contemporary romance author with addictions to Christmas and other holidays seeks readers to share fun, heartwarming romances with. Laugh-out-loud banter, yummy recipes and a list of favourite holiday tropes on request. (Spoiler: ALL OF THEM.)

Keep up with her new releases by subscribing to her newsletter at www.ellerush.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plan was to have this read on Hallowe’en, but I was day late, because, life. No worries though because this seasonal sweet works anytime during the autumnal season! Two single parents of teens have been dancing around each other, more like their teens with the “does he, does he not” at the beginning. When they finally connect, it was wonderful to see their relationship develop, how they deal with their problems, and their growth. They have some issues and some are bigger than others, but big hearts and strong minds get them over the hurdles. They have a wonderful connection and genuinely care and that has them straight on the path to their HEA <3

[A G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun harvest story

Romance level: kisses

Low conflict.
Realistic love story
Realistic jobs and busy schedules
Nice to read with some warm cider in October.

[Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

juggling isn’t an option

I like my job but almost loosing it scared me. So I decided to back to school, work and I am kind of thinking that the Sheriff likes me. But he’s driving me crazy with a hot and cold response. But I’m sure I can juggle all the things that I have my fingers in. Hopefully…. Enjoy

[Wren Woodland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke and the nightmarish scarecrow.

Aaron and Brooke both have seniors in HS and with exes in their past. Each are at the point of being ready to try again. But his job as Police Chief is overwhelming, especially with weird things happening out at the summer cabins. Brooke is similarly stressed over being a mom of a politically active daughter, working full time as the hotel housekeeper and getting an online accounting degree. The interest is there, the sparks there, but can they overcome the many obstacles in front of them to have a relationship?
I totally enjoyed this and the very realistic situations and issues they were dealing with. There were just enough seasonal happenings to set the parameters, with little moments of comedic relief to make it fun. Detective Hayseed had me giggling and chortling out loud.

[Sierra Winfield · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ehhhhhh I finished it but it took me longer then it should’ve to read a quick 200 page read. It was more of a cutesy clean romance than a mystery. I don’t think I’ll pick up any of the others in the series but idk. I rated it two stars but I’m thinking more like 2.5 cause it was cute, didn’t have much of a mystery too it, and it was kinda skipped over at the end. I felt like the author made Jordan mixed for no other reason than to say oh I have a book with a black girl in it. Wasn’t my favorite read. I also felt like there was a lot of filler that had no place in the book. There was no need to keep bringing up that the main character was in school or what she was working on in school specifically, a normal person wouldn’t care about what kind of math goes into accounting and it had no place except a filler for conversations that to me felt stilted.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was just ok for me. It was almost boring it was such a blah story; never got to a point that I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Then the story wrapped up very quickly but left quite a bit hanging. Even the short bonus book for this story the author provides via her newsletter didn't wrap everything up. We did get an update on their children but not about Caleb. This book won't have me rushing to pick up others in the series.

[Barbara R. Cady · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have to love a great community.

I am a firm believer in " pay it forward". I've hit rock bottom a few times, by no fault of my own, just circumstances. I've been blessed to have the good Lord on my side and friends and relatives who jumped in to help. Does it hurt your pride? Of course it does, but the alternative is horrid. Think before you judge, and help when you can. You literally can change someone's life, ask Caleb in this book!

[Bourbon N Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that this was an older age book. Both the FMC & MMC were divorced single parents of teens.

I really loved that Brooke was written as a strong woman. Not the usual single mom archetype. Thank you!!

Aaron was well written as well.

I definitely enjoyed this book

[Tabitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute story but kind of slow starting. However, it makes up for it with all the connections and holidays and fun interactions. Looking forward to finding the rest of the series. Clean. Some great moments.

[Jo Ann Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story full of suspense, Halloween, and a love story to boot.

[Carrie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

very cute book

This was a very well written book, some suspense in it and just overall good read, kept me reading and intrigued.

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Sweet seasonal romance. Poorly edited.

[TANYA BASTIAO · Rating 1 out of 5]

but like where is the romance? this was boring

[Alyson Moya · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. I wouldn’t say it’s for everyone, but I enjoyed myself.

Definitely a cute romance, not overly cheesy. I don’t think these kind of books are my cuppa tea. There is a SUPER small mystery but was kinda obvious and super blown over at the end.

There are other books in the series that are related that I could be interested in reading.

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting story about 2 single parents who are ready to try again, but both are super busy with their jobs. His job as Police Chief is overwhelming and more so now as there have been weird doings at the summer cabins. Brooke is pretty sure Aaron likes her but he blows hot and cold, which discourages her and drives her crazy. A great story with Halloween, suspense and a love story. This is a clean, sweet romance.