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Raising Winter
The last thing the man who has it all needs is to become the custodian of a ten-year-old girl. But Brad Wilde has, and he doesn't know how to handle this new role. Because his plans never included revealing his secret. The prom queen has fallen off her throne and returns to Candlewood Falls with her tail between her legs. When Lyra Ryan starts a cleaning business because she doesn't want to be a therapist anymore, the only person willing to hire her is the arrogant and sexy Brad Wilde. Thrown together by chance, or maybe fate, Lyra and Brad must help each other follow their hearts and learn that love—in all its forms—shows up when you're least prepared to handle it.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2021
6 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Wilk
38 books59 followersFrom an early age, Stacey Wilk told tales as a way to escape. At six she wrote short stories in composition notebooks, at twelve she wrote a novel on a typewriter, in high school biology she wrote rock star romances in her binder instead of paying attention.
But it wasn’t until many years later, inspired by her children and a looming birthday, that she finally took her story-telling seriously. And published her first novel in 2013. Since then, she’s gone on to publish fourteen more so women everywhere could fall in love and find an escape of their own.
She isn’t done telling stories. Not by a long shot. If you want to read her emotional and honest books about family, romance, and second chances, visit her at www.staceywilk.com
To see what she writes next, follow her Facebook group for her amazing readers – Stacey’s Novel Family https://bit.ly/2FK8Lae
Or join her newsletter - https://bit.ly/2A0jEFk
But it wasn’t until many years later, inspired by her children and a looming birthday, that she finally took her story-telling seriously. And published her first novel in 2013. Since then, she’s gone on to publish fourteen more so women everywhere could fall in love and find an escape of their own.
She isn’t done telling stories. Not by a long shot. If you want to read her emotional and honest books about family, romance, and second chances, visit her at www.staceywilk.com
To see what she writes next, follow her Facebook group for her amazing readers – Stacey’s Novel Family https://bit.ly/2FK8Lae
Or join her newsletter - https://bit.ly/2A0jEFk
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 31, 2021
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Brad swore he'd never need a doctor. What to do now that he actually needs one? Or to do when someone drops a revelation on him he never expected? Now he needs help too raising the daughter he hasn't told his family about. Will his neighbor and girl from his past help him? Or is she too caught up in her own problems?
Lyra is starting over after being duped by her husband. Her therapy business is gone and now she's come back home. Recognizing her new neighbor was not on her to do list when she came back with her tail between her legs. But perhaps they can help each other...
The family dynamics in this story are fascinating, if not a bit tragic in some ways. I felt for both characters, especially Brad, his ex did him so wrong I cannot even count the ways. And poor Lyra, sheesh! Though I haven't read any of the other stories in this series, or from this author, I'm a big fan now and plan on reading much more from her in the future.
ARC provided by Hidden Gems Books for an honest review.
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December 23, 2021
If you've been reading these books from all the authors, you will remember Brad Wilde saying he doesn't need a doctor to Riesling at Malbec and Eliza's engagement party.
Well as karma often strikes after a statement like that, Brad falls off an old ladder and breaks his wrist, his dominant wrist. He's getting a bit antsy not being able to do anything but the paperwork stuff for the Orchard, but that's all about to change.
Lyra Ryan's husband has been arrested by the FBI for fraud and other things. With the charges filed she lost her therapy practice, because who wants a therapist married to a fraud. Fortunately, the FBI couldn't touch her practice, or the bank account attached to it since was solely hers. She and their children are moving to her hometown, Candlewood Falls. She's rented a small house outside of town to give them some privacy.
I'm not sure who was more surprised to find they are neighbors, Lyra or Brad. She really didn't acknowledge his recognizing her other than a head nod.
Not long after that Brad gets a phone call from someone he never expected to hear from, Nora Reis. She's giving him the news her sister Maggie had died, and she needs him to take his daughter Winter for a few weeks while she returns to work. He's more than a little startled since Maggie had kept him away from Winter from the moment she was born. He never told anyone about her existence, his best kept secret.
With Winter on her way, Brad has to tell his family. Well at least his twin Brooklyn and his father. He didn't expect them to join him at the train station. Later that day Winter overhears a conversation Brad is having with his dad, running away when she hears he didn't want a family.
The way Winter meets Lyra and he sons Lucas and Theo, is rather interesting especially when Brad shows up.
While this first meeting wasn't the best, Brad does make the effort to be neighborly.
Winter gets along well with the boys and starts warming up to Brad as he takes her around different places. She really likes the alpacas at Brooklyn's. While Winter was trying not to like Brad, she's finding he really isn't the bad guy her mother and aunt made him out to be.
There's much going on in this story, and a lot of it surrounds Brad and Winter. However, there is also quite the attraction between Brad and Lyra.
With ups and downs, laughter and tears, I could put this book down.
Well as karma often strikes after a statement like that, Brad falls off an old ladder and breaks his wrist, his dominant wrist. He's getting a bit antsy not being able to do anything but the paperwork stuff for the Orchard, but that's all about to change.
Lyra Ryan's husband has been arrested by the FBI for fraud and other things. With the charges filed she lost her therapy practice, because who wants a therapist married to a fraud. Fortunately, the FBI couldn't touch her practice, or the bank account attached to it since was solely hers. She and their children are moving to her hometown, Candlewood Falls. She's rented a small house outside of town to give them some privacy.
I'm not sure who was more surprised to find they are neighbors, Lyra or Brad. She really didn't acknowledge his recognizing her other than a head nod.
Not long after that Brad gets a phone call from someone he never expected to hear from, Nora Reis. She's giving him the news her sister Maggie had died, and she needs him to take his daughter Winter for a few weeks while she returns to work. He's more than a little startled since Maggie had kept him away from Winter from the moment she was born. He never told anyone about her existence, his best kept secret.
With Winter on her way, Brad has to tell his family. Well at least his twin Brooklyn and his father. He didn't expect them to join him at the train station. Later that day Winter overhears a conversation Brad is having with his dad, running away when she hears he didn't want a family.
The way Winter meets Lyra and he sons Lucas and Theo, is rather interesting especially when Brad shows up.
While this first meeting wasn't the best, Brad does make the effort to be neighborly.
Winter gets along well with the boys and starts warming up to Brad as he takes her around different places. She really likes the alpacas at Brooklyn's. While Winter was trying not to like Brad, she's finding he really isn't the bad guy her mother and aunt made him out to be.
There's much going on in this story, and a lot of it surrounds Brad and Winter. However, there is also quite the attraction between Brad and Lyra.
With ups and downs, laughter and tears, I could put this book down.
February 10, 2022
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I'm a sucker for parent-kid relationships in books, especially when one of the main focuses is the parent(s) growing to love/find out how much they care for their child. Especially when you add a romance into the fray as well.
Raising Winter was okay. It didn't have any special moments that made me rate it higher than 3 stars, but it was a good time-killer and I liked the growing relationship between Winter and her father.
The ending was a little quick, and it left me with a lot of questions, too. First, I wanted to see Lyra's reaction after the issue with her (lack of) license. I also wanted to know what she did about it; did she become a therapist again? Did she have to find her license or get a new one?
Her kids also disappeared around the halfway mark. They started out appearing quite a few times, and then eventually became passing mentions before disappearing by the end of the book. For a kid-oriented story, you would have thought they would appear more. Instead, they were only mentioned to let the reader know Winter was thinking of them or Lyra had dropped them off at school or her parents' house. Which, speaking of, I want to know what happens to her mom, especially.
I liked Raising Winter, and I wasn't confused even though it's a part of a series, but I could have liked a few more answers at the end.
I'm a sucker for parent-kid relationships in books, especially when one of the main focuses is the parent(s) growing to love/find out how much they care for their child. Especially when you add a romance into the fray as well.
Raising Winter was okay. It didn't have any special moments that made me rate it higher than 3 stars, but it was a good time-killer and I liked the growing relationship between Winter and her father.
The ending was a little quick, and it left me with a lot of questions, too. First, I wanted to see Lyra's reaction after the issue with her (lack of) license. I also wanted to know what she did about it; did she become a therapist again? Did she have to find her license or get a new one?
Her kids also disappeared around the halfway mark. They started out appearing quite a few times, and then eventually became passing mentions before disappearing by the end of the book. For a kid-oriented story, you would have thought they would appear more. Instead, they were only mentioned to let the reader know Winter was thinking of them or Lyra had dropped them off at school or her parents' house. Which, speaking of, I want to know what happens to her mom, especially.
I liked Raising Winter, and I wasn't confused even though it's a part of a series, but I could have liked a few more answers at the end.
January 2, 2022
This was my first book by the author and I enjoyed it. Lyra moves back to her hometown with her teenage sons after her husband is arrested for fraud and theft. She is embarrassed by her current situation and tries to stay off the radar and gossiping tongues in town. She was the bright and shinny star in high school and treated so many people poorly.
Brad is suddenly faced with having his 10 year old daughter live with him, the daughter no one know he has not even his dad or twin sister. Brad is clueless on how to be a dad, but he makes and effort and stumbles his way learning as he goes. He is interested in Lyra who moved in next door, but she’s not ready for a relationship and only wants a friends with benefits type relationship.
These two grow and develop as they face different adversities, their friendship and interest in each other deepens and so does their relationship.
This book mentions other characters in town who were the main characters in books in the series by other authors; however, this book can be read as a standalone with little confusion or issue. The author did leave a few parts of the storyline unresolved - not like a cliffhanger, but just not answered. That was really my only disappointment with the book.
I received an ARC from Hidden Gems and the author, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brad is suddenly faced with having his 10 year old daughter live with him, the daughter no one know he has not even his dad or twin sister. Brad is clueless on how to be a dad, but he makes and effort and stumbles his way learning as he goes. He is interested in Lyra who moved in next door, but she’s not ready for a relationship and only wants a friends with benefits type relationship.
These two grow and develop as they face different adversities, their friendship and interest in each other deepens and so does their relationship.
This book mentions other characters in town who were the main characters in books in the series by other authors; however, this book can be read as a standalone with little confusion or issue. The author did leave a few parts of the storyline unresolved - not like a cliffhanger, but just not answered. That was really my only disappointment with the book.
I received an ARC from Hidden Gems and the author, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2022
I jumped at the chance to read this after having loved another book in the Candlewood Falls series (“Wilde Temptation”). The Wilde family is so vast, eccentric and intriguing that I couldn’t wait to get to read more about them! But my excitement ended about half way through the story. When the romance reaches a climax and everything just slowly disintegrates away in confusion and unresolved messes.
Honestly the story is fairly enjoyable. The plot is sweet and follows some interesting characters and storylines. Brad is adorable and Lyra is a charismatic mess trying to piece her life back together. Winter is charming and the love that grows between the characters is really sweet.
But it’s also all over the place. From character contradictions to being extremely wishy washy to unnecessary info dumps. Lyra’s sons are all but forgotten about after the half way point, her mother’s narcissism is pushed aside as an afterthought rather quickly, Lyra’s best and only friend Michelle pops up randomly once or twice but really has no point, Nora is rude for no reason and seems like she is just there to notch up the tension and don’t get me started on the wildly judgmental attitude towards a dead woman. None of the storylines are even close to resolved and then there’s that very abrupt ending. Sexy time is fun and all but… what about Winter?!
⭐️ 2.5 stars ⭐️
𝘛𝘪𝘥𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴:
𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
𝘚𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘢
𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥
𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘴
𝘏𝘌𝘈
** I received a copy of this ebook from the publisher and am leaving this review voluntarily **
Honestly the story is fairly enjoyable. The plot is sweet and follows some interesting characters and storylines. Brad is adorable and Lyra is a charismatic mess trying to piece her life back together. Winter is charming and the love that grows between the characters is really sweet.
But it’s also all over the place. From character contradictions to being extremely wishy washy to unnecessary info dumps. Lyra’s sons are all but forgotten about after the half way point, her mother’s narcissism is pushed aside as an afterthought rather quickly, Lyra’s best and only friend Michelle pops up randomly once or twice but really has no point, Nora is rude for no reason and seems like she is just there to notch up the tension and don’t get me started on the wildly judgmental attitude towards a dead woman. None of the storylines are even close to resolved and then there’s that very abrupt ending. Sexy time is fun and all but… what about Winter?!
⭐️ 2.5 stars ⭐️
𝘛𝘪𝘥𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴:
𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
𝘚𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘢
𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥
𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘴
𝘏𝘌𝘈
** I received a copy of this ebook from the publisher and am leaving this review voluntarily **
December 20, 2021
I absolutely love books that are part of a series. One of the most disappointing things to me is to get to the end of a book I really enjoyed and find out there is no more to the story. I wonder what happened to some of the minor characters in the story, especially the ones that held hints about future stories that never came to be.
The Candlewood Falls series hits it right on the mark for me. Having read all three books in the initial release, I was excited to find the characters I met in the first round weaving in and out of this story. I can’t wait to read the other two in this second release.
I enjoyed the journey with Bad, Lyra and Winter. Spoilerish comment (without spoiling too much) - I would have liked a final confrontation between Brad & Nora, with him standing firm on his decision on Winter, especially after his last conversation with Nora. I know in my head he wins the battle, but I think I would’ve liked to have read it so I knew for sure. I do expect in the next book in the series to read that it was resolved the way I expect it was, as those characters will make a cameo I’m sure! Looking forward to getting the other two books in the series that were just released!
The Candlewood Falls series hits it right on the mark for me. Having read all three books in the initial release, I was excited to find the characters I met in the first round weaving in and out of this story. I can’t wait to read the other two in this second release.
I enjoyed the journey with Bad, Lyra and Winter. Spoilerish comment (without spoiling too much) - I would have liked a final confrontation between Brad & Nora, with him standing firm on his decision on Winter, especially after his last conversation with Nora. I know in my head he wins the battle, but I think I would’ve liked to have read it so I knew for sure. I do expect in the next book in the series to read that it was resolved the way I expect it was, as those characters will make a cameo I’m sure! Looking forward to getting the other two books in the series that were just released!
December 29, 2021
Lyra Chambers Ryan’s life has fallen apart and she has moved back to her hometown, Candlewood Falls, with her two sons. No longer able to work as a therapist, she starts a house cleaning business. Brad Wilde’s home is next to her rental and after his recent injury he hires her to clean his home. There is an attraction simmering between them, but now is not the right time for either of them, or is it? He is the vice president of his family’s orchard and has received temporary custody of his ten-year-old daughter, Winter. Her mother was recently killed in a car accident and she had not allowed Brad to be a part of Winter’s life. With the help of Lyra and his extended family, will Winter accept him and a life in Candlewood Falls? Will the attraction between Brad and Lyra lead to a second chance at love? A heartwarming and enjoyable story as the characters from the other books by authors Jen Talty and K.M. Fawcett make appearances throughout the series. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
January 1, 2022
Addicting
Once I started this book I couldn’t stop reading until I was finished (it’s THAT good)! Recently Lyra and Brad have both had absolutely rotten luck in their lives. Brad has fallen off a ladder and broken his dominant wrist. Lyra’s ex-husband has been arrested by the FBI, and unfortunately this caused her to lose her license as a therapist. She was able to move back to her hometown with her children. This is fortuitous as she unknowingly rents the house next to Brad’s. Shortly after he gets a phone call that his ex has died and that he has temporary custody of his 10-year-old daughter Winter. Since she can no longer work as a therapist, after he injures his wrist he hires her to take care of his house and daughter. And so their compelling story begins,
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Once I started this book I couldn’t stop reading until I was finished (it’s THAT good)! Recently Lyra and Brad have both had absolutely rotten luck in their lives. Brad has fallen off a ladder and broken his dominant wrist. Lyra’s ex-husband has been arrested by the FBI, and unfortunately this caused her to lose her license as a therapist. She was able to move back to her hometown with her children. This is fortuitous as she unknowingly rents the house next to Brad’s. Shortly after he gets a phone call that his ex has died and that he has temporary custody of his 10-year-old daughter Winter. Since she can no longer work as a therapist, after he injures his wrist he hires her to take care of his house and daughter. And so their compelling story begins,
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
January 24, 2023
This is a cute small-town romance of two people who are completely different but whose life has been turned upside. Lyra goes back home to lick her wombs after her husband's very public arrest and deceit, she never expected Brad. Brad Wilde falls off his ladder after bragging he don't need a doc; his life takes a bigger turn when his secret is out. Brad also didn't expect his new neighbor Lyra warm his heart; she is completely different from what he remembered. Brad and Lyra can't ignore the instant attraction while they both struggle with the changes in their lives. I only have one issue with this story and that is that I wasn't quite sure how Brad was not allowed to be in his daughter's life, or how his sister-in-law has claim over her. This is a cute story and I wish there would have been more to the ending, but I did like the story a lot.
January 1, 2022
3.5 stars
The ending was a little abrupt. Other then that I enjoyed the story of Lyra and Brad. They both have messy pasts and that they are forced to confront head on. Lyra comes home after her husband is arrested and they lose everything. Her and her sons have to start over in her hometown. Everyone is not welcoming.
Brad is left with temporary custody of a daughter he was forced to stay away from. The relationship is tenuous, and sweet. Brad didn’t realize what he was missing until she showed up in his life. As their relationship grows so does his relationship with Lyra.
As they journey to their HEA, they both grow and find out things about themselves.
A quick read with plenty to keep you entertained.
The ending was a little abrupt. Other then that I enjoyed the story of Lyra and Brad. They both have messy pasts and that they are forced to confront head on. Lyra comes home after her husband is arrested and they lose everything. Her and her sons have to start over in her hometown. Everyone is not welcoming.
Brad is left with temporary custody of a daughter he was forced to stay away from. The relationship is tenuous, and sweet. Brad didn’t realize what he was missing until she showed up in his life. As their relationship grows so does his relationship with Lyra.
As they journey to their HEA, they both grow and find out things about themselves.
A quick read with plenty to keep you entertained.
June 23, 2024
I received a free copy of this book from the author, and I'm willingly leaving an honest review.
Returning home to Candlewood Falls after the end of her marriage, Lyra begins to realise that living here is not going to be easy. With no home or a job, and no friends, it was going to be difficult.
Brad Wilde was surprised when someone moved into the derelict property next door... little did he know how it would shape his future!!
Wonderful storyline with great characters and absolutely loved the HEA.
Returning home to Candlewood Falls after the end of her marriage, Lyra begins to realise that living here is not going to be easy. With no home or a job, and no friends, it was going to be difficult.
Brad Wilde was surprised when someone moved into the derelict property next door... little did he know how it would shape his future!!
Wonderful storyline with great characters and absolutely loved the HEA.
January 10, 2022
This was a sweet romance story between Lyra and Brad. I loved the plot. It was developed and kept me interested. There were a few questions that were left unanswered. I would have liked to know the answers. I loved the family interactions especially between Brad and Winter. Brad and Lyra had steamy chemistry and were relatable characters. I will be reading the other books in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
April 8, 2022
Life has changed in a big way for both Lyra and Brad who are neighbors with decidedly more than friendly feelings. The characters are likable and the story held my interest from beginning to end. It's the second book of the series which is set in a small town. Characters from book one pop up in book two so it was kind of like coming home and it was easy to get caught up in the story. I enjoyed this book a lot. 4.5 stars.
February 29, 2024
Reconnecting!
Raising Winter: it was a wonderful story! Very emotional, exciting, entertaining and fun! I really enjoyed the challenges that Brad and Lyra went through. I really enjoyed it!
Raising Winter: it was a wonderful story! Very emotional, exciting, entertaining and fun! I really enjoyed the challenges that Brad and Lyra went through. I really enjoyed it!
June 30, 2022
I enjoyed Brad & Lyra’s book. This was an intriguing read. I got a copy of the book via HG. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
December 4, 2021
Talk about a small town soap opera. Both Brad and Lyra are suddenly forced to confront things from their pasts that they’ve kind of been running from. Secrets and behaviors that they’re not proud of have become gossip fodder for the town. It hurt my heart to see what his ex had done to Brad and Winter; the scars she left for the way she destroyed their relationship from the beginning. I spent most of this book wanting to do whatever it would take to bolster Brad’s confidence. Lyra had my sympathy right from the get-go. However, some of her choices made me wonder if maybe she’d flipped too far in the opposite direction of her mean girl past to become a doormat. I liked these two together. They pushed one another to be better people and take some risks they might not have otherwise. On a side note, I would just about kill for an epilogue to this book. It ends in a good place, but there’s still a thread or two that I want to follow just a little bit further.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
December 8, 2021
The past comes back to bite Lyra and Brad. Lyra Chambers Ryan makes the tough decision to divorce her scumbag husband and move back to Candlewood Falls. She has changed from her snooty high school days. However, many will not let her forget her unkind acts. Brad has a child that no one in town knows about, not even his own family. When Winter is sent to him to take care of, he can't deny his love for her. Lyra and Brad learn some hard lessons. Their growth throughout the story is touching. I enjoyed visiting this charming town.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews