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Hope Falls: Brewed Awakenings #2
Trusting Fate
For the first time in her life, Grace Wells had no idea what the future held. After being offered partner at the law firm she’d worked at for the past decade she surprised even herself when she handed in her resignation, packed up her life, put her condo up for sale, and jumped in her Range Rover to head for Hope Falls.
She was already questioning her sanity when she found herself stranded on the side of a mountain road, in a snowstorm, with a flat tire. Things went from bad to worse when headlights shone in her rearview mirror, and her first thought was a psycho was coming to kill her. When she rolled down the window and saw the face of the most perfect male specimen on the planet, she was no longer in fear for her life...but her heart was another story.
For the first time in his life, Easton Bishop knew exactly what the future held. After nearly fifteen years of nomadic living across the globe, he was finally putting down roots. His plan was to spend the next year of his life writing the novel he’d been putting off for the past three years, and more importantly, reconnecting with his family who he’d barely seen over the past decade and a half. That plan was immediately sidetracked when he showed up to surprise his parents only to find out they were on a three-week vacation in Palm Springs.
Always one to roll with the punches, he hopped in his 1989 Ford pickup truck and decided to make the three-hour drive to Hope Falls where his brothers lived. He found himself sidetracked once again when he saw a white SUV on the side of the road with its hazards on. When the driver turned out to be a knockout blonde with eyes bluer than the Mediterranean and lips that made him sweat in below-freezing temperatures, he knew that his plans might need to be expanded to include her.
Author’s Note: Trusting Fate is an opposites-attract, lust-at-first sight, fake(ish) relationship, small-town Hope Falls romance. This HEA includes (but is not limited to): a competition reality show, a type-A control-freak heroine, a unicorn go-with-the-flow Alpha (with a capital A) hero, meddling siblings, a colorful cast of townspeople, an extremely jealous rescue cat, cold days and very hot nights. Side effects of reading this book may include swooning, sighing, falling in love, and a strong desire to move to and/or visit Hope Falls (which, full disclosure, is a fictional town). Read at your own risk.
She was already questioning her sanity when she found herself stranded on the side of a mountain road, in a snowstorm, with a flat tire. Things went from bad to worse when headlights shone in her rearview mirror, and her first thought was a psycho was coming to kill her. When she rolled down the window and saw the face of the most perfect male specimen on the planet, she was no longer in fear for her life...but her heart was another story.
For the first time in his life, Easton Bishop knew exactly what the future held. After nearly fifteen years of nomadic living across the globe, he was finally putting down roots. His plan was to spend the next year of his life writing the novel he’d been putting off for the past three years, and more importantly, reconnecting with his family who he’d barely seen over the past decade and a half. That plan was immediately sidetracked when he showed up to surprise his parents only to find out they were on a three-week vacation in Palm Springs.
Always one to roll with the punches, he hopped in his 1989 Ford pickup truck and decided to make the three-hour drive to Hope Falls where his brothers lived. He found himself sidetracked once again when he saw a white SUV on the side of the road with its hazards on. When the driver turned out to be a knockout blonde with eyes bluer than the Mediterranean and lips that made him sweat in below-freezing temperatures, he knew that his plans might need to be expanded to include her.
Author’s Note: Trusting Fate is an opposites-attract, lust-at-first sight, fake(ish) relationship, small-town Hope Falls romance. This HEA includes (but is not limited to): a competition reality show, a type-A control-freak heroine, a unicorn go-with-the-flow Alpha (with a capital A) hero, meddling siblings, a colorful cast of townspeople, an extremely jealous rescue cat, cold days and very hot nights. Side effects of reading this book may include swooning, sighing, falling in love, and a strong desire to move to and/or visit Hope Falls (which, full disclosure, is a fictional town). Read at your own risk.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2021
339 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Shawn
134 books1,849 followersNEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn writes HEAs filled with sweet and sassy heroines, heroes who are cinnamon rolls in the streets alpho-holes in the sheets, casts of supportive *cough: meddling* friends and family who put the fun in funny, toe-curling combustible heat, and sugary sweet “aww” moments that will have your hearts and e-readers melting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
December 27, 2021
Sometimes when a child goes through something bad, it can make then stronger or too strong they shut off their emotions. Grace helped raise her three younger sisters at a young age which was admirable, but she had shut off her emotions. I loved how she met Easton and they were able to quickly get to know each other. Easton had always told his girlfriends in the past to not even think about marriage and babies. He couldn’t believe the emotional effect he had with Grace. Luckily they were going to the same town where they each had family. Grace had no idea that Easton had rented the B&B out, but her friend that owned it decided Eaton wouldn’t mind if she took one of the rooms. I was glad she did so they could get to know each other better. I think Grace and Easton were surprised at themselves about agreeing to go on a national flipping show. It was so sweet how Easton took care of Grace and they complimented each other. It was such an interesting and endearing romance. I strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
December 30, 2021
Hope Falls, a charming, tourist community that the Wells sisters had holidayed at when they were growing up. Tucked away in the Sierra Nevadas, The small town that all three sisters now lived in and Grace Wells has decided, that very morning was going to be her new home.
Becoming partner had been the Crown Jewel as an entertainment lawyer. She’d spent twelve years sacrificing relationships and sleep for her dream.
She’d closed a real estate deal hitting a financial milestone and instead of being content or celebrating, she felt…devoid of emotion.
In addition to her career as an attorney, she was a licensed Realtor. At eighteen, she got her license and worked as an agent to support herself and her three younger sisters, whom she raised after their mother passed a month after she turned eighteen. At twenty-four she graduated with an MBA but then enrolled in law school and passed the bar at twenty-six. She’d done it all with dyslexia.
Real estate had been her plan B. She’d closed a deal that had meant her bank account was now in the seven-digit range. She was officially a millionaire, so, she turned in her resignation, packed up her life, and headed to Hope Falls.
Grace raised her siblings, when she was fourteen, her mother was diagnosed with cancer and confided only in Grace. Grace needed to be aware because her mum would need extra help. She was tasked with an overwhelming sense of responsibility. She did homework, laundry, meals. She also graduated at sixteen, and got a full-time job simultaneously attending online college and night classes. Her goal was if she graduated and had a job, then the state might let me keep her siblings together if her mother died.
Her mum made it ten days past her eighteenth birthday, as though she was holding on until she was legally an adult. Her father left when she was five and her sisters were four, three, and two.
Easton enlisted in the Marines at eighteen for six years and has been in three serious, long-term relationships, but they’d all ended for the same reason, he hadn’t proposed. He’d dated Alicia for four years when he was in the Marines. Then there was Risha, who he’d worked with in New Delhi , they were together for two years and at the beginning of their relationship, she hadn’t been interested in settling down. They ended things when she realised that she wanted marriage and a commitment. He met Carrie when he was living in Moscow, a few years older than him. When they met, he was thirty-two and she was thirty-eight. She was brilliant, gorgeous, and loved her freedom and lifestyle. Again, things started off with both of them being on the same page. She was divorced and said that she had no desire to walk down the aisle again and that kids weren’t in the cards for her. But, like Risha, that changed. She told him on their two-year anniversary that she wanted to get married and have kids. Turning forty had made her reevaluate her life. He loved Carrie, but he hadn’t wanted the same things that she had, so he told her the truth, that he didn’t see a future with her.
He’s been celibate for a year. As soon as he sees Grace, that all changes.
Grace is thirty-five and two of the five men had even asked her to marry them. One after dating for less than a month and the other after only six weeks of dating. Not being in a relationship, just going to dinners, hikes, a movie, and spending time together. She doesn’t have one-night stands. Ever. Until she was in her mid-twenties she’d only been with two men and they’d both been her boyfriends. Once she realised that she wasn’t really a relationship person, she still hadn’t had casual sex. She dated men for at least three months before ever being with them, and that was only after she’d run extensive background checks on them.
Audrey is quiet and blended, the polar opposite of Vivien, the attention seeker. Ava, is very maternal and nurturing. Despite the sisters all being adults, they all respected Grace as an authority figure and adored her. He’d gotten the “if you hurt her I’ll kill you speech” not only from the three sisters, but also from Blake who was protective of her aunt and Asher who said that it was none of his business as long as Ava was happy, but if anything happened with Grace that made Ava unhappy he would make it his business.
Grace has convinced herself that she’s selfish, egotistical, detached, and materialistic…until Audrey emotionally contradicts her “you are one the best people I know. You’re not selfish. You sacrificed everything for us. You gave up your childhood when Dad left. You gave up your teen years when Mom got sick. And you gave up your young adulthood when she died. How could you think you are materialistic? You don’t care about material things.”
“The twenty pairs of red bottom Louboutins in my closet would disagree with you.”
“You want to talk about shoes? Let’s talk about shoes!” Audrey raised her voice. Grace’s sister had never raised her voice to Grace, or anyone that Grace knew of, in her life. “Let’s talk about the tennis shoes that you wore for a whole year in elementary school after they had holes in the sole. You remember the ones you duct taped because you knew that Mom couldn’t afford to buy all of us new ones. And when we went to Payless Shoe Source before school started and you told Mom that your shoes were fine, when they were being held on by tape! Or how about when you were a teenager and you started wearing Mom’s shoes that were a size too small for you so you always had blisters on your feet because you didn’t want to spend any money on yourself. But Viv had the newest designer jeans, and Ava had money for her college prep courses, and you made sure that I had money for school lunches because you knew how bad kids bullied me when I took a bag lunch.”
She didn’t know that anyone had noticed those things. She barely noticed those things.
“You are kind. And generous. And caring. And selfless and Grace, I hate to burst your bubble, but you are adorable. You are really f-g adorable!”
Hope Falls - a place that solves loneliness, unconditional support from the community. Love. Family. Career. Friendship. A place of healing. It saves people. It’s the missing piece in people’s lives.
Becoming partner had been the Crown Jewel as an entertainment lawyer. She’d spent twelve years sacrificing relationships and sleep for her dream.
She’d closed a real estate deal hitting a financial milestone and instead of being content or celebrating, she felt…devoid of emotion.
In addition to her career as an attorney, she was a licensed Realtor. At eighteen, she got her license and worked as an agent to support herself and her three younger sisters, whom she raised after their mother passed a month after she turned eighteen. At twenty-four she graduated with an MBA but then enrolled in law school and passed the bar at twenty-six. She’d done it all with dyslexia.
Real estate had been her plan B. She’d closed a deal that had meant her bank account was now in the seven-digit range. She was officially a millionaire, so, she turned in her resignation, packed up her life, and headed to Hope Falls.
Grace raised her siblings, when she was fourteen, her mother was diagnosed with cancer and confided only in Grace. Grace needed to be aware because her mum would need extra help. She was tasked with an overwhelming sense of responsibility. She did homework, laundry, meals. She also graduated at sixteen, and got a full-time job simultaneously attending online college and night classes. Her goal was if she graduated and had a job, then the state might let me keep her siblings together if her mother died.
Her mum made it ten days past her eighteenth birthday, as though she was holding on until she was legally an adult. Her father left when she was five and her sisters were four, three, and two.
Easton enlisted in the Marines at eighteen for six years and has been in three serious, long-term relationships, but they’d all ended for the same reason, he hadn’t proposed. He’d dated Alicia for four years when he was in the Marines. Then there was Risha, who he’d worked with in New Delhi , they were together for two years and at the beginning of their relationship, she hadn’t been interested in settling down. They ended things when she realised that she wanted marriage and a commitment. He met Carrie when he was living in Moscow, a few years older than him. When they met, he was thirty-two and she was thirty-eight. She was brilliant, gorgeous, and loved her freedom and lifestyle. Again, things started off with both of them being on the same page. She was divorced and said that she had no desire to walk down the aisle again and that kids weren’t in the cards for her. But, like Risha, that changed. She told him on their two-year anniversary that she wanted to get married and have kids. Turning forty had made her reevaluate her life. He loved Carrie, but he hadn’t wanted the same things that she had, so he told her the truth, that he didn’t see a future with her.
He’s been celibate for a year. As soon as he sees Grace, that all changes.
Grace is thirty-five and two of the five men had even asked her to marry them. One after dating for less than a month and the other after only six weeks of dating. Not being in a relationship, just going to dinners, hikes, a movie, and spending time together. She doesn’t have one-night stands. Ever. Until she was in her mid-twenties she’d only been with two men and they’d both been her boyfriends. Once she realised that she wasn’t really a relationship person, she still hadn’t had casual sex. She dated men for at least three months before ever being with them, and that was only after she’d run extensive background checks on them.
Audrey is quiet and blended, the polar opposite of Vivien, the attention seeker. Ava, is very maternal and nurturing. Despite the sisters all being adults, they all respected Grace as an authority figure and adored her. He’d gotten the “if you hurt her I’ll kill you speech” not only from the three sisters, but also from Blake who was protective of her aunt and Asher who said that it was none of his business as long as Ava was happy, but if anything happened with Grace that made Ava unhappy he would make it his business.
Grace has convinced herself that she’s selfish, egotistical, detached, and materialistic…until Audrey emotionally contradicts her “you are one the best people I know. You’re not selfish. You sacrificed everything for us. You gave up your childhood when Dad left. You gave up your teen years when Mom got sick. And you gave up your young adulthood when she died. How could you think you are materialistic? You don’t care about material things.”
“The twenty pairs of red bottom Louboutins in my closet would disagree with you.”
“You want to talk about shoes? Let’s talk about shoes!” Audrey raised her voice. Grace’s sister had never raised her voice to Grace, or anyone that Grace knew of, in her life. “Let’s talk about the tennis shoes that you wore for a whole year in elementary school after they had holes in the sole. You remember the ones you duct taped because you knew that Mom couldn’t afford to buy all of us new ones. And when we went to Payless Shoe Source before school started and you told Mom that your shoes were fine, when they were being held on by tape! Or how about when you were a teenager and you started wearing Mom’s shoes that were a size too small for you so you always had blisters on your feet because you didn’t want to spend any money on yourself. But Viv had the newest designer jeans, and Ava had money for her college prep courses, and you made sure that I had money for school lunches because you knew how bad kids bullied me when I took a bag lunch.”
She didn’t know that anyone had noticed those things. She barely noticed those things.
“You are kind. And generous. And caring. And selfless and Grace, I hate to burst your bubble, but you are adorable. You are really f-g adorable!”
Hope Falls - a place that solves loneliness, unconditional support from the community. Love. Family. Career. Friendship. A place of healing. It saves people. It’s the missing piece in people’s lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2022
Trusting Fate
Easton and Grace
Book 2
Fake relationship
Grace is the second Wells sister to fall into the “Hope Falls Effect”. An unexplained phenomenon, where the piece you are missing in your life, suddenly is found.
Grace is the oldest of the four sisters. She’s had to deal with a lot growing up. Her father left when she was quite young. Then her mother was diagnosed with cancer. It fell to a young Grace to become the adult in the home at the age of fourteen. Caring for her ailing mother, as well as her sisters. She became the girl’s guardian at eighteen after their mother passed. She set goals for herself and worked herself to the bone to meet those goals. She’s now a successful entertainment lawyer in L.A. Owns a beautiful penthouse, and is up for partner in her firm. She also sells high end real estate and is about to close on a property that will meet yet another financial goal.
When all of the things she’s worked so hard for are laid in her lap, she feels nothing. She makes a rash decision. Quits her job, sells her condo, packs her belongings and moves to Hope Falls to be near her sisters.
Easton is a unicorn among single men. Loves his family. Truly enjoys spending time with his parents and brothers. He spent six years in the Marines. Most of his adult life has been spent traveling the world on his own personal mission to be in the service of others. Building and designing houses, schools and orphanages, digging irrigation ditches, helping educate people about sustainable living and solar energy. He’s made some fortuitous investments, lives very meagerly, donates the majority of his money to various charities. Has had several serious relationships but has never met the one woman who he wants to put a ring on.
Until one stormy night when he stops to help a stranded woman with her tire.
Grace and Easton are instantly attracted to each other. They spend one erotic night together in her car riding out the blizzard.
Fate jumps in when they discover they are both moving to the same town. And staying in the same B&B.
Grace discovers that there is casting for a new reality tv show set in their small town. She talks Easton into being her partner. He’ll also need to pretend to be her boyfriend.
This was a nice, sweet easy story to read. Not a lot of drama. There is a lot of back and forth with Grace and Easton, it gets old after awhile.
I loved Easton. He was truly a good guy. He understood Graces insecurities and knew how to deal with her. He was extremely patient with her.
Grace I had a harder time with. I get why she was so closed off and unwilling to show emotions, but she was just all over the place. I’m not sure why she would jump so quickly into doing a reality tv show. She ran extremely hot and cold. She was confusing.
Overall a good story. Dual points of view. No cheating. A nice happy ending.
I missed not having an epilogue.
Easton and Grace
Book 2
Fake relationship
Grace is the second Wells sister to fall into the “Hope Falls Effect”. An unexplained phenomenon, where the piece you are missing in your life, suddenly is found.
Grace is the oldest of the four sisters. She’s had to deal with a lot growing up. Her father left when she was quite young. Then her mother was diagnosed with cancer. It fell to a young Grace to become the adult in the home at the age of fourteen. Caring for her ailing mother, as well as her sisters. She became the girl’s guardian at eighteen after their mother passed. She set goals for herself and worked herself to the bone to meet those goals. She’s now a successful entertainment lawyer in L.A. Owns a beautiful penthouse, and is up for partner in her firm. She also sells high end real estate and is about to close on a property that will meet yet another financial goal.
When all of the things she’s worked so hard for are laid in her lap, she feels nothing. She makes a rash decision. Quits her job, sells her condo, packs her belongings and moves to Hope Falls to be near her sisters.
Easton is a unicorn among single men. Loves his family. Truly enjoys spending time with his parents and brothers. He spent six years in the Marines. Most of his adult life has been spent traveling the world on his own personal mission to be in the service of others. Building and designing houses, schools and orphanages, digging irrigation ditches, helping educate people about sustainable living and solar energy. He’s made some fortuitous investments, lives very meagerly, donates the majority of his money to various charities. Has had several serious relationships but has never met the one woman who he wants to put a ring on.
Until one stormy night when he stops to help a stranded woman with her tire.
Grace and Easton are instantly attracted to each other. They spend one erotic night together in her car riding out the blizzard.
Fate jumps in when they discover they are both moving to the same town. And staying in the same B&B.
Grace discovers that there is casting for a new reality tv show set in their small town. She talks Easton into being her partner. He’ll also need to pretend to be her boyfriend.
This was a nice, sweet easy story to read. Not a lot of drama. There is a lot of back and forth with Grace and Easton, it gets old after awhile.
I loved Easton. He was truly a good guy. He understood Graces insecurities and knew how to deal with her. He was extremely patient with her.
Grace I had a harder time with. I get why she was so closed off and unwilling to show emotions, but she was just all over the place. I’m not sure why she would jump so quickly into doing a reality tv show. She ran extremely hot and cold. She was confusing.
Overall a good story. Dual points of view. No cheating. A nice happy ending.
I missed not having an epilogue.
December 27, 2021
We're back in Hope Falls with the second book in the Brewed Awakenings series and it's the story of Grace, the oldest of the Wells sisters.
Grace had to grow up more quickly than any young girl ever should. Not only did she help to take care of her younger sisters when their father left the family, but when their mother became ill and eventually passed away, Grace stepped in and raised her sisters not thinking twice about herself. When she had the opportunity, she moved away became a lawyer and has just reached a milestone in her work-life she had worked hard for, but now she's realized that all she's worked for isn't what is most important. Being near her family is.
As Grace nears Hope Falls, she ends up on the side of the road due to an issue with her car and luckily someone stops to help her. That someone is Easton Bishop, who has chosen to put down roots where his family is in Hope Falls and happens to be passing by. Due to the storm, they end up stuck together in her car overnight. Not only are they stuck in a small space, but the sparks are flying and their attraction is undeniable.
Things progress when Grace and Easton end up on a reality home improvement show while faking a relationship. Is it really fake, or are all those sparks that were flying the night they met turning into an inferno that neither one of them will be able to deny?
I always enjoy small-town romances and when you have two characters where opposites attract, that's even better. Both Grace and Easton are great characters and I enjoyed how they helped one another grow, while also growing together as a couple. Like every other couple, they have their challenges, but in the end they come out even stronger.
I'd recommend picking up this entertaining tale!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
Grace had to grow up more quickly than any young girl ever should. Not only did she help to take care of her younger sisters when their father left the family, but when their mother became ill and eventually passed away, Grace stepped in and raised her sisters not thinking twice about herself. When she had the opportunity, she moved away became a lawyer and has just reached a milestone in her work-life she had worked hard for, but now she's realized that all she's worked for isn't what is most important. Being near her family is.
As Grace nears Hope Falls, she ends up on the side of the road due to an issue with her car and luckily someone stops to help her. That someone is Easton Bishop, who has chosen to put down roots where his family is in Hope Falls and happens to be passing by. Due to the storm, they end up stuck together in her car overnight. Not only are they stuck in a small space, but the sparks are flying and their attraction is undeniable.
Things progress when Grace and Easton end up on a reality home improvement show while faking a relationship. Is it really fake, or are all those sparks that were flying the night they met turning into an inferno that neither one of them will be able to deny?
I always enjoy small-town romances and when you have two characters where opposites attract, that's even better. Both Grace and Easton are great characters and I enjoyed how they helped one another grow, while also growing together as a couple. Like every other couple, they have their challenges, but in the end they come out even stronger.
I'd recommend picking up this entertaining tale!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
January 1, 2022
Trusting Fate by the dynamic sister duo known as Melanie Shawn is the second book in their Brewed Awakenings series; featuring the four Wells sisters. Every time I return to Hope Falls it’s like reconnecting with old friends and finding new friends. This is a heart-warming story that deals with family, responsibilities, expectations, and finding love; especially a sizzling insta-love as well as a “fake relationship” that isn’t suppose to last for long.
Grace Wells is 100% a Type A personality, considers herself the Ice Queen, but when she attains the things she worked so hard to get, for many years she does a complete turn-around, sells her LA condo, packs up her belongings, and heads to Hope Falls, to live near her three sisters. Not checking the weather as she drives to Hope Falls in the mountains, she finds herself driving through a snowstorm and getting a flat tire. Fortunately, Easton Bishop happens to be on the same road also travelling to Hope Falls, planning to spend some time with his brothers. Not only do they have to deal with her flat tire in a snowstorm, but a laden tree crushes Easton’s truck and blocks the road. While he might be her rescuer, she saves him from being hit by tree.
From the moment these two meet there is a magnetic, sizzling attraction they cannot deny; even though Grace tries. Easton, a nomadic man, has never wanted to get married and have kids, finds himself picturing exactly that, especially when he thinks about Grace. They are both a bit stubborn and reticent about expressing their feelings for each other. Thankfully for the advice by Easton’s big brother Evan and Grace's baby sister, Audrey, who talks sense into each of them; before it’s too late. Easton is perfect match for Grace. He will take care of her every day for the rest of her life. The days of Grace feeling like she has to be the caretaker are definitely gone. Watching these two navigate through their story, we see how Easton teaches Grace that loving herself is a good thing. That sometimes a leap of faith is necessary to find ones HEA. The road might be bumpy, but definitely worthwhile.
Melanie Shawn wrote an emotional roller coaster of a story that should not be missed. They provided a tale rich with emotions, magnetic attraction, off-the-charts sizzling chemistry, family encouragement, and believing in love, all makes for an enjoyable journey. I highly recommend Trusting Fate and am looking forward to the next story in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Grace Wells is 100% a Type A personality, considers herself the Ice Queen, but when she attains the things she worked so hard to get, for many years she does a complete turn-around, sells her LA condo, packs up her belongings, and heads to Hope Falls, to live near her three sisters. Not checking the weather as she drives to Hope Falls in the mountains, she finds herself driving through a snowstorm and getting a flat tire. Fortunately, Easton Bishop happens to be on the same road also travelling to Hope Falls, planning to spend some time with his brothers. Not only do they have to deal with her flat tire in a snowstorm, but a laden tree crushes Easton’s truck and blocks the road. While he might be her rescuer, she saves him from being hit by tree.
From the moment these two meet there is a magnetic, sizzling attraction they cannot deny; even though Grace tries. Easton, a nomadic man, has never wanted to get married and have kids, finds himself picturing exactly that, especially when he thinks about Grace. They are both a bit stubborn and reticent about expressing their feelings for each other. Thankfully for the advice by Easton’s big brother Evan and Grace's baby sister, Audrey, who talks sense into each of them; before it’s too late. Easton is perfect match for Grace. He will take care of her every day for the rest of her life. The days of Grace feeling like she has to be the caretaker are definitely gone. Watching these two navigate through their story, we see how Easton teaches Grace that loving herself is a good thing. That sometimes a leap of faith is necessary to find ones HEA. The road might be bumpy, but definitely worthwhile.
Melanie Shawn wrote an emotional roller coaster of a story that should not be missed. They provided a tale rich with emotions, magnetic attraction, off-the-charts sizzling chemistry, family encouragement, and believing in love, all makes for an enjoyable journey. I highly recommend Trusting Fate and am looking forward to the next story in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
January 3, 2022
another great read in this series
This is book 2, but can be read as a stand-alone. Book one is great too though, so I recommend reading it. This time it’s Easton and Grace’s story. They both have siblings that live in Hope Falls and both chose to relocate there at the same time, unbeknownst to their siblings. Easton has been out traveling the world for over 10 years while building safe water sources and other humanitarian efforts. Grace has been an entertainment attorney, real estate mogul, and earned the nickname “Elsa the ice queen”. Her father abandoned them when she was six, and she stepped up to be her mom‘s partner to help with her three younger sisters. When she was 14 her mother was diagnosed with cancer, so she buckle down and graduated high school in two years in hopes that if she was already employed full-time before her mother passed away she would be able to get custody of her siblings. She was 18 when her mom passed, and she raised her siblings while working full time and earning not only her real estate license, but graduating law school, and earning her MBA. The day she was told she was being made partner at her law firm, she also closed a real estate deal that put her into millionaire status, but she felt empty and suddenly realized she needed a change. She and Easton meet her she is stranded during a snow storm. Neither had ever thought they’d be the commitment type, until they met the other. Watching their relationship play out was a fun ride. So many times I wanted to shake Grace, but Easton always seemed to know what she needed. Her sister finally hits her upside the head with a truth bomb, and Grace gets out of her own way. I appreciated that things progressed organically, and there was not forced or contrived drama. No jealous exes reappeared, no set up unnecessary drama, just real people dealing with and overcoming their own issues and childhood trauma. Definitely enjoy this series.
This is book 2, but can be read as a stand-alone. Book one is great too though, so I recommend reading it. This time it’s Easton and Grace’s story. They both have siblings that live in Hope Falls and both chose to relocate there at the same time, unbeknownst to their siblings. Easton has been out traveling the world for over 10 years while building safe water sources and other humanitarian efforts. Grace has been an entertainment attorney, real estate mogul, and earned the nickname “Elsa the ice queen”. Her father abandoned them when she was six, and she stepped up to be her mom‘s partner to help with her three younger sisters. When she was 14 her mother was diagnosed with cancer, so she buckle down and graduated high school in two years in hopes that if she was already employed full-time before her mother passed away she would be able to get custody of her siblings. She was 18 when her mom passed, and she raised her siblings while working full time and earning not only her real estate license, but graduating law school, and earning her MBA. The day she was told she was being made partner at her law firm, she also closed a real estate deal that put her into millionaire status, but she felt empty and suddenly realized she needed a change. She and Easton meet her she is stranded during a snow storm. Neither had ever thought they’d be the commitment type, until they met the other. Watching their relationship play out was a fun ride. So many times I wanted to shake Grace, but Easton always seemed to know what she needed. Her sister finally hits her upside the head with a truth bomb, and Grace gets out of her own way. I appreciated that things progressed organically, and there was not forced or contrived drama. No jealous exes reappeared, no set up unnecessary drama, just real people dealing with and overcoming their own issues and childhood trauma. Definitely enjoy this series.
January 25, 2022
Totally obsessed with this series! After falling in love with this group of sisters in the first book, I was so excited for the next installment and these authors did not disappoint! Grace is the oldest daughter and has spent her life being an adult rather than a child, and always looking out and supporting her sisters especially after the passing of their mother. On the day that Grace achieves everything she’s worked her entire life for and realizes that she is numb and has no feelings towards it all, she decides to sell her condo, quit her job, and move to the town her sisters are in so that she can figure out what make she happy. As fate would have it, she ends up driving through a huge snowstorm and gets stranded, only to be rescued by Easton. Away for most of his life in the armed forces, Easton has finally decided to return home, and his first night back he stumbles upon Grace, and when they both get stranded, they end up getting to know each other and acting on the instant connection. After their rescue, when Grace finds what she’s passionate about and needs a partner, Easton is first in line and not only supports her but also works with her as a teammate, and their relationship develops from there. I loved this couple, as well as this book world, and I can’t wait to see which sister is next!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
December 26, 2021
In this latest addition to Hope Falls: Brewed Awakening, we get to spend time with the oldest of the Wells sisters, Grace. She was the one that took care of her younger siblings, not only when their father left, but also after their mother died. An overachiever, she realizes that sometimes those things she thought were important and what she wanted, really aren’t.
She leaves her prestigious job and LA behind hoping to spend time with her sisters. All who have recently moved to Hope Falls. A place where people go “hoping “ to find a new beginning, and seem to end up “falling” in love when they least expected it.
Was it fate that brought Grace and Easton Bishop together in the middle of a snowstorm?
Was it fate that had them faking a relationship in order to participate in a home improvement reality show?
Watching these two navigate throughout the story we see how Easton teaches Grace that loving herself is a good thing. That sometimes a leap of faith is necessary to find ones HEA. The road might be bumpy, but worthwhile.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
She leaves her prestigious job and LA behind hoping to spend time with her sisters. All who have recently moved to Hope Falls. A place where people go “hoping “ to find a new beginning, and seem to end up “falling” in love when they least expected it.
Was it fate that brought Grace and Easton Bishop together in the middle of a snowstorm?
Was it fate that had them faking a relationship in order to participate in a home improvement reality show?
Watching these two navigate throughout the story we see how Easton teaches Grace that loving herself is a good thing. That sometimes a leap of faith is necessary to find ones HEA. The road might be bumpy, but worthwhile.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
December 29, 2021
Grace and Easton have some seriously sizzling insta-love!
Grace Wells is 100% Type A personality but when faced with the one thing she has worked so hard to get for so many years she does a complete 180 and packs up her belongings and heads to Hope Falls to live near her three sisters. Of course there is a snowstorm and she gets a flat tire up in the mountains. Lucky for her Easton Bishop happens to be on the same path to Hope Falls as her and he comes to her rescue and she to his.
From the moment these two meet there is a crackling attraction they cannot deny even though Grace wants to. Easton, the man who has never wanted to get married and have kids now finds himself picturing exactly that when it comes to Grace. They are both a bit stubborn when it comes to expressing their feelings for each other. Thankfully Grace's sister, Audrey, talks some sense into Grace before it is too late.
I honestly do not thing there is a more perfect match for Grace than Easton. He will take care of her every day for the rest of her life. The days of Grace feeling like she has to be the caretaker are definitely gone.
Grace Wells is 100% Type A personality but when faced with the one thing she has worked so hard to get for so many years she does a complete 180 and packs up her belongings and heads to Hope Falls to live near her three sisters. Of course there is a snowstorm and she gets a flat tire up in the mountains. Lucky for her Easton Bishop happens to be on the same path to Hope Falls as her and he comes to her rescue and she to his.
From the moment these two meet there is a crackling attraction they cannot deny even though Grace wants to. Easton, the man who has never wanted to get married and have kids now finds himself picturing exactly that when it comes to Grace. They are both a bit stubborn when it comes to expressing their feelings for each other. Thankfully Grace's sister, Audrey, talks some sense into Grace before it is too late.
I honestly do not thing there is a more perfect match for Grace than Easton. He will take care of her every day for the rest of her life. The days of Grace feeling like she has to be the caretaker are definitely gone.
January 3, 2022
I am totally loving the Wells sisters and this book – Grace Wells and Easton Bishop (Elsa the Ice Queen and the Renaissance Man) was excellent. I loved how they initially met, and they are both motivated with a capital M, and I really enjoyed the reality show twist that Melanie Shawn incorporated into the story, which was such a fun storyline. I did like finding out more about Easton’s background as well as finding out how Grace stepped up for her sisters and had to become an adult pretty quickly. I liked the conversations both with Grace and Easton and Grace and her sisters and leave it to Viv to lay it all out that Easton is bringing fun Grace back and that is so spot on. I was concerned with what was going to happen after the reality show ended but in true Melanie Shawn fashion, grand gestures were made, and it couldn’t have ended better. I need to re-read this story again because I really fell in love with this couple. It sounds like Audrey Wells is next in the line-up and I am wondering if Project Valentine will be able to work their magic.
December 26, 2021
A snow storm, a flat tire, a totaled car and a blocked highway. You know it’s going to be a horrible day, right. Wrong! Little did you know, it’s the first day of the rest of your life.
I love the story of Easton and Grace. Of course it is an HEA so you know when they start a “fake relationship “ it won’t be fake for long. But Melanie Shawn adds so much to the story that you can’t wait to see what happens. It’s not just your every HEA.
It’s always fun to go back and visit the friends and families of Hope Falls and this is no exception.
A must read this holiday season!
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
I love the story of Easton and Grace. Of course it is an HEA so you know when they start a “fake relationship “ it won’t be fake for long. But Melanie Shawn adds so much to the story that you can’t wait to see what happens. It’s not just your every HEA.
It’s always fun to go back and visit the friends and families of Hope Falls and this is no exception.
A must read this holiday season!
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
December 26, 2021
Returning to Hope Falls was an adventure for both Grace Wells and Easton Bishop. Their future was left in each of their hands, but fate intervenes. Grace finds herself stuck in an unexpected snowstorm, being stranded with a handsome “Alpha” man (Easton), suddenly discovering their instant magnetic attraction, plus a meddling rescue cat, that adds to their entertaining relationship. Add their meddling siblings, his parents, and the townspeople of Hope Falls, plus a competing reality show makes both, Grace and Easton re-evaluate their past and future. Returning to Hope Falls, in the second book of this series, is definitely a refreshing love story of learning to love yourself!
December 27, 2021
Trusting Fate is one of my favorite books of the year. Melanie Shawn did a great bringing the Ice princess and this rugged Marine together. I was immediately drawn into their world and didn't want to leave. Their story was the perfect blend of sweet and sexy. I could have read an additional chapter or 2. This was one couple i didn't want to leave. It's always a fun time to reconnect with other characters as (well this book certainly had that) but I think it can also be enjoyed as a standalone.
I received a copy of the book for a honest review.
I received a copy of the book for a honest review.
January 2, 2022
Trusting Fate is the second novel in the Hope Falls: Brewed Awakenings series by Melanie Shawn. It follows Grace Wells and Easton Bishop as they both are on their own paths back to Hope Falls and to their families.
Grace Wells found herself right where she thought she wanted to be if she relfected back five or ten years in her life. But when the moment came, she felt nothing. So she decided to head to Hope Falls.
Easton Bishop decided to surprise his family and come back to Hope Falls, but that didn't exactly go as planned. When a snow storm comes through and causes him to stop and help someone stuck on the side of the road, his life changes forever.
I loved the chemistry between Grace and Easton. They we funny and clicked from their first meeting. Even though Grace has many issues and feelings to work through, she gets through it with the support of Easton and her sisters. I cannot wait for the next installment of this series.
Grace Wells found herself right where she thought she wanted to be if she relfected back five or ten years in her life. But when the moment came, she felt nothing. So she decided to head to Hope Falls.
Easton Bishop decided to surprise his family and come back to Hope Falls, but that didn't exactly go as planned. When a snow storm comes through and causes him to stop and help someone stuck on the side of the road, his life changes forever.
I loved the chemistry between Grace and Easton. They we funny and clicked from their first meeting. Even though Grace has many issues and feelings to work through, she gets through it with the support of Easton and her sisters. I cannot wait for the next installment of this series.
January 5, 2022
Trusting Fate was a great read right after the holidays! Grace Wells has always been the strong one – helping her sisters and pursuing her career. Until the day she was handed her career golden ring – and she DECLINED THE PROMOTION and moved to Hope Falls to be near her sisters. Easton Bishop didn’t do long term – he moved around and never found “the one”. These two meet on a snowy road and the sparks started flying when they were stuck in an SUV together overnight. I love that they were both heading to Hope Falls and all the great people there help them find their happiness and their way to HEA. Great read and can’t wait for the next one!
December 26, 2021
Get comfortable and grab this awesome love story and return to my most favourite town!! Return to Hope Falls and watch this couple have trouble with commitment!! Hot, easy going, multi tasker Easton Bishop meets Ice Queen Lawyer Grace Wells on the side of the road and falls madly in love with her!! Grace does not believe in love!! After lots of drama, lust and a lot of work these two people try to show each other how much they really care!! I love this book and enjoyed this couple and revisiting Hope Falls!! Can't wait for the next Wells sister to get her HEA!!
December 26, 2021
Swoon! Who would think that you would find the love of your life by getting a flat tire!? Well that is what happened with Grace and Easton, even if they didn’t realize it. Easton stops to help her fix her tire in a snowstorm when a tree falls down blocking their way home. Then they entered a contest together-can they work together and play off they are “together”?
December 26, 2021
In a very unusual meeting Grace and Easton start on their journey. Venturing into the world of Reality TV and a contest of flipping a house, they will soon discover they are meant to be. However, with Grace’s overachiever personality, it could prove to have a few bumps in the road. This was another great read by these sisters and we’ll worth the wait. I gave my honest opinion for a chance to read this ARC.
January 4, 2022
I absolutely loved this story. The characters were fantastic and easy to visualize. Easton is a man that most women dream to meet one day. Grace is someone that is a little rough around the edges but once you get to know her, is a great woman.
The first night they met the attraction was off the charts. The more time they spent together the more they wanted to act on that attraction. Without giving all the good stuff away, I would have jumped his bones the 1st night together in the SUV.
I think it’s a great relationship when you complement each other.
I love love this series.
The first night they met the attraction was off the charts. The more time they spent together the more they wanted to act on that attraction. Without giving all the good stuff away, I would have jumped his bones the 1st night together in the SUV.
I think it’s a great relationship when you complement each other.
I love love this series.
January 4, 2022
Loving this series about the sisters that own Brewed Awakenings. Grace, being the oldest sister took on a lot of responsibility at a young age. She was finally going to get everything she thought she worked so hard for only to find it didn't make her happy like she thought. Easton is heading home to see family when he sees her car on the side of the road. Soon they are remodeling a house together and finding out just how much they compliment each other. These two were a great addition to Hope Falls and I can't wait to find out what happens with the rest of the sisters.
January 5, 2022
Really fun and sweet story
When Grace and Easton first meet you could tell they were both very attracted to each other. The sister authors really through a
curve ball in making it appear they were moving to fast. But because of the personalities of the two it works. I am a fan of Melanie Shane's writing but this book is one of the very best of these very creative and talented authors. A must read!
When Grace and Easton first meet you could tell they were both very attracted to each other. The sister authors really through a
curve ball in making it appear they were moving to fast. But because of the personalities of the two it works. I am a fan of Melanie Shane's writing but this book is one of the very best of these very creative and talented authors. A must read!
December 24, 2021
Funny. Sexy. Heartwarming
Emotional. Romantic.
This book is a must read!
After a chance meeting in a snowstorm, Grace & Easton, were instantly attracted
to each other. They both are going
through big changes in the lives.
Never expecting fate to step in.
I adored Grace ❤ Easton.
Great characters & small town charm. Captivated me from the
first page to the last!!
Emotional. Romantic.
This book is a must read!
After a chance meeting in a snowstorm, Grace & Easton, were instantly attracted
to each other. They both are going
through big changes in the lives.
Never expecting fate to step in.
I adored Grace ❤ Easton.
Great characters & small town charm. Captivated me from the
first page to the last!!
December 27, 2021
You can trust that a Melanie Shawn book is going to be amazing! Trusting Fate was just that… simply amazing! Easton and Grace really did make a wonderful couple. They balanced each other out. I would have cried at the finale montage too! It’s going to be floating around in my soul for awhile!
December 28, 2021
Love at first sight?
A great story about Grace, who realizes the life she is living isn't what she wants...and Easton, who is ready to come back to his family after years of working abroad. A snow storm, a flat tire, a rescue that ends up in a very sexy overnight for two strangers. Then the fun begins...
A great story about Grace, who realizes the life she is living isn't what she wants...and Easton, who is ready to come back to his family after years of working abroad. A snow storm, a flat tire, a rescue that ends up in a very sexy overnight for two strangers. Then the fun begins...
December 30, 2021
After being offered partner at the law firm Grace had worked at for the past decade she surprised even herself when she handed in her resignation, packed up her life, put her condo up for sale, and jumped in her Range Rover to head for Hope Falls, only to be stranded on the side of a mountain road, in a snowstorm, with a flat tire.
After nearly fifteen years of nomadic living across the globe, Easton was finally putting down roots and reconnecting with his family who he’d barely seen over the past decade and a half. On his way to Hope Falls, he stopped to check on the car stranded on the side of the road with hazard lights on, and met Grace.
The connection between Grace and Easton is instant and their chemistry palpable. After her parents death, Grace stepped up with taking care of her sisters, and it was heartwarming to see Easton being so in tune to her needs and wants. Catching up with friends and families of Hope Falls is an added bonus to a already entertaining read.
After nearly fifteen years of nomadic living across the globe, Easton was finally putting down roots and reconnecting with his family who he’d barely seen over the past decade and a half. On his way to Hope Falls, he stopped to check on the car stranded on the side of the road with hazard lights on, and met Grace.
The connection between Grace and Easton is instant and their chemistry palpable. After her parents death, Grace stepped up with taking care of her sisters, and it was heartwarming to see Easton being so in tune to her needs and wants. Catching up with friends and families of Hope Falls is an added bonus to a already entertaining read.
January 1, 2022
Grace leaves her high powered career as an entertainment lawyer to move to Hope Falls where her sisters run the town coffee shop. Easton is also at loose ends, heading to Hope Falls to be closer to family. They meet during a snowstorm when Grace’s car breaks down. They have an instant connection. They end up at the same bed and breakfast. Grace is unsure what her next move is when she hears about a new flipping show being taped in Hope Falls. She has her real estate license and thinks this would be a great opportunity. She convinces Easton to be her partner for the show. Can they win against the other teams? Will their sparks develop into more as they pretend to be together for the cameras? This book was a lot of fun to read. Well written characters and an entertaining story with heat!
January 6, 2022
This was such a great book. It really pulled me in from the first chapter.
I loved the characters and storyline. It was so well written and really an easy book to read.
I love being back in Hope Falls and the Wells sisters books. There is definitely some spice that I was not expecting, but loved all the same.
I cannot wait for the next one to come out.
I loved the characters and storyline. It was so well written and really an easy book to read.
I love being back in Hope Falls and the Wells sisters books. There is definitely some spice that I was not expecting, but loved all the same.
I cannot wait for the next one to come out.
December 28, 2021
Loved this story!!
Both Grace and Easton need something different in their lives. Both head to the small town their siblings have settled in. Call it serendipity or fate but the rest of the story shows something were meant to be.
Can't wait til the next book!
Both Grace and Easton need something different in their lives. Both head to the small town their siblings have settled in. Call it serendipity or fate but the rest of the story shows something were meant to be.
Can't wait til the next book!
December 30, 2021
Loved it!! For those of you familiar with hope falls, grace is the sister of Ava, Audrey and Viv; who own brewed awakening. When she is offered her dream, she suddenly realizes everything she’s been working so hard for isn’t actually what she wants. She decides to move to Hope Falls to be with her sisters. On her way there, she gets a flat in a snow storm and meets Easton when he stops to help. They have a strong connection from the get go. After an incredible night curdled up waiting out the storm, grace convince him to go on a reality show flipping houses. I loved watching the push and pull of these two. Grace he been through a lot and has her walls up for sure, but Easton slowly but surely shows her how to trust and just how much he actually knows her. These two were “adorable” (even if Grace hates being called that!)
January 3, 2022
Melanie Shawn is a favorite and this latest in the "Brewed Awakenings" series did not disappoint. Grace has suddenly reevaluated her life and is moving to Hope Falls and Easton is moving stateside for the first time in years back to Hope Falls as well. Their first meeting is romantic and special and their second meeting at the B&B where they are both staying is adorable. It gets better from there with a reality TV show, a spiteful but protective cat and a great HEA!!
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