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Sterling Mill #0.5
Call it Unexpected
From author M.E. Montgomery comes a prequel to her brand new small town romance series, Sterling Mill.
Emalee Dawson is no stranger to hard work and tempered dreams. Through sheer grit and family support, she receives a chance to take a break from her small mountain town and go to culinary school in the big city. There she meets Zach, a handsome and charming university student who helps her dream beyond the walls of the family bed-and-breakfast she is expected to one day take over.
Zach Abbott has always worked to be the best at everything. It’s exhausting but easier than facing his father’s disappointment. Currently, that includes graduating at the top of his prestigious university and getting into the best graduate programs so he can work at his father’s preeminent law firm. An unexpected encounter with Emalee has him rethinking what he truly wants, risking his father’s anger.
A sudden twist of fate pushes them in opposite directions, and unexpected complications alter their lives forever…even ones they don’t know about yet.
Emalee Dawson is no stranger to hard work and tempered dreams. Through sheer grit and family support, she receives a chance to take a break from her small mountain town and go to culinary school in the big city. There she meets Zach, a handsome and charming university student who helps her dream beyond the walls of the family bed-and-breakfast she is expected to one day take over.
Zach Abbott has always worked to be the best at everything. It’s exhausting but easier than facing his father’s disappointment. Currently, that includes graduating at the top of his prestigious university and getting into the best graduate programs so he can work at his father’s preeminent law firm. An unexpected encounter with Emalee has him rethinking what he truly wants, risking his father’s anger.
A sudden twist of fate pushes them in opposite directions, and unexpected complications alter their lives forever…even ones they don’t know about yet.
- GenresRomanceShort Stories
54 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2022
21 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
M.E. Montgomery
28 books236 followersM.E. Montgomery can’t remember a time she hasn’t had at least one book on the go to read. After years of falling headfirst into the lives and loves of other author’s characters, M.E. decided to write her own. She enjoys creating the kind of realistic storybook friends you wish you could actually meet, and sometimes she finds herself wondering what those characters are up to once she’s delivered their happily ever after.
She’s married to her best friend and has four children and two Boxer dogs. They live wherever the Navy sends her husband, usually the East coast of the U.S., but also once in Japan.
Whenever she’s not writing or substitute teaching, she often ponders the riddle of how the kitchen sink appears to automatically refill with dirty dishes as soon as her back is turned. On the occasions it stays empty, you can find her with a glass of wine or Scotch outside at their fireplace or curled up inside with a book, binge watching TV, or chatting with readers.
She’s married to her best friend and has four children and two Boxer dogs. They live wherever the Navy sends her husband, usually the East coast of the U.S., but also once in Japan.
Whenever she’s not writing or substitute teaching, she often ponders the riddle of how the kitchen sink appears to automatically refill with dirty dishes as soon as her back is turned. On the occasions it stays empty, you can find her with a glass of wine or Scotch outside at their fireplace or curled up inside with a book, binge watching TV, or chatting with readers.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 12, 2022
New series
I've read books by M.E. Montgomery before and really enjoyed them. This one looks very promising as well! I loved this little prequel to her new book. The characters are great and I like the quick story in this one. Really looking forward to getting to read the full story when it's released!!
I've read books by M.E. Montgomery before and really enjoyed them. This one looks very promising as well! I loved this little prequel to her new book. The characters are great and I like the quick story in this one. Really looking forward to getting to read the full story when it's released!!
April 9, 2022
This taster will leave you wanting more…
This is the Prequel for Call it Fate and documents the beginnings of Emalee and Zach’s story. Their meet cute happens in this taster in the middle of the University campus thanks to Milo the uncontrollable puppy. Their relationship progresses and climaxes the night of a fraternity social event with a couple of startling revelations.
This is a little taste, filling in the backstory prior to the start of the new Sterling Mill Series.
This is the Prequel for Call it Fate and documents the beginnings of Emalee and Zach’s story. Their meet cute happens in this taster in the middle of the University campus thanks to Milo the uncontrollable puppy. Their relationship progresses and climaxes the night of a fraternity social event with a couple of startling revelations.
This is a little taste, filling in the backstory prior to the start of the new Sterling Mill Series.
April 9, 2022
The title is fitting for this story. It was unexpectedly delightful.
Short and sweet but left me wanting more! I can't wait to read more of these two.
It takes a special author to grab your attention so quickly and make you enjoy a genre you don't usually read....I don't typically enjoy college age stories.
Short and sweet but left me wanting more! I can't wait to read more of these two.
It takes a special author to grab your attention so quickly and make you enjoy a genre you don't usually read....I don't typically enjoy college age stories.
March 24, 2023
Call It Unexpected - Sterling Mills Prequel - Review
Couple: Emalee & Zach
Author: M.E. Montgomery
Tropes: opposites attract, forbidden romance, tragic ending, first love
Review: In this prequel to Call It Fate we see the meet cute and the ghosting of Zach and Emalle.
This is a short novella that gives us their tragic backstory. Emalee is a small town girl who was raised conservatively. She runs into Zach accidentally and falls hard and fast. She is young in this book and it signifies the loyalty and heartbreak of your first love.
Zach is a transplant into this tiny town and comes from money. His dad has been trying to arrange his marriage and Zach meanwhile has been doing everything to avoid it. When he runs into Emalee, he is transfixed with her. He quickly becomes enamored and in his round about way of protecting her from his family creates a distance between them that cannot be bridged.
Their romance is a whirlwind. It sweet and innocent and shows how honest your first love and heartbreak is. The books ends on a sour note when Zach suddenly leaves Emalee after a threat from his father. To Emalee though…she has no idea why he is gone.
Rating: 3.5/5, short and sweet and great to make you want to read Call it Fate!
Couple: Emalee & Zach
Author: M.E. Montgomery
Tropes: opposites attract, forbidden romance, tragic ending, first love
Review: In this prequel to Call It Fate we see the meet cute and the ghosting of Zach and Emalle.
This is a short novella that gives us their tragic backstory. Emalee is a small town girl who was raised conservatively. She runs into Zach accidentally and falls hard and fast. She is young in this book and it signifies the loyalty and heartbreak of your first love.
Zach is a transplant into this tiny town and comes from money. His dad has been trying to arrange his marriage and Zach meanwhile has been doing everything to avoid it. When he runs into Emalee, he is transfixed with her. He quickly becomes enamored and in his round about way of protecting her from his family creates a distance between them that cannot be bridged.
Their romance is a whirlwind. It sweet and innocent and shows how honest your first love and heartbreak is. The books ends on a sour note when Zach suddenly leaves Emalee after a threat from his father. To Emalee though…she has no idea why he is gone.
Rating: 3.5/5, short and sweet and great to make you want to read Call it Fate!
April 15, 2022
This short prequel is the beginning of a new romance series.
Introducing characters Emalee and Zach, this story begins a sweet romance between two people from very different backgrounds.
Although only a few chapters long the author manages to create interesting characters that I liked and want to know more about.
I do like getting into book series and short prequels are a great way to introduce you to a new author so if you haven't read M. E. Montgomery's work before this could be a good starting point.
Due to my personal preferences I wasn't that keen on it being a cliffhanger but I do understand that it's a prequel, so it's purpose is to take the reader into the first full length novel of the Sterling Mill series.
But overall the writing was good and I will continue the series at a later date.
Also this story does contain some sexual content, just in case that isn't your thing.
Introducing characters Emalee and Zach, this story begins a sweet romance between two people from very different backgrounds.
Although only a few chapters long the author manages to create interesting characters that I liked and want to know more about.
I do like getting into book series and short prequels are a great way to introduce you to a new author so if you haven't read M. E. Montgomery's work before this could be a good starting point.
Due to my personal preferences I wasn't that keen on it being a cliffhanger but I do understand that it's a prequel, so it's purpose is to take the reader into the first full length novel of the Sterling Mill series.
But overall the writing was good and I will continue the series at a later date.
Also this story does contain some sexual content, just in case that isn't your thing.
April 12, 2022
You really should read this if only to get a first-hand glimpse at where it all begins for Emalee and Zach. Their relationship is just beginning to show promise when the unexpected happens. This brief look will definitely whet your appetite for reading the rest of their story in “Call It Fate.” It’s a charming and heartwarming peek with an unexpectedly angsty ending sure to leave you anxious to know where it’s all going for what started out to be the perfect couple. Stay tuned, I guarantee you are going to want to stick around for it! 😉
April 12, 2022
Captivating Prequel
This is an awesome beginning to M.E. Montgomery’s new “Sterling Mill” Series. Emalee Dawson and Zach Abbott come from very different backgrounds. After a chance meeting, their sweet romance begins, but can it lead to a future together especially after what happens after they attend an event at Zach’s fraternity together? Cannot wait to read Emalee and Zach’s full story.
This is an awesome beginning to M.E. Montgomery’s new “Sterling Mill” Series. Emalee Dawson and Zach Abbott come from very different backgrounds. After a chance meeting, their sweet romance begins, but can it lead to a future together especially after what happens after they attend an event at Zach’s fraternity together? Cannot wait to read Emalee and Zach’s full story.
April 12, 2022
Sweet and fun intro
This little extended prologue is the perfect set up for the upcoming book. I love seeing how couples start their journey, and now I can't wait to start Call It Fate. What will happen with Zach and Emalee?
This little extended prologue is the perfect set up for the upcoming book. I love seeing how couples start their journey, and now I can't wait to start Call It Fate. What will happen with Zach and Emalee?
April 12, 2022
Great prequel
This is a backstory for the full book about Zachary and Emmalee. Now I'm looking forward to the full book to read about their relationship since the way this prequel ended was really intriguing.
This is a backstory for the full book about Zachary and Emmalee. Now I'm looking forward to the full book to read about their relationship since the way this prequel ended was really intriguing.
April 18, 2022
what a tease!
I absolutely couldn’t wait to read this novella. And boy what a read! I couldn’t put it down! This is a story of two opposite’s. Two people who wouldn’t normally run in the same circles. Two people who found something in one another….until it disappears.
I can’t wait for the next release! And I’m thankful it’s not too far out either.
As always M.E. Montgomery has given us a story that ties us up in knots. A story that leaves you wondering what will happen next.
Highly recommended.
I absolutely couldn’t wait to read this novella. And boy what a read! I couldn’t put it down! This is a story of two opposite’s. Two people who wouldn’t normally run in the same circles. Two people who found something in one another….until it disappears.
I can’t wait for the next release! And I’m thankful it’s not too far out either.
As always M.E. Montgomery has given us a story that ties us up in knots. A story that leaves you wondering what will happen next.
Highly recommended.
May 19, 2022
Good start for a new series.
Emalee meets Zach and their attraction is immediate. They come from different worlds but it doesn't matter.
Until Emalee gets a frantic phone call about her mom and spots Zach coming out of someone's room after the spend the night together.
Emalee meets Zach and their attraction is immediate. They come from different worlds but it doesn't matter.
Until Emalee gets a frantic phone call about her mom and spots Zach coming out of someone's room after the spend the night together.
June 30, 2022
4 1/2 Stars for these young lovers!
This is the prequel to Call if Fate and tells the story where Zack and Emalee meet and have a brief affair. It's a great start to a new series and I can't wait for the conclusion to this story.
This is the prequel to Call if Fate and tells the story where Zack and Emalee meet and have a brief affair. It's a great start to a new series and I can't wait for the conclusion to this story.
April 25, 2022
A great background to Zach and Emalee’s story. Can’t wait to read how it all plays out!! Loved it.
April 23, 2023
Looking forward
Are Emalee and Zach going ro have a second chance at love and happiness? Looking forward to read Call it Fate
Are Emalee and Zach going ro have a second chance at love and happiness? Looking forward to read Call it Fate
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December 17, 2023This felt more or a chapter than a prequel. There isn't much here to make me want to read the next book.
November 10, 2024
A short intro to Zach and emalee
Short novella intro to Zach and emalee's story. Short but hot and it leaves on cliff hanger but wanting more
Short novella intro to Zach and emalee's story. Short but hot and it leaves on cliff hanger but wanting more
October 18, 2025
This was a cute little novella!
3.5 I felt a bit confused half the time and found it heard to connect to the characters. It’s a prequel so we’ll see how the book turns out.
3.5 I felt a bit confused half the time and found it heard to connect to the characters. It’s a prequel so we’ll see how the book turns out.
June 9, 2023
Wow! This is a quick read, a prequel to how Emalee and Zach meet, the connection that was starting to build, and how deep those feelings run. I loved their sweetness, the bond, and I am ready for more of their story!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews