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Love in Abbottsville #1
The Marriage Jinx
A marriage pact, a secret office romance, and a dating jinx. What could go wrong?
When my best friends and I made a pact after college to wait until we turn thirty to get married, I never thought we’d jinx ourselves. But ever since we signed our names on the dotted line, our dating lives have been one catastrophe after another. That can’t be a coincidence, right?
If that wasn’t bad enough, my new boss is Lucas Abbott—my high school crush and our town’s most eligible bachelor—and the attraction I feel is definitely not one-sided this time.
But before I get too excited about that, we’ve got problems.
He’s not allowed to date employees because of a past family scandal.
His ex-wife won’t keep her nose out of his business.
And don’t forget the jinx.
Now that the guy might finally be in my life, I’m worried it will end in another disaster. But is the jinx our biggest obstacle or are deeper issues standing in our way?
The Marriage Jinx is a heartwarming romantic comedy with plenty of cute flirting, swoon-worthy kisses, small-town charm, secret office romance, a fun cast of characters … and a town turkey.
When my best friends and I made a pact after college to wait until we turn thirty to get married, I never thought we’d jinx ourselves. But ever since we signed our names on the dotted line, our dating lives have been one catastrophe after another. That can’t be a coincidence, right?
If that wasn’t bad enough, my new boss is Lucas Abbott—my high school crush and our town’s most eligible bachelor—and the attraction I feel is definitely not one-sided this time.
But before I get too excited about that, we’ve got problems.
He’s not allowed to date employees because of a past family scandal.
His ex-wife won’t keep her nose out of his business.
And don’t forget the jinx.
Now that the guy might finally be in my life, I’m worried it will end in another disaster. But is the jinx our biggest obstacle or are deeper issues standing in our way?
The Marriage Jinx is a heartwarming romantic comedy with plenty of cute flirting, swoon-worthy kisses, small-town charm, secret office romance, a fun cast of characters … and a town turkey.
321 pages, ebook
Published April 22, 2022
240 people are currently reading
882 people want to read
About the author
Krista Noorman
20 books164 followersKrista Noorman is the author of sweet romance, contemporary Christian romance, and young adult novels. She's a small-town Michigan girl, who is constantly inspired by books and movies, enjoys beautiful Instagram feeds, and loves a good peppermint mocha.
After college at Cornerstone University, four years as a military wife, and starting a family, she turned to her love of photography and spent nearly a decade running her own wedding photography business. For most of her life, she scribbled away in journals while documenting her everyday life, but it wasn't until she took part in National Novel Writing Month, that she found her true calling and turned her pen to fiction. She's been writing about falling in love ever since.
After college at Cornerstone University, four years as a military wife, and starting a family, she turned to her love of photography and spent nearly a decade running her own wedding photography business. For most of her life, she scribbled away in journals while documenting her everyday life, but it wasn't until she took part in National Novel Writing Month, that she found her true calling and turned her pen to fiction. She's been writing about falling in love ever since.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 6, 2026
The Marriage Jinx by Krista Noorman is a tender and humorous small‑town contemporary romance about Penelope Warner, who, after making a marriage pact with her closest friends, begins to wonder if a self‑declared jinx and an unexpected reunion with her high school crush might finally upend her dating disasters and open her heart to love again.
When I first read about Penny’s pact to wait until thirty before marrying and how every relationship since then has amusingly misfired, I couldn’t help smiling at the relatability of hoping for love yet being haunted by one funny setback after another. What genuinely drew me in was her blossoming dynamic with Lucas Abbott, the town’s most eligible bachelor and her former crush, whose steady kindness feels like a gentle sunrise after too many stormy dates.
The way the story balances secret office romance, tender internal moments where Penny grapples with vulnerability, and the delightfully quirky backdrop of small‑town charm made me feel wrapped in warmth and hope. I was especially fond of the way supportive friendships anchor Penny’s journey, grounding the romance in real affection and laughter without ever feeling superficial.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
This novel charmed me with its sweet pacing, heartfelt introspection, and organic chemistry between the leads. While I occasionally wished for deeper emotional stakes and more pronounced growth arcs, the sincerity of Penny and Lucas’s connection, the humor threaded through their misadventures, and the cozy small‑town world left me with a contented smile long after finishing the last page.
When I first read about Penny’s pact to wait until thirty before marrying and how every relationship since then has amusingly misfired, I couldn’t help smiling at the relatability of hoping for love yet being haunted by one funny setback after another. What genuinely drew me in was her blossoming dynamic with Lucas Abbott, the town’s most eligible bachelor and her former crush, whose steady kindness feels like a gentle sunrise after too many stormy dates.
The way the story balances secret office romance, tender internal moments where Penny grapples with vulnerability, and the delightfully quirky backdrop of small‑town charm made me feel wrapped in warmth and hope. I was especially fond of the way supportive friendships anchor Penny’s journey, grounding the romance in real affection and laughter without ever feeling superficial.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
This novel charmed me with its sweet pacing, heartfelt introspection, and organic chemistry between the leads. While I occasionally wished for deeper emotional stakes and more pronounced growth arcs, the sincerity of Penny and Lucas’s connection, the humor threaded through their misadventures, and the cozy small‑town world left me with a contented smile long after finishing the last page.
April 23, 2022
Relatable characters and a fun premise mark the start of the delightful Love in Abbottsville series. This clean fiction title really pulled out all of the feels for me. It had such a nice combination of strong friendships between the four young women who made the marriage pact in the first place, the possibility of a new romance with an old crush, and strong family relationships on both sides.
I loved that Penny and Lucas found each other after so many years and that it was clear to this reader that they really were made for each other, even though it took a long time for that reality to come about.
The author did a great job of capturing the feeling of new love and these two definitely had chemistry together. She also did a spectacular job of wringing out my heart when certain things happened that caused pain for both Penny and Lucas.
I am looking so forward to reading more books in this series and reconnecting with all of the characters as Penny’s friends undoubtedly find their own happily-ever-afters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I loved that Penny and Lucas found each other after so many years and that it was clear to this reader that they really were made for each other, even though it took a long time for that reality to come about.
The author did a great job of capturing the feeling of new love and these two definitely had chemistry together. She also did a spectacular job of wringing out my heart when certain things happened that caused pain for both Penny and Lucas.
I am looking so forward to reading more books in this series and reconnecting with all of the characters as Penny’s friends undoubtedly find their own happily-ever-afters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
November 20, 2025
The steam level was high in this one (still clean), but very much insta-love, insta-attraction, and too much was focused on their looks. I also didn't like that Lucas was such a jerk. I don't think he had redeemed himself enough; it was so much drama. There was very little character growth or plot development. I finished it, but I don't know why.
October 22, 2022
Steamy? Fog up the entire bathroom level steaminess.
Way too much passionate kissing for my tastes. I feel like I got burnt with the heat level. For that reason, I won't be recommending this book, it isn't worthy of a repeat read.
I read a previous book by this author that was a sweet read, so perhaps I had the wrong expectation thinking all her books would have a similar heat level.
On a positive note, I did enjoy the side characters and the numerous mishaps scattered throughout the pages.
Way too much passionate kissing for my tastes. I feel like I got burnt with the heat level. For that reason, I won't be recommending this book, it isn't worthy of a repeat read.
I read a previous book by this author that was a sweet read, so perhaps I had the wrong expectation thinking all her books would have a similar heat level.
On a positive note, I did enjoy the side characters and the numerous mishaps scattered throughout the pages.
November 19, 2024
This was kind of a snooze fest for me but the ratings and reviews had given me pretty high hopes.
October 23, 2022
This was a sweet small-town romance. It's got a forbidden romance, second chance vibe. I always love book series based around a girl friend group.
April 22, 2022
I like Krista Noorman for fun and lighthearted reads while still getting good writing, characters, plot and pacing. I was nervous about the premise of the marriage pact the friends make just because the idea of arbitrarily putting rules on a marriage vs career timeline personally rubs me the wrong way. However, as I read further into the story the author makes it work and it isn't a negative. I found the friendships with the woman strong and I liked them all. By the end I'd really like to read their stories. Also, a nice little nod to the author's previous stories with the Schultzes. I love when that happens. There was a particular scene with Penny and her mom reminding Penny of her worth and value that I thought was great. I think this was a solid introdution to this series. As well as another good one to read and escape into for a bit. Such a cute cover and title!
April 23, 2022
Krista has done it again! I had the honor of getting and advanced copy! Y’all! This sweet romance made me laugh, cry, and want MORE! The storyline was easy to follow and even though sometimes I wanted to give the characters a good talking to (haha. I’m impatient, ok?!), the end of course was the cherry on top! You know how some authors string you along and you keep waiting, and waiting, and waiting, and then have a not-so-good story line and ending? This is not it! She builds the characters so well that by the end, I could relate to them and totally be their friends! I literally didn’t put the book down until I was done! Are you still reading this?! Go get a copy and start reading!
April 22, 2022
When Penny was in her early 20s, she made a pact with her closest friends: they wouldn’t get married until they were at least 30. That sounded great to Penny… until she reconnected with Lucas. Now that she’s genuinely interested in someone, unfortunate events continue to happen. Why? According to Penny, because of the marriage jinx!
The thing I really liked about this book is that it focused on Penny’s friend group so much. I liked having the relationships with her friends as a central theme. I’m also currently obsessed with chickens, so there’s a little add-in in the book that I loved!
The thing I really liked about this book is that it focused on Penny’s friend group so much. I liked having the relationships with her friends as a central theme. I’m also currently obsessed with chickens, so there’s a little add-in in the book that I loved!
November 17, 2024
I got this book because it was one of the stuff your kindle days and I really wanted to fill my TBR with fall books and if there ever was a book I think every romance lovers should read it’s this one. I was hooked and I got caught in the little bit of drama, I felt anger towards some characters, and then the corn maze I shed a few tears and when I can enjoy a book that brings me emotions and not just a story to read I need to share!!!
November 21, 2023
It was a little too cheesy and PG for my liking. I also felt like it repeated scenes with minor tweaks. The ending wasn’t the best, I probably could’ve read that and knew what happened without reading the rest of the book. Not my favorite read, but cute and a short read.
May 4, 2022
great start to the series
This is the first book that I read by this author. It was a really cute story. I loved Penny and her friends. I can’t wait to hear all their stories as well. This was a bit of a ping-pong ball back-and-forth on and off again love story. But it was fun. Lots of humor in this romcom. Overall sweet story. I am hooked! It’s a longer book than what I normally read so with life getting in the way I couldn’t do my usual marathon read. Definitely worth it.
Rating: PG, some intense swoony kisses but nothing graphic or PG-13.
This is the first book that I read by this author. It was a really cute story. I loved Penny and her friends. I can’t wait to hear all their stories as well. This was a bit of a ping-pong ball back-and-forth on and off again love story. But it was fun. Lots of humor in this romcom. Overall sweet story. I am hooked! It’s a longer book than what I normally read so with life getting in the way I couldn’t do my usual marathon read. Definitely worth it.
Rating: PG, some intense swoony kisses but nothing graphic or PG-13.
May 2, 2022
Excellent. I truly, truly loved it. Very swoony. Clean. Looking forward to the next one coming in the fall.
January 4, 2023
I have been trying to read more fall books before it becomes winter and this was one I was looking forward to get to. Unfortunately, it wasn’t for me but it happens!
The book is told from dual point-of-views and they come from Penny and Lucas. They were decent characters. I think they both had some things to deal with, especially Lucas being divorced but not totally putting his ex-wife in her place. The marriage pact on Penny’s side was a fun, unique aspect in the beginning but towards the middle it felt like it fizzled out and didn’t have the repercussions it should have from her friends who created it with her.
The other characters in the book were fine. I did want more from them and with this being a series I’m sure some will get more page time. I didn’t really connect or feel drawn to the other characters so I don’t know if I would move on with the sequel to give it another try.
My biggest problem was the romance. It was very much insta-love. Penny had longed for him ever since high school and then they meet conveniently and then she starts working for him, he was infatuated with her without even really knowing her besides from long ago. This type of romance just never works for me.
I think that this book could have been better by being longer and using the setting better. I wish there would have been more about the farm and the small town. It also would have helped the romance to be drawn out more.
Overall, this one was okay but ultimately didn’t work for me.
The book is told from dual point-of-views and they come from Penny and Lucas. They were decent characters. I think they both had some things to deal with, especially Lucas being divorced but not totally putting his ex-wife in her place. The marriage pact on Penny’s side was a fun, unique aspect in the beginning but towards the middle it felt like it fizzled out and didn’t have the repercussions it should have from her friends who created it with her.
The other characters in the book were fine. I did want more from them and with this being a series I’m sure some will get more page time. I didn’t really connect or feel drawn to the other characters so I don’t know if I would move on with the sequel to give it another try.
My biggest problem was the romance. It was very much insta-love. Penny had longed for him ever since high school and then they meet conveniently and then she starts working for him, he was infatuated with her without even really knowing her besides from long ago. This type of romance just never works for me.
I think that this book could have been better by being longer and using the setting better. I wish there would have been more about the farm and the small town. It also would have helped the romance to be drawn out more.
Overall, this one was okay but ultimately didn’t work for me.
January 8, 2024
Penny and her group of best friends made a pact in their early 20s after seeing others around them fail at marriage that no one in their group would get married before turning thirty. With disaster after disaster in their dating lives, Penny has come to believe that they have jinxed themselves into failed relationships.
After Penny loses her job to downsizing, she returns to her hometown and applies for a job at Abbott Farms which happens to be run by her high school crush Lucas Abbott. There's just a few problems: the company has a policy against employee relationships, Lucas's ex-wife clearly wants him back, and Penny believes she's jinxed. Even though the odds may be against them, Penny and Lucas decide to give a relationship a try.
Very swoony, I can't wait for the next book in the series.
After Penny loses her job to downsizing, she returns to her hometown and applies for a job at Abbott Farms which happens to be run by her high school crush Lucas Abbott. There's just a few problems: the company has a policy against employee relationships, Lucas's ex-wife clearly wants him back, and Penny believes she's jinxed. Even though the odds may be against them, Penny and Lucas decide to give a relationship a try.
Very swoony, I can't wait for the next book in the series.
August 6, 2022
You will laugh, cry and want to return!
Ms. Noorman develops characters with personality and palpable emotions. Penny and Lucas are an engaging couple that I was rooting for through all their highs and lows. I was also delighted with her creative resolution to this romantic comedy.
Ms. Noorman develops characters with personality and palpable emotions. Penny and Lucas are an engaging couple that I was rooting for through all their highs and lows. I was also delighted with her creative resolution to this romantic comedy.
July 15, 2022
A sweet story with an awesome ending
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was fun to see the quirky little things that happened and the personalities how they mesh together. I also love the chemistry between the characters. Two thumbs up.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was fun to see the quirky little things that happened and the personalities how they mesh together. I also love the chemistry between the characters. Two thumbs up.
June 23, 2022
This is drastically different from my usual genres, but I got an ad for it on Instagram and the cover made me think I'd get something kind of funny happening in corn fields, so I borrowed it. Full disclosure, I was going into this hoping for a "so bad it's good" kind of read based on the few clues I'd gotten from the cover and ad and blurb, but it ended up being decently crafted, even if it didn't personally suit my reading preferences.
Overall, my thoughts are pretty neutral, it's a light and easy kind of contemporary romance set in a little farm town in Michigan, which is the state I grew up in. I got all the little Michigan references, which kind of felt surreal because nothing ever takes place here so, that was kind of interesting.
Told in alternating perspectives, it tells a story of two salt of the earth kind of people from a small farming community sort of town who are quickly attracted, date, have some hiccups, then find their happily ever after all in about 300 pages.
I don't hate it (I have anything to say about particular aspects; there's no particular incidents or examples of things I think are bad or a problem), but I also didn't especially enjoy it or like it, which is mostly the fault of me not liking contemporary-settings much and being easily bored with tame chick-lit style romances.
I think if a person were into like, Midwestern settings about sweet, simple romances with some not-too-daunting conflicts, this would be perfectly serviceable as light, easy reading.
Overall, my thoughts are pretty neutral, it's a light and easy kind of contemporary romance set in a little farm town in Michigan, which is the state I grew up in. I got all the little Michigan references, which kind of felt surreal because nothing ever takes place here so, that was kind of interesting.
Told in alternating perspectives, it tells a story of two salt of the earth kind of people from a small farming community sort of town who are quickly attracted, date, have some hiccups, then find their happily ever after all in about 300 pages.
I don't hate it (I have anything to say about particular aspects; there's no particular incidents or examples of things I think are bad or a problem), but I also didn't especially enjoy it or like it, which is mostly the fault of me not liking contemporary-settings much and being easily bored with tame chick-lit style romances.
I think if a person were into like, Midwestern settings about sweet, simple romances with some not-too-daunting conflicts, this would be perfectly serviceable as light, easy reading.
April 17, 2025
[3.5 stars]
_________________________________
S – Setting [3.5]
P – Plot [4.0]
E – Engagement [3.5]
C – Characters [3.5]
S – Style [3.0]
_______________________________
Lucas and Penny
They first met in chemistry class in HS, she was the nerdy freshman and he was a senior and captain of the football team dating the popular cheerleader. Luke went to marry Breanna and was wrapped in that for 10 years. When Penny comes back to town after losing her job, she applies for the open manager position in Luke’s business and they begin to secretly date - company policy doesn’t allow employees to date. Eventually, Penny gets tired of being a secret and Luke’s past relationship insecurities get in the way of things.
The book was cute, but I would not read it again. I did like that it was dual POV!
It’s a clean romance, only kissing on the pages. 😊
_________________________________
S – Setting [3.5]
P – Plot [4.0]
E – Engagement [3.5]
C – Characters [3.5]
S – Style [3.0]
_______________________________
Lucas and Penny
They first met in chemistry class in HS, she was the nerdy freshman and he was a senior and captain of the football team dating the popular cheerleader. Luke went to marry Breanna and was wrapped in that for 10 years. When Penny comes back to town after losing her job, she applies for the open manager position in Luke’s business and they begin to secretly date - company policy doesn’t allow employees to date. Eventually, Penny gets tired of being a secret and Luke’s past relationship insecurities get in the way of things.
The book was cute, but I would not read it again. I did like that it was dual POV!
It’s a clean romance, only kissing on the pages. 😊
October 7, 2025
A cute, sweet small-town rom-com! The story was well written, and while the miscommunication was a bit frustrating at times, it was an important part of their growth. It’s a clean read—but there’s a lot of kissing. Like… a lot. 😉
I loved the mix of personalities among Penny’s friends—from brooding to outgoing—and then there’s the most adorable little girl, Sasha. Oh my goodness, I just wanted to hug her and give her all the ice cream!
Even with all the ups and downs, it never crosses the line into open-door territory, and there’s no swearing. I loved how they both just knew from the moment they met a second time.
I loved the mix of personalities among Penny’s friends—from brooding to outgoing—and then there’s the most adorable little girl, Sasha. Oh my goodness, I just wanted to hug her and give her all the ice cream!
Even with all the ups and downs, it never crosses the line into open-door territory, and there’s no swearing. I loved how they both just knew from the moment they met a second time.
December 29, 2022
pleasantly surprised
This was offered for free and I was pleasantly surprised. I haven’t read anything by Krista Norman before but I found myself wanting Penny to find true love and poor Lucas to be able to make up his own mind and be rid of Breanna. I would be interested to find out how her friends get together with their husbands before 30! I am sure Jessa will end up with Ethan. The preview for book 2 that popped up said Ellie and Cooper so maybe Jessa will be after that.
This was offered for free and I was pleasantly surprised. I haven’t read anything by Krista Norman before but I found myself wanting Penny to find true love and poor Lucas to be able to make up his own mind and be rid of Breanna. I would be interested to find out how her friends get together with their husbands before 30! I am sure Jessa will end up with Ethan. The preview for book 2 that popped up said Ellie and Cooper so maybe Jessa will be after that.
April 29, 2025
Cute and fun! There was some “quirky girl” dialogue and inner monologue that kind of took me out of the story, and I went into it knowing that misunderstanding trope would be prevalent.
I have some critiques of the characterizations and I wish the author had gone further to explore the mental abuse Lucas had suffered, which would have made the misunderstandings more bearable and would have made him feel a little more rounded-out. For a dual POV novel, his character was fairly flat compared to Penny.
For what it is, it is a cute and quick read. A much needed break after re-reading THG.
I have some critiques of the characterizations and I wish the author had gone further to explore the mental abuse Lucas had suffered, which would have made the misunderstandings more bearable and would have made him feel a little more rounded-out. For a dual POV novel, his character was fairly flat compared to Penny.
For what it is, it is a cute and quick read. A much needed break after re-reading THG.
January 6, 2024
This was precious. I kind of wish it was longer so things could be spaced out more but I really enjoyed this. It was very sweet, Lucas was a dummy (naturally of course) and Penelope was a headstrong cutie.
I love Runaround Sue, I think adding that bit of quirkiness really made that part a treasured moment.
I didn’t even notice that this had zero spice and I think that says a lot.
All I know is that Jessa and Ethan better get together. 🥹
I love Runaround Sue, I think adding that bit of quirkiness really made that part a treasured moment.
I didn’t even notice that this had zero spice and I think that says a lot.
All I know is that Jessa and Ethan better get together. 🥹
April 2, 2025
Sweet story.
Lucas is directing the family farm and Penny joins as office manager.
She had a crush on him since highschool when they were lab partners.
There's a policy in the farm that forbid dating employees
They start dating in secret.
She has three friends (Ellie, Tally and Jessa), together they make a pact to not marry before 30 to focus on their careers and mature enough before committing.
Lucas is directing the family farm and Penny joins as office manager.
She had a crush on him since highschool when they were lab partners.
There's a policy in the farm that forbid dating employees
They start dating in secret.
She has three friends (Ellie, Tally and Jessa), together they make a pact to not marry before 30 to focus on their careers and mature enough before committing.
January 5, 2025
Lucas and penny. They have an interesting story. It was fun watching them get to know each other again. I feel like there was way too much miscommunication between the characters. I’m glad the side characters provided logic and support for them throughout their journey.
Zero swearing
Closed door
Zero swearing
Closed door
September 1, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
Very cute contemporary romance book. Fall vibes. Small town romance. Love Penny and all her friends. Love Lucas and all his family. Easy to read. I enjoyed their love story but they were in their mid twenties and all the drama they were involved in was very “high school drama”. I received this from a stuff your kindle event.
Very cute contemporary romance book. Fall vibes. Small town romance. Love Penny and all her friends. Love Lucas and all his family. Easy to read. I enjoyed their love story but they were in their mid twenties and all the drama they were involved in was very “high school drama”. I received this from a stuff your kindle event.
January 8, 2023
2.5. too instalove and soooo high school. unnecessary drama that really made it a struggle to read. and hopefully this was just a bit clunky bc it was the first book and the author needed to introduce everyone. hoping to see something more than just kissing in the next books lol
January 11, 2023
Good one
We are all shaped by our experiences and these young people are clearly proof of that. A good story about a group of young people in a small Midwestern town. Lots of amusing experiences along with a few sad ones.
We are all shaped by our experiences and these young people are clearly proof of that. A good story about a group of young people in a small Midwestern town. Lots of amusing experiences along with a few sad ones.
October 10, 2024
Lovably interesting and engagingly informative story of a good and generous hero from a noble and well-known family and a group of smart friends' influence and support for a happy union with a forgiving, good-hearted, astute, and assertive heroine!
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