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In the Garden #2
First Crush
Third-grade teacher Maddie McCormick was thrilled when the greenhouse classroom actually came to fruition—but she hadn’t counted on angering the local street thugs, or their threats.
Police officer Ben Belliston hadn’t planned on fatherhood—ever—but gaining custody of his orphaned niece had him rearranging all of his priorities. She and Maddie, her new teacher, bonded right away, so he was happy to provide a little off-duty security in the greenhouse—it was more than a fair exchange for the way Maddie helped his niece from her shell. He hadn’t expected to begin seeing his best friend’s little sister in a new light, or the way it would make him question all of his future plans.
Police officer Ben Belliston hadn’t planned on fatherhood—ever—but gaining custody of his orphaned niece had him rearranging all of his priorities. She and Maddie, her new teacher, bonded right away, so he was happy to provide a little off-duty security in the greenhouse—it was more than a fair exchange for the way Maddie helped his niece from her shell. He hadn’t expected to begin seeing his best friend’s little sister in a new light, or the way it would make him question all of his future plans.
270 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2016
182 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 30, 2019
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As you hop into the second volume of this series, you are presented with the drama, intrigue, and the possibility of a chance at love. Maddie has loved Ben since they were kids. She helps him adjust to the custody of his niece, Felicia. In return, Ben provides security at the community garden and greenhouse via the police force. He never saw her the same way. Until now.
Some of the main characters were woven in from the previous series and allow the reader to not only reconnect, but also has the opportunity to see a more in-depth look these characters in this series.
Escape into the world of suspense and romance with this clean and wholesome contemporary backdrop, unless a few kisses eliminate this from that category for you. There were lots of issues to overcome, twists and turns, and the family dynamics to iron out. It was captivating and provided a gratifying experience, including spurts of inspiration, hope, and romance.
This first volume in this series is a spin-off from The Carver Ranch series, also written by Heather Tullis. Thankfully, both series are available to Prime members on Amazon through the Kindle Unlimited program. It was clean and wholesome, so that makes me smile! I would recommend the series for sure.
I recommended this series!
As you hop into the second volume of this series, you are presented with the drama, intrigue, and the possibility of a chance at love. Maddie has loved Ben since they were kids. She helps him adjust to the custody of his niece, Felicia. In return, Ben provides security at the community garden and greenhouse via the police force. He never saw her the same way. Until now.
Some of the main characters were woven in from the previous series and allow the reader to not only reconnect, but also has the opportunity to see a more in-depth look these characters in this series.
Escape into the world of suspense and romance with this clean and wholesome contemporary backdrop, unless a few kisses eliminate this from that category for you. There were lots of issues to overcome, twists and turns, and the family dynamics to iron out. It was captivating and provided a gratifying experience, including spurts of inspiration, hope, and romance.
This first volume in this series is a spin-off from The Carver Ranch series, also written by Heather Tullis. Thankfully, both series are available to Prime members on Amazon through the Kindle Unlimited program. It was clean and wholesome, so that makes me smile! I would recommend the series for sure.
I recommended this series!
March 11, 2018
March 2018:
Second time reading this book and I think I loved it more this time around! Ben and Maddie are perfect for each other and little Felicia is adorable! It's definitely a fun series and I can't wait to read book 3!
March 2016:
Maddie McCormick and her friends have been working on getting the greenhouse up and running not only for her students but for the community as well. When the local gang wants to take back what they think was their's, Maddie has no choice but to turn to her long time crush, Officer Ben Belliston, for help. She has been beyond frustrated with him because he can't seem to see her as anyone other than his best friend's little sister.
Ben Belliston did not have a great childhood. His father was an abusive alcoholic and his mother was the punching bag. She refused to leave his father and Ben had no choice but to deal with the abuse. With role models like his parents, he refuses to ever get married or have a family. He will not take a chance of ever turning out like his father. Little did he know that one phone call would change his life forever. When his niece, Felicia, comes to live with him after her mother's death, he has no choice but to turn to Maddie for help.
Will these two ever realize how perfect they are together? Or will the past and their pride ruin what could be the best thing to ever happen to all of them?
First Crush was a fun addition to the In the Garden series! I loved seeing all the characters from Hello Again! And the addition of little Felicia was perfect! I have actually been on a single parent finding love kick lately and this book did not disappoint! There is just something about little kids pulling at the heart strings of big alpha males that just melts my heart! I love it!
Heather Tullis has become an auto-buy author for me! She has a way of sucking me into her books and not letting me go until the end! I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series! If you haven't read anything by her yet then you are missing out! I highly recommend this series as well as the DiCarlo Bride series. So fun! :)
And of course I can't forget my casting! I think these two are perfect! ;) Hehe.
Second time reading this book and I think I loved it more this time around! Ben and Maddie are perfect for each other and little Felicia is adorable! It's definitely a fun series and I can't wait to read book 3!
March 2016:
Maddie McCormick and her friends have been working on getting the greenhouse up and running not only for her students but for the community as well. When the local gang wants to take back what they think was their's, Maddie has no choice but to turn to her long time crush, Officer Ben Belliston, for help. She has been beyond frustrated with him because he can't seem to see her as anyone other than his best friend's little sister.
Ben Belliston did not have a great childhood. His father was an abusive alcoholic and his mother was the punching bag. She refused to leave his father and Ben had no choice but to deal with the abuse. With role models like his parents, he refuses to ever get married or have a family. He will not take a chance of ever turning out like his father. Little did he know that one phone call would change his life forever. When his niece, Felicia, comes to live with him after her mother's death, he has no choice but to turn to Maddie for help.
Will these two ever realize how perfect they are together? Or will the past and their pride ruin what could be the best thing to ever happen to all of them?
First Crush was a fun addition to the In the Garden series! I loved seeing all the characters from Hello Again! And the addition of little Felicia was perfect! I have actually been on a single parent finding love kick lately and this book did not disappoint! There is just something about little kids pulling at the heart strings of big alpha males that just melts my heart! I love it!
Heather Tullis has become an auto-buy author for me! She has a way of sucking me into her books and not letting me go until the end! I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series! If you haven't read anything by her yet then you are missing out! I highly recommend this series as well as the DiCarlo Bride series. So fun! :)
And of course I can't forget my casting! I think these two are perfect! ;) Hehe.
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February 13, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/13/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Third-grade teacher Maddie McCormick was thrilled when the greenhouse classroom actually came to fruition—but she hadn’t counted on angering the local street thugs, or their threats.
Police officer Ben Belliston hadn’t planned on fatherhood—ever—but gaining custody of his orphaned niece had him rearranging all of his priorities. She and Maddie, her new teacher, bonded right away, so he was happy to provide a little off-duty security in the greenhouse—it was more than a fair exchange for the way Maddie helped his niece from her shell. He hadn’t expected to begin seeing his best friend’s little sister in a new light, or the way it would make him question all of his future plans.
Blurb:
Third-grade teacher Maddie McCormick was thrilled when the greenhouse classroom actually came to fruition—but she hadn’t counted on angering the local street thugs, or their threats.
Police officer Ben Belliston hadn’t planned on fatherhood—ever—but gaining custody of his orphaned niece had him rearranging all of his priorities. She and Maddie, her new teacher, bonded right away, so he was happy to provide a little off-duty security in the greenhouse—it was more than a fair exchange for the way Maddie helped his niece from her shell. He hadn’t expected to begin seeing his best friend’s little sister in a new light, or the way it would make him question all of his future plans.
November 23, 2016
More family drama than romance to me. Enjoyed the story but felt there was lack of chemistry and relationship development between the main characters and the ending wrapped up way too quickly. That said it really is a good story.
Content: Clean
Source: Ebook Review copy
Content: Clean
Source: Ebook Review copy
June 9, 2019
Reviews for In The Garden 1-4
****
3 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel Hello Again (In The Garden Book 1) Apr 27, 2015 by Heather Tullis and this review was given freely.
A second chance at love with a millionaire romance. Easy flowing with wonderful characters, a sweet romance, vivid descriptions and enough family drama to keep things interesting. Struggling Crystal Creek Dental Hygienist Piper meets her first love Reese Stone when she tries to start a city garden in her neighborhood to keep her autistic brother Spencer out of trouble.
****
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel First Crush (In the Garden Book 2) Mar 22, 2016 by Heather Tullis and this review was given freely.
A second chance at love with your brother's best friend clean romance with family drama and a sinister undertone. The story in book one continues with one of Piper's best friends, 3rd grade school teacher Maddie and her frustration when her brother Jason's best friend officer Ben continues to ignore her. A complex and interesting story containing two romances, the planning of Piper and Reese's wedding, gang activity, the topic of physical abuse, the anxiety that can occur with the uncertainty of loving a police officer, and Ben's surprise fatherhood.
****
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel Not in the Plans (In The Garden Book 3) Feb 27, 2018 by Heather Tullis and this review was given freely.
The trio of friends complete their status as couples when Adelyn finally recognises and accepts former army serviceman now construction worker Jason's labors of love. This novel combines vivid descriptions, family drama, a little humor and a happy ending with the pitfalls of online dating, the rocky preparations for Piper and Maddie's weddings as well as hinting at a second chance for love romance for Comfrey.
****
3 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel Last Chance (In The Garden Book 4) Apr 19, 2018 by Heather Tullis and this review was given freely.
This book covers the same time frame as book 3 but from Comfrey's view. Comfrey aka Channing must decide between local accountant Tony and her attorney ex-fiance Nick who is being blackmailed by Comfrey's parents to bring her back to Boston. A rocky romance, lottery winners,overbearing and self centered parents,
****
3 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel Hello Again (In The Garden Book 1) Apr 27, 2015 by Heather Tullis and this review was given freely.
A second chance at love with a millionaire romance. Easy flowing with wonderful characters, a sweet romance, vivid descriptions and enough family drama to keep things interesting. Struggling Crystal Creek Dental Hygienist Piper meets her first love Reese Stone when she tries to start a city garden in her neighborhood to keep her autistic brother Spencer out of trouble.
****
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel First Crush (In the Garden Book 2) Mar 22, 2016 by Heather Tullis and this review was given freely.
A second chance at love with your brother's best friend clean romance with family drama and a sinister undertone. The story in book one continues with one of Piper's best friends, 3rd grade school teacher Maddie and her frustration when her brother Jason's best friend officer Ben continues to ignore her. A complex and interesting story containing two romances, the planning of Piper and Reese's wedding, gang activity, the topic of physical abuse, the anxiety that can occur with the uncertainty of loving a police officer, and Ben's surprise fatherhood.
****
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel Not in the Plans (In The Garden Book 3) Feb 27, 2018 by Heather Tullis and this review was given freely.
The trio of friends complete their status as couples when Adelyn finally recognises and accepts former army serviceman now construction worker Jason's labors of love. This novel combines vivid descriptions, family drama, a little humor and a happy ending with the pitfalls of online dating, the rocky preparations for Piper and Maddie's weddings as well as hinting at a second chance for love romance for Comfrey.
****
3 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel Last Chance (In The Garden Book 4) Apr 19, 2018 by Heather Tullis and this review was given freely.
This book covers the same time frame as book 3 but from Comfrey's view. Comfrey aka Channing must decide between local accountant Tony and her attorney ex-fiance Nick who is being blackmailed by Comfrey's parents to bring her back to Boston. A rocky romance, lottery winners,overbearing and self centered parents,
October 9, 2024
Maddie McCormick is a teacher and she has a vision that will bring the community together, will help the local food bank, and give her students the knowledge of growing their own food. She’s creating a garden complete with plots for people to buy and garden for themselves. With the help of her best friends they put together the green house and the plots, and as a extra side perk she gets to work alongside her long time crush: Officer Ben Belliston, her brother’s best friend. When tragedy falls upon Ben’s sister-in-law he finds himself an instant father of his eight year old niece. Completely lost at raising a child, Ben finds himself turning to Maddie more and more for help. Can Maddie keep her feelings secret from Ben, or can she make that big leap of faith from friend to girlfriend without losing the closeness they share? Ben is clueless about Maddie’s feelings and he’s stubborn to his own feelings that start to grow inside him. When he does start to clue in on the chemistry that is between them he lets his fears get in the way and finds that he is about to lose the beautiful stable woman who has been in his life since he was a little boy and who he has fallen in love with.
Heather Tullis has created a great story that brings in the healing power of love. I started reading it one night, just hoping to get in a couple chapters before I went to bed and it turned into one of those midnight reading marathons where I couldn’t put the book down until I hit the last page. I have not read a book by this author before, but I found her writing smooth and easy to follow and her characters were strong and developed. She did a great job of using Ben’s background as a cop to really help his niece, Felicia, find her way through fear, loss and abuse. I fell in love with Ben, with his background he could have chosen to take any wrong path, but he chose to end the cycle of alcohol abuse and physical abuse that he lived with and suffered through from his own father and give Felicia a beautiful safe environment where she could feel loved and completely secure. I love it when I get a crush on a character in the book I’m reading, it tells me that the author loves her characters and does an amazing job creating their stories and their personalities and presents them in a way that we as readers, can’t help but love.
Heather Tullis has created a great story that brings in the healing power of love. I started reading it one night, just hoping to get in a couple chapters before I went to bed and it turned into one of those midnight reading marathons where I couldn’t put the book down until I hit the last page. I have not read a book by this author before, but I found her writing smooth and easy to follow and her characters were strong and developed. She did a great job of using Ben’s background as a cop to really help his niece, Felicia, find her way through fear, loss and abuse. I fell in love with Ben, with his background he could have chosen to take any wrong path, but he chose to end the cycle of alcohol abuse and physical abuse that he lived with and suffered through from his own father and give Felicia a beautiful safe environment where she could feel loved and completely secure. I love it when I get a crush on a character in the book I’m reading, it tells me that the author loves her characters and does an amazing job creating their stories and their personalities and presents them in a way that we as readers, can’t help but love.
October 9, 2024
Maddie McCormick is a teacher and she has a vision that will bring the community together, will help the local food bank, and give her students the knowledge of growing their own food. She’s creating a garden complete with plots for people to buy and garden for themselves. With the help of her best friends they put together the green house and the plots, and as a extra side perk she gets to work alongside her long time crush: Officer Ben Belliston, her brother’s best friend. When tragedy falls upon Ben’s sister-in-law he finds himself an instant father of his eight year old niece. Completely lost at raising a child, Ben finds himself turning to Maddie more and more for help. Can Maddie keep her feelings secret from Ben, or can she make that big leap of faith from friend to girlfriend without losing the closeness they share? Ben is clueless about Maddie’s feelings and he’s stubborn to his own feelings that start to grow inside him. When he does start to clue in on the chemistry that is between them he lets his fears get in the way and finds that he is about to lose the beautiful stable woman who has been in his life since he was a little boy and who he has fallen in love with.
Heather Tullis has created a great story that brings in the healing power of love. I started reading it one night, just hoping to get in a couple chapters before I went to bed and it turned into one of those midnight reading marathons where I couldn’t put the book down until I hit the last page. I have not read a book by this author before, but I found her writing smooth and easy to follow and her characters were strong and developed. She did a great job of using Ben’s background as a cop to really help his niece, Felicia, find her way through fear, loss and abuse. I fell in love with Ben, with his background he could have chosen to take any wrong path, but he chose to end the cycle of alcohol abuse and physical abuse that he lived with and suffered through from his own father and give Felicia a beautiful safe environment where she could feel loved and completely secure. I love it when I get a crush on a character in the book I’m reading, it tells me that the author loves her characters and does an amazing job creating their stories and their personalities and presents them in a way that we as readers, can’t help but love.
Heather Tullis has created a great story that brings in the healing power of love. I started reading it one night, just hoping to get in a couple chapters before I went to bed and it turned into one of those midnight reading marathons where I couldn’t put the book down until I hit the last page. I have not read a book by this author before, but I found her writing smooth and easy to follow and her characters were strong and developed. She did a great job of using Ben’s background as a cop to really help his niece, Felicia, find her way through fear, loss and abuse. I fell in love with Ben, with his background he could have chosen to take any wrong path, but he chose to end the cycle of alcohol abuse and physical abuse that he lived with and suffered through from his own father and give Felicia a beautiful safe environment where she could feel loved and completely secure. I love it when I get a crush on a character in the book I’m reading, it tells me that the author loves her characters and does an amazing job creating their stories and their personalities and presents them in a way that we as readers, can’t help but love.
June 12, 2018
Maddie McCormick has been crushing on her brother’s best friend Ben Belliston for years. But he doesn’t even notice that Jason’s little sister has grown up into a beautiful woman. “Was she not good enough to draw a nice guy’s attention?” With their circle of friends, work continues on the Crystal Creek Community Garden. Officer Belliston has lived a carefree bachelor lifestyle until an unexpected phone and the unforeseen arrival of his niece Felicia. Suddenly, thrown into the role of guardian and single parent, Ben must shuffle his schedule and reassess his priorities. School teacher Maddie is fully committed to her students but she really wants a committed relationship with Ben. When she commits to helping him with Felicia, he finally sees her and comes to appreciate the woman. Can they finally take their friendship to the next level?
I love the camaraderie between the characters in this series. I wish I had such a close group of girlfriends. It is always fun to catch up on their lives and loves. When they all rally around Ben and Felicia, it shows how important good, faithful, friends help in a time of need. While I sympathized with Ben’s family situation and their struggles, he can be a bit dense at times. How could he overlook someone as dynamic and amazing as Maddie.
This story deals with child abuse and neglect, drug, alcohol, and spousal abuse. There is some violence but plenty of fun family scenes and dating shenanigans. While not necessary, I recommend reading Hello Again for an introduction to the characters and their garden project.
*I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are uniquely my own.
I love the camaraderie between the characters in this series. I wish I had such a close group of girlfriends. It is always fun to catch up on their lives and loves. When they all rally around Ben and Felicia, it shows how important good, faithful, friends help in a time of need. While I sympathized with Ben’s family situation and their struggles, he can be a bit dense at times. How could he overlook someone as dynamic and amazing as Maddie.
This story deals with child abuse and neglect, drug, alcohol, and spousal abuse. There is some violence but plenty of fun family scenes and dating shenanigans. While not necessary, I recommend reading Hello Again for an introduction to the characters and their garden project.
*I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are uniquely my own.
June 28, 2018
Maddie & Ben grew up together. He was her brother’s best friend & Maddie’s first crush, one she never grew out of. Just when Maddie is deciding to give up on Ben & try to start a relationship with someone, Ben’s situation changes. Talk about a man out of his depth. Ben is suddenly his niece Felicia’s guardian. Her mother died & his brother, Felicia’s father, is in prison. Maddie steps up to help him & it causes him to see her in a new light. Add in drama regarding the community garden & the people opposed to it. Can Ben & Maddie navigate everything safely?
I loved the fact that this was not an “instant” love. Ben & Maddie had known each other for years. I enjoyed the interactions among the characters since it only adds additional understanding. The characters are the same as from Book 2 since they are a group of friends. This can easily be read as a stand alone though. You just gain character depth if you read it in order. This was a sweet romance!
I loved the fact that this was not an “instant” love. Ben & Maddie had known each other for years. I enjoyed the interactions among the characters since it only adds additional understanding. The characters are the same as from Book 2 since they are a group of friends. This can easily be read as a stand alone though. You just gain character depth if you read it in order. This was a sweet romance!
April 1, 2019
The second book in the In the Garden Series is not one to miss! A story of love where both characters never expected to find their happy-ever-after in a greenhouse surrounded by local thugs. Love always has surprises around every corner. This book is full of them!
I really enjoyed Maddie’s personality. She loves her students and will do anything to help her class and her community succeed. She is a woman of devotion and dedication. Ben is such a great guy. He takes life by the horns and wants good in the world. Plus, he is handsome which is a bonus!
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more books in the series. The author reaches in and grabs your attention until the very last page. A clean enjoyable read for all.
*Please note I received a complimentary copy of this book. I am under no obligation to review and all opinions expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed Maddie’s personality. She loves her students and will do anything to help her class and her community succeed. She is a woman of devotion and dedication. Ben is such a great guy. He takes life by the horns and wants good in the world. Plus, he is handsome which is a bonus!
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more books in the series. The author reaches in and grabs your attention until the very last page. A clean enjoyable read for all.
*Please note I received a complimentary copy of this book. I am under no obligation to review and all opinions expressed are my own.
April 8, 2018
Maddie has always had a crush on her brother's best friend Ben. Ben only saw her as Jason's little sister, until he gains custody of his brother's daughter and Maddie steps in to help. He sees her in a whole new light and soon realizes that he can't live without her, but is it enough to give up his determination to never get married?
I enjoyed this book a lot. Maddie is a school teacher who starts a new project at the community greenhouse with her students and Ben is the police officer who is always there to protect them from the local drug dealers. It's such a sweet romance with a few plot twists. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a light read that captivates the audience until the end.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Maddie is a school teacher who starts a new project at the community greenhouse with her students and Ben is the police officer who is always there to protect them from the local drug dealers. It's such a sweet romance with a few plot twists. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a light read that captivates the audience until the end.
May 2, 2018
Review.
The second book in the series. Just as good as the first one. Maddie teaches 3rd grade, and the of is across the street from the community garden. They have a greenhouse now and the 3 3rd grade classes are planting vegetables in it as part of their curriculum. Some gang members want the land back and have threatened people so few have signed for for plots. Maddie's brother 's best frie nd is a cop, and he helps at the garden to discourage the gangs. He also just got custody of his 7 year old niece since her father is in prison and her mother o'd. Maddie, who has had a crush on him for years, helps with her when his shifts change around. Finally, he noticed her and now there are 2 weddings to plan. Very good book.
The second book in the series. Just as good as the first one. Maddie teaches 3rd grade, and the of is across the street from the community garden. They have a greenhouse now and the 3 3rd grade classes are planting vegetables in it as part of their curriculum. Some gang members want the land back and have threatened people so few have signed for for plots. Maddie's brother 's best frie nd is a cop, and he helps at the garden to discourage the gangs. He also just got custody of his 7 year old niece since her father is in prison and her mother o'd. Maddie, who has had a crush on him for years, helps with her when his shifts change around. Finally, he noticed her and now there are 2 weddings to plan. Very good book.
January 26, 2019
Love these garden bbooks
Maddie and Ben have known each other for years. Maddie's family has been a better family to him then his own. Maddie has had a crush but did nothing while growing up. Ben is a police officer and Maddie is a teacher. His world gets turned upside down when his young niece ends up with him. He learns the joy of raising a young girl. Maddie helps him. It is a fun, crazy story with his trying to learn. Love the characters in the book and the wonderful garden. They are so sweet together.
Maddie and Ben have known each other for years. Maddie's family has been a better family to him then his own. Maddie has had a crush but did nothing while growing up. Ben is a police officer and Maddie is a teacher. His world gets turned upside down when his young niece ends up with him. He learns the joy of raising a young girl. Maddie helps him. It is a fun, crazy story with his trying to learn. Love the characters in the book and the wonderful garden. They are so sweet together.
May 18, 2025
Sweet, contemporary romance
Romance, sweet, contemporary; series but stand alone read
Maddie and Ben’s story was long term crush on Maddie’s part, and she hoped he would finally see her as something more than her brother’s little sister. His fear of becoming abusive like his father was has him holding back from happiness for both of them.
Lovely portrait of a sweet fall that was more than enough for them both. Two honest hearts, working to make their world a better place, and finding some love and joy for each other in the process. Lively sweet read.
Romance, sweet, contemporary; series but stand alone read
Maddie and Ben’s story was long term crush on Maddie’s part, and she hoped he would finally see her as something more than her brother’s little sister. His fear of becoming abusive like his father was has him holding back from happiness for both of them.
Lovely portrait of a sweet fall that was more than enough for them both. Two honest hearts, working to make their world a better place, and finding some love and joy for each other in the process. Lively sweet read.
June 15, 2018
This second book in the Garden Series is pure delight with lots of drama thrown in. I highly recommend reading the first book in the series, Hello Again, before reading First Crush. They have the same characters with an emphasis on different relationships. The writing is wonderful and the characters are very likable and well developed. I loved Maddies’ steady strength. I loved Bens bravery. I look forward to reading all the books in this series.
August 30, 2018
This is an amazing romance centered around Ben (who steps up to be a father figure) who wants the best for his niece and her teacher (who also happens to be his friends little sister). This is a sweet story, and can be read as a stand alone from the series... though you will want to read the entire series. I loved how they worked together to help Maddie (the niece) as well as her greenhouse classroom. A true romance centered around adult decisions. Loved it.
June 13, 2018
I liked the storyline in this book. I liked the community feel to it. I thought Ben and Maddie were both great characters. I was a little disappointed in the romance end. I felt like Maddie and Ben acted more like an old married couple than a young in love couple. I plan on reading the next one to see where the story goes with the next couple.
August 31, 2018
This book was so much fun. It is a light read, but there is some serious stuff thrown in. I loved both Maddie and Ben. I loved reading about Piper and Reece, and speculating about who will get together in future books and how it will play out. My only complaint is that the ending felt a bit abrupt, but not painfully so.
September 11, 2019
Great
Maddie has had a thing for her brother's friend Ben forever but she has never pushed it. Ben gets a call about his niece needing a home because her mom died. His brother is in jail. But something about working in the greenhouse and little Felicia bring the two of them together as a couple.
Maddie has had a thing for her brother's friend Ben forever but she has never pushed it. Ben gets a call about his niece needing a home because her mom died. His brother is in jail. But something about working in the greenhouse and little Felicia bring the two of them together as a couple.
February 14, 2019
Inevitable
The love story with the two main people was obvious and inevitable. Sweet characters. Family problems. Same old, with an obvious set up for the next book in series. There were spelling mistakes and swearing. Both detracted from this book.
The love story with the two main people was obvious and inevitable. Sweet characters. Family problems. Same old, with an obvious set up for the next book in series. There were spelling mistakes and swearing. Both detracted from this book.
July 2, 2021
the only downside to these books in the series is it leaves you hanging. The couple finally connect but its one of the last final paragraphs. great stories enjoyed the read. would like to see more though, as with the next book you learn (spoiler alert) that Felicia is spending time with her mom's sisters but in this book it was out of the question, how did it evolve.
June 17, 2018
Loved this book. Such a sweet romance. This book is more about romance and life than about sex. This was a refreshing book.
January 31, 2019
Fun continuation or stand alone book.
February 3, 2019
This is an enjoyable read and the characters were both realistic.
September 11, 2019
Maddie has loved Ben forever. Ben is a police officer and he receives a call about his niece. He takes custody of his niece and she is in Maddie's class room.
January 12, 2020
I absolutely loved this book and loved Maddie & Ben's story. I love how Ben was with Felicia and helped her through everything. What a great story.
January 12, 2020
Great
Wonderful page to page story line. Filled with a lot of real life questions of is it love or not.
Wonderful page to page story line. Filled with a lot of real life questions of is it love or not.
December 17, 2020
Two decades
Maddie and Ben's story has you on the edge of the chair. It takes a break up to get Ben to realize he won't turn out like his dad.
Maddie and Ben's story has you on the edge of the chair. It takes a break up to get Ben to realize he won't turn out like his dad.
October 3, 2016
This was pretty good. I do wish there would have been more bantering and we could hear them getting to know each other
March 22, 2016
Maddie McCormick is a teacher and she has a vision that will bring the community together, will help the local food bank, and give her students the knowledge of growing their own food. She’s creating a garden complete with plots for people to buy and garden for themselves. With the help of her best friends they put together the green house and the plots, and as a extra side perk she gets to work alongside her long time crush: Officer Ben Belliston, her brother’s best friend. When tragedy falls upon Ben’s sister-in-law he finds himself an instant father of his eight year old niece. Completely lost at raising a child, Ben finds himself turning to Maddie more and more for help. Can Maddie keep her feelings secret from Ben, or can she make that big leap of faith from friend to girlfriend without losing the closeness they share? Ben is clueless about Maddie’s feelings and he’s stubborn to his own feelings that start to grow inside him. When he does start to clue in on the chemistry that is between them he lets his fears get in the way and finds that he is about to lose the beautiful stable woman who has been in his life since he was a little boy and who he has fallen in love with.
Heather Tullis has created a great story that brings in the healing power of love. I started reading it one night, just hoping to get in a couple chapters before I went to bed and it turned into one of those midnight reading marathons where I couldn’t put the book down until I hit the last page. I have not read a book by this author before, but I found her writing smooth and easy to follow and her characters were strong and developed. She did a great job of using Ben’s background as a cop to really help his niece, Felicia, find her way through fear, loss and abuse. I fell in love with Ben, with his background he could have chosen to take any wrong path, but he chose to end the cycle of alcohol abuse and physical abuse that he lived with and suffered through from his own father and give Felicia a beautiful safe environment where she could feel loved and completely secure. I love it when I get a crush on a character in the book I’m reading, it tells me that the author loves her characters and does an amazing job creating their stories and their personalities and presents them in a way that we as readers, can’t help but love.
Heather Tullis has created a great story that brings in the healing power of love. I started reading it one night, just hoping to get in a couple chapters before I went to bed and it turned into one of those midnight reading marathons where I couldn’t put the book down until I hit the last page. I have not read a book by this author before, but I found her writing smooth and easy to follow and her characters were strong and developed. She did a great job of using Ben’s background as a cop to really help his niece, Felicia, find her way through fear, loss and abuse. I fell in love with Ben, with his background he could have chosen to take any wrong path, but he chose to end the cycle of alcohol abuse and physical abuse that he lived with and suffered through from his own father and give Felicia a beautiful safe environment where she could feel loved and completely secure. I love it when I get a crush on a character in the book I’m reading, it tells me that the author loves her characters and does an amazing job creating their stories and their personalities and presents them in a way that we as readers, can’t help but love.
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