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Green Hills #3
Three Times to Make Sure
She’s always feared abandonment. Is she about to face it again or find happily ever after?
M’Kenzee Davenport knows love doesn’t last. So despite marrying her high school crush on a whim in Vegas, the gritty photojournalist never believed the union was real. But when her husband-in-name-only goes missing on a mission for the FBI, she’s stunned to receive his effects as next-of-kin.
Poring through his childhood journals, M’Kenzee discovers to her amazement that the handsome G-man has loved her forever. And with no news about his fate, the tormented loner worries he’s lost for good just as she discovers she doesn’t want to live without him.
Will M’Kenzee be reunited with the man of her dreams?
Three Times to Make Sure is the emotional third book in the Green Hills romance series. If you like endearing characters, family drama, and wholesome matches, then you’ll adore Virginia’dele Smith’s captivating story.
Buy Three Times to Make Sure to learn the heart’s buried truths today!
M’Kenzee Davenport knows love doesn’t last. So despite marrying her high school crush on a whim in Vegas, the gritty photojournalist never believed the union was real. But when her husband-in-name-only goes missing on a mission for the FBI, she’s stunned to receive his effects as next-of-kin.
Poring through his childhood journals, M’Kenzee discovers to her amazement that the handsome G-man has loved her forever. And with no news about his fate, the tormented loner worries he’s lost for good just as she discovers she doesn’t want to live without him.
Will M’Kenzee be reunited with the man of her dreams?
Three Times to Make Sure is the emotional third book in the Green Hills romance series. If you like endearing characters, family drama, and wholesome matches, then you’ll adore Virginia’dele Smith’s captivating story.
Buy Three Times to Make Sure to learn the heart’s buried truths today!
- GenresContemporary
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2022
44 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
About the author
Virginia'dele Smith
11 books286 followersAshli Montgomery is a wife, a momma, and an author whose passion is sharing love stories, books, quilts, yoga, recipes, and all of her favorite things in life. She is quilting to mend the mind by spearheading and educating a community of friends who love quilts and quilting but hate Alzheimer’s disease through Quilt 2 End ALZ, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit she launched to use her quilting hobby as a platform to advocate for an end to Alzheimer's disease.
Ashli writes under the pen name Virginia’dele Smith to honor Syble Virginia Tidwell, Adele Gertrude Baylin, and Etta Jean Smith. These three cherished grandmothers were beautiful role models, teaching Ashli to love without judgment and to always put family first. Through Grandma Syble’s journals and appetite for books, through Momadele’s priceless cards and handwritten letters, and through many, many hours of visiting over fabric at Mema’s kitchen island, Ashli also learned to treasure words.
You are invited to join Ashli in Green Hills and learn more about Virginia’dele Smith by subscribing to Ashli’s newsletter, The Gazette, at AshliMontgomery.com.
Ashli writes under the pen name Virginia’dele Smith to honor Syble Virginia Tidwell, Adele Gertrude Baylin, and Etta Jean Smith. These three cherished grandmothers were beautiful role models, teaching Ashli to love without judgment and to always put family first. Through Grandma Syble’s journals and appetite for books, through Momadele’s priceless cards and handwritten letters, and through many, many hours of visiting over fabric at Mema’s kitchen island, Ashli also learned to treasure words.
You are invited to join Ashli in Green Hills and learn more about Virginia’dele Smith by subscribing to Ashli’s newsletter, The Gazette, at AshliMontgomery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 3, 2022
This book is a winner!! I would give it 10 stars if I could .
The author touched on so many emotions and took me on such a journey that I felt I was with the experiencing everything that the characters felt. This is the third book that I have read by this amazing author. I couldn’t put the book down and lost sleep until I finished it. I recommend it and can’t wait for book 4. I read it as an ARC reader and also purchased a copy gladly 🤗. You will love this story
The author touched on so many emotions and took me on such a journey that I felt I was with the experiencing everything that the characters felt. This is the third book that I have read by this amazing author. I couldn’t put the book down and lost sleep until I finished it. I recommend it and can’t wait for book 4. I read it as an ARC reader and also purchased a copy gladly 🤗. You will love this story
April 15, 2025
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that captured a lifelong love quite like this one. It’s a story of two souls who kept finding their way back to each other, even when life pulled them apart.
They first “married” as kids at a parent’s booth, sweet, innocent, and full of possibility. Years later, they tied the knot again after a wild night in Vegas, thinking they were drunk and that it didn’t count. (Spoiler: neither of them was drunk) But the marriage, though only ever “on paper,” became a quiet tether between them. They drifted in and out of each other’s lives, never daring to say what they truly felt, but always, always loving one another. No one else knew they were married. It was their secret.
It’s only when that paper marriage is threatened that the truth starts to unravel. And when Bren goes missing on his final mission, it’s M’Kenzee who receives his belongings. As his legal wife, she inherits his journals, and it’s through those pages that she finally sees the depth of his love. A love that spanned years that waited patiently in silence. A love he never stopped feeling.
M’Kenzee had loved him just as deeply, but the chaos of her life and the pain of losing control over the people she loved forced her to shut down, to go cold. Yet as she reads his journals, reliving shared moments through his eyes...her walls begin to crumble. She begins to hope again, to believe in love, even as she waits in agony for news of Bren.
This story was tender and absolutely heart-wrenching. Diving into Bren’s journals and reading all the unsent letters to M’Kenzee was emotional and beautiful. Watching his love for her grow with every entry while never knowing if he’d return kept me holding my breath. It’s a slow burn in the best way, waiting for Bren, and watching M’Kenzee slowly open herself up after years of hiding from joy.
You’ll root for these two with your whole heart, and you’ll find yourself hoping for Bren’s return just as fiercely as M’Kenzee does.
If I am being honest with myself... I see a lot of myself in M'Kenzee's character. I don't think I realized it as much until I see her thoughts and actions across the page. Thank goodness that even in my brokenness, similar to M'Kenzee, I have always had God just a whisper away. He continues to work on me over the years.
They first “married” as kids at a parent’s booth, sweet, innocent, and full of possibility. Years later, they tied the knot again after a wild night in Vegas, thinking they were drunk and that it didn’t count. (Spoiler: neither of them was drunk) But the marriage, though only ever “on paper,” became a quiet tether between them. They drifted in and out of each other’s lives, never daring to say what they truly felt, but always, always loving one another. No one else knew they were married. It was their secret.
It’s only when that paper marriage is threatened that the truth starts to unravel. And when Bren goes missing on his final mission, it’s M’Kenzee who receives his belongings. As his legal wife, she inherits his journals, and it’s through those pages that she finally sees the depth of his love. A love that spanned years that waited patiently in silence. A love he never stopped feeling.
M’Kenzee had loved him just as deeply, but the chaos of her life and the pain of losing control over the people she loved forced her to shut down, to go cold. Yet as she reads his journals, reliving shared moments through his eyes...her walls begin to crumble. She begins to hope again, to believe in love, even as she waits in agony for news of Bren.
This story was tender and absolutely heart-wrenching. Diving into Bren’s journals and reading all the unsent letters to M’Kenzee was emotional and beautiful. Watching his love for her grow with every entry while never knowing if he’d return kept me holding my breath. It’s a slow burn in the best way, waiting for Bren, and watching M’Kenzee slowly open herself up after years of hiding from joy.
You’ll root for these two with your whole heart, and you’ll find yourself hoping for Bren’s return just as fiercely as M’Kenzee does.
If I am being honest with myself... I see a lot of myself in M'Kenzee's character. I don't think I realized it as much until I see her thoughts and actions across the page. Thank goodness that even in my brokenness, similar to M'Kenzee, I have always had God just a whisper away. He continues to work on me over the years.
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July 23, 2025Thank you so much for taking a look at my third book in The Davenports series 💝 Three Times to Make Sure takes us on an emotional journey of discovery as we learn M'Kenzee and Bren's story of hidden affections, lifelong fears, and true love that never fades away. It's one of those manuscripts that writes itself and ends up way better than the writer had originally planned on her own! I hope you enjoy it 🙏
December 5, 2022
What a sweet series!
Bren has loved M’Kenzee his whole life. Even through her prickly personality and avoidance of him. When they “married” at the local fair when they were children, he knew she was the one for him. Then when they married in Vegas, he was making sure she was his. Now he’s disappeared on assignment for his super-secret job. Will he ever get to tell her how much he loves her?
People always leave M’Kenzee. First when her parents were killed in a car crash, then when Bren disappeared on the assignments he could never tell her about. And all the other people that have come and gone in her life. When Bren goes missing, as his wife, she gets his “Love Box.” It’s then she learns just how much he loves her and has been preparing to be by her side forever.
Bren has loved M’Kenzee his whole life. Even through her prickly personality and avoidance of him. When they “married” at the local fair when they were children, he knew she was the one for him. Then when they married in Vegas, he was making sure she was his. Now he’s disappeared on assignment for his super-secret job. Will he ever get to tell her how much he loves her?
People always leave M’Kenzee. First when her parents were killed in a car crash, then when Bren disappeared on the assignments he could never tell her about. And all the other people that have come and gone in her life. When Bren goes missing, as his wife, she gets his “Love Box.” It’s then she learns just how much he loves her and has been preparing to be by her side forever.
January 16, 2023
A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
15th January 2023
TITLE: Three Times to Make Sure (Green Hills)
AUTHOR: Virginia'dele Smith
Star Rating: 5
‘The best book of the set! A story of self-discovery, blossoming love, and deeply hidden secrets.’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
Oh my! And I thought the first two novels were good. This book is, in every way, a wonderful read. It follows M’Kenzee who discovers how she truly feels when her man is ´lost´ on an FBI assignment. This complex story, told with the help of journals, is compelling stuff – and very, very romantic! So much so, I did have a little cry – and, trust me, I never cry.
Personally, I feel this Green Hills book is the best so far. The author seems to be getting into her stride, her prose flowing wonderfully as she develops her characters, M’Kenzee and Bren, and the suffering they so often feel. This is escapism at its very best!
So, if you happen to be on the hunt for a seductive, emotionally charged novel to curl up with on the sofa with a glass of wine, this book is for you. And I must add, if this author is not picked up by a big publisher soon, it would be criminal.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
15th January 2023
TITLE: Three Times to Make Sure (Green Hills)
AUTHOR: Virginia'dele Smith
Star Rating: 5
‘The best book of the set! A story of self-discovery, blossoming love, and deeply hidden secrets.’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
Oh my! And I thought the first two novels were good. This book is, in every way, a wonderful read. It follows M’Kenzee who discovers how she truly feels when her man is ´lost´ on an FBI assignment. This complex story, told with the help of journals, is compelling stuff – and very, very romantic! So much so, I did have a little cry – and, trust me, I never cry.
Personally, I feel this Green Hills book is the best so far. The author seems to be getting into her stride, her prose flowing wonderfully as she develops her characters, M’Kenzee and Bren, and the suffering they so often feel. This is escapism at its very best!
So, if you happen to be on the hunt for a seductive, emotionally charged novel to curl up with on the sofa with a glass of wine, this book is for you. And I must add, if this author is not picked up by a big publisher soon, it would be criminal.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
December 9, 2022
Great plot and interweaves with the last story flawlessly
When reading, it's easy to understand, ie you don't have to read the first two. That said, it would be a huge disservice to yourself if you didn't! I enjoyed the plot, and finding out Bren and M'Kenzee's secrets was well worth the wait!
When reading, it's easy to understand, ie you don't have to read the first two. That said, it would be a huge disservice to yourself if you didn't! I enjoyed the plot, and finding out Bren and M'Kenzee's secrets was well worth the wait!
December 11, 2022
sweet and touching romance
Such a sweet story , a lot of it told through journals, where people can be their most vulnerable. Lovely HEA tale, I’m sure you will enjoy.
Such a sweet story , a lot of it told through journals, where people can be their most vulnerable. Lovely HEA tale, I’m sure you will enjoy.
December 6, 2022
Any book that starts out with a Mae West quote…
…and has awesome epitaphs is a sure win for me.
As I mentioned in the review for ‘In the Trenches’, I lived in the KCMO metro for six winters. And as such, these books are really nostalgic for me. What all y’all *don’t* know is that I also got married in Vegas. A few days before I moved from Kansas, I found out that a co-worker had also gotten married there - on the same exact night! Since I’ve since gotten divorced, let’s hope that M’Kenzee’s marriage is more successful.
Small towns are great for building community. Former classmates in my hometown still gather for softball games, concerts, and just plain hanging out. Some married their high-school sweethearts (and one couple has been together since they were thirteen). There’s something to say about the bonds that can come about only from growing up together.
In this series, there are many behaviors that are performed so naturally yet are rare in cities. Examples are asking about family members, slow cooking, protecting newcomers, impromptu fundraising events (Alzheimer’s), bartering, and just plain ‘ole giving.
As far as the siblings, Max is ever the protective older brother:
‘Bren better be alive…so I can kill him when he gets back.’
I appreciate how the author addresses PTSD. It doesn’t happen only for the military or for people in one traumatic incident. I’ve often heard people say, “Children are resilient”. But how that resilience manifests is exactly what M’Kenzee has done from early childhood. And that makes it much more complex…
This isn’t a romance – it’s a LOVE story.
Romance is a walk on the beach; Love is walks down memory lane.
Romance is painful break-ups; Love is working together through pain.
Romance is butterflies in the tummy & butterfly kisses; Love is planting a garden for butterflies to visit.
Romance is laughing at each other’s corny comments; Love is creating inside jokes that belong to you and you only.
Romance is making plans; Love is building a life together.
So far, in the first three books, readers followed the love stories of the three siblings. In the upcoming fourth book (‘Take a Chance on Love’), who’s left to share with us? Hmmm… Looking forward to find out!
…and has awesome epitaphs is a sure win for me.
As I mentioned in the review for ‘In the Trenches’, I lived in the KCMO metro for six winters. And as such, these books are really nostalgic for me. What all y’all *don’t* know is that I also got married in Vegas. A few days before I moved from Kansas, I found out that a co-worker had also gotten married there - on the same exact night! Since I’ve since gotten divorced, let’s hope that M’Kenzee’s marriage is more successful.
Small towns are great for building community. Former classmates in my hometown still gather for softball games, concerts, and just plain hanging out. Some married their high-school sweethearts (and one couple has been together since they were thirteen). There’s something to say about the bonds that can come about only from growing up together.
In this series, there are many behaviors that are performed so naturally yet are rare in cities. Examples are asking about family members, slow cooking, protecting newcomers, impromptu fundraising events (Alzheimer’s), bartering, and just plain ‘ole giving.
As far as the siblings, Max is ever the protective older brother:
‘Bren better be alive…so I can kill him when he gets back.’
I appreciate how the author addresses PTSD. It doesn’t happen only for the military or for people in one traumatic incident. I’ve often heard people say, “Children are resilient”. But how that resilience manifests is exactly what M’Kenzee has done from early childhood. And that makes it much more complex…
This isn’t a romance – it’s a LOVE story.
Romance is a walk on the beach; Love is walks down memory lane.
Romance is painful break-ups; Love is working together through pain.
Romance is butterflies in the tummy & butterfly kisses; Love is planting a garden for butterflies to visit.
Romance is laughing at each other’s corny comments; Love is creating inside jokes that belong to you and you only.
Romance is making plans; Love is building a life together.
So far, in the first three books, readers followed the love stories of the three siblings. In the upcoming fourth book (‘Take a Chance on Love’), who’s left to share with us? Hmmm… Looking forward to find out!
October 23, 2023
8 out of 5 stars
So far the best in the series, Three Times to Make Sure had me crying several times. M'Kenzee's character was super-relatable as someone who had to build walls around her heart to protect against people always abandoning her. She means well, she knows everyone's intentions and limitations, but that doesn't mean she's not felt abandoned. Over and over.
So when she receives strange and heartwrenching news of Bren, everyone in the favourite group of Green Hills is shocked and confused and just plain worried. M'Kenzee is felt with content that expresses Bren's feelings for her right from childhood until very recently.
How does she reconcile with it? Feeling cheated, betrayed, deprived, abandoned? Will she find it in herself to give it another chance and grab it with both hands if it comes back - the love of her life?
Three Times to Make Sure had scenes so well-written, it is a book to be read many, many times. Apart from M'Kenzee's private struggles, there's a lot about the very adoptive community, Alzheimer's disease, other characters, Scotland, PTSD and much more.
It is a wholesome book and worth every moment of my time. I am feeling enriched.
(There are some small copyediting errors here and there, but nothing takes away from the magnetic hold this book has on its reader.)
Now, onto Landry and Davis' story in book 4.
So far the best in the series, Three Times to Make Sure had me crying several times. M'Kenzee's character was super-relatable as someone who had to build walls around her heart to protect against people always abandoning her. She means well, she knows everyone's intentions and limitations, but that doesn't mean she's not felt abandoned. Over and over.
So when she receives strange and heartwrenching news of Bren, everyone in the favourite group of Green Hills is shocked and confused and just plain worried. M'Kenzee is felt with content that expresses Bren's feelings for her right from childhood until very recently.
How does she reconcile with it? Feeling cheated, betrayed, deprived, abandoned? Will she find it in herself to give it another chance and grab it with both hands if it comes back - the love of her life?
Three Times to Make Sure had scenes so well-written, it is a book to be read many, many times. Apart from M'Kenzee's private struggles, there's a lot about the very adoptive community, Alzheimer's disease, other characters, Scotland, PTSD and much more.
It is a wholesome book and worth every moment of my time. I am feeling enriched.
(There are some small copyediting errors here and there, but nothing takes away from the magnetic hold this book has on its reader.)
Now, onto Landry and Davis' story in book 4.
February 7, 2023
This is book 3 in the Green Hills series, and follows the only remaining single Davenport sibling, M’Kenzee. Through all the other books I loved her character because she was fierce and independent. She came crashing into the other story lines and then just as quickly was off on another adventure. To find out that she was secretly married, and to her brother’s best friend (!!), who has never been in the same scene as her previously… made me so intrigued and I couldn’t wait for this book.
The small town charm of Green Hills is just as adorable in this book as the other 2. We finally get to see more of the Davenport siblings past, starting from before their parents deaths, to where they are now and I so enjoyed getting to know them better. But the real gem of this book is the life long love story between Bren and M’Kenzee. It was the sweetest and it made me feel a plethora of emotions.
This book is available on kindle unlimited.
The small town charm of Green Hills is just as adorable in this book as the other 2. We finally get to see more of the Davenport siblings past, starting from before their parents deaths, to where they are now and I so enjoyed getting to know them better. But the real gem of this book is the life long love story between Bren and M’Kenzee. It was the sweetest and it made me feel a plethora of emotions.
This book is available on kindle unlimited.
July 27, 2023
July has been a wild month for me. I've read so many new books and discovered a handful of new authors. And found myself behind on reviewing the list of treasures found. With sweltering weather in the middle of the country, I'm found myself tied to my comfy chair with the air conditioning blasting and enjoying every second of the precious reading time. So, with a new month in front of me, it's time to catch up with reviews and prepare myself for the onslaught of new releases coming soon!
"Three Times to Make Sure" is the third installment of the Green Hills Series. I don't think it's necessary to read these books in order or prevent reading this one as a standalone. It was a very enjoyable light read -- genuinely engaging with lovable characters delivering both laughs and poignant tugs on the heartstrings. A newly discovered author for me who writes with irresistible appeal.
January 29, 2025
Photojournalist M’Kenzee has grown a tough outer shell as emotional protection due to trauma and losses experienced during childhood. Only through her creative photography does she have the confidence to share her private sentiments with others.
Special Agent Brennigan, childhood friend of the Davenport siblings, has loved feisty M’Kenzee since early childhood, but his career prevents him from pursuing their relationship. His frequent and prolonged absences are accepted as ‘normal’ until he fails to arrive home on his anticipated return date.
Ms Smith adopts a unique approach to this instalment of Green Hills life: from ‘present day’ to recent past and then delving into M’Kenzee and Bren’s childhood experiences via her memories and Bren’s diarised notes jotted in among tasks in his school exercise books and, as an adult in his dedicated journals.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Special Agent Brennigan, childhood friend of the Davenport siblings, has loved feisty M’Kenzee since early childhood, but his career prevents him from pursuing their relationship. His frequent and prolonged absences are accepted as ‘normal’ until he fails to arrive home on his anticipated return date.
Ms Smith adopts a unique approach to this instalment of Green Hills life: from ‘present day’ to recent past and then delving into M’Kenzee and Bren’s childhood experiences via her memories and Bren’s diarised notes jotted in among tasks in his school exercise books and, as an adult in his dedicated journals.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2022
A perfect romantic series
On a whim I found book one in this series and quickly became hooked. Even so I got my friend hooked as well.
From the beginning M’Kenzee has been my least favorite character but now she is my most favorite. Everything you thought you knew about her is completely wrong. You have to read this book to understand why she is the way she is.
All three love stories are clean and oh so romantic. Each will touch your heart in a different way. This story made me cry so many times but good cries. If you don’t cry you may need to check your pulse (just kidding).
The underlying theme of Alzheimer’s is much needed and very much appreciated.
I’m excited to learn that there will be a book 4!!!
Hurry and catch up on the first 3 books plus a small novella which I’m heading towards now.
On a whim I found book one in this series and quickly became hooked. Even so I got my friend hooked as well.
From the beginning M’Kenzee has been my least favorite character but now she is my most favorite. Everything you thought you knew about her is completely wrong. You have to read this book to understand why she is the way she is.
All three love stories are clean and oh so romantic. Each will touch your heart in a different way. This story made me cry so many times but good cries. If you don’t cry you may need to check your pulse (just kidding).
The underlying theme of Alzheimer’s is much needed and very much appreciated.
I’m excited to learn that there will be a book 4!!!
Hurry and catch up on the first 3 books plus a small novella which I’m heading towards now.
June 10, 2023
Two successful people who have been attracted to each other since the ages of 6 and 9, but who are not able to be honest about their feelings. M'Kenzee struggles with desertion issues after the untimely deaths of her parents and being placed in various foster homes. She is an overachiever who nevertheless is insecure in her ability to hold someone's forever love and afraid of the pain of losing that love. Bren, devoted to righting wrongs and saving people in impossible and dangerous situations, is an special agent for the military and lastly the FBI. When called upon, he leaves on a moment's notice. Not a good scenario overall for a relationship fraught with M/Kenzee's deep seated insecurities. Their love is deep, but deeply challenged by their life choices and the cost of allowing their love just may be more costly than they are able to pay.
July 26, 2025
This blends emotional depth with small-town charm. The story follows M’Kenzee Davenport, a gritty photojournalist who impulsively married her high school crush in Vegas—only to treat it as a fluke. But when her “husband-in-name-only” goes missing on an FBI mission, she’s forced to confront the truth about their bond through his childhood journals. It leans heavily on introspection and personal growth, making it ideal for readers who enjoy character-focused narratives. Pace is somewhat slower than other novels but heart felt.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 9, 2022
M’Kenzee Davenport had been through so much in her thirty-some years. Everyone she loved had left. So she built up a wall around her heart so she wouldn't be hurt when the next person abandoned her, even against the one person she'd loved since she was six years old, Brennigan. Then he was lost in combat. Is his disappearance enough to bring down M'Kenzee's walls? I've read all three of the Davenports' stories but this one has the most emotion. By the end, I really wanted Bren to come home to M'Kenzee. It was an excellent ending.
December 11, 2022
M'Kenzee and Bren have loved each other forever; getting married at a kids school carnival. They married a second time in Las Vegas after the super bowl. M'Kenzzee always felt left behind. Her parents died, Max took off to be an all star football player. Maree found a new home, Mr. and Mrs. Stewart went back to Scotland; and Bren chose duty over her. Same song different verse. When Bren goes missing, M'Kenzee gets his "love box," as his next of kin. What could be in this box that changes M'Kenzee's life? Love the plot, beautiful setting, and complex intense characters. A MUST READ!!
August 3, 2025
In this story we get to know M’Kenzee Davenport. Despite having married her high school crush on a whim in Vegas she does not believe in his love. Unfortunately, he disappears during a mission. While he is missing, she learns by reading his journals of his love for her.
Such a touching story. You become mesmerized by her reading the journal entries. You experience how great her growth is and really root for Bran's return. I also enjoyed the family dynamics and grew to care not only about the main character but also the secondary characters as well.
Such a touching story. You become mesmerized by her reading the journal entries. You experience how great her growth is and really root for Bran's return. I also enjoyed the family dynamics and grew to care not only about the main character but also the secondary characters as well.
January 30, 2023
Too many changes
This story was one that would touch your heart. Max, M'Kenzee and Maree had a difficult time in their teens due to the death of their parents. Going from foster home to another could not have been easy. M'Kenzee and Bren had a good relationship but just too many obstacles to over come. This was a very interesting story to follow never knowing the outcome. The author did an excellent job keeping you interested.
This story was one that would touch your heart. Max, M'Kenzee and Maree had a difficult time in their teens due to the death of their parents. Going from foster home to another could not have been easy. M'Kenzee and Bren had a good relationship but just too many obstacles to over come. This was a very interesting story to follow never knowing the outcome. The author did an excellent job keeping you interested.
January 17, 2025
Best if read in order. Both of her siblings have found their HEA, meanwhile she seems to be getting more withdrawn. What her family doesn't know is she's been married for years. How do they not know? What is going on between her and her husband? He wants to have a true marriage. She actively avoids him when possible. When everyone learns the full truth will things change?.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2023
This needs more than five stars
What an exciting, heart-wrenching story. Thank goodness I was reading it on my phone or I would have skipped to the final chapters. Jinks, as the red herring, was perfect.
The three books in this series are all great reads. Personally, I can't wait for number four.
FYI, I found the first two books by way of an ad on Facebook from Amazon.
What an exciting, heart-wrenching story. Thank goodness I was reading it on my phone or I would have skipped to the final chapters. Jinks, as the red herring, was perfect.
The three books in this series are all great reads. Personally, I can't wait for number four.
FYI, I found the first two books by way of an ad on Facebook from Amazon.
February 7, 2025
This is heart-wrenching. Watching M'Kenzee discover that she really does love her husband and he is missing was brutal. I felt like I was there. This was a great story of discovery of oneself and finding that true love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2023
I liked it just got to to a few days ago I like the journey the book takes and her issues with being abandoned and him missing as well I don’t like to give things away I like this book most I felt in my mind it felt like a left brain thinking book I like layers and depth and I do highly recommend
August 28, 2023
Oh my! I'm struggling for words.
Three Times to Make Sure by Virginia'dele Smith is wonderful, amazing, heart-rending, and beautiful. I can't do it justice right now, but will complete this review when I can find words.
Three Times to Make Sure by Virginia'dele Smith is wonderful, amazing, heart-rending, and beautiful. I can't do it justice right now, but will complete this review when I can find words.
June 29, 2025
Finding love and belonging
This is the fourth book in the series, and it does not disappoint. Two people have loved each other for a long time. But time, tragedy, illness, duty and distance have kept them apart. Now it is time to come together.
This is the fourth book in the series, and it does not disappoint. Two people have loved each other for a long time. But time, tragedy, illness, duty and distance have kept them apart. Now it is time to come together.
December 12, 2022
This is a remarkable book. It was pure enjoyment. The story, the characters, the hurting, the feeling of abandonment, the love. It was so full of love. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it.
February 26, 2023
Thanks for the free kindle copy.
A nice love story!
A nice love story!
March 9, 2023
Absolutely delightful!
January 17, 2023
Never would I have thought that picking this book at 8 am in the morning would lead my eyes to be all red and puffy (in bad and good ways) by the end of this unputdownable book. It’s been a while since I cried this hard reading such an incredible story.
From the beginning, the author sets up the tension and backstory between the two main characters. It’s a perfect amount of flashbacks and not too confusing to follow. M’Kenzee and Bren are made for each other but she fights against the love, fighting a fear of abandonment because of past experiences. When Bren disappears on a mission to Africa, M’Kenzee has to deal with all the turmoil that’s been built up in the years of loving Bren, yet also realizing just how much Bren loved her back throughout the years whether physically apart or together.
M’Kenzee Davenport is such a relatable character. As a middle child and often having walls up because I feel unworthy of love, Three Times to Make Sure completely shattered me in terms of emotion. Reading those journal love letter entries was such a rollercoaster of emotions, coming to terms with M’Kenzee’s feelings felt so personal to her character yet so connected to my emotions too.
To make this atmosphere where I am crying unstoppable tears for two thirds of the book, the author has done an amazing job of writing this story. I especially loved some of the detailed descriptions and realistic dialogue, with varied characters and personalities. The author has a fine way of bringing the reader into M’Kenzee’s personality and perspective in the third-person point of view.
It’s a beautiful novel and I couldn’t recommend it enough! I hope every romance lover gets to read a book like Three Times to Make Sure. The only issue others may have is this is more of a vanilla romance, so if you’re looking for smut this is not the book for that. However, the story in itself is more than worth reading, it’s worth cherishing close to one’s heart and it doesn’t need any smut to highlight the beautiful love story.
I would recommend this book to slow-burn romance lovers, and if you don’t mind some relation and references to religion in particular Christianity, there are some Biblical references and the characters have faith in some way or another but for me it didn’t get in the way and in fact complemented the story overall.
From the beginning, the author sets up the tension and backstory between the two main characters. It’s a perfect amount of flashbacks and not too confusing to follow. M’Kenzee and Bren are made for each other but she fights against the love, fighting a fear of abandonment because of past experiences. When Bren disappears on a mission to Africa, M’Kenzee has to deal with all the turmoil that’s been built up in the years of loving Bren, yet also realizing just how much Bren loved her back throughout the years whether physically apart or together.
M’Kenzee Davenport is such a relatable character. As a middle child and often having walls up because I feel unworthy of love, Three Times to Make Sure completely shattered me in terms of emotion. Reading those journal love letter entries was such a rollercoaster of emotions, coming to terms with M’Kenzee’s feelings felt so personal to her character yet so connected to my emotions too.
To make this atmosphere where I am crying unstoppable tears for two thirds of the book, the author has done an amazing job of writing this story. I especially loved some of the detailed descriptions and realistic dialogue, with varied characters and personalities. The author has a fine way of bringing the reader into M’Kenzee’s personality and perspective in the third-person point of view.
It’s a beautiful novel and I couldn’t recommend it enough! I hope every romance lover gets to read a book like Three Times to Make Sure. The only issue others may have is this is more of a vanilla romance, so if you’re looking for smut this is not the book for that. However, the story in itself is more than worth reading, it’s worth cherishing close to one’s heart and it doesn’t need any smut to highlight the beautiful love story.
I would recommend this book to slow-burn romance lovers, and if you don’t mind some relation and references to religion in particular Christianity, there are some Biblical references and the characters have faith in some way or another but for me it didn’t get in the way and in fact complemented the story overall.
February 17, 2023
Great Read
Filled with overflowing of sadness,happiness, love, and faith. This was an emotional read and I loved it. But finding out is book three, I want to definitely read the first two books. These young siblings have been through so much in their early lives, you just have to admire their faith in God.
I hope you find this book and the first two books to read. I know you will not be disappointed.
M G
Filled with overflowing of sadness,happiness, love, and faith. This was an emotional read and I loved it. But finding out is book three, I want to definitely read the first two books. These young siblings have been through so much in their early lives, you just have to admire their faith in God.
I hope you find this book and the first two books to read. I know you will not be disappointed.
M G
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