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Dare Valley #9
The Calendar of New Beginnings
Over one million readers have fallen in love with Ava's bestselling Dare Valley and Dare River series...come join the family. USA Today Bestselling Author Ava Miles presents a sweet and emotional friends-to-lovers story about the power of new beginnings. The last thing international photojournalist Lucy O'Brien expected when she returned to her hometown was for her mother to ask her to shoot photos for a 'Calendar Girls'-like calendar... Of course, it's all for a good cause--raising money for breast cancer. Lucy agrees to help--ribald photos and all. It's not like she's told anyone her secret reason for coming that a recent trauma overseas threatens her livelihood. But her longtime BFF, Dr. Andy Hale, isn't letting her keep secrets from him. He understands heartache. After losing the love of a lifetime, he's now a widower raising a young son. Everyone in town is wondering if the boy-next door and the zany traveler will finally move from friends to lovers. At first, the sparks of attraction fly amidst their easygoing banter over ice cream cones. But there are deeper feelings at work here, and both must uncover the seeds of their new beginnings together, realizing there's nothing more powerful than love and friendship to pave the way.
314 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2016
1298 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
About the author
Ava Miles
101 books1,136 followersMillions of readers have discovered International Bestselling Author Ava Miles and her powerful fiction and non-fiction books about love, happiness, and transformation. Her novels have received praise and accolades from USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and People Magazine in addition to being chosen as Best Books of the Year and Top Editor’s picks. Translated into multiple languages, Ava’s strongest praise comes directly from her readers, who call her books and characters unforgettable.
Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.
After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.
Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.
After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
May 25, 2016
Originally posted on The Book Nympho
Photojournalist Lucy O'Brien returns to Dare Valley from the Congo following a devastating injury. While she's recovered from most of them, her optic nerve was damaged and her vision in her right (dominant) eye is still an issue. She's not told anyone the details for various reasons (some better than others) but her best friend, widower Andy Hale, doesn't waste time getting her to fess up. To complicate matters, she's been asked by her mother to photograph a risqué calendar featuring too many people she knows to fundraise for cancer research and she's not sure she can see well enough to do the project justice.
This is quite a lovely story with some very emotional themes. It's not your typical friends-to-lovers romance either as there aren't any secret conflicts between the two and their deepening feelings are a surprise to both, handled maturely and with forthright. Their new relationship developed beautifully. However, Lucy's entire identity is tied up in her career; she doesn't know who she is without the ability to express herself through her photography. And, her relationship with her mother is fraught with tension as she struggles to assert her independence. Again, the mother-daughter issues are not your normal ones and you'll be drawn to both sides.
Let's not forget Andy who loved his wife deeply and is still recovering, two years later, with her death from breast cancer. His relationship with their five-year old son will warm your heart as he tries to explain loss in ways he can digest and understand. And, Lucy and his wife were good friends so there's that to contend with as they both grieve and love each other differently.
The issues and the developing relationship are told with eloquence and dignity, despite some moments of comic relief. The resolutions aren't easy and I loved how they weren't wrapped neatly in a bow. I can always count on Ava to inspire and this one definitely lifted my spirits. I hope this series never ends.
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)
Photojournalist Lucy O'Brien returns to Dare Valley from the Congo following a devastating injury. While she's recovered from most of them, her optic nerve was damaged and her vision in her right (dominant) eye is still an issue. She's not told anyone the details for various reasons (some better than others) but her best friend, widower Andy Hale, doesn't waste time getting her to fess up. To complicate matters, she's been asked by her mother to photograph a risqué calendar featuring too many people she knows to fundraise for cancer research and she's not sure she can see well enough to do the project justice.
This is quite a lovely story with some very emotional themes. It's not your typical friends-to-lovers romance either as there aren't any secret conflicts between the two and their deepening feelings are a surprise to both, handled maturely and with forthright. Their new relationship developed beautifully. However, Lucy's entire identity is tied up in her career; she doesn't know who she is without the ability to express herself through her photography. And, her relationship with her mother is fraught with tension as she struggles to assert her independence. Again, the mother-daughter issues are not your normal ones and you'll be drawn to both sides.
Let's not forget Andy who loved his wife deeply and is still recovering, two years later, with her death from breast cancer. His relationship with their five-year old son will warm your heart as he tries to explain loss in ways he can digest and understand. And, Lucy and his wife were good friends so there's that to contend with as they both grieve and love each other differently.
The issues and the developing relationship are told with eloquence and dignity, despite some moments of comic relief. The resolutions aren't easy and I loved how they weren't wrapped neatly in a bow. I can always count on Ava to inspire and this one definitely lifted my spirits. I hope this series never ends.
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)
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April 13, 2016
The Calendar of New Beginnings is book nine in the Dare Valley series by Ava Miles. This book was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review by the author.
We met Andy Hale in the previous books in this series. After he lost his wife, Kim, to breast cancer, he and his little boy came back to Dare Valley to live near the rest of his family. He needed to be near them while trying to be both mother and father to his son. He and his family have mourned the loss and he is just now edging his way back into life. But he hasn’t found anyone he is the least bit interested in dating.
Lucy O’Brien and Andy have been best friends since kindergarten. In high school, each may have harbored a hint of romantic feelings towards the other but neither ever wanted to jeopardize their friendship. After high school, Lucy and Andy went their separate ways, Andy to medical school and Lucy to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming a photo journalist. Both succeeded in their dreams, Andy now practicing in Dare Valley and Lucy traveling all over the world taking photos of countries at war. After a debilitating accident, Lucy is forced to return home. Her friendship with Andy has remained strong throughout their lives through emails and skype. She loved the woman Andy had married and grieved with him at her loss. Andy is the only one she told the truth to about her injuries. Injuries that could forever change her career and livelihood as a photographer.
Lucy’s mother has a history of crazy ideas. She and Andy’s mom have decided they want to create a Calendar of New Beginnings. Each month will feature a resident of Dare Valley, posing in the buff with a prop of some sort covering the important areas. Each subject will be honoring someone they have lost to cancer and all proceeds will be donated. They want Lucy to take the photos.
The more time Lucy and Andy spend together, the more they start to feel something more than just friendship towards each other. The ease of a nearly thirty-five year friendship helps them to talk through these feelings and whether or not to act on them. What better way to start a romance than from a long standing friendship. But Andy’s life, his son and career, are here in Dare Valley. Lucy has not given up on the hope that she can return to her life as a traveling photojournalist. Can they ever find a way to love each other but not to give up their dreams?
This is a wonderful friends to lovers story. We get plenty of updates on all of the other members of the Hale and O’Brien families from the previous books. We even get some from Margie and Evan from the Dare Valley Meets Paris series as Andy’s sister, Moira, is also in Dare Valley and is approached by Evan as a prospect to work for him. I love the way that Ava keeps us up to date on all of the lives of the characters we have grown to love.
Lucy has plenty of obstacles to overcome after coming home. Her relationship with her mother, her relationship with Andy, and her own future. Andy can’t believe how lucky he is to be given the chance to find the love of a lifetime, not once, but twice. Can he and Lucy find a way to make it work? Will Lucy accept the gift of love Andy is offering her, of a Lifetime of New Beginnings?
We met Andy Hale in the previous books in this series. After he lost his wife, Kim, to breast cancer, he and his little boy came back to Dare Valley to live near the rest of his family. He needed to be near them while trying to be both mother and father to his son. He and his family have mourned the loss and he is just now edging his way back into life. But he hasn’t found anyone he is the least bit interested in dating.
Lucy O’Brien and Andy have been best friends since kindergarten. In high school, each may have harbored a hint of romantic feelings towards the other but neither ever wanted to jeopardize their friendship. After high school, Lucy and Andy went their separate ways, Andy to medical school and Lucy to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming a photo journalist. Both succeeded in their dreams, Andy now practicing in Dare Valley and Lucy traveling all over the world taking photos of countries at war. After a debilitating accident, Lucy is forced to return home. Her friendship with Andy has remained strong throughout their lives through emails and skype. She loved the woman Andy had married and grieved with him at her loss. Andy is the only one she told the truth to about her injuries. Injuries that could forever change her career and livelihood as a photographer.
Lucy’s mother has a history of crazy ideas. She and Andy’s mom have decided they want to create a Calendar of New Beginnings. Each month will feature a resident of Dare Valley, posing in the buff with a prop of some sort covering the important areas. Each subject will be honoring someone they have lost to cancer and all proceeds will be donated. They want Lucy to take the photos.
The more time Lucy and Andy spend together, the more they start to feel something more than just friendship towards each other. The ease of a nearly thirty-five year friendship helps them to talk through these feelings and whether or not to act on them. What better way to start a romance than from a long standing friendship. But Andy’s life, his son and career, are here in Dare Valley. Lucy has not given up on the hope that she can return to her life as a traveling photojournalist. Can they ever find a way to love each other but not to give up their dreams?
This is a wonderful friends to lovers story. We get plenty of updates on all of the other members of the Hale and O’Brien families from the previous books. We even get some from Margie and Evan from the Dare Valley Meets Paris series as Andy’s sister, Moira, is also in Dare Valley and is approached by Evan as a prospect to work for him. I love the way that Ava keeps us up to date on all of the lives of the characters we have grown to love.
Lucy has plenty of obstacles to overcome after coming home. Her relationship with her mother, her relationship with Andy, and her own future. Andy can’t believe how lucky he is to be given the chance to find the love of a lifetime, not once, but twice. Can he and Lucy find a way to make it work? Will Lucy accept the gift of love Andy is offering her, of a Lifetime of New Beginnings?
April 13, 2016
What an emotional read! I love a good best friend romance, and these two best friends are pretty amazing. Not only have they been friends since kindergarten, but their friendship has survived Andy getting married/losing his wife as well as Lucy's dangerous travels around the world. There is no question that these two have a close bond, but it gets tested even further when they realize --for the first time since they were teens--that they have romantic feelings for each other.
Andy played a pretty big role in Natalie's story, and my heart just broke for him while watching him try to deal with life after the death of his young wife. In this story, he is obviously still trying to navigate those murky waters, but he seemed a little bit brighter. He is such a great guy, and it is hard not to fall in love with him.
Lucy is a little bit of an enigma, and she holds her feelings close to the vest. She doesn't want to tell her family the real reason why she came home, and she does her best to put on a brave face while struggling to continue doing something she loves. It was hard to watch Lucy's struggles with not being the same photographer she once was, combined with the clashes with her mother. She is obviously a strong character, but it felt like it took some time to really connect with her.
Once Lucy and Andy got together, their relationship moved a bit quicker than I had anticipated. We saw so much of their friendship, but I wanted to see a bit more of their romance. However, Andy's gift at the end was perfect and did a great job of showing their overall journey. I also wanted to see a bit more of Andy's son--particularly his interaction with Lucy--but I am sure we will see more of this in future novels since old characters always pop up!
I loved the whole concept of the calendar. There was a tension between the humorous and serious sides of the project, which really embodied the struggles of moving on after the loss of a loved one. I loved that Jill and Chef T participated! As always, Arthur's presence really made the book, and I loved his thoughts about the calendar in the epilogue.
The budding friendship between Moira and Lucy was a highlight of the book, and I am so excited to watch the relationship blossom between her and Evan! I loved him in the mini-series and can't wait see more of him!
**I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.
Andy played a pretty big role in Natalie's story, and my heart just broke for him while watching him try to deal with life after the death of his young wife. In this story, he is obviously still trying to navigate those murky waters, but he seemed a little bit brighter. He is such a great guy, and it is hard not to fall in love with him.
Lucy is a little bit of an enigma, and she holds her feelings close to the vest. She doesn't want to tell her family the real reason why she came home, and she does her best to put on a brave face while struggling to continue doing something she loves. It was hard to watch Lucy's struggles with not being the same photographer she once was, combined with the clashes with her mother. She is obviously a strong character, but it felt like it took some time to really connect with her.
Once Lucy and Andy got together, their relationship moved a bit quicker than I had anticipated. We saw so much of their friendship, but I wanted to see a bit more of their romance. However, Andy's gift at the end was perfect and did a great job of showing their overall journey. I also wanted to see a bit more of Andy's son--particularly his interaction with Lucy--but I am sure we will see more of this in future novels since old characters always pop up!
I loved the whole concept of the calendar. There was a tension between the humorous and serious sides of the project, which really embodied the struggles of moving on after the loss of a loved one. I loved that Jill and Chef T participated! As always, Arthur's presence really made the book, and I loved his thoughts about the calendar in the epilogue.
The budding friendship between Moira and Lucy was a highlight of the book, and I am so excited to watch the relationship blossom between her and Evan! I loved him in the mini-series and can't wait see more of him!
**I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.
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April 25, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/25/2023)! 🎁
May 7, 2023
explicit sex scenes
While the story was fairly typical of this genre, including the return to a small town, second chance romance after a high school crush, nagging contriving parents, I’m mean honestly it was fairly formulaic! Throw in a career and a spouse death made it a smidge more interesting, but then there was a full blown sex scene out. While the rest of the book was totally clean! No more for me.
While the story was fairly typical of this genre, including the return to a small town, second chance romance after a high school crush, nagging contriving parents, I’m mean honestly it was fairly formulaic! Throw in a career and a spouse death made it a smidge more interesting, but then there was a full blown sex scene out. While the rest of the book was totally clean! No more for me.
August 11, 2016
I like the fact that the characters overlap in her series. It's like going home and catching up with old friends.
October 21, 2017
Another Great Story
Ava Miles writes stories that you seem to fall into like you are right there with the characters. Lucy and Andy's story is no different. From best friends in kindergarten, through Andy's marriage to someone else and Lucy's traveling all over the world taking photos in hot spots, they have remained friends. Now Lucy has returned to Dare Valley and the only one she confides the true reason to is her best friend, Andy Hale. See how all of this goes along with their friendship.
Ava Miles writes stories that you seem to fall into like you are right there with the characters. Lucy and Andy's story is no different. From best friends in kindergarten, through Andy's marriage to someone else and Lucy's traveling all over the world taking photos in hot spots, they have remained friends. Now Lucy has returned to Dare Valley and the only one she confides the true reason to is her best friend, Andy Hale. See how all of this goes along with their friendship.
August 22, 2019
A story about love, loss and starting over.
I have been reading this series starting with book one, each one has it's own story, but they are intertwined with the characters from the rest of the series. They are stand alone books, but I think I if you start from the beginning you get to know those characters and their stories. I laughed out loud and cried throughout this book, it touched parts of my life. Please give this series a try, and also the other series by Ava Miles, you won't be disappointed.
I have been reading this series starting with book one, each one has it's own story, but they are intertwined with the characters from the rest of the series. They are stand alone books, but I think I if you start from the beginning you get to know those characters and their stories. I laughed out loud and cried throughout this book, it touched parts of my life. Please give this series a try, and also the other series by Ava Miles, you won't be disappointed.
January 9, 2023
Sweet Story
A sweet story about moving on after losing a loved one. Getting back into the game of dating is awkward and feels strange. Channeling and working past emotional memories helps the heart grow. Learning that its ok to love again doesn't mean you are forgetting the love you lost to death, no it means you are honoring them by continuing to live, laugh, and love. This book was sweet. I was expecting a more endearing ending though for Lucy but the ending is left open. I guess I wanted closure but didn't get it. That's why I gave it a 4 star rating.
A sweet story about moving on after losing a loved one. Getting back into the game of dating is awkward and feels strange. Channeling and working past emotional memories helps the heart grow. Learning that its ok to love again doesn't mean you are forgetting the love you lost to death, no it means you are honoring them by continuing to live, laugh, and love. This book was sweet. I was expecting a more endearing ending though for Lucy but the ending is left open. I guess I wanted closure but didn't get it. That's why I gave it a 4 star rating.
June 19, 2022
There are parts of this book that are just so funny! The book was a nice read but really funny when it came to reading about the calendar and the people who were getting their pictures taken. Lucy had a difficult job making all the participants happy, especially her mother while also dealing with her eye injury and her new relationship with her best friend growing up, Andy Hale. I dare anybody to read this book and not laugh!
July 1, 2019
Wonderful
Oh I cried buckets with the different stories of people loved and lost. Lucy right that's life. Adam and Lucy story of their new found love is so beautiful. I do hope she c a n find peace in a less harrowing job . She scares me with her tales of terrible wasted lives war destruction. As always Ava I love your book thank you hugs X
Oh I cried buckets with the different stories of people loved and lost. Lucy right that's life. Adam and Lucy story of their new found love is so beautiful. I do hope she c a n find peace in a less harrowing job . She scares me with her tales of terrible wasted lives war destruction. As always Ava I love your book thank you hugs X
June 30, 2021
A story of love past loss
I loved the way Arthur Hale figured into these books and the wisdom he shared with the younger generations . In this book, Lucy, an international photo journalist had returned to Date Valley to recover from injuries she received while on the job. Her life takes a surprising turn and Arthur has plans for her as well.
I loved the way Arthur Hale figured into these books and the wisdom he shared with the younger generations . In this book, Lucy, an international photo journalist had returned to Date Valley to recover from injuries she received while on the job. Her life takes a surprising turn and Arthur has plans for her as well.
February 3, 2025
The Calender of New Beginnings
Say it like it is Amazing! Well developed characters that say what the really mean and no beating around the bush kind of dialogue. Best friends since childhood and now they start to see one another in a whole new way. I honestly didn't know this was a series now I'll reading those I missed. Highly recommend and enjoy.
Say it like it is Amazing! Well developed characters that say what the really mean and no beating around the bush kind of dialogue. Best friends since childhood and now they start to see one another in a whole new way. I honestly didn't know this was a series now I'll reading those I missed. Highly recommend and enjoy.
January 25, 2017
Unique view
I enjoyed this approach to a story and life changing event. It made me think about the things in my own life that matter and why they do. How would I recover if I lost my most treasured skills? I recommend it.
I enjoyed this approach to a story and life changing event. It made me think about the things in my own life that matter and why they do. How would I recover if I lost my most treasured skills? I recommend it.
January 28, 2018
Emotions aplenty
This story will have you laughing so hard you’re crying, but be careful because the emotions between family might have you crying tears of sadness for them as well. It definitely is worth the time to read. Can’t wait to read the next story.
This story will have you laughing so hard you’re crying, but be careful because the emotions between family might have you crying tears of sadness for them as well. It definitely is worth the time to read. Can’t wait to read the next story.
April 30, 2019
Awesome feel good story
I knew that Andy and Lucy would be together. Their personalities are portrayed wonderfully in this story. Their diligence in taking care of each other is perfect. These books make me want to move to Date Valley and have a life there. More, please.
I knew that Andy and Lucy would be together. Their personalities are portrayed wonderfully in this story. Their diligence in taking care of each other is perfect. These books make me want to move to Date Valley and have a life there. More, please.
November 18, 2019
Horrible
After Reading County Heaven, which is one of the best books I've ever read. Couldn't wait to read another Ava Miles book. Big disappointment. I'm not sure if I would buy anyone of her books.
After Reading County Heaven, which is one of the best books I've ever read. Couldn't wait to read another Ava Miles book. Big disappointment. I'm not sure if I would buy anyone of her books.
May 2, 2023
Was she home to stay?
A very rewarding story of life, death, love of family, love of your career choice and just plain love. There is also loss and this story cover all of these. Could not put it down.
A very rewarding story of life, death, love of family, love of your career choice and just plain love. There is also loss and this story cover all of these. Could not put it down.
January 14, 2024
Read them all
While each of the books have their own story, essentially it is a family story. I have read 9 of them from first to last and I am hooked. All enjoyable, all well written.
While each of the books have their own story, essentially it is a family story. I have read 9 of them from first to last and I am hooked. All enjoyable, all well written.
March 23, 2018
Love this books an this story line of the Dare Valley family.
July 19, 2019
Might Be My Favorite,
This one is so good! I cried more than once for Andy and Lucy. And I loved how Arthur is so relevant to Lucy’s story.
This one is so good! I cried more than once for Andy and Lucy. And I loved how Arthur is so relevant to Lucy’s story.
July 27, 2019
Super Great
Gosh, I can't say enough good things about your books. I loved every one I have read! You are quite the writer!!
Gosh, I can't say enough good things about your books. I loved every one I have read! You are quite the writer!!
Read
April 16, 2020Enjoyed the book, light hearted yet heart felt good read.
March 9, 2022
Of this series this maybe a favourite, there's just something about a single father finding love again & of course the theme of continuing the legacy of what Arthur has built.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
May 16, 2023DNF
May 20, 2023
Enjoyed this book. A good easy read
May 24, 2023
Good
It was a good book but it didn’t keep my attention so I gave it 3 stars instead of 4 stars. The heroine was a career photographer who was injured.
It was a good book but it didn’t keep my attention so I gave it 3 stars instead of 4 stars. The heroine was a career photographer who was injured.
June 13, 2023
I loved revisiting Dare Valley and the characters who have been in previous stories. Ava Miles has become one of my favorite authors…. Love her books!
June 13, 2023
Very good book. Liked the story very much
August 10, 2023
4.5 stars really. Good story. A few of the characters were somewhat annoying (her mother, for one).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews