Travis

by Sandy Appleyard

A crushing breakup. A secretive fiancé. An unwelcome new face in town. And a Christmas miracle that could fix it all…or ruin everything.

So, I’m sitting in the car, with my new assistant. We just met new clients. Big clients. Clients that will help me buy that game changing Christmas present for my favorite niece. Everything rides on this project. Everything since Travis, that is. But I knew something was wrong the second we shook hands. I can think of a million things that could nix this deal. I’ve seen many and lived to tell. But something tells me that what I’m about to learn next will put us in a sticky situation. I just hope that what I’m guessing isn’t true…

***

I watch him strut out of Becky’s car and my skin crawls. Now, I’m not a jealous guy, this isn’t about that. My boss, Laura, sees it, too. While the Christmas decorations get pulled out for an early celebration, I cross my fingers, and hope to God that what my instincts are telling me isn’t true. Becky did what she had to do to make it right. I get that. But what bridges get burned now? In the coming weeks, before Christmas, it becomes clear. But will it be enough to get it all back? And then, just when I think I’ve lost it all, strangely enough, my lucky number shows me the way…

Holiday romance
Christmas romance
Second chance romance
Happily ever after romance
Steamy romance
Slow burn romance
Medium heat
Mild foul language
Cliffhanger ending

Genres: Christmas, Romance

145 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 27, 2023

About the author

Sandy writes in several genres, however romance, inspirational fiction and suspense are her favourites.

As a working writer, Sandy squeezes writing time in during breaks (extended ones if the boss isn't watching ;). Happily married since 2004, Sandy resides in Niagara Falls, Ontario with her husband, two daughters, and two furbabies.

For more information, book links, contact information and blog posts, see her website www.sandyappleyard.com or visit her on Twitter @sandyappleyard

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Christmas in Huttonville series and it is Travis and Becky’s story and what a great start to a new series. Travis and Becky met the attraction and chemistry between them was instant and strong and the more time that they spent together the harder they fell in love and eventually got married and life was good until they wanted a baby and after nothing happened they tried all available avenues but nothing worked and eventually the stress was too much for Becky so she asked Travis to leave which broke both of there hearts and left them separated. Travis is devastated and sad to be away from Becky and he knows that he will never love anyone else like he loves her but he couldn’t cause her any more stress so he did as she asked even though it left him heartbroken but Travis will not give up no matter how much Becky pushes him away. Becky is a party planner and getting ready to do the biggest wedding of her career but the hardest thing that she had ever done is asking Travis to leave because she still loved him with all her heart but being unable to have a baby will only put more pressure on them if they stay together and it could end up with them hating each other and she couldn’t do that to him so she felt like this was her only option. While at a birthday party and having to much to drink they ended up sleeping together and where as Travis is hopeful that it means something for them Becky makes it clear that it was a mistake breaking his heart all over again. Will Travis and Becky ever find there way back to each other and get a Christmas Miracle that they both hoped, wanted and dreamed of or is it already too late for them. Wow this book takes you on a journey of emotions, love, hope, dedication, drama, surprises and a miracle that will have you turning the pages to see what the outcome and future holds for them and I can’t wait to read Liam’s story next.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Travis and Becky’s story is an emotional one with a touch of suspense and a Christmas miracle . Fertility issues have taken a toll of Travis and Becky’s marriage. Unable to conceive and feeling like a failure and unworthy of love, Becky has asked Travis to leave their home. Both are heartbroken, angry mostly at themselves, and feeling rather defeated. Neither is looking to move on with someone else, because love between them is not the problem. Both hope time and distance will lessen their hurt and eventually bring them back together.

In the meantime, both are concentrating on their work in order to take their mind off their troubles and emotional pain. Becky works as a party planner and a large wedding is taking up all of her time. Unfortunately, something about her the man assisting her with the wedding is bothering her and making her think that she could be getting into a situation that could be dangerous. A birthday party also attended by her husband, stirs up a riot of emotions and leads to a drunken encounter between Becky and Travis. In the light of day though, Becky is still pushing Travis away. They are forced to deal with their confusing relationship stalemate, tumultuous emotions and the increasingly difficult aspects of this big wedding being held on the ranch where Travis is working and living. When it seems Becky’s health is deteriorating, Travis is beside himself. Could the magic of the Christmas season bring new hope and life to Travis and Becky’s marriage?

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amicable split, a joyful reunion - Travis never wanted to leave his wife or his home. But he loves Becky enough to want her to be happy. And their inability to conceive makes her anything but happy. One drunken night of passion changes everything, making their dreams come true. The love they never lost for each other will now be shared with their baby. A little bit saucy but so sweet as well, with MCs who walked away rather than hurt each other something they could not control. Would that real life was so easy.

The author incorporates the next couple into the story also, setting readers up well for this cliffhanger series. Liam and Hanna are getting married (Becky's their planner) but there is something lurking behind the young couple's joyful facades. What are they hiding? I for one can't wait to find out.

I was skeptical at first about reading a series where each book is intended to end in a cliffhanger. This first in series has helped me put my angst aside. Huttonville, TX is the place to be!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ravenblackbird74 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Travis is the first book in the Christmas in Huttonville series. It is an amazing journey through loss, self discovery, and learning to love again. I was heartbroken at the losses which Becky goes through. Infertility is something I’ve dealt with. It can be difficult for everyone involved. Since this was a personal subject for me, I was intrigued with how Travis and Becky would handle their situation. With hope and the support of their friends, Travis and Becky have the time they need to heal. The strong bond between them is undeniable. And, their group of friends are a fantastic blend of humor, meddlesome, and protective.

Travis and Becky’s story is about so much more than their desire to have a baby. They still have careers, goals, and obligations to their community; along with a circle of friends who would love nothing more than for the two of them to get back together. While not completely interfering, they are definitely interested in a happy reunion for the for the holidays in spite of some stumbling blocks along the way.

I received an advance reader copy and am voluntarily leaving a review. I can’t wait to read Liam, the next in the Christmas in Huttonville series!

[Noreen Hussain · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the christmas in Huttonville series.
An enjoyable read with lots of mystery,surprises and a christmas miracle.
Travis and Becky have gone their separate ways.Travis still loves Becky and wants her back.
Becky still loves Travis,but thinks pushing him away is best for both of them.
When she gets new clients she needs help.She hires a new assistant.
Travis is not happy about it and does not trust her new assistant and is worried about Becky.
With the support of their,families,friends and the town they sort out their problems,have their own little miracle and get to their happily ever after.
This story kept me turning the pages and cannot wait to read Liam's story and what happens next.
It does finish on a cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoping for a Miracle . . .

Travis and Becky fell deeply in love and got married. Once they decided they were ready to start a family, nothing happened. Finally, the stress level became too much for Becky who was feeling like a failure, so she asked Travis to leave. Both hearts were broken, grieving, and trying to deal with what happened to their relationship. No matter what choices they make, both of them are in pain. Is there a Christmas miracle out there that will help Travis and Becky give their marriage another try? Is it really too late to have that family?

Be prepared to be taken through many emotions as they try to do the right thing with no guarantees. There are so many directions this story can go. But love and hope sometimes can create those miracles.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Travis and Becky are married and trying to have a child, but it is going nowhere currently. She is also in the middle of coordinating a huge wedding at the ranch, so stress from a lot of directions. Will this issue break them apart or make them stronger? Will the wedding go off without a hitch? Is someone there to cause trouble? Great characters and the storyline flows well with lots of drama, twists, surprises, secrets, steamy moments and entertaining situations that kept the pages turning. Loved the chemistry and strength they show each other. Terrific ending and can't wait to get on with the rest of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A down home heartfelt story of a young couple trying to have a baby with all the other couples around them having babies, when they really are not wanting them. Becky can no longer look Travis in the face so she asked him to move out, while they were still friends. She works as a party planner, and he works on a local ranch plus continuing to finish his masters degree. They still run into to each other frequently. Especially, when she had a Christmas wedding to plan at the ranch. Also, he attended his niece's birthday party, where the after party was adults only, and they got drunk spending the night together in her niece's room. Would there be a Christmas miracle?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandy Appleyard's Book 1 in the Christmas in Huttonville series is a breath of fresh air. It deals with a heart wrenching scenario that breaks a loving couple apart, a fiancé keeping a secret and someone who may or may not be there to cause trouble. Sandy mixes all of these in with the anticipation of Christmas and the hopes that it will bring joy and miracles. Travis and Becky's story is all too common and how Sandy addresses it and tells their story is realistic and inspirational. The cliffhanger is more an introduction to the next book, but it will have you anxiously awaiting its release.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becky and Travis are two characters in this really great Christmas western romance book that puts a smile on your face. The sex scenes are really fantastic, and I laughed when Travis said pregnant sex rocks. :) So, grab this first book in the Christmas in Huttonville series that you can read as a standalone and enjoy every word that Sandy writes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Travis and Becky's story is the first book in the series, and it is an emotional ride of heartbreak, loss, strength, healing and love.

Travis and Becky love each other, but the stress and pain of not being able to conceive is putting a strain on their relationship. Needing time, they follow their own paths of healing.

Good book that pulls at your heart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a heartaches story about marriage and infidelity. Becky and Travis have been married for awhile and have not been able to conceive. This purs stress on the marriage. They seperate and end up hooking up a year laterand end up sleeping together. Miracles happen and she becomes pregnant. Will it save the marriage? Exciting start to a new series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable, heartwarming romance that captures your attention with every turn of the page. The story flows smoothly from page to page while the characters are realistic, enjoyable and easy to get to know.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Travis & Becky's story was heartbreaking - until they got their happily ever after!! Hurray for them!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully miraculous story of a patient husband's persistent, pure, and devoted love for his independent and self-sacrificing wife, irrespective of their circumstances!

[Stephanie Falkner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it