The Orchard at the Edge of Town
Apple Valley # 3 By: Shirlee McCoy Releasing July 28, 2015 Zebra
Apple Valley, Washington, is where starting over means surprising new chances, facing trouble always brings a helping hand—and the most unlikely hopes can forever come true…
Apricot Sunshine Devereux-Miller needs to stay lost. Her eccentric aunt's home in Apple Valley is the perfect place to forget her cheating ex-fiancé and get her no-longer-perfect life back under control. Plus, it couldn't hurt to fix up the house and turn its neglected orchard into a thriving business. And if Apricot can keep Deputy Sheriff Simon Baylor's two lively young daughters out of mischief, maybe she can ignore that he’s downright irresistible—and everything she never dreamed she'd find... Simon isn't looking to have his heart broken again. He already has his hands full raising his girls. And lately he's thinking way too much about Apricot's take-charge energy and unwitting knack for stirring up trouble. He can't see a single way they could ever be right for each other. Unless they can take a crazy chance on trusting their hearts—and risking the courage to finally find their way home.
Truly a lighthearted, fun, clean romantic story, that will put a smile on your face.
The characters are a joy, they have their own struggles, issues, and pain, they don't live perfect lives, but the story has such a positive spin on it, your thoughts nearly have a moment to stop on these serious issues. Apricot Sunshine and Simon are adorable together. The time they spent together, seems chaotic, with crazy relatives and family members surrounding them constantly, meddling where they can. You ever think your family is insane, yeah, read this story and you might get a new appreciation to them! The twin girls are cute, the highlight of the story, with such personalities. From the first moment Apricot arrives at her aunt's house, and the neighbor goes after her with a shotgun, to Simon's sister-in-law with some serious problems, to Apricot's hippie parents who arrive for a surprise visit, turmoil and disorder follows every step. In the midst of all the mayhem, Apricot is letting go of her past relationship, and trying to find the courage to trust her feelings again, to trust love again, and trust Simon with her heart. Amusing, enjoyable, and entertaining tale, with lively characters, and a family clutter, in a midst of a small town living ~ Four Spoons
Shirlee McCoy spent her childhood making up stories and acting them out with her sister. It wasn’t long before she discovered Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, her mother’s gothic romances . . . and became an ardent fan of romantic suspense. She still enjoys losing herself in a good book. And she still loves making up stories. Shirlee and her husband live in Washington and have five children.
Readers can visit her website at www.shirleemccoy.com. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
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Murdered by a dead man?
A woman named Maria Gomez is murdered in Miami, apparently by her husband—who'd been presumed dead, slain by a crime boss. FBI agent Brett Cody can't believe it; dead or alive, the man had loved his wife. He also can't help feeling guilty, since he was responsible for protecting Miguel and Maria Gomez. A few miles away, Lara Mayhew has just begun working at a dolphin research facility. She loves her new job—until a dolphin brings her something unexpected from the deep. A human hand. More body parts show up, and when Brett looks into the situation, he discovers that the dismembered corpse is Miguel's. Soon, rumors of crazed zombies abound in the Miami media, and the Krewe of Hunters, an elite FBI unit of paranormal investigators, is called in. Brett and Lara find themselves working with the Krewe—and working closely together. An elderly crime boss who's losing his memory seems to be key to solving this case, but…there's no motive. Unless Brett and Lara can uncover one in the Miami underworld. And that means they have to protect themselves. And each other.
Even though I am not a big fan of paranormal genre, I have been intrigued by this series, and how the ghosts are communicating with the FBI agents, and helping out with the cases.
With this story at first, the whole zombie attack was a bit much to me, but as the evidence is revealed, and more information comes forward, including medical evidence, of what really seemed to happen, it all got more fascinating by every page. The mystery is alluring, so many questions that need answers. The suspense side of the story mainly focuses on the investigations, and when the action hits, it is nail-biting, dangerous, and deadly. Brett and Lara has palpable connection. I liked the humor, understanding, acceptance, and passion they had for each other. It is unique, rare and captivating. Everything between them seemed to be so easy, natural, like two pieces of a whole finally getting together, and are the perfect match, it was just delightful. I enjoyed this story, it is different with the Krewe hunter aspect. The mystery, not so much who is behind it, but the reasons for it, kept me guessing. The fate of the 'forgotten' is heartbreaking, but the dolphins with their games and wisdom, as well as the romance and life long friendships gave a great balance to the gloomy murders ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
A fresh start-for both of them. As a kid from a shattered family, Kathy Harris couldn't wait to get out of Harmony Valley.
Yet here she is, back home, determined to rebuild her life and regain her young son's trust. But she doesn't expect to work miracles-unlike Dylan O'Brien, the enigmatic cowboy rumored to be a healer of misfit horses. As they work to save an injured colt, Kathy starts to believe in a future with Dylan that she never thought possible. But one of Kathy's new rules is no more secrets ...and Dylan has a big one. One that could destroy the life he and Kathy are building together.
This story is as real and raw as they get. It is heartbreaking, with the struggle and issues the characters face - alcoholism and custody battles. Both issues affect the whole family, community, around the people facing them, and the effects ripple in some cases even generations down.
Kathy is determined to win the battle, this time around. She has so much she could lose, mainly her son. She is honest about her battle, as honest as she can be. And the battle is constant. Her brother means well, but the constant worry and checking in on her is not helping. Then Dylan comes to her life. And they connect immediately. They have a rare connection, he is so easy to open up to, talk to, and be with, Kathy feels at peace around him, with no cravings for alcohol, or feelings of failure. But Dylan has his own secrets, his own issues, and his own battles to be won. The feelings they have for each other, they have no place, time or room for those in their lives right now. This is one of those stories, that it will break your heart a bit, until it puts it back together again. It has its dark moments, filled with angst, sorrow and regrets. But it also has moments of success, joy, and pure love and delight. I was in tears and I smiled, and felt for the characters, and the pain in their life. This a story that will make you think about life, priorities, and be thankful for what you have. I highly recommend this book, this story will touch your heart ~ Five Spoons
A smile she could never forget!
Stepping into West Manhattan Saints, Dr Tessa Camara is stunned to discover the hospital’s new orthopaedic surgeon is Dr Clay Matthews — her ex! Four years apart did nothing to extinguish the fire between them, but she has never forgiven Clay for his betrayal… Clay still doesn’t know why Tessa ended their relationship. And with his adorable little daughter, Molly, to consider, he doesn’t have time for Tessa’s independence issues. But resisting the passionate Brazilian woman, who once stole his heart, is easier said than done!
Tessa has more pride than most, and more than is good for her. She is determined to survive and flourish without any help from anyone, and her prideful nature is starting to hurt her possible future happiness.
Clay made a mistake when brokenhearted after Tessa left her over four years ago. Determined not to repeat the past, he wants to keep his distance from Tessa. But the martial arts Capoeira director and hospital administrator has other thoughts, and soon Clay and Tessa are dancing around each other, while preparing for the Capoeira exhibition. Clay is dedicated doctor, and caring father. He is generous, kind and giving, a combination Tessa has a problem with. I wanted to shake Tessa several times, because of her stubborn, prideful nature. Who survives medical school without scholarships, or gets internships without recommendations? Tessa, so smart and kind otherwise, seemed to be holding on a foolish pride. She had lots of inner inflection to be done, to realize some basic matters. It takes a drastic event to open her eyes, and her heart. The story is an interesting mix of hospital world and work, the Capoeira culture, and passionate romance rekindled between Clay and Tessa ~ Four Spoons |