Books & Spoons Review: HER SECRET LOVE by Paula Altenburg

Whoever claimed it’s better to have loved and lost has never met Jess Palmer.

Small business owner and metalworks artist Damon Brand finally has his future in sight when his past rattles into town in a broken down car stuffed with designer clothes and sky high heels. The last time he saw Jess, he declared his undying love. In return, she stranded him by the side of the road, taking his boots, pants and the tattered remnants of his heart.

So much for the bright lights of LA. Failed actress Jessica Palmer arrives back in Cherry Lake, Montana homeless, destitute, and desperate. She’s hoping her grandfather will let her have her inheritance early so she can make a fresh start—anywhere but Cherry Lake. No deal. She has to stay for six months and get a job to prove she’s matured. Not easy in a town where she flamed all her bridges in order to flee a wild child reputation and her high school sweetheart.

With every door that’s slammed shut in her face, Jess grows more determined than ever to prove she’s changed, even if it means she must turn to her first love, Damon, for a job at his gas station. Surely 10 years is enough time for him to forgive and forget…

Secrets of Cherry Lake series
Prequel/Book 1: Small Town Secrets by Roxanne Snopek
Book 2: The Secret Son by Joan Kilby
Book 3: Her Secret Love by Paula Altenburg
Book 4: Her Secret Protector by Roxanne Snopek
Book 5: The Secret Bride by Jeannie Watt

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What an emotional, heartwarming story, that completely won me over.
I love Jess and Damon, both as individuals, and as a couple.
Damon is working hard, both with his art and with his service station, he is supporting his family, even at times his friends, and doing the responsible thing, so his family would never go without again.
Jess was a troubled soul in high school, she had no filter, said things that were harmful, to cover up her over insecurities, things she saw as a failure in herself.
What she really wanted, was some attention from her parents, and to be accepted, even though she made it difficult at times. Now she is back, and needing help like never before. And Damon is the only one, who accepts her, takes her in, and helps her out. Even after all the history they have together, that didn't end well at all.
There were so many deep issues here, the need for acceptance, Damon's family struggling and his sacrifices to make it all work out, and Jess, how her dyslexia had affected her all her life, how she had been misunderstood most of the time. No, she's not perfect, but then again, who is?!
Together Damon and Jess are adorable, they have passion, attraction, and also much deeper connection between them. They get each other in a unique way that only close friends do, and are there for each other when needed.
I am loving this series so much, I think each story is just getting better, the more we get to know the folks of the town. They are genuine, honest to the fault, with the typical small town gossip. But what I love even more are the couples, how they respect, admire, and adore each other, and take their time to fall in love, without any big drama and angst beyond what life gives you anyway. These are stories that warms your heart, and makes you smile, and leaves you all in a happy state of mind.
Jess and Damon are a great example of this, with their friendship, life goals, and the way they cherish each other
~ Five Spoons