Tag Archives: contemporary romance fiction

Spotlight on Contemporary Romance/Women’s Fiction — A Girl’s Guide to Having It All

7 May
A Girl's Guide to Having it All JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Girl’s Guide to Having it All by Leslie Kirby DeVooght, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

A Girl's Guide to Having It All

Title: A Girl’s Guide to Having it All
Series: Magnolia Bluff #3
Author: Leslie Kirby DeVooght
Publisher: Lanier Price Publishing
Release Date: April 30, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction with Romance

She mastered her career. Finding a husband? Not so much.

High-powered political lobbyist Carleigh Chastain turns thirty-five with an impressive résumé, a packed calendar, and no love life to speak of. When her longtime friend—and former marriage-pact partner—Lawson announces he’s marrying a woman he barely knows, Carleigh does what any sensible best friend would do: she drops everything in DC and jets to Magnolia Bluff, Georgia, determined to save him from a costly mistake.

Instead, her plans unravel, forcing Carleigh to confront the choices she’s made—and the ones she’s avoided.

Meanwhile, Spencer MacDowell, her steady, loyal best friend since law school, is done waiting in the friend zone.

As faith, friendship, and romance collide, Carleigh wonders if she’s been too busy chasing success to notice where God—and her heart—have been pointing all along. Funny, heartfelt, and romantic, this story asks what “having it all” really means.

Excerpt

The first rays of the sun made the copper highlights glimmer amongst the waves of her dark auburn hair.

My fingers itched to thread their way through her long locks and draw her closer. “You go first.” As all the moisture in my mouth evaporated, I clasped my hands in my lap and observed how the flesh around my knuckles whitened.

“You’re the best. After college, I didn’t think I’d find another friend like Lawson. I don’t know how I scored two amazing guy friends. It’s too bad Lawson insists on living all the way in Georgia. I’m so glad I’ll be working in the same city as you, aanndd . . .” Carleigh drew out the one-syllable word.

We’d both taken jobs in DC and found the perfect apartments, but we’d been waiting to see if we got the units. I shot my gaze to her. “No way.”

Nodding wildly, her smile stretched across her face. “Yes, we got the apartments on the hill. We’ll be living across the hall from each other. Just like on Friends.”

Friends . . . friends . . . friends.

Carleigh was so happy, and to see her smile was worth the detour in our relationship.

I gathered her into a hug. “Fantastic.”

I just hoped we’d be more on the timeline of Monica and Chandler and not Ross and Rachel. But at least they all ended up together in the end.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

More in This Series

About The Author

Leslie Kirby DeVooght

Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling author Leslie Kirby DeVooght writes women’s fiction with faith, love, laughter, and a lot of Southern charm. Her stories are inspired by romcoms, coastal Georgia, and fried okra! When Leslie isn’t writing, she’s cheering on her three children, and enjoying date nights with her husband, who loves that she researches kissing.

In addition to writing her own stories, Leslie co-owns Spark Flash Fiction, an online magazine that publishes short, short romance collections four times a year.

Connect with Leslie by visiting lesliedevooght.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a bookish tote bag with all three books from the Magnolia Bluff series (A Girl’s Guide to Having it All, How to Sparkle, and Stealing Magnolias)!

A Girl's Guide to Having It All JustRead blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 6, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 13, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

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Spotlight on Contemporary Romance — His Ranch Redemption

30 Apr

His Ranch Redemption JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for His Ranch Redemption by Laurie Winter, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

His Ranch Redemption

Title: His Ranch Redemption
Series: Fern Hollow #1
Author: Laurie Winter
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

He was her first love…
Can he be her forever?

Widowed Sarah Carmella has a wonderful daughter and fulfilling work running her grandparents’ horse rescue. So there’s absolutely no reason for regrets and what-ifs when her ex-husband, Pete O’Keefe, arrives in town for a mutual friend’s wedding. She and Pete eloped young, then went their separate ways when tragedy struck. But memories of their whirlwind romance and Pete’s charm have Sarah fearing for her heart. Because Pete would never settle down in tiny Fern Hollow. Fresh out of the army, he already has another job chasing danger lined up. Yet, could falling for each other all over again become the adventure they both need?

Excerpt

Sarah shook her head in an adamant showing that the option was not on the table. “Pete isn’t staying. He has a new job in Phoenix and he’ll never be content living here. And most importantly, I am not opening to a romantic relationship. Especially one long distance with no hope of that ever changing. I was blessed with a good marriage with Mike. I already had my prince charming. Now that he’s gone, I’m content staying single and devoting myself to the ranch and Chloe. I don’t need anything more.” No more heartbreak, that’s for sure. Nothing could have prepared her for Mike’s death. If she offered herself to Pete only for him leave her, she may never recover.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

Safeguarding the Witness
Hunted by a Killer

About The Author

Laurie Winter

Multiple award-winning author Laurie Winter creates authentic characters who overcome the odds to find true love. She keeps her life balanced with jogging and binge-watching true-crime shows. Laurie enjoys time with her family and two dogs, all of who inspire her every day.

Connect with Laurie at lauriewinter.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a $20 Amazon gift card and a His Ranch Redemption custom premium candle!

His Ranch Redemption blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 29, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 6, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

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If You Liked . . . A Weekend on Allyson Island

30 Apr

While I generally liked A Weekend on Allyson Island by Susannah B. Lewis, the book features characters who have A LOT going on — eating disorders, addictions, compulsions, domestic abuse — whew! If you like books that explore these issues, but only want to read about one at a time 😉 , here’s a list of reading recommendations.

Addiction

Stay with Me by Becky Wade

When acclaimed Bible study author Genevieve Woodward receives an anonymous letter referencing her parents’ past, she returns to her hometown in the Blue Ridge Mountains to chase down her family’s secret. However, it’s Genevieve’s own secret that catches up to her when Sam Turner, owner of a historic farm, uncovers the source of shame she’s worked so hard to hide.

Sam has embraced his sorrow, his isolation, and his identity as an outsider. He’s spent years carving out both career success and peace of mind. The last thing he wants is to rent the cottage on his property to a woman whose struggles stir his worst failure back to life. Yet can he bear to turn her away right when she needs him most?

Domestic Abuse

Dancing on Glass by Pamela Binnings Ewen

In the steamy city of New Orleans in 1974, Amalise Catoir sees Phillip Sharp as a charming, magnetic artist, unlike any man she has known. A young lawyer herself, raised in a small town and on the brink of a career with a large firm, she is strong and successful, yet sometimes too trusting and whimsical. Ama’s rash decision to marry Phillip proves to be a mistake as he becomes overly possessive, drawing his wife away from family, friends, and her faith. His insidious, dangerous behavior becomes her dark, inescapable secret.

In this lawyer’s unraveling world, can grace survive Ama’s fatal choice? What would you do when prayers seem to go unanswered, faith has slipped away, evil stalks, and you feel yourself forever dancing on shattered glass?

Eating Disorder

Invisible by Ginny Yttrup

When an overweight woman who’s hidden from romance discovers a handsome doctor is in love with her, will she finally risk her heart?

Ellyn–chef, cafe owner, and lover of butter–is hiding something behind her extra weight. While she sees the good in others, she has only condemnation for herself. So when a handsome widower claims he’s attracted to Ellyn, she’s certain there’s something wrong with him.



Sabina–tall, slender, and exotic–left her husband, young adult daughters, and a thriving counseling practice to spend a year in Northern California where she says she’s come to heal. But it seems to Ellyn that Sabina’s doing more hiding than healing. Why?Twila has come out of hiding and is working to gain back the pounds she lost when her only goal was to disappear. When her eating disorder is triggered again, she’s tempted to go back into hiding.



As these women’s lives intertwine, will they dare to come out of hiding?

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Spotlight on Contemporary Romance — A Child to Bind Them

28 Apr
A Child to Bind Them JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Child to Bind Them by Donna Gartshore, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

A Child to Bind Them

Title: A Child to Bind Them
Author: Donna Gartshore
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Inspirational Romance

Can one little girl…
Heal wounds from the past?

Landing a contractor job at New Hope Ranch finally allows Mitch Cooper to give his daughter, Gemma—who has a developmental delay—a stable home…if he can find reliable childcare. But when therapy horse trainer Aubrey Simpson eagerly offers to look after the three-year-old, Mitch finds himself hesitant to agree. Realizing Gemma is the baby she gave up for adoption, Aubrey will do anything to help the little girl—even spend time with her cautious father. But as unexpected feelings grow, will Aubrey reveal the truth…and risk her newfound family?

Excerpt

Maybe I shouldn’t have stepped in. Maybe that made Mitch look bad in front of the guys.

In her room, Aubrey was pondering what the next few weeks or months would bring for her, especially as the construction and renovations began to move into the areas she worked and taught in.

Her surroundings, as with all the places she’d lived in over the past few years since she’d had to give up her baby, were largely free from personal style and décor. She always tried to keep her living space as impersonal as possible so if she had to pick up and move on, she wouldn’t feel like she was leaving pieces of herself behind.

Her clientele was already starting to dwindle, as some decided they would prefer to start or continue lessons when the reno was fully completed. She knew the Duffys were doing their best to keep her busy and to assure her that she still had a role here, such as asking her to introduce Mitch to the workers and give him some tips about the horses, but there was no way those kinds of things were going to fill up her days.

This was the kind of situation that usually made her start getting restless, start looking elsewhere and thinking about where she could go next that would keep her busy enough to suppress the grief and remorse that never quite went away.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

About The Author

Donna Gartshore

Publishers Weekly best selling author Donna Gartshore lives in Saskatchewan, Canada. Donna is so grateful to be able to tell stories of faith, hope and second chances for Love Inspired. She also writes devotionals and the occasional poem or short story. Donna loves time with her family, personal and group Bible study, long chats with friends over dinner or coffee and engaging in discussions about books and writing with her local and online writing communities.

Connect with Donna on Facebook and Instagram.

Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a print copy of A Child to Bind Them and The Rancher’s Prayer!

A Child to Bind Them blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 28, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 5, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

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Top 10 Tuesday — The Time of Day!

28 Apr

Happy Tuesday! Today is a Freebie day on TTT — anything our heart desires! Today I am featuring book titles containing times of day, some of which are more poetic than actual positions on a clock. I hope you find one you want to read no matter what time it is!

For more fun lists, please visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Titles Featuring A Time of Day

As Dawn Breaks by Kate Breslin

Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard

Sunrise Reef by Irene Hannon

The Golden Hour by Beatriz Williams

As The Light Fades by Catherine West

Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard

When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin

Night Fall by Nancy Mehl

Midnight on The Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin

Cold Dead Night by Lisa Phillips

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Top 10 Tuesday — April Showers Freebie

21 Apr

Happy Tuesday! Today’s TTT is April Showers — interpreted as bloggers please. I have done this topic a few times, so I am going to be all over the place today! I hope you find a book from my list to pique your interest! There are a lot of genres to choose from.

For more April Showers posts, please visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top April Showers Book Selections

books featuring meteorologists

Magnolia Storms by Janet W. Ferguson

The Songs That Could Have Been by Amanda Wen

books that feature storms

Between The Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox

The Choice by D. L. Wood

Indigo Isle by T. I. Lowe

The Light on Horn Island by Valerie Fraser Luesse

books with Pilgirms (because April showers bring Mayflowers, duh 😉 )

Love’s A Stage by Rene Gutteridge and Cheryl McKay

The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

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Mini-Book Review — Harbor Pointe

16 Apr

I love my yearly visits to Hope Harbor, Oregon, the fictional town created by Irene Hannon where hope is always delivered! Harbor Pointe, book 12!! in the series features reconciliation stories, along with a second chance at love. I absolutely love that Hannon includes a story arc with married couples in each book in the series. The main plot thread usually involves two singles who search for their HEA, but secondary plots often include husbands and wives who need to reconnect and/or restore their relationships. The threads intertwine and make for a believable community of real and relatable characters. In Harbor Pointe, world-reknowned ballet dancer, Devyn comes home to the small town to help her estranged sister following an accident. She meets Aaron Steele and his family as she becomes involved in a community project. Sparks immediately fly. The romance is sweet and while there are obstacles, there are no scenes of overheard and misunderstood words or actions. You know, like seeing their love interest hug someone else. I liked that a lot! Other plot lines of estranged siblings, parent and child, and husband and wife were woven naturally into the narrative making this book very, very satisfying. You’ll always run into familiar friends in Hope Harbor — including Charlie, the taco making philosopher and sage, and the amusing seagull pair, all part of what makes the town and the book series special. If you are new to the series, please begin with book 1. You will not be disappointed.

Recommended

Audience: Adults

(I received this book compliments of NetGalley. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

When life throws you off pointe, love helps you find your balance. 

As a principal dancer with a prestigious New York ballet company, Devyn Lee is far from her hometown of Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast. But when a family emergency compels her to return, her visit turns into an extended stay after complications arise. 

Widowed mill worker Aaron Steele pays no attention to the buzz in Hope Harbor about the famous dancer in town. Until his grieving nine-year-old daughter takes a fancy to Devyn after she agrees to help with a fundraising show for a local charity in which the young girl is performing. As the show–and Devyn–begin to lift his daughter’s spirits, his own life is brightened by the beautiful ballerina as she slowly but surely captures his heart. 

But what are the odds that such an accomplished, polished woman from the city could ever fall for a small-town lumberman with two left feet? 

Come home to Hope Harbor–where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 70 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA’s elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.

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Top 10 Tuesday — Alter Ego!

14 Apr

Happy Tuesday! Today’s TTT topic is book titles that describe me or my life. Uh, no! LOL! I read a lot of mystery/suspense and those titles can be seriously scary. And besides, I am a huge rule follower — just ask my husband, the man who never saw a rule that couldn’t in some fashion be broken. 😉 So I decided to flip the topic and go with titles that would describe my evil twin aka alter ego. This was a fun post to put together. I hope you enjoy it and find a great book to read.

For more insights into the real bloggers’ lives, please visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Titles That Describe My Alter Ego

If I was one to take on a life of crime, I would want to be thought of as a member of The Queens of Crime. In pursuit of the lofty title I’d travel to Scotland and perpetrate a Highland Heist. Not sure if that would include a few shaggy cows, but who knows what a thief could discover among the heather. I might Ambush a man in a kilt to help me carry all the loot, making sure I hide my identity and not let on An Appearance of Impropriety. I must maintain an air of integrity and not get caught! But if I’m found out and pursued by the coppers, I’ll make sure my crimes are well Hidden by a Canyon of Deceit so I am not forced into Taking A Second Shot to fend them off. A good criminal must be able To Outwit Them All! If I’m not successful, the authorities will say that Death Follows Her and I may be presumed Guilty Until Innocent .

Here’s a tip: the authors of these books are way better at telling tales than I am. Check out their fabulous books!

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Spotlight on Romantic Comedy — Where The Wild Hearts Are

13 Apr
Where the Wild Hearts Are JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Where the Wild Hearts Are by Sondra Kraak, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

Where the Wild Hearts Are

Title: Where the Wild Hearts Are
Series: Hearts of Sparrow Ridge #1
Author: Sondra Kraak
Publisher: Trail House Publishers
Release Date: April 7, 2026
Genre: Sweet Small-Town Romantic Comedy

Miles

Second chances come in all shapes and sizes. Let’s be clear, I did not see this one coming in any shape or size. I was over Juliette as soon as she started dating my brother years ago.

But here we are. I’ve lost my brother, Juliette’s lost her husband, and our short-lived summer camp romance from when we were teenagers is rising from the grave to haunt me—or rather, invite me into an unexpected, irresistible redemption opportunity.

No problem. I’m a handyman. I fix things for a living. And I want to fix everything that’s been shattered in Juliette’s life.

Unfortunately for me, I overwhelmed her years ago with my big personality. Who’s to say I won’t be too much again? But I hope and pray I’m not because there’s no holding my feelings back this time, and with the way she’s distracting me, using power tools is out of the question.

Juliette

I don’t need my brother-in-law, Miles, swooping in to save me and my girls. I may not be thriving as a single mom, but I am surviving. The last thing my life needs is more upheaval, which is what I’ll get if I misread this chemistry between me and Miles.

Besides, my heart’s got a bigger issue: the summer camp that saved my life is for sale, and my old dream of running a camp is resurrecting with a vengeance. Only, it’s even less practical now than when I was a teenager.

I can’t let my heart run away with my good sense—regarding Miles or camp.

But I really want that camp, no matter how impossible the dream. And why am I acting like a schoolgirl crushing hard on her first boy? It’s just Miles.

Wild hearts scheme big to buy a summer camp in this swoony, second chance romance with found family, quirky characters, and sizzling chemistry. And it’s all wrapped up in a low spice, inspirational package. Where the Wild Hearts Are is the first in a new rom-com series featuring adventurous friends and the love and laughter they bring to their small, mountain town.

Excerpt

Juliette

I slip from bed and peak through the slit between blinds and window to see Miles, a deep frown on his scruffy face, which is pressed up against the glass. I throw back the blinds, and he stumbles away in surprise. Sliding the window open, I whisper-yell, “What is your problem?”

“You didn’t answer my text.”

“It’s midnight. I fell asleep like a normal, tired human.”

His gaze travels over me, and he grins.

“What?”

“You’ve got bed wrinkles on your cheek.”

I touch my cheek. “Why didn’t you knock at the door?”

“I thought it’d be more romantic to come to your window.”

I … what? I can’t process this right now.

“Just kidding.”

I’m awake enough to be disappointed, but it’s a good reminder to my run-away feelings: Miles is kind and friendly, and I shouldn’t read his words or actions as anything more than tender, familial affection. That’s the phrase I’m sticking with: tender, familial affection.

But what about those lingering looks? And that kiss on my head when we tucked the girls in?

I am in no state of mind for an inner argument, so I focus back on Miles, who’s still talking.

“I did knock at the door. You didn’t hear, and I didn’t want to pound and wake the girls or scare you.”

“As if someone knocking on my bedroom window isn’t scary.” I cover my yawn. “Come on.” Letting the blinds fall back, I trust him to meet me at the front door.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

About The Author

Sondra Kraak

Sondra Kraak (pronounced croc, like the shoe) is a part-time writer, full-time Jesus follower. A native of Washington State, she now lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains where she serves as the Worship Coordinator at her church. She and her Michigan-born husband, Nate, have two children–a daughter in college and a son in high school. Sondra fails miserably at social media and Jane Austen trivia, but she’s a champion sports fan (yah, hockey!), and has recently had success making sourdough bread (miracles do happen). Don’t ask her to drink eggnog (or kiss her husband after he does), but she’ll happily consume most teas and coffee, so long as it’s decaf (otherwise her heart races and she gets chatty). Her current to-do list includes training for a backpacking trip and folding laundry that’s been left in the dryer for two days. But first, just one more chapter.

Connect with Sondra by visiting sondrakraak.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of Where the Wild Hearts Are (winner’s choice between ebook or print)!

Where the Wild Hearts Are blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 13, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 20, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for print. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

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First Line Friday — How to Sparkle

3 Apr

Happy Friday! Today I am featuring How to Sparkle by Leslie Kirby DeVooght, the second book in the Magnolia Bluff contemporary romance series. I loved the first book, Stealing Magnolias, and am really looking forward to reading this book! Leslie is great at creating fun characters, sassy dialogue, and sweet romance with a good faith foundation.

Here’s the first line:

As my plane barreled toward earth, I squeezed my eyes shut and grasped the back of my arms under my legs in the brace position like the flight attendant had instructed only a couple of hours before.

When a whimsical interior designer and a rock solid contractor join forces, they discover that sometimes the biggest renovations happen in the heart.

While Zoe Stockton knows how to sparkle, no amount of fairy dust could transform her into a leader. But with the biggest renovation project of her career at stake, she must crush her anxiety and gather the confidence to navigate intense clients and looming deadlines.

Far from her support network in Chicago, Zoe needs a partner with insight into the Georgia Low Country. Thankfully, general contractor, Brad Chastain, not only exudes southern charm, but he’s also great at his job.In ways that go far beyond construction, Zoe and Brad connect. But he needs stability, not sparkles and whimsy, to convince his parents that he’s ready to take over the family business.

As they work together at Magnolia Bluff, will their friendship bloom into something more or wither under the pressures of work and family?

Leslie Kirby DeVooght writes women’s fiction inspired by romcoms, coastal Georgia, and fried okra! While Leslie and her family live in Jacksonville, Florida, they often visit her hometown of St. Simons Island, Georgia, where she loves to go for long walks on the beach. A graduate of Florida Southern College and Mercer Law School, Leslie is always revising her life from prosecutor to judge to PTA president to author of happily-ever-afters.

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