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Make Me Want to Love You (Love in Emerald Creek) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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Make Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald CreekMake Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald Creek by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Make Me Want To Love You is Book 2 in the Love In Emerald Creek series and after reading the first book I was eagerly awaiting on this story of Burke and Shayna. While this series could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the series from the beginning to get to know the characters and be drawn in to Emerald Creek. I really enjoyed the first book but I loved this story….roller coaster of emotions, small town feel, friends to lovers, romance, drama and can I just say while Shayna is juggling being a single mom and trying to provide for her children, the empowerment she feels after leaving her abusive ex-husband and protecting her children at all costs….Bravo!

Living in Emerald Creek, small town living, Shayna and Burke are best friends. Burke would do anything for Shayna and her children, but develops feelings for Shayna…and ever so patient. Both Shayna and Burke guard their hearts for different reasons, but as they spend more time together, the more feelings develop. When trouble arises…meddling grandparents and secrets rear its ugly head…will Shayna and Burke be able to overcome their own insecurities…or will it tear them apart…

Definitely read and find out! This is a great story….well done!

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Kay Stritesky

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda's Story, An Echo series novellaHealing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story, An Echo series novella by C.R. Alam
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a nice easy read that combined romance and mystery. It was a nice sneak peak at the full story to come!

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Ashley Lape

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Healing Hearts (Echo #0.5)Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gene Rowland is an ER doctor taking a break from the fast-paced ER department. He is on his way back to his hometown of Gainesville, Georgia. On his way back into town Gene witnesses a single car accident. When Gene tries to help the unconscious female driver, she wakes up in a frantic state.
Amanda was on her way home from a date when she swerved to miss a young running on the side of the road. Amanda was frantic to find the girl. Gene did not see any girl running down the road. After a few days of trying to convince Gene and the local police that there really was a girl running down the road. As the days pass Gene and Amanda start to form a bond.
I really love this author and this series. There was a mystery mixed with romance.

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Reviewed by @alape

Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Michelle Austin

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Healing Hearts (Echo #0.5)Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a good 5 star read. This story pulled me right in and is a prequel for the series and a quick read. I really liked the characters, they all added a great element to the story. The author does a great job with her writing. I enjoyed the mystery and the twists and turns. My emotions were all over the place. If you are looking for a great series to read, 1-click and get started on this one today. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Audrie Harrington

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Healing Hearts (Echo #0.5)Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a prequel to a series I read a bit ago. I really enjoyed the story but I am not sure how it ties to the rest of the series. Amanda is in a car accident one night and wakes up to see Gene (Dr. Rowland) trying to take care of her as he was the car driving behind her. She swears that she swerved so she didn’t hit a terrified girl but no one really believes her and just thinks she had hit her head. She doesn’t have anyone to take care of her and talks Gene into staying overnight to watch her. He has a doctor’s mind and keeps assessing her as a patient but he does have some feelings stirring as does Amanda. Gene is just coming home after taking a sabbatical at the ER and spending time in Costa Rica. He is going to be working with the small town doctor and is not really sure what the next steps are for him. Gene and Amanda become friends and have some memories pop up from their high school days as they keep searching for the girl. This was more than a romance, it was also a suspenseful mystery.

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Rosanna Ingram

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Healing Hearts (Echo #0.5)Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This prequel to the Echo series is where we get the backstory of Gene and Amanda. They show up in the other books in the series, but now their story is front and center. When Dr. Gene Rowland returns to his hometown in search of finding his passion for medicine that he seems to have lost. Upon his return, he witnesses an accident that will change him more than he could ever imagine.

Amanda Garner is a local baker who finds herself the victim of a strange accident. As the mystery behind the accident is trying to be solved, she finds herself under the care of Dr. Rowland. However, she might be healing his heart as her body is healing.

The story of Gene and Amanda’s relationship was as good as the other stories in the series. There is always a feel-good aspect to their story. Going into it, you knew how it would end up since they have shown up in the other stories…but I still enjoyed every minute of it.

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Healing Hearts (Echo #0.5)Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Healing Hearts is the pre-qual story in the Echo series and is a book that you will not want to skip reading. We get to experience the amazing love story of Dr. Gene Rowland, Dean Rowland’s big brother, and Amanda. What a wonderful love story where two people with loving hearts come together all because of a tragic accident. Not only is this story full of a budding romance between Gene and Amanda, but it also has a mystery that needs solving. This story takes place in a small-town community where any little excitement gets the gossips in town talking. I loved getting to see how this romance played out and to see the backstory of these two amazing characters, who we all knew must have had a story to tell of their own. If you have not read any of C. R. Alam’s books yet, start with this one first, you will get drawn in by her magnificent ability to develop characters that you fall in love with immediately, you get so invested in their lives and the huge hearts that they have. There is always a feel-good theme to every one of her stories, that just makes you so warm and fuzzy inside! I love reading all of this author’s books, she is one of the modern-day great romance authors. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
@Brandy Rymer
05/2024

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Hannah Porter

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda's Story, An Echo series novellaHealing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story, An Echo series novella by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading the three books in the Echo Series, I was super thrilled For the release of the prequel of those books. It has Urgent touches,Healing love indeed man oh man, their chemistry was coming off the pages. I was so excited to see how Amanda Garner and Gene Rowland got together and their background of how they got to where we see them throughout the series. C.R Alam really does it again. She has a knack for writing romance in a way that will make you not wanna put her books down. She makes you feel the intense feeling that the characters express and it’s awesome. I would love to see more matches from this small town of love (lol) in Gainesville, Georgia. Fingers cross we get more.i will also recommend that after you read this, go read the rest of the series 🥰

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Make Me Want to Love You (Love in Emerald Creek) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Shannen Kern

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Make Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald CreekMake Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald Creek by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read other books by this author and loved them, so I didn’t hesitate to pick this up. I accidentally read this before the first book in the series, but I feel like it did just fine as a standalone. I did end up enjoying it so much that I picked up the previous book anyways and have already dived right in! Our main characters are Shayna and Burke. I instantly felt a close connection with Shayna, and it took me on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. Burke gave me all the best book boyfriend vibes. He’s so patient and kind even with her children. It was an incredibly heartwarming story with plenty of emotions. I highly recommend picking this up if you enjoy a contemporary romance that will tug on your heartstrings!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Julie Johnson

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Healing Hearts (Echo #0.5)Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have really enjoyed this series and I was sad to see it end. I had a few questions about some back stories and then I see this come across my TBR pile and knew I had to complete the story. This is the story of Gene and Amanda. They showed up in other novels in this series but we never really heard their story until now.

They have a rather unique relationship from the beginning, with Gene witnessing Amanda’s accident. Then there is a mystery aspect to it, as well as healing all around.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about their meeting and watching their relationship grow. I look forward to more books from this author.

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Make Me Want to Love You (Love in Emerald Creek) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Make Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald CreekMake Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald Creek by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance and having read and enjoyed book one in this series I was looking forward to being back in Emerald Creek and I was not disappointed. Living in Emerald Creek divorcee and single mother Shayna is used to being known as a ‘small town girl’, or ‘that poor girl’ or even as a ‘victim’. However, when Burke arrives in the town he sees a smart, interesting and beautiful woman and Shayna starts to feel like that when she’s with him. Burke can’t believe that she doesn’t know how amazing she is and is determined to be the man to show her. Despite both Shayna and Burke having had difficult relationships in the past and against their better judgment they can’t deny that they are falling in love with one another. Once again the setting was brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative, and I really felt the small town vibes of Emerald Creek. Shayna and Burke are both likeable and relatable characters so it is easy to feel invested in their story. Their chemistry came across in the narrative and I was cheering them on hoping they would get their well deserved HEA. No spoilers as I recommend reading this book!

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Make Me Want to Love You (Love in Emerald Creek) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Kerry Carr

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Make Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald CreekMake Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald Creek by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Love in Emerald Creek Series. The author has always wrote stories that are emotional and have a very unique talent which allows the reader to connect with the characters. This is a story of second chance romance. Of two people who are perfect for each other but both come into it with baggage and issues which means their romance isn’t straight forward and easy but then what relationship in life is?
I loved how Burke’s relationship progressed with Shayna’s children as well as with Shayna. You could feel him wanting to be a part of their lives as much as their mum’s which was nice to read.

Shayna is a single mum. After escaping an abusive ex she is moving forward and focusing on herself and the kids. The last thing she is looking for is love. But sometimes it comes when we least expect it.

Burke is best friend to Shayna’s best friend. When Burke meet Shayna they have chemistry and he is attracted to her because unlike other women she doesn’t seem interested in what he can give her. As much as he wants to be with her he knows he has to take things slowly for all of their sakes.

As things progress their connection grows but trouble is ok the horizon in the form of the past coming back. Can Burke and Shayna overcome the obstacles and finally get their happy ever after.

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Betsy Melano

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Healing Hearts (Echo #0.5)Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Echo Series is one of my favorite series I’ve read in the last year or so. Each story shares the lives of a couple, how they find each other and figure out what life living with their soulmate means. In the series prequel, we meet Gene and Amanda. Gene has just returned to his hometown Gainesville Georgia when he sees a car veer off the road. As a trained ER doctor, Gene Rowland can’t just leave someone who is hurt. The person behind the wheel he meets is Amanda Garner who definitely needs care and an ambulance. The reason Amanda had the accident was because she almost hit a teenager. No one believes Amanda actually saw a real girl, they think it was the town ghost that people swear they see dressed in blue. Amanda and Gene find a connection with each other but like many couples, they have some disagreements and setbacks.

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Make Me Want to Love You (Love in Emerald Creek Series Book #2) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Angela Hayes

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Make Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald CreekMake Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald Creek by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

4.5 Stars

 

Make Me Want to Love You: Love in Emerald Creek is the second book in the Love in Emerald Creek Series by N.D. Jackson. Well, it has been quite a few years since the release of Book #1, and when I last visited Emeral Creek, but the wait has been worth it.
This is a superb contemporary romance with some really great ingredients that made for an engrossing read- a single mother, a small-town setting, emotion, a dash drama & angst, a splash of sweet, an extra dollop of chemistry, overcoming challenges, endearing characters, and finding love unexpectedly- which made for a perfectly ‘baked’ and tasty morsel.
As expected from this talented author, the story was wonderful, and full of feeling. And I am already anticipating what Ms. Jackson has in store for us next.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, N.D. Jackson!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Make Me Want to Love You (Love in Emerald Creek) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Jenni Bishop

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Make Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald CreekMake Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald Creek by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars
Make Me Want To Love You by N.D. Jackson is the second book in the contemporary romance series Love in Emerald Creek. I have read many of Natasha’s work, but I think this maybe my favourite to date.
Sometimes living in a small town makes it hard to move past past hurts. Hurtful things people say usually find a way of coming to you even if you don’t want to hear it. Heartbroken and heart aching she just wants it all to go away BUT this sweet romantic tale shows love can be found in the most unlikely of people, your BFF’s BFF. It is a second chance at love tale that has a few ups and downs along the way.
Burke and Shayna made me believe that nothing is better than finding the one. She made a vow to focus on herself and her family, but one long hot summer changed everything. He has never met anyone like her and despite their differences she is all he sees.
Settle in for a great read.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Make Me Want to Love You (Love in Emerald Creek) by N.D. Jackson

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~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~
Make Me Want to Love You (Love in Emerald Creek) by N.D. Jackson
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – contemporary romance, small town romance, interracial romance
Page Count – 266
Cover Designer – Truly Trendy PR
Single Mom. Victim. Small Town Girl.
Those are just a few of the names I’ve been called.
Divorcee
That poor girl
Are just a few others
But when Burke storms into Emerald Creek all blond hair and perfect smile, he sees something else.
Smart.
Beautiful.
Interesting.
When he lays those blue-gray eyes on me, I feel like that woman.
And worse?
Despite my past, despite my better judgment
It makes me want to love him.
She has no idea how amazing she is
And that’s its own kind of aphrodisiac
Shayna is superhero and she had no clue of her power
For some reason I want to be the man to show her
Most women are all about what they can get from me but Shayna doesn’t want anything.
Except my body.
She’s making me work for it and I am so willing to put in the work
Because she’s worth it
Because despite everything, I’m starting to fall
Hard.

~ AMAZON ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for Make Me Want to Love You (Love in Emerald Creek) by N.D. Jackson

Click here to view experience a Chapter Reading for Make Me Want to Love You (Love in Emerald Creek) by N.D. Jackson

N.D. Jackson spends her days (when she’s not working) wandering the streets of whatever European city she and her husband find themselves traveling to or living in, creating new characters and new worlds for her novels, and her nights are spent creating delicious vegan meals and whipping up not-so-fancy but tasty cocktails for loved ones. A Chicago native, she currently lives in Romania and has slowly started to travel again, adding a new stamp to her tattoo (Rome!)!! Other interests include true crime and history documentaries & podcasts, hiking and kickboxing.

Since she received her first library card at the age of 7, not a day goes by she doesn’t read a page or chapter. Or finish a whole book. Her first novel, Conflict of Interest was published in 2014 and she has been entertaining readers with tales of love and romance ever since.

Author Interview with N.D. Jackson

Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Candida Hopper

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Healing Hearts (Echo #0.5)Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a quick wonderful read full of drama, romance, a little bit of mystery, twists and turns and great characters. This is a heartwarming prequel to the Echo series. Gene is an ER doc who has some decisions to make about what he wants for his future. He heads to his hometown to get out of the ER and decide if he likes being a small town doc. Amanda is a well loved baker in said small town. These two meet unexpectedly when Amanda is in a car accident and Gene happens to be driving by. Gene volunteers to take care of her in case she has a concussion. The chemistry between these two is strong. They find themselves spending more time together but not knowing if Gene plans to stay, what will become of their growing feelings. This story kept me turning pages. I highly recommend this book, it’s a captivating read.

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Kelsie Wheeler

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Healing Hearts (Echo #0.5)Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Healing Hearts was a quick read novella that had the perfect amount of chemistry, drama, mystery and spice. Gene and Amanda’s story was such a fun read. From not quite strangers, we see their story unfold. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Barbara Bohls

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Healing Hearts (Echo #0.5)Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an amazing prequel to the series. It follows characters that if you read the series have seen in the background but always have wondered about. This book has everything that one would want from a contemporary romance book. The growth of characters, the push and pull of their story, the compassion, kindness, and mystery. I loved that this effectively starts the series. If you haven’t read the series yet, this would be an amazing place to start but if you then this will just flow seamlessly into the series at any point you decide to read it. This is a novella and with that means very quick read but it packed a punch with each word on the pages. I highly enjoyed the book because of the mystery in the book that I hadn’t saw coming. The banter between the characters makes them highly relatable to the reader. I was able to sit down and really sink into reading this book. It started off with an a twist about an accident and from there it just flows easily to the end. I found myself feeling all the emotions that the characters did throughout the book. I was angry ad upset and then happy and blushing from the words that were written. I highly suggest reading this book and the good thing about the series is that they can all be read as stand alones. So you can pick and chose your way through the series but reading them in order is always going tp give you more depth with the characters.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Angela Shirley

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Healing Hearts (Echo #0.5)Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gene Rowland is starting to become deluded as an ER doctor and wants to try and rekindled his love for medicine so when he decides to move back to his hometown and becomes the town’s doctor, but he is not prepared for the home welcome he receives or the gossip which relates to the new friendship he has made but are the rumours true?

Amanda Garner is the town’s baker but when she unexpectantly swerved and hit a tree she thought she was dreaming when the hunky doctor appears from nowhere it seemed, but as she starts to come around, she knows exactly who he is. Not wanting to leave her Gene insists that he stay with her just in case she has a concussion but as their friendship blossoms, so do the feelings she has repressed for years regarding Gene. Can she play it cool enough for the gossip to die down or will she throw caution to the wind and go for it.

This is a lovely romantic story regarding two recurring characters in this series and is lovely to see how they got together in the first instance. As all the characters in the Echo Hearts Series they are brilliantly developed and wonderful characters that you just wish were part of your friendship group.
There is a great amount of Chemistry and passion between these characters and its great to see the story unfold, with the added twists and turns from other influences it is a great story and a great addition to the series.

What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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What Eyes Can't See: A spicy contemporary fiction novel of love, social justice, and belonging (Bold Journeys)What Eyes Can’t See: A spicy contemporary fiction novel of love, social justice, and belonging by Paulette Stout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t normally read any type of romance novels. Through the first chapter the characters and back story had me hooked on the story. The way the author took the time to research on how the characters would interact, shows in her writing. I enjoyed the novel and would definitely read more from this author.

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Kerry Baker

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Healing Hearts (Echo #0.5)Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a wonderful prequel story that shows how the whole series started. This couple is one that I wanted to know more about, having seen glimpses of them. I loved watching how their relationship started and developed as the book went on. Their connection was undeniable.
I thought the story was a great addition to the series and was really well written by the author. I found it engaging and I was pulled into the story right from the start. Although this book is a novella, it didn’t feel rushed or like anything was missing. This is a fantastic book from start to finish.

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Tracy Greenhalgh

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205515620-healing-hearts” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Healing Hearts (Echo #0.5)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1705510227l/205515620._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205515620-healing-hearts”>Healing Hearts</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18542723.C_R_Alam”>C.R. Alam</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6502545607″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A really well written novella and prequel to the Echo series by CR Alam, I have read and enjoyed the Echo Series and was intrigued to see if the prequel could answer some of the early character development questions, and as well as a good novella it does roll easily into the series. The characters continue to grow and world development is interesting.<br />We meet tired worn out doctor Gene and his return home, where he meets and treats Amanda, both then find they have feelings for the other but are trying to stay impartial for a bit, but small town gossip and rumours as well as developing feelings and mystery pull you along as you root for them to become more than doctor and patient. <br />
<br/><br/>
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The Changed Man (The Olympic Peninsula Series, Book 4) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Heidi Sturgess

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The Changed ManThe Changed Man by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read the previous books I was rather curious about Jake so I started this hoping I’d find sone of the answers to the very many questions I had ….

Jake has resigned as CEO and is I hoping to live out his passion which is writing thrillers and one of his books have made it to NY bestseller lust and there’s talk of making a movie so I’d say he’s well in his way ! Yet he’s still nervous his family won’t approve and that’s why he writes under a pen name 🤷‍♀️ I think he should take bragging rights ! He’s talented !
Anyhoo he causes quite a stir when he heads to Port Townsend for his brother , Jake’s wedding 💒

Jake has alot going on , he has quite a bit of baggage because of family issues and he’s mourning the loss of his friend who died in front of him so cut the guy sone slack when you want to get frustrated with him ok !?

I loved every moment if this real and I fell in love with the Victorian homes and I could see myself living in one 😉🥰

Jake is also after his own HEA like his siblings and Chiara catches his eye but there’s just 2 glitches 🙈 she’s his nephews guardian and she’s married ! I’m like Sheez this guy needs a break !

At one stage I did feel like I had more questions than I did when I started this but remember patience is a virtue 😊

While the saying goes that a leopard doesn’t change its spots just be gracious and give Jake a fair chance 🥰

I did feel a lot reading this and felt I needed sone sweet comfort food when I was done 🥰🤣🙈

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Will You (Pretend) Marry Me (Swan Cove Series) by Christi Barth – Review by Amanda Swindle

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Will You Pretend Marry MeWill You Pretend Marry Me by Christi Barth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read Will You Pretend Marry Me as my first read for this author, not realizing it was part of a series, and it can easily be read as a standalone. The story itself gave me some Hannah Montana vibes, with the secret identity singer situation but it is defintely more than just that. The main character lives a double life; as Abigail, she is a normal, run of the mill girl, absolutely normal. Abigail struggles with self identity, and wonders if anyone will ever accept her… As Kaia she is an international popstar; confident and outgoing. After finishing up a long 6 month world tour, Kaia is just over it all. The fake persona, the wigs and makeup, the whole gig has just drained her. Realizing she needs an escape, and a break, she heads to Maine for a few months to be a student teacher as herself, Abigail. Enter Everett Reynolds, VP and teacher at the school she is working at. The initial encounters between Abigail and Everett are interesting, and not at all a “love at first sight” encounter, as some sass and banter are the center of their conversations. Everett also has some secrets of his own as well…he is secretly working for the government. Now something has come up that could ruin Kaia’s reputation, so she goes to Everett for help…Will he fake marry her?? Will these two people with very different lifestyles, and secrets to hide, be able to surpass and overcome everything to have an actual relationship? Will Abigail opt to be Kaia, or remain herself?

Reviewed by @zoltrixes

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Beverly Finnie

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda's Story, An Echo series novellaHealing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story, An Echo series novella by C. R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this series. It makes me so happy to have a kind of prequel to read. Healing Hearts is a wonderful book in the Echo Series. A series I never wanted to end. So I’m beyond thrilled to have more. I love what the author presents to the reader. Making the characters relatable. Yes it’s a book so events happen faster than typically in life, but that doesn’t take away from the characters.
When Gene witnessed an accident happen he didn’t hesitate to help and assess the situation. What he didn’t expect was to find a woman that was going to turn his life upside down. Trying to find himself and deciding if he wants to place roots or still flow in the wind. He kept reminding himself Amanda was a patient he can’t cross that line. Yet there was something about her that kept pulling him in.
Everyone around her thinks she’s crazy. Amanda is convinced she swerved out of the way of a teenager girl the night of her accident. However, nobody believes her. Even Gene aka Dr. Rowland doubted her. Which really bothered her. She was drawn to him. thought he was on her side. Her high school crush has now become her companion in trying to locate the girl that caused her accident. What they ended up stumbling upon was so unexpected.
Will they find the girl?
What will they do about the lust between them?
A book you will start reading and not want to put down. The beginning of a series that’s well worth the read. Yet a book that can be read alone. Healing Hearts reminds the reader that we are all human and sometimes listening to your gut is the best thing to do.

@placexba
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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Felicia Bates

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Healing Hearts (Echo #0.5)Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am new to this author and the Echo series in general. Having no prior knowledge of this series did not hinder my enjoyment or understanding of Healing Hearts since it reads well as a stand alone. Right away I liked Gene and felt he was a realistic, warm and compassionate character (consistent with a doctor) and I came to believe Amanda’s character was well written as well. This book was longer than I anticipated but
it read well without any lulls or difficulty following the storyline. I enjoyed this author’s writing style, varying from the alternating narration so many novels feature. Overall,I enjoyed this backstory and look forward to reading more in this series.

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Will You (Pretend) Marry Me (Swan Cove Series) by Christi Barth – Review by M Policicchio

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Will You Pretend Marry MeWill You Pretend Marry Me by Christi Barth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Abigail needs one semester of student teaching to receive her teaching certificate/degree. There is only one problem. Abigail has an alter-ego as Pop Superstar Kaia. Kaia can’t just student teach. It would be a disaster. Abigail has it all figured out. A small Maine town. A secret deal with the principal to protect her identity. It was a good plan.

When Everett, the science teacher/vice-principal, finds out the deal that his principal made, Everett is livid. This can’t be happening. What is worse is that he wasn’t even supposed to find out but when Abigail’s scheduled mentor gets put on bedrest, Everett is brought into the loop because he is her new mentor.

There are sparks…like serious chemical reactions going on between Abigail and Everett. As each struggles with their pasts, the present, and ghosts, they build an unexpected friendship. When Abigail asks Everett’s help for a crazy plan to help a long-time friend, Everett goes along with it because it is Abigail. But it couldn’t be just that easy. Hijinks and mayhem ensue.

Abigail and Everett dive into their fake relationship without thinking about the consequences. When it blows up, hearts are left broken and battered. Can Abigail and Everett see what really matters?

This wonderful story has it all, humor, great banter, amazing character, and the right amount of steam. Super read!!

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Will You (Pretend) Marry Me (Swan Cove Series) by Christi Barth – Review by Robin Rankin

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Will You Pretend Marry MeWill You Pretend Marry Me by Christi Barth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Will You Pretend Marry Me

I knew I was going to enjoy this book from pretty early on. As a sucker for for both a hot intelligent man and delicious pastries I found myself attached to Everett and his love of scones almost instantly.

Abigail/Kaia made me think of Hannah Montana as an adult. Rockstar with her real life identity a secret to the public, but I liked Abigail more than Miley (no offense to the Miley Cyrus fans) but that may be an age thing.

There were so many moments I enjoyed, but I think my favorites both happened early. The talk Everett and Abigail had in her classroom after a rough day touched me, but not sure why. The other one was in the coffee and the previously mentioned scone. Still smiling thinking about it.

I was surprised to learn that I had not read anything by Ms. Barth before this book, but now that I know what I can expect I will be reading her books again in the future.

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Will You (Pretend) Marry Me (Swan Cove Series) by Christi Barth – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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Will You Pretend Marry MeWill You Pretend Marry Me by Christi Barth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so good and I can’t wait for more to come out!! This contemporary romance is about Abigail (aka Mega-pop star Kaia) and Everett. Abigail has lived a double life and not many know her secret. She has a secret identity. She is pop start Kaia but also ordinary Abigail who’s trying to finish her teaching degree. Her latest tour is over and everything is in place for her to student teach in a small Maine high school in Swan Cove. Everett is vice principal, teacher, and he also has a secret career! He’s an analyst for the EPA in his spare time. He doesn’t have much of a personal life. He has friends, but he’s not looking for anything more. At first the two don’t like each other. They get started out on the wrong foot and they argue a lot. They want each other, but they need to stay away from each other. When a friend of Kaia needs help she has to enlist Everett’s help. What can go wrong with a fake engagement?? Loads apparently. Their worlds are about to collide and turn upside down. So good you have to give this one a read!! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this cute romance.

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