A Family for Christmas

Willow Park, Book 3

De: Noelle Adams

Narrado por: Jane Cramer

For years, Lydia has dreamed of overseas mission work, the way some women dream of getting married. How ironic that she needs a husband to finally make it happen.

She's always been practical, however—even if it means a marriage-of-convenience so she can finally do the work she’s called to do. Gabe needs a wife at exactly the right time. Plus, he’s kind of hot.

After a spectacularly failed marriage, Gabe isn't looking for a wife. He and his nine-year-old daughter are doing just fine on their own. But he's happy to negotiate a practical arrangement with Lydia in order to move into a new and more rewarding job. After all, a marriage like theirs won't end up changing his life very much.

They both have their priorities, and marriage just isn't one of them. But their carefully planned relationship doesn’t exactly go as planned.

©2014 Noelle Adams (P)2025 Noelle Adams

Beautiful short story.

This is the second book in a series of short stories, but it can be read as a stand-alone. I read it first.

I don’t like the title much, but it does warn about the contents. I’m not keen on the idea of step-sibling romantic love, but I'm glad I gave this story a go. Heroine Missy and hero Zach already have feelings for each other before the book starts. I didn’t feel I missed anything by not 'being there' when the main characters first became aware of their feelings for one another. Ms Adams easily drew me in to the characters’ present feelings of unrequited love, longing, rejection, jealousy, hurt – and I felt them deeply myself.

I was so riveted as I listened to this in my car that I rejected a call or two to avoid interruptions. The emotion and romantic tension was powerful. I was impressed this could happen in such a short word count (2 hours 14 minutes of listening). Perhaps some of the reason for this was Angela Dawe’s excellent narration. I am thrilled she narrates this whole series.

I highly recommend this story because of the beautiful feelings it evoked in me about lovely characters, and I especially recommend the Audible version for the exceptional narration.

Stomped All Over His Heart

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Yes, the 3 short stories have doom and gloom under tones.

The heroes are great, and yummy, but the heroines have so much self doubt. Not for me! I want an up lifting story with a strong heroine. Yes, these all have a happy ever ending, but it’s about the up lifting journey in a story that makes one great for me. See authors Jill Shalvis or Julie James

If you’ve listened to books by Noelle Adams before, how does this one compare?

The full length stories are good. Not sure what author’s intensions were on these short stories. They seem to be an outline, that was submitted to editors. All 3 stories, combine to make a full picture. Get on sale only

Have you listened to any of Angela Dawe’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I am one of Ms Dawe’s biggest fans, so I buy whatever author I can get of hers that doesn’t have gore,horror or terror. I have been introduced to all kinds of writing and its been fun. Her males voices are YUM.

Do you think One Week with Her (Ex) Stepbrother needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

See Nora Roberts, Happily Ever After series. Great use of a series and friendship theme that links friends together by their separate story.
This author had that intention, but the dark gloom of each heroine, fails to complete the success mission.

Any additional comments?

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