Always You (Falling For You #1) by Lucinda Whitney

Simon Ackerley arrives in Lisbon for his temporary job as a consultant, not expecting to find his secret penpal easily. After all, he doesn’t know what she looks like or what her real name is. But when a biking accident reveals that Simon’s prickly co-worker Isabel is the elusive Amélie, he has to win her trust before he can confess his true identity. 

Isabel Antunes is content with her life as director of the English Academy in Lisbon, until the chairman hires a consultant without her knowledge. Despite Simon Ackerley’s repeated assurances to the contrary, Isabel believes he’s after her position, and she won’t hand it over without a fight. As if dealing with him at work isn’t enough, he shows up at her book club as well. Her only solace is writing to the penpal she knows simply as Elliot.

As they work together, Isabel realizes Simon is nothing like her first impression and a tentative friendship grows between them. But how can she explore the possibilities when her heart belongs to Elliot? 

Always You is a sweet secret relationship romance and it can be read as a standalone. 

*Part of this story was previously published as One Small Chance. It has been rewritten and expanded to include new content and a swoony epilogue.*

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I read this story previously when it was titled One Small Chance and I loved it.  It has now been expanded a bit with a bonus epilogue!  These added scenes were fun and I loved reading this story all over again.

Simon and Isabel's first meeting was not a roaring success.  He crashes into her while riding his bike.  😳  Things don't get much better from there- at least for a little while.  Isabel is not impressed even though she is slightly attracted to Simon.  Isabel has cold to start in book.  As she begins to thaw I liked her more and more.  Simon and Isabel learn how to work together and that leads to friendship.  Simon is a champion in my eyes.  He is so patient, gentle and kind to Isabel even when doesn't treat Simon the same way.  That patience pays off in the end so yeah, champion.

I loved the setting which made me want to visit Portugal.  It sounds just beautiful.  The penpal aspect gave this story an established history between the characters even if Isabel didn't realize it until later in the story.  The growing, expanding relationship between Simon and Isabel was satisfying and I really did love the ending.  So sweet.

Lucinda Whitney's books are always a delight to read.  Her firsthand knowledge of Portugal always shines though in her books, making me feel like I am there too.  If you haven't had a chance to read any books by this author, you should!  Start with this one.  You won't be sorry.

Content:  kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Always You (A Magnolia Falls Novel) by Ruth Roberts

After tragedy strikes, Diana Mathison finds herself back in her home town of Magnolia Falls, sharing custody of her baby sister with her step sister. Reeling from the death of their parents, the three sisters have to learn how to lean on each other and live life without their two pillars of strength. Diana is full of doubts in her ability to raise a little girl and run her father’s law firm. The last thing she needs is to have Zack Connelly back in her life. The last time she let him in she ended up hurt and broken hearted.

Zack has given up on true love. It’s not for him and it’s certainly not with Diana Mathison. He came back to Magnolia Falls to heal after losing his sweet wife and their unborn child at the hands of a drunk driver. Hannah never had a chance at the love and happiness she deserved, therefore neither should he. His life plan is to take care of his sister and niece for as long as they need him, and to be the best veterinarian the town has ever had. That’s enough for him…or is it?

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Second chance at first love stories are some of the best.  Even though Diana and Zack were more friends who secretly crushed on the other, and not necessarily in love, there was always something there for both of them.  Their friendship ended rather abruptly and in a way that really hurt Diana so now that Zack is back in the same town as her, old feelings are coming to the surface.

Diana has a tragic past and present.  So many heart breaking things have happened in her life but she is so resilient and strong.  I loved the kindness that Diana just naturally had.  Forgiveness to her sister and other high school tormentors seemed to come so easy for her.  I loved that about her.

Sometimes I felt like there was just too much going on in this book.  Was my focus supposed to be on Diana and Zack or her sister and Logan?  Because there seemed to be multiple stories happening and I think I ended up missing that total character development.  Things seemed more glossy and less meaty.  I was also missing the emotional connection to the characters.  There were so many heart wrenching things happening, I wanted to feel more.  

While this book wasn't my favorite, it was okay.  I appreciated that it was clean and I also enjoyed the themes of family and forgiveness.

Content:  Death, bullying, eating disorder