I have been eagerly awaiting this release, to share this amazing book with you! I got the read it in May, and I was sold. Jennifer Peel is definitely one of my all-time favourites, and this series is one that keeps getting better with each book. Rachel Laine is possibly my favourite! Be sure to read all about this amazing book, and series! (Previous post about book 1 and book 2 have been posted in the past here!)
Rachel Laine (The Women of Merryton #3) by Jennifer Peel
Rachel Whitney’s life changed forever when Drew, the son of her twin sister, Sydney, was placed in her arms—and there he stayed. At twenty-two, she had no idea what she was doing, but in that moment, she knew that raising Drew was what she was meant to do with her life.
Fiercely independent, Rachel makes her own way managing her family’s insurance agency. Decidedly against introducing any men into her life, or Drew’s, she protects her heart against all romantic entanglements. But what she didn’t count on was a letter from her sister that leads a famous secret to her door eight years after her sister’s death. A secret with the same eyes as her son’s.
Desperate not to get the courts involved, Rachel allows Drew’s previously unknown father, Andrew Turner, into their lives, and to her surprise, little by little into her heart. But for Rachel, taking that step could open her family to a firestorm of media attention that not even Merryton can protect them from. Is love worth the risk? Or will Andrew’s fame and ambition ruin their chances?
Excerpt
Thank you for the flowers. They’re lovely, but unnecessary, I texted. Maybe that wasn’t the politest, but really, he didn’t need to keep giving me flowers. Besides, no amount of flowers or compliments were going to make this okay for me.
I set my phone down and took a deep breath. I went back to the unpleasant task of dealing with overdue accounts. It was the least favorite part of my job, and my head was already pounding.
Thirty minutes later my cell phone rang. I answered it in resignation, but not before I lay my head down on my desk and put him on speaker. “Yes?” I grumbled.
“If I didn’t know better, I would say you’re not happy to hear from me.”
“So, maybe you’re smarter than I thought.”
“Hey, I sent you flowers.”
“I said thank you.”
“But you didn’t call and thank me for them personally.”
“Is that required?”
“Maybe not required, but definitely warranted. I don’t think anyone has ever texted me a thank you when I’ve sent flowers, or told me they were unnecessary.”
“Do you regularly send women flowers?”
“Define regularly.” I could hear the laughter in his voice.
“You know what? I don’t even want to know.”
“That’s probably for the best.”
“Great, now that we agree on something, thank you again. I should probably get back to work.”
“I know you don’t have to go so soon. Tell me how your day is going.”
If anyone could see me with my head on my desk, they wouldn’t have had to ask. “Well, let’s see. For starters, I’m living off caffeine since someone kept me up way too late. And to top it off, I have the unpleasant task of contacting people to let them know I will be canceling their policies unless they pay.”
“Sounds like maybe I should come up there.”
I popped up. “Why in the world would you think that?”
“Well, that way I can make dinner and take care of Drew for you.”
“Andrew, believe it or not, we’ve functioned just fine without you for a very long time. I’ve even spent my fair share of sleepless nights taking care of Drew, only to have to be up the whole next day, too.”
“That’s why you’re amazing, but you don’t have to do it all alone now.”
But what if I wanted to?
Review
Rachel Laine is the third book in the Women of Merryton series, and it is probably my favorite.
I have beta-read all of the books in this series, so I feel a strong connection to the women in this series. Rachel Laine especially holds a special space in my heart.
Rachel become a mother to her somewhat unruly sister’s son at a very young age, sacrificing a lot to provide for Drew. Her life was put on the backburner and she took her calling of mother wholeheartedly. She may not be Drew’s biological mother, but she is his mother is every possible way.
So when Andrew shows up, stating he may be Drew’s father, and this might affect his political campaign, the mother fangs come out, and Rachel does everything she can to protect Drew.
The realization that Drew also might need a father in his life, and that Andrew might be a genuinely nice guy, allows Rachel to let him into their lives, but she stays very cautious.
Soon she discovers that Andrew fills a void in not only Drew’s life, but also one in her own life that has been empty for a very long time.
This story is all about learning to trust, learning to open up your heart again, being able to forgive, getting hurt, and moving forward.
And all of this is brought to you in that typical Jennifer Peel way, full of humor and amazing wit, charming characters you find yourself falling in love with, and a story you have a hard time letting go of. If ever there was a series about second chances worth reading, this would be the one!
Praise for the Book
“You nailed it!!! These books keep getting better and better each time! I looovvved it!”
“How is it possible that you just keep getting better? I swear this one is my favorite.”
“I literally got lost in Merryton again. It is one of my favorite places to visit.”
Author Jennifer Peel
Jennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-one years. Lover of late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.
Blast Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 7/28/16
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.