"Someday Soon" by Melissa Tagg

Noah Johansson's dream died in Afghanistan with his best friend. Or so he thought. Now, in Maple Valley with his newly discovered half-siblings and a pretty landlord, visions of the life he once envisioned for himself are coming back to him.

Paige Parker moved to Maple Valley to prove to herself—and her father—that she could be independent. He's given up his life to raise her, and she wants him to find a life on his own. Plus, renovating her over-the-garage apartment was a fun project, and combined with her job at the newspaper, she has a happy and fulfilled life.

But when her dad shows up to visit, it seems like he expects more. Like a boyfriend. Enter Noah...

The impulsive idea to announce they were dating soon becomes a plague to both Noah's and Paige's consciences. But if it helps her dad, and doesn't hurt anyone else, can't they fake it for a while?

Meanwhile, Noah starts pursuing his dreams, but nothing comes easily. Can he overcome the past, the reopened wounds, and the current day obstacles to see it to fruition?

This is a sweet novella in the Maple Valley series. It's a standalone, but if you've read other the other books you'll have fun spotting beloved characters. 

"Counterfeit Love" by Crystal Caudill [with giveaway!]

Theresa Plane was raised by her honored colonel of a grandfather, but when his poor choices lead to dire consequences, she's determined to find a way to avoid losing everything. Even if that means marrying a man she doesn't love. After all, the man she does love disappeared years ago, abandoning her and their dreams. Could she even forgive him if he showed back up in her life?

I wanted to love this story, and no one is more disappointed than I am that we just didn't click. The novel has several of my literary pet peeves, such as a heroine whose attitudes and actions seem anachronistic. I completely understand that these are areas of personal taste, so I don't want to discourage anyone from checking out this story. 

What you can expect: complicated family issues, conflict on every page, a bad guy you won't see coming, and lots of interesting information about the Secret Service during the Gilded Age. 

I hope you'll try this debut novel from a promising author. Maybe you'll absolutely love it! I'd be happy to know you did.

I received my copy of this book from Read With Audra. All thoughts in this review are my own. Click on the graphic below for your chance to win the book for yourself.