Can she win the heart she shattered?All divorcee Aileen McKenzie wants is a fresh start in her hometown, a new life with her teenaged son, their pets, and her fledgling pastry store. When she nearly drowns in a flood and her house and store are damaged, her first love–and the man she left behind over two decades ago–comes to the rescue. Old feelings resurface, and so do old hurts.Roman Vela has … hurts.
Roman Vela has built a successful business in home repairs. Only one thing has been less of a success–forgetting the girl who stole his heart at thirteen and destroyed it at nineteen. Growing up in a destructive household, he became “a fixer”, doing his best to repair anything that went wrong. But this, he cannot fix.
As they work together in the aftermath of the flood, Aileen and Roman grow close, but she might have to leave town–and Roman–again. Will a shy, risk-averse girl choose a safe life, or risk it all for love? And can Roman learn to rely on God to fix things instead of DIYing, and open his heart to a second chance?
Welcome to Chapel Cove, Oregon, where life begins at forty.
Stunning coastline, a harbor against life’s storms, and a welcoming community await in Chapel Cove. A place where those hurt by challenges, disappointments, and failures or reminded of their unfulfilled hopes and dreams can make a fresh start. And, if they’re brave enough to accept it, maybe find a second chance at love, if only they’ll allow God to safely anchor them in their hearts’ home?
Discover this small town filled with love, hope, and faith, in Chapel Cove, a series of sweet and clean standalone Christian romances. Join bestselling authors Marion Ueckermann, Alexa Verde, and Autumn Macarthur in Chapel Cove today!
Book 1 – Remember Me by Marion Ueckermann
Book 2 – Love Me by Alexa Verde
Book 3 – Cherish Me by Autumn Macarthur
Book 4 – Choose Me by Marion Ueckermann
Book 5 – Hold Me by Alexa Verde
Book 6 – Marry Me by Autumn Macarthur (launching late fall/early winter 2019)
Book 7 – Accept Me by Marion Ueckermann (launching winter 2019/20)
And more stories to come in 2020!
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Hold Me is a well-written, emotion-tugging romance that displays the power of God if we will but trust Him. Aileen and Ronan are likable characters that are easy to empathize with. Jonah, Aileen’s teenage son, adds humor and tenderness to the story. I loved the HEA! It’s perfect for this couple. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Hold Me and would not hesitate to recommend it to my friends and family. I hope to read more in this series and more from Alexa Verde. I like Ms. Verde’s writing style–the story just flows. I used KU to get a copy.
This is the first contemporary romance book I’ve read by Alexa Verde (have read her romantic suspense previously) and though it’s book 5 in Chapel Cove Romance series, it can be read as a stand alone. In the small town of Chapel Cove, there is plenty of romance, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and second chances for those hurting and needing love. The series focuses on couples who start their romance at age 40 and this particular book focuses on Roman, the town’s valued contractor and its most eligible bachelor, and Aileen, a single mother and a divorcee who returns home to Chapel Cove to get a fresh start on life. Their tangled past history takes some time to untangle but Roman’s kind, self-sacrificial, patient love is noteworthy and breath-taking. Secondary characters like Aileen’s teenager son and other couples from previous books in the series make the plot lively and infuse charm into the town itself. And Aileen’s bakery! I would love to taste one of her delectable-sounding creations!
If you enjoy contemporary romance set in small towns, you will enjoy this book. I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
I love the way this author leaves hidden things scattered in the story and only reveals them when the time is right. They always surprise me when they are revealed. I find myself stunned at some of them and often think “I didn’t expect that!” Her writing deals with very difficult life issues and teaches us how God helps us through the difficulties. I always enjoy her books.
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. Alexa Verde weaved the tale of Aileen and Roman so beautifully in the 5th book in the Chapel Cove series. I have loved all the books. All of the authors do a wonderful job with their characters.
I guess I could relate a lot to Aileen’s story. Divorced with a son from a rough marriage. She finds herself back home in Chapel Cove and opens a bakery. Her first love Roman never left. Alexa weaves the story of learning to forgive and love yourself. Accepting forgiveness from others. Learning to trust God again. Can Aileen and Roman work things out. Please read this wonderful story. You will laugh, cry, cheer, drool over the wonderful goodies from her bakery, smore’s cupcakes, a favorite of my grandsons. Thank you Alexa. I’m looking forward to the next books. Blessings.
What a wonderful book!! This is a very uplifting book that you won’t be able to put
down. Loved it!!
Can the past be fixed? Can two people who loved each other find that love again after years apart with hurt hearts or will those hurts keep them apart once again?
This is the newest book in the Chapel Cove series.
In this story, we get to read about Roman and Aileen’s story. Roman is Kristina’s twin brother who we met in the first book of the series. Aileen is the love of his life who walked away from him just when he thought their life together was beginning, and she did it without explaining why.
This story has many of the fun gang from Chapel Cove back together. We get to hear how some of our favorite characters are doing and what’s been happening in their lives. I love this because it feels like they are friends of mine!
The author Alexa Verde has created a town full of interesting and fun individuals. One of these characters is Mrs. MacPherson. I think I’d love to get to know her because she seems so sweet and welcoming. She also taught Aileen how to bake and this book is full of YUMMY sounding pastries! So much so, I wanted to get up and eat goodies. My mouth was watering as I read about all the many yummy things Aileen baked.
Throughout this book, the author wove sweet messages of acceptance and forgiveness. How when we think we’ve blown it and people will never forgive us, God’s right there loving us all the time! He never leaves us, it’s us who leave Him.
I loved this book. First, because the setting is in my beautiful state of Oregon. Then second, because it lets us see there is forgiveness and acceptance even when we think there’s no hope.
I highly recommend you pick it up, also look for the next books in this series. Hopefully, there will be more!
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved this book!!! Another great one by Alexa!!! I loved Roman and Aileen’s story. I wanted to read their story as soon as I met Roman in the earlier books, and so looked forward to this, and was not disappointed!!! I love the way they worked through their past, and that Aileen learned she really could depend on God and trust Him to work things out for her. Also, that she knew Roman would be there for her, no matter what, too.
Forever, ever, and ever!
I absolutely fell in love with all characters from Chapel Cove Series and their delightfully charming town. This story has all the perfect ingredients of a truly lovely, sweet, feel good romance!
“Hold me. Kiss me. Just… be beside me.” He didn’t need to be asked twice.
I am excited to see what else Chapel Cove has in store for us!
Great addition to the Chapel Cove Romance series. Love at 40??!! Can it be rekindled??? Can hurt feelings be repaired? Well written and clean. Immerse yourself in this wonderful addition to the series. Highly recommend. I received an advance reader copy from the author. Opinions are my own.
Hold Me ( Chapel Cove Romance #5 )
By Alexa Verde
Hold Me is book five in Chapel Cove Romance series. Verde writes a good clean romance. The story is well written and the characters well developed. I was drawn in right at the start and did not want to put it down. I was not disappointed. This is Roman and Aileen’s story. The story is about hope, forgiveness, and second chances. Do you believe in second chances? I know that I do . Aileen comes back home with her teenage son to start over after a divorce. She wants a fresh start, but to come back home where the only man she has ever loved lives! This is a wonderful and sweet romance and Im really enjoyed it.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but as not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Review When Aileen and Jonah moved back to Chapel Cove she tries to avoid Roman. Aileen is focused on getting her pastry shop going so she can give Jonah what he needs. Roman is a amazing person, he is always there to help anyone in need. Watching these two get close again will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. You will feel God working throughout this wonderful story. The characters in this book are all very special people. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could. (
I couldn’t put the book down. I read it all in one night. It was exciting and interesting. The characters were wonderful and fun to read about. It was funny, sad, romantic and exciting to read.
Hold Me is an inspiring romance about a second chance at love in the community of Chapel Cove, Oregon. Alexa Verde seamlessly weaves in contemporary issues of divorce, a verbal abusive ex-husband, a teenage son, insecurities, debt, and a town pulling together after being flooded. As a reader I applauded Aileen McKenzie’s spirit to step out of her comfort zone to provide a better life for her son Jonah. Roman Vela “the fixer” is almost too good to be true.
“This was what happened when she finally forgave herself for her own mistakes and forgave those of others, when she let God guide her instead of feeling responsible for everything around her, instead of worrying about things that didn’t even happen.” Taking a leap of faith.
I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Alexa Verde wrote an interesting book about two high school sweethearts who were separated by a bad decision 22 years previously. Now she is divorced and back in Chapel Cove with her son. Big debts to open a pastry shop, a flood, and an accidental fall in the river are all included in the plot of this story along with themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. I would recommend reading this book and the others in the series.
Hold Me: is another beautiful Christian novel by Alexa Verde from the Chapel Cove series. It is a very romantic story where love has a hard time getting up because childhood traumas block the way. Fortunately, God is in control of everything and after many struggles everything will still be fine. A very nice Christian book to read