Third-grade teacher Maddie McCormick was thrilled when the greenhouse classroom actually came to fruition—but she hadn’t counted on angering the local street thugs, or their threats.Police officer Ben Belliston hadn’t planned on fatherhood—ever—but gaining custody of his orphaned niece had him rearranging all of his priorities. She and Maddie, her new teacher, bonded right away, so he was happy … was happy to provide a little off-duty security in the greenhouse—it was more than a fair exchange for the way Maddie helped his niece from her shell. He hadn’t expected to begin seeing his best friend’s little sister in a new light, or the way it would make him question all of his future plans.
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Great
Maddie has had a thing for her brother’s friend Ben forever but she has never pushed it. Ben gets a call about his niece needing a home because her mom died. His brother is in jail. But something about working in the greenhouse and little Felicia bring the two of them together as a couple.
the only downside to these books in the series is it leaves you hanging. The couple finally connect but its one of the last final paragraphs. great stories enjoyed the read. would like to see more though, as with the next book you learn (spoiler alert) that Felicia is spending time with her mom’s sisters but in this book it was out of the question, how did it evolve.
The well written storyline and wonderfully created characters grabbed my attention from the very beginning! I was totally engaged with Maddie and Ben throughout the entire book which made this book a very delightful read!
Reviews for In The Garden 1-4
****
3 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel Hello Again (In The Garden Book 1) Apr 27, 2015 by Heather Tullis and this review was given freely.
A second chance at love with a millionaire romance. Easy flowing with wonderful characters, a sweet romance, vivid descriptions and enough family drama to keep things interesting. Struggling Crystal Creek Dental Hygienist Piper meets her first love Reese Stone when she tries to start a city garden in her neighborhood to keep her autistic brother Spencer out of trouble.
****
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel First Crush (In the Garden Book 2) Mar 22, 2016 by Heather Tullis and this review was given freely.
A second chance at love with your brother’s best friend clean romance with family drama and a sinister undertone. The story in book one continues with one of Piper’s best friends, 3rd grade school teacher Maddie and her frustration when her brother Jason’s best friend officer Ben continues to ignore her. A complex and interesting story containing two romances, the planning of Piper and Reese’s wedding, gang activity, the topic of physical abuse, the anxiety that can occur with the uncertainty of loving a police officer, and Ben’s surprise fatherhood.
****
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel Not in the Plans (In The Garden Book 3) Feb 27, 2018 by Heather Tullis and this review was given freely.
The trio of friends complete their status as couples when Adelyn finally recognises and accepts former army serviceman now construction worker Jason’s labors of love. This novel combines vivid descriptions, family drama, a little humor and a happy ending with the pitfalls of online dating, the rocky preparations for Piper and Maddie’s weddings as well as hinting at a second chance for love romance for Comfrey.
****
3 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel Last Chance (In The Garden Book 4) Apr 19, 2018 by Heather Tullis and this review was given freely.
This book covers the same time frame as book 3 but from Comfrey’s view. Comfrey aka Channing must decide between local accountant Tony and her attorney ex-fiance Nick who is being blackmailed by Comfrey’s parents to bring her back to Boston. A rocky romance, lottery winners,overbearing and self centered parents,
Sweet Predictable Romance..
Maddie & Ben grew up together. He was her brother’s best friend & Maddie’s first crush, one she never grew out of. Just when Maddie is deciding to give up on Ben & try to start a relationship with someone, Ben’s situation changes. Talk about a man out of his depth. Ben is suddenly his niece Felicia’s guardian. Her mother died & his brother, Felicia’s father, is in prison. Maddie steps up to help him & it causes him to see her in a new light. Add in drama regarding the community garden & the people opposed to it. Can Ben & Maddie navigate everything safely?
I loved the fact that this was not an “instant” love. Ben & Maddie had known each other for years. I enjoyed the interactions among the characters since it only adds additional understanding. The characters are the same as from Book 2 since they are a group of friends. This can easily be read as a stand alone though. You just gain character depth if you read it in order. This was a sweet romance!