He broke her heart. Now, he’s back, and he’s determined to show her what they had isn’t over. . . and he can prove it with just one kiss.Single mother Carly Collins likes predictability. However, when her son Jaden’s health is threatened, her neatly controlled world is tossed into a tailspin. Nothing is certain anymore, especially her feelings for Josh Dixon, Jaden’s father, her first love and … first love and the man responsible for shattering her heart sixteen years ago.
When Josh Dixon walked out of Harbor Pointe, he left behind his only shot at a real family. Now a successful tech mogul, the town rebel has found a cause—ensure his son’s recovery and prove to Carly and Jaden that he’s not the same guy he was back then.
Carly and Josh are forced to wade through messy emotions and questions that have gone unanswered for years, which would be easier if not for the pesky feelings, every bit as strong and impossible to ignore as they ever were.
Will forgiveness win, giving Carly and Josh a second chance at love . . . or will the past prove too much to overcome?
A small town romance about first love second chances and how our most beautiful life might look nothing like we planned.
“Original, romantic, and emotional. Walsh doesn’t just write the typical romance novel. . . She makes you feel for all the characters, sometimes laughing and sometimes crying along with them.” ~Romantic Times
Other books by Courtney Walsh
Contemporary Romance
Just Look Up
Just Let Go
Change of Heart
Paper Hearts
Women’s Fiction
Hometown Girl
Things Left Unsaid
Sweethaven Novels
A Sweethaven Romance: Novella
A Sweethaven Summer
A Sweethaven Homecoming
A Sweethaven Christmas
Contemporary Romance Collection
Right Where We Belong
more
Thoroughly enjoyed! I can’t wait for #4. Courtney writes with humor and compassion for her characters and their relationship with each other and God. I love these stories that take place in a small town where we get to know so many of the residents and how their relationships intertwine.
Just One Kiss was simply wonderful! I loved this story as much as I loved that beautiful cover!
A few things stood out to me as very realistic in this story. One of them was the anger that Carly held onto. She had been hurt emotionally very deeply by Josh and had continually cultivated anger and distrust for him for sixteen years. Even though he showed her over and over again in this story that he was reliable and cared about her and Jaden, it made complete sense to me that she had trouble trusting him.
The attraction these two had for each other was also very realistic. The hurt Carly had from Josh’s abandonment was so deep because she had loved him so much.
I wondered before I began reading this book how the author would make me be sympathetic toward Josh. I didn’t know if she could make me relate to why Josh left in the first place. Well, she did! Josh had so much baggage and emotional mess from his childhood. He did what he thought he had to do and it was very emotional to read about all he went through and the beliefs he held about himself.
And, finally, the way Josh and Carly related to each other regarding Jaden’s health issues seemed very realistic to me. Both of them had a special relationship with Jaden, yet they also had to work together as some type of family in the decisions they made. It was interesting to see how they all functioned together. I loved this story!
Courtney Walsh always delivers a beautiful story that grips you emotionally and makes you fall in love with it, and this one was no different.
We got a brief overview of Carly and Josh’s history in the previous book of this series so I was very intrigued to see how everything would work out. I will admit that I was a little leery of how I would feel about Josh after what he did, and if this author could redeem him. But, you guys, Josh was AMAZING! I loved his character so much. Yes, his leaving his family when he was young was horrible, but you get to see the heart behind his actions and the “why” broke my heart and kinda made me love him more. He never pushes with Carly and Jaden, letting Carly take the lead both with their parenting and with their relationship. He just continually shows up again and again, loving unconditionally and sacrificially, proving over and over that he is a changed man that isn’t going anywhere.
Carly, I’ll admit, I had a little bit of a tough time liking. She was understandably bitter and angry after Josh had left. But she never fully dealt with it, so even 16 years later the ugly was still coming out. She was so sure that Josh couldn’t be trusted that she saw his every action and word through the lens of the past. I understood how it was necessary for the plot of the book but it sure made her hard to love. In the end though I was glad she finally saw Josh as the man he’d become! And while Carly may have not been my favorite, I loved seeing her through Josh’s eyes as the girl he would never stop loving, the one he saw as beautiful whether she was dressed up or in ratty sweats. His always.
Jaden was a great kid too, yes he had some typical teen moments but I loved his heart for good and the easy way he lived out his faith, especially when it came to his dad.
I absolutely loved seeing their family work through all the issues of the past to find healing together.
It was also great to visit Harbor Pointe again and catch up with some of the residents especially Quinn and Grady from Just Let Go!
Basically this was another amazing novel from the great Courtney Walsh!
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I just finished reading my ARC a second time. Walsh is such a talented and gifted writer.
This story dealt with some really challenging topics and I love books that really cause you to think about trials in life. Even though I couldn’t directly related to the hardships in this book the writing was so we’ll done that I really did feel a lot of the pain the characters were dealing with.
I was especially impressed with Jaden! In some ways he was a typical teenager, but in many ways he was wiser than his years. It was a nice change of pace to read a teenager that was a strong Christian. I loved Carly because she was real. She was moody at times and snarky and it was so realistic and perfect. I can be sarcastic and snarky sometimes and it really helped me relate to her. I also appreciated her honesty throughout this book. But most of all I connected to a character that has made and lives with mistakes in their past. Sometimes Christian Fiction leans too heavily toward “perfect” characters and I love the realistic ones so much more.
I didn’t love Josh much at first. But after reading the book a second time I’m so in love with him! Men like him are the good ones. They are hard to find. I like that he knew his faults and worked hard to better himself (in more ways than one). This book has so many truths about life in it. It has sin in it of various types. But the characters learn and grow through their sins.
The forgiveness throughout this book is very Christlike. Last but not least the romance is fantastic!!! There are some great kissing scenes and lots of flirting! I highlighted so many favorites where chemistry just jumped off the page between Carly and Josh!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
A perfect second chance romance! A wonderful balance of character development, angst, humor, and romance. I loved the way the details of the characters were revealed little by little as the story unfolded. It provided a sense of anticipation as I read and I couldn’t wait for the next little twist that propelled Carly and Josh closer together again. Their son Jaden was a strong element with not only his amiable personality and health dilemma, but his faithfulness and willingness to encourage his parents to seek a relationship with God. There is a powerful theme of forgiveness and grace, not just for others but for oneself. I always appreciate the depth in this author’s stories!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Courtney Walsh just knows how to grab to our hearts by her stories. Her titles and covers of her books make you want to know these characters. From the first page to the last page, your emotions will range from happiness to sadness(some tears) and back to happiness. She tackles subjects that are difficult but what makes her outstanding as an author is how she used our relationship with God to deal with them. The truth of our weaknesses are not hidden from view and our strength to overcome are very clear.
I received this book from the publisher and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Deeply moving, incredibly heart wrenching story – in a return to the fictional Lake Michigan shoreline town of Harbor Pointe. Each one of the books in this series, has tackled some truly challenging plot lines. There’s a mystery lying behind why Josh left Carly all those years ago to face motherhood alone. While she is dealing with a deeply rooted, justified anger towards the father of her son Jayden, Josh is hiding a secret so painful he’s sacrificed years without the only woman he has ever loved. As the story begins – Josh has already made steps to reunite with his now teenage son. Jayden’s open and willing acceptance of his father is something Carly sees as a level of forgiveness she knows she’ll never be able to attain herself.
While this story definitely takes you on a journey, it won’t be one you bargained for. Incredibly hard read at times, every step of the way your empathy for Josh will deepen and grow, all the while begging for the world stop, pay attention and understand the plight so many of the worlds innocent children face today. It’s hard to understand such cruelty. Or even why some are left to face these things. Even the issues Carly & Josh must face together as parents – are incredibly challenging, spiritually and mentally. This book takes on two major conflicts, both serious, complex and eye opening.
I appreciated the sensitivity to Walsh’s writing. So much tenderness & thought appear to have been put into this story – and lessons of hope & forgiveness is
are the result. What an incredible series, each leaving you weighing the story in your mind long after the final page of the book has been read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This is my honest review.
Courtney Walsh consistently crafts charming characters who steal their way into my reader heart and compelling storylines which challenge and captivate. Her stories set the bar ever-higher yet glide over it with ease!
Just One Kiss combines innocence, guilt, attraction, anguish, faith, and forgiveness in a childhood-best-friends-to-romance-to-second-chance-romance like no other! In my opinion, every single element within this story is absolutely without a doubt on point! Characters are genuine, flawed, and relatable. The setting is picturesque and charming. The backstory is introduced in a gradual manner which always keeps the momentum moving forward.
I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading it again and again! Just One Kiss is without a doubt among my all-time favorite stories!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
There just aren’t enough words to express how deeply moved I was by this book. A lot of years, and a lot of water under the bridge, separates the carefree Josh and the rock-solid Carly from the reckless kids they used to be. Yet somehow, when their son needs them the most, they put it aside, show up, and make nice for his sake. Although I was furious with Josh at first, it didn’t take long for me to get a better understanding of his fractured past and his motivations. And I fully identified with Carly, because I too was the parent that stayed. But the breathtaking chemistry they shared as adolescents has to catch up with the adults they’ve become. The difficult subjects tackled had me full on weeping and rejoicing, and the inspiring themes of steadfast love, forgiveness, and promise-keeping are ever present. I’d give it 10 stars if I could!
Fantastic book. I enjoyed the first two in the series and this one gripped me from the start. Poor Josh and Carly. Especially Josh. Oh my. I felt like I took every breath with the two of them. Allowed myself to cling to the slightest encouragement and then was curled up at each miscommunication.
For me, this book is Courtney Walsh’s best so far. It ticked every box and was a joy and a delight to read.
Although this is part of a series, it would also work as a standalone, but treat yourself and read all three.
Another amazing story by Courtney Walsh!
I absolutely loved this story! I think it’s my favorite Courtney Walsh novel so far. I loved visiting Harbor Pointe the first two times and was so excited to go back! It’s a cute little town in Michigan that I desperately wish was real. Not just because of the beautiful scenery, but because I love all the characters as well. The Harbor Pointe novels seem to get better with each story and this one was no exception. It’s definitely my favorite of the series, and that’s not just because of the gorgeous cover. I was so excited when I first heard that this story was Carly’s because I really wanted her to find her happily ever after. I loved her and Josh together and the development of their characters and relationship is simply amazing. This is a beautiful story of redemption, love, and second chances that deserves to be read again and again.
Just One Kiss by Courtney Walsh is the third book in a series but it can still be read as a standalone novel. This book has everything— long held secrets, mistakes, and a devastating medical diagnosis. Somehow, all of these things weave together beautifully in an emotionally deep story that will stay with you long after you are done reading. I highly recommend it! I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
‘I promise that in all things you will forever be my always.’
Every once in a while you read a book that just dives so deep into your heart and involves your emotions to such a degree that you can’t even think about picking up another book right away; a book that makes you smile and cry and just wonder in amazement at the depth of love a man has for a woman. This is that book.
Josh Dixon left Carly Collins with an infant and walked out of her life. He left Carly broken. Now their 16 year old son is having serious health issues and Josh is determined to help and also to prove to Carly that he is so sorry for his past and is determined to win her back. Carly wants nothing to do with this plan. Josh had reasons for leaving and he has had to deal with incredibly painful hurts, but he can’t bear to tell Carly.
This is quite possibly the most poignant, tender and moving romance I have ever read. I can’t really describe adequately how this book made me feel. Walsh has given us a story full of a love that has endured through over twenty years, a love that knows no bounds and is incapable of fading. Josh Dixon is a hero that will stay with me, that’s for sure. He has been hurt beyond imagining, and the girl who loved him through the hurt is the girl he has loved deeply and will love forever. I do not think there is a woman alive who would not want to be loved the way Josh Dixon loves Carly Collins. It’s a love that’s nearly tangible on the page! I highly, highly recommend this novel.
*My thanks to the author for a complimentary preview copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
This book by Courtney Walsh is so very good. I’d heard others say it’s her best yet and I tend to agree.
The characters captured my heart from the very beginning.
Josh was such a well written personality, my heart just went out to him. I found myself with leaky eyes as I got to know Josh and Carly, their current lives, and then also their backstory.
I also loved Carly, although I kept wanting her to stop living in denial…
This author does such an absolutely fantastic job of weaving it all together, showing us the whys of their failed relationship, and how they’ve grown, and bringing in all the feels.
I’ve loved Harbor Pointe and all the characters in this series. The ending was bittersweet, as I realized I’d come to the end of my time with them.
This is a story that will stay with me for a long time.
It’s message of forgiveness, of hope, love, and second chances, is one that is oh so relevant in today’s world.
We finally get Josh and Carly’s story! And it was worth the wait! You’ll find yourself wanting to read this book as fast as you can, because it’s so good, yet wanting to slow down so it won’t end! Definitely one of my favorites by author Courtney Walsh! I had moments of laughter, frustration and tears. This equals all the makings of a fabulous book! I received a copy of this book from the author. All views stated here are my own.