He’s the right man at the wrong time with an unwanted Christmas proposal.As if cocktail waitress and horse trainer Lynzie Mullins didn’t have enough problems, she discovers she’s pregnant just as her high school crush rides back into town in time for Christmas. He’s a constant reminder of the happily ever after she’d always dreamed of instead of the mess she’s in now.Cowboy veteran Ryan Crawford … veteran Ryan Crawford reluctantly returns to Lucasville to help his grandfather sell his place. The town has changed and so has Lynzie—from an awkward teenager to an attractive young woman with a caring heart.
Despite his best efforts, Lynzie is not interested in leaving Lucasville, so Ryan offers her what she wants—his heart. Unfortunately, that proves not to be enough. Now he has a decision to make. Give up his dream farm or his dream girl.
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4.5 stars
Ryan Crawford and Lynzie Mullins were friends in high school, and Lynzie had a crush on him. His parents divorced when he was 16, and his mother moved them to Florida, so he left Lucasville behind. He’s back for a time to try to help his grandfather sell his horse farm, The Lazy Acres. While he’s back, he reconnects with Lynzie, and decides he wants something more with her, but she has just discovered that she is pregnant. He has also purchased a horse farm in Florida, because he wants to start a Veteran’s therapy program using horses to help with PTSD and other forms of therapy. Lynzie isn’t in love with her baby’s father, but doesn’t feel right about starting something with Ryan when she can’t move to FL which would preclude the baby’s dad from knowing his own child.
This is a short story, but there is a lot packed into it. This author bases her stories upon many pieces of classic literature, and this one is no exception. This tale is based on a story by Charles Dickens, only it is reimagined to fit more modern circumstances. In this telling, both Lynzie and Ryan have to face some difficult challenges that cause them to reevaluate things. Lynzie has a best friend, Coco, who loves her unconditionally, and adds some beauty, color, and poignancy to the story as well. This is a heartfelt story that has a beautiful ending.
As this book opens Lynzie finds out she’s pregnant, the father Andrew, is someone she just passes time with, not someone she would want to marry. Her bestfriend Coco is with her and convinces her to wait until seeing a doctor before saying anything to anyone.
From Coco she also learns that her high school crush, Ryan Crawford, is back in town. This information comes just before he shows up on her doorstep. Ryan has changed a lot since his mother moved with him to Florida. He’s definitely not a kid anymore and he served his country honorably until he was injured and discharged. The unannounced visit, while a surprise also proves to Lynzie she’s still more than a little in love with him. The short visit ends with Ryan asking her to lunch the next day and her accepting.
Now that lunch has a couple of twists as they catch up, one of which is Andrew stopping at their table. Something that annoys Ryan and Lynzie both.
With Ryan working part-time to finance repairs at his grandfather’s farm prior to sale, he makes time to see more of Lynzie. Even finding out she’s pregnant won’t deter him from wanting more with her.
Andrew proves he’s even more of a jerk after finding out about the baby, giving Lynzie several options. None of which include marriage.
The friendship between Lynzie and Coco is one of laughter and love. Their shopping trip had me giggling as they looked for gowns to wear on New Year’s Eve.
Love, laughter and tears surround the characters as Lynzie finds love with Ryan.
I confess I’ve never read the Dicken’s story this tale was based on, I do know I will be reading it now.
This story has two of my favorite things—Christmas and Lexi Post! What’s not to love?
If you have read Lexi’s holiday romance “Desires of Christmas Present” you will recognize one of the characters; if not, you will be off to read it as soon as you finish this one!
“When Love Chimes” is a second chance at love story. Lynzie is a local girl from the wrong side of the tracks still in love with her old high school flame. Ryan is returning to his hometown to help sell his grandfather’s ranch, and to see if there is still a chance for him and his first love Lynzie. But Lynzie is facing tough and heartbreaking decisions that could cost her a future with Ryan. Will the fates allow these soulmates a second chance? Will they have found each other again only to be torn apart?
This short story of never too late for love is highly recommended!