Pretending to be in love…or building a new future? Nothing wrong with helping out an old friend… But she’s so much more to him. When his ex-girlfriend returns home and hires him to overhaul her family’s general store, contractor Bo Carter’s determined to keep an emotional distance. But to convince her old boss she’s home for good, Toni Redding needs another favor–a pretend romance. As Bo … favor–a pretend romance. As Bo starts to fall for her all over again, might their fake love lead to a real second chance?
more
Will he get a second chance with her…
What a neat plotline! I’ve read books about turning a home into a B&B, and others where someone is starting up a brand new business, but not very many that involve remodeling a family store. I loved it! But, what else do I expect from author Allie Pleiter? She always delivers fun stories of the sweet romance variety. And they are always perfect for taking a break from all of the death, doom, and gloom out there. Kinda like watching a Hallmark movie except there is always a strong faith message to go with the wholesome romance.
Winning Back Her Heart was a fun read. I enjoyed meeting new characters and seeing old friends from the previous Wander Canyon book(s). I was especially happy that Allie Pleiter included a scene at the carousel, which is probably my favorite location in the small town. So, if you are in the mood for a second chance romance that makes you feel good, you really should check out Winning Back Her Heart.
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Bo and Toni broke up as she went off to college and a career in NYC. He ended up drinking and carousing and she was blamed for it even though he made the decision to act like that. If he had told her how he felt maybe they would have tried to make it work long distance. Toni dreamed of a life outside of her same town in Wander Canyon and she even admits she wanted to see if there was someone else out there for her too. She came back because her job had consumed her life and she wanted to help her dad with the family store. Her boss reminds me a bit of the one from The Devil Wears Prada when she didn’t accept that someone would quit on her even though she wanted Toni to work so much she slept at work and didn’t have life. Bo and Toni decide to stage a fake romance to get to stop harassing Toni, but the townspeople don’t believe it’s not real. Toni does push him away, but also he holds back from telling her how he really feels about her. The townspeople were pretty funny with their meddling. I loved how Toni and Bo redesigned Redding’s General Store. This was a clean second chance fake relationship romance.
I’ve enjoyed visiting Allie Pleiter’s Wander Canyon and getting to know it’s residents and despite the phrase coined for the well-running gossip mill, “Wander is always watching,” this is also a town that takes pride in its roots.
After six years in New York, Toni Redding is coming back to those roots to take over her family’s store. She has a plan and vision which will take a ton of work, including the remodel with the aid of Bo Carter…her ex. Working together brings up all kinds of unresolved emotions, and if that weren’t enough, Toni’s former employer shows up and refuses to accept her decision.
If you love second chances, small towns with a family feel, and a story of restoration, Winning Back Her Heart is one you will definitely want to read.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars
The town of Wander Canyon hasn’t quite left me since I first read Their Wander Canyon Wish – and I’m so glad we got to return for another visit (and that at least one more’s coming in the fall!). From its quaint carousel to its Colorado setting to the nostalgic Redding’s general store, it beckons readers to stop by, pull up a bench, and sit a spell. Just beware of doing anything that might get your name zinging through the fine-tuned gossip grapevine!
Speaking of gossip, Bo & Toni quickly set the grapevine on fire with their current, tentative-truce-turned-pretend-romance after their real romance ended badly years earlier. I loved getting to know both Bo & Toni – as well as Toni’s dad. Bo is super swoony with a good heart, a boy when he first fell in love with Toni, now a man who has never quit loving her. Toni is also a great character, her personality winning you over right away, and you’ll be rooting for her success just as much as I was. And through their story is that beautiful, gentle reminder, that God specializes in redeeming what we thought was wasted time. (PS – I wanted to purse whomp Faye. You will too. lol.)
Bottom Line: Winning Back Her Heart is the perfect weekend read if you love sweet & swoony romances with a gentle faith thread that doesn’t overpower the story but complements it instead. Layered, redemptive characters will grab your heart right away, and you’ll love following the restoration of Redding’s store along with Toni’s dreams and her relationship with Bo. Pleiter does a fabulous job of weaving knee-weakening kisses, conflicted emotions, and meaningful discussions together with that small town charm and moments that will leave you smiling. Looking forward to my next trip to Wander Canyon on the pages of one of Allie Pleiter’s books!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
First you cannot go wrong with a book by Allie Pleiter. I love books set in small towns, it just sounds so ideal! My goodness though, how did these two think they could just forget about the past and work together?? Heads should be clunked together and common sense should prevail! Good thing that did not happen, lol. I loved this story, it had everything going for it and love was just waiting to be reborn. Thank you Allie for the great time I had reading this story, I think this one will stay with me a while, and I may still sigh alittle at love!
There was this push and pull through the whole book between the two main characters. I felt sometimes that Toni was taking advantage of Bo and then other times I felt like she just wasn’t ready to admit her feelings. The close relationship that Toni has with her dad is so sweet. I like Jake and how Him and Bo seemed more like brothers and less like friends and business partners. I think the one person even in the end I was not a fan of was Peggy, she just came off very selfish and whatever worked best for her was what needed to be done. Over all this story was a cute fun read. The author kept the story clean so I would say it’s suitable for all. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”
What a sweet and heartwarming read! It’s another winner from author Allie Pleiter. It’s packed full of some of my favorites things: a homecoming, a second chance and pretend romance, a charming small town, a cast of relatable and likable characters, and a great spiritual message.
I was so rooting for Bo and Toni. Things were complicated for them. They had some issues from their past to work through and a lot of obstacles in their way, but it was obvious how much they still cared about each other.
I loved being back in Wander Canyon and can’t wait to visit again. If you’re a fan of sweet contemporary romance, you’re sure to love Winning Back Her Heart.
I received a copy of the book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Bo and Toni’s lives had complicated written all over it in bold red neon sign. Pain, disappointment doesn’t begin to sum it up. I liked the flow of the story. The suspense was exhilarating. I hurt with Bo, really I did. He was a sweetheart, I loved his heart and the fact that he never stopped loving Toni. That was really grand of him. Toni was one “see the world”, “sow oats” kinda girl but it was beautiful when she realized where she belonged and with whom. I loved how their love story unfolded.
The most interesting part of the story was how God helped them untangle the mess they had made of things between them.
You’d love this story if you love wholesome, captivating romance story with faith.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion
“Still and all over again, now and forever.”
I’ve cried…seriously…it’s very emotional and touched me deeply. Beautifully written story!
“Hurt people hurt people” – so true, great reminder.
I’ve smiled too:
“With a pop of clarity, he realized there was only one right prayer here: Let Your will be done, Lord. Give Toni what You know is best for her. For that matter, guide me to what’s best for me. In a blurt of honesty, he added, But I’m warning You, You’re gonna have to scrape me up off the ground if what’s best for her isn’t me.”
I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.
Winning Back Her Heart by Allie Pleiter
Wander Canyon Series Book Two
Bo Carter, Car-San Construction, had to see her. She was back in town for a wedding and he couldn’t stop himself. The girl who had left him six years ago. Stomped on his love and his heart and went to New York City. And he quickly realized that she could do that to him all over again…and he’d let her.
Toni Redding was coming home. She wanted to remake Redding’s General Store into a newfangled place. Let her dad retire while she took her turn at the store her parents had started together. Realizing that she should’ve been home sooner. Dad looked tired. The store was a lot of work now that Mom had been gone these seven years.
Toni wanted the store redone by locals. The only construction company was Bo’s though. But he was also one of the best. When she finds it wasn’t so easy to leave her boss after quitting her New York job, they come up with an idea that she came home to Wander Canyon for Bo. Not such a good idea. Tissue alert for sure, but a really wonderful story.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2011/09/allie-pleiter-booklist.html