Lindi here.
One week from tomorrow is Father’s Day. A day that is now bittersweet for me as my father passed away last year. I love remembering him, yet yearn to spend the day with him. I’m sure some of you are feeling the same way.
Let’s shift to the contemporary romance world and fathers. I LOVE writing about dads. I even have a series titled Single Dad Next Door. Because, well really, who can resist a single dad? I’ve written 4 novellas, each about a single father. The ages of the children in all 4 novels varies from an infant to a teenager. Different dads with different challenges.
Now, let’s shift to the reality television contemporary world of shows like The Bachelor. How do you feel about these type of shows? (I do believe they started out more real than they are today–just saying.) I know they are scripted and not true to life in a lot of ways, BUT, there are a few couples who have made it to the altar and have families now. I do believe in love at first sight, so in that respect, I’m in.
Are you ready to combine those 2 things? Single dads and reality bachelor shows?
Today is Saturday so I thought it’d be fun to play a bachelor type game. It’s all in fun. And no, I’m not going to ask you which bachelor you choose. I’m a married woman and would not want to be in those shoes, BUT, I’m going to ask you to pick a bachelor you would like to read more of his story. How’s that?
Here are the blurbs from my 4 novellas followed by each hero telling you about who he is. Let’s pick one to have the title The Novella Bachelor in honor of the upcoming Father’s day.
Ladies, here are your bachelors.
Bachelor number 1: William Scott-One Autumn Love
After her mother passed away, Joelle Madison recently moved into her mother’s house to find William Scott moving in next door. The handsome neighbor has good looks and brawn. He also has a daughter, Caroline. Joelle already tried dating one man with children and swore she would never invest herself into a family situation again. But William’s secrets and past quickly involve Joelle into his life. A life she finds she might fit into if she dares to risk her heart once again.
William–I’m dad to Caroline who is 7 years old. She’s my life. I have to keep her safe whatever it costs. Even if it means moving to another town, far from our family, our familiar life. Caroline is oblivious and still loves what can hurt her most. I have to make decisions that from the outside look hurtful, but nothing will harm my daughter.
Nothing and no one.
Bachelor number 2: Andrew Davis -One Winter Kiss
Deena Ross travels to Ohio to try and sway her grandfather from making a big mistake, a mistake his neighbor Andrew has been encouraging. When a winter storm hits, and Deena is forced to stay with Andrew and his young son, Evan, Deena’s vision of love is tested and she might lose her heart in one winter kiss.
Andrew-My four year old son, Evan, holds my heart. I’m trying to keep the memory of his mom alive as much as I can. A part of me was lost forever when she died, but the part of me that stayed alive did so because of Evan. I only want the best for him. I can’t imagine my heart loving another woman, but God sees what we can’t.
Bachelor number 3: Charlie Denver-One Spring Promise
Tess Parker moved from Florida to Ohio for a new start. But the day she moved into her new home, handsome neighbor, Charlie Denver and his teenage daughter, Renee, brought back memories she tried to forget. Was Tess too busy running from her past to see that a future with Charlie might slip away? Or would Charlie be able to show Tess what real love looks like.
Charlie here-I must admit I’m fresh out of a place no one wants to be in and when most women hear that part of my story they run. Protecting Renee was worth every minute of that part of my story. Now Renee and I are building a life together. One free from deceit and chaos. But Renee seems to have a streak of restlessness from things unknown, and no matter how I try to calm her, she seems to want more of the truth. The truth that can’t be kept from her forever, but for now I wish it could.
Bachelor number 4: Trey Sanders-One Summer Sunrise
Evee Norris has suffered enough heartbreak. She was a nanny to a famous couple who perished in a small plane crash. Their son, Harlan, was stripped from Evee and she swears she’s never going to put herself in that position again. She moves to a small town in Ohio, where she will soon start her job as an administrative assistant. But when the handsome firefighter Trey Sanders who lives next door is in need of a nanny for three days, Evee finds herself saying yes to the temporary position. Evee is so concerned with losing her heart to the baby, Henry, the fact that she’s fallen for Trey sneaks up on her without warming. Will Evee be able to maintain her distance, or will love take hold of her and not let go.
Trey–My job as a firefighter fulfills a lot of my life. Saving, rescuing. My son Henry is everything to me. Even though his mother ran off for a glamorous career, nothing could ever take me away from Henry. He’s so helpless now as a baby, fragile and fun. Curious and amazing. How a mom could leave this precious child and this part of his life amazes me. I’m all about making sure Henry feels loved and wanted. My job takes me away for hours at a time, but I hope he knows I do what I do for him.
Okay–here are our 4 heros and their stories. I have a pole below to vote. In the comment section state why you voted the way you did. What intrigued you about the hero you picked? I hope we get a lot of comments because I’m prepared to give away 5 prizes! I will pick 4 commenters who will each receive one of the novellas–and then I’ll choose 1 commenter who will receive a copy of the 4 novellas Devon Park Collection-Single Dad Next Door So vote and comment!
Thank you for voting! I can’t wait to hear your answers. Writers love to see what readers LOVE in a hero! And your feedback goes a long way! (I’ll post the results in the comment section Thursday-voting will close Monday night at midnight, EST.)
USA Today featured author Lindi Peterson lives in north Georgia, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with her husband and a lively array of cats, dogs and birds. She loves sharing life with her family and friends. Her passion for reading led her to writing, and then God spoke words of love into her heart and changed her life forever.
Hi Lindi, how fun:) Interesting too- Father’s Day is not until September here in Australia.
Blessings:)
They all sound good.
Hi Lindi! Your Devon Park Collection-Single Dad Next Door series sounds unique since most of the characters are moving back to a small town in the Midwest. As a Michigander, I enjoy reading romances set in the Midwest. The covers are gorgeous. Always reading about being snowed in during a winter storm. On Father’s Day I will be celebrating my 46th wedding anniversary and my sons are older than these bachelors, I chose Bachelor #3 – Charlie. As a retired high school teacher, I love teens. Renee would be special because she has my name. Renate is the German version of Renee (French origin and used in the USA). Spring is a time of rebirth. One of the romance have a familiar ring, but most are new to this avid reader. Fun Father’s Day blog. Been organizing my digital photo gallery and been reminiscing about my dad, who lived to be 96. Best wishes and enjoy your weekend.
They all sound great. I voted for Trey. Must be because he’s a firefighter and I feel for him because his wife left them.
I vote for Andrew Davis, One Winner Kiss. No deceit, divorce, or danger. Just a broken-hearted widower. My kind of man and story.
Wemble–Hello! Thank you for sharing when Father’s Day is in Australia. I never thought about the day in regards to countries. How interesting.
Kim–I had fun writing all of them. :)
Renate–Hi! So many aspects to love about your response. 2nd fun fact of the day–Renate is German for Renee. :) Also a wedding anniversary celebration. How fun. What a testimony to marriage at 46 years. Beautiful! My dad would have been 80 on June 6th–I know both you and I miss our dads.
And Charlie–yes! He does have a secret though, but once you see the circumstances you’ll love him like I do! And I did incorporate the rebirth theme in Charlie’s story. For Charlie and Tess.
I chose Andrew Davis as my bachelor even though I liked all of them. I chose Andrew because his wife and mother of his child had passed. That is a very difficult situation and my heart went out to these two. I would love to read all four of them. Thanks for the chance!
Hi Lori–Trey—yes–a firefighter. He’s a great dad and loves his little Henry so much–he’s trying, but with his job schedule and his teenage sister helping, (ha) he’s in quite a state of
“What do I do now?” :) Anyway, it’s a fun story with a happy ending of course!
Thank you for voting!!
Lila—Yes! Oh, and there’s another aspect of the story–well lets just say, I kept crying when writing it!! But, it’s an uplifting story overall. And Andrew is adorable!! And Evan–well, he’s cute, too. Thank you for voting!
That was so much fun! I voted for Andrew ?
Bernice–There is something about a widower, isn’t there? And such a young man. He has a lot of great memories, yet finds himself intrigued and warmed by Deena. And Andrew loves Deena’s grandfather–his next door neighbor.
Paula–He–good to “see” you again. Andrew seems to be stealing hearts here today. He is a great guy and I loved writing his story. :) Thank you for voting!
I chose Charlie because teenage girls are so hard. Trey was a close second because he’s a firefighter and you gotta love that. They all sound good though.
Sherri—So true about teenage girls. And Renee is a handful. But, Charlie is getting a handle on her–and Tess—she’s digging through her own issues, but finds herself drawn to Charlie AND his daughter–well, you’ll have to read to see. :) Thank you for voting!
They all sound great. I voted for Trey the firefighter. I come from a family of firefighters. I also, over 18 years ago married my husband who had full custody of his 2 pre teen daughters. They are raised and we now have 2 grandsons.
Cindy–I love your story! As a writer I want to write stories readers can relate to. Sounds like Trey’s story is one of those. :) Thank you for voting!!
I picked Trey, mainly because I love babies, and if you’re going to enter a child’s life, while they’re a baby is the easiest time. There are challenges with older children that you don’t have with a baby.
Lindi, thank you for a wonderful and fun post! I’ve enjoyed reading about bachelors and it’s a hard choice! But firefighter wins ;) I admire people who sacrifice themselves for others <3
Trey sounds like an interesting person and I would love to know what is hidden in this story!
Blessings!!!
Trudy….hi!! Babies.. and Henry is so cute! Yes, older children can be more difficult. That’s true. Thank you for voting.
Natalya… hello! Thank you for voting. Firefighters are popular and endearing for sure. And a baby. Love that combination for sure.
Your covers are beautiful.
I voted for Andrew because the weather is getting hot here, and a winter’s kiss sounds quite attractive :-)
Thank you!!
Margaret…I get it. Thank you for voting. The heroine in the story, Deena, has come up from south Florida. She is freezing!!!
Oh my goodness, we have to choose? LOL They all sound loving. But I really loved how William deeply also felt protective no matter what. I can identify with this man so much.
Lori! I was waiting for a William comment. Thank you for voting. You are so on track. He is protective and such a great dad. He calls his daughter Caro, and she has such a big heart at such a young age.
I voted for William because it sounds like his decisions and motives might be misunderstood by those looking from the outside in at his situation but he is just trying to do his best to protect his daughter.
Jessica B–Hi–You’re so right about William!! :) Thank you for voting.
Hi all! The Novella Bachelor is…….Trey Sanders.
Firefighter.
Father of baby Henry.
Thank all of you for voting! Winners have been chosen and will be emailed tomorrow! Thank you again.
Woohoo ❤️❤️❤️