What’s your favorite type of romance? One of my favorite romances is second chances. Don’t you wish we all had the opportunity for do-overs in real life? I find myself writing second chance romances more and more often, and my new release, Hold Me, is no exception.
If you already read books in the Chapel Cove Romances series, I’d love for you to enjoy your return to this small coastal town in Oregon. In Book 2, Love Me, you already met Roman, the heroine’s brother, who had his heart crushed by his first love. I felt that I just needed to write his story!
Hold Me is more than a reunion romance as it deals with different issues, and I hope it will touch your heart.
All divorcee Aileen McKenzie wants is a fresh start in her hometown, a new life with her teenaged son, their pets, and her fledgling pastry store. When she nearly drowns in a flood and her house and store are damaged, her first love—and the man she left behind over two decades ago—comes to the rescue. Old feelings resurface, and so do old hurts.
Roman Vela has built a successful business in home repairs. Only one thing has been less of a success—forgetting the girl who stole his heart at thirteen and destroyed it at nineteen. Growing up in a destructive household, he became “a fixer”, doing his best to repair anything that went wrong. But this, he cannot fix.
As they work together in the aftermath of the flood, Aileen and Roman grow close, but she might have to leave town—and Roman—again. Will a shy, risk-averse girl choose a safe life, or risk it all for love? And can Roman learn to rely on God to fix things instead of DIYing, and open his heart to a second chance?
Welcome to Chapel Cove, Oregon, where life begins at forty.
I’m very sad to say this is my last post at Inspy Romance, and I hope you’ll forgive me that this is the first post in a long time I don’t offer a giveaway. I love the readers’ community here, and I’m so grateful to all of you for supporting this wonderful blog and us as authors. Your comments are thoughtful and encouraging, and I learned a lot while being here. Heartfelt thanks to all of you for your kindness and your generous hearts. I was stunned when I was offered the opportunity to be a blogger here and could barely believe it. Many thanks for giving this chance to me. Last year, when I was asked whether I wanted to stay and continue being a blogger, the answer was a resounding yes. Why would I want to leave?
I enjoyed my time here, and it was fun getting to know you better and connecting with you. I hope I grew as a Christian and as a person during my time at Inspy Romance, and for that I’m also tremendously thankful. I also want to say heartfelt thanks to many readers who provided support to me in this difficult for me time. It means so much to me!
What’s your favorite type of romance?
If you’d like to stay connected with me, please feel free to sign for my newsletter here (everyone who confirms subscription receives a free ebook), email me at alexaverde7 at gmail dot com (no spaces), or just send me a friend request on Facebook. This is not good-bye! While I do need to take a break from publishing, God willing, I’ll be back in a month, though not on Inspy Romance. I pray that I’ll see many of you, maybe on social media, via emails, readers’ groups, and so on. I’ll be returning to Inspy Romance, but this time as a commenter. I love you all!
Alexa Verde writes uplifting, diverse books about faith, love, and hope. She has had 200 short stories, articles, and poems published in the five languages that she speaks. After traveling the world and living in both hemispheres, she calls a small town in south Texas home. The latter is an inspiration for the fictional setting of her series Rios Azules Christmas and Secrets of Rios Azules. Alexa has a bachelor's degree in Spanish and a master's in Russian. She's worn the hats of reporter, teacher, translator, model (even one day counts!), caretaker, and secretary, but thinks that the writer's hat suits her the best.
Hi Alexa, I will miss your thoughts shared here. How sad :(
I am enjoying the Chapel Cove series, I’m looking forward to reading your story. I also enjoy second chance romances- mostly because I am so thankful for all the second (third, fourth..) chances I have been given.
Blessings:)
Wemble, thank you very much for your kind words! I’m sad to be leaving, too. I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying the Chapel Cove romances series, and I hope you’ll enjoy reading my books. And it’s a great attitude to be grateful for second, third, fourth chances! Thank you for stopping by.
Hi Alexa! You will be missed. I enjoy the Chapel Cove series. Hold Me was a page turner. You had me hooked on page one. Roman was one of my favorite heroes. Loved how he cared for Aileen. I enjoy reading second chance romance. Wishing you all the best during the next few weeks, months, and year.
Hi Renate! Huge thanks for all your support. It truly means a lot to me. So glad that you think Hold Me was a page turnder. I loved writing Roman’s and Aileen’s story. And many thanks for good wishes!
Alexa, it goes without saying you will be missed here…and I am so grateful for the posts you have given us!❤️
Paula, awww, you’re so sweet! Thank you very much! I’ll miss being here, too.
I am wishing you the best and you will be missed!
Hello, Lori! That’s very kind of you to say. I’ll miss Inspy Romance, too. Thank you for commenting!
Second-chance romances are always special. Sorry to see you go from here; feels like I just got to know you. But I’ll be following your newsletter and your FB posts!
Thank you so much! And I feel like I just got to know you, too. Yes, please stay connected. I’d love that. Thank you for commenting!
I love all types, including second chance. I’m going to miss your posts on Inspy, but I’m stalking you everywhere, so I know we’ll still be in touch!! You’ll continue to be in my prayers, too.
Trudy, you’re simply amazing! And lol, you’re not stalking me; you’re supporting me, and it means so much to me. And of course, many thanks for prayers. I need them so much.
Thank you for your time at inspyromance. You’ll be missed.
I hope whatever is taking you away from writing gets resolved soon. Take care!
Priscila, thank you so much for your kind words and for your understanding!
I will miss you! You have been such an inspiration here. May God’s blessings follow you!
Jackie Smith, awww, you’re so sweet. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. God bless you!
Hugs, Alexa! I’m sure readers will miss you’re beautiful presence here.
And I’m equally sure they’ll love Hold Me! It’s a wonderful story, and second-chance romances are a wonderful theme. We all need second chances!
Autumn, thank you very much! I’ll miss being here, too. And thank you for helping to make the release of Hold Me happen.
Enjoyed your posts here, and will miss you! Subscribing to your newsletter to keep in touch!
Hello, Rebecca! I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed my posts at Inspy Romance. And many thanks for subscribing to my newsletter! I’d love to keep in touch.
Alex, sorry you’ll be leaving us. I do love second-chance romances, too.
Hello, Merrillee! I’m sorry to be leaving, too. I’ll miss you! Thank you very much for commenting!
Sorry to hear you are leaving but I understand we all need a break at some stage.
I am not sure about what my favourite romance is.
I think with second chance romances there are some I like and some not. If its a second chance of love after losing a partner I am all for it. but if it includes a secret baby then I don’t.
I Love seeing older singles finding love for the first time (and there are many of us out there.) I have several pen friends who are like me who thought we would be married with kids but never found someone. I would love to see older (as in over 40 singles finding love).
Hello, Ausjenny! Thank you so much for your kind words! I have to say I’m not a fan of secret baby stories, either. As for romances about over 40 singles finding love, I’m all for having more books like that, and Hold Me is one of such books. Thank you very much for stopping by!
Love you too <3
So sad :_( but I hope God blesses you in this journey with renewed hope and inspirations!
Thank you very much, Natalya, for your kind words, and for all your support. You’re a true friend. God bless you!
Lord bless your new direction in life. There are a lot of seasons in life. God grant you peace and grace. Thanks for writing. I enjoy second chances in stories as well as life. I am thankful for Christian authors.
Diana, you’re so sweet. Thank you for your kind words. I need all support I can get right now. As a Christian author, I’m very thankful for readers like you! God bless you!
Hi Alexa,
I’m sorry to see you go but totally understand why.
I love reading all your books, you have a wonderful way of making these characters come alive!
I will continue to support and read anything you write!
Take care dear friend!
Marylin, you’re amazing! I’m so grateful for all your support. Thank you so much for your kind words and for all you’ve done for me.
I will miss seeing you here, Alexa! But, I am a subscriber to your fabulous newsletter, and I know we’ll stay in touch on Facebook, so I know this isn’t goodbye, just see you later! Continuing to pray for you and your family. ((Hugs))
I like Second Chance romances a lot, and I also really like the friends to more trope.
Caitlyn, awww, thank you so much for your kind words about my newsletter, and of course, I’d love to stay in touch via Facebook. Hugely appreciate your prayers! I need them so much. Glad you like second chance and friends to more romances. Thank you so much for stopping by and for all your support!
Sad to hear you won’t be posting but loving all the Chapel Cove romances. Can’t wait to start ‘tis one! I think it’s next on my list!
Hello, Carol! I’ll miss being here, too. Glad to hear Hold Me is the next one on your list, and I hope you’ll enjoy reading it. Thank you very much for stopping by and your kind words!
So sorry you are leaving will miss seeing your post God Bless You in Everything you do!
Sarah Taylor, awww, you’re very kind! I’ll miss posting here, too. God bless you!