Jessica Keller - Apple Orchard Bride

Hometown Reunion

When Toby Holcomb becomes guardian to his cousin’s daughter, he goes from hard-living bachelor to father without a clue. One thing he can do is give Kasey a stable home. Returning to Goose Harbor, he takes a job at his childhood friend’s apple orchard. But Jenna Crest isn’t ready to forgive him for his past mistakes. Desperate for sweet Jenna’s help in raising his little girl, Toby vows to make amends to the woman he wronged so many years ago. Suddenly, he and Jenna and young Kasey are feeling more and more like a family. But convincing Jenna he’s a changed man will take all the love in his heart.

“I care about you and your dad, and about the orchard,” Toby said.

“I always have, Jenna,” he continued. “You guys are a second family to me.”

Jenna turned away. “Don’t say stuff you don’t mean.”

He stood just inches from her, his gaze searching hers with an intensity she couldn’t look away from.

“I care, Jenna. I care. Tell me what I have to do to prove it and I will.”

Wrestling her racing heartbeat, Jenna fought the need to sag against him. To rest her head against his chest, cling to him and cry for all their lost years. But Toby didn’t love her. Never would. He’d made that fact crystal clear years ago—his friendship with her was a dirty secret he didn’t want anyone to know about. She wouldn’t fall for that again. For him and his ability to say the right thing.

Besides, even if he was a changed man…she had changed, too.

“I want things to be okay between us again,” he whispered with a gentleness that tore at her heart.

Could she ever trust him?

Dear Reader Dear Reader About the Author Title Page Bible Verse Dedication Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Epilogue Extract Copyright ,

Lies are the worst, aren’t they? Especially ones we tuck away in our hearts—ones we allow to begin to define us.

Sometimes we’re aware of the falsehoods we believe. We repeat them over and over to ourselves when we’re hurting. Because of what had happened in his life, Toby believed he was a failure. It stopped him from being able to grow in his relationship with God, and it kept him from understanding his value in the world.

Other times a lie can be buried so deep we don’t realize it’s there or how much it affects the way we view the world and ourselves. Jenna didn’t realize that she believed she wasn’t worthy of love, but everything about how she interacted with others showed this to be true. She believed this so much that it blinded her from seeing God was there beside her, fighting for her, loving her.

I’m so glad Toby and Jenna chose to be strong. They’re on their way to eradicating the lies that were so comfortable to cling to for so long. That’s hard work, friends. I pray you’re in the process of doing this, as well. The truth is that God’s love for you is not dependent on anything you can do to lose or gain His attention. He loves you. You can choose to believe that or not. That’s really all there is to it.

Thanks for walking through a part of Toby and Jenna’s love story with me. Make sure to read all the other books in the Goose Harbor series. I love connecting with readers! Look for me on my author Facebook page or on Twitter, or connect with me through my website and newsletter at www.JessicaKellerBooks.com.

Dream big,

Jess Keller

JESSICA KELLER is a Starbucks drinker, avid reader and chocolate aficionado. Jessica holds degrees in communications and biblical studies. She is multipublished in both romance and young-adult fiction and loves to interact with readers through social media. Jessica lives in the Chicagoland suburbs with her amazing husband, beautiful daughter and two annoyingly outgoing cats who happen to be named after superheroes. Find all her contact information at jessicakellerbooks.com.

Apple Orchard Bride

Jessica Keller

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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The Lord is near to the brokenhearted

and saves the crushed in spirit.

—Psalms 34:18

For Carol, who has never given up on me.

Not once. Not ever.

Thank you for being one of my heart sisters.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Hometown Reunion When Toby Holcomb becomes guardian to his cousin’s daughter, he goes from hard-living bachelor to father without a clue. One thing he can do is give Kasey a stable home. Returning to Goose Harbor, he takes a job at his childhood friend’s apple orchard. But Jenna Crest isn’t ready to forgive him for his past mistakes. Desperate for sweet Jenna’s help in raising his little girl, Toby vows to make amends to the woman he wronged so many years ago. Suddenly, he and Jenna and young Kasey are feeling more and more like a family. But convincing Jenna he’s a changed man will take all the love in his heart.

Introduction “I care about you and your dad, and about the orchard,” Toby said. “I always have, Jenna,” he continued. “You guys are a second family to me.” Jenna turned away. “Don’t say stuff you don’t mean.” He stood just inches from her, his gaze searching hers with an intensity she couldn’t look away from. “I care, Jenna. I care. Tell me what I have to do to prove it and I will.” Wrestling her racing heartbeat, Jenna fought the need to sag against him. To rest her head against his chest, cling to him and cry for all their lost years. But Toby didn’t love her. Never would. He’d made that fact crystal clear years ago—his friendship with her was a dirty secret he didn’t want anyone to know about. She wouldn’t fall for that again. For him and his ability to say the right thing. Besides, even if he was a changed man…she had changed, too. “I want things to be okay between us again,” he whispered with a gentleness that tore at her heart. Could she ever trust him?

Dear Reader Dear Reader Dear Reader About the Author Title Page Bible Verse Dedication Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Epilogue Extract Copyright , Lies are the worst, aren’t they? Especially ones we tuck away in our hearts—ones we allow to begin to define us. Sometimes we’re aware of the falsehoods we believe. We repeat them over and over to ourselves when we’re hurting. Because of what had happened in his life, Toby believed he was a failure. It stopped him from being able to grow in his relationship with God, and it kept him from understanding his value in the world. Other times a lie can be buried so deep we don’t realize it’s there or how much it affects the way we view the world and ourselves. Jenna didn’t realize that she believed she wasn’t worthy of love, but everything about how she interacted with others showed this to be true. She believed this so much that it blinded her from seeing God was there beside her, fighting for her, loving her. I’m so glad Toby and Jenna chose to be strong. They’re on their way to eradicating the lies that were so comfortable to cling to for so long. That’s hard work, friends. I pray you’re in the process of doing this, as well. The truth is that God’s love for you is not dependent on anything you can do to lose or gain His attention. He loves you. You can choose to believe that or not. That’s really all there is to it. Thanks for walking through a part of Toby and Jenna’s love story with me. Make sure to read all the other books in the Goose Harbor series. I love connecting with readers! Look for me on my author Facebook page or on Twitter, or connect with me through my website and newsletter at www.JessicaKellerBooks.com . Dream big, Jess Keller