Jessica Keller - The Single Mom's Second Chance

Small-Town Reunion

Claire Atwood is about to make all her dreams come true. With her newly adopted son, Claire’s back in Goose Harbor, running for mayor and going toe-to-toe with Evan Daniels—the man who left her at the altar twelve years ago. But she refuses to let their history get in the way of her future. Evan’s come a long way from the poor teenager Claire’s powerful father intimidated. And he can’t help noticing Claire’s grown into a beautiful woman and caring mother. A month from now, when the ballots are counted, Evan could be Mr. Mayor, but what he really wants is another title: daddy and husband.

She could barely form the words.

“Just go away. I’m really not in the mood.”

“Claire-bear—”

“Don’t. You lost the right to call me that a long time ago.” Claire grabbed her purse. “I’m done here. If this silly competition is what this town wants in a mayor, I’m obviously not their choice.”

Evan caught her arm as she turned to leave. “You’re not a coward. Stop choosing to quit.”

“I don’t choose it.”

“You’re choosing it now, and you did it every time when you wouldn’t let me explain about the past.”

She yanked her arm away. “How dare you.”

He blocked her retreat. “The Claire I knew and loved had the fire to match her hair. That Claire would never give up. I miss her.”

She wanted to toss back an angry barb. Fuel the fight so she didn’t have to admit the truth of his words.

“Do what makes you happy, Claire,” he prompted. “What do you love?”

You.

Her stomach tightened. That couldn’t be right. She didn’t love Evan Daniels.

She couldn’t…

Dear Reader Contents Cover Back Cover Text Introduction 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 Chapter Fifteen Extract Copyright ,

Have you ever felt weighted down by expectations? Perhaps like Claire, you have family members who pressure you to reach a certain level of success. Or maybe like Evan, you set impossible expectations for yourself.

Expectations and goals aren’t bad, but when our lives become ruled by what we accomplish or strive for, when we tie our self-worth to whether or not we meet a certain goal, that’s a problem.

While Evan made a lot of life choices in order to please his brother, he was also striving to earn God’s approval. In the end, Evan was the one who told Alex, “Do you know that once you tell God that you’ve chosen to be on His team, God will never let you go?”

God will never let you go. No matter what. Hear that. Take it in. Believe it.

Thank you for spending time with Evan and Claire. I hope you enjoyed their story. I love interacting with readers, so make sure to look me up on social media or at www.jessicakellerbooks.comand say hi!

Dream big,

Jess

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.

The Single Mom’s Second Chance

Jessica Keller

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Wait for the Lord;

be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

—Psalms 27:14

For the boy I fell in love with at eighteen

who became the man still holding my heart

all these years later.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Small-Town Reunion Claire Atwood is about to make all her dreams come true. With her newly adopted son, Claire’s back in Goose Harbor, running for mayor and going toe-to-toe with Evan Daniels—the man who left her at the altar twelve years ago. But she refuses to let their history get in the way of her future. Evan’s come a long way from the poor teenager Claire’s powerful father intimidated. And he can’t help noticing Claire’s grown into a beautiful woman and caring mother. A month from now, when the ballots are counted, Evan could be Mr. Mayor, but what he really wants is another title: daddy and husband.

Introduction She could barely form the words. “Just go away. I’m really not in the mood.” “Claire-bear—” “Don’t. You lost the right to call me that a long time ago.” Claire grabbed her purse. “I’m done here. If this silly competition is what this town wants in a mayor, I’m obviously not their choice.” Evan caught her arm as she turned to leave. “You’re not a coward. Stop choosing to quit.” “I don’t choose it.” “You’re choosing it now, and you did it every time when you wouldn’t let me explain about the past.” She yanked her arm away. “How dare you.” He blocked her retreat. “The Claire I knew and loved had the fire to match her hair. That Claire would never give up. I miss her.” She wanted to toss back an angry barb. Fuel the fight so she didn’t have to admit the truth of his words. “Do what makes you happy, Claire,” he prompted. “What do you love?” You. Her stomach tightened. That couldn’t be right. She didn’t love Evan Daniels. She couldn’t…

Dear Reader Dear Reader Contents Cover Back Cover Text Introduction 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 Chapter Fifteen Extract Copyright , Have you ever felt weighted down by expectations? Perhaps like Claire, you have family members who pressure you to reach a certain level of success. Or maybe like Evan, you set impossible expectations for yourself. Expectations and goals aren’t bad, but when our lives become ruled by what we accomplish or strive for, when we tie our self-worth to whether or not we meet a certain goal, that’s a problem. While Evan made a lot of life choices in order to please his brother, he was also striving to earn God’s approval. In the end, Evan was the one who told Alex, “Do you know that once you tell God that you’ve chosen to be on His team, God will never let you go?” God will never let you go. No matter what. Hear that. Take it in. Believe it. Thank you for spending time with Evan and Claire. I hope you enjoyed their story. I love interacting with readers, so make sure to look me up on social media or at www.jessicakellerbooks.com and say hi! Dream big, Jess

About the Author 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 .

Title Page The Single Mom’s Second Chance Jessica Keller www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. —Psalms 27:14

Dedication For the boy I fell in love with at eighteen who became the man still holding my heart all these years later.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three