This book is the first in the Sweetwater Springs series of stand-alone books by this author.
Sam Moreland is desperate to keep his daughter out of the clutches of her abusive mother seeking custody. He resists legal advice to provide the court with a complete family unit because past relationships have soured him on love.
Though she yearns for children, Rosie Baxter knows a failed pregnancy has likely left her barren. She remains single rather than bring her problems into a marriage and concentrates on her business with its financial woes.
A temporary marriage pact means Rosie provides Sam with the illusion of family in return for an influx of cash into her store. But kisses for show become all too real. When outside threats shake their growing bond, each must trust the other with their darkest secret or lose their best chance for love and happiness.
Warning: This book contains a heated tryst in the kitchen, a cricket choir, conniving exes, and big family gatherings. Do not read if you are allergic to tall, dark and handsome men with sweet baby girls or determined red-haired women with strong maternal feelings. The author makes no guarantees against sudden urges in the reader to move to a small southern town.
Fans of Marie Ferrarella, Tanya Michaels, Leanne Banks and Susan Mallery will enjoy this series, which contains sensual, contemporary romance against a backdrop of family and community in the small town of Sweetwater Springs, Arkansas.
Also in the series:
Book 2: Her Unexpected Family (Claire and Travis), February 2014
Book 3: His Small Town Princess (J.T. and Cass), 2015
Other titles are planned for this series.
What others are saying about A Suitable Wife:
"From friendship to love . . . a bumpy ride, but so worth it. This was my first time reading works by Carol Burnside, but it definitely will not be my last." Shirley Buchanan, Romance Book Haven 5/5 stars
"I thought I would take a quick look at the first chapter... Before I knew it, I was more than halfway through the book . . .. This book was well worth the sleepy morning.
A Suitable Wife has it all. Passion, friendship, a villainous ex (or two), picturesque settings, heart touching back-story, dedicated family, and some great love scenes. Sweetwater Springs is a place where anyone would feel welcome. Carol Burnside has created a community that I hope to visit often. I can't wait to read the next book in this series." Tami 5/5 stars Goodreads review
"This is book grabs your heart and doesn't let go." -- Becky, 4/5 stars
"This was really great. I have read it a few times since buying it and found it still intriguing and a wonderful read. I would highly recommend this book to any romance readers out there." Dionne Washington "Rave girl" 5/5 stars
"A powerful story of love that is not only the love of a man and woman, but a father's unconditional love for his little girl & his determination to keep her safe LOVED EVERY PAGE!!" 5/5 stars