Then Again, Maybe

By Susan L. Tuttle

Former beauty queen Belle Thornton knows what it is to think she has it all, only to discover she never valued what was truly important. Raising her daughter and building a thriving thrift shop that helps single mothers like herself has taught Belle what the word beautiful really means. Unfortunately, thanks to her shady landlord, Belle must toss those hard-earned dollars into the money-pit of a rental that houses both her tiny apartment and her business or risk the city closing her doors. When funds dwindle as quickly as her to-do list grows, she is forced to rely on the absolute last rescuer she'd choose: Micah Shaw.

Leaving Belle at the altar, pregnant, was the worst choice Micah ever made. He returns home, hoping to reconcile with Belle and their toddler. While balancing his medical residency with caring for his ailing mother, he strives to win Belle's heart again and ensure her business remains open. Helping with that is the easy part. Chiseling through the rock encompassing Belle's heart is more of a challenge, but one he's determined to conquer.

If only he could get her to realize that a new lease on love may be their best collaboration of all.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1645262898
• ISBN13: 9781645262893
• Release Date: November 2020
• Publisher: Iron Stream Media
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A sweet story of forgiveness

This was my first book by Susan L. Tuttle. And it won't be my last! This book had my chuckling, smiling, and yes, crying. It took me a few chapters to get into the story, but once I was in I was hooked and couldn't put it down. I loved Susan's way of writing. Her characters, and descriptions really brought you in and made you feel a part of the story. There was a theme of forgiveness through the book. Of not 'forgetting' because we all know you can forgive but you always remember. But of letting it go. Not holding to the past but moving forward. I loved it. I loved Micah, and his determination to be the better man. To be a new creation in Christ and let go of the old man he once was. There were times I was telling Belle, 'just forgive him already!' But I know she had to work it out for herself. And of course, you can't help but love little Anna, she was adorable. I recommend this book for older teens or adults. There is talk of drinking and having a baby before marriage. The spiritual content was very light, could have almost passed as a secular book. *I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own*

Funny, heart-warming, redemptive

"Now she understood how razor-sharp her words could be, wounding without even a direct hit. But she also knew how one well-placed word of kindness could burrow into a person and unfurl courage, confidence, and beauty they didn't even realize existed inside of them. She could destroy or build others up." This is my first book by Susan Tuttle and I can't believe I haven't read her books until now. Filled with lovably real and broken characters, witty and clever dialogue, raw and palpable emotions, and snippets of wisdom that beg to be pondered, the book hits all the right spots and will settle in your heart. Now I need to go back to the first book in this series to catch up on the details of Belle's sister Penny's backstory with her darling hubby Jonah. Though it's the second book in the series, it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. I'm sure the Belle in this book is very different from the first book, having gone through trials and tribulations that humbled and grounded her. This new Belle is determined, focused, compassionate, tender, and brimming with love and thankfulness. The Micah who returns to town for a second chance with Belle and his daughter is also new and improved. Micah is a sweetheart - a man now committed to real love that follows through with actions and sobriety, tender-hearted, hard-working but still haunted by his past and feelings of inadequacy. His persistent and patient pursuit of Belle is endearing and heart-warming. A glimpse into the life of an obstetrics resident in training through Micah's eyes is fascinating. The theme of true forgiveness and reconciliation is powerful and moving throughout the story. The author handles such tough topics like alcoholism and dementia with care and thoughtfulness. The plot moves at a good pace and a few surprises along the way add extra doses of tension and anticipation to the well-plotted story. If you enjoy a well-written contemporary romance with meat on its bones to chew on for a while, you will absolutely love this book. I received a copy of the book from LPCBooks via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.