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Lani Blake
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A Promise Of Home: A Small Town Romance (Lake Howling Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Lani Blake (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 4,858 ratings

The town grump and the girl who’s running from her past.

War had hollowed Jake McBride out. No longer the town’s favorite son, he just wants to be left alone. The two problems with that are the interfering town folk who knew him when he wore diapers, and Branna O’Donnell, the woman with secrets who has made him feel for the first time in years.

Branna came back to the last place she was happy, to forget the hell of her past. But small town life again comes with complications and the biggest has a serious attitude. Jake McBride is nothing like the boy who was too cool for her in school. This one is hot, grumpy and way too appealing.

When Branna’s past comes calling and with it the realization that what they feel for each other is more than lust. Jake’s not sure he can be her hero, but he knows he wants to try.

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  1. Book 1 of 8
    Lake Howling
  2. Print length
    367 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    28 Feb. 2015
  6. File size
    2.1 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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 See full series
There are 8 books in this series.

Product description

About the Author

Wendy Vella is a lover of all things romantic. She started reading her first Georgette Heyer book at a young age and instantly fell in love with the Regency era. Writing is something she has always found time for; she penned her first novel at eighteen though she says it will never make an appearance further than the closet in which it currently resides. After having her two children, she then joined Romance Writers of New Zealand and started honing her chosen craft by entering competitions with some success and attending conferences. Addicted to reading she loves a wide range of genres and relishes novels steeped in romance and excitement with feisty heroines and delicious heroes. Wendy is a sucker for a happy ending, having secured her own. She has been married to her own dark brooding hero for 28 years and shares her home with two wonderful children, two dogs and anyone else who happens to be visiting at the time. Born and raised in a rural area in the North Island of New Zealand, Wendy loves the beaches and lush green rolling hills of her homeland and is proud to call herself a very patriotic Kiwi!

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00U4FDG6Q
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Vella Ink
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 28 Feb. 2015
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 367 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0992264390
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 8 ‏ : ‎ Lake Howling
  • Customer reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 4,858 ratings

About the author

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Lani Blake

Lani Blake

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Lani Blake is a small town romance author, coffee addict and chocolate connoisseur (in that order). She's also known as Wendy Vella, a USA Today bestselling author of historical romances, a fact which still makes her head spin!

​She lives waaaay down at the bottom of the globe on an island filled with beautiful scenery, lakes, and close-knit communities. Her home has inspired her to write these stories of idyllic small towns, and the quirky but wonderful people who make up their communities.

She's a sucker for an alpha hero with a heart of gold, who works HARD to deserve the women he falls in love with.

When she's not writing, reading or spending time with her family you'll find her walking the beach with her pup Tilly.

Connect with Lani in her Facebook reader group facebook.com/groups/lanisreaders or sign up for her reader newsletter at laniblake.com/connect to get goodies, exclusive excerpts and behind-the-scenes peeks.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4,858 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this romance book engaging, with a thread of suspense running throughout the story. They appreciate the character development, with one review highlighting the lovely cast of friends and family. The book receives positive feedback for its readability, with customers noting it's easy to read and making them laugh out loud.

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25 customers mention ‘Enjoyment’25 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and not to be missed, with one mentioning they read it in one sitting.

"...This is my favorite kind of read, small town with a touch of suspense...." Read more

"...Highly recommend it. Loved the characters in this book. They were brilliant and entertaining" Read more

"...wrapped up in the story and the characters and thoroughly enjoyed this page turner of a book...." Read more

"I have to say that I really enjoyed this book, it was my first time reading this author, and it was also my first time listening to an audible book...." Read more

22 customers mention ‘Story quality’22 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, appreciating its thread of suspense and sweet romantic elements, with one customer noting its element of mystery/thriller.

"...The main characters have believable back stories and are pleasant enough that you engage with them and their developing relationship...." Read more

"...Their friends and family and the suspense definitely added to the story. This is my favorite kind of read, small town with a touch of suspense...." Read more

"Great story, laughter and tears. Excellent writing. Highly recommend it. Loved the characters in this book. They were brilliant and entertaining" Read more

"...The lovemaking scenes were interesting and imaginative with out being rough to read. I look forward to reading more from this lady." Read more

12 customers mention ‘Character development’12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one mentioning the lovely cast of friends and family.

"...The main characters have believable back stories and are pleasant enough that you engage with them and their developing relationship...." Read more

"...Excellent writing. Highly recommend it. Loved the characters in this book. They were brilliant and entertaining" Read more

"...I got completely wrapped up in the story and the characters and thoroughly enjoyed this page turner of a book...." Read more

"...afternoon 😂, I enjoyed the featured couple, but I also enjoyed the surrounding characters, I also liked the thread of suspense going through this..." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Readability’7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and well-written, with some mentioning they laugh out loud while reading it.

"Great story, laughter and tears. Excellent writing. Highly recommend it. Loved the characters in this book. They were brilliant and entertaining" Read more

"...I wanted a light and easy read because I wanted to try out audible whilst out walking, this book was absolutely ideal, my only problem was turning..." Read more

"...Easy reading, bit of drama, likable characters." Read more

"...Loved it. The characters are great, laugh out loud at this book...." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Lindsey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 May 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This is a standalone romance novel with a HEA that forms part of a series with overlapping characters. It is in some ways typical of the genre set in small towns in America ie plenty of interesting characters to round out this story and future ones. The main characters have believable back stories and are pleasant enough that you engage with them and their developing relationship. There is also a bit of a mystery, threat and a baddie to throw into the mix along with the estranged father of the heroine.
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  • Lynn McShane-Stewart
    4.0 out of 5 stars thoroughly enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 December 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Branna comes back to the town she lived in as a teenager after the death of a close friend. She has not had an easy time and has closed herself off and is reluctant to let people in. The people of Lake Howling are having none of it and make sure she knows she is wanted there, well apart from the things that happen to her house! Jake was the towns golden boy, but he has come back with his own issues and they are both very wary of each other to start out. I loved how no one would let Branna hide away and how Branna was the one to start to bring Jake back to life. I really enjoyed watching these two broken people bring each other a sense of peace and belonging. Their friends and family and the suspense definitely added to the story. This is my favorite kind of read, small town with a touch of suspense. I usually love a grumpy/sunshine story, but in this case it was more like grumpy/grump but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
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  • Mrs Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent story line
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 July 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Great story, laughter and tears. Excellent writing. Highly recommend it. Loved the characters in this book. They were brilliant and entertaining
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  • hl
    5.0 out of 5 stars A heart warming romance
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 October 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Who amongst us has no baggage??? This book reminds us of problems we have had and shared, although hopefully ours weren't as traumatic as this pair. I got completely wrapped up in the story and the characters and thoroughly enjoyed this page turner of a book. The lovemaking scenes were interesting and imaginative with out being rough to read. I look forward to reading more from this lady.
    Helpful
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  • Jennifer Thistlewood
    3.0 out of 5 stars I enjoyed this book and will read this author again.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 August 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I have to say that I really enjoyed this book, it was my first time reading this author, and it was also my first time listening to an audible book. I wanted a light and easy read because I wanted to try out audible whilst out walking, this book was absolutely ideal, my only problem was turning it off when I got home from my walk, I ended up connecting it to my speaker and listening to the rest of the book this afternoon 😂, I enjoyed the featured couple, but I also enjoyed the surrounding characters, I also liked the thread of suspense going through this book, I will not only go get another audible, I will also read this author again.
    Helpful
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  • Romance Reader
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 November 2018
    Verified Purchase
    My first book by Wendy Vella, this series is aimed at mature audiences with swear words & sex scenes. There were also a couple of typos. Having said all that, this was an enjoyable read as it was slightly different from the usual run of the mill romances. The two main characters have so much backstory & baggage that they have to overcome before they can have any meaningful relationship. There’s also a bit of suspense, which I wasn’t aware of from the blurb.

    Branna moves back to Howling when her friend, Georgie, leaves her her property & worldly possessions. Very much a loner after her mother’s death, she only has Annabelle as a friend, but the people of Howling refuse to leave her alone.

    This includes Jake, who came back home to Howling after his horrific experiences as a doctor in Iraq during the war. He’s now a mechanic having given up practicing.

    Branna & Jake are attracted to one another, but hold the other at arm’s length. However, it is Jake that Branna turns to when her property is under attack, & all her Howling friend’s rally round to help.

    I liked Jake’s friends, Buster & Ethan - funny characters, but dependable & reliable. I also liked Annabelle; Macy not so much, but she did grow on me. This is a standalone book in the series, but it’s best to read the books in order as the characters feature in the next book(s).
    Helpful
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  • KayDavis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 June 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I have really enjoyed Branna and Jakes story. Together they helped each other face their problems and fears and have helped each other heal, heart and soul. Together with a lovely cast of friends and family, they make Lake Howling a lovely place to live..... and read about!
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 June 2023
    Verified Purchase
    What a fantastic book, a first read by this author, but definitely will not be my last.Will definitely recommend this author to my friends.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story.
    Reviewed in India on 10 September 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Takes u through a roller coaster of emotions where u feel yourself laughing and crying along with the characters of the story.
    Report
  • NavyWave62
    5.0 out of 5 stars EMOTIONAL
    Reviewed in the United States on 15 May 2023
    Verified Purchase
    How have I missed this series? I absolutely loved this story and the interesting characters in this small town! I grew up in a small town in Ohio, where everyone knew your business but also were there to help no matter what. So this story really resonated with me.

    Story used so many of my emotions, highs and lows. Abandonment issues to overcome, scarring from war, physical abuse (off line) but you see the aftermath, funny banter, honest dialogue, and don't forget loving and caring people to help you, whether you want them to or not - lol. Loved the story about the mystery muffin and the little boy.

    Romance builds slowly, lovemaking outside of marriage - heat level 5 out of 5 and described many times. I found it filled with love and passion others may not. Many crude words used and the Lord's name used in vain a few times.

    No cheating, no cliffhanger, surprises, suspense, violence, twists and I was surprised at the villain. You are left to wonder what profession did the H decide on. I'm sure that will be in the next book of this series. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some tidbits to decide whether to purchase or not. (ljb)
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  • Aly Hutfelter
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Even starting with book #2
    Reviewed in Canada on 10 February 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This is just the type of small town where I always wanted live. The characters are strong and real.
    The relationships from family to friends to lovers is honest and believable.
    Can't wait to continue with this series and read the others this marvelous author has created.
    Great adventure, thank you
    Report
  • Rosie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Two healing hearts
    Reviewed in Australia on 11 September 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Successful writer, Branna has returned to Lake Howling after inheriting a cottage there. She lives a quiet life and avoids complicated relationships after the trauma of her mother's death for which she feels responsible.
    Jake used to be a doctor in town until he went off to Iraq as an army medic and saw too much of the horrors of war. Now he tinkers with cars as an auto mechanic.
    Two wounded hearts in need of healing...
    When Branna has a fall and injures herself, Jake is on hand to help her out and as he's her nearest neighbour, it makes sense for him to keep an eye on her. And so over time their feelings grow for one another.
    But someone is not happy about Branna being in town and is trying to scare her off.
    This little town is filled with interesting characters and more than a couple of people have some nasty secrets.
    Report
  • joanne c
    4.0 out of 5 stars sweet
    Reviewed in Canada on 25 May 2024
    Verified Purchase
    What a great read. The characters are amazing and the storyline was intriguing I couldn’t put it was.i will be reading more of lani blake
    Report

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