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Bounty Bay #3
Teach Your Heart
Some lessons are harder to learn than others…
Doctor O-for-Awesome Owen Bennett is all about fixing broken things. Then the arrival of his orphaned nieces and nephew for twelve weeks causes his workaholic life to plummet into chaos. Hiring the beautiful but unpredictable Gracie Cooper as a live-in nanny might just get him out of a tight spot…or it could seduce him into a reckless affair.
After four years flitting around Europe, waitress/dog-walker/au-pair Gracie Cooper has returned home to New Zealand. Her plans to hang out with her big brother change when Owen offers a perfect solution to her crippling university debt. In spite of her sexy-stick-in-the-mud boss, she’ll spend fun days playing in Bounty Bay’s sand and surf with three cute kids. At summer’s end she’ll follow the sun overseas again.
Gracie and Owen’s opposites-attract connection is so unexpected and powerful that their foundations are rocked. But some things aren’t easy to fix. Some past hurts can’t be run from forever. And the lessons they teach each other risk breaking their hearts.
Doctor O-for-Awesome Owen Bennett is all about fixing broken things. Then the arrival of his orphaned nieces and nephew for twelve weeks causes his workaholic life to plummet into chaos. Hiring the beautiful but unpredictable Gracie Cooper as a live-in nanny might just get him out of a tight spot…or it could seduce him into a reckless affair.
After four years flitting around Europe, waitress/dog-walker/au-pair Gracie Cooper has returned home to New Zealand. Her plans to hang out with her big brother change when Owen offers a perfect solution to her crippling university debt. In spite of her sexy-stick-in-the-mud boss, she’ll spend fun days playing in Bounty Bay’s sand and surf with three cute kids. At summer’s end she’ll follow the sun overseas again.
Gracie and Owen’s opposites-attract connection is so unexpected and powerful that their foundations are rocked. But some things aren’t easy to fix. Some past hurts can’t be run from forever. And the lessons they teach each other risk breaking their hearts.
ebook
First published November 20, 2016
About the author
Tracey Alvarez
30 books636 followersTracey Alvarez lives in the Coolest Little Capital in the World (a.k.a Wellington, New Zealand) where she’s yet to be buried under her to-be-read book pile by Wellington’s infamous wind—her Kindle’s a lifesaver! Married to a wonderfully supportive IT guy, she has two teens who would love to be surgically linked to their electronic devices.
Fuelled by copious amounts of coffee, she’s the author of contemporary romantic fiction set predominantly in New Zealand. Small-towns, close communities, and families are a big part of the heart-warming stories she writes. Oh, and hot, down-to-earth heroes—Kiwi men, in other words.
When she’s not writing, thinking about writing, or procrastinating about writing, Tracey can be found reading sexy books of all romance genres, nibbling on smuggled chocolate bars, or bribing her kids to take over the housework.
Tracey also writes flirty, dirty stories under the penname Jessie Logan.
Fuelled by copious amounts of coffee, she’s the author of contemporary romantic fiction set predominantly in New Zealand. Small-towns, close communities, and families are a big part of the heart-warming stories she writes. Oh, and hot, down-to-earth heroes—Kiwi men, in other words.
When she’s not writing, thinking about writing, or procrastinating about writing, Tracey can be found reading sexy books of all romance genres, nibbling on smuggled chocolate bars, or bribing her kids to take over the housework.
Tracey also writes flirty, dirty stories under the penname Jessie Logan.
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November 18, 2016
Teach Your Heart is book three in the Far North series by Tracey Alvarez. In this book you will truly see what the old saying, “opposites attract” means. Or, are they really opposites? And you will meet three beautiful kids that are sure to melt your heart.
Owen Bennett is a Doctor, known at the hospital as Dr. O. He has swoony good looks but is also known for his straight laced manner. He volunteers for shifts and on calls. It’s pretty much all he does. But, Owen was raised a lot differently. He was raised by parents that chose to home school him and his siblings and travel from place to place in a travel trailer. His life was like a gypsy. He never made connections with other kids. So he has chosen a life as an adult completely opposite from his upbringing.
Owen’s sister and husband were killed previously and his nephew and nieces have been living in the motorhome with his parents. But his mother just had heart surgery. So Owen has agreed to take the kids for two months while his mother recuperates.
Gracie Cooper was raised just the opposite. She is from a well to do family, her father a lawyer. She was always expected to grow up, go to college and be just like her father. Only it’s not what she wanted. She loved to draw. She loved to design. But she did what she was expected until the death of her mother. Then, she packed a backpack, and with a mountain of school loans haunting her, she traveled from place to place, working at any available job she could. Waitressing, walking dogs, working as a nanny, etc. She is back in New Zealand to spend some time with her brother when she happens upon two small children hiding out next to an ice cream stand, having escaped from their baby sitter. When she takes them to their Uncle, he offers her a job as their nanny.
Owen and Gracie connect immediately. But Owen keeps a professional distance, at first. Their feelings grow and they both seem to have the ability to fill a void missing in each other. Gracie teaches Owen that there are things more important than work. He finds himself coming home earlier, working less shifts. His relationship with the kids grows stronger. Gracie finds a warmth with Owen she never experienced before. She sees what a family could really be like. She sees that all of her running solved nothing.
“While attraction and arousal still simmered below the surface, something else passed between them now. Conection. Empathy. Affection. A feeling of home and belonging, here, with this man. Some scary, scary stuff.”
This was such a good book. Owen and Gracie were just wonderful and I loved watching their feeling grow towards each other. But even more, I loved watching their relationships with the kids change. Owen had so much love to give, he just didn’t even know it. The kids bond with him in such a beautiful way. And they blossom as well.
I have read all of Tracey’s books and they are all so good, and this is no exception. I hope you’ll decide to give it a try as well. Or even start at the beginning of the series and meet the other wonderful characters. But each book can be read as a stand alone so no problem at all starting wherever you choose.
Owen Bennett is a Doctor, known at the hospital as Dr. O. He has swoony good looks but is also known for his straight laced manner. He volunteers for shifts and on calls. It’s pretty much all he does. But, Owen was raised a lot differently. He was raised by parents that chose to home school him and his siblings and travel from place to place in a travel trailer. His life was like a gypsy. He never made connections with other kids. So he has chosen a life as an adult completely opposite from his upbringing.
Owen’s sister and husband were killed previously and his nephew and nieces have been living in the motorhome with his parents. But his mother just had heart surgery. So Owen has agreed to take the kids for two months while his mother recuperates.
Gracie Cooper was raised just the opposite. She is from a well to do family, her father a lawyer. She was always expected to grow up, go to college and be just like her father. Only it’s not what she wanted. She loved to draw. She loved to design. But she did what she was expected until the death of her mother. Then, she packed a backpack, and with a mountain of school loans haunting her, she traveled from place to place, working at any available job she could. Waitressing, walking dogs, working as a nanny, etc. She is back in New Zealand to spend some time with her brother when she happens upon two small children hiding out next to an ice cream stand, having escaped from their baby sitter. When she takes them to their Uncle, he offers her a job as their nanny.
Owen and Gracie connect immediately. But Owen keeps a professional distance, at first. Their feelings grow and they both seem to have the ability to fill a void missing in each other. Gracie teaches Owen that there are things more important than work. He finds himself coming home earlier, working less shifts. His relationship with the kids grows stronger. Gracie finds a warmth with Owen she never experienced before. She sees what a family could really be like. She sees that all of her running solved nothing.
“While attraction and arousal still simmered below the surface, something else passed between them now. Conection. Empathy. Affection. A feeling of home and belonging, here, with this man. Some scary, scary stuff.”
This was such a good book. Owen and Gracie were just wonderful and I loved watching their feeling grow towards each other. But even more, I loved watching their relationships with the kids change. Owen had so much love to give, he just didn’t even know it. The kids bond with him in such a beautiful way. And they blossom as well.
I have read all of Tracey’s books and they are all so good, and this is no exception. I hope you’ll decide to give it a try as well. Or even start at the beginning of the series and meet the other wonderful characters. But each book can be read as a stand alone so no problem at all starting wherever you choose.
November 27, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
Ever since I first heard of this author I knew I wanted to read one of her books. Now I own about 7 of her books and decided it was finally time to start one of them. I am really glad I finally picked up one of her books. Once I started reading I easily got into the story and soon I didn't want to stop reading. I kept trying to find a moment to read a bit more and spend some time with Owen, Gracie and the three kids. Tracey really knows how to write a good romance, believable characters and tells a story in such a way that I wanted to keep reading. And now I want to read her other books as soon as possible.
Teach Your Heart is the third book in this series and while I rarely do this and start a series in the middle, I can say it worked well as standalone. There are mentions of the previous couples and I can't wait to go back and read their stories, but without knowing their stories you could still enjoy this one. And I also kept guessing who the next couples where and eventually I just had to look it up as I wanted to be sure, luckily the author had listed the couples for each book at the start of this book so it was easy to find out and satisfy my curiosity.
One of the main characters is Gracie, who has been traveling in Europe for a few years and now returns to New Zealand for a bit. She ends up working as a nanny for Owen his cousins. Owen is a bit of a workaholic, but suddenly has to care for his nieces and nephew for a few weeks and he isn't sure how to handle that next to his busy schedule. The kids were a lot of fun to read about, little Charlie with her fear for water, Harry Potter fan William and teenager Morgan all acted so realistically they felt like real people. It was heartwarming to see Owen interact with them, struggling at first, but slowly finding his way around them. And while I predicted the ending, I was so glad I was right about that twist as it was just perfect. The epilogue left me with this warm and happy feeling, which was a great way to end the book.
The romance was a bit of an opposite attracts romance, Gracie has this carefree and a bit of artistic personality. While Owen is pretty rigid and a workaholic. It was great to see Owen loosen up a bit around Gracie and Gracie settling down for a bit. I thought the conflict was realistic and didn't contain too much drama and it got solved realistically. These two were just perfect for each other, they learned a lot from each other and about love. I usually like opposites attract romances as on the one hand you would think these two would make such an unlikely couple, but it just works and they are good for each other. There are sweet scenes, some sad ones and a few hotter ones. It was great to see these two slowly fall for each other and grow closer to the kids at the same time. There was a lot of character changes and developments going on and it was a joy to see that.
Besides the focus on the two main characters and the kids we also meet some great side characters. They don't get as much attention as the two main characters and the kids, but each side character seemed to have their own story and personality. I liked meeting Owen his parents and there are some scenes involving Gracie her family as well. We get to meet Sam and Isaac, who are good friends of Owen and who both will have their own book. And then there are Vee and Natalie who quickly become friends with Gracie. And Olivia a teenager who becomes friends with Morgan. There was a big group of side characters, but I didn't have much trouble remembering who was who.
Lastly I want to mention the setting. This book is set at new Zealand and I thought it was great to get to visit that country through a book. I think this is the first book I read that takes place there and it was fun to see a few New Zealand traditions and a bit of the country. I wouldn't have minded seeing a bit more, but I am hoping in that in the other books by this author I'll learn even more about this country.
To summarize: I think I found another favorite adult contemporary romance author! I had a lot of fun with this book and once I started reading I didn't want to put this book down. I can't wait to read the other books by this author and I hope they are just as good as this one. I loved reading about Gracie, Owen and the three kids. Seeing them get closer and change and develop as characters throughout the course of the book. All the characters felt real and had their own personality. The romance was a bit of an opposites attract romance, with little drama and a bit of conflict that felt realistic and got solved nicely. The setting in New Zealand was great too and I liked learning a bit about this country through this book. All in all this was a great romance book and I can't wait to read more books by this author.
Ever since I first heard of this author I knew I wanted to read one of her books. Now I own about 7 of her books and decided it was finally time to start one of them. I am really glad I finally picked up one of her books. Once I started reading I easily got into the story and soon I didn't want to stop reading. I kept trying to find a moment to read a bit more and spend some time with Owen, Gracie and the three kids. Tracey really knows how to write a good romance, believable characters and tells a story in such a way that I wanted to keep reading. And now I want to read her other books as soon as possible.
Teach Your Heart is the third book in this series and while I rarely do this and start a series in the middle, I can say it worked well as standalone. There are mentions of the previous couples and I can't wait to go back and read their stories, but without knowing their stories you could still enjoy this one. And I also kept guessing who the next couples where and eventually I just had to look it up as I wanted to be sure, luckily the author had listed the couples for each book at the start of this book so it was easy to find out and satisfy my curiosity.
One of the main characters is Gracie, who has been traveling in Europe for a few years and now returns to New Zealand for a bit. She ends up working as a nanny for Owen his cousins. Owen is a bit of a workaholic, but suddenly has to care for his nieces and nephew for a few weeks and he isn't sure how to handle that next to his busy schedule. The kids were a lot of fun to read about, little Charlie with her fear for water, Harry Potter fan William and teenager Morgan all acted so realistically they felt like real people. It was heartwarming to see Owen interact with them, struggling at first, but slowly finding his way around them. And while I predicted the ending, I was so glad I was right about that twist as it was just perfect. The epilogue left me with this warm and happy feeling, which was a great way to end the book.
The romance was a bit of an opposite attracts romance, Gracie has this carefree and a bit of artistic personality. While Owen is pretty rigid and a workaholic. It was great to see Owen loosen up a bit around Gracie and Gracie settling down for a bit. I thought the conflict was realistic and didn't contain too much drama and it got solved realistically. These two were just perfect for each other, they learned a lot from each other and about love. I usually like opposites attract romances as on the one hand you would think these two would make such an unlikely couple, but it just works and they are good for each other. There are sweet scenes, some sad ones and a few hotter ones. It was great to see these two slowly fall for each other and grow closer to the kids at the same time. There was a lot of character changes and developments going on and it was a joy to see that.
Besides the focus on the two main characters and the kids we also meet some great side characters. They don't get as much attention as the two main characters and the kids, but each side character seemed to have their own story and personality. I liked meeting Owen his parents and there are some scenes involving Gracie her family as well. We get to meet Sam and Isaac, who are good friends of Owen and who both will have their own book. And then there are Vee and Natalie who quickly become friends with Gracie. And Olivia a teenager who becomes friends with Morgan. There was a big group of side characters, but I didn't have much trouble remembering who was who.
Lastly I want to mention the setting. This book is set at new Zealand and I thought it was great to get to visit that country through a book. I think this is the first book I read that takes place there and it was fun to see a few New Zealand traditions and a bit of the country. I wouldn't have minded seeing a bit more, but I am hoping in that in the other books by this author I'll learn even more about this country.
To summarize: I think I found another favorite adult contemporary romance author! I had a lot of fun with this book and once I started reading I didn't want to put this book down. I can't wait to read the other books by this author and I hope they are just as good as this one. I loved reading about Gracie, Owen and the three kids. Seeing them get closer and change and develop as characters throughout the course of the book. All the characters felt real and had their own personality. The romance was a bit of an opposites attract romance, with little drama and a bit of conflict that felt realistic and got solved nicely. The setting in New Zealand was great too and I liked learning a bit about this country through this book. All in all this was a great romance book and I can't wait to read more books by this author.
December 15, 2016
Tracey Alvarez is one of those authors I go to when I need a good story and I know she will delivery every time.
Owen is in desperate need of a nanny and Gracie stumbles into his orbit at exactly the right time-with the help of his niece and nephew. She is almost his exact opposite, a free spirit to his rigid and structured life. The physical attraction is there from the beginning, but it takes a little time for these two to connect on an emotional level. When it began to happen, though, I couldn't stop grinning.
One of the things I found most interesting about this couple was not only was their current lifestyle and view of life opposite, so was their upbringing. They both rebelled against all the things they disliked from their childhoods to the point where they almost lost themselves. It was beautiful to see them find not only each other but their true selves as they opened up and let love blossom.
As with all of this author's books, I didn't want Owen and Gracie's story to end. I would have loved to see how their life unfolded years into the future and look forward to seeing more of them in other Far North books.
I recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a great contemporary romance set in a small town.
Owen is in desperate need of a nanny and Gracie stumbles into his orbit at exactly the right time-with the help of his niece and nephew. She is almost his exact opposite, a free spirit to his rigid and structured life. The physical attraction is there from the beginning, but it takes a little time for these two to connect on an emotional level. When it began to happen, though, I couldn't stop grinning.
One of the things I found most interesting about this couple was not only was their current lifestyle and view of life opposite, so was their upbringing. They both rebelled against all the things they disliked from their childhoods to the point where they almost lost themselves. It was beautiful to see them find not only each other but their true selves as they opened up and let love blossom.
As with all of this author's books, I didn't want Owen and Gracie's story to end. I would have loved to see how their life unfolded years into the future and look forward to seeing more of them in other Far North books.
I recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a great contemporary romance set in a small town.
October 3, 2017
This was my 11th book by Alvarez (I had to count them twice for this review - did not expect that number) and by now I'm pretty sure about my expectations.
For me, there's always a time when I'm obsessed with an author, a setting or a series. Unfortunately, obsessions can fade. I believed my time with the Bounty Bay series was over before it really started because I got tired by basically the same story over and over again.
However, 'Teach your Heart' surprised me. I enjoyed the read way more than I expected and I actually start to look forward to the next installment.
To pinpoint why I liked the book way more than the first two books in the series is kind of hard. Probably a mixture of very interesting and likable characters, a bunch of sweet kids and new topics on which I might not share the authors opinion but I like reading about them. An example of such a topic is the kids being home-schooled. Kind of want to read more books that contain this particular topic.
For me, there's always a time when I'm obsessed with an author, a setting or a series. Unfortunately, obsessions can fade. I believed my time with the Bounty Bay series was over before it really started because I got tired by basically the same story over and over again.
However, 'Teach your Heart' surprised me. I enjoyed the read way more than I expected and I actually start to look forward to the next installment.
To pinpoint why I liked the book way more than the first two books in the series is kind of hard. Probably a mixture of very interesting and likable characters, a bunch of sweet kids and new topics on which I might not share the authors opinion but I like reading about them. An example of such a topic is the kids being home-schooled. Kind of want to read more books that contain this particular topic.
August 20, 2017
I love stories with families. I love stories with broken people. I love happy endings. I love when opposites attract. I got it all!
Owen and Gracie meet by fluke when Gracie finds two of the three kids who kind of ran away from their uncle's home. She brings them home and the next thing you know she is the live in nanny! The kids are homeschooled and Gracie does that too! All while Owen overworks himself as a doctor at the local hospital. But little by little, Gracie and the kids get under Owen's skin and begins to think that maybe he needs to change his priorities. Gracie is an amazing woman. I wish I were more like her, always optimistic and loving and carefree! But even she has problems like the rest of us. I love Owen's inner monologue...
With the three charges, Gracie and Owen find a happy medium and lots of family moments. I love Charlie, she is so adorable that I could just eat her up. Morgan is the teenager that Gracie sees herself and watches out for. William is a Harry Potter and Shark fanatic.
The writing is good. I loved the story line. I haven't read the other books in the series and it isn't an issue if you don't. I loved the characters and all their flaws. I want to move to New Zealand and watch the All Blacks. We almost did move their at one time!
I prefer behind closed door sex. This is not that!
If you like broken families, medicine, sharks, Harry Potter, the beach, New Zealand, All Blacks, tattoos, lost puppies, bus homes, homeschooling, school dances, eating disorders, traveling all over the world then this might be for you!
Owen and Gracie meet by fluke when Gracie finds two of the three kids who kind of ran away from their uncle's home. She brings them home and the next thing you know she is the live in nanny! The kids are homeschooled and Gracie does that too! All while Owen overworks himself as a doctor at the local hospital. But little by little, Gracie and the kids get under Owen's skin and begins to think that maybe he needs to change his priorities. Gracie is an amazing woman. I wish I were more like her, always optimistic and loving and carefree! But even she has problems like the rest of us. I love Owen's inner monologue...
Forget pancakes for breakfast- hand him a spoon so he could scoop her up.
With the three charges, Gracie and Owen find a happy medium and lots of family moments. I love Charlie, she is so adorable that I could just eat her up. Morgan is the teenager that Gracie sees herself and watches out for. William is a Harry Potter and Shark fanatic.
You gotta be willing to be hurt entering the ring, or you'll hide terrified in the corner, never knowing if a fight could win you the match. That's what Mum used to say when I was scared to try something new.
The writing is good. I loved the story line. I haven't read the other books in the series and it isn't an issue if you don't. I loved the characters and all their flaws. I want to move to New Zealand and watch the All Blacks. We almost did move their at one time!
I prefer behind closed door sex. This is not that!
If you like broken families, medicine, sharks, Harry Potter, the beach, New Zealand, All Blacks, tattoos, lost puppies, bus homes, homeschooling, school dances, eating disorders, traveling all over the world then this might be for you!
November 25, 2016
Tracey Alvarez’s books always make me happy, and Teach Your Heart was no exception. You may think you have read this story before (opposites attract-workaholic doctor meets free spirit or something like it) but this author has a way to turn any story into a unique, charming and heartwarming tale. These are the kind of books that leave you with a smile on your face for days.
I loved the characters just as much as I loved the setting -and to be clear, the setting of these stories is at the top of my favorites list. If I could pick a book world to live in, it would definitely be the one in this series. As far as the characters go, Owen had a bit of an unusual upbringing and as a result of this he became a career driven doctor. As an adult he uses his job as a way to hide, always volunteering for extra shifts because he finds it easier to deal with work than with the things going on in his life. Gracie, on the other hand changes jobs regularly and travels to wherever she wants, never really settling down. When Owen is faced with the challenging task of taking care of his nieces and nephew, everything changes. Children have a way of bringing people together and putting things in perspective. As Gracie and Owen’s paths cross they both learn some valuable lessons. Teach Your Heart was the beautiful story of two very different people finding each other and realizing what is truly important.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I loved the characters just as much as I loved the setting -and to be clear, the setting of these stories is at the top of my favorites list. If I could pick a book world to live in, it would definitely be the one in this series. As far as the characters go, Owen had a bit of an unusual upbringing and as a result of this he became a career driven doctor. As an adult he uses his job as a way to hide, always volunteering for extra shifts because he finds it easier to deal with work than with the things going on in his life. Gracie, on the other hand changes jobs regularly and travels to wherever she wants, never really settling down. When Owen is faced with the challenging task of taking care of his nieces and nephew, everything changes. Children have a way of bringing people together and putting things in perspective. As Gracie and Owen’s paths cross they both learn some valuable lessons. Teach Your Heart was the beautiful story of two very different people finding each other and realizing what is truly important.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
September 5, 2017
4.5/5.0
What a lovely romance! This one is just a great escape for those days the real world needs a break. A few of the situations were a bit hard to believe and the sex with your children's baby-sitter was a bit squiggly but otherwise a pitch-perfect romance.
What a lovely romance! This one is just a great escape for those days the real world needs a break. A few of the situations were a bit hard to believe and the sex with your children's baby-sitter was a bit squiggly but otherwise a pitch-perfect romance.
December 29, 2019
Owen Bennett is known as Doctor O for awesome. An ER doctor who's world is utter chaos when his Nephew and nieces move with him, after his mother has a heart attack. He hasn't connected with them and doesn't have a clue how to. When a nanny quits on him he is lost.
Enter Grace Cooper, after travelling and living around Europe, she is home for now. When she learns of Owen's predicament she sees a chance to pay a chunk of school debt. The two are drawn to each other, but Owen is set to keep it professional. Also the two are total opposites, where he is structured and stuffy, she is airy and willing to go with the flow.
What ensues is Grace finding a way to teach Own to not only relax but to connect with his nephew and nieces. Slowly that line to keep it professional will blur. You start rooting for them to find their HEA.
Enter Grace Cooper, after travelling and living around Europe, she is home for now. When she learns of Owen's predicament she sees a chance to pay a chunk of school debt. The two are drawn to each other, but Owen is set to keep it professional. Also the two are total opposites, where he is structured and stuffy, she is airy and willing to go with the flow.
What ensues is Grace finding a way to teach Own to not only relax but to connect with his nephew and nieces. Slowly that line to keep it professional will blur. You start rooting for them to find their HEA.
January 1, 2017
Tracey Alvarez is one of my favourite authors, I adore her Due South series but I had missed her Far North series somehow until recently. When I found out that Tracey was willing to send me an ARC of Teach Your Heart it was as though Christmas came early. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
Owen Bennett (Dr O for Awesome as they call him at the hospital) had an unconventional childhood as his parents toured New Zealand in their seventies-era House Bus 'The Rambling Gypsy' with him and his older brother and sister in tow. While Owen has only good memories of the times he spent with his family he has rejected the peripatetic hippy lifestyle and devoted himself to his work, preferring clean modern architecture and a regimented life. When his sister Alison and her husband Shaun drown his parents look after her three children until his mother suffers a heart attack and needs a triple bypass. Now Owen is in charge of 13 year old Morgan, 10 year old William and four year old Charlie, whether he feels ready for it or not.
Gracie Cooper (sister of Glen Cooper from Know Your Heart) has spent the years since her mother's death travelling the world doing a series of different jobs and going wherever the wind takes her. But after a suicide bombing close to the cafe where she was working in London, Gracie decides it is time to come back to New Zealand. But when her Darth Vader-like father starts laying down the law and expressing his disappointment in everything Gracie had done since she was five years old, Gracie decides it is time to spend some quality time in Bounty Bay with Glen and his fiancee Savannah.
Owen finds looking after three children, especially when they remind him so much of his beloved older sister (think Christopher Plummer in the Sound of Music), and the neighbour he has employed to look after the children is woefully inadequate. When William and Charlie run off and William hurts his arm, Gracie stumbles across them and forms an instant connection. Owen asks Gracie to be the children's live-in au-pair for the Summer and happy to get some money to pay off her student loans Gracie agrees.
What happens when a seat-of-her-pants girl with low self-esteem and Daddy issues meets an uptight, closed off, regimented neat freak isn't it obvious that they are totally meant for each other? But can Owen loosen up and let someone in? And can Gracie stop flitting from place to place and job to job?
If you haven't read a Tracey Alvarez novel before I think this is an excellent place to start. It is all about real people with real jobs in a small community with friends and family. It reminds me of a big mug of rich tomato soup (and I love tomato soup), warm and comforting and it makes you feel good. Dare I say I may like the Far North series more than the Due South series?
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author and I’m writing an honest review of it. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Owen Bennett (Dr O for Awesome as they call him at the hospital) had an unconventional childhood as his parents toured New Zealand in their seventies-era House Bus 'The Rambling Gypsy' with him and his older brother and sister in tow. While Owen has only good memories of the times he spent with his family he has rejected the peripatetic hippy lifestyle and devoted himself to his work, preferring clean modern architecture and a regimented life. When his sister Alison and her husband Shaun drown his parents look after her three children until his mother suffers a heart attack and needs a triple bypass. Now Owen is in charge of 13 year old Morgan, 10 year old William and four year old Charlie, whether he feels ready for it or not.
Gracie Cooper (sister of Glen Cooper from Know Your Heart) has spent the years since her mother's death travelling the world doing a series of different jobs and going wherever the wind takes her. But after a suicide bombing close to the cafe where she was working in London, Gracie decides it is time to come back to New Zealand. But when her Darth Vader-like father starts laying down the law and expressing his disappointment in everything Gracie had done since she was five years old, Gracie decides it is time to spend some quality time in Bounty Bay with Glen and his fiancee Savannah.
Owen finds looking after three children, especially when they remind him so much of his beloved older sister (think Christopher Plummer in the Sound of Music), and the neighbour he has employed to look after the children is woefully inadequate. When William and Charlie run off and William hurts his arm, Gracie stumbles across them and forms an instant connection. Owen asks Gracie to be the children's live-in au-pair for the Summer and happy to get some money to pay off her student loans Gracie agrees.
What happens when a seat-of-her-pants girl with low self-esteem and Daddy issues meets an uptight, closed off, regimented neat freak isn't it obvious that they are totally meant for each other? But can Owen loosen up and let someone in? And can Gracie stop flitting from place to place and job to job?
If you haven't read a Tracey Alvarez novel before I think this is an excellent place to start. It is all about real people with real jobs in a small community with friends and family. It reminds me of a big mug of rich tomato soup (and I love tomato soup), warm and comforting and it makes you feel good. Dare I say I may like the Far North series more than the Due South series?
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author and I’m writing an honest review of it. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
November 29, 2016
We all have them – the authors we love to read and the treasured books they write - Tracey Alvarez and her books have become one of mine. With wonderful characters, believable plots, gorgeous New Zealand locations, romance that warms the heart and stories that always make me happy each book is a keeper and I always look forward to the next book’s arrival.
Dr. Owen Bennett is the only family member available to take in his orphaned nieces and nephew after his mother suffers a medical emergency. With his busy schedule and rigid lifestyle children don’t fit in easily and become more of a weight than a blessing when the babysitter he lined up bails on him. Gracie Cooper steps into his life at the perfect moment in time. She is a bit of a wanderer, between destinations, has worked as an au pair, and is back in New Zealand for her brother’s wedding. She is just what Owen needs to care for the children who are his responsibility and the money he pays her will go far to assist her in paying back her school loans. Little do the two of them know when their business relationship begins that they are heading into more than an employer-employee relationship.
Owen and Gracie have issues from their youth that impact who they are in the present. Owen’s vagabond childhood has made him want more structure and rules in his life as an adult. Gracie’s rigid demanding father is part of the reason that she tends to flee confrontation. Though they are attracted to one another there are questions in both of their minds about the direction their futures should and will take.
I loved this book. Owen and Gracie were such wonderfully vibrant multi-dimensional characters that I hated to say goodbye to at the end of the story; and then there were the three children, the grandparents, the characters from previous books in the series and those I hope will get their own books (Sam, Isaac, Daniel, Vee, Natalie and probably others) that kept me reading without a break until I finished. I think that this may be the best book in the series so far. I can’t wait to see who has their story told next!
I requested a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Dr. Owen Bennett is the only family member available to take in his orphaned nieces and nephew after his mother suffers a medical emergency. With his busy schedule and rigid lifestyle children don’t fit in easily and become more of a weight than a blessing when the babysitter he lined up bails on him. Gracie Cooper steps into his life at the perfect moment in time. She is a bit of a wanderer, between destinations, has worked as an au pair, and is back in New Zealand for her brother’s wedding. She is just what Owen needs to care for the children who are his responsibility and the money he pays her will go far to assist her in paying back her school loans. Little do the two of them know when their business relationship begins that they are heading into more than an employer-employee relationship.
Owen and Gracie have issues from their youth that impact who they are in the present. Owen’s vagabond childhood has made him want more structure and rules in his life as an adult. Gracie’s rigid demanding father is part of the reason that she tends to flee confrontation. Though they are attracted to one another there are questions in both of their minds about the direction their futures should and will take.
I loved this book. Owen and Gracie were such wonderfully vibrant multi-dimensional characters that I hated to say goodbye to at the end of the story; and then there were the three children, the grandparents, the characters from previous books in the series and those I hope will get their own books (Sam, Isaac, Daniel, Vee, Natalie and probably others) that kept me reading without a break until I finished. I think that this may be the best book in the series so far. I can’t wait to see who has their story told next!
I requested a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
December 6, 2016
Every time I start a Tracey Alvarez book, I set aside plenty of time to read so that I can really savor the experience because I know it's going to be an amazing read and Teach Your Heart was no exception. Tracey has a wonderful ability to create complex, multi-layered characters that dig their way into your heart and you can't help rooting for them and praying they get their HEA. She also writes gorgeous romance and creates wonderful community-led settings and I always finish one of her books buzzing and chock-full of warm feels.
Owen is a workaholic who ends up having to take care of his two nephews and niece. Gracie is visiting her brother Glen and his fiancee, Savannah, and she ends up getting hired as a nanny to the kids. On the surface, both Owen and Gracie seem like polar opposites. She appears carefree and spirited and very easy going and laid back. He is quite stiff and set in his ways and initially came across as quite serious. However, as the story develops, and their relationship progresses we begin to see them in a slightly different light. Yes, they have those traits but they also have avoidance issues with neither of them facing up to problems choosing to flee (her) or bury their head in work (him) instead of tackling things head on.
The romance was sweet and sexy and I like the slow-burning nature of it.
There is a great cast of secondary characters, and I ADORED Charlie, William, and Morgan. You can tell Tracey is a mother because she writes very believable children's characters. It was the same with book two in this series - I loved the kids and really warmed to them. In this book, their characters add so much to the story. Loved William and his HP obsession and some of Morgan's carry-ons had me laughing. The House Rules were also hysterical. It's this focus on the little details that really allows Tracey's work to shine, that really make her books stand out from the crowd.
Things go a bit pear-shaped before they work out but it ended perfectly and that epilogue was AWW, so gorgeous, and now I'm in that happy-sad place because I loved it but I hate that it's over.
Another fab read, Tracey - thanks so much!
In summary, this was an amazing read from an author who never fails to deliver. Thoroughly, Highly Recommended.
Owen is a workaholic who ends up having to take care of his two nephews and niece. Gracie is visiting her brother Glen and his fiancee, Savannah, and she ends up getting hired as a nanny to the kids. On the surface, both Owen and Gracie seem like polar opposites. She appears carefree and spirited and very easy going and laid back. He is quite stiff and set in his ways and initially came across as quite serious. However, as the story develops, and their relationship progresses we begin to see them in a slightly different light. Yes, they have those traits but they also have avoidance issues with neither of them facing up to problems choosing to flee (her) or bury their head in work (him) instead of tackling things head on.
The romance was sweet and sexy and I like the slow-burning nature of it.
There is a great cast of secondary characters, and I ADORED Charlie, William, and Morgan. You can tell Tracey is a mother because she writes very believable children's characters. It was the same with book two in this series - I loved the kids and really warmed to them. In this book, their characters add so much to the story. Loved William and his HP obsession and some of Morgan's carry-ons had me laughing. The House Rules were also hysterical. It's this focus on the little details that really allows Tracey's work to shine, that really make her books stand out from the crowd.
Things go a bit pear-shaped before they work out but it ended perfectly and that epilogue was AWW, so gorgeous, and now I'm in that happy-sad place because I loved it but I hate that it's over.
Another fab read, Tracey - thanks so much!
In summary, this was an amazing read from an author who never fails to deliver. Thoroughly, Highly Recommended.
February 21, 2017
2.5 stars. Another sweet romance set in New Zealand. Very much like Rosalind James, although not such an overt tourist advert as Ms James' books are. Light and enjoyable. I'll read more of her books when I'm in the mood for sweet fluff.
December 7, 2016
Gracie Cooper has a lot of baggage, a critical and overbearing father who’s a wealthy, high-powered lawyer and losing her mother just as she’s starting to enter adulthood. Trying to find her purpose in life, Gracie heads to Europe and drifts from one low paying menial job to another. Gracie witnesses the aftermath of a brutal terrorist attack in London and that sends her scurrying back home to Australia and back under the critical eye of dear ole dad!
Doctor Owen Bennett has his own set of baggage, the son of free-spirited parents, he revels in working hard at his profession and having complete control over his life. The total opposite of how he was raised. When his mother takes ill he unexpectedly becomes the temporary legal guardian of his three orphaned nieces and nephew. Who completely upend his life.
When his frazzled elderly neighbor quits the nanny position, Owen is desperate to find a full-time, live-in nanny, when Gracie rescues the two younger kids who ran away from home, Owen offers her the position.
This heartwarming, humorous and sometimes tragic story is well told and you’re rooting for the two broken people who fill a need in each other if the can both just open their hearts and embrace the possibility of love.
Doctor Owen Bennett has his own set of baggage, the son of free-spirited parents, he revels in working hard at his profession and having complete control over his life. The total opposite of how he was raised. When his mother takes ill he unexpectedly becomes the temporary legal guardian of his three orphaned nieces and nephew. Who completely upend his life.
When his frazzled elderly neighbor quits the nanny position, Owen is desperate to find a full-time, live-in nanny, when Gracie rescues the two younger kids who ran away from home, Owen offers her the position.
This heartwarming, humorous and sometimes tragic story is well told and you’re rooting for the two broken people who fill a need in each other if the can both just open their hearts and embrace the possibility of love.
December 10, 2016
WOW
What an amazing story of love, strength and growth for all the main characters! This was my first Tracey Alvarez book, but it will not be my last!! she's an amazing writer who can definitely tell a story full of emotion, I bawled my eyes out, laughed, literally giggled and cried more happy and not only sad but heartbreaking tears. What an amazing journey!
After yet another traumatic family event, Owen assumes custody of his two nieces and nephew while his mother recovers after a triple bypass surgery, because there is no one else to do it. The three of them are orphans after their parents died while on vacation without the kids. Their grandparents, Owen's parents are their legal guardians now. The kids are home schooled per their mothers request. Owen doesn't know how he's gonna get through 2 and a half months with 3 kids when all his life is about working as an ED Dr at the Bounty Bay hospital and takes as many shifts as he can grab ahold of, it's his whole life! Now he's totally at a loss of what to do with the kids since his elderly neighbor had quit on him and told him he has until Monday to find someone else to care for the children. She also tells him what he really needs to find is a nice girl and settle down, so that way he'd have a contingency plan. He doesn't have time for a girlfriend right now.
Grace returns home to New Zealand after surviving a suicide bombers attacked on a London nightclub six blocks from where she worked. But after arriving home it's her father picking her up instead of her brother because her brothers boys came down with chicken pox. She's instantly reminded of why she was running away from family issues at home and traveling around Europe. After one night she's over done with dealing with her father and calls her soon to be sister-in-law Savannah who told her where the spare key to her VW Beetle was and told her to get her butt driving north to where they live in magical Bounty Bay. So she does, but before arriving at their house she stops in town for an ice cream cone and find two little kids who ran away from their "meanie babysitter". One of the kids now had a hurt arm that needs to be looked at by a doctor. The kids tell her their uncle is a doctor and is at work, so she takes them there because they refuse to tell her where they live and she really doesn't want to call the police. At the hospital, she meets the oh so gorgeous Dr O-for-Awesome, who asks her if she'd consider watching the kids, even temporarily because he had no idea what to do.
To find out what happens with the kids and Gracie, Gracie and Owen, and the changes that are in store you'll have to read TEACH YOUR HEART, but oh my it'll be worth your time. Although this is book 3 of the Far North series, it could be read as a standalone novel as well. I do plan to go read the first two books in the series though. Book 1: Hide Your Heart (Lauren & Nate) and Book 2: Know Your Heart (Savannah & Glen), and i look forward to reading Book 4: Mend Your Heart (Natalie & Isaac) and Break Your Heart (Vanessa & Sam) when they're available in 2017 too. This book uses British/UK spellings and references. I received this ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Due to sexual situations, this book is recommended for readers 17 and older!
Favorite passages ~
- I know you’ll kick donkey today.
- You gotta be willing to be hurt entering the ring, or you’ll hide terrified in the corner, never knowing if a fight could win you the match.
- You never knew how long you had to put things right.
What an amazing story of love, strength and growth for all the main characters! This was my first Tracey Alvarez book, but it will not be my last!! she's an amazing writer who can definitely tell a story full of emotion, I bawled my eyes out, laughed, literally giggled and cried more happy and not only sad but heartbreaking tears. What an amazing journey!
After yet another traumatic family event, Owen assumes custody of his two nieces and nephew while his mother recovers after a triple bypass surgery, because there is no one else to do it. The three of them are orphans after their parents died while on vacation without the kids. Their grandparents, Owen's parents are their legal guardians now. The kids are home schooled per their mothers request. Owen doesn't know how he's gonna get through 2 and a half months with 3 kids when all his life is about working as an ED Dr at the Bounty Bay hospital and takes as many shifts as he can grab ahold of, it's his whole life! Now he's totally at a loss of what to do with the kids since his elderly neighbor had quit on him and told him he has until Monday to find someone else to care for the children. She also tells him what he really needs to find is a nice girl and settle down, so that way he'd have a contingency plan. He doesn't have time for a girlfriend right now.
Grace returns home to New Zealand after surviving a suicide bombers attacked on a London nightclub six blocks from where she worked. But after arriving home it's her father picking her up instead of her brother because her brothers boys came down with chicken pox. She's instantly reminded of why she was running away from family issues at home and traveling around Europe. After one night she's over done with dealing with her father and calls her soon to be sister-in-law Savannah who told her where the spare key to her VW Beetle was and told her to get her butt driving north to where they live in magical Bounty Bay. So she does, but before arriving at their house she stops in town for an ice cream cone and find two little kids who ran away from their "meanie babysitter". One of the kids now had a hurt arm that needs to be looked at by a doctor. The kids tell her their uncle is a doctor and is at work, so she takes them there because they refuse to tell her where they live and she really doesn't want to call the police. At the hospital, she meets the oh so gorgeous Dr O-for-Awesome, who asks her if she'd consider watching the kids, even temporarily because he had no idea what to do.
To find out what happens with the kids and Gracie, Gracie and Owen, and the changes that are in store you'll have to read TEACH YOUR HEART, but oh my it'll be worth your time. Although this is book 3 of the Far North series, it could be read as a standalone novel as well. I do plan to go read the first two books in the series though. Book 1: Hide Your Heart (Lauren & Nate) and Book 2: Know Your Heart (Savannah & Glen), and i look forward to reading Book 4: Mend Your Heart (Natalie & Isaac) and Break Your Heart (Vanessa & Sam) when they're available in 2017 too. This book uses British/UK spellings and references. I received this ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Due to sexual situations, this book is recommended for readers 17 and older!
Favorite passages ~
- I know you’ll kick donkey today.
- You gotta be willing to be hurt entering the ring, or you’ll hide terrified in the corner, never knowing if a fight could win you the match.
- You never knew how long you had to put things right.
December 1, 2016
This author has been on my bucket list to read for awhile when I was given the chance to read and review I jumped at it. I found it to be a very interesting story that I had trouble putting down from the characters to the plot it was just a great read. The author knows how to pull her reader in giving you a great romance and a very believable story.
Owen is a workaholic he enjoys what he does which takes up most of his time. When his nieces and nephew come to stay with him, he in a little over his head, as with most children they are nice to have for a little while but what do you do when you can’t give them back? You hire a nanny of course! I really enjoyed the children from their fears to their hopes. They are just wonderful fun characters. I loved watching Owen interact with them it was really emotional from his struggles in how to care for them and what to do with them to finally feeling comfortable around them getting as much pleasure from them as we the reader have.
When Gracie comes along and takes the job of nanny the attraction is very strong. They are really opposites but really balance each other out. With Gracie care free style she teaches Owen how to loosen up a little and not always put work first but to learn to relax and have fun. I enjoyed watching them dance around each other and the children do bring some interesting reading. For me this was a page turner giving the read some lovely twist, a great plot along with some very hot scene. Along with the good times a little rain must fall you get to really get to know the characters as you watch them go there some sad times and seeing how they work together to turn it all around.
Not only does the author give you a great build of with the story she gives you wonderful supporting characters you will fall in love with. They do a wonderful job adding so much live to the story. The author paints a picture of New Zealand that you can picture in your mind from the trees to the land and mountains that really has you wanting to go there to visit. I had no trouble at all picturing the beautiful country with the words of the author that really felt more like a painting in my mind.
Lastly I loved the buildup of these two who didn’t know how to handle their attraction and take care of the kids. You get a slow build up that really takes your breath way as these two grow in strength and love right before your eyes. This is a standalone but the author does bring back characters from past books. She introduces them in a way that you do not feel you have lost anything but makes you want to go back and read the stories you have missed to get to know these wonderful characters better. For me this was a believable story with delightful characters you can relate to. The ending will warm your heart leaving you with a smile on your face. I hope you will pick up this book you might be like me and have found an author that is working her way into the top favorites very fast.
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Owen is a workaholic he enjoys what he does which takes up most of his time. When his nieces and nephew come to stay with him, he in a little over his head, as with most children they are nice to have for a little while but what do you do when you can’t give them back? You hire a nanny of course! I really enjoyed the children from their fears to their hopes. They are just wonderful fun characters. I loved watching Owen interact with them it was really emotional from his struggles in how to care for them and what to do with them to finally feeling comfortable around them getting as much pleasure from them as we the reader have.
When Gracie comes along and takes the job of nanny the attraction is very strong. They are really opposites but really balance each other out. With Gracie care free style she teaches Owen how to loosen up a little and not always put work first but to learn to relax and have fun. I enjoyed watching them dance around each other and the children do bring some interesting reading. For me this was a page turner giving the read some lovely twist, a great plot along with some very hot scene. Along with the good times a little rain must fall you get to really get to know the characters as you watch them go there some sad times and seeing how they work together to turn it all around.
Not only does the author give you a great build of with the story she gives you wonderful supporting characters you will fall in love with. They do a wonderful job adding so much live to the story. The author paints a picture of New Zealand that you can picture in your mind from the trees to the land and mountains that really has you wanting to go there to visit. I had no trouble at all picturing the beautiful country with the words of the author that really felt more like a painting in my mind.
Lastly I loved the buildup of these two who didn’t know how to handle their attraction and take care of the kids. You get a slow build up that really takes your breath way as these two grow in strength and love right before your eyes. This is a standalone but the author does bring back characters from past books. She introduces them in a way that you do not feel you have lost anything but makes you want to go back and read the stories you have missed to get to know these wonderful characters better. For me this was a believable story with delightful characters you can relate to. The ending will warm your heart leaving you with a smile on your face. I hope you will pick up this book you might be like me and have found an author that is working her way into the top favorites very fast.
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November 21, 2016
Want to read a sweet feel good romance with no overdone angst or coming under fire save for the belief in pure simple love?
"Teach your Heart" is the third in this I love being in love Far North series, where we meet Gracie who adds such a beautiful free spirit to this book that, like all the characters we fall in live with her happy and loving heart. She does not judge and accepts you to be ... You! Her childhood and young adult year was anything but happy as she struggled with issues and loss of her mother, the glue of the family while her father was everything against her sweet nature. Gracie was also flawed so don't think blue birds and lollipops she became an 'avoider', a non-confrontationalist... yeah it's not a word but it was Gracie.
In steps Owen, our hunky doctor who has his own deep seated issues and dealing with a recent loss of his sister as well as an embarrassment of his upbringing and parents hippie lifestyle. He is giving temporary custody to his sister's 3 kids who turn this book upside down especially little Miss Charlie-not Charlotte, and we see how much family love and the love of a good soul can turn a boring stick in the bum guy around.
As always Ms Alvarez... Tracey, brings such life to her characters with quirky scenes and words that you spend a good deal smiling throughout and don't think it's not a gamut of emotions as you also spend some time mopping up your cheeks as you go through some of those moments of heartache and even a few happy tears. I love Ms Alvarez's ability to wrap so much up in these beautiful scenic and full journeys yet leave you light and ready to give the day a dust off and see the rainbows. You meet some really lovely people and know that with the next book you can catch up with them again, or so easily re-read these books as they lend such warmth you sometimes need a top up.
For me Tracey, I do hope we see dear Isaac have his HEA next as he struck me and stayed with me throughout this book, I am such a sucker for a wounded soul so deserving of peace and love. Fingers and toes crossed!?!
"I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions and comments are solely my own."
"Teach your Heart" is the third in this I love being in love Far North series, where we meet Gracie who adds such a beautiful free spirit to this book that, like all the characters we fall in live with her happy and loving heart. She does not judge and accepts you to be ... You! Her childhood and young adult year was anything but happy as she struggled with issues and loss of her mother, the glue of the family while her father was everything against her sweet nature. Gracie was also flawed so don't think blue birds and lollipops she became an 'avoider', a non-confrontationalist... yeah it's not a word but it was Gracie.
In steps Owen, our hunky doctor who has his own deep seated issues and dealing with a recent loss of his sister as well as an embarrassment of his upbringing and parents hippie lifestyle. He is giving temporary custody to his sister's 3 kids who turn this book upside down especially little Miss Charlie-not Charlotte, and we see how much family love and the love of a good soul can turn a boring stick in the bum guy around.
As always Ms Alvarez... Tracey, brings such life to her characters with quirky scenes and words that you spend a good deal smiling throughout and don't think it's not a gamut of emotions as you also spend some time mopping up your cheeks as you go through some of those moments of heartache and even a few happy tears. I love Ms Alvarez's ability to wrap so much up in these beautiful scenic and full journeys yet leave you light and ready to give the day a dust off and see the rainbows. You meet some really lovely people and know that with the next book you can catch up with them again, or so easily re-read these books as they lend such warmth you sometimes need a top up.
For me Tracey, I do hope we see dear Isaac have his HEA next as he struck me and stayed with me throughout this book, I am such a sucker for a wounded soul so deserving of peace and love. Fingers and toes crossed!?!
"I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions and comments are solely my own."
December 28, 2017
I give Teach Your Heart by Tracey Alvarez Five stars. This is book three of the Far North series and can be read as a Standalone but I would recommend reading the whole story because you will get the back story that way. This is a well written book and a quick read. If you love small town romance and hot doctors you will LOVE this book.
Own Bennett is a Doctor in Bounty Bay and with the nickname Doctor O-for-Awesome you know he is great at his job. Owen is big on Rules and he believes rules can be fun, yea right, he especially believes in rules when he is taken care of three precocious kids. Kids that hate rules and like to run off an nanny he hires for them.
Gracie Cooper just recently returned from spending four years in Europe doing various jobs including being a nanny. She goes to Bounty Bay to visit her brother, relax and enjoy his wedding but instead she stumbles upon three kids that really need her and she gets hired on as a nanny for the three kids Owen is taken care of. Owen and Gracie are attracted to each other immediately but will they act on this attraction? You will have to read the book to find out. This is a must read!
Favorite Quotes:
"You gotta be willing to be hurt entering the ring, or you'll hide terrified in the corner, never knowing if a fight could win you the match."
"This from the inventor of rotting douche-funnel and dick-waffle?" "Bet your butt plug, I do."
"Love was shrugging off restraints, diving from that cliff into the unknown and trusting the other person to be there to catch you. She mightn't know much about healing broken bones, but she could be the one to cushion Owen's fall. If he would trust her enough to take the plunge."
Own Bennett is a Doctor in Bounty Bay and with the nickname Doctor O-for-Awesome you know he is great at his job. Owen is big on Rules and he believes rules can be fun, yea right, he especially believes in rules when he is taken care of three precocious kids. Kids that hate rules and like to run off an nanny he hires for them.
Gracie Cooper just recently returned from spending four years in Europe doing various jobs including being a nanny. She goes to Bounty Bay to visit her brother, relax and enjoy his wedding but instead she stumbles upon three kids that really need her and she gets hired on as a nanny for the three kids Owen is taken care of. Owen and Gracie are attracted to each other immediately but will they act on this attraction? You will have to read the book to find out. This is a must read!
Favorite Quotes:
"You gotta be willing to be hurt entering the ring, or you'll hide terrified in the corner, never knowing if a fight could win you the match."
"This from the inventor of rotting douche-funnel and dick-waffle?" "Bet your butt plug, I do."
"Love was shrugging off restraints, diving from that cliff into the unknown and trusting the other person to be there to catch you. She mightn't know much about healing broken bones, but she could be the one to cushion Owen's fall. If he would trust her enough to take the plunge."
February 21, 2018
Teach Your Heart: Bounty Bay Series Book 3 is by Tracey Alvarez. This book is set in Bounty Bay, New Zealand. It is a very good book and deals with people trying to help others and sometimes having no idea how to do that.
Owen Bennett had no clue what to do when he found himself raising his late sister’s three kids when his parents found they were unable to do so. Not only did he have to keep them fed and housed, but he also had to homeschool them as his sister wanted. His sister and her husband drowned while on a short vacation together. Everyone was still dealing with that as well. Owen is faced with finding and keeping a nanny for the kids. So far, no one has managed to stay. Then Gracie Cooper come to visit her brother Glen and his wife Savannah.
When Gracie stops for food in Bounty Bay, she finds William and Charlie hiding in the bushes next to McDonalds. William has hurt his arm so Gracie takes him and Charlie to the hospital not knowing his Dad works there. She entertains Charlie while Owen tends to William. She gets more and more into his debt. When he realizes she can handle the kids, he offers her the job immediately. The only setback for her is he wants her to live in and be on call 24/7.
Can the two of them be in each other’s presence for that long before something happens? Can she get through to the kids and open them up once more for hope and love?
Owen Bennett had no clue what to do when he found himself raising his late sister’s three kids when his parents found they were unable to do so. Not only did he have to keep them fed and housed, but he also had to homeschool them as his sister wanted. His sister and her husband drowned while on a short vacation together. Everyone was still dealing with that as well. Owen is faced with finding and keeping a nanny for the kids. So far, no one has managed to stay. Then Gracie Cooper come to visit her brother Glen and his wife Savannah.
When Gracie stops for food in Bounty Bay, she finds William and Charlie hiding in the bushes next to McDonalds. William has hurt his arm so Gracie takes him and Charlie to the hospital not knowing his Dad works there. She entertains Charlie while Owen tends to William. She gets more and more into his debt. When he realizes she can handle the kids, he offers her the job immediately. The only setback for her is he wants her to live in and be on call 24/7.
Can the two of them be in each other’s presence for that long before something happens? Can she get through to the kids and open them up once more for hope and love?
May 18, 2018
Third book in the Far North series and although it is a standalone I prefer to read this type of series in an order. You get more sense of the supporting characters and general "I know the area and it's people" feeling. But don't worry if you just jump in with this book, the story is a standalone.
Loving story between Owen and Gracie that are somewhat opposite characters. He is a workaholic and has a pretty ordered and tidy life, just the opposite of his growing up in a bus-home with a nomadic parents. After finding himself as a temporary guardian of nieces and nephew, you can imagine that order and tidiness doesn't mesh well with three children age 4 to 13 and he is struggling to balance his work life and taking care of the kids. Enters Charlie, who is a free-spirited person and still kind of finding herself, and through the 'in the right place at the righ time' moment becomes a live-in nanny and home-schooler (is this a word?). I loved how their characters meshed and how both of them growed throughout the story. Charlie, Will and Morgan (children) are also great, not just a sideline to the story but an important part.
I really liked the book and as always Tracey Alvarez gives us real and well written characters, interesting story, passion and a happy feeling at the end of the book
Loving story between Owen and Gracie that are somewhat opposite characters. He is a workaholic and has a pretty ordered and tidy life, just the opposite of his growing up in a bus-home with a nomadic parents. After finding himself as a temporary guardian of nieces and nephew, you can imagine that order and tidiness doesn't mesh well with three children age 4 to 13 and he is struggling to balance his work life and taking care of the kids. Enters Charlie, who is a free-spirited person and still kind of finding herself, and through the 'in the right place at the righ time' moment becomes a live-in nanny and home-schooler (is this a word?). I loved how their characters meshed and how both of them growed throughout the story. Charlie, Will and Morgan (children) are also great, not just a sideline to the story but an important part.
I really liked the book and as always Tracey Alvarez gives us real and well written characters, interesting story, passion and a happy feeling at the end of the book
November 29, 2016
3.5 stars
A sweet story that takes two wounded people and forms a family.
Owen is a doctor who works too hard and is grieving the loss of his sister and her husband. He has temporary custody of his nieces and nephew while his mother recovers from surgery. Gracie comes home to New Zealand after the terrorist attacks in Europe make being there too difficult. Home means dealing with the expectations of her father. Owen and Gracie meet by chance and discover that they can help each other. Owen needs a nanny for his young charges and Gracie needs funds to pay off student loan debt.
Watching Gracie, Owen, and the children together is so much fun. The five of them each bring something to the others that they were lacking. For Owen, it's the bridge that Gracie creates allowing him to reconnect with his family on more than a surface level. For Gracie, it's ultimately the opportunity to stand up for what she really wants and to see her worth and importance to others.
Ms. Alvarez does an excellent job of creating characters and communities that are easy to like and relate too. Teach your Heart connects to other books by Ms. Alvarez, but can easily be read as a stand alone book.
A sweet story that takes two wounded people and forms a family.
Owen is a doctor who works too hard and is grieving the loss of his sister and her husband. He has temporary custody of his nieces and nephew while his mother recovers from surgery. Gracie comes home to New Zealand after the terrorist attacks in Europe make being there too difficult. Home means dealing with the expectations of her father. Owen and Gracie meet by chance and discover that they can help each other. Owen needs a nanny for his young charges and Gracie needs funds to pay off student loan debt.
Watching Gracie, Owen, and the children together is so much fun. The five of them each bring something to the others that they were lacking. For Owen, it's the bridge that Gracie creates allowing him to reconnect with his family on more than a surface level. For Gracie, it's ultimately the opportunity to stand up for what she really wants and to see her worth and importance to others.
Ms. Alvarez does an excellent job of creating characters and communities that are easy to like and relate too. Teach your Heart connects to other books by Ms. Alvarez, but can easily be read as a stand alone book.
November 30, 2016
There's little I don't like about the books this author writes, Teach Your Heart is yet another amazing book in her Far North Series. Owen and Gracie's story is a heart warming tale of two people who have their own tragedies and challenges in their past that have caused them to either never settling down in one place or overworking in their jobs, but when the two meet, it's something pretty special. Morgan, William and Charlie really brought this story together. I found myself laughing in quite a few places with the situations these kids got themselves into, including their Uncle Owen! The House Rules cracked me up and was perfect with everything going on in the story. Loved the ending, definitely brought tears to this avid romance readers eyes. If you're a Tracey Alvarez fan, you will see some new characters in this book, which will probably mean we have more awesome books with this series in the near future.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
August 28, 2018
Open Your Heart To Love!
Gracie, another member of the dysfunctional Cooper family (we met her brother Glen in Book 2), had been bouncing around Europe but has now found her way back to her childhood playground, Bounty Bay. Here she meets a group of children whose parents died tragically and whose uncle is also wrestling with his grief and feelings of loss. Although the interrelationships of characters from one book to the next provide a small town feel to the series (and there is continuity of action in the grander arc), each romance in the series stands alone beautifully. Narrator Rose O'Toole has come fully to grips with a light Kiwi accent which imparts the romance of New Zealand without burying us in the extremes of pronunciation variants, and convincingly acts the children with equal expertise as the lovers and their parents and grandparents, bringing to life this delightful novel. Each is better than the last!
Gracie, another member of the dysfunctional Cooper family (we met her brother Glen in Book 2), had been bouncing around Europe but has now found her way back to her childhood playground, Bounty Bay. Here she meets a group of children whose parents died tragically and whose uncle is also wrestling with his grief and feelings of loss. Although the interrelationships of characters from one book to the next provide a small town feel to the series (and there is continuity of action in the grander arc), each romance in the series stands alone beautifully. Narrator Rose O'Toole has come fully to grips with a light Kiwi accent which imparts the romance of New Zealand without burying us in the extremes of pronunciation variants, and convincingly acts the children with equal expertise as the lovers and their parents and grandparents, bringing to life this delightful novel. Each is better than the last!
November 26, 2016
I requested a free ARC copy of this book and I’m writing an honest review of it. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Finally!!! The third book in the Far North Series!!!!! Teach Your Heart introduces the young and free-spirited Gracie and Owen, aka Dr. O for Awesome who is a workaholic. The only thing that brought them together is Owen's nieces and nephew.
Wanna know more? Read this book! I love this book because all of her references to Harry Potter and it brought out my inner nerd out. Seriously though, read her Far North and Due South Series. They're amazing reads.
Finally!!! The third book in the Far North Series!!!!! Teach Your Heart introduces the young and free-spirited Gracie and Owen, aka Dr. O for Awesome who is a workaholic. The only thing that brought them together is Owen's nieces and nephew.
Wanna know more? Read this book! I love this book because all of her references to Harry Potter and it brought out my inner nerd out. Seriously though, read her Far North and Due South Series. They're amazing reads.
October 10, 2019
Loved it
This series together more friends and family. Owen lost his sister and brother in law when they drowned while on holiday and left 3 children behind. His parents have been their guardians for the last three years, but his mom had to have triple bypass surgery so he took over care for them, but he couldn't keep a nanny. Gracie came back to New Zealand after living in Europe, plus her brother Glen was marrying Savannah. When ends up in Bounty Bay after leaving her father's place she ran into little William & Charlie. She ended up being offered to be their au pair after meeting their uncle at the ED to see about Will's arm. But she didn't expect to fall.
This series together more friends and family. Owen lost his sister and brother in law when they drowned while on holiday and left 3 children behind. His parents have been their guardians for the last three years, but his mom had to have triple bypass surgery so he took over care for them, but he couldn't keep a nanny. Gracie came back to New Zealand after living in Europe, plus her brother Glen was marrying Savannah. When ends up in Bounty Bay after leaving her father's place she ran into little William & Charlie. She ended up being offered to be their au pair after meeting their uncle at the ED to see about Will's arm. But she didn't expect to fall.
June 14, 2018
The more people you met from Bounty Bay the more you fall in love with the place and the stories that take place there. Gracie just arrived to New Zealand without work, money and a future planned and she metsGlenn and his two orphans nieces and his nephew, that are staying with after the major surgery his mother is been through. Glenn takes Gracie as his nanny to help him with the kids.will they fall in love and have a happy future together with all the hurting that they carry from their past ? The audiobook is awesome
December 5, 2016
Loved it!!!!
I absolutely loved this book. The story of Owen and Gracie is such a great read. Owen is a busy doctor who keeps everyone at a distance after losing his sister and brother in law in a drowning accident. Gracie has been wandering Europe to get away from her father. However, when fate puts them together, they cannot deny the chemistry. However, Gracie is now Owen's employee. It's not appropriate to want the nanny right. When Owen has to watch is nieces and nephew, they prove to be a handful. Owen and the kids are dealing with grief over the loss of their loved ones, Gracie arrives like a bright light to their darkness.
I loved reading this book, it was so sweet and enjoyable. I highly recommend this book and any of the others by Mrs. Alvarez!! This series is a great read.
I absolutely loved this book. The story of Owen and Gracie is such a great read. Owen is a busy doctor who keeps everyone at a distance after losing his sister and brother in law in a drowning accident. Gracie has been wandering Europe to get away from her father. However, when fate puts them together, they cannot deny the chemistry. However, Gracie is now Owen's employee. It's not appropriate to want the nanny right. When Owen has to watch is nieces and nephew, they prove to be a handful. Owen and the kids are dealing with grief over the loss of their loved ones, Gracie arrives like a bright light to their darkness.
I loved reading this book, it was so sweet and enjoyable. I highly recommend this book and any of the others by Mrs. Alvarez!! This series is a great read.
June 2, 2018
Teaching Your Heart To Love
Owen and Gracie learning to love again. Nieces Morgan, Charlie (Charlotte) and Nephew William parents have passed in a tragic accident and under the care of Owen's parents but are sent to Owen's care for a couple of months and Owen hires Gracie as a Nanny what a heart loving story watching this group coming together as a family Tracey has done it again I just love these stories based in New Zealand another 5*****
Owen and Gracie learning to love again. Nieces Morgan, Charlie (Charlotte) and Nephew William parents have passed in a tragic accident and under the care of Owen's parents but are sent to Owen's care for a couple of months and Owen hires Gracie as a Nanny what a heart loving story watching this group coming together as a family Tracey has done it again I just love these stories based in New Zealand another 5*****
June 4, 2019
Another lovely tale
The pacing of this novel is brilliant. The story blossoms like a flower. I enjoyed Owen and Gracie and the kids.
I don't know how a skipped over this book when reading the series, but I did. I'm glad I back tracked.
Now read Mend Your Heart. It was one of my most favorite. I fell in love with Isaac and embraced his
The pacing of this novel is brilliant. The story blossoms like a flower. I enjoyed Owen and Gracie and the kids.
I don't know how a skipped over this book when reading the series, but I did. I'm glad I back tracked.
Now read Mend Your Heart. It was one of my most favorite. I fell in love with Isaac and embraced his
December 29, 2019
Love Tracey Alvarez
I love this series of books. You can read them as stand alone but it's better in order. All of the characters are so real and relatable. Definitely read ALL of her books!!!
I love this series of books. You can read them as stand alone but it's better in order. All of the characters are so real and relatable. Definitely read ALL of her books!!!
January 5, 2020
Teach Your Heart by Tracey Alvarez
Out of all the books so far, this one is the best! It was very touching how Gracie teaches Owen how important family is and how easy it is to love!
Out of all the books so far, this one is the best! It was very touching how Gracie teaches Owen how important family is and how easy it is to love!
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