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Will their pasts get in the way of their future?

Luke Ward was New York City’s best and brightest young physician until a freak accident changed everything. Now he’s taken a position as the staff doctor at a large retirement village in Abeline where he plans to live out the rest of his days hiding from the painful truth he’s traveled so far to escape.

When the father of her unborn baby walks out on her, Mandy Rockwell decides to swear off men for good. She refuses to give up either her baby or her dream of opening her own bakery, so naturally she doesn’t have much space in her life for anything else, especially not yet another broken relationship.

They both have everything to lose, but somehow Luke and Mandy can’t ignore the spark that ignites between them. Will they be able to make a future together, and what will happen when their pasts come calling?

85 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2016

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About the author

Melissa Storm

150 books3,776 followers
Melissa Storm is a New York Times and multiple USA Today bestselling author of Women’s Fiction, Inspirational Romance, and Cozy Mysteries.

Despite an intense, lifelong desire to tell stories for a living, Melissa was “too pragmatic” to choose English as a major in college. Instead, she obtained her master’s degree in Sociology & Survey Methodology—then went straight back to slinging words a year after graduation anyway.

She loves books so much, in fact, that she married fellow author Falcon Storm. Between the two of them, there are always plenty of imaginative, awe-inspiring stories to share. Melissa and Falcon also run a number of book-related businesses together, including LitRing, Sweet Promise Press, Novel Publicity, Your Author Engine, and the Author Site.

When she's not reading, writing, or child-rearing, Melissa spends time relaxing at her home in the Michigan woods, where she is kept company by a seemingly unending quantity of dogs and two very demanding Maine Coon rescues. She also writes under the names of Molly Fitz and Mila Riggs.

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5 stars
326 (56%)
4 stars
149 (25%)
3 stars
84 (14%)
2 stars
14 (2%)
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7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
27 reviews8 followers
July 7, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a sweet story of love found in an unexpected place, your grandmother's retirement home.

I loved the dynamics and instant chemistry between Mandy and Dr Luke. Both are looking to find a new start in their lives, Mandy because of her pregnancy and Luke as a result of the tragic death of a baby in his care.

There are some sweet and tender moments along with a good dash of humour not only with Luke and Mandy but her grandmother, Deborah, and her first love James.

Really enjoyed the latest story in the Cupid Bow series.
September 4, 2021
This was a weird read, the plot is interesting but the execution wasn’t. The characters were written more like teenagers than adults, the dialogue was at minimum -mostly inner talk- and it didn’t hold my interest.
5 reviews
March 7, 2021
Book review

Too many missing pages. Otherwise I really would have enjoyed the book. Some of the chapters could have been embellished more, I thought.
Profile Image for Mary Lou Hoffman.
1,948 reviews31 followers
May 17, 2018
MUST LOVE MOMMY is the fifth book in the Alaskan Sunrise series. These can be read in any order. Previously released as SHE WILL BE LOVED, Cupid’s Bow, Third Generation #3.

I can’t say how much I loved this short sweet story. I couldn’t put it down. Lucky for me it was a vacation day for me and I didn’t have to. I stayed in bed late and read, read, read, and I was smiling almost the whole way through. I say ‘almost,’ because what author doesn’t put us through the wringer a little bit.

The path to HEA is never smooth, but it is worth it! Luke and Mandy have brought a lot of (emotional) baggage with them to Abilene, TX when they meet each other. These are the rocks in their path. When they open up to one another, they learn to crush those rocks into smaller pebbles.

Sweet Mandy is the little sister of Charlie from MUST LOVE MUTTS and she feels like everything she touches fails or falls short. I relate to that - never good enough to make anyone else happy. Her path smooths when she learns to accept herself. Luke is just the man all of us good girls want – sexy and sweet with just enough flaws to be perfect.

This may be a short story, but it is very well developed and filled with heart, hope, and laughter. Again, I say, I can’t describe how much I loved it, though I’ve tried.

Note: while I was given this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.


Title: MUST LOVE MOMMY
Series: Alaskan Sunrise #5
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance, short-story
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: book received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Melissa Storm (as an ARC gifted copy)
Profile Image for Isis Ray-sisco.
727 reviews
February 20, 2017
She Will Be Loved by Melissa Storm is a sweet romance. I enjoyed reading Luke and Mandy's story. It was very sweet but not too sappy. I liked the characters they were easy to relate to. The plot was believable and easy to follow. Mandy was a young girl who was in love with her boyfriend. She thought they would be together for a while if not forever. Then she ends up pregnant and he won't have anything to do with her. She needed to start over so she leaves her home and moves in with her grandmother. That is when she meets Luke and the two of them end up strike up a friendship and it turns into something more. Luke is haunted by his past and isn't sure he will ever get over it. Sometimes it haunts him so much he doesn't think he will be happy or deserves to be. When he meets Mandy he knows she is the one for him. Will he be able to get over his past to find happiness with her? Will she accept him for who he is no matter what? Or is their relationship doomed? I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sweet romances with HEA's.
Profile Image for Susan Shearer.
403 reviews2 followers
May 16, 2017
Melissa Storm has done it again! A terrific book with some terrific characters!
We have Mandy Rockwell, a girl with dreams of owning and running her own baker, finding out she’s pregnant by her deadbeat boyfriend who tells her goodbye when I finds out. Then we meet Dr. Luke Ward who has just had a traumatic experience and wants to just go somewhere and heal, if that’s possible.
Two unlikely people, one from Alaska and one from New York who end up in a retirement village in Texas, Luke the new resident doctor and Mandy living with her grandmother Deborah until the baby is born.
This is a book filled with hope and despair, friendship and love and a deep family devotion. One you can stick your teeth in and chew as you read. Plus it has the power to keep you reading until the end. I would recommend this book to a anyone who likes sweet stories. Who knows, you may even see a part of yourself in a character. Happy reading.
738 reviews9 followers
July 16, 2022
Mandy Rockwell has found herself pregnant and the father wants nothing to do with her or the baby. She contacts her grandmother, who raised her, and she asked Mandy to come stay with her until things settle down. Her dream has been to open her own bakery and now that isn’t going to happen at least not in the near future. Luke Ward needs to get away as he feels guilty when he tried to save a baby and it didn’t work. He has now gone to the retirement community as the resident doctor there knowing there won’t be any children there for him to treat. When he is meeting all the residents, he meets Mandy, and they enjoy the time they spent talking until her grandmother gets back from her walk. Maybe they can help each other. A sweet lighthearted romance story that will warm your heart.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
7,623 reviews44 followers
June 18, 2017
SHE WILL BE LOVED. by Melissa Storm. Cupid's Bow book. 6
Mandy believe life could change in seconds, and seeing 2 pink lines, it had.
Betrayed by her favorite color, and dreams of her bakery gone. So did Josh as fast as he could. Grandma, said to come, nothing like being in a retirement place at age 24. The final thing,when she got there was grandma had a boyfriend. Luke, comes to be resident doctor for this community. Going door to door.to meet each one, surprised when he sees Mandy. She's trying a new recipe and needs a taste tester. A delightful book, where everything within seconds changed for Mandy, this gave her a second change to be loved. Good story, characters you will love, and all will enjoy reading.
1,610 reviews4 followers
August 9, 2017
This was a sweet, well-written book. Mandy is pregnant and the father has left, but she is dedicated to taking care of her baby and still plans to achieve her dream of opening a bakery. Luke experienced a tragedy while a pediatric doctor and moves from NY to TX to work as a staff doctor at a large retirement village. Their past experiences make them wary of taking a risk again, but the sparks between are undeniable. I enjoyed this book, which can be read as a standalone story, though it is part of the Cupid's Bow: The Third Generation series. I look forward to reading more books in this series as well as others by this author.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,137 reviews52 followers
April 15, 2019
Luke and Mandy are two people who are working to overcome some large challenges, facing demons from their past. I think these two are absolutely adorable together, but I didn’t feel the connection between them as well as I did with other books in this series. I really liked Luke. It hurt my heart to watch him carrying so much guilt that wasn’t entirely his own. Mandy left me a little confused. For someone who so badly wants to be considered independent, she spends a lot of time letting other people take care of her. It was a strangely deep story for such a light, fluffy plot.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.
1,861 reviews8 followers
April 17, 2019
Mandy and Luke have pasts that they rather keep tucked away. In Mandy's case, that will be difficult since she can't ignore her pregnancy. She finds comfort, support and unconditional love with her grandmother in Texas. Coincidently, Luke finds himself in the same small Texas community to help ease the guilt and pain of his past. With their chance meeting and immediate friendship along with some prodding from Mandy's grandmother they are able to open their hearts and minds to new possibilities. This is a very touching, moving story with a beautiful happily ever after.

This is one book of a collection that I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
Profile Image for Jill.
417 reviews
June 3, 2017
Who doesn't like second chances....the opportunity to right a wrong? She Will Be Loved is a sweet story about two people who have made mistakes in their life but have been given the opportunity to move past those choices to a better life. I enjoyed reading about Mandy and Luke, both their past lives and their current ones. Melissa Storm writes with tenderness and includes a bit of humor to keep things interesting! Loved the character of Deborah, Mandy's grandmother; what an interesting person she would be to meet!
Profile Image for Tina Groat.
42 reviews
July 19, 2017
This was a cute love story about Mandy and Luke from the Cupids Bow series.  Both characters had issues from decisions they have made; leaving them with doubts, low self-esteem, and trust issues.  However by throwing these two characters together; they ended up helping each other as well as falling in love.  The storyline was great; and I really grew to love both of these characters.  As always with Melissa’s books, I had trouble putting the story down.

 

Copy of book gifted by Author in exchange for an honest review
1,577 reviews24 followers
July 16, 2022
This is a sweet and short story about two people who had dreams that were drastically changed when a circumstance happened in their lives. Mandy becomes pregnant and leaves Alaska to live with her grandma in Texas in a senior living community. She has always wanted to own a bakery but now puts that dream on hold. Luke is a promising doctor but after a supposed mistake, leaves New York for Texas where he can nurse his guilt. He's working in that same senior community and when he sees Mandy, he can't believe it! I enjoyed their friendship and comradery. The epilogue is fun!
1,766 reviews6 followers
July 29, 2022
Mandy is pregnant and alone. She goes to live with her grandmother, who raised her, in a retirement community.
Luke is a pediatrician who looses a special patient. He can't forgive himself, even though the hospital has cleared him. He changes specialties and goes to a retirement community.
These two meet and attraction is immediate. They are like giddy teenagers.
The story does flow but is mostly made up of internal dialogue.
This one was just so so for me.
Grandmother was a great secondary cgaracter.
3,202 reviews11 followers
August 3, 2022
Mandy’s loser boyfriend dumps her when she tells him she’s pregnant. Why she thinks she should go back and take care of his drunk behind when she has a high risk pregnancy is beyond me. Luke feels guilt over what happened to his niece. I think he feels like he doesn’t deserve love and a family, but he’s still attracted to Mandy. I would have thought her situation would have scared him. There are plenty of innuendos and bedroom talk and I was surprised her sister Charlie would bring that up when Mandy hadn’t known Luke that long. Mandy’s hilarious grandmother was a firecracker.
15 reviews
December 16, 2016
THIS BOOK DRAWS YOU IN AS SOON AS YOU START READING

The author has created such interesting people and so many situations for them to face. You sure keep guessing what is going to happen next. I must say I had a difficult time getting anything done. I just did not want to put this book down until I finished it. This book certainly earned my five-star rating. Thanks to the author for a GOOD read.
Profile Image for Desiree.
58 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2017
This is a cute little short story. It is about a woman named Mandy who becomes pregnant. The sperm donor Josh doesn't want anything to do with the baby so Mandy moves to Abilene, Texas to live with her grandma (and beau). Then we meet Dr. Luke who feels guilty because his sister's baby died when he did a surgery procedure on her. He meets Mandy and I loved their first meeting. And when she accidently got sick on Mrs. Blue--I could so picture it happening!! Overall, it was a good little story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nancy Garbe.
460 reviews6 followers
January 19, 2018
I enjoyed the diverse characters in this story. Luke is a doctor who cannot let go of a tragedy in his past. Mandy is also unable to escape a mistake that has changed the direction of her future. Together they just might be able to achieve something “great”!

The most entertaining moments are provided by Grandma Deborah and the residents of her trailer park. I received an ARC of this for my review.
1,798 reviews3 followers
January 2, 2019
She will be loved

A very important story told in such a way that most of us could read between the lines and some of us have lived the life.A story of unrequited love and new love, found in the most unusual places. A busy young pregnant girl and a home town Doctor ready to help everyone they can, and be there for each other. This is a story meant to be handed on to other readers to be read and enjoyed. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Profile Image for Ann Bingham.
186 reviews
February 27, 2021
Short and sweet

Sparks fly when they first meet. She is feeling a little down when her on again/off again boyfriend runs after hearing that she is pregnant with his child, but decides to make a fresh start at Grandma's. Then she meets Luke, they both feel a spark. But will he want anything to do with a pregnant woman? She decides they should just be friends. But sometimes life has something else in mind.

Read it all in one night.
Profile Image for Juliana Ignácio.
1,096 reviews4 followers
August 12, 2022
Mandy and Luke have had disappointments in their lives, so when she finds herself pregnant and abandoned by her boyfriend, she decides to move in with her grandmother. And that's where she meets Luke, as he's the new residente Doctor at the senior village.
The attraction between them is evidente, but both are afraid of these feelings because of their pasts.
I loved the story and the characters. I highly recommend the reading.
1,088 reviews23 followers
January 10, 2023
Another great book from the Alaska Sunrise series. Dr. Luke Ward Has moved to Texas to look after a geriatric community after his baby niece dies on the operating table. He blames himself for her death and can not forgive himself. Mandy Rockwell has come to Texas to be with her Grandmother til she has her baby. Mandy feels like she is a failure in everything she attempts. When these two meet, can they overcome their pasts and forge a new future together?
Profile Image for Nati.
2,616 reviews16 followers
September 18, 2017
Can two people running away from their past meet in a new place and start all over again? Mandy and Luke aren't looking for a relationship right now because their have to face their demons in order to start a new life, but they met and the attraction is a very strong one. This is a great love story that show us how to face life with the help of love, friendship and family.
Profile Image for Anne Blyth.
1,755 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2018
Melissa has done it again. This book touched me in so many way, I laughed, I cried and I felt the joy as Mandy and Luke find their Happy Ever After. They both dealt with very real situations and helped each other to conquer their demons. It was also lovely to be taken back to Deborah and James's story. Another great read.
1,209 reviews7 followers
June 4, 2017
A doctor with a past and a granddaughter with a positive pregnancy test. What more could you want? When the doctor and the granddaughter meet and become friends, things happen. Understanding and trust play important parts in this book. Great story from a great author! No profanity. No explicit sex. Good clean book.
Profile Image for Beverly.
1,217 reviews
June 17, 2017
Short, sweet, cute

The romance was quick in this story. Too many details left out,
. How can a doctor go to New York and then return to get his job back. I found it hard to like the heroine since she got hooked up and pregnant by a loser. Was he go ing to help with the expenses of his child. Sort of sweet and cute.
746 reviews20 followers
July 3, 2017
Short, sweet, and hits the spot!

Short and sweet, but uplifting and inspiring as well! A great read, I'd rate it PG-13 only because the main character talks about how she got pregnant because she had sex without a condom. Besides that it is a really great story and I appreciated the growth of the characters.
325 reviews
July 13, 2017
Sweet with much humor and emotion

This is the first book I read by Melissa Storm and it was a sweet beautiful story. The characters Mandy and Luke are working on their past mistakes and figuring out their future. A very sweet humorous love story. Loved the irreverent Grandma and her wisdom to her granddaughter. I highly recommend reading She Will Be Loved.
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,869 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2018
very moving

Mandy is pregnant, but the father wants nothing to do with her nor the baby. Luke is a doctor who made a mistake. A huge one. And he can’t forgive himself. When they meet: instant attraction! But can they overcome their past? This novella was very well written in that typical Melissa Storm style: warm, sweet and loving. This was very moving.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews

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