If You’ll Have Me by Esther Hatch

 

If You'll Have Me by Esther Hatch

Let’s begin with the summary: 

A lady desperately seeking freedom. A prosperous younger man. An unexpected connection. 

Anna Atwood returns to Breckenridge, where she spent one blissful summer as a young woman. This time, though, she comes to the quaint town as a penniless spinster with a single hope: to build a life free from the constraints her father’s death put on her and free from the persistent suitor Mr. Green, whose plans for marriage are Anna’s worst nightmare. When she runs into David Tate, the boy she knew from that memorable summer, she finds he has grown into a confident and striking man. As they rekindle their friendship, David offers her warmth and protection in the moment she needs it most—when Mr. Green appears in town and threatens to destroy Anna’s carefully laid plans. 

David Tate remembers Anna as the spirited woman who once brought light into his dark childhood. Now a man of means, he has a promising future, if he can withstand the powerful Lord Murphy—a man whose menacing hold on the town he owns is surpassed only by his relentless hold on David’s life. When David meets Anna again, he realizes he has a chance to save her from Mr. Green’s schemes, even if it means putting himself in danger of Lord Murphy’s wrath and revealing his own deepest secrets. 

In a moment of desperation, David and Anna agree to a proposal of convenience to provide the safety they both need. But as their attraction ignites, the looming dangers from Lord Murphy and Mr. Green threaten to destroy their budding happiness. 

And now, my review: 

I loved this Proper Romance novel! It’s one of my favorites I’ve read in a long time.

There's fun humor from the first pages. The romantic element was well written, wholesome, and delightful. I laughed aloud over a couple of antics. 

These characters are very well designed. They're good for each other, trading off protective, selfless deeds for the other.

Our heroine carries the weight of her family’s future on her shoulders as she must provide for her widowed mother. Anna is strong and noble and not always correct in her guesswork about others' thoughts, especially the hero's. She's willing to make sacrifices, which makes her heroic. We root for her even as we worry what level of sacrifice she'll have to make.

Our hero has pined for her our unreliable narrator heroine forever. It’s fun watching him long for her, and remained determined to protect her. David's immediately likable. We know he's been through something, yet he is kind and gentle-spirited. He puts the villain in his place, again and again. Bravo!

I liked the jabs at modern creepiness with well-worded prose. David calls out Mr. Green for being a perv, wanting to marry someone half his age. The morally upright characters show Mr. Green simple human decency, and he sees this as encouragement. Relatable. Modern. It's affirming to see that in an historical.

I liked how they solved the heroine’s problem and how they were strong and competent together. This book held my interest for the entire story. Now, I'm off to find more books by this author. 

Highly recommended!

New Cover: The Garden down the Beach

 

My team has redesigned the cover for The Garden down the Beach. Reminder, you can read it free with a subscription to my author newsletter. Sign up and stay up to date with my book news!

If you'd rather, you can buy it or read it free on Kindle Unlimited. 

Here's more info: 

Kamber Dai believes in creating peaceful garden spaces. She's often online, sharing her plant updates and offering her consulting services. Her house-sitting gig is almost up, and she'll need a lot more clients to afford housing in the region.

Shiloh Boyd lives two miles down the beach on Sandbrooke Island, Washington, in his grandparents’ house. He’s tasked to return the property's garden to what it once was, in honor of his late grandmother. The view of Puget Sound from the baby grand piano inspires him as he creates calming, soft-voiced audio clips for use in reels. 

Online followers, and Gramps, want to see Kamber and Shiloh spend time together, but each is focused on building their careers. 

Is there room for a relationship in all their planning? 
 

 

ACFW New Fiction Releases - December 2025

December 2025 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Children’s/Middle Grade:

Key’s Secret by Jennifer Arrington and Albrey Arrington -- A strange blue envelope greets the kids of Coral Canal right before Labor Day weekend. Inside it contains a riddle and a set of instructions. Nobody, not even their parents, seems to know who sent the riddle, and the children only have five days to solve it and send photographic proof. (Children’s/Middle Grade, Independently Published) 

 

Contemporary Romance: An Unexpected Texas Reunion by Heidi Main -- After a traumatic experience, Brenna Park hopes that leading a youth summer camp with her emotional support dog, Lulu, will help ease her back into her life. Only, she didn’t expect to be sharing the responsibility with the man she left behind a decade ago. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) Not Exactly Mr. Darcy by Carolyn Miller -- What happens when history teacher Olivia Bennett travels to an English village and encounters a surly gardener at the nearby ailing Hartbury Hall? Can she find a way to thaw his heart and restore the Hall's fortunes? (Contemporary Romance from Barbour Publishing) The Gift of Mercy by Rena Bell Yeager -- He’s the new wrangler, with a lot to lose. She’s the boss’s sister, with everything to gain. Will he win her love or lose it all – again? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Christmas Wishes by Carmen Peone -- They are so close… Can Christmas Dreams Come True? With conflicting dreams, and a wedding countdown ticking, can their love survive the season? (Contemporary Romance Novella from Iron Stream Media) 

 

General Contemporary:

Every Voice Heard by Sarah Hanks, N.Y. Dunlap, and D.T. Powell -- Three novellas about Church hurt and abuse. (General Contemporary, Independently Published) 

 

Historical Romance: Courting Love: Three-in-One Collection by Jodie Wolfe -- Courting the Love sisters should be easy. With their surname, they should be primed for romance. But the three men tasked with wooing them have their hands full. (Historical Romance, Independently Published) A Christmas to Remember by Penny Zeller -- He's running from his past. She's seeking a better future. Love in Time is a tender love story that reminds us that God's timing is always perfect. (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Love in Time by Penny Zeller -- When Otis MacCallum agrees to deliver much-needed food and medicine to the remote town of Hawthorne, Montana, he knows there's a real possibility he'll again see the woman who broke his heart. Belinda Finnigan had reasons for declining Otis's proposal, but it still hasn't lessened the pain of losing his friendship. When Otis arrives on her doorstep one wintry December day with food and medicine in hand, can two broken hearts be reconciled? Will theirs be a Christmas to remember? (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing) 

 

Romantic Suspense: Mine by Sami A. Abrams -- Escaping her past…means risking everything to stop a twisted obsession. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published) A Killer in Texas by Jessica R. Patch -- In the search for a murderer, the hunter becomes the prey… While guarding a person of interest in several homicides, bodyguard Libby Winters is attacked by the real serial killer. The Eye, as he’s known, has been stalking her for the past two months, and now he’s ready to make his next move. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, protection specialist Axel Spears vows to keep his partner safe and take down the man who murdered his wife. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])

Hooked by Stephanie Sanders -- What begins as a family trip to the Outer Banks spirals into fear as a stalker emerges from the shadows, forcing Lexi Martin to face her anxiety, navigate a complicated secret relationship, and find her way back to a faith she's long abandoned. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published) 

 

Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:

Reyuul’s Redemption by David Liberto -- Joern was once the Scourge of Cordiae—a reyuul whose dark magic was so terrifying that the god, Lohem, forged new weapons to stop him. After 400 years of evil, Joern's now a deformed cleric confessing his sins before the very people he once terrorized. (Speculative Fiction/High Fantasy, Independently Published)   

 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month: The Prodigal by L.D. Baldwin -- Frank Martin searches for his estranged son while confronting his own war with God. (Historical Mystery) Mail-Order Duchess by Misty M. Beller -- A marriage born of duty. A love neither expected. (Historical Romance) Fields of Shadow and Glory: 1863 by Elizabeth Ann Boyles -- Held captive in the shadows of the American Civil War, Tom, Terry, and Sara must exercise faith and courage if they are ever to arrive at their journey's end. (Historical Romance) The Basement Angel by LeeAnn Christian -- A desperate man and a curious young girl form an unlikely friendship within the walls of a forbidden basement. (Contemporary Suspense) The Songbird and the Surveyor by Denise Farnsworth -- A marriage of protection. A past full of pain. In Georgia's wild gold country, love might strike when it's least expected. (Historical Romance) Charlie’s Trip by David Hollenstein -- He needs to prove his innocence, save his marriage, and definitely wants to find a way back into God's embrace. (Biblical Suspense) 

 

 Washington Island Romance Series: Boxed Set by Annette M. Irby -- This set includes Finding Love in Friday Harbor, Washington; Finding Love on Bainbridge Island, Washington; and Finding Love on Whidbey Island, Washington. (Contemporary Romance)

 

 Even in This by Dianna Lanser -- With a chance at first love and a recording contract pending, sixteen-year-old Miah Brennan stands on the riverbank of her future, awaiting permission to jump in. Weeks before 9/11, tragedy strikes in cruel succession, destroying her future and forcing her to make impossible choices. (General Contemporary) Irish Rose Orphans’ Christmas by Susan G. Mathis -- This heartwarming prequel sets the stage for the upcoming Irish Rose Orphans: A Thousand Islands Gilded Age Series, where seven spirited young women serve the islands’ elite! (General Historical) A Place to Belong: Josephine’s Story by Heidi Gray McGill -- A wounded Civil War veteran. An unwed mother with nowhere left to turn. In a town full of second chances, will a marriage of convenience become the love story neither dared hope for? (Historical Romance) Haven for Love by Naomi Musch -- A corporate marketer and camp owner find unexpected connection, while a landscaper and teacher navigate faith and forgiveness. (Contemporary Romance) Dangerous Shadows by Gail Pallotta -- A horrifying assault, a stalker, and a murdered gambler -- is it possible to put the pieces together in Dangerous Shadows? (Romantic Suspense) A Thorn in Winter’s Grasp by Davalynn Spencer -- She deceived them. They love her. Is there hope for forgiveness by Christmas? (Contemporary Romance) Fireman’s Lesson in Love by Mishael Austin Witty -- A burned-out teacher and a smitten firefighter must uncover the truth behind a deadly arson before it destroys their nascent love. (Romantic Suspense)

Christmas Advent Calendar Scavenger Hunt

 

 

 

Join the Christmas Advent Calendar Scavenger Hunt. 

 

For the month of December, we'll have daily prizes, as well as a grand prize winner. 

 

I'll be giving away an e-book copy of the Christmas on the Islands Boxed Set, 

along with an ornament for your tree. 

 

Click the link to learn more and sign up! 

New Release: Washington Island Romance Series: Boxed Set

 New Release!

 

My publisher surprised me with news that they've collected my Washington Island Romance novels into one set. You can get it now on Amazon, and it's free on Kindle Unlimited!

Here's more info:

Finding Love in Friday Harbor, Washington

A lost guide and his first love team up to rescue his late father's business. But can they overcome the past to save the future?

Finding Love on Bainbridge Island, Washington

A broken therapist. An abandoned son. And the zany aunt who wants to see them together.

Finding Love on Whidbey Island, Washington

Liberty is bound to her past, rather than free. Clay is willing for God to reshape him, though it'll cost him. Could what drove them apart be what draws them back together?

Three full-length reunion romances full of hope, healing, and second chances.

~~~~~~~~

If you've read any of the books in the collection, would you be willing to go to Amazon and leave a review? I'd appreciate it! 

Bookworm Christmas Edition Readers' Guide

  

Bookworm Christmas Edition Readers' Guide

Looking for clean and Christian reads? 

Check out the Bookworm Christmas Edition Readers' Guide. It's a free download full of multiple genres of books so you can find your favorites. My bookshop novella, A Christmas Romance, is included along with other Christmas stories, as well as books set in other seasons. 

Click here to grab your free readers' guide today! 

A Christmas Romance: Washington Island Christmas Book Two

A wannabe novelist with writer's block.
A best-selling children’s book author with a knack for story.
And the romance they brainstorm together.

Sequel to the award-winning novel, Finding Love on Bainbridge Island, Washington.

Bookshop owner Peyton McKinley lives on Bainbridge Island, Washington. An inspired reader, she writes wholesome romance novels, dreaming of publication. Unfortunately, a past breakup has soured her on relationships. When a literary agent wants to see her manuscript as soon as she can finish it, writer’s block stalls her progress. 

Best-selling picture book author and illustrator Eli Jaxon has relocated to Puget Sound to be nearer to his family. He’s on deadline for his next Prescott the Proper Peacock volume, but worry for his niece distracts him. Past mistakes keep him closed off to dating. 

When Peyton needs help with her story, previously married Eli volunteers to help her brainstorm. Can they deny their attraction, or will they live their own Christmas romance?
Join them near picturesque Puget Sound at Christmastime for a delightfully bookish love story.

This book is a stand-alone novella. You don't need to read any previous books first. Read for free on Kindle Unlimited. 

Find Your Next Clean Romance and Read for Free!

 November 1 - 30, 2025

Special Event

Free with Kindle Unlimited! 

Get lost in your next Sparkling Clean Romance

 

I've joined with multiple authors to share over 80 books with readers! Click the link to find a long list of clean romance books. Some are Christmassy and some are set in other seasons. Either way, you can choose from some great novels and novellas. 

If you're on Kindle Unlimited, you can read for free! We'll have the list up all of November. Go check it out! 

As a reader of Net's Book Notes blog, you may know that nearly all my books are free to read on Kindle Unlimited, so enjoy entire series as well! 

 

Christmas on the Islands boxed set

 

 

Books by Annette

Always free on Kindle Unlimited!

It's cozy season! Curl up with a good book and enjoy! 

 

FaithBooks October Free Book Blast!

  

It's October 16, 2025, and that means over 60 Christian romance books are free! Click the graphic above to find a treasure trove of free e-books, 10/16/25 only. 

My book, A Christmas Duet, is included! For my followers, I've expanded the dates of my own book's sale to 10/15 - 10/17/2025 over on Amazon.

Check out all the books and grab as many as you want. No newsletter sign-up required. Just fun!   

Here's more information about my novella: 

Following a breakup, professional cellist Kate Fleming’s well of inspiration has run dry. Her musical ensemble is counting on her to write several cello and piano compositions for their next album. She’s rented a beautiful beach house on Whidbey Island for the Christmas season. But the atmosphere may not be inspiring enough.

Church music director Zach Tillmon would love to book a professional musician for the upcoming Christmas program. His number-one choice is out of reach. But perhaps the newcomer wouldn’t mind sharing her talents with the congregation. 
When these two perform together, sparks fly. But their lives aren’t settled, so a romance is out of the question. Or is it? 

Join them near picturesque Puget Sound at Christmastime for a delightfully musical love story.

Happy reading, friends! 

Free ebook! A Christmas Duet!

 

 

It's that time of year where we can stock up on Christmas books to read anytime this fall! I'm running a freebie sale on my book A Christmas Duet. Grab your copy, and the next time you're looking for a holiday read you can curl up with a cup of cocoa and dive in!

 

Following a breakup, professional cellist Kate Fleming’s well of inspiration has run dry. Her musical ensemble is counting on her to write several cello and piano compositions for their next album. She’s rented a beautiful beach house on Whidbey Island for the Christmas season. But the atmosphere may not be inspiring enough.

Church music director Zach Tillmon would love to book a professional musician for the upcoming Christmas program. His number-one choice is out of reach. But perhaps the newcomer wouldn’t mind sharing her talents with the congregation. 
When these two perform together, sparks fly. But their lives aren’t settled, so a romance is out of the question. Or is it? 

Join them near picturesque Puget Sound at Christmastime for a delightfully musical love story.
 

Don't miss this freebie, and happy reading!

Christmas on the Islands Boxed Set

 It's Release Day!

Now you can get all three Washington Island Christmas novellas in one collection.  

Curl up with a soft blanket, sip some hot cocoa, and dive into these beach-side Christmas stories!

 

 

Here's a bit more information:

 

A Christmas Duet

An uninspired composer.
A distressed pianist.
And the duet that brings them together.

A Christmas Romance

A wannabe novelist with writer's block.
A best-selling children’s book author with a knack for story.
And the romance they brainstorm together.

A Christmas Gift

A stateside farmer.
An international boy-next-door model.
And the Christmas reunion that brings them back together.

The novellas will still be available as stand-alones in paperback, e-book, and audiobook (limited). 

And the collection is free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. 

Also, did you know you can get a free e-copy of my book The Garden down the Beach if you sign up for my newsletter? Check it out here.  

 

 

 

Happy reading! 

New Releases by ACFW Authors -- October 2025

 

 

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. This is an exciting month because my boxed set released October 1, 2025! See below. I was able to add the cover for my own book. The rest of the post is shared from ACFW and was sent without covers this month due to a technical glitch. Happy reading, friends!

 

Biblical:

Rescued Heart: The Story of Sarah by Angela Hunt -- A master of biblical research, Angela Hunt delivers a series starter that transports readers to the Old Testament world of Sarah and Abraham, making this novel a perfect read for those who love Francine Rivers, Mesu Andrews, Connilyn Cossette, and Jill Eileen Smith. (Biblical/Historical from Bethany House) Leading Philippi by Jenifer Jennings -- In the raging sea of fear, Epaphroditus finds his faith. (Biblical/Historical, Independently Published) 

Contemporary Romance:
The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter -- She inherits the bookshop of her dreams . . . But she has to run it with the ex she vowed never to speak with again. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson]) Trying to Save Christmas by Dawn Kinzer -- A new teacher trying to save Christmas for a grieving student and his guardian brother risks losing her heart to them both. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) A Heart to Protect by Judith McNees -- Can two grieving hearts find healing with each other…and God? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Christmas in Granite Harbor by Candice Sue Patterson -- Small-town traditions, a Maine Coon, and a decades-old mystery knit hearts together this Christmas. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Who Stirs Up the Sea by Deborah Raney -- So many secrets between them. But when the truth comes out, will it drive them apart? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Two Hearts, One Piano by Catherine Richmond -- Ten years ago, rock star Alan Wolfe trashed Maren's life. Now his brother is on her doorstep, asking about the baby. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Cozy Mystery:

Troubled Truffles by Leslie Lantrip -- Ruby Starr breathes a sigh of relief that all is well in the whimsical town of Iris Cove, but while making a routine bakery delivery, she's shocked to discover a dead body inside the new bookshop. She assures everyone that she will never again be involved in sleuthing, but with clues all around, will her inquisitive mind be able to comply? (Cozy Mystery from Trilogy Christian Publishing) The Last Scam by Jean Rezab -- Courtney’s lifelong dream is finally within her grasp, but when a guest turns up dead during the inn’s very first week, her perfect plans turn into chaos. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published) 

General Contemporary:

Tangled Roots by Jessica Brodie -- When newspaper editor Tiff Steadman's ex-convict brother returns seeking reconciliation, she must choose between protecting the respectable life she's built and risking everything to embrace the messy grace of family forgiveness. (General Contemporary from Valor Publishing Group) The Bridge by Shanna Hatfield -- The fate of strangers intertwines when a man contemplating suicide commandeers a bridge on Christmas Eve, forcing everyone into an unexpected detour from their holiday plans. (General Contemporary, Independently Published) Every Life Treasured by Hannah Hood Lucero, Aubrey Reiss Taylor, and Jennifer Q. Hunt – Three Novellas about the value of life. (General Contemporary, Independently Published) The Song Awakens by Linda Sammaritan -- One moment of temptation. Years of separation. How much of the truth does she dare to confess? (General Contemporary/Women’s Fiction from Winged Publications) 

General Historical:

To Outwit Them All by Peggy Wirgau -- Inspired by a true story, "To Outwit Them All" is told from the perspective of the only woman in George Washington's Revolutionary group of citizen spies known as the Culper Ring. (General Historical from Iron Stream Media) 

Historical Romance:

A Heart To Treasure by Dienece Darling -- The vicar’s son and the draper’s daughter have fought against all odds to be together, but with less than a fortnight to their wedding day, a coming storm will shatter everything. (Historical Romance, Independently Published) A Very English Christmas by Marguerite Gray, Carole Lehr Johnson, and Carrie Turansky -- Celebrate the Season with three timeless tales inspired by Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter. (Historical Romance, Independently Published) Love on the Horizon by Penny Zeller -- Return to Horizon, Idaho, for Timothy Shepherdson's story and meet newcomer, Mags, in this tender romance that reminds us that God is the author of new beginnings. (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing) 

Military Suspense:

Tick, Tick, Tick … Boom by Felicia Ferguson -- With her marriage to clinical psychologist Matt in shambles, Army CID Officer Gabby Carmichael wakes up to a bomb threat. They reluctantly work together to find the bomber, but as pressure mounts, which will explode first? The bomb or their marriage? (Military Suspense from Salt & Light Publishing) 

 

Novella (Romance):

Christmas on the Islands by Annette M. Irby -- Washington Island Christmas series novellas all in one place! Visit Puget Sound and the Salish Sea islands in this series of holiday novellas! Enjoy getting to know new characters, with some cameo visits from previous friends. Here you'll find heart-warming scenes, layered family dynamics, romance, and hope in Jesus. (Romance Novella from Prism Effect Publishing)  

 

 

 

A Christmas Inheritance by Myra Johnson, Delia Latham, and Tanya Stowe -- Three Christmas stories in one! "His Christmas Refuge:" He came home to leave it all behind. She's convinced he'll run again. "A Montana Christmas Promise:" He gave everything to the land. She came only to let it go. "The Prodigal Preacher's Christmas Homecoming:" A story of redemption, brotherhood, and love reborn under the gentle hand of grace. (Romance Novella, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:

Mistletoe and Malice by Lori DeJong -- He’s sworn to protect her life … but guarding his heart may be his biggest challenge. (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press) Fatal Past by Sarah Hamaker -- When a pediatrician foils an attempted child abduction, she’s thrust into a dangerous game in which she must rely on the help of her former boyfriend to stay alive. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published) Defending You by Robin Patchen -- She stumbled onto a deadly secret, and the man she once wronged is the only one who can keep her alive. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published) Texas Christmas Cover-Up by Terri Reed -- A widowed FBI profiler must turn to her ex, a commanding Police Chief to protect her child and solve a cold case. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) 

Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:

Dust and Ashes by Demi Griffin -- Even mistakes and failures were folded into the king's plan! (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published)  

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month: 

Unexpected by Kimberly Keagan -- The heirs of Denwall Department Stores find unexpected love In the glittering era of the Gilded Age. (Historical Romance) Where Secrets End by Rebecca Lake -- One man’s obsession. One woman’s past. One chance to survive. (Romantic Suspense) But There Were Signs by Georgia Curtis Ling -- When one of their own is found dead, four pastors’ wives–turned amateur sleuths are playing a deadly game of cat and mouse with a suspected killer in Appalachia. (Contemporary Suspense) The Dreamer by Jenny Marcelene -- To the Ends is an international adventure series helping children ages 6-10 cultivate a biblical worldview and spark prayer for the nations. (Children’s/Middle Grade Chapter Book) Escaping the Wilderness by Carrie Stuart Parks -- On the run through the mountains— with only each other to trust. (Romantic Suspense) The Realm: The Awakening Begins by K Ross -- In a world where dreams are more real than not, and harsh realities collide with visions of eternity, only one god can rule. (Supernatural Suspense)