Love Me by Alexa Verde
When life begins at forty…
Can the biggest disaster of her life become the beginning of something wonderful?
Growing up, Kristina Vela never imagined she’d meet her fortieth birthday divorced by her cheating, manipulative husband, and without a house, degree, or career. Back in her hometown, Chapel Cove, to start anew, she’s given up on men. Then she meets grieving widower Greg Matthews and his adorable five-year-old daughter and helps them renovate a house. Just when Kristina feels she can love again, her ex gives her an ultimatum. Can she choose between her own happiness and Greg’s?
Former snowboarder Greg Matthews is moving to Chapel Cove so his daughter can be close to her grandparents. After his wife died, his heart closed to romance. As caring and compassionate Kristina helps him repair his house and his life, he might be falling for her. But if she decides to leave, will he survive a second heartbreak?
my point of view: 
Be still my heart, we have another series from three of my favorite authors! Welcome to Chapel Cove, a sleepy little beach town on the coast of Oregon that I would gladly move to – if it were real! These books are all about “life begins at forty” and I couldn’t be happier about a mature group of characters! These beautiful girls are friends from childhood and after trials and tribulations, all return to their hometown at about their fortieth birthday.
This is the second installment of the series. We first met Kristina in Remember Me by Marion Ueckermann, but she has the starring role in Love Me. I could so identify with Kristina as she married young believing in the fairytale, and ends up being married to a man who is emotionally controlling. This book is bittersweet in some areas and incredibly joyful in others. I fell in love with Chelsea immediately – who can resist a precious, motherless five year old?
I am a sucker for second chance at love and children in the story, so you had me from the get go! But I would have to say, my favorite part was when Kristina finally finds her way back to her true self – thanks to God – and is able to stand up for herself, I practically shouted out loud I was so thrilled! I don’t want to give to much of it away, because you all really need to read this book for yourself, lol!!
Please join me, if you haven’t already, in following the Chapel Cove page to keep up to date with all the books: 
Welcome to Chapel Cove, Oregon, where life begins at forty.
As their fortieth birthdays loom, three childhood friends return unexpectedly to their home town. Stunning coastline, a harbor against life’s storms, and a welcoming community await them. Hurt by challenges, disappointments, and failures; reminded of their unfulfilled hopes and dreams, they’re offered a fresh start. And, if they’re brave enough to accept it, a second chance at love. Will they allow God to safely anchor them in their hearts’ home, or will doubt and uncertainty drive them to repeat their old mistakes?
Discover this small town filled with love, hope, and faith, in Chapel Cove, a series of sweet and clean standalone Christian romances. Join bestselling authors Marion Ueckermann, Alexa Verde, and Autumn Macarthur in Chapel Cove today!
About the author:
Alexa Verde writes small-town Christian romances, heartfelt and heartwarming. She penned her first literary masterpiece, a rhymed poem, at the ripe age of eight, and since has had 200 short stories, articles, and poems published in the five languages that she speaks. She has bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish, a master’s in Russian, and enjoys writing about characters with diverse cultures. She’s worn the hats of reporter, teacher, translator, model (even one day counts!), caretaker, and secretary, but thinks that the writer’s hat suits her the best. After traveling the world and living in both hemispheres, she calls a small town in south Texas home. The latter is an inspiration for the fictional setting of her popular series Rios Azules Christmas and Secrets of Rios Azules. For giveaways, news, and recipes, please sign up for her newsletter at www.alexaverde.com. Twitter: @AlexaVerde3. Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexaverdeauthor. She loves hearing from her readers and hopes and prays that her books will bring joy to them.
Alexa is being so incredibly generous as to offer not just an ebook version of this book, but also a $10 Amazon gift card!! Please comment on this post and tell us what your favorite fair ride is to enter! This contest will run through 6pm EST 04/18/19 and winner will be notified via email!
The type of ride I like are simulators. This way you get the thrill of the adventure in the safety of a confined machine.
Hello, Susan Bates! Paula Marie always surprises me with questions for the giveaways, and I look forward to learning more about fair rides from readers. Simulators sound great, especially the safe part. Like Kristina, I happen to be afraid of heights. Thank you for commenting!
Yes, Susan, I completely agree – always fun to know you are “safe” throughout the adventure!
Paula Marie, thank you so much for the wonderful review! Loved it.
My pleasure, Alexa, it is always a joy to read your books!
When I was younger, the faster the rides the better. I loved the fair. I have to say my favorite ride has always been the ferris wheel. I love being able to sit close with my sweetheart.
Dorothy Porter, you described it so beautifully. And yes, that’s one of the big advantages of the ferris wheel! Thank you very much for stopping by and for all support you’ve given us!
Good morning, Dorothy! I too love the Ferris Wheel – so peaceful to me!
Sounds like a good read.
It truly is – I am thrilled with the new series, Kim!
Kin Hansen, glad you think so! Thank you for your kind words!
My best friend and I were addicted to this Viking Ship ride. Neither of us like heights, so we’d hold on for dear life & SCREAM! With our eyes closed😂 Young & Dumb definitely applies!
What wonderful memories, Sarah! Thank you for sharing!
Oh my, Sarah, I’ve never screamed as loud when I rode one of those for the first time. Seriously scary stuff LOL.
Wow, Marian, that sounds terrifying!
Sarah, that sounds like an interesting experience. I’d probably scream, too, and very loudly!
This is such a beautiful story!
LOL, it’s a looooooooong time since I was on a fairground ride. I used to go on them all and loved almost all of them, screaming all the way. The only one I didn’t enjoy was the rollercoaster. Old-fashioned ones tended to be really jerky and bumpy and I was always scared the car would come off the tracks.
Autumn, awww, thank you for your kind words!
Hey, Autumn! I do not do roller coasters either, ever, lol!
Old-fashioned merry-go-rounds
I just love the merry go round too, Lisa!
Lisa Stillman, I think that would be my favorite, too! Old-fashioned or not, merry-go-round is wonderful! Thank you for commenting!
When I was young and dumb my favorite ride was the zipper. There is no way I would get on that thing now.
Oh, I have not heard of the zipper, Ann, sounds scary, lol!
I haven’t heard of zipper, either. You must be a very brave person! Thank you very much for stopping by, Ann Ferri!
I am not a fan of thrill rides so, it’s gonna have to be the Farris Wheel. But my main enjoyment in going to the fair is everything else. People watching; smells of fried foods, hot dogs, and funnel cakes; watching the people you go with enjoy the rides, walking around and just the general splendor of it all. 😊
Crystal Spencer, I loved the way you described the fair. It sounds like such a wonderful experience! Thank you very much for stopping by!
Those are all fair worthy things, lol! Thank you for sharing, Crystal!
I’m so lame but my favorite fair ride will always be the scrambler I laugh the entire time
Oh, very exciting ride, Autumn!
Autumn, I don’t think this is lame at all! Sounds like a great fair ride. 🙂 Thank you very much for commenting!
It has been several years since I have been on a fair ride. The last one was not really at a fair, but a carousel on the Santa Monica pier. But I do remember riding the ferris wheel and might do it again.
The Ferris wheel will always be my favorite, Donna!
Hello, Donna! A carousel sounds awesome to me. Thank you very much for stopping by!
Great review! I have Love Me sitting on my Kindle mocking me. I have about 10 ARCs I have to get through so I can read it. After Remember Me I am dying to get to it!
Oops – forgot to put that the ferris wheel is my favorite ride. When I was younger I loved them all.
Mine too, Erica!
Dear Erica, I can imagine you have a huge TBR list. And I agree, this was a great review, and I’m super grateful for it. Thank youfor your support of our series. Best wishes in the giveaway!
LOL, Erica, I know what you mean, but I promise you will love these books!
I’m so looking forward to reading this book!! Can’t wait!!!
Awww, Trudy, thank you so much! Happy to hear it!
YAY! Trudy, get to it, lol!!
I’m very much looking forward to reading this book, since I have greatly enjoyed reading other books you’ve written! My favorite carnival ride when o was younger was the roller coaster, but now I stick to the ferris wheel.
Lol, same here, Jeanine, Ferris Wheel is all I can keep up with these days!
Jeanine Ellis, you just made my day! Thrilled to hear you greatly enjoy reading my books. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I’m very much looking forward to reading this book, since I have greatly enjoyed reading other books you’ve written! My favorite carnival ride when I was younger was the roller coaster, but now I stick to the ferris wheel.
The fair ride I love the best NOW that I have gotten older is the Farris Wheel. It is a soothing, memory nudging, romantic ride that will also give you a wonderful scenic view!!
What a lovely way to describe the Ferris Wheel! Whole heartedly agree, Rhonda!
Rhonda, loved your description of the Ferris wheel! Thank you for commenting.
I have just discovered these books and cannot wait to start reading them!! I think these are the books that I have been missing in my life!! Thank you for sharing yourself with us all!!! God bless you!
Awwww, Rhonda, you put a huge smile on my face! Thrilled to have you as a reader, and I hope so much you’ll enjoy our books! May God bless you and yours!
I have just discovered these books and cannot wait to start reading them! I think these are the books that have been missing in my life, just waiting for me to find them! Thank you so much for sharing a part of you with all of us! God bless you!
How sweet, Rhonda!
My favorite ride, now that I am older, is the Ferris Wheel. To me, it brings back such wonderful memories, it can be romantic, settling, calming, and can show a great view!
Such a wonderful description of the Ferris wheel! Thank you so much!
Since I can’t remember the last time I went to a fair, I’m gonna go with my childhood memories and say the merry go round. However, I’d love to take a ride on the Ferris wheel. I’m really excited for this book 🙂 Thanks for the chance!
Priscila, I think merry go round is wonderful! I appreciate your kind words about my new book. 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping by, and best wishes in the giveaway!
Thank you for sharing, Priscila, I love the merry go round too!
Thanks for a great interview. I look forward to reading this book. Favorite ride? Hmm. Can I be honest? The only one I really enjoyed since growing up was the Ferris wheel, and my youngest son cured me of that! When he was about five, he came on one seat with me while my husband took the other two kids with him. We didn’t know it until then, but turned out the youngest was afraid of heights — and he went ballistic! The seat was rocking furiously as I hung on to him with one arm and the oily support with the other. Next day my arm was dramatically bruised and I’ve never been on a Ferris wheel since!
Shirley Corder, thank you so much for your kind words about my book. And absolutely, we love honesty! Wow, what a story! I have to admit, I’m afraid of heights, too. You did great supporting your son like that, but I can totally understand why you’d never want to go on a Ferris wheel again. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing story!
Hi, Shirley! WOW on the Ferris Wheel ride, sounds incredibly scary! So sorry about that! Thank you for stopping by, I know you will love this series too!
Love the Ferris wheel!
I think Ferris wheel is the most popular here. Thank you very much for commenting, Kellie!
Me too, Kellie!
I have never gone on a fair ride. I have no idea which one I would do if I could.
Oh, Amelia, I am sorry to hear that! We had a fair every where I have lived each year!
When I was young I enjoyed going to the annual fair and riding some of the rides. I did ride a roller coaster twice but not certain why I got on the second time. Must have been for a guy. Now that I have become a senior citizen (how did that happen?) I have absolutely no interest in anything that moves other than a normal vehicle. I would love to read this book. Sounds great!
Pamela Morrisson, thank you very much for your kind words about my new book! I have to say, you’re brave to ride a roller coaster.
Oh, Pamela – I don’t like roller coasters either! As for becoming a senior, I don’t know how it happens so quickly! Celebrating my birthday today, in fact, I keep saying where did the time go???
My favorite ride was the Alpine Coaster
Terri Echols, Alpine Coaster sounds interesting. I need to look it up. Thank you very much for stopping by!
Hmm, Terri, not familiar with that one! Sounds cold, lol!!
I used to love all the rides at the fair, the scarier, the better. Now I ride if my daughters want someone to go with them. I like the Ferris wheel because I like to gaze around when I’m at the top.
Thank you for your great comment! You must be a very brave person to go on the scary rides. Yes, the view might be the best thing about the Ferris wheel.
Too scary for me, lol! I like the Ferris Wheel the most!
My favorite fair ride is the giant swings. Nice and easy but gives you a great view and a cool breeze.
I remember loving them too, Lila! Thank you for stopping by!
That sounds like a great fair ride. Thank you very much for stopping by, Lila Diller!
My favorite carnival ride is not really a ride but playing some of the various games, especially SkeeBall.. can’t get enough of it! I think I’m too old for the scary rides!
Aww, Louise, I totally agree about the scary rides, lol, but was never very good at skeeball, myself!
Happy to see you here, Louise! And SkeeBall sounds like a lot of fun!
This book sounds great! My favorite ride at the fair is a tie between the tilt a whirl and the Ferris wheel. It’s been years since I’ve been to the fair, though.
Yay for another Ferris Wheel! LOL, me too, Deborah!
Thank you for your kind words about my book, Deborah! And Ferris wheel seems the most popular choice here so far. 🙂
When I was young, my favorite ride was the Tilt-A-Whirl. Nowadays, it would probably be the Ferris Wheel.
Agree 100%, Sherri, same here!
I’m learning about all these interesting rides thanks to Paula’s question. 🙂 Thank you for commenting, Sherri!
Intrigued by this story & romance set at a different stage in life! My favourite rides would have to be a good old-fashioned carousel, and anything that spins really fast!
These stories are wonderful! Thank you for sharing, Jenni!
Hello, Jenni! Glad you like the idea behind our stories. 🙂 And I love carousel, too! Thank you for stopping by!
I love the big giant swings! Not sure if that is what it’s called, but that and the Ferris wheel are my favorites.
I can’t think of another name for the swings, either, Patty! Love them too!
Thank you for commenting, Patty! I think Ferris wheel has been the most popular so far. 🙂
I love the Ferris Wheel. It is such fun to see everything that is going on throughout the fair. Being able to share the ride makes it even more fun…chattint, etc.
So true, Gladys, gives you a whole new perspective!
I agree! Thank you for commenting, Gladys!
Since most fairs don’t have roller coasters, I’ll say the Ferris Wheel. Loved the book!
So glad you enjoyed the book, Andrea! I love the votes for the Ferris Wheel, lol! Roller coasters would be hard to have at fairs, as they move around the country so much, you are so right.
Andrea, yay, so happy to hear you loved my new release! Thank you so much!!! And Ferris wheel is certainly popular here. 🙂
Merry Go Round for me……no thrill rides! lol Love your books.!!
I like that, Jackie, no thrill rides, lol! Thank you for sharing!
Awwww, Jackie Smith! Happy to hear that you love my books! And Merry Go Round is wonderful. 🙂
When I was young I rode everything. The higher and faster the better I liked it. Roller coaster type rides I loved. But this past summer we went to the Tennessee Smokey Mountains and I rode what they called an Annakesta, it’s a chair lift over the mountains and valleys. I panicked and couldn’t get back on it to go back across. My husband and daughter found security and almost begged them to take me down the way they brought supplies to the mountains. So the security man drove me down the mountains. I was ashamed but was so scared I didn’t care. Well needless to say that’s the end of me riding anything high. Lol. When I watched it before I got on I wasn’t scared at all. I don’t know why I was scared all of a sudden. Never will do that again though.
Wow, that is wild, Brenda!
How interesting that it happened just like that, so quickly with no warning! I am glad they were able to escort you safely down!
Thank you for sharing this, it gave me chills!
What an amazing story, Brenda! Sorry you got scared, but I think you were very brave to get on it in the first place!
I love the Ferris wheel and I also love the Merry-go-round. But most of all I love seeing the awe and wonder of the little ones faces at their first fair!
Oh, yes, the children’s faces are the best, right?? I love kids!
Thank you for stopping by, Pam! Yes, seeing the awe and wonder on the faces of the kids is probably the best par of the fair!
The Tilt-a-whirl used to be my most absolute favorite ride, but as I’ve, um, matured, they make me sick. 🙁 I’m not a fan of heights, so the Ferris wheel is out. I really prefer people watching & eating junk food. 🙂
I understand Robin! nothing funnel cakes at the fair!
Robin, I think that’s my favorite part, too. I have to admit I’m scared of heights. Thank you very much for stopping by!
My favorite ride at a fair is the one that you get plastered against the wall while it spins around and the bottom drops out. Love it!
Yikes, Linda, don’t know if I could handle that one, lol!
Linda Marie, wow, I’ve never heard of such ride. Sounds thrilling but so scary at the same time! Thank you for sharing.
My favorite ride at the fair is the rollercoaster.
Hi, Nancy! Thank you for sharing – roller coasters have never been my thing, lol, too chicken!
Thank you very much for sharing, Nancy Burgess! And lol, I have to second Paula here.
I can’t wait to read this series as my friends and I are all celebrating or have celebrated reaching 40 this year…how apt!! All our paths have been very different from what we expected in our teenager years in Northern Ireland.
As to the fairground ride…I visited my friend and her German boyfriend (they married and still live in Germany) in Germany 20 years ago…they took me to this funpark and my friend’s boyfriend really wanted to go on the rollercoaster (I’m not brave). My friend totally refused so I took pity and went on the ride with him…I screamed the whole way round and when it was finished, my friend’s boyfriend didn’t feel well for ages afterwards …don’t know if he ever went on one again but I definitely didn’t!!!
With all the reviews mentioning the Ferris wheel, think I would love to try that someday but my husband is not fond of heights so will have to find a willing victim to go with me!!
How wonderful, that is awesome, Elaine, congratulations! What an amazing story, thank you so much for sharing! I hope you find someone to ride the Ferris Wheel with you someday!
Elaine, yay on our series being timely for you and your friends! I agree. If somebody told me how my life would turn out by the time I’m forty, I’d never believe them.
That was so kind of you to go on the rollercoaster ride for your friend’s boyfriend. And lol on the willing victim! 🙂 That made me smile. Thank you very much for stopping by!
My favorite fair ride is the Ferris Wheel so I can see the entire fair and beyond.
Yay for another Ferris Wheel vote, Danielle! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing, Danielle! There certainly seems to be a lot of votes for the Ferris wheel. 🙂
My favorite ride is the ferris wheel since I feel like I can see forever.
That is an amazing feeling, isn’t it, Susan? Appreciate you stopping by!
I’m so excited to read all three of the books in this series. They’re written by three of my favorite authors!!!
I would have to say that my favorite ride is the Pirate Ship, at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It gives me the feeling of flying, without wings or a parachute 😀 When I was younger, I would have said that my favorite ride was the Giant Dipper, but I’m a Grandma now and I can’t ride it with all my grandkids, because some are not tall enough. So, we all ride the Pirate Ship!
Yay for the Pirate ship, Debra! That sounds like a lot of fun to do with all your grands! Thank you for sharing!
Debra, thank you for being such a wonderful reader and for all your support! And Pirate Ship sounds wonderful!
I would have to say the carousel.
I am not a fan of heights, or drops or spinning so rides and I are not the best of friends.
Those fast ones get to me too, Nancy!
Nancy, carousel would probably get my vote, too, for the same reason. Thank you for sharing!
My favorite is the Ferris wheel.
Another vote for Ferris wheel! 🙂 Thank you for commenting, Jan Hall!
This is a wonderful post. This book looks amazing. You are very generous with this give a way. Thanks
Isn’t Alexa amazing with her generosity? And the book is wonderful! Thank you, Lori!
Loris Smanski, thank you so much for your wonderful words about my new book! And I love Paula’s review, too. My pleasure about the giveaway!
I like the ferris wheel.
Woo Hoo, another Ferris Wheel vote! Thank you, Linda, for sharing!
Thank you, Linda Kish! Ferris wheel is certainly popular here. 🙂
I’m looking forward to reading this new series!
I loved all the fast rides when I was younger. The rollercoaster, Tilt-a-Whirl, and the Scrambler were my favorites.
You are a brave girl, Tina!! I could never do those, lol!
You’re very brave indeed, Tina! And I hope you’ll enjoy reading our new series!
Ferris wheel holds a lot of good memories.
That’s so sweet, Mindy!
Glad to hear Ferris wheel gives you a lot of good memories. Thank you very much for commenting!
This is a good book on all points. It brings to mind memories of fairs and a simpler time. Way to go keep them coming.
Wonderful sentiment, Shirl! Thank you for sharing!
Awww, Shirl Halverson, thank you so much for your kind words about my new book!
Anything that spins on the ground! 🙂
LOL, Melanie, I have so many images conjured up in my head from your statement!! LOL
Thank you for commenting, Melanie!
The giveaway is now closed! Many thanks to all who commented! The winner will be announced soon!
Jackie Smith, you’re the winner! Congratulations! Both prizes should be in your inbox. 🙂 Once again, many thanks to all who commented. I loved reading your comments! And of course, heartfelt thanks to Paula for the wonderful review and hosting the giveaway.
Thank you, Alexa, and everyone that participated! Congratulations, Jackie!!