Böcker av Victoria James

An affecting memoir from a young sommelier, struggling to make her way into the glamorous but notoriously toxic restaurant world

New mom May Peterson can't believe she's back in her hometown. She has eight weeks to fix up, and sell, her childhood home. Just enough to say hello to her best friend and goodbye to her painful past. But in the warm, tightly-knit community of Maple Hill, it's impossible to avoid anyone-especially the cute "boy next door." And while May is definitely over the idea of love, his irresistible smile still makes her toes curl...When they were kids, Austin Merrick only ever saw May as his sister's best friend. Over time, they'd become friends, sharing late-night chats over cheddar popcorn. Now May Peterson has returned with an adorable baby that quickly wraps him around her little finger. But after seeing the damage a broken heart can do, Austin and his brother made an agreement: to never, ever fall in love. No marriage. No kids. Ever.Now they're working together to fix up her old home, and sparks of attraction are making it almost impossible to keep to their no-romance rules. But when it comes to love, hearts never play by the rules...especially when it comes to finding "the one."

Former surgeon and self-professed life-long bachelor Evan Manning has one thing on his mind-to reclaim the career that a car accident stole from him. But when he's forced to return to his hometown of Red River, Evan comes face-to-face with the gorgeous woman who's haunted his dreams for the last year-the woman he rescued from the burning car that injured his hand. Now Evan needs her help. In a month, he'll have the job opportunity of a lifetime...he just needs a wife to get it. Artist Grace Matheson is down on her luck again...until she walks into Evan Manning's office. When her sexy former hero hears that she needs work, he offers her a job and a home-if she'll pretend she's his fiancée. Grace knows she shouldn't fall for him. Once the month is up, Evan will be back to his old life. But the more time they spend together, the more real their feelings become-and the more likely heartbreak is.

Florist Claire Holbrook has always played by the rules...until she spends one night with sexy lone wolf Jake Manning, who she's adored since she was a teenager. But six weeks later, things are getting complicated. Because that one unforgettable night just created a bond they'll share for a lifetime. Jake never plays by the rules. But while getting Minister Holbrook's daughter pregnant wasn't part of his life plan, he won't run from his responsibilities. He'll step up and be the best man he can, even if he doesn't have a clue where to start. The more time he spends with Claire, though, the more he wants her- and the harder it is to get close. Because falling for Claire would mean sharing two things he's never trusted anyone with...the truth and his heart.

Interior designer Holly Carrington worked hard for her success. Then tragedy struck, leaving Holly the sole guardian of her infant niece. Now she's swapped her designer purse for a diaper bag, and is going ahead with plans to renovate-and sell-her childhood home in Red River. But facing her past also means coming face-to-face with Quinn Manning all over again...Quinn was the object of her girlhood crush-and heartbreak- and is more gorgeous than ever. He's also the only person qualified to oversee the renovation. Now they're butting heads every step of the way... and their attraction is even more electrifying! But once the house is sold, Holly needs to return to her real life. And falling for Quinn all over again is one risk she can't take...

"Annie Hamilton is a single mother of two and veterinarian whose family is on the verge of falling apart. Her husband has passed away, her teenage son is finding trouble at every turn, and she's desperately struggling to keep it all together. When she decides to leave the city for Fortune's Cove in a last-ditch search for peace and togetherness, she's welcomed by her late husband's best friend, Matt-a friend who swore he'd always be there for them. Surrounded by majestic ocean, the island's famous red sand dunes, and a glowing holiday spirit, Annie and her family are embraced by a warm community more than willing to welcome them. As she joins Matt's veterinary practice and her son begins to stabilize, Annie feels hopeful for the future, beginning to realize that true family is all about love and not just about blood. Annie could never have imagined that a thousand hundred miles from the city could feel the closest to home that she's ever been. But this cozy enclave harbors a trove of secrets that could undo the life of a vulnerable young woman. When the past threatens the family Annie is rebuilding, she finds the courage to fiercely protect all of them-and discovers just how far she'll go to save her family and herself"--

‘Tis the season at The Christmas House, and Ruby Harris is getting married—but a winter storm of emotion could derail the whole affair in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Victoria James’s second Christmas House novel.Ruby Harris, longtime owner of the historic B&B, The Christmas House, is tying the knot—on Christmas Eve! Olivia Harris is thrilled for her grandmother and can’t wait to help plan the event. Newly divorced, with an adorable baby girl, Olivia has spent the last year starting a new life in Silver Springs. First on her list is to renovate the old warehouse she’s purchased and launch her dance studio. Second is to find a date for the wedding. And third is to not fall for that date, because she’s sworn off relationships forever. When Olivia’s meets Scott, a talented contractor, she hires him for the renovation. She also tries to ignore the sparks that fly between them. Then, an unexpected Christmas guest arrives: Olivia’s ex, Will, who’s come to rekindle their relationship.  Now, Olivia must decide if she has it in her heart to forgive Will, or if she should pursue an exciting new relationship with Scott. Packed with Christmas cheer, this “heartwarming holiday romance” (Jenny Hale, on The Christmas House) will have you believing in the magic of the season. 

"A heartwarming story about faith and starting over." -Kirkus ReviewsWhen a shy woman inherits a ranch, she'll have to find an inner strength to succeed-and open herself up to love-in this heartwarming novel from New York Times bestselling author Victoria James.Sarah Turner has led a very sheltered life. So when her parents pass away tragically, suddenly she's left in charge of the family ranch with little know-how but plenty of will to keep it afloat. Determined not to lose her parents' legacy or her newfound independence, she needs a hero fast-not to save her, but to show her how to save herself. But she's unprepared for the ruggedly handsome cowboy who answers her ad."Cowboy for Hire," the ad said, and Cade Walker is quick to respond. Betrayed as ranch manager by his former boss, he's looking for a new place to put down roots-without the pressure to prove himself again. Except when he meets his new boss, it's clear he's not only there to run a ranch but to also teach Miss Independent how to run it. But as they struggle to make the ranch flourish, they'll both need courage if they hope to find a family...together.Each book in the Wishing River series is STANDALONE:* The Trouble with Cowboys* Cowboy for Hire* Wishing For A Cowboy* Mail Order Cowboy

An affecting memoir from the country's youngest sommelier, tracing her path through the glamorous but famously toxic restaurant world At just twenty-one, the age when most people are starting to drink (well, legally at least), Victoria James became the country's youngest sommelier at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Even as Victoria was selling bottles worth hundreds and thousands of dollars during the day, passing sommelier certification exams with flying colors, and receiving distinction from all kinds of press, there were still groping patrons, bosses who abused their role and status, and a trip to the hospital emergency room. It would take hitting bottom at a new restaurant and restorative trips to the vineyards where she could feel closest to the wine she loved for Victoria to re-emerge, clear-eyed and passionate, and a proud leader of her own Michelin-starred restaurant.Exhilarating and inspiring, Wine Girl is the memoir of a young woman breaking free from an abusive and traumatic childhood on her own terms; an ethnography of the glittering, high-octane, but notoriously corrosive restaurant industry; and above all, a love letter to the restorative and life-changing effects of good wine and good hospitality.

An affecting memoir from the country's youngest sommelier, tracing her path through the glamorous but famously toxic restaurant world At just twenty-one, the age when most people are starting to drink (well, legally at least), Victoria James became the country's youngest sommelier at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Even as Victoria was selling bottles worth hundreds and thousands of dollars during the day, passing sommelier certification exams with flying colors, and receiving distinction from all kinds of press, there were still groping patrons, bosses who abused their role and status, and a trip to the hospital emergency room. It would take hitting bottom at a new restaurant and restorative trips to the vineyards where she could feel closest to the wine she loved for Victoria to re-emerge, clear-eyed and passionate, and a proud leader of her own Michelin-starred restaurant.Exhilarating and inspiring, Wine Girl is the memoir of a young woman breaking free from an abusive and traumatic childhood on her own terms; an ethnography of the glittering, high-octane, but notoriously corrosive restaurant industry; and above all, a love letter to the restorative and life-changing effects of good wine and good hospitality.

An affecting memoir from the country’s youngest sommelier, tracing her path through the glamorous but famously toxic restaurant world At just twenty-one, the age when most people are starting to drink (well, legally at least), Victoria James became the country’s youngest sommelier at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Even as Victoria was selling bottles worth hundreds and thousands of dollars during the day, passing sommelier certification exams with flying colors, and receiving distinction from all kinds of press, there were still groping patrons, bosses who abused their role and status, and a trip to the hospital emergency room. It would take hitting bottom at a new restaurant and restorative trips to the vineyards where she could feel closest to the wine she loved for Victoria to re-emerge, clear-eyed and passionate, and a proud leader of her own Michelin-starred restaurant.Exhilarating and inspiring, Wine Girl is the memoir of a young woman breaking free from an abusive and traumatic childhood on her own terms; an ethnography of the glittering, high-octane, but notoriously corrosive restaurant industry; and above all, a love letter to the restorative and life-changing effects of good wine and good hospitality.