First Crush

by Heather Tullis

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Third-grade teacher Maddie McCormick is over the moon when her dream of creating a greenhouse classroom finally becomes reality. What she doesn’t expect are the local street thugs who take offense—and the escalating threats that make using the new space increasingly difficult.

Police officer Ben Belliston never saw himself as a parent, but gaining custody of his orphaned niece, Felicia, forces him to rethink everything. When Felicia instantly bonds with her new teacher, Ben is more than willing to provide some off-duty protection in the greenhouse—especially since Maddie’s support is helping his shy niece bloom.

Ben never meant to fall for his best friend’s little sister, but seeing Maddie’s courage, kindness, and quiet strength changes everything. As danger looms closer, Maddie and Ben must decide if they’re ready to risk their hearts—and redefine what family means—together.

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Book Details

Genre

Contemporary Romance

Subgenre

Small Town, Detective / Law Enforcement

Series

In the Garden

Audience

Adult

Bell Peppers

🫑

Profanity

1 None

Violence

2 Mild

Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco

1 None

Publication Date

March 22, 2016

Language Versions

English

Narration Type

Digital

Fiction Form

Novel

Sensitive Themes

Abuse (physical, emotional, or verbal), Child abuse/endangerment, Gun violence / shootings

Loved it

I loved this addition to the In the Garden series. I like the concept of the community garden. I loved the characters in this book and their dynamics, especially Ben learning how to be a good dad. This was a sweet and clean read, I'd rate PG for mentions of drugs and death.

I liked the storyline in this book

I liked the storyline in this book. I liked the community feel to it. I thought Ben and Maddie were both great characters. I was a little disappointed in the romance end. I felt like Maddie and Ben acted more like an old married couple than a young in love couple. I plan on reading the next one to see where the story goes with the next couple.

I loved this book

I loved this book. I loved Ben he was so great to Felicia and so patient with her as he took her into his home. Ben had such good instincts on caring from her from the get go.
Maddie is a fun girl who's been pinning for Ben for way too long. When Felicia joins her class she is so sweet to her and Ben. I loved learning more about the green house project. She has some spunk for sure I loved when she finally told Bed don't you ever wonder... great writing!
I loved this story overall. I was so impatient for things to be wrapped up in the end. Love this series.

A great sweet story to curl up with - Maddie and ...

A great sweet story to curl up with - Maddie and Ben are such lovely characters - you really love going on this journey with them.
Little Felicia is adorable and I love how Ben really steps up and takes seriously his role of father and protector,

Really great hills and valleys in their journey - but a wonderful resolution.
I love Heather Tullis and am a great fan of the Di Carlo series - so I am loving this new "neighbourhood".

Sweet romance!

Maddie & Ben grew up together. He was her brother’s best friend & Maddie’s first crush, one she never grew out of. Just when Maddie is deciding to give up on Ben & try to start a relationship with someone, Ben’s situation changes. Talk about a man out of his depth. Ben is suddenly his niece Felicia’s guardian. Her mother died & his brother, Felicia’s father, is in prison. Maddie steps up to help him & it causes him to see her in a new light. Add in drama regarding the community garden & the people opposed to it. Can Ben & Maddie navigate everything safely?

I loved the fact that this was not an “instant” love. Ben & Maddie had known each other for years. I enjoyed the interactions among the characters since it only adds additional understanding. The characters are the same as from Book 2 since they are a group of friends. This can easily be read as a stand alone though. You just gain character depth if you read it in order. This was a sweet romance!