Waiting for You

Pine Valley #4

by Heather B. Moore

Gwen Robbins loves her job waitressing at the Pine Valley resort restaurant, and as a single woman, she has no trouble turning down any offers of dates from the restaurant patrons. Even when her boss, Seth Owens, shows interest in her, she’s not tempted in the least, no matter how strong their attraction.

But when Seth helps her through a crisis, she begins to see him in a different light. He’s not the rich and privileged business owner she first makes him out to be, but a man who’s making huge sacrifices to follow his own dreams. As Seth encourages Gwen to mend her own divide with her family, she realizes her heart is slowly opening toward a better future.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Clean Romance, Chick Lit, Novella, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 12, 2018

About the author

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than ninety publications. Heather writes primarily historical and #herstory fiction about the humanity and heroism of the everyday person. Publishing in a breadth of genres, Heather dives into the hearts and souls of her characters, meshing her love of research with her love of storytelling.

Her ancient era historicals and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes historical women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore, and . . . speculative fiction under Jane Redd. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. Despite failing her high school AP English exam, Heather persevered and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in something other than English.

Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore.com/contact/
Website: HBMoore.com
Twitter: @heatherbmoore
Instagram: @authorhbmoore
Facebook: Fans of Heather B. Moore
And yes, the Blog still lives: MyWritersLair.blogspot.com

Literary honors: 2020 Goodreads Choice Award Semi-Finalist, Foreword 2020 INDIES Finalist, ALA Best New Books - September 2020, 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 2019 Maggie Award Winner, 4-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner.

Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.

Reviews

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! Gwen and Seth have their own story now! Can I tell you how happy that made me when I realized they were going to have a fun and sizzling (clean) romance all their very own. Gwen and Seth make several small appearances in the first book in this series and I kept my fingers crossed that the author would show in full their story. And it happened! Woot Woot!

This cover is perfect for this book. The flag! Oh how I laughed at that part in the story. And I also might have sighed. Gwen is kind of a hot mess. Maybe that's a little too strong of a description but I will say that her and Seth both have some interesting struggles (familial struggles). She's standoffish and says stay back everyone. She holds them back with a 44 1/2 foot pole and values her independence. He's patient, and super kind, and possibly (well not possibly, definitely) Amazing! Perfection for sure. Another reviewer introduced Seth as the "perfect man," which I will very heartily agree with her. Ok, yes I know, he's a fictional character but can I say he's definitely someone that girls should look for...kind, super considerate, giving, loving, polite, trustworthy, perfection (ok, that's a little tongue in cheek with that perfection because nobody is perfect but they can definitely look and seem perfect in your sights when you truly love them for who they are and who they can be and who they are striving to be, flaws can be overlooked when love is there).

I absolutely loved how Seth was patient and showed Gwen that he wasn't who she thought he was. And that he wasn't trying to be somebody that he wasn't. What you see is what you get. And when he does grand, sincere gestures, boy does he do grand and sincere gestures. The whole book I couldn't wait to see what he would do next. And Gwen, well, I think she couldn't wait to see what he would do next either. Hee Hee!

This has been such a fun series to read. I'm kind of sad that this is the last book. But if you haven't read any of them, you have 4 books to look forward to. And, I guess I can always come back and revisit this town and these characters. Definitely great reads. This one and Say You Love Me, Dawson's story, were my favorites. If you're looking for a fun and sweet read I highly recommend this book and series. You don't have to read all the books, or in order. Pick one or a few or all of them and enjoy!

Content: Clean. One character uses a mild swear word two times. Some kissing but nothing further.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm with Gwen- not a fan of the spoiled frat boy type. Thankfully, she's wrong about Seth and gracefully acknowledges her mistake when she realizes that he's sacrificing to make his own way and is generous and compassionate. It was entertaining watching him prove her wrong with incredible patience. They had great chemistry that was fun as well as passionate and I enjoyed their playful moments, especially in the kitchen ;) They each have issues with their parents, and it was interesting to see how they encouraged each other to make amends and develop a stronger relationship with them... even if it came with sacrifice. I love contemporary romance with depth in the characters and themes, and this one fits the bill!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwen is a very independent woman, even though it means going against her family. In his own way, her boss, Seth, is similar. I love how Gwen comes to see him in a different way and realizes that there's more to him than she first assumed.

I don't know if there could be a more fitting cover for this book. I loved the delicious descriptions of the Fourth of July cupcakes, as well as the deliciously sweet and swoony romance. The fireworks are bursting all over this place with this story and I loved everything about it--the treats, the sass, the volunteer service, and the dates, to name a few.

I love connecting with characters in a way that transports me into their world for a time and this one definitely delivered. I love Pine Valley and wish I could go for a visit; I love the characters who live there; and I love all the romance that is swirling around that place.

Content: mild language; mild romance; very light innuendo

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not compensated for them.*

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great clean romance in the Pine Valley series. We met Gwen Robbins briefly in the first book of the Pine Valley series (Worth the Risk), but now we get to read her story as only Heather Moore can tell it.

Gwen is everyone's favorite waitress at the Aspen Lodge restaurant. She gets hit on all the time, but never dates anyone, spends every Wednesday helping serve food at the homeless shelter, loves to celebrate every holiday, and drives a beat up old car she's named Marge. No one would know that she grew up with money, and at one time attended an Ivy League school. She's got a bit of a chip on her shoulder when it comes to people with money which is why she doesn't really care for Seth Owens, the restaurant manager. She thinks she knows his type--typical frat guy who grew up with money and has everything handed to him.

Seth Owens is the owner of the Aspen Lodge restaurant (not just the manager), and a chef, and he's really interested in Gwen. He's a great guy--kind, compassionate, helpful, polite, not to mention handsome--which Gwen gets a chance to see when he stays up all night helping her make cupcakes from for the homeless shelter for the 4th of July. Seth is really patient with Gwen while she comes to realize that she's been completely wrong about him.

This is a great description of how Seth feels about Gwen he found that he really wanted to help her, and not because he viewed her as some damsel in distress. But because it felt important to him. She felt important.

I loved this story--Seth is definitely swoon-worthy and can heat up more than a kitchen. Who wouldn't fall in love with a guy who stays up all night to make 200 cupcakes from scratch including tri-color frosting?!! Hence the cover for the book--so cute! And if that's not enough to win a woman over, how about making a dessert inspired by her and putting it on the menu of your restaurant? What else is this man going to do to win Gwen over? Did I mention the man is a chef? He would've won me over with just that information. Lol. This is one of my favorite lines in the book:

"I'll cook for you anytime you want." It was perhaps the most romantic thing anyone had ever said to her.

I like that their story isn't just about Seth getting Gwen to change her mind about him. Because of Seth, she gets back in touch with her parents after several years of not speaking to them, and because of what Seth's father says about Gwen, he's able to take a stand with his father about staying out of his personal life.

Just a warning: this book may make you hungry. Lol. This is supposed to be the last book in the Pine Valley series, but maybe Heather Moore will take pity on us and write another one. A super fan and reader can only hope. This is a clean contemporary romance with some swoon-worthy kisses.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm in love with the cover of this book. Seriously. Everything about it. I also love how this is a perfect representation of what is inside. The cupcakes are a defining moment in the story and this is exactly what they look like! Yumma.

This whole series is so good. I was so excited to get book four, especially after thinking there were only going to be three! Seth and Gwen are two fun characters and I really enjoyed watching them come together. Seth sure had to work hard to get Gwen to give him a chance. She was unnecessarily hard on him but thankfully she came around. Until she didn't. But then she did. Well, you get the idea. There were several times I thought, "poor Seth" but all's well that ends well, right? One thing I do know: I need a cook/baker like Seth living in my house!

If you are looking for a light, sweet romance, check out this book and this whole series. They are guaranteed to make your heart happy.

This is book four in the series but each book can stand alone.

Content: clean romance, some kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful addition to the Pine Valley series. I gave this a 4 star instead of 5 simply because I didn't really like Gwen in the beginning. But as she changed she became more likeable. Now Seth, he was a great character and I liked how patient he was with Gwen. Moore is an awesome storyteller.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading the novella, Waiting For You, By Heather B. Moore. It's a Pine Valley Novel. It's not often that I read a book and wished that there was an epilogue. This little novella just screams for one. I also would have loved a whole novel, like 400 pages, with the characters of Gwen and Seth. We first were introduced to them in a previous Pine Valley novel. Even though they both were hard headed and a bit stubborn in their ways, I loved both of them. They had amazing chemistry, even when they both were trying so hard not to push each other into a relationship. Seth was so patient and kind.
The best part about the novel is that the romance was well written and put together in a realistic time frame for them to fall in love. Heather has written enough books that she is a master in pacing when it comes to love, suspense or a mystery. She's written a little bit of everything. This is an author that knows what she's doing and she's one of my favorite authors writing and publishing today.

This quick, clean romance, that does have some heat inducing kisses, is another book I highly recommend you put on your Summer Reading list.

It's perfect for an afternoon of reading while the kids are playing outside.
Waiting For You is a 5 star book that will leave you happy and definitely wanting more.

[Shash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this story since the first book in the series, and oh, did it deliver! I love Gwen! She is unique and feisty and says what’s on her mind. She is also pretty judgmental when it comes to Seth. It was fun to watch her surprise as he disproved so many of her assumptions. Seth is a gentleman. He is kind, giving, talented, and can turn on the charm. *sigh* I loved watching this couple as they journeyed from those initial sparks, through the bumps and to their happy ending. In fact, I loved it so much that I read it in one sitting. :)

This is the fourth book in the Pine Valley series, but they all stand alone.

I received a complimentary copy of the book, which I voluntarily reviewed. I have given my honest opinion.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love reading books in a series. It's so much fun to see how life turns out for characters that you've grown to know and love. Heather Moore's Pine Valley novels are that way. I love that you can read them in any order and they'll still make sense. And her characters are some of my very favorites.

Waiting for You  features Seth and Gwen. Gwen is pretty much an amazing woman. She was raised in a wealthy family. But when she realized how much suffering was in the world, she gave that life up. She traded her life of privilege for serving others, a small apartment, a car that doesn't run always and a job as a waitress. Gwen inspires me with the way she's always volunteering at the homeless shelter. She wants the best for those people. Including Fourth of July cupcakes.

That's where Seth comes in. When Gwen's cupcake order falls through, he's quick to offer to help her bake them. Something I thought was really fun about Seth was that he is actually a man who went to a fancy cooking school. That's something his wealthy parents are actually ashamed of. I loved watching as Seth and Gwen really learned about each other. And as they fell in love over good food and spending a lot of time together. 

This is such a fun series! Make sure you read them all!

[Julie]

Waiting for You is the first book I've read in the Pine Valley series and I'm definitely going to be looking for the rest! (Thankfully they can be read standalone in any order.) And it was the perfect 4th of July read!

Gwen Robbins has been hurt in the past and has a lot of hangups about rich and privileged people. Because of this, she makes some snap judgments about her boss, Seth Owens. Determined to ignore him, she's suddenly faced with a crisis that gives her a glimpse of the real man and shows her that she's been very wrong about him. But can she trust her heart and reach for a chance at love?

I really enjoyed Waiting for You. Seth is such an amazing hero, so patient and kind with all of Gwen's strange views and no-I-can't-date-you-but-I-want-to-kiss you behavior. I liked that Seth also had a believable growth arc with his parental expectations as well. Gwen's growth arc was also nice to see, and the ending was so sweet. Can't wait to read the next one in the series!

[Lorieah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the Pine Valley series, but at first I was really NOT liking Gwen. I have a hard time in general with characters who dislike people based on preconceived stereotypes — and an even harder time with the ones who fall in love with them anyway! Gwen just seemed a bit too self-righteous, and Seth is pretty amazing, even for a book boyfriend!

I loved the surprise guest on her doorstep towards the end; not who I expected, and that's hard to do!

Sweet, well-written (as always) romance that can be read in a few hours. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each of the books in the Pine Valley series stands alone well. However, when you read them in order, you get a glimpse of upcoming characters. I really enjoyed this fourth book in the series. I loved Gwens’ independence and her ability to speak her mind. I loved Seths’ patient, observant nature. I loved that the author kept it clean while still adding some spicey romance.

[Donna Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. I loved these two together. Their relationship was tough at times but I enjoyed how they worked through it. This was a really sweet, clean romance.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

People usually don't live up to the stereotype

Timeline discrepancies are a huge pet peeve of mine in books. When I saw this book was about Cora and Seth I imagined it would parallel the first book, Worth the Risk, because in that one Cora discovers that she's wrong about Seth and they go out to lunch in either late February or early March. However, Waiting for You starts in July and they have their first lunch after the 4th of July. I'm really confused by this because this book makes it seem like they don't really know each other at all, even though in the other book they'd gone out months ago. I guess this is a problem reading a series close together and you notice these things. Sorry, rant over.

Even though the timeline is an issue, this is still a sweet story. Seth is so patient, yet so charming. Gwen has a big heart and can't help but be drawn to Seth even though she's sworn off his kind. I enjoyed the service and food elements and it was fun being in Pine Lake again, even with the discrepancies.

[Paula Bothwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Waiting for You (Pine Valley #4) - PG
Violence: none
Language: one swear
Sex: none, but a few kisses

I read the first three PV books because I thought I'd see other characters in subsequent books, but each seems to stand alone. I liked that the Hero was in definite pursuit of the heroine, but there wasn't enough on the heroine's back story to create the problem that she had with her parents and consequently with the Hero. It is fine.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waiting for You is book four from Heather B Moore's Pine Valley series. I enjoyed it. Gwen and Seth's story was fun to read with a few giggles. I recommend it and give it four stars.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Yana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love all the Pine Valley novels I have read so far!
Each is unique in its own way, and each makes me feel happy and comfortable.
Plus, this one is a bit extra special, since food, cooking and baking are all key ingredients in Gwen and Seth’s love story, which for me makes it so wonderful, fun and close to my heart as an excited baker ;)
If you haven’t jumped on the Pine Valley bandwagon, you probably should 😁

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Seth...pretty much a perfect man! haha Maybe a little too perfect but oh so loveable!! I really enjoyed this story of him and Gwen. Clean romance, highly recommended! Standalone novel and also fits perfect with this series of Pine Valley residence.

[Lucinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute! I can always count on Heather Moore to deliver a well-written, clean romance with conflict and plenty of chemistry.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

spoiled frat boy

Things are going to heat up in this novella, and not just in the kitchen! This clean romance is the sweet story of Seth and Gwen. He is the new owner of the restaurant where Gwen works. They both come from money and are trying to make it on their own, without financial help from their parents. She has him labeled as a “spoiled frat boy” but soon gets to know that he is anything but. Gwen tries to resist him. After all, he is her boss... but finds it difficult to stay away when she finds herself falling for him.

[Nari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite Pine Valley romance so far. I loved the chemistry between Seth and Gwen. I was hoping I would get to read Seth's and Gwen story when their chemistry was hinted at in Alicia's story. It was better than I had hoped and I loved reading it!

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Waiting for You is a stand alone clean romance that is part of the author's Pine Valley series. It is the only one of the series that I've read.
It is a sweet romance and a light, quick read. Gwen grew on me despite her quirkiness. Seth was perfect. I enjoy the chase and the rumble between leading characters in a romance and the anticipation that drives you to the finish, and I thought these two characters "got together" a little too soon. Granted, the story line then pulls them apart briefly, but when their bond was fully formed, I lost interest in finishing the book. Fortunately, from then on, their reconciliation happens rather quickly (and unrealistically), so the end was soon reached. I love the fact that you can trust this author to write clean romances, I just need a little more page-turning angst between the leading man and leading lady!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book from a goodreads giveaway.

This was a sweet and clean romance book that was a quick read. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and see the relationship blossom. I was left wanting a little more detail, it felt that a lot of the story was crammed together. Maybe if it had been longer with more detail and backstory I would have rated it higher. I did enjoy the writing and discovering a new author.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series, but this one was my favorite so far! Both Seth and Gwen were very well-developed and relatable characters. The interplay between them was great, and I enjoyed their back-and-forth banter and their developing relationship. Lemons played a part throughout the story, and added a subtle, unique touch to the background of the story and a few things that came to be as the story went along. The food descriptions were divine and made my mouth drool throughout the book!! I was definitely jealous of Gwen getting to sample all those dishes! It also definitely made me want to visit the resort restaurant and be the first customer to Seth's online dessert company! Gwen's hidden background was well-done and also resolved very nicely, as well as being woven throughout the story. Great descriptions of the setting, Seth's home, both Gwen and Seth's complex family relationships, and so much more. Alicia from the first book in the series makes a few appearances, like Gwen did in Alicia's story. I love how the stories intertwine but don't spoil anything in the other books. Very great, fast-paced read!

***I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.***

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwen grew up in an affluent family, but she has turned her back on her parents wealth and their expectations. She dropped out of Stanford and is happy working as a waitress at an upscale Pine Valley restaurant and volunteering at a local homeless shelter. When the restaurant owner, Seth, starts to express some interest in her, Gwen is determined to steer clear—he’s wealthy and represents everything she doesn’t like in the world. However, Seth is persistent, and as she spends time with him, Gwen comes to see that there’s a lot more to him than what she thought.


This is the fourth Pine Valley book (although they’re all stand-alones and don’t have to be read in any particular order), and I think Seth is my favorite of the male characters in the series. He’s just really sweet and totally adorable. He’s very patient with Gwen, who is kind of a tough cookie (but also a softie in some ways). The attraction and their developing romance were sweet and sometimes funny and I really enjoyed this story.

I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Ballet in AK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Waiting for You by Heather B. Moore (3 1/2 stars)

It's nice to finally get Gwen's story! Her drive to be independent and her rejection of the posturing of the rich was an interesting twist. She has to stop stereotyping quite so completely though, when she gets to know her boss, Seth, better.

A light read with interesting characters. Although, there is a character from a previous novel, this is definitely a stand-alone.

Why three and a half stars instead of 4? Because her parents and Seth's dad basically all three have to change completely in order to make the HEA happen. That's kind of improbable in real life. Possible, but improbable. (Besides an HEA can happen even if one parent shows signs of relenting and just gives the reader hope that he/she will come around in the future.) That said, I really enjoyed this book as a light, fun escape.

Well-written and well-edited, as per usual. You can always count on Heather B. Moore to put out a quality product.

Here's hoping there will be more Pine Valley stories!

*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance, clean; Series, but stand alone read
This was a lovely read! For me it was by far the best of this series, and a reason that I continually read H. M. books. She creates magic on occasion, and this was one of the magical moments for me as a reader. Gwen and Seth's story with their backgrounds, the misunderstandings, prejudices, and family dynamics, along with their obvious attraction to one another was a lovely escape. Their passion for work, and for each other was beautifully crafted. This was more of a 4.5 for me as a reader.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the dynamic between Seth and Gwen. I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold as the story went on.

Another good Pine Valley book! I love the way the author draws you into the character's world. I enjoy visiting each time and can't wait to go back.

[Lisa Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute, sweet Pine Valley read. :)

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waiting for You by Heather B. Moore

My rating is 4.5 Stars


Gwen adored holidays. She got into the spirit of things so much she even made sure her fingernails were decorated for the occasion. The cupcakes she brought to the homeless shelter had to have sprinkles AND little flags stuck in them. This really encompassed the type of woman she was. She poured herself wholeheartedly into whatever she did, which was quite endearing.

Seth’s family’s Fourth of July celebration was not a thing like the ones I remember. It was a huge catered affair with all the right people. And it was exactly what Gwen expected of the man she considered to be a “spoiled frat boy”. His parents really did encompass the stereotype that she had for them, but Seth was a surprise to her.

I really liked Seth. Not only was he handsome but he was also patient and determined. From the time he first had an interest in Gwen, he bided his time until he felt like he had a chance with her. When he saw that she wasn’t comfortable with establishing a relationship, he let her set the pace. His interest in her had him noticing all kinds of things – he knew her favorite color, her favorite food, etc.

The food aspect of the story was fun. I loved Seth’s dessert creations and the way he simply loved to cook. It was so cool that he was comfortable enough with baking that he didn’t have to measure certain ingredients when baking – he just eyeballed. Impressive!

Because both Seth and Gwen had issues with their parents, they were able to connect on that level. The fact that they encouraged each other to do the right thing and work on reconciliation was another aspect of the book that I really enjoyed.


This review was originally posted on Among the Reads

Get a preview of Waiting for You at amongTheReads.net


I would like to thank Heather B. Moore for giving me this copy of the book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.