She’s pregnant by her ex-husband. A man she has reason to fear….
With her son, Ryan, Jenna’s moved back to Mendocino where she’s living and working at the Victorian Bed and Breakfast. It’s owned by the elderly Durhams – whose grandson, Adam, was her first love. And, in some ways, her last…. But that was fifteen years ago, before Adam abandoned her and his family for the bright lights and big city. For a successful career and a fast track life.
When Adam and Jenna rediscover each other, he wants her back. But as much as Jenna knows she could love him again, she also knows there are too many obstacles between them. Too much history. Too many expectations. And now…her baby.
Chapter One Excerpt
Jenna’s eyes darted from the cash register to the pregnancy test. It seemed to be lying on the conveyor belt screaming, “Jenna thinks she’s pregnant!” She craned her neck down the aisle, and just as she feared, spotted Adam and Ryan on their way back.
By the time the checker turned her attention to Jenna’s purchases, it was too late to ask her to ring up the pregnancy test separately. Adam and her son were within hearing distance. Maybe they wouldn’t notice it, she prayed, but lost all hope of that when the checker tried to run the package through the scanner and it wouldn’t beep. Frowning, the woman picked up her microphone. “Johnny? Would you get me the price of the First Choice Pregnancy Test? Aisle 9, I think.”
Jenna took a gulp of air and held it as Adam’s jaw dropped and his eyes flew to her face. She gave an uncomfortable laugh. “Where did that come from?” she asked. “That’s not mine.”
The checker blinked at her. “You don’t want this?”
“No, it’s not mine.” Jenna could feel her cheeks burn with embarrassment. “Maybe it belonged to the person in front of me.”
“Mrs. Jones?” The checker scoffed outright. “She must be sixty-five. I don’t think so, honey.” She shoved the pregnancy test off to one side.
Jenna wanted only to get out of the grocery store and away from the First Choice box as soon as possible.
Reviews
Romantic Times Magazine ****”RT Top Pick****
“Stay warm this season with rich romance courtesy of…gifted new author, Brenda Novak….Along with richly drawn characters, emotional depth and strong sensual tension, Expectations incorporates many levels of conflict into a powerful, unforgettable story.”
~Pamela Cohen
Rendezvous
“What a wonderful love story. A graphic look at the life of an abused spouse unfolds amid the pages of this inspiring tale of love, hope and survival. An emotional, romantic journey you will not want to miss!”
~Sheree Irvine
Huntress Book Reviews
“Terrific plot with lots of complications. The author lets the reader see the side of each involved which makes things very believable. It will definitely keep its readers attention until the last page is turned. I proudly recommend this one!”
~Detra Finch
AOL Writers Club Romance Group
“In her first Superromance, Ms. Novak has given us a wonderfully warm story. Her characters grab you and take you along on their journey of discovery. This is a definite keeper!”
~Elaine Charton
Scribes World Reviews
“Whether contemporary or historical, Brenda Novak weaves a vivid, emotional, completely unforgettable romance. Cover to cover, this book was vibrant description, non-stop action, heart pounding suspense, and touching emotion. These very real characters will stay with you long after you put the book away-on your keeper shelf of course!”
~Lisa Ramaglia
The Romance Reader On The Run
“For a romance complete with passion and adventure read Brenda Novak’s Expectations due out in February 2000. With this Harlequin Superromance, an all around different story than her historical Of Noble Birth just out last year, Ms. Novak’s pen has a flair for family life, a dip for first loves, and a glide for a touch of reality.” — Pam Tullos
Bookbug On the Web
“Brenda Novak’s first contemporary romance, Expectations, is a heartwarming tale about love and dreams–lost and rediscovered–and forgiveness. The passion between Jenna and Adam virtually leaps from the pages, and Ms. Novak makes every character vivid and likable, including Ryan and Adam’s grandparents. Readers can ‘expect’ a fast-paced and engaging second-chance-at-love story.”
~Sharon Laird
Romance Communication (RomCom)
Expectations is a many layered story of family, love and commitment. The second novel by author Brenda Novak, it follows her exceptional first novel Of Noble Birth, a historical romance. In this story the author’s ability to create likable, realistic characters in any era shines. I highly recommend Expectations for a warm and sensitive story filled with caring and mature characters that will touch your heart.”
~Terrie Figueroa
Vicki Hinze
Bestselling Author of Acts of Honor
“Real people. Real problems. Complex and genuine. Brenda Novak shoots straight for the heart…and captures it!”
Merline Lovelace
Bestselling Author
“Talented, versatile Brenda Novak dishes up a new treat with every page! Her books are must reads for those hopeless romantics among us who crave sweeping adventure, pulse-pounding reunions, and gloriously satisfying endings.”