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One Kind Deed Series #1
One Kind Heart
Dakota Brenton spends his days leading thrill seekers on adventures through the woods of Maplehaven, Vermont. He’s traveled all over the world on expeditions, but he always comes back home to the cozy town his ancestors founded. Dakota loves his free-spirit lifestyle. He comes and goes as he pleases, however, he can’t help wanting more.
Leah Greenstead is the new fourth grade teacher at Maplehaven Elementary, a school built through a generous donation from Brenton Sawmill. Having abandoned New York City after a tragedy, Leah is doing her best to adjust to life in the quiet Vermont town. With any luck, she’ll be able to leave her past behind, stick to her rules about not getting close to anyone, and preserve what little is left of her heart. She wants to believe the world is safe again, and if that means being alone, then so be it.
When Dakota meets Leah at a ceremony honoring his family’s sawmill, he sees his next adventure. As Maplehaven’s golden boy, he’s surprised when Leah doesn’t immediately accept his advances. He’s never had to work this hard, but he has a feeling Leah Greenstead will be worth the effort.
Is one kind heart enough to change Leah’s mind about love?
One Kind Heart is Book One in The One Kind Deed Series, stories centered around good deeds and making the world a better place, one couple at a time.
Leah Greenstead is the new fourth grade teacher at Maplehaven Elementary, a school built through a generous donation from Brenton Sawmill. Having abandoned New York City after a tragedy, Leah is doing her best to adjust to life in the quiet Vermont town. With any luck, she’ll be able to leave her past behind, stick to her rules about not getting close to anyone, and preserve what little is left of her heart. She wants to believe the world is safe again, and if that means being alone, then so be it.
When Dakota meets Leah at a ceremony honoring his family’s sawmill, he sees his next adventure. As Maplehaven’s golden boy, he’s surprised when Leah doesn’t immediately accept his advances. He’s never had to work this hard, but he has a feeling Leah Greenstead will be worth the effort.
Is one kind heart enough to change Leah’s mind about love?
One Kind Heart is Book One in The One Kind Deed Series, stories centered around good deeds and making the world a better place, one couple at a time.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2019
1,251 people are currently reading
1,316 people want to read
About the author
Christine DePetrillo
72 books652 followersChristine DePetrillo can often be found hugging trees, conversing with dragonflies, and walking barefoot through sun-warmed soil. She finds joy in listening to the wind, bathing in moonlight, and breathing in the fragrances of things that bloom. If she had her way, the sky would be the only roof over her head.
Her love of nature seeps into every story she tells. As does her obsession with bearded mountain men who build, often smell like sawdust, and know how to cherish the women they love. Today she writes tales meant to make you laugh, maybe make you sweat, and definitely make you believe in the power of love.
She lives in Vermont with her husband and cat who defend her fiercely from all evils.
Find Christine’s other titles at www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com. Connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/christinedepetrilloa..., on Instagram at @christinedepetrillo, and at the Small Town Hearts Facebook Group.
Her love of nature seeps into every story she tells. As does her obsession with bearded mountain men who build, often smell like sawdust, and know how to cherish the women they love. Today she writes tales meant to make you laugh, maybe make you sweat, and definitely make you believe in the power of love.
She lives in Vermont with her husband and cat who defend her fiercely from all evils.
Find Christine’s other titles at www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com. Connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/christinedepetrilloa..., on Instagram at @christinedepetrillo, and at the Small Town Hearts Facebook Group.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
June 10, 2023
I must be in the minority but I'm so glad it's over. It started out okay with a promising storyline and likeable enough characters. Although I think Dakota came off a little too perfect, with barely any character flaws. But by about 50% in, when we FINALLY find out Leah's past...that's where it all went downhill for me. The story behind her loss didn't seem very believable, even in this current age. And the way the flashback was written was very disjointed, almost as if someone else had written it entirely.
The other thing that bugged me was the sometimes immature writing. Phrases like "engaged couple fun," "his goods," "where this magic is about to happen," and "his flesh smooshed against her flesh" were complete turn offs. Pair that with very childish banter that didn't have an end point and I really have no desire to continue the series or read another book from this author.
The other thing that bugged me was the sometimes immature writing. Phrases like "engaged couple fun," "his goods," "where this magic is about to happen," and "his flesh smooshed against her flesh" were complete turn offs. Pair that with very childish banter that didn't have an end point and I really have no desire to continue the series or read another book from this author.
December 24, 2021
A very sweet romance. A lot like Marie Force's Gansett Island or Butler, VT series in its tone, storyline, small town friends, low angst yet interesting.
Want to read
May 2, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/2/2020)! 🎁
March 29, 2021
Leah is a teacher and she move to Benton to put the pass behind her. She meet Dakota who is adventure seeker and she has a fear of that because her family die in an accident. I choose this rating because the book had me wanting more.
I like this book because it was so relatable to what can happen to you and your family. I will recommend it to family and friends.
I like this book because it was so relatable to what can happen to you and your family. I will recommend it to family and friends.
August 7, 2020
One Kind Heart is the first of the One Kind Deed series and the first book from this author that I have read. I loved reading and following Luke and Leah's very entertaining story, as Luke does what he can to break through Leah's walls. This start of the series has me hooked and I look forward to reading more from this author. ~Dawn
This is the first time I have read this author. Her writing style was a bit slower than what I prefer but she still managed to engage me into this story with all the fun and flirting Dakota and Leah had. Enjoyable to the end. ~Jen
This is the first time I have read this author. Her writing style was a bit slower than what I prefer but she still managed to engage me into this story with all the fun and flirting Dakota and Leah had. Enjoyable to the end. ~Jen
August 12, 2020
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One Kind Heart (One Kind Deed Series Book 1) by Christine DePetrillo was a great 5 star read.
I was pulled right in and finished it before I knew it.
Dakotah is an adventurer and was so happy that his sister’s agreed to take over the family business so he could pursue his dream. While helping his dad at the school opening he meets the new fourth grade teacher. There is something about her that gets his attention.
Leah has moved to town from New York to teach and get away from bad memories. It is definitely a change from New York. When she doesn’t seem to be phased by Dakotah and his flirting he takes it as a challenge. Will he be able to get through her wall?
Overall I really enjoyed this read. Both characters were great along with the secondary characters. The author does a great job with her writing and you feel like you're right there with the characters. I can’t wait to read more from this series. 1-click and get started today.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
One Kind Heart (One Kind Deed Series Book 1) by Christine DePetrillo was a great 5 star read.
I was pulled right in and finished it before I knew it.
Dakotah is an adventurer and was so happy that his sister’s agreed to take over the family business so he could pursue his dream. While helping his dad at the school opening he meets the new fourth grade teacher. There is something about her that gets his attention.
Leah has moved to town from New York to teach and get away from bad memories. It is definitely a change from New York. When she doesn’t seem to be phased by Dakotah and his flirting he takes it as a challenge. Will he be able to get through her wall?
Overall I really enjoyed this read. Both characters were great along with the secondary characters. The author does a great job with her writing and you feel like you're right there with the characters. I can’t wait to read more from this series. 1-click and get started today.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
May 1, 2023
found out it was free thanks to Bookbub, and i got it. trying to see if i have read Christine before? i recognize her face but not sure??! i saw a certain author on Amazon today (not this one) but she had another author name ...i wonder or how do authors' keep up with all their names and how to they keep up with separated in their minds, their computers ...all that ...like multiple personalities. lol. will hope to read more from this series. and Christine as well. ( ;
August 11, 2020
5 Stars
Review by Elizabeth
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night with Books Blog
Wowzers!! Before today I have never heard of or read a book by Christine DePetrillo and let me say she has me HOOKED!!
One Kind Heart is just about that, one kind heart, and that kind heart belongs to Dakota. Swoon. Major freaking swoon. Dakota has got to be one of the best book boyfriends I have ever read hands down.
Leah moved to Maplehaven to escape New York and begin a fresh start. The last thing she was looking for or wanted was a man, much less a relationship. Leah was there to teach and not a thing more. However, she got more than she bargained for with Dakota.
You can tell the chemistry is there when Dakota and Leah first meet. Dakota only has eyes for her and will do just about anything to get Leah to agree on an adventure and a date. I tell you, that man has got some skills LOL. There is not one thing I would change about either of them or the book. Christine has these characters down to a T and they are perfect. I, for one, cannot wait to read Noah’s book and to get a glimpse of Dakota and Leah.
Definitely worth the one-click!!
*ARC given in exchange for honest review*
Review by Elizabeth
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night with Books Blog
Wowzers!! Before today I have never heard of or read a book by Christine DePetrillo and let me say she has me HOOKED!!
One Kind Heart is just about that, one kind heart, and that kind heart belongs to Dakota. Swoon. Major freaking swoon. Dakota has got to be one of the best book boyfriends I have ever read hands down.
Leah moved to Maplehaven to escape New York and begin a fresh start. The last thing she was looking for or wanted was a man, much less a relationship. Leah was there to teach and not a thing more. However, she got more than she bargained for with Dakota.
You can tell the chemistry is there when Dakota and Leah first meet. Dakota only has eyes for her and will do just about anything to get Leah to agree on an adventure and a date. I tell you, that man has got some skills LOL. There is not one thing I would change about either of them or the book. Christine has these characters down to a T and they are perfect. I, for one, cannot wait to read Noah’s book and to get a glimpse of Dakota and Leah.
Definitely worth the one-click!!
*ARC given in exchange for honest review*
January 20, 2021
Sweet easy read. When you don’t want to get into something heavy. Good looking guy. Good looking Girl. Meet. Fall in love. It’s not gonna work. It does. Yeah I know it’s a rerun but the character are sweet. You get to know the whole community in this series.
August 12, 2020
This book sort of took me by surprise. It was very intense, and I did not want to stop reading. Leah's heart had been broken in the worst way, but I loved how she decided to move on with her life. She had such an inner strength that she did not know she had. Dakota was sexy and sweet and determined once he set his eyes on Leah. He could be romantic, funny, and serious. They made a great couple through the adventures, her students, and the rough moments. I highly recommend this story, and I look forward to the next in the series.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
August 7, 2020
Dakota Brenton is a gorgeous, talented, kindhearted man that you cannot get enough of. His passion for exploration, his family, his dog, Maplehaven and Leah pulls you into the story, compelling you to understand his feelings and experience them with him. Just don’t judge him by his ruggedness and all things outdoors, there is more to Dakota that might surprise you and just like Leah, you can’t say no to this man!!!
Leah Greenstead is a quirky, talented, and complex woman who has been through some very traumatic events, leading her to Maplehaven. Her quirkiness is what pulls you in to connect with her and her inner child that she shows off in the most unique ways. You can feel Leah’s pull to her own adventure with Dakota, even though internally she is conflicted with her past. The connection I made with her quirkiness and her all things nerd, will put her as one of my all-time favorite characters!!! Leah is definitely my book BFF!!
Full review: https://christinashuffle.com/2020/08/...
Leah Greenstead is a quirky, talented, and complex woman who has been through some very traumatic events, leading her to Maplehaven. Her quirkiness is what pulls you in to connect with her and her inner child that she shows off in the most unique ways. You can feel Leah’s pull to her own adventure with Dakota, even though internally she is conflicted with her past. The connection I made with her quirkiness and her all things nerd, will put her as one of my all-time favorite characters!!! Leah is definitely my book BFF!!
Full review: https://christinashuffle.com/2020/08/...
April 7, 2021
This is such an emotional, sweet small town romance, filled with wonderful characters.
I love the push and pull between Leah and Dakota. Leah’s backstory was so tragic. I totally understood her need to make a new life without strings, but then there’s Dakota, an adventure loving hottie...he’s ‘the perfect man’, and a real flirt, even if Leah seems immune to his charms. These two are surrounded by a diverse group of family and friends, giving their world a feeling of community.
The author is new to me. I loved the reality of her imagined world and look forward to reading more of this series
I love the push and pull between Leah and Dakota. Leah’s backstory was so tragic. I totally understood her need to make a new life without strings, but then there’s Dakota, an adventure loving hottie...he’s ‘the perfect man’, and a real flirt, even if Leah seems immune to his charms. These two are surrounded by a diverse group of family and friends, giving their world a feeling of community.
The author is new to me. I loved the reality of her imagined world and look forward to reading more of this series
May 3, 2019
One Kind Deed
Can one kind feed change your life? It does if you are Dakota Brenton. His family's donation of lumber to rebuild the local elementary school means he meets Leah Greenstead, the beautiful fourth grade teacher. He knows from their first meeting that Leah is someone special. Leah, however, isn't interested in finding love, especially with an adventurous, good looking guy like Dakota.
This story is fantastic! I loved Dakota and Leah's funny, flirtatious conversations as much as their seriously steamy encounters. I can not wait for Noah's book!
Can one kind feed change your life? It does if you are Dakota Brenton. His family's donation of lumber to rebuild the local elementary school means he meets Leah Greenstead, the beautiful fourth grade teacher. He knows from their first meeting that Leah is someone special. Leah, however, isn't interested in finding love, especially with an adventurous, good looking guy like Dakota.
This story is fantastic! I loved Dakota and Leah's funny, flirtatious conversations as much as their seriously steamy encounters. I can not wait for Noah's book!
April 25, 2023
This was my first book in the series and I liked it so much I started reading some others. You can’t help but fall in love with the characters and the townspeople. A sweet romance with a touch of heat. Perfect for a cozy afternoon. Enjoy!
March 15, 2021
“One Kind Heart”(One Kind Deed Series Book 1)
This book had everything! Tragedy,love,denial,you name it. It was very,very good and I’d read it again.An adventurer,a school teacher,and some former problems make for an interesting read.Couple that with good friends and a stick to the goal ,or in this case,the girl and you have a great book! I hope you enjoy it too.
This book had everything! Tragedy,love,denial,you name it. It was very,very good and I’d read it again.An adventurer,a school teacher,and some former problems make for an interesting read.Couple that with good friends and a stick to the goal ,or in this case,the girl and you have a great book! I hope you enjoy it too.
July 29, 2020
One Kind Heart was a sweet read set in an awesome small town that I want to move to, and I'm not a small town kind of girl. It did take me a bit to get fully immersed into the story, but once I did I couldn't put it down. Dakota is a thrill seeker so he leads other thrill seekers on adventures, and he loves his life the way it is. Leah is the new 4th grade teacher who is starting over in Maplehaven, Vermont after a tragedy. She's determined to keep her head down & not get close to anyone, but she didn't count on Dakota. The moment he sees her, he decides she's his next adventure, but she's not having it. That doesn't deter him so off they go on a new journey which did have me smiling throughout. This is one of those feel good books that everyone should have for those not so feel good days, so hit those one click buttons! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
September 23, 2020
This was ok. Started out well but I did feel the ending was a bit limp. I don’t feel there was much development of character tbh. I get the trauma behind Leah but she freaks so badly about Dakota falling off a ladder that she dumps him and figures he may as well be dead despite just breaking an arm. And what happened to Fey the kitten? We saw her get adopted, gets two further mentions and then is largely forgotten about as if she didn’t exist. Not bothering with the series after Leah being so overly dramatic.
September 10, 2022
Loved this book
What delightful read. The characters were strong supportive I liked how the town felt like one big extend family. This book has a warm cozy feel of nature and it's beauty best of all fall in love and healing from your past and move forwards to a love and a life they deserve. A must read
What delightful read. The characters were strong supportive I liked how the town felt like one big extend family. This book has a warm cozy feel of nature and it's beauty best of all fall in love and healing from your past and move forwards to a love and a life they deserve. A must read
March 10, 2023
This was a very well written story about a woman who'd experienced a terrible tragedy by losing her fiance and family in an automobile accident and felt she'd lost the ability to ever love again. That all changes when she moves to Vermont and meets Dakota. It was a true to life story that I really enjoyed. It's hard to put down and a novel that I would highly recommend!
July 1, 2021
Love is not limited.
Dakota and Leah are such a good match. But Leah has heartaches that she doesn’t think have healed, may never heal. But Dakota is on a mission to prove that Leah is healed and ready for him.
Dakota and Leah are such a good match. But Leah has heartaches that she doesn’t think have healed, may never heal. But Dakota is on a mission to prove that Leah is healed and ready for him.
October 4, 2022
A cute story but too much childish banter for my tastes.
March 11, 2025
MY RATING GUIDE: 4 Stars. The blurb for this book caught my attention and, although the Romance genre (without any side mysteries or intrigues to solve) isn’t my usual fare, I enjoyed ONE KIND HEART. It’s a book about healing, after personal tragedy, and taking the steps needed to carry on. I found OKH thought provoking, sweet & Sexy (and with the right amount of angst, not over-the-top).
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved this; it was great! (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Maplehaven, Vermont ~
Fourth grade school teacher, Leah Greenstead, moves from NYC to a small Vermont mountain town as a means to “regroup and restart” several years following a devastating personal tragedy. Leah arrives with the desire to simply survive each new day, hopefully settling into a quiet and calm existence in her new small community.
Dakota Benton is from a generational Maplehaven family. The Benton’s own and operate the local sawmill which has employed 2/3 of the population for years. Each member of the Benton family contributes to the heart and soul of their small community. Dakota owns and operates a multi-adventure business catering to outdoorsy people and tourists. He has traveled far and wide and has yet to see the challenge that he could not conquer. Although he notices a reticence in the new school teacher, Leah, Dakota believes there is something more under her polite surface. He intends to discover what it might be.
Comments ~
1) ONE KIND HEART is bk1 in a 16bk series by Christine DePetrillo. It can be read as a Standalone book (with its own conflicts and HEA) or as a lead into the series. DePetrillo is a new-to-me author and I may purchase one or more of the books that follow to see how other characters’ stories progress. Perhaps Dakota’s sisters.
2) I recommend ONE KIND HEART to readers who enjoy:
> Heartfelt stories.
> Stories about characters who through hard perseverance find happiness at the other end.
> Stories without TSTL characters, excessive angst or plots driven by misunderstandings or miscommunication.
> Characters that are relatable and real-to-life rather than Billionaires, Celebrities or Model-perfect body types.
> Small Town or Village locations.
> Sweet Romance fiction with a Steamy side serving.
> Easy, quick reading, palate cleansing novels.
READER CAUTIONS ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used on occasion.
VIOLENCE - None.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Several Steamy scenes occur but don’t overwhelm this otherwise sweet story.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved this; it was great! (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Maplehaven, Vermont ~
Fourth grade school teacher, Leah Greenstead, moves from NYC to a small Vermont mountain town as a means to “regroup and restart” several years following a devastating personal tragedy. Leah arrives with the desire to simply survive each new day, hopefully settling into a quiet and calm existence in her new small community.
Dakota Benton is from a generational Maplehaven family. The Benton’s own and operate the local sawmill which has employed 2/3 of the population for years. Each member of the Benton family contributes to the heart and soul of their small community. Dakota owns and operates a multi-adventure business catering to outdoorsy people and tourists. He has traveled far and wide and has yet to see the challenge that he could not conquer. Although he notices a reticence in the new school teacher, Leah, Dakota believes there is something more under her polite surface. He intends to discover what it might be.
Comments ~
1) ONE KIND HEART is bk1 in a 16bk series by Christine DePetrillo. It can be read as a Standalone book (with its own conflicts and HEA) or as a lead into the series. DePetrillo is a new-to-me author and I may purchase one or more of the books that follow to see how other characters’ stories progress. Perhaps Dakota’s sisters.
2) I recommend ONE KIND HEART to readers who enjoy:
> Heartfelt stories.
> Stories about characters who through hard perseverance find happiness at the other end.
> Stories without TSTL characters, excessive angst or plots driven by misunderstandings or miscommunication.
> Characters that are relatable and real-to-life rather than Billionaires, Celebrities or Model-perfect body types.
> Small Town or Village locations.
> Sweet Romance fiction with a Steamy side serving.
> Easy, quick reading, palate cleansing novels.
READER CAUTIONS ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used on occasion.
VIOLENCE - None.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Several Steamy scenes occur but don’t overwhelm this otherwise sweet story.
August 17, 2024
Leah lost her boyfriend Chase, her parents and sister to shooting in the NYC when she was returning from her teaching event in DC. Since then she got close to her fiance's brother Carter but then moved to the Maplehaven, Vermont area.
Maplehaven is a heaven. The locals are enticing, childishly innocent and very easy to talk to. Coming from the city, Leah has a different aura to herself but the Maple people are only ready to admire their new fourth-grade teacher for the house built on account of generous donation from the Beneton family viz. Mr William Benetton, his wife, his handsome son Dracota and two daughters Jacy and Dane who took over the operations of their sawmill that employs 2/3rds of the people in the town, this when their only brother refused to limit himself to wood all his life and chose instead to establish Birch Tours and Adventures to take people around to the most exquisite areas in the country ziplining, canoeing etc.
Then there is Mountain View Pizza owned by Kyle, the sweetheart of Hildes who also came from NYC and close friend to Leah and a vegetarian. She disagrees that bacon topping makes a pizza taste better. I agree with her.
Instigated by Hildes, Dracota starts admiring Leah and proposes her thrice in very unconventional ways to be rejected by her. Is she the only gal in the town who can refuse Captain Charming? Seems so because everyone in the town has sweet words to say for handsome Dracota and his bewitching smile.
But Leah gives in when Dracota arranges to take her class on a tour of the woods and Leah has no choice but to agree to the deal between the Birchwood company and the school's principal. On this trip, kids become trolls and Dracota becomes an ogre and they get close even as Leah rescues a bushy kitten Fey and Ginger, the country town mayor wags his tail.
Maplehaven is a heaven. The locals are enticing, childishly innocent and very easy to talk to. Coming from the city, Leah has a different aura to herself but the Maple people are only ready to admire their new fourth-grade teacher for the house built on account of generous donation from the Beneton family viz. Mr William Benetton, his wife, his handsome son Dracota and two daughters Jacy and Dane who took over the operations of their sawmill that employs 2/3rds of the people in the town, this when their only brother refused to limit himself to wood all his life and chose instead to establish Birch Tours and Adventures to take people around to the most exquisite areas in the country ziplining, canoeing etc.
Then there is Mountain View Pizza owned by Kyle, the sweetheart of Hildes who also came from NYC and close friend to Leah and a vegetarian. She disagrees that bacon topping makes a pizza taste better. I agree with her.
Instigated by Hildes, Dracota starts admiring Leah and proposes her thrice in very unconventional ways to be rejected by her. Is she the only gal in the town who can refuse Captain Charming? Seems so because everyone in the town has sweet words to say for handsome Dracota and his bewitching smile.
But Leah gives in when Dracota arranges to take her class on a tour of the woods and Leah has no choice but to agree to the deal between the Birchwood company and the school's principal. On this trip, kids become trolls and Dracota becomes an ogre and they get close even as Leah rescues a bushy kitten Fey and Ginger, the country town mayor wags his tail.
February 28, 2021
This was a very sweet and heartwarming story. This was my first read by this author and I really enjoyed it. This is the first book of a series and can be read as a standalone.
Dakota and Leah are meant to be from the start. They meet at the local schools reopening ceremony. He runs an adventure company, but his family owns the local sawmill. He has lived in this community his entire life. I would not say Dakota is a player, but he has never found a woman who made him want to settle down and stay put. Until he locks eyes with Leah at the ceremony...he has an unexplained draw to her.
Leah moved to this town to start over. She lost everything in her life and needed to move on. She is doing that as a teacher in this beautiful, quiet town she fallen in love with. During the school’s reopening ceremony she meets this very handsome, overly confident man. Her friend tries to convince her Dakota is a sweet and kind man, but she has no room for any man in her life, not anymore.
This story takes us through their journey together and it is written beautifully. There are tender, heartwarming moments, romance, sexy time and our happy ending of course. Dakota is the perfect gentleman and book boyfriend and Leah was so likable you were drawn to her and her story. The secondary characters were added into the story nicely as well. I will say I wanted just a little bit more at the end, but overall I really enjoyed this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dakota and Leah are meant to be from the start. They meet at the local schools reopening ceremony. He runs an adventure company, but his family owns the local sawmill. He has lived in this community his entire life. I would not say Dakota is a player, but he has never found a woman who made him want to settle down and stay put. Until he locks eyes with Leah at the ceremony...he has an unexplained draw to her.
Leah moved to this town to start over. She lost everything in her life and needed to move on. She is doing that as a teacher in this beautiful, quiet town she fallen in love with. During the school’s reopening ceremony she meets this very handsome, overly confident man. Her friend tries to convince her Dakota is a sweet and kind man, but she has no room for any man in her life, not anymore.
This story takes us through their journey together and it is written beautifully. There are tender, heartwarming moments, romance, sexy time and our happy ending of course. Dakota is the perfect gentleman and book boyfriend and Leah was so likable you were drawn to her and her story. The secondary characters were added into the story nicely as well. I will say I wanted just a little bit more at the end, but overall I really enjoyed this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 4, 2020
One Kind Heart is book one in One Kind Deeds series. I absolutely enjoyed this story. It is a great romantic escape. I loved Dakota and his character is sexy and romantic. I loved how he went to so much trouble to get Leah's attention. Though Leah had a big secret and was dealing with a past not sure she could love again. I loved all of the romantic adventures and Ginger the dog and Luke the ten-year-old really took the story though. There is a lot of sexual tension and build-up about Leah's story.I have to admit when it came to the big reveal of her past I was quite disappointed. The story was rushed, took maybe a paragraph. For such a sad, dramatic thing I was disappointed. and when they finally made love I was disappointed at that scene as well it was rushed and didn't show the passion and desire that had built up between the two. having said this. the story is good, the plot good and the romance great. I enjoyed it and want to read all the others in the series!
January 26, 2022
Well, that was cute. It was quick. It was fun. Did I mention it was sweet, too? I’m gonna give this one 3.5 stars and bump it up to 4 for the cuteness factor. Dakota is the Golden Boy of Maplehaven. His is an adventurous soul and he hasn’t found any reason for that not to continue. While he loves Maplehaven and wouldn’t live anywhere else, he does need to explore the world every couple of months. Leah is a damaged soul and she knows first hand the tragedy that can happen when you leave home. She has only left her comfort zone once since that fateful day four years ago. That was to move to Maplehaven. She figured she could use a change of scenery and to start fresh. She is determined not to let anyone close to her, it’s the only way she can keep herself safe. Can these two ignore the attraction simmering between them? Can they possibly get over the fear and the need to explore? One Kind Heart is the first in the One Kind Deed series and it’s fun!
September 20, 2020
CAN YOU SAY DRAMATIC???
I enjoyed the story...in the beginning! I understand the trauma that comes along with a tragedy, especially one where you lose your parents , sister and fiance all at the same time. But I feel like the lead female character was a bit overdramatic! He fell on the floor and broke his arm AND she imagined him behind the wheel of a car dead??? Come on now...that was a bit much! And then she breaks up with him because of her own imagination??? Smh... just plain stupid! The other thing is you have Krista waiting for the return of a man who's been missing for...wait for it...FIVE YEARS, but yet you want to bring Noah into her life?? Why so we can see how dramatic you make her in the story???
I enjoyed the story...in the beginning! I understand the trauma that comes along with a tragedy, especially one where you lose your parents , sister and fiance all at the same time. But I feel like the lead female character was a bit overdramatic! He fell on the floor and broke his arm AND she imagined him behind the wheel of a car dead??? Come on now...that was a bit much! And then she breaks up with him because of her own imagination??? Smh... just plain stupid! The other thing is you have Krista waiting for the return of a man who's been missing for...wait for it...FIVE YEARS, but yet you want to bring Noah into her life?? Why so we can see how dramatic you make her in the story???
February 21, 2025
Leah moved to Mapleheaven after a devastating occurrence. She needed to get out of New York City and start over so she could move forward. She meets Dakota, an outgoing adventurous person who is also taking a risks, at an ceremony opening up the new elementary school where she will teache. Leah had a hard time accepting Dakota's advances still thinking of her past. She finally decides to go on a date with him and their relationship starts. After a while she tell Dakota what happened. Dakota does not pull away but becomes closer to Leah. Leah gets a call from someone in her past asking to come and visit. The person in also needing help to move forward. This person comes to Mapleheaven and starts to feel better, where this person decides to stay. The book is good
April 23, 2023
Leah Greenstead teaches 4th grade in Maplehaven Elementary School in Vermont. Leah isn’t ready for a relationship as she suffered a family tragedy in New York and escapes to Vermont for a new life. Dakota Brenton is an adventure guide in Maplehaven and is a thrill seeker and loves adventure. Dakota meets Leah at a ceremony for his family’s sawmill and sees an opportunity to make Leah his next adventure but Leah wants nothing to do with him. Dakota has his heart set on dating Leah and will do anything to get her to notice him. I really enjoyed this opposites attract romance novel.
June 29, 2023
I wasn’t crazy about the childish banter. It made me not like the book. I also didn’t like all the talk about Dakota being perfect and the town’s “golden child”. It was annoying. I kept reading because I wanted to find out Leah’s issue. I was not disappointed and it was definitely surprising. I pushed through the book because I was invested in finding out what happened in the end. I won’t read any more books by this author because the story was just too artificially romanticized for my liking and I love a good romance. This book felt too idealistic and perfect.
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