Book 3 of the California Romance Series

She’s a single pregnant college graduate who has purchased a rundown Victorian to create an inn on the California coast. He’s a recently returned veteran, trying to recreate his life but hampered by physical injury and PTSD. Can they find a way past their wounds to trust each other?

Sarah Ladina dreamt of building a world-class destination inn with her boyfriend, Rick. Her unexpected pregnancy tore them apart when he wanted nothing to do with a baby. She decides to go it alone, but she may not be up to the job. She can’t cook or fix a leaky faucet and in her condition landscaping is out of the question. Will she get the inn open in time to have this baby?

Hunter Evans’ first plan after returning to his favorite town on California’s Central Coast is to buy back his childhood home. But a pretty and pregnant woman beats him to it. Finding a job is tough and housing doesn’t come cheap in Costanoa. His prosthetic leg allows him to run, but keeps him from his childhood passion, surfing. With a low-level job and a transient motel for a home, Hunter isn’t sure life is worth living.

California Homecoming is a story about two wounded people learning to trust again and opening their hearts to the possibility of love. If you new adult romance, you’ll enjoy this book.

Available now on Amazon

Read an Excerpt

Sarah Ladina turned the key and pushed open the oak door, her pulse quickening in anticipation. Stale smells of forgotten perfumes and long ago dinners wafted from the entrance hall. She crossed the threshold, shut the door behind her, and leaned against it.

Mine. This soon-to-be-inn is all mine.

She rubbed her hand on her stomach. Ours.

Cobwebs huddled in the high corners of the paneled entry and a screw sticking from the staircase newel told of a missing cap. Layers of dust added texture to the floor.

The work was also going to be all hers.

Her shoulders sank. What had she been thinking?

“If you want a job done right, do it yourself.” Other people aren’t dependable.

A bark from outside made her drop her bag of cleaning supplies, snacks, and tools on the floor. Cautiously, she opened the door.

A golden retriever sat on the porch, staring up at her, dark eyes pleading entry. The dog barked again, stood, nosed the door open, and walked in. He … or she … made a beeline for the front sitting room, circled, and laid down.

Great. A dog who thinks it owns the place.

Keeping a wide berth, she walked toward the dog. “Shoo,” she said. “Go home.”

The dog looked up at her, rolled over, and beat its tail against the floor.

Definitely a girl dog.

“Go! Get out of here!” Sarah raised her voice. She did not need anything else to take care of.

The dog whined and thumped her tail harder.

Tires crunched the driveway gravel.

Sarah groaned, stomped to the door, and opened it wide.

The dog got off the floor, followed her, and sat down crowded close to her leg.

The heat of the retriever’s strong body against Sarah’s leg gave her courage, ready to face whoever was coming to call. Maybe I do need a dog. A single woman—correction: a single pregnant woman—might be at risk living alone.

She glared at the newcomer’s car, a black Jeep polished to a gleaming shine.

A tall man with broad shoulders emerged from the Jeep. His dark hair was clipped short and he stood with the rigid carriage of a soldier, an odd contrast to the banana slug T-shirt and shorts he wore. His right leg ended in a prosthetic below the knee.

How sad.

“Hello,” he said, his deep voice easily carrying across the distance between them. “Nice dog,” he added and walked toward her.

A rumble from the dog’s throat made her put her hand on its head. The soldier wasn’t a threat.

Yet.

The man reached out his hand. Automatically, she took it. “I’m Hunter Evans.”

Her cold hand was engulfed by his strong warmth.

“I’m Sarah.” She withdrew her hand. “What can I do for you?”

“I understand you just bought this place.”

She nodded. “Today.”

“Will you sell it to me?”

End of Excerpt

REVIEWS FOR

California Homecoming

“Some romance, a Victorian Home (purchased to turn into an inn) and a great story line. I recently started following Casey’s publications and have enjoyed all of them … I think the stories get better and better. There is a thread of connection between all her stories, but you would not have to start at the beginning to enjoy any of the books. I also appreciate that she includes helpful resources should someone need some direction to help them in their own life. Great work Casey, can’t wait till your next book is out!” ~ Queen Bee