While You Were Stranded (Chick Flick Clique, #5)

This book is #5 of the popular Chick Flick Clique series. Each are stand-alone books that may be read in any order. WHILE YOU WERE STRANDED When 26-year-old Grace Holden’s car breaks down outside Aspen Grove, California, the town’s mechanic takes her to Candy’s Café—where they run into his ex-fiancée and he impulsively claims Grace is his date. Unaware that his words and her mother’s ring have set tongues wagging, Grace is unexpectedly charmed by the town, its occupants, and the warm welcome she’s receiving. When she learns what people think, the mechanic begs her to pretend to be his fiancée, just until her car is repaired, to help him win back his girl by making her jealous. When the repairs unexpectedly stretch into weeks, the charade becomes more complicated as she finds herself drawn to the townspeople--and especially to Jake Taylor, Aspen Grove’s handsome mayor and the brother of Ethan’s ex-fiancée Lindsey. Jake is understandably antagonistic and suspicious and protective of his sister, even as he is attracted to this new woman in town. Before Grace knows it, she has a place to stay, a temporary job, and invitations to join the Chick Flick Clique and to help with the town’s Christmas Festival. With friends filling the void in Grace’s heart, Aspen Grove is beginning to feel like the home she wants, but will her part in the deception cost her the good will—and perhaps even love—of people she’s come to care about?