Walker Family Series by Lauren Gilley

Told in both the “Then” and the “Now”, the novel follows the story of Tameron Wales, a boy who had to grow up too fast because his mother needed him, and who drove away the love of his life on purpose so that he might spare her from the violent threat of his father... moreTold in both the “Then” and the “Now”, the novel follows the story of Tameron Wales, a boy who had to grow up too fast because his mother needed him, and who drove away the love of his life on purpose so that he might spare her from the violent threat of his father. Joanna Walker, twenty-three and youngest of five, struggling to make ends meet post-grad, still doesn’t understand exactly what happened four years ago when Tam left her standing up against her dorm building, in the rain, like something out of a bad made-for-TV movie. She only knows that her brother Mike’s wedding – an extravagant, farcical Irish castle ordeal ordered by his fiancée – will reunite her with Tam. The only thing more painful than remembering how it all ended is seeing him again. Jo Walker is the kind of girl who knows what she wants out of life, and she’s always wanted Tam, even if she kind of hates him a little bit right now. The first volume in the Walker Family series, 'Keep You' introduces five siblings each trying to carve out their own tiny slice of the American dream. More than a romance, the novel explores all the bonds and experiences – the heartbreaks and hopes – that create a family. Look for the sequel, Dream of You. less

Jordan Walker learned the hard way that dreams diminish with time and age. He dreamed of Olympic medals and golden shoes, of cheering crowds and endless stretches of red track laid out before him. Then he dreamed of state and nationals, of college scholarships. He dreamed of the unending support, the shining face of that angelic, flawless first love that gave him wings. And then reality reached out with jagged claws and crippled him just as surely as if he’d torn an ACL... moreJordan Walker learned the hard way that dreams diminish with time and age. He dreamed of Olympic medals and golden shoes, of cheering crowds and endless stretches of red track laid out before him. Then he dreamed of state and nationals, of college scholarships. He dreamed of the unending support, the shining face of that angelic, flawless first love that gave him wings. And then reality reached out with jagged claws and crippled him just as surely as if he’d torn an ACL. Reality was more damaging than any injury. At twenty five, his track career is over, so he’s settling for a gig as a college Health and Physical Science professor and coach at his alma mater. It’s not his dream job, but really, who has the stomach for dreams anymore? Then he meets Ellie. English major Ellie Grayson has three objectives: graduate from college in three years, publish a novel, and let nothing distract her from either. But her young HPS professor is not so much a distraction as a fascination, and as she digs deeper beneath his impassive surface, she thinks he might just be someone worth dreaming about. Both damaged, both cautious, Jordan and Ellie have to decide where to draw the line between fantasy and reality, and more importantly, which one they really want. The second installment of the Walker Family Series, Dream of You begins a year after the end of Keep You, bringing new challenges for characters from the first book and introducing a new heroine who is a fresh addition to the family. less