Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
OR
$2.99

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Esmeralda and the Second-Hand Suitor: A Later in Life Contemporary Romance (Snowbirds Series Book 2) Kindle Edition

4.2 out of 5 stars 30 ratings

What’s a forty-year-old virgin doing in a predicament like this? Looking for a husband because her late father’s will decrees she must marry or forfeit her orchard, her only means of support. Hank McCall, as a perspective husband, leaves a great deal to be desired—he’s twice divorced and older than Esmeralda. Scarred by their pasts and challenged by the gap in their ages, Esmeralda and Hank struggle with their new-found relationship. But when Hank is faced with losing Esmeralda or surrendering to her yearning to have a real family, their fates hang in the balance.

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 3 books in this series.
This option includes 3 books.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"New love isn't just for those in their teens, 20's and 30's, meet forty-year-old Esmeralda, still a virgin, still hoping to someday find a special man to love and marry for more than one reason... Can an older, semi-retired, twice divorced man be the knight in rusty armor she has been waiting for? Is it worth risking her heart on Hank or could his past be what makes him the perfect match for love? Go team real adults! The need for love and companionship doesn't end when you hit the backside of 35, and the life experiences can be invaluable to creating a true and lasting bond. Contrary to the popular reading material out there, you do NOT need a perfect body, billions of dollars and dark fetishes. Hebby Roman writes about real people, flawed-by-life-and-circumstance people who are a little gun shy to take the next step to romance. No insta-love, no sex from page one through twenty, only to be repeated on pages twenty-five through forty, just an honest look at what reality is... Hebby Roman's Esmeralda and the Second-Hand Suitor is a refreshing, realistic and heart-warming read that has a few dark twists and flawed characters reaching out to be accepted." 4.5 STARS From Dianne B. at TOME TENDER
"This delightful story proves that not only is it possible to not have sex before marriage, but it's also possible to find lasting love without it, even after 40 or 50 years old. In an interesting twist for modern times, Hank is the one hiding things, holding back until he's certain he won't be used by Esme, though she certainly is hiding her need to be married... Anyone wanting to know that love can happen at any age will adore their journey."
2017 RONE FINALIST FOUR STARS InD'Tale Magazine
First Impressions: "... I could really identify with Esmeralda's rather cynical approach to dating. It was almost like I'd found a kindred spirit in her pessimism! I think for many people their default assumption in regards to Esme would be that she must be ... catty to not even give him a chance. But that's so far from the truth...! Her obsession with pointing out his ... flaws says... more about her own character than his. It reveals her insecurity with herself... Girl, I feel you. A lot of us feel you. And I love it soooooo much!
... cemented my positive opinion of Hank. It wasn't just that he didn't want to pressure a woman into entering a sexual relationship with him before she felt ready. He chose to stand by her, and go at her own pace. Hank never made her feel guilty for taking things slow, or weird over the fact she's never had sex at her age. You a good dude Hank.
This is a tale of a quick romance. Hank and Esme really don't know each other that long, but they are quite open with each other in regards to their pasts... It's still a sweet romance though showing that it's never too late for people to find each other, and have their dreams come true.
Reviewed by Lauren Szymanski at romance4thebeach

From the Author

      Esmeralda and Hank are an unlikely couple. She's led a sheltered life, dominated by a demanding father who has never forgiven her for a tragic mistake she made when she was a child. Even after his death, her father tries to control her with his will that forces her to marry to retain ownership of her family's orchard, which is her only means of support.
      Hank, on the other hand, was raised in an orphanage and thrust into the world at an early age where he managed to put himself through college and become a professional. But his first two marriages end in divorce, and he's been laid off from his management job and unable to find steady employment.
      At the beginning, Esmeralda is uneasy around Hank because of his checkered past and his unconventional approach to life. He takes contract work but just enough to get by, while he enjoys living his life to the fullest. He's learned, the hard way, that money isn't everything. Esmeralda is the direct opposite, believing money provides security, something she desperately needs as a single woman.
      Despite their differences, they're attracted to each other and enjoy their time together. Can their blossoming love overcome the obstacles they face and give two very deserving people a happily-ever-after resolution?

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01BQSSWHC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Estrella Publishing
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 12, 2016
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.3 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 188 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 3 ‏ : ‎ Snowbirds Series
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 30 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Hebby Roman
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Hebby Roman is a New York traditionally published, small-press published, and Indie published #1 Amazon best-selling author of both historical and contemporary romances.

Her WEST TEXAS CHRISTMAS TRILOGY is an Amazon Bestselling and Award-Winning series. Her first contemporary romance, SUMMER DREAMS, was #1 in Amazon fiction and romance. Her medieval historical romance, THE PRINCESS AND THE TEMPLAR, was selected for the Amazon Encore program and was #1 in medieval fiction.

Her book, BORDER HEAT, was a Los Angeles Times Book Festival selection. RUTH: THE RESCUED BRIDE was a Still Moments Top Ten Reader’s Choice book for 2018. She has been a RONE Finalist four times and in three different categories. Her romantic comedy entry, REAL COWBOYS DON’T EAT TOFU, won first place in a national Harlequin contest.

She is blessed to have all her family living nearby in north Texas, especially her two granddaughters, Mackenzie Reese and Presley Davis. Hebby lives in Arlington, Texas with her husband, Luis, and a maltipoo, Maximillian, who watches TV.

Visit her website at: http://www.hebbyroman.com

or Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHebbyRoman

at Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/hebby-roman

Contact her at Twitter: @hebby_roman

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
30 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers enjoy this romance book, describing it as a beautiful love story with wonderful characters. One customer notes it features older characters, while another mentions it has a very happy ending.

7 customers mention "Romance"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romantic elements of the book, describing it as a beautiful love story with a very happy ending.

"...Ms. Roman has written an engaging tale of two very opposite people. It was a delight to read!" Read more

"I really enjoyed Hank and Esme's beautiful love story. This is my favorite kind of romance, one with a very happy ending!..." Read more

"...Wonderful storyline and wonderful characters. Must download book 1 and book 3. JudyE" Read more

"What a cute romantic story about an older couple....still younger than I am, but at least they weren't young and stupid!..." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one mentioning it features older characters in a charming contemporary romance.

"...This charming contemporary romance features older characters along with a heroine that, despite her age, is naïve to men and romance...." Read more

"...Wonderful storyline and wonderful characters. Must download book 1 and book 3. JudyE" Read more

"Authentic characters, absorbing descriptions and just the right amount of sexy romance" Read more

3 customers mention "Enjoyment"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book, with one noting how nicely it was played.

"...This is an obstacle the hero must overcome and it’s nicely played...." Read more

"Enjoyed this book so much. Nice to have a couple who are over forty, hoping for a second chance at finding love...." Read more

"Great book, really a cute plot..... I enjoy Ms Roman 's books!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Hank McCall has come to south Texas to spend time fishing. Twice-divorced, he has no desire to wed again and looks forward to paring down his life. When he encounters Esmeralda those intentions become muddled as he becomes more drawn to her. Esme is in need of a husband and fast. Her father’s late wishes include a stipulation that she must marry or lose half her grapefruit orchard to her cousin and the deadline is quickly approaching. But as she comes to care for Hank, she is less inclined to use him for her own gain.

    This charming contemporary romance features older characters along with a heroine that, despite her age, is naïve to men and romance. This is an obstacle the hero must overcome and it’s nicely played. Esme must get past the fact that Hank had two failed marriages and their courtship is filled with just the right amount of angst and passion. Ms. Roman has written an engaging tale of two very opposite people. It was a delight to read!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I really enjoyed Hank and Esme's beautiful love story. This is my favorite kind of romance, one with a very happy ending! When two people have a past filled with many sad and unfortunate events, I love it when they meet each other and fall in love. It seems like destiny! I can't wait to read another one of Hebby's books. I hope it's as good as this one!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2016
    Format: Kindle
    As I have become woman of a certain age, (*cough* over 40 *cough*), many of the problems of women in their twenties no longer relate to me. I find myself drawn to more mature characters, though good luck trying to find them. I was intrigued when I stumbled across the first book in a series by a new to me author, Catalina and the Winter Texan. The male on the cover had gray in his hair. I was like "What?!" So of course, I had to take a closer look. Both protagonists are widowed, and not sure about taking a second chance on love, and a possible long distance one at that. It was a quick read, and I gave it 3 stars and posted a quick review on goodreads and amazon. Imagine my surprise when the author wrote me and offered me the next book. Obviously I said yes.

    We met Esmeralda and Hank in the first book, and they were minor secondary characters. In this book, we see those same scenes, now through their eyes. I do believe that this book would work as a stand alone if you aren't interested in the first one.

    There was quite a bit of tension based on Esme's inexperience in relationships and the dating world. Additionally, Hank wasn't really looking to settle down, so much as a find someone who would enjoy doing the same things he enjoys doing. Misunderstandings and differences in culture, added even more tension to this book. This book had a richer and deeper tone than the first, mainly I believe due to Hank being a more flawed character than the male protagonist from the first book.

    I appreciated the realistic issues that were addressed for the more mature audience I believe it is targeted toward. I enjoyed this read and will happily stick around for the next book. I gave this 3 stars.

    The author provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Enjoyed this book so much. Nice to have a couple who are over forty, hoping for a second chance at finding love. Wonderful storyline and wonderful characters. Must download book 1 and book 3. JudyE
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2016
    Format: Kindle
    This a romance story between a 40-year-old virgin and a 55-year-old, twice divorced, and once dropped significant other.
    If that is not trouble enough, she’s catholic and he’s divorced twice, which means NO catholic wedding.
    To make matters even more difficult, Esme is shy, but when she does speak, she can be remarkably rude (Like scolding Hank for not working full time.)

    Hank is enchanted with Esme, but she constantly pushes him away from start to finish.
    But she does just enough that he keeps coming back. When Esme is not being a jerk, she ‘s a sweet character, although self-absorbed with her ‘wants’ and troubles. So in my opinion, Hank was far more likable.
    While Hank was pretty forthcoming, Esme is not. She spends a great deal of time mistrusting him and even when she does claim to trust him and wants to marry him, she fails to tell him about the details of her father’s will, so Hank has legitimate reason to this think he’s just being used.

    Before you think this a no-sex story, let me say: while the two take an incredibly long time to have intercourse, there is some rather spicy pre-sex fun going on in the story.

    For me, while being well-written, is it a bit too real for my liking. I prefer less ‘iffy’ romances.
    Still, while I was tempted to strangle Esme at times, I never was tempted to give up on the story… So I give this four stars.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    What a cute romantic story about an older couple....still younger than I am, but at least they weren't young and stupid! Esmeralda is a forty year old virgin who is very naive about men and relationships. Hank has been married twice before and on the surface does not look like a good match for Esmeralda. But love is strange and they work! Really enjoying this series and I hope there will be more!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I was surprised threads novel close to home. I found it very interesting. Even though it was fiction I recognized the actual places she mentioned.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Great book, really a cute plot..... I enjoy Ms Roman 's books!

Top reviews from other countries

  • HeyerFan
    3.0 out of 5 stars Romance is not just for the Young
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 4, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Interesting to read a romance with an older couple, Esme is 40 and Hank 55. Esme has led a very sheltered life and rarely dated, whilst Hank is twice divorced and just come out of a third long term relationship. Much of the relationship is one step forward and then two steps back, with both of them having insecurities but despite that they fall in love and marry within 8 weeks of meeting. An undemanding, clean read.

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?