Spare Change

Written by Bette Lee Crosby

Narrated by Amy Melissa Bentley and Sean Crisden

Small-town gossip never much bothered Olivia Westerly. As a single career woman, she's weathered her share. It's easy to ignore the raised eyebrows over her late-in-life marriage to Charlie Doyle. But after he drops dead on their honeymoon, the whispers are salt on her raw grief. Especially when an orphaned, eleven-year-old-boy shows up on her doorstep, looking for the grandfather he never met.

Behind Ethan Allen Doyle's wary blue eyes lie heavily guarded emotions that unexpectedly tug on Olivia's heart, and she finds herself wanting to win his trust. But when his murderous secret comes looking for him, the entire town embraces the lonely widow and desperate child to show its true heart when danger threatens one of its own.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Feb 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9781977375711

Bette Lee Crosby

Bette Lee Crosby is the USA Today bestselling author of eighteen novels, including Spare Change and the Wyattsville series. She has been the recipient of the Royal Palm Literary Award, Reviewer’s Choice Award, FPA President’s Book Award, International Book Award, and Next Generation Indie Award, among many others. Her 2016 novel, Baby Girl, was named Best Chick Lit of the Year by Huffington Post. She laughingly admits to being a night owl and a workaholic, claiming that her guilty pleasure is late-night chats with fans and friends on Facebook and Goodreads. To learn more about Bette Lee Crosby's work, stop by her website at www.betteleecrosby.com or visit her Amazon Author Page.

Reviews for Spare Change

[cubsfan3410 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful characters
Interesting and entertaining storyline
Another greatbook by Ms. Crosby

[teachlz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

e Lee Crosby“Spare Change” by Bette Lee Crosby is a captivating, intriguing, emotionally charged, and heartwarming novel. I appreciate that Bette Lee Crosby writes about searching for what is home , love and family. I enjoyed finding some parts of this story that were familiar in “Memory House” that I just finished. The Genres for this story are Fiction, and Women’s Fiction. There is adventure and twists and turns. Bette Lee Crosby is on author that can tell a story with vivid descriptions of the characters, events, and places.The colorful cast of characters are described as complex,complicated, and confused. There are some mean-spirited characters, and there are some very kind loyal characters. Olivia Westerly, a professional woman has chosen to marry later in life. Olivia never wanted children and is superstitious about the number eleven. She goes out of her way to avoid anything with that number. Olivia marries Charlie Doyle, and is the happiest the has ever been. On the eleventh day of their marriage, Charlie dies, leaving Olivia heart-broken.Ethan Allen Doyle is an eleven year old boy who has witnessed his father’s final abuse when his mother is killed. Hiding in the bushes, Ethan sees the man who comes to the house in search of his mother, and then sees the man kill his father. One of the police officers is the son of the man who has killed his mother , and Ethan is terrified. Ethan runs for his life with his dog to search for the grandfather he has never met in person, Charlie Doyle.Olivia is still grieving for Charlie, but is starting to make good friends in the building where she lives. She comes home one evening to find Ethan Allen Doyle and his dog at her door. Olivia never wanted kids, and when she realizes that Ethan is eleven years old, she is very upset. Meanwhile, the law officers are investigating Ethan’s disappearance and want to question him about his parent’s death.Olivia and Ethan both fear the danger and trouble ahead. What is to become of Ethan? I enjoyed this amazing and alluring novel, and I highly recommend this to readers that enjoy Women’s Fiction. There are other books in this series that I look forward to reading.

[paradiseporch · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

(Fiction, Women’s, Southern)Wyattsville Novel Book 1From Amazon: “Small-town gossip never much bothered Olivia Westerly. As a single career woman, she’s weathered her share. It’s easy to ignore the raised eyebrows over her late-in-life marriage to Charlie Doyle. But after he drops dead on their honeymoon, the whispers are salt on her raw grief. Especially when an orphaned, eleven-year-old-boy shows up on her doorstep, looking for the grandfather he never met.”This is a charming story with enough suspense to form a firm plot. Despite it not being a genre of my first preference, I thoroughly enjoyed this.I received a complimentary ecopy from the author. This did not affect my review.4 stars

[heidiangell · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is hard, because this book is a good book... it is just not my cup of tea. This book is like a Lifetime movie meets The Lottery Rose. It is too real, too painful. I read to escape from that kind of stuff! Having spent the last several years living in the South, I can tell you that I have met people that are so much like Crosby's characters, that in some ways it hurts. It hurts to know that although this book is fiction, bad stuff like this happens every day. And just like real life there are some who survive this mess, and some who don't. I do admire Olivia and her friends. I do love the message of the story, and I admire Crosby for tackling such tough subject matter. If you like Lifetime movies, then this book is definitely for you. If you don't, refer it to a friend who does!

[leopolds-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Olivia Westerly was not like most twenty-five year old women living in the 1920’s. Instead of getting married and having children, she lives by herself and has a career. Olivia hated the idea of marriage and motherhood until she met Charlie Doyle at 58 years old. Deeply in love, they quickly wed and she left her job to live with him in Wyattsville. Ethan Allen Doyle is 11 years old and lives with his parents, Benjamin and Susanna. Benjamin is Charlie Doyle’s only child but they haven't spoken in years. The only information Ethan Allen has of his grandfather is from an annual Christmas card. His parent’s have a tumultuous relationship and they are always arguing and bickering. Susanna is unhappy and has spent her life dreaming of becoming a dancer in New York City with no support from her husband. Olivia and Ethan’s lives eventually collide and a cautious relationship is formed. She is faced with uncomfortable situations that force her out of her comfortable life. I enjoyed this introductory story from the series by Bette Lee Crosby.

[carolee888 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Spare Change by Bette Lee Crosby is a different kind of Southern tale. The stereotype of the woman who is supposed to get married, have babies and take care of her husband and her children is nothing like Olivia in this book. She was so determined to break away from that she left her home to get a job and was disowned by her father. She would never get married only to be tied down by children who needed so much that she could not do what she wanted to do. She was also very superstitious as many bad things in her life happened of the 11th or somehow involved the number 11. She is very independent and refuses to be defined by what her father or society says. She is a sharp contrast to Emma Cobb who tries to not see the evil deeds that her husband does. It is so tempting to tell you this story because this book is narrated by a gifted storyteller. The story takes center stage and the teller sits back out of the spotlight. The boy’s reminds me of some of the stories that I have heard from my mother and her sisters. It is spiked with humor and makes sure that you know who has a good heart and who does not. The story uses the way that people talk those with manners and those not taught them. There are class differences you read them but the book doesn’t announce them, it just shows them. The role of the little boy, Ethan Allen Doyle could have been written by a modern day Southern Charles Dickens or maybe I should say a Charlene Dickens. This little eleven year old boy has been denied a loving father, and half the time ig nored by his mother. Then to witness events what would make anyone sick to their stomach, you can’t help but understand him and hope that his life will get much better. I think you will enjoy reading about how both Olivia and Ethan Allen changed, bonded and loved each other.I say read this book and tell your own impressions. These are my thoughts and feelings about Spare Change. The author generously gifted me with an Advance Copy because I have trouble reading books in other than print form.

[bpascoe-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Eleven year-old Ethan Allen witnessed a brutal murder. Now he's running for his life. In the time-tested tradition of Southern Fiction, Crosby unveils the darkest side of human nature then rewards her readers with a beautiful tale of love, loss and unexpected gifts.Olivia Westerly is a widow. She's got no love of children and a truckload of superstitions, but she's the only one Ethan Allen can trust, and he's not even sure he can trust her.

[sheriawilkinson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Spare Change by Bette Lee CrosbyEthan Allen Doyle, an eleven year old boy witnesses a brutal murder. He is on the run fearing for his life. He has a pocket with a some "spare change" and is set on looking for his Grandfather, a Grandfather he never met. What he finds is Olivia Westerly, his grandfathers widow. It took her forty years to marry, she is very superstitious and she is not particularly fond of children. But when Ethan shows up at her door both their lives are about to change forever.I could not help but liking Ethan, he had all odds against him, but he had determination. Determined to live a "normal" life. As quirky as Olivia is, I really liked her.She goes through some life altering changes, which (to me) built her character. Spare Change is a story of loss , love, family, devotion and redemption. Bette Lee Crosby knows how to make words flow off each page, and bring (her) characters to life. A well written story told from each persons perspective, the blend of alternating from each (person) worked very well. I got the feel of what they were thinking and feeling. I was so engrossed I could not put it down. I highly recommend to all.

[vanessacw · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An enjoyable tale set in the American South told through first and third person points of view via various voices. When Olivia Boyle's husband Charlie dies during their honeymoon, she is devastated but little does she know what life has in store for her! Charlie's grandson, Ethan Allen, witnesses the deaths of both his parents and makes his ways from the Eastern Shore of Virginia to Wyattsville, where Olivia lives, in search of his grandfather. He is very reluctant to divulge exactly what happened back home and he is a very frightened but courageous boy. However, with the help of Detective Jack Mahoney, the truth is slowly revealed.I found the story fast paced and interesting - it certainly kept me turning the pages. It is quite humorous, but at the same time there is a serious thread running through it. The way it is told reminds me a little of Fannie Flagg's books, an author of whom I am a fan. I liked the characters, some of them are quite quirky and I thought them well drawn. I cared very much what happened to Ethan Allen, he was such a resourceful and fearless young man!An easy, entertaining and heartwarming tale which I would recommend to those who enjoy slice-of-life stories containing a hint of mystery and a smattering of romance.My thanks to Bette Lee Crosby for sending me a free copy of the Ebook to download onto my Kindle. It was a pleasure to read it!

[mrsmommybooknerd7 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Emotional, and at times, witty this novel has complex characters that read believable. You become invested in their individual stories and although they all have flaws you can relate to them in some way. Real both in circumstances and dialogue this is a book that will have you up late to finish. It will make you believe that you can triumph over tragedy. I really enjoyed it and rate it 4 stars.

[annie.michelle · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Spare Change is a wonderful, uplifting & heart tugging gem of a little book.I love the southern “lingo” it makes me smile and reminds me of the time I spent in the south.Olivia is a woman who is sure children will never be in her future, she sees no need of them at allEthan Allen (I had a good laugh at this name!) is a little boy badly in need of some love andattention especially when he witnesses the death of his mother. Afraid for his life, Ethan Allen runs off to find his grandpa but he finds Olivia instead and together with a zany cast of fun characters they find and fend off the man who murdered his mother. Olivia & Ethan Realize love can conquer all & that they were meant to find & love each other.I very much enjoyed this sweet book Bette offered me for review. A wonderful 4 star read.

[jwitt33 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I absolutely devoured this book and can totally see myself re-reading it many times in the years to come because I fell in love with the characters! Bette Lee Crosby has quite a Southern voice in her writing, reminiscent of Fannie Flagg in Fried Green Tomatoes. Her characters are very honestly written, with both the good and bad aspects of human emotions being brought to life. The story is told from the POV of multiple characters, which can become confusing if not done well, and thankfully, Ms. Crosby does it VERY well! Each character has a very unique voice, so you always know who is speaking. The first half of the book sets up the two groups of characters, Olivia and Charlie Doyle and how they get together, as well as Ethan Allen Doyle, his mother and father, and their lives. This leads us to the halfway point of the book, when Olivia and Ethan Allen finally meet. Olivia is a wonderful character: 58 years old, very superstitious about the number 11, who never wanted to have children and had given up on even having a family until she met Charlie. Unfortunately, their happiness is short-lived, but their marriage completely changes her outlook on life. Enter 11-year old Ethan Allen, Charlie's grandson who he never actually met, following his own personal tragedy. Ethan Allen has witnessed a murder and is running for his life, and the only place he has to go is to Olivia (in Charlie's absence), who doesn't know what to do with him, or how to help him. Along the way, they help each other deal with their grief and heal.This is an extremely well written and edited book with very likable characters who you grow to care about and root for. Throw in a murder and the search for the killer - before he can find and silence Ethan Allen, the only witness - and you have one hell of a book! I highly recommend this for all lovers of great Southern fiction :)

[readerbynight · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a story that comes full circle. Told from the perspective and in the nuances of language of the main characters. Some crude, some refined, conversation remains true to its speaker.An accidental death and a murder leave as witness, a young boy now homeless and traumatized. The murder is not the mystery. The mystery has more to do with the actions and reactions of the characters. The characterizations remain true throughout the book with the exception being the growth and change in two strangers. One about whom this story really revolves, Olivia Westerly, a woman with many insecurities and superstitions, the second about the young boy, Ethan Allen Doyle, terrified and putting up a bold, tough image for protection. Each chapter is named for its character, his or her thoughts, point of view, their own reality. At first a bit confusing, but I quickly got used to it as the story evolved.Bette Lee Crosby has a remarkable instinct of people and their foibles. This book of fiction has a certain feel of reality. She has drawn the lines of good versus evil in an intriguing way. There are no loose threads, they are all tied together as the circle joins. A final chapter aptly named Heaven, a short heartwarming glimpse of heaven years later is tantalizing and perhaps the glue that keeps those loose threads sealed. A unique read, enough thrills, chills, sadness and happiness to keep the reader's attention.

[lauras67_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great heartwarming story. It started out a little slow, but before long I was sucked into the characters' lives. Wonderful book!I loved how the author portrayed both good and bad characters so well! Even though there was adultery and murder in the story..... there were also wonderful good characters that brought a heartwarming touch to the story!

[dd196406 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

An interesting story about a young boy and an older woman who find ech other because of horrible circumstances. They teach other how to love again and become a family. Enjoyable book with action and intrigue.

[janesteen_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Where I got the book: free copy from the author.This is absolutely, categorically not the kind of book I usually read, and I completely enjoyed it. It tells the story of the journeys of two people, middle-aged Olivia and 11-year-old Ethan Allen (yep, named after the furniture store), toward each other through loss and tragedy. Both Olivia and Ethan share an almost desperate self-reliance that hides a deep need for other people, and their adjustment to each other is aided by the goodness and kindness of a nicely-drawn cast of minor characters.There's a deep Christian underpinning to this book and its message of hope and goodness. Take a look at this quote: "Making people think they can't scrape up enough to buy a dime's worth of happiness, is the Devil's doing; that's his way of handing out heartaches. The Good Lord don't do things that way--when he sees a person's flat out of hope and feeling dead broke, He slips a bit of spare change into the bottom of their pocket; not a lot maybe, but enough for them to get by."Does all this make the book sound like some goody-two-shoes moralistic tale? It isn't. The brutality of the characters' lives is portrayed without flinching and with plenty of swearing thrown in, which made me rejoice. It wouldn't be real any other way. There's so much dark humor (loaded mostly into the first half of the book) that I frequently found myself smiling.Bette Lee Crosby, if this book is anything to go by, is at her strongest when she's setting up a scene. For me, the weakest point of the book was the part with the most action (how unusual is that?) The descriptions of the characters' backgrounds were terrific, and the author's understanding of grief is deep and poignant.I detected a number of small editing errors, but not enough to spoil my enjoyment of a good read.

[danaburgess · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

From page one I found myself squarely in Olivia's court. I loved her spunk and her resolve - even if I didn't agree with her reasoning. She is a hoot and a half - strong, determined, superstitious as all heck, loving and absolutely the kind of friend every woman should have at least one of. Before I realized what was happening, I was also drawn into Ethan's life and he had made a nest for himself in my heart right next to Olivia's - where it should be. This was a 'can't put it down' read - Bette Lee Crosby grabbed me by the heart on page one of Spare Change and dragged me through every emotion known to man before she eased up at the last page and left me with a new love. It doesn't happen often but my top 68 is now my top 69.There is a bit of an abrupt and unexpected change from Olivia's story to Ethan's on page 29 so pay attention to the chapter headings and don't get lost. I loved the way, before each chapter, we get a page of what could be the character's diary. Just a few paragraphs of their thoughts and feelings in their own words. It made the characters come alive and added to the story line in a way that makes the book a "must read".Aside from the characters and the plot, which are amazingly well constructed, Ms Crosby's writing style is a treat. It flows quickly and easily and is edged with humour. She is the type of storyteller that can transport the reader to another place and time to the exclusion of all else. I was rather abruptly returned to my living room, after what I thought was just a few minutes of reading after supper, by my husband patting my arm and asking if I was coming to bed. Where did that time go? Doesn't matter - it was time well spent.