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John Riley's Girl
Fall in love with this fan-favorite novel of family and dogs from RITA® Award—winning author Inglath Cooper.
When successful news anchor Olivia Ashford first receives the invitation to her high school reunion, she dismisses it. After all, she left Summerville—and John Riley—a long time ago. But her perfect life now seems incomplete, and she begins to wonder if she’s ever really moved on.
In order to lay some ghosts to rest, Olivia goes home. She rediscovers friendships, visits old hangouts and comes face-to-face with John, who’s now a single father. With the help of John’s young daughter and pet golden retriever, can they put the past behind them and move forward together?
Originally published in 2004.
When successful news anchor Olivia Ashford first receives the invitation to her high school reunion, she dismisses it. After all, she left Summerville—and John Riley—a long time ago. But her perfect life now seems incomplete, and she begins to wonder if she’s ever really moved on.
In order to lay some ghosts to rest, Olivia goes home. She rediscovers friendships, visits old hangouts and comes face-to-face with John, who’s now a single father. With the help of John’s young daughter and pet golden retriever, can they put the past behind them and move forward together?
Originally published in 2004.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published April 1, 2004
56 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Inglath Cooper
63 books937 followersVirginia author Inglath Cooper fell in love with reading as a little girl, devouring most of the books in her elementary school library. At some point, she decided she wanted to pursue a writing career, creating romance fiction that did for others what her favorite books have done for her. “I love character-driven books that leave me feeling as if I’ve really known these people and make me wish I didn’t have to turn the last page.”
“Romance fiction has always appealed to me because it deals with so many of the relationships in a woman’s life. Not only the love of her life, but often her relationship with her mother, sister or best friend. Romance authors have so much room to explore many of the meaningful moments and transitions in women’s lives. And who doesn’t love a good love story?”
Inglath most often writes stories about love and life that are set in small Virginia towns like the one where she grew up. “I like to think the flavor of my hometown shows up in my books both in their setting and through the characters who people it.”
When aspiring writers ask her how to be an author, she says, “Everything I know about writing books I learned from reading books.”
Inglath has been chosen as a RITA® Award winner for best long contemporary romance novel given out each year by Romance Writers of America. Her books are available through Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, itunes.com, and Kobobooks.com.
Outside of writing, Inglath is actively involved in dog rescue, working with The Franklin County Humane Society to place dogs and cats in need of rehoming. She volunteers her time in every capacity possible: serving on the Board of Directors, fundraising, photographing dogs and cats available for adoption and serving as a foster home. “Helping an abused or neglected dog go on to have a wonderful life with a family who loves them is more rewarding than I can possibly say.”
“Romance fiction has always appealed to me because it deals with so many of the relationships in a woman’s life. Not only the love of her life, but often her relationship with her mother, sister or best friend. Romance authors have so much room to explore many of the meaningful moments and transitions in women’s lives. And who doesn’t love a good love story?”
Inglath most often writes stories about love and life that are set in small Virginia towns like the one where she grew up. “I like to think the flavor of my hometown shows up in my books both in their setting and through the characters who people it.”
When aspiring writers ask her how to be an author, she says, “Everything I know about writing books I learned from reading books.”
Inglath has been chosen as a RITA® Award winner for best long contemporary romance novel given out each year by Romance Writers of America. Her books are available through Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, itunes.com, and Kobobooks.com.
Outside of writing, Inglath is actively involved in dog rescue, working with The Franklin County Humane Society to place dogs and cats in need of rehoming. She volunteers her time in every capacity possible: serving on the Board of Directors, fundraising, photographing dogs and cats available for adoption and serving as a foster home. “Helping an abused or neglected dog go on to have a wonderful life with a family who loves them is more rewarding than I can possibly say.”
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 28, 2020
Well delivered story
What a well thought-out story of second chances. Ms Cooper deftly balanced present-day adult emotions and experiences with teenage emotions and thoughts weaving together the two time frames clearly and intelligently throughout the story. Although full of intense emotions, they did not overwhelm the characters John and Olivia. This kept my respect and thus my attention to the end. Fully enjoyed the reading experience.
What a well thought-out story of second chances. Ms Cooper deftly balanced present-day adult emotions and experiences with teenage emotions and thoughts weaving together the two time frames clearly and intelligently throughout the story. Although full of intense emotions, they did not overwhelm the characters John and Olivia. This kept my respect and thus my attention to the end. Fully enjoyed the reading experience.
November 10, 2025
so good!!
An excellent story of lost & found loves. Well-paced & sweetly written. Strong characters all! Loved the retrospective musings from each. Olivia & Lori’s are the perfect example of “and, so” friends: time gone by is nothing when good friends see each other and can say ”and, so, what’s happening today?”. Cleeve is a hoot & his life-long friendship with John is one we all can envy! Loved this!
An excellent story of lost & found loves. Well-paced & sweetly written. Strong characters all! Loved the retrospective musings from each. Olivia & Lori’s are the perfect example of “and, so” friends: time gone by is nothing when good friends see each other and can say ”and, so, what’s happening today?”. Cleeve is a hoot & his life-long friendship with John is one we all can envy! Loved this!
March 7, 2012
Olivia Ashford had always been John Riley’s girl. The perfect pair, destined to be together and raise a family; everyone knew it. But Olivia left and never looked back. John moved on, got married and started a family with someone else. Fifteen years later, Olivia shows up in his front yard for their class reunion. She wants to let go of the past, John doesn’t want her there. Olivia needs to come to terms with her past to heal old wounds. John can’t see that because he doesn’t know the truth and is angry. Can either one learn that “If we’re to have love in this life, we’ve got to be willing to face the pain of losing it.” (Inglath Cooper)
January 3, 2014
I thought that this was probably one of the best books I've read in a long time. The depth of emotions had me right there with them. Olivia's well kept secret had her dealing with childhood drama which led her to leaving town unannounced. Her high school boyfriend included. Then when she turns up 15 years later for their high school reunion, old feelings did not show up. At first. However, there were a lot of emotions until the secret came out.
The storytelling was wonderful. The descriptive words of emotions had you feeling the exact same.
Thoroughly enjoyed it! Looking forward to another read by this author.
The storytelling was wonderful. The descriptive words of emotions had you feeling the exact same.
Thoroughly enjoyed it! Looking forward to another read by this author.
March 4, 2014
LOVED this book!!!!
This is the first book after reading it, that
I felt the need to immediately share my thoughts on this book with others. It touches all aspects of your emotions. It will make you laugh, cry, get mad, etc.... The characters will draw you in and are very easy to relate too!! Like I said if your a romantic at heart and feel love conquers all you'll LOVE this one!!
This is the first book after reading it, that
I felt the need to immediately share my thoughts on this book with others. It touches all aspects of your emotions. It will make you laugh, cry, get mad, etc.... The characters will draw you in and are very easy to relate too!! Like I said if your a romantic at heart and feel love conquers all you'll LOVE this one!!
May 19, 2015
I'm a big fan of Inglath Cooper's writing. This was not my favorite title of hers, but I enjoyed it. I suspect Harlequin made her jump through a lot of writing hoops. Any writer shines more when he/she is given free reign. 3.5 stars
November 19, 2014
This was an awesome book.? I literally couldn't put it down.
November 12, 2016
for me it had too much going on, so many little side items unfinished. some of the writing was just unneccesary. I guess this is not the style writing I prefer to read but was wriiten well
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews