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Blackberry County Chronicles #1
Crispens Point
Charlotte is a successful romance novelist who escapes city life and moves to the small town of Crispens Point in Blackberry County. She immediately connects with some of the quirky but friendly residents and begins to feel at home right away. When a friend invites her to attend a local community church, Charlotte is attracted to the pastor, but refuses to acknowledge that attraction because of some dark things in her past.
What is the mysterious thing in Charlotte’s past that seems to dominate everything? Is it enough to keep her from ever finding a lasting relationship?
What is the mysterious thing in Charlotte’s past that seems to dominate everything? Is it enough to keep her from ever finding a lasting relationship?
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2008
462 people are currently reading
718 people want to read
About the author
JoHannah Reardon
30 books25 followersJoHannah is a former Christianity Today editor. She has written numerous novels, a family devotional guide, and an adult devotional. She has written content for the Couples’ Devotional Bible and the Everyday Matters Bible.
JoHannah is married to Brad, who was a pastor for 27 years. He now trains pastors in third-world countries. Read more about how you can be involved with ReachGlobal:
Brad Reardon is a full-time missionary with ReachGlobal. He and his colleagues pass on three things to pastors who have little or no training:
1. How to study the Bible: They train pastors in basic Bible study skills so they can preach truth and disciple their churches.
2. How to obey the Bible: They help pastors to see that the goal of studying the Bible is obedience, as well as to exercise humble servant leadership and loving pastoral care.
3. How to teach the Bible: They equip pastors to proclaim God’s truths with power, conviction, and clarity, and to pass on the training they are receiving to other pastors they know.
Where they are currently training: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, India, and Southeast Asia. They are also setting up training in Liberia, Burundi, Zambia, Congo, Costa Rica, Philippines, Brazil, and Mexico.
Go to johannahreardon.com and contact JoHannah if you would like to help support Brad in this global mission or to ask any questions.
JoHannah is married to Brad, who was a pastor for 27 years. He now trains pastors in third-world countries. Read more about how you can be involved with ReachGlobal:
Brad Reardon is a full-time missionary with ReachGlobal. He and his colleagues pass on three things to pastors who have little or no training:
1. How to study the Bible: They train pastors in basic Bible study skills so they can preach truth and disciple their churches.
2. How to obey the Bible: They help pastors to see that the goal of studying the Bible is obedience, as well as to exercise humble servant leadership and loving pastoral care.
3. How to teach the Bible: They equip pastors to proclaim God’s truths with power, conviction, and clarity, and to pass on the training they are receiving to other pastors they know.
Where they are currently training: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, India, and Southeast Asia. They are also setting up training in Liberia, Burundi, Zambia, Congo, Costa Rica, Philippines, Brazil, and Mexico.
Go to johannahreardon.com and contact JoHannah if you would like to help support Brad in this global mission or to ask any questions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
December 15, 2013
This was a quick read. It expressed good Christian values as to dating and good living. While several issues which teenage girls may be dealing with are mentioned, none of them are treated in depth. They seem like easy solutions. Even Charlotte's own past seems to be put in as an afterthought.
This book embodies a lot of what I have against many Christian novels. The solutions seem to come too easily giving the illusion that once you belong to God everything will work out the way you want it to. That's not always the case. Yes, God works things out in your life but often you struggle with the solutions and the past. Life is not a bowl of cherries just because you're a Christian.
I feel that this novel might have been more impactful if some of Charlotte's struggles, especially those from her earlier life, had been portrayed.
All in all, I did enjoy the book because it is an easy and quick read and sometimes I just need that.
This book embodies a lot of what I have against many Christian novels. The solutions seem to come too easily giving the illusion that once you belong to God everything will work out the way you want it to. That's not always the case. Yes, God works things out in your life but often you struggle with the solutions and the past. Life is not a bowl of cherries just because you're a Christian.
I feel that this novel might have been more impactful if some of Charlotte's struggles, especially those from her earlier life, had been portrayed.
All in all, I did enjoy the book because it is an easy and quick read and sometimes I just need that.
November 29, 2014
Okay, this one surprised me. I read it because it's been sitting in my Kindle library gathering cloud dust, AND because it has one of the more boring book covers I've ever seen. You know the phrase, "You can't judge a book by its cover"? Well, that pretty much sums it up.
This was a sweet book. Perhaps not a dude-lit book, but that's okay by me.
I believe I liked every character. Charlotte was a romance novel writer who needed to get out of the city so she bought a home in a rural little town. She found the charm of it to increase as she got to know neighbors and church members. It's clear there is an attraction to one guy, but for one reason or other she gravitates toward another. There's a push pull all throughout the book, and everyone around her seeing what she can't.
Anyway, I'm glad I finally read it, and honestly, the unappealing cover will probably help me to remember it!
So, good job!
This was a sweet book. Perhaps not a dude-lit book, but that's okay by me.
I believe I liked every character. Charlotte was a romance novel writer who needed to get out of the city so she bought a home in a rural little town. She found the charm of it to increase as she got to know neighbors and church members. It's clear there is an attraction to one guy, but for one reason or other she gravitates toward another. There's a push pull all throughout the book, and everyone around her seeing what she can't.
Anyway, I'm glad I finally read it, and honestly, the unappealing cover will probably help me to remember it!
So, good job!
May 8, 2013
I received this book in exchange for a review,
I loved this book, it had a lot of Christian values and touched on a lot of controversial subjects Unwed mothers, breast cancer, bulimia in young girls nosy neighbors and other items. I thought all of them were handled in good taste.
Charlotte Fyne is a romance author, moving to a small town to renew her writing skills. She joins the Church and is attracted to the Pastor, unknown to her, the Pastor is attracted to her, each act like the other does not exist, Charlotte because she does not want to be hurt again, the pastor, because he likes his single life and others have tried to "catch him" for years. I think he was skeptical of a romance writer.
Charlotte becomes very involved with the young girls in the Church, helping them beginning with their romance questions, then on to more important issues, bulimia, and other teenage problems.
I loved this book, it had a lot of Christian values and touched on a lot of controversial subjects Unwed mothers, breast cancer, bulimia in young girls nosy neighbors and other items. I thought all of them were handled in good taste.
Charlotte Fyne is a romance author, moving to a small town to renew her writing skills. She joins the Church and is attracted to the Pastor, unknown to her, the Pastor is attracted to her, each act like the other does not exist, Charlotte because she does not want to be hurt again, the pastor, because he likes his single life and others have tried to "catch him" for years. I think he was skeptical of a romance writer.
Charlotte becomes very involved with the young girls in the Church, helping them beginning with their romance questions, then on to more important issues, bulimia, and other teenage problems.
December 9, 2013
wow! This book was so sweet. I love a good Christian romance and this was it. It's nice to see that people still hold on to purity and live according to God's standards. I like that most about this book, that it encourages young people, especially girls, to keep their purity and show their inner beauty instead of giving themselves away freely. I absolutely enjoyed this book!
February 21, 2014
This is the first Christian novel I've read and thoroughly enjoyed it. I wasn't quite sure what to expect but Ms Reardon dealt with things that surprised but in a good way. I'm anxious to read her other books.
May 2, 2019
Fun Story!
Well, this was a fun story! I loved Mrs. Bartholomew a nosey but nice sweet old lady.
I can't believe this book had been hiding in my Kindle library since 2011!
I'm so glad I found it. There are some heavy subjects that are dealt with in a very real and loving way. I really liked how Charlotte connected with the teenage and younger girls. Great life lessons.
Well, this was a fun story! I loved Mrs. Bartholomew a nosey but nice sweet old lady.
I can't believe this book had been hiding in my Kindle library since 2011!
I'm so glad I found it. There are some heavy subjects that are dealt with in a very real and loving way. I really liked how Charlotte connected with the teenage and younger girls. Great life lessons.
October 5, 2015
The author portrayed vividly Charlotte's challenges as a romance writer moving from the city to a small town. Nosy neighbors and church members loved prying into Charlotte's business, spreading misconceptions about her life and work. I loved how Charlotte gracefully made friends and responded to the needs of several youth. We saw the trials of her strained relationship with Pastor Gordon, the stress of her mother's cancer, and the frustration of dealing with troubled teenagers. I felt like I was right there with the characters. Highly recommended!
September 22, 2013
An absolutely brilliant novel that doesn't just tell a story but brings out the Christian concept of dating, love, relationships and marriage, helping young people understand God's pal an and showing the need to wait and pray for a life partner.
June 6, 2015
I enjoyed the story but thought the pastor's avoidance of the new member of his church was unreal. Even if he had personal reservations about her, it seems that a good pastor would have made a point to meet the new person--even a visitor--and make her welcome.
December 7, 2013
Excellent story! Especially for single women. I wish I'd written it.
September 7, 2015
Good quick read
This is one of those stories where you KNOW what needs to happen and you just have to wait for the characters to catch up.
This is one of those stories where you KNOW what needs to happen and you just have to wait for the characters to catch up.
December 15, 2015
Now this was a good book. I really enjoyed it. The ending was great. It didn't leave you hanging, just looking forward to the next book.
June 9, 2014
Loved this book. Very sweet story with great characters. Awesome read for women and teenage girls.
October 5, 2020
Somewhat formulaic but still has a few unique bits
A writer of inspirational romances moves from the city to a small town. She realizes right away that her elderly neighbor is a bit nosy, but befriends her rather than alienating her, and manages to rescue her in a way when she sees no sign of said neighbor for a few days.
The pastor of the church she ends up attending is a confirmed bachelor, or so he thinks. He has a family in the congregation that kind of adopts him, frequently inviting him to supper. Soon, they include a few extra folks, including the protagonist, to dinner, hoping to do a little matchmaking.
As the story progresses, they both date the wrong people and refuse to acknowledge their attraction to each other.
Of course, there's something in her past that's hidden, plus someone close to her who is ill, a friend who falls in love with a widower with a small child and gets married then has to deal with a rebellious stepchild, a bad storm, and a lot of other things that are amiss. This leaves little hope for real romance for the writer, so the question is, do they get together or go their own ways?
I enjoyed the book. It's pretty much a series of boy-meets-girl, boy and girl discover they're not compatible, amicable parting, repeat. Plus there is what I consider the almost saccharin glorification of small town life, written by someone who thinks small town life is great but who didn't grow up in a real small town...or is willingly blind to what really happens in small towns to newcomers and those who are different. From someone who grew up in one, it's not always a very nice place if you're in either category. Like any place, there are positives and negatives, but the small town I grew up in has yet to forgive me for my parents' divorce, despite the fact at age 6, I had nothing to do with it...and I'm 68, so the dislike and blame have been handed down to succeeding generations. I'd love to see a more realistic view of small towns in just one small-town-romance novel. It's not just this book that's guilty, the genre itself is guilty. I had hoped to see the mold broken.
Perhaps someone will tell the truth about small towns but at this point, I'm not holding my breath. And to me, that unrealistic view that all church goers forgive people their faults and sins is a lot of what weakens a story...because it just doesn't happen. I married in what seemed haste, but wasn't - I married my best friend and we'd known each other 3 years and been engaged over a year when we married. They were still counting months and making up wild tales when we finally had our first child 17.5 yr later. We've been married 47 years and that small town is still waiting for a divorce. And...he was an "outsider," a man from another county whom I met in uni, not a local. So, if you want to write a small town romance, authors, try being a bit more realistic than the saccharin portrayal of a place where everyone has your back and unreservedly accepts outsiders and their histories, even their mistakes. That isn't real life, and I've had enough people like me who find small towns far from perfect to know I'm not the only one.
A writer of inspirational romances moves from the city to a small town. She realizes right away that her elderly neighbor is a bit nosy, but befriends her rather than alienating her, and manages to rescue her in a way when she sees no sign of said neighbor for a few days.
The pastor of the church she ends up attending is a confirmed bachelor, or so he thinks. He has a family in the congregation that kind of adopts him, frequently inviting him to supper. Soon, they include a few extra folks, including the protagonist, to dinner, hoping to do a little matchmaking.
As the story progresses, they both date the wrong people and refuse to acknowledge their attraction to each other.
Of course, there's something in her past that's hidden, plus someone close to her who is ill, a friend who falls in love with a widower with a small child and gets married then has to deal with a rebellious stepchild, a bad storm, and a lot of other things that are amiss. This leaves little hope for real romance for the writer, so the question is, do they get together or go their own ways?
I enjoyed the book. It's pretty much a series of boy-meets-girl, boy and girl discover they're not compatible, amicable parting, repeat. Plus there is what I consider the almost saccharin glorification of small town life, written by someone who thinks small town life is great but who didn't grow up in a real small town...or is willingly blind to what really happens in small towns to newcomers and those who are different. From someone who grew up in one, it's not always a very nice place if you're in either category. Like any place, there are positives and negatives, but the small town I grew up in has yet to forgive me for my parents' divorce, despite the fact at age 6, I had nothing to do with it...and I'm 68, so the dislike and blame have been handed down to succeeding generations. I'd love to see a more realistic view of small towns in just one small-town-romance novel. It's not just this book that's guilty, the genre itself is guilty. I had hoped to see the mold broken.
Perhaps someone will tell the truth about small towns but at this point, I'm not holding my breath. And to me, that unrealistic view that all church goers forgive people their faults and sins is a lot of what weakens a story...because it just doesn't happen. I married in what seemed haste, but wasn't - I married my best friend and we'd known each other 3 years and been engaged over a year when we married. They were still counting months and making up wild tales when we finally had our first child 17.5 yr later. We've been married 47 years and that small town is still waiting for a divorce. And...he was an "outsider," a man from another county whom I met in uni, not a local. So, if you want to write a small town romance, authors, try being a bit more realistic than the saccharin portrayal of a place where everyone has your back and unreservedly accepts outsiders and their histories, even their mistakes. That isn't real life, and I've had enough people like me who find small towns far from perfect to know I'm not the only one.
October 10, 2020
Disappointing
The writer had some good ideas but it seemed she was more interested in creating problems than fixing them. There was absolutely no need for the book to go on as long as it did.
The writer was giving advice to little girls that she wouldn’t take or deduce herself.
I realise it’s easier to give advice than to take it but this went on for far too long. I only finished the book so I could post a fair review.
One thing I’d like to clarify that seems misunderstood even amongst Christian writers, is that kissing before marriage is also fornication. So if the character being spoken about is reformed, then there sure shouldn’t be any kissing after their past life. The kiss between Charlotte and Gordon should have taken place after they had been married in church and the one between her and Frank not at all, or at least should have been highlighted as a mistake.
The writer had some good ideas but it seemed she was more interested in creating problems than fixing them. There was absolutely no need for the book to go on as long as it did.
The writer was giving advice to little girls that she wouldn’t take or deduce herself.
I realise it’s easier to give advice than to take it but this went on for far too long. I only finished the book so I could post a fair review.
One thing I’d like to clarify that seems misunderstood even amongst Christian writers, is that kissing before marriage is also fornication. So if the character being spoken about is reformed, then there sure shouldn’t be any kissing after their past life. The kiss between Charlotte and Gordon should have taken place after they had been married in church and the one between her and Frank not at all, or at least should have been highlighted as a mistake.
October 23, 2023
A troubled past - A promising future
This is a wonderful story about restoration. Johanna introduces us to a talented author with a troubled past. Though she is now a devoted Christian, her past gets in the way of her happiness. Through Charlotte's story we see how beautifully God an move to restore a life and answer dreams long buried.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sweet, clean read, to anyone who wants to read a story about how far God will go to restore a person's dreams, or to anyone who enjoys a book that feels real. I give this book an enthusiastic 5 stars.
This is a wonderful story about restoration. Johanna introduces us to a talented author with a troubled past. Though she is now a devoted Christian, her past gets in the way of her happiness. Through Charlotte's story we see how beautifully God an move to restore a life and answer dreams long buried.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sweet, clean read, to anyone who wants to read a story about how far God will go to restore a person's dreams, or to anyone who enjoys a book that feels real. I give this book an enthusiastic 5 stars.
September 12, 2019
Fantastic!
I'm a woman who was blessed to be raised by both my parents. Though living the way we had to was not easy for anyone. See my parents split up but both married so I have been twice blessed. I have two moms and two dads. I was not an easy child but thankfully I have been forgiven by my parents and God. This book is amazing and it's perfect for anyone to read. It is a great reminder of God's loving embrace, His forgiveness, and His blessings. Thank you Aunt Johanna I love your writings!
I'm a woman who was blessed to be raised by both my parents. Though living the way we had to was not easy for anyone. See my parents split up but both married so I have been twice blessed. I have two moms and two dads. I was not an easy child but thankfully I have been forgiven by my parents and God. This book is amazing and it's perfect for anyone to read. It is a great reminder of God's loving embrace, His forgiveness, and His blessings. Thank you Aunt Johanna I love your writings!
July 14, 2017
Crispens Point was a solid choice for a summer read. It's light and has a charming Mitford-esque quality to it, although the writing does not rise to the level of Jan Karon (a high bar, indeed). I enjoyed the characters and the quaint, small-town setting. Charlotte's nosy neighbor lady was my favorite. It cracked me up just how much these folks assumed about Charlotte just because she wrote romance books. Reardon made Crispens Point a nice place to escape to, and I plan to go back soon.
September 26, 2018
An easy read, though it touched on several hard issues. Characters added to Charlotte's (main character) adjustment to small-town living, and their lives touched on the theme that "things are not always as they seem." A few twists that were surprising and made me want to keep reading. Refreshing to read something that keeps the Christian perspective in mind. Wish I would've started reading JoHanna's books years ago!
August 10, 2017
Really Like!
The author wrote so warmly and believably that I felt I was there experiencing the story line. Loved that the characters had such a deep love of God that they would easily share with others. A storyline that was filled with some unexpected situations. Feel good, good read.
The author wrote so warmly and believably that I felt I was there experiencing the story line. Loved that the characters had such a deep love of God that they would easily share with others. A storyline that was filled with some unexpected situations. Feel good, good read.
June 30, 2018
This felt like your typical Christian romance to me. It was entertaining and I enjoyed the characters and love story. I didn't love the way the author switched between viewpoints, it often felt awkward and not as well done. There was also a lot of summarizing what had happened or what was happening throughout the story. Overall, it was a fun light hearted read.
June 2, 2019
Nicely written Christian romance
I prefer books with realistic characters and flawed people. This fit the bill. I loved the story and the main characters. At first I thought it ended suddenly, but then I realized that it was how it should end. I’m gonna give the next in the series a try.
I prefer books with realistic characters and flawed people. This fit the bill. I loved the story and the main characters. At first I thought it ended suddenly, but then I realized that it was how it should end. I’m gonna give the next in the series a try.
March 2, 2020
Quick read and heartwarming story
This novel was predictable, but sweet. I read through it quickly, but enjoyed the purity and biblical truths sprinkled throughout the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a lovely story about a woman finding her way by facing her fears, and growing from her past.
This novel was predictable, but sweet. I read through it quickly, but enjoyed the purity and biblical truths sprinkled throughout the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a lovely story about a woman finding her way by facing her fears, and growing from her past.
March 31, 2020
Sweet Endings
When Charlotte moved to Crispens Point to write, no one could have guessed how her life would change. Her troubled past wasn't revealed until the last few chapters. God used her wild teenager years to prepare her for high school girl Bible study. Falling in love with Pastor Gordon seemed futile until he confessed his love for her.
When Charlotte moved to Crispens Point to write, no one could have guessed how her life would change. Her troubled past wasn't revealed until the last few chapters. God used her wild teenager years to prepare her for high school girl Bible study. Falling in love with Pastor Gordon seemed futile until he confessed his love for her.
November 9, 2017
Nice, light read
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the characters, and liked their Christian lifestyles without all the cliché repetitive Bible verses that some authors use. I found it hard to put it down!
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the characters, and liked their Christian lifestyles without all the cliché repetitive Bible verses that some authors use. I found it hard to put it down!
April 11, 2018
This is the first book I have read by JoHannah Reardon. I really enjoyed the story. The characters were likable and experienced growth during the book. It is a sweet Christian novel. I will look for more books by this author.
Content: teen pregnancy, premarital relationships
Content: teen pregnancy, premarital relationships
April 19, 2018
Great story!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story was fun to read and I loved the characters. What a great story of what peace and forgiveness can do when we surrender our lives to God's plan.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story was fun to read and I loved the characters. What a great story of what peace and forgiveness can do when we surrender our lives to God's plan.
July 7, 2019
This was a “right book, right time” for me. I needed to read this book right now in my life. It spoke to me and renewed some promises I’d made. Thank you dear author for following the leading of the Lord when writing.
September 8, 2022
This was a good read!
Johanna writes with content in her subject and in her people. It's just not following a couple, but it follows the life of the person who is looking for A Christian relation relationship with another. I look forward to her next book.
Johanna writes with content in her subject and in her people. It's just not following a couple, but it follows the life of the person who is looking for A Christian relation relationship with another. I look forward to her next book.
July 26, 2017
Cute story
This was a cute story. I wish it had more dialog between characters. I felt it was more narrative. But overall, I enjoyed it.
This was a cute story. I wish it had more dialog between characters. I felt it was more narrative. But overall, I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews