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Meadow Falls
An emotional novel about a small-town Texas family, forgiveness, and coming to terms with the past by New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown.
Angela Marie has spent all of her thirty-five years on Meadow Falls, the farm that’s been in her Texas family for generations. It wasn’t her plan. It was an obligation. Now that her parents—less loving kin than strangers—have passed, the whole shebang belongs to Angela. And a legacy she never wanted is hers to uphold.
She can’t forsake it now. Her beloved nanny, Mandy, who was always more of a mother, needs a caregiver herself. And Mandy’s great-granddaughter, as close to Angela as a sister, has returned to roost. When a handsome veteran arrives seeking work as a farmhand, Angela thinks the future might not be half-bad after all.
But it’s the past that proves enlightening. Mandy is revealing secrets Angela never knew about her parents. As the clouds on her family history begin to part, the inheritance feels more like a precious gift, and Meadow Falls more like the home Angela’s been looking for her whole life.
Angela Marie has spent all of her thirty-five years on Meadow Falls, the farm that’s been in her Texas family for generations. It wasn’t her plan. It was an obligation. Now that her parents—less loving kin than strangers—have passed, the whole shebang belongs to Angela. And a legacy she never wanted is hers to uphold.
She can’t forsake it now. Her beloved nanny, Mandy, who was always more of a mother, needs a caregiver herself. And Mandy’s great-granddaughter, as close to Angela as a sister, has returned to roost. When a handsome veteran arrives seeking work as a farmhand, Angela thinks the future might not be half-bad after all.
But it’s the past that proves enlightening. Mandy is revealing secrets Angela never knew about her parents. As the clouds on her family history begin to part, the inheritance feels more like a precious gift, and Meadow Falls more like the home Angela’s been looking for her whole life.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2024
4618 people are currently reading
5356 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
183 books4,138 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews
January 15, 2024
EXCERPT: I agreed with a nod and took one more look at the two pictures before I tucked them back into my pocket. If my father had been protecting Mandy, he would have burned those pictures. I figured there was more to that story than met the eye. I would have given away the title to the farm - all of Meadow Falls - to know why my father would hide the pictures or even keep them. Had my mother known about them? Was that why they'd had separate rooms? I slipped the pictures out of my pocket and studied them harder. Was (X) my father's daughter? Could she be my half-sister?
ABOUT 'MEADOW FALLS': Angela Marie has spent all of her thirty-five years on Meadow Falls, the farm that’s been in her Texas family for generations. It wasn’t her plan. It was an obligation. Now that her parents—less loving kin than strangers—have passed, the whole shebang belongs to Angela. And a legacy she never wanted is hers to uphold.
She can’t forsake it now. Her beloved nanny, Mandy, who was always more of a mother, needs a caregiver herself. And Mandy’s great-granddaughter, as close to Angela as a sister, has returned to roost. When a handsome veteran arrives seeking work as a farmhand, Angela thinks the future might not be half-bad after all.
But it’s the past that proves enlightening. Mandy is revealing secrets Angela never knew about her parents. As the clouds on her family history begin to part, the inheritance feels more like a precious gift, and Meadow Falls more like the home Angela’s been looking for her whole life.
MY THOUGHTS: If you like books about fractured family relationships, family secrets, forgiving and new beginnings then you're going to love Meadow Falls by Carolyn Brown.
I loved the characters. Angela's nanny Mandy and her best friend Polly, both nonagenarians, are an absolute hoot. They manipulate Angela and Celeste shamelessly. Carolyn Brown writes great characters and has the small-town vibe nailed. There's the town gossip grapevine, and relationships that stretch back generations. I love how everyone rallies around to help out those whose luck has turned for the worse.
You might know that you are getting a HEA when you pick up a Carolyn Brown book, but the journey to the ending is a wonderful one. She manages to make each book she writes a different journey peppered with pitfalls and pleasures. Her books are full of hope and love and Meadow Falls is no exception. Angela may not have felt loved or wanted by her parents, but she has always had Mandy in her life. Now that Mandy is in her sunset years and falling prey to the early stages of dementia, Angela is determined to make Mandy's last years pleasurable ones.
Brown's characters are easy to relate to and the situations they face realistic. Both the plot and the dialogue flow smoothly. A lovely satisfying read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#MeadowFalls #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Carolyn Brown was born in Texas and raised in southern Oklahoma. These days she and her husband make their home in Davis, Oklahoma, a small town of less than three thousand people where everyone knows everyone, knows what they are doing and with whom, and read the weekly newspaper to see who got caught.
A plaque hangs on her office wall that says I know the voices are not real but they have such great ideas. That is her motto and muse as she goes through the days with quirky characters in her head, telling their stories, one by one, and loving her job.
She has been married almost half a century to a retired English teacher that she calls Mr. B and he does not read her books before they are published because she cannot afford a divorce. They have three grown children—and enough grandchildren to keep them busy and young.
When Carolyn is not writing she likes to sit in the back yard and watch the two tom cats protect the yard from all kinds of wicked varmints like crickets, other cats, spiders and blue jays.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Montlake via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Meadow Falls by Carolyn Brown for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'MEADOW FALLS': Angela Marie has spent all of her thirty-five years on Meadow Falls, the farm that’s been in her Texas family for generations. It wasn’t her plan. It was an obligation. Now that her parents—less loving kin than strangers—have passed, the whole shebang belongs to Angela. And a legacy she never wanted is hers to uphold.
She can’t forsake it now. Her beloved nanny, Mandy, who was always more of a mother, needs a caregiver herself. And Mandy’s great-granddaughter, as close to Angela as a sister, has returned to roost. When a handsome veteran arrives seeking work as a farmhand, Angela thinks the future might not be half-bad after all.
But it’s the past that proves enlightening. Mandy is revealing secrets Angela never knew about her parents. As the clouds on her family history begin to part, the inheritance feels more like a precious gift, and Meadow Falls more like the home Angela’s been looking for her whole life.
MY THOUGHTS: If you like books about fractured family relationships, family secrets, forgiving and new beginnings then you're going to love Meadow Falls by Carolyn Brown.
I loved the characters. Angela's nanny Mandy and her best friend Polly, both nonagenarians, are an absolute hoot. They manipulate Angela and Celeste shamelessly. Carolyn Brown writes great characters and has the small-town vibe nailed. There's the town gossip grapevine, and relationships that stretch back generations. I love how everyone rallies around to help out those whose luck has turned for the worse.
You might know that you are getting a HEA when you pick up a Carolyn Brown book, but the journey to the ending is a wonderful one. She manages to make each book she writes a different journey peppered with pitfalls and pleasures. Her books are full of hope and love and Meadow Falls is no exception. Angela may not have felt loved or wanted by her parents, but she has always had Mandy in her life. Now that Mandy is in her sunset years and falling prey to the early stages of dementia, Angela is determined to make Mandy's last years pleasurable ones.
Brown's characters are easy to relate to and the situations they face realistic. Both the plot and the dialogue flow smoothly. A lovely satisfying read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#MeadowFalls #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Carolyn Brown was born in Texas and raised in southern Oklahoma. These days she and her husband make their home in Davis, Oklahoma, a small town of less than three thousand people where everyone knows everyone, knows what they are doing and with whom, and read the weekly newspaper to see who got caught.
A plaque hangs on her office wall that says I know the voices are not real but they have such great ideas. That is her motto and muse as she goes through the days with quirky characters in her head, telling their stories, one by one, and loving her job.
She has been married almost half a century to a retired English teacher that she calls Mr. B and he does not read her books before they are published because she cannot afford a divorce. They have three grown children—and enough grandchildren to keep them busy and young.
When Carolyn is not writing she likes to sit in the back yard and watch the two tom cats protect the yard from all kinds of wicked varmints like crickets, other cats, spiders and blue jays.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Montlake via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Meadow Falls by Carolyn Brown for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
February 14, 2024
MEADOW FALLS is a slow burn contemporary story that I was pulled in to from the very first page. To be honest, I fell in love with the cover the minute I saw it. I knew I would read it anyway, because I love Carolyn Brown, but the cover really pulled me in. I loved everything about this beautiful story and I’m excited to recommend it to my reading friends. Carolyn Brown always has a way of grabbing her readers and she never lets us go. MEADOW FALLS is the story of Angela Marie and how she has spent her whole life on her family peanut farm while never really being shown any love from her parents. There are many secrets that will be uncovered while reading this beautiful story and I loved every minute of it.
MEADOW FALLS really takes a turn that will have you unable to put this beautiful story down. Neither Angela or Celeste are looking for a relationship, but they can’t seem to ignore their growing feelings for the new men on the peanut farm. Angela is quite taken with Devon, her new hired hand. So here we have these two crossing paths and each time, there is a pull to see more of each other. This causes all sorts of rumors and gossip. Celeste is already dealing with the fallout of her impending divorce, but when Jesse arrives, she is smitten. Angela is now in charge of the farm as her father has passed away and she wants to change everything on it and about it. She feels the farm is cursed and it needs to change and it starts with her!
MEADOW FALLS is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Carolyn Brown was taking us and what would happen to Angela and Celeste. There is so much heart in Carolyn’s writing that I’m always left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. I could totally see MEADOW FALLS becoming a movie and I would love to see it. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. I would love to hang out with Mandy and Polly. I’m sure they could teach me a thing or two and I know they would keep my laughing all day long! I love how Carolyn does that to me each and every time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
MEADOW FALLS really takes a turn that will have you unable to put this beautiful story down. Neither Angela or Celeste are looking for a relationship, but they can’t seem to ignore their growing feelings for the new men on the peanut farm. Angela is quite taken with Devon, her new hired hand. So here we have these two crossing paths and each time, there is a pull to see more of each other. This causes all sorts of rumors and gossip. Celeste is already dealing with the fallout of her impending divorce, but when Jesse arrives, she is smitten. Angela is now in charge of the farm as her father has passed away and she wants to change everything on it and about it. She feels the farm is cursed and it needs to change and it starts with her!
MEADOW FALLS is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Carolyn Brown was taking us and what would happen to Angela and Celeste. There is so much heart in Carolyn’s writing that I’m always left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. I could totally see MEADOW FALLS becoming a movie and I would love to see it. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. I would love to hang out with Mandy and Polly. I’m sure they could teach me a thing or two and I know they would keep my laughing all day long! I love how Carolyn does that to me each and every time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
February 29, 2024
REVIEW TO COME!!!!!!
December 31, 2024
Another story dear to my heart now!!
January 10, 2024
Known for her signature wit, charming southern sayings and folksy stories of families doing what families do best (love and fight), Carolyn Brown has surpassed all of my expectations with “Meadow Falls.” The story of Angela Marie and her inheritance of a peanut farm that has kept her chained to it all of her life is a heart-tugging look at what happens when a family tries to keep secrets. The pace of the book is fast and the characters are lovable and relatable. I especially enjoyed getting to know Mandy, the elderly woman who raised Angela Marie and imparted all kinds of life’s wisdom along the way. My favorites had to do with forgiving and living life to its fullest. Since forgiveness and grasping onto the good things in life while leaving the bad behind are themes in the book, it totally resonated with me and is a perfect book to get you out of your doldrums and into a positive mindset of being able to do whatever you need to do to succeed. The message is one of hope and love and the plot is one that is a compelling story of changes in life, finding truth and moving into newness with expectation. I loved this book and all of its characters, but mostly I loved spending time getting to know all about Meadow Falls and the challenges of being the daughter of a demanding peanut farmer who left a legacy for his child.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
December 19, 2023
Angela Marie is 35 and is left reeling at the unexpected death of her father. He was aloof with her and she is left to reflect on her life, strict upbringing, and farm that has been in her family for three generations. She loves the farm but it is all she was ever allowed to know. Mandy, the housekeeper who raised her, is beginning to show signs of dementia. When Mandy’s great granddaughter Celeste arrives Angela is thrilled to have her life-long best friend back.
While cleaning out her father’s room she is led to more questions about his early life. Some of which Mandy is now willing to share. This is a book about dealing with broken parent child relationships, family secrets and opening up to new romances. It is a quick read, with likable characters and I wasn’t surprised by the big reveal.
Brown is a very successful author and I think her fans will enjoy this book. She writes good general fiction, if there is intimacy it is closed door and often there is a wise grandmotherly figure. I didn’t connect emotionally to the story and found myself plowing through just to see how it ends. Thank you to Montlake for the ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving a voluntary review.
While cleaning out her father’s room she is led to more questions about his early life. Some of which Mandy is now willing to share. This is a book about dealing with broken parent child relationships, family secrets and opening up to new romances. It is a quick read, with likable characters and I wasn’t surprised by the big reveal.
Brown is a very successful author and I think her fans will enjoy this book. She writes good general fiction, if there is intimacy it is closed door and often there is a wise grandmotherly figure. I didn’t connect emotionally to the story and found myself plowing through just to see how it ends. Thank you to Montlake for the ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving a voluntary review.
September 23, 2023
My Thoughts
Angela Marie Duncan grew up with her best friend Celeste Murphy, and Mandy’s great-granddaughter, in a house that was never a home in the broadest sense of the word.
Meadow Falls peanut farm is all Angela Marie has ever known, no college, no travel and no close family relationships as she is an only child whose parents were not ever affectionate towards her.
Having been raised by her father as his sole heir he started training her very young under the tutelage of his farm’s foreman.
Growing up Angela Marie longed for her parents to show her attention and love, she got very little of one and felt none of the other.
Now in her middle thirties she is the driving force taking care of everything from the ground up on their farm.
Having her father Harrison unexpectedly pass away leaving everything to her makes Angela Marie feel even more trapped by a life she did not choose to live.
As the story progresses her former caretaker, now 97-years-old, Mandy reveals family history that Angela Marie had never been privy to which helps her better understand both her Parents personalities.
Now with Celeste home to stay, her friend Devon Parker settling in as Angela’s new mechanic and his cousin Jesse starting long overdue renovations inside Meadow Falls, a house that has been kept the same for several generation and has always felt like a museum, Angela finally feels like the house is becoming a home.
One where she wants to stay and raise a family.
Mandy’s best friend Polly adds to the mix as do several other characters that are recent hires by Angela Marie, housekeeper Glenda and her carpenter husband Bennie.
A story about changing ones personal perspective, family, forgiveness, love, loss, joy, sorrow and starting over as well as secrets that weren’t a surprise to me when they were revealed.
[EArc from Netgalley]
November 5, 2023
For most of her life Angela Marie has helped her father on their farm.
When her father dies she is left to look after the farm and needs help.
A story about a dysfunctional family and long hidden secrets, with some interesting characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
When her father dies she is left to look after the farm and needs help.
A story about a dysfunctional family and long hidden secrets, with some interesting characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2024
This was an easy read about a woman who inherits her father’s peanut farm. Sounds interesting? It’s not. This story is both predictable and meaningless. Sure, you had a tough time growing up, but now you get everything you want? This story just falls flat and it’s provoking to read about someone who has absolutely no problems in her adult life. If only life was this simple.
July 16, 2024
Ah, if life were only that simple!
March 28, 2024
Cute read
I'll preface this with romance novels are not my usual thing. I found this to be a nice book with a good ending. The characters are loveable and relateable.
I'll preface this with romance novels are not my usual thing. I found this to be a nice book with a good ending. The characters are loveable and relateable.
April 25, 2024
After the death of her last living relative, a woman in her mid-thirties realizes for the first time that she is free of her father’s stifling expectations and is free to be herself. What will she do with her life now?
Carolyn Brown is among my favorite authors and pretty much one that I barely glance at the blurb before reading. Much of the time, the reader gets light, heartwarming country charm full of multi-generational family and small town romance. But, every once in a while mingled among these is a book with all that, but a whole other thin layer of the bittersweet.
In the case of Meadow Falls, the bittersweet is the result of Angela Marie reaching the age of thirty-five, living at home and working the wealthy peanut farm that has been in the family for generations, but never once feeling love, acceptance, or approval from either of her recently deceased parents. Her mother died of cancer and her father most recently passed and theirs had been a cold marriage of convenience with Angela Marie experiencing that plus her own disconnect from both. Thank goodness Mandy the long-time nanny raised her on love and common sense.
This heavy feeling of sadness for what was and could have been permeates not just Angela Marie’s life, but also her best friend like a sister, her nanny’s great-granddaughter Celeste, another woman left unaccepted by either parent and reared by Mandy.
This could have felt dreary and depressing, but Angela Marie has old Mandy and soon Celeste is back home. Soon followed by Celeste’s army buddy, Devon, to work the farm as equipment manager with his bright outlook and friendly attractiveness that Angela Marie is determined to resist at first. Angela Marie discovers the healing and joy of found family and new chances.
But, what Angela Marie and Celeste find mostly are answers and eventual healing. Mandy is persuaded to finally give both women the answers to why they were emotionally abandoned as well as physically abandoned in Celeste’s case.
Mandy’s stories go back to the beginnings of the farm. The family saga for both women is spread out over the whole book so there is a past timeline in story form from Mandy as well as the current situation of Angela Marie determined to move on and break the mold that has kept her family rigidly on a self-destructive course.
Meadow Falls moves from sadness to hope and, finally, to triumphant happiness and I was carried along with it. Carolyn Brown outdoes herself and plunges into the emotional depths of life. A sure-thing read for women’s fiction fans who like a smidge of small town romance in the background.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About on Mar 28, 2024.
Carolyn Brown is among my favorite authors and pretty much one that I barely glance at the blurb before reading. Much of the time, the reader gets light, heartwarming country charm full of multi-generational family and small town romance. But, every once in a while mingled among these is a book with all that, but a whole other thin layer of the bittersweet.
In the case of Meadow Falls, the bittersweet is the result of Angela Marie reaching the age of thirty-five, living at home and working the wealthy peanut farm that has been in the family for generations, but never once feeling love, acceptance, or approval from either of her recently deceased parents. Her mother died of cancer and her father most recently passed and theirs had been a cold marriage of convenience with Angela Marie experiencing that plus her own disconnect from both. Thank goodness Mandy the long-time nanny raised her on love and common sense.
This heavy feeling of sadness for what was and could have been permeates not just Angela Marie’s life, but also her best friend like a sister, her nanny’s great-granddaughter Celeste, another woman left unaccepted by either parent and reared by Mandy.
This could have felt dreary and depressing, but Angela Marie has old Mandy and soon Celeste is back home. Soon followed by Celeste’s army buddy, Devon, to work the farm as equipment manager with his bright outlook and friendly attractiveness that Angela Marie is determined to resist at first. Angela Marie discovers the healing and joy of found family and new chances.
But, what Angela Marie and Celeste find mostly are answers and eventual healing. Mandy is persuaded to finally give both women the answers to why they were emotionally abandoned as well as physically abandoned in Celeste’s case.
Mandy’s stories go back to the beginnings of the farm. The family saga for both women is spread out over the whole book so there is a past timeline in story form from Mandy as well as the current situation of Angela Marie determined to move on and break the mold that has kept her family rigidly on a self-destructive course.
Meadow Falls moves from sadness to hope and, finally, to triumphant happiness and I was carried along with it. Carolyn Brown outdoes herself and plunges into the emotional depths of life. A sure-thing read for women’s fiction fans who like a smidge of small town romance in the background.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About on Mar 28, 2024.
February 8, 2025
This was one of my favorite books last year so when I had the chance to revisit it on audio, I was excited to do so. I already enjoy Brittany Pressley's narration work and she did a fab job, no surprise. My feelings about this story didn't change so I'll just copy over my original review for the ebook copy.
After the death of her last living relative, a woman in her mid-thirties realizes for the first time that she is free of her father’s stifling expectations and is free to be herself. What will she do with her life now?
Carolyn Brown is among my favorite authors and pretty much one that I barely glance at the blurb before reading. Much of the time, the reader gets light, heartwarming country charm full of multi-generational family and small town romance. But, every once in a while mingled among these is a book with all that, but a whole other thin layer of the bittersweet.
In the case of Meadow Falls, the bittersweet is the result of Angela Marie reaching the age of thirty-five, living at home and working the wealthy peanut farm that has been in the family for generations, but never once feeling love, acceptance, or approval from either of her recently deceased parents. Her mother died of cancer and her father most recently passed and theirs had been a cold marriage of convenience with Angela Marie experiencing that plus her own disconnect from both. Thank goodness Mandy the long-time nanny raised her on love and common sense.
This heavy feeling of sadness for what was and could have been permeates not just Angela Marie’s life, but also her best friend like a sister, her nanny’s great-granddaughter Celeste, another woman left unaccepted by either parent and reared by Mandy.
This could have felt dreary and depressing, but Angela Marie has old Mandy and soon Celeste is back home. Soon followed by Celeste’s army buddy, Devon, to work the farm as equipment manager with his bright outlook and friendly attractiveness that Angela Marie is determined to resist at first. Angela Marie discovers the healing and joy of found family and new chances.
But, what Angela Marie and Celeste find mostly are answers and eventual healing. Mandy is persuaded to finally give both women the answers to why they were emotionally abandoned as well as physically abandoned in Celeste’s case.
Mandy’s stories go back to the beginnings of the farm. The family saga for both women is spread out over the whole book so there is a past timeline in story form from Mandy as well as the current situation of Angela Marie determined to move on and break the mold that has kept her family rigidly on a self-destructive course.
Meadow Falls moves from sadness to hope and, finally, to triumphant happiness and I was carried along with it. Carolyn Brown outdoes herself and plunges into the emotional depths of life. A sure-thing read for women’s fiction fans who like a smidge of small town romance in the background.
After the death of her last living relative, a woman in her mid-thirties realizes for the first time that she is free of her father’s stifling expectations and is free to be herself. What will she do with her life now?
Carolyn Brown is among my favorite authors and pretty much one that I barely glance at the blurb before reading. Much of the time, the reader gets light, heartwarming country charm full of multi-generational family and small town romance. But, every once in a while mingled among these is a book with all that, but a whole other thin layer of the bittersweet.
In the case of Meadow Falls, the bittersweet is the result of Angela Marie reaching the age of thirty-five, living at home and working the wealthy peanut farm that has been in the family for generations, but never once feeling love, acceptance, or approval from either of her recently deceased parents. Her mother died of cancer and her father most recently passed and theirs had been a cold marriage of convenience with Angela Marie experiencing that plus her own disconnect from both. Thank goodness Mandy the long-time nanny raised her on love and common sense.
This heavy feeling of sadness for what was and could have been permeates not just Angela Marie’s life, but also her best friend like a sister, her nanny’s great-granddaughter Celeste, another woman left unaccepted by either parent and reared by Mandy.
This could have felt dreary and depressing, but Angela Marie has old Mandy and soon Celeste is back home. Soon followed by Celeste’s army buddy, Devon, to work the farm as equipment manager with his bright outlook and friendly attractiveness that Angela Marie is determined to resist at first. Angela Marie discovers the healing and joy of found family and new chances.
But, what Angela Marie and Celeste find mostly are answers and eventual healing. Mandy is persuaded to finally give both women the answers to why they were emotionally abandoned as well as physically abandoned in Celeste’s case.
Mandy’s stories go back to the beginnings of the farm. The family saga for both women is spread out over the whole book so there is a past timeline in story form from Mandy as well as the current situation of Angela Marie determined to move on and break the mold that has kept her family rigidly on a self-destructive course.
Meadow Falls moves from sadness to hope and, finally, to triumphant happiness and I was carried along with it. Carolyn Brown outdoes herself and plunges into the emotional depths of life. A sure-thing read for women’s fiction fans who like a smidge of small town romance in the background.
August 2, 2024
Wonderful love story!
January 11, 2024
Meadow Falls is a drama. Written in Angela Marie's perspective, you'll follow her on a journey of forgiving and moving on from her past to finding her joy and her place in the present.
Unanswered questions plague her thoughts and her hope of finding some of those answers is through Mandy, a hired hand who helped raise her as a child and is now suffering from Dementia.
This story will shine light on how "family" is not always linked by blood but by love. Forgiveness is key to finding joy and contentment in the present. Sadness is a definite in certain circumstances but silver linings are there if you look for them.
Thank you Montlake and NetGalley for this ARC of Meadow Falls. This is my personal review and I was not compensated for it.
Unanswered questions plague her thoughts and her hope of finding some of those answers is through Mandy, a hired hand who helped raise her as a child and is now suffering from Dementia.
This story will shine light on how "family" is not always linked by blood but by love. Forgiveness is key to finding joy and contentment in the present. Sadness is a definite in certain circumstances but silver linings are there if you look for them.
Thank you Montlake and NetGalley for this ARC of Meadow Falls. This is my personal review and I was not compensated for it.
August 21, 2023
Meadow Falls is a beautiful story about learning to forgive so one’s life can be filled with light instead of darkness. It takes several generations of the Duncan family before that message takes root and grows. Carolyn Brown’s portrait of Mandy, the hired help nanny/surrogate mother to her granddaughter Celeste as well as the heir to a peanut farm should remind readers of an older relative whose stories should be remembered. There are family secrets to be revealed as Angela Marie Duncan and Celeste both adjust to their new life circumstances. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.
June 19, 2024
A story set in Texas on a peanut farm. Angela Marie has just buried her father when her life begins to change all for the good. She realizes that she can do what she wants and starts to make some changes and along the way learns somethings about her parents life and their choices and how it affected her. The book was an easy read.
June 3, 2024
A cute story about life and love. Easily predicable with a slight twist that’s not really twisty, because you know it’s coming. Kind of like a hallmark movie, but we love it anyway!
October 31, 2024
Meh.... predictable. I wanted to love it from the other reviews.
May 29, 2025
3.5★
Review to follow.
Review to follow.
November 28, 2025
Review of Meadow Falls by Carolyn Brown
Meadow Falls is about Angela Marie, a woman who inherits her family’s Texas peanut farm after the death of her distant parents, a legacy she never asked for and must navigate grief, family secrets, and newfound responsibilities while deciding whether Meadow Falls can truly become home instead of burden.
What I loved most is how real and tender the emotional core feels. Angela Marie has spent her life working the farm, living under her parents’ cold shadow, with only her nanny Mandy for warmth. When Mandy, now elderly and needing care and her great-granddaughter Celeste (who returns home after difficult times) come back into her life, Angela begins to question everything she thought she knew about family, loyalty, and love. The arrival of a veteran hired to help on the farm, with his quiet steadiness and kindness offers Angela a glimpse at a future she didn’t dare hope for. I felt hopeful for her, hopeful that maybe home could mean more than obligation.
At the same time, the book doesn’t shy away from pain: there’s sadness in uncovering what was hidden, loss in letting go of old expectations, and fear in daring to believe in something new. But I was moved by how characters help each other heal, sometimes clumsily, often with love, and always with small acts of care. The small-town Southern setting, with its peanut farm, gossip, and family history, grounded the story in warmth and authenticity.
I think Meadow Falls will resonate most with readers who appreciate women’s fiction about roots, redemption, and found family. The pacing is gentle, not every page crackles with drama, but the emotional evolution feels natural and earned.
Rating: 4 / 5 — I give this book four stars. It warmed my heart and made me ache in the best way. It isn’t perfect some twists are predictable, and certain conflicts resolve a bit quickly but its strength lies in honest emotion, relatable characters, and a sense that home isn’t always what you inherit, but what you build.
Meadow Falls is about Angela Marie, a woman who inherits her family’s Texas peanut farm after the death of her distant parents, a legacy she never asked for and must navigate grief, family secrets, and newfound responsibilities while deciding whether Meadow Falls can truly become home instead of burden.
What I loved most is how real and tender the emotional core feels. Angela Marie has spent her life working the farm, living under her parents’ cold shadow, with only her nanny Mandy for warmth. When Mandy, now elderly and needing care and her great-granddaughter Celeste (who returns home after difficult times) come back into her life, Angela begins to question everything she thought she knew about family, loyalty, and love. The arrival of a veteran hired to help on the farm, with his quiet steadiness and kindness offers Angela a glimpse at a future she didn’t dare hope for. I felt hopeful for her, hopeful that maybe home could mean more than obligation.
At the same time, the book doesn’t shy away from pain: there’s sadness in uncovering what was hidden, loss in letting go of old expectations, and fear in daring to believe in something new. But I was moved by how characters help each other heal, sometimes clumsily, often with love, and always with small acts of care. The small-town Southern setting, with its peanut farm, gossip, and family history, grounded the story in warmth and authenticity.
I think Meadow Falls will resonate most with readers who appreciate women’s fiction about roots, redemption, and found family. The pacing is gentle, not every page crackles with drama, but the emotional evolution feels natural and earned.
Rating: 4 / 5 — I give this book four stars. It warmed my heart and made me ache in the best way. It isn’t perfect some twists are predictable, and certain conflicts resolve a bit quickly but its strength lies in honest emotion, relatable characters, and a sense that home isn’t always what you inherit, but what you build.
January 9, 2024
Meadow Falls by Carolyn Brown is exactly the kind of book she is known for. All about family; natural and adopted. Mandy was the family matriarch, for all she was the “hired help.” She was 97 years old and had moved into the house a couple years earlier. It was one time Angela Marie had argued with her father, the irascible Harrison Duncan, and won. Now he was dead. Mandy insisted on walking to the graveside service despite her age and Angela Marie walked with her. It was later in the day that Celeste showed up. Celeste was Mandy’s great-granddaughter and had been raised alongside Angela Marie. She came with news of a divorce. She had joined the air force with her boyfriend, Trevor, right after high school graduation. He had cheated. She had tried until he found out his girlfriend had a child. She gave up. Celeste’s friend, Devon, appeared a few days later on his way to visit his grandparents before he figured out how to live his new civilian life. Many hired him on the spot, just like it was he place to do so. But hire him, she did, and it turned out his grandparents had owned a peanut far, a much smaller one, but he knew what it would take. It didn’t take long before he found his place at Meadow Falls.
This is a happily-eve-after, not surprise there. It wan’t long before Angela Marie felt her feet and started doing things her own way, instead of the way she’d been told. Her first project was to remodel the living room; she got rid of all that dark, wood panelling and she just went from there. Devon’s cousin, Jesse, came to help them and Angela Marie hired a couple from town as a house cleaner and all-around help. It was really happening. It was a fun story, full of interesting characters and full of history, told by Mandy as Celeste and Angela Marie listed, rapt. It all came together in a fairy-take kind of way. Carolyn Brown writes books that are uplifting and happy. It is her gift.
Thank you Mortlake for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #Netgalley #Mortlake #CarolynBrown #MeadowFalls
This is a happily-eve-after, not surprise there. It wan’t long before Angela Marie felt her feet and started doing things her own way, instead of the way she’d been told. Her first project was to remodel the living room; she got rid of all that dark, wood panelling and she just went from there. Devon’s cousin, Jesse, came to help them and Angela Marie hired a couple from town as a house cleaner and all-around help. It was really happening. It was a fun story, full of interesting characters and full of history, told by Mandy as Celeste and Angela Marie listed, rapt. It all came together in a fairy-take kind of way. Carolyn Brown writes books that are uplifting and happy. It is her gift.
Thank you Mortlake for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #Netgalley #Mortlake #CarolynBrown #MeadowFalls
January 13, 2024
First off I want to say that I enjoyed reading this book so much more than I anticipated I would! I’ve read other books by Carolyn Brown but this story was extra special. Perhaps it’s because I really liked all of the characters involved. Meadow Falls centers around 2 young women, Angela Marie and Celeste, who were both raised on Meadow Falls but came from different mothers. Neither had the best of childhoods, but thanks to Celeste’s great grandmother Mandy, they both were loved and taken care of. Mandy along with her husband Edward had lived at Meadow Falls and was hired to take care of things around there. This is a story of finding forgiveness, finding love and even finding family that you wasn’t aware you had. It was a wonderful read, I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to others. The ending with a look 2 years into the future showed happiness and made me feel very optimistic about how life can turn out if you put all the bad behind you. I’d like to thank NetGalley for the arc that I obtained off the Read Now section. I’m giving this book a 5 star rating and I plan on reading more books by Carolyn Brown very soon!
December 13, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The story of a girl who grew up in a dysfunctional family and who tries to find herself in the world of intrigue and hidden truth.
The story was ok, although I had a problem remembering the names and characteristics of the family members.
Thank you Net Galley for this opportunity.
The story of a girl who grew up in a dysfunctional family and who tries to find herself in the world of intrigue and hidden truth.
The story was ok, although I had a problem remembering the names and characteristics of the family members.
Thank you Net Galley for this opportunity.
May 3, 2024
For me, a book is an excellent read if I laugh and cry in the same book. This one checked all the boxes - romance, self-discovery, family, and faith. I highly recommend this book!
February 15, 2024
This was such a sweet story. I love her writing
January 12, 2025
Like a sno-cone
There is no substance to this book. The writing is hokey and filled with cliches and there is zero character development. There are tons of inconsistencies in the storyline…it reads like the author wrote it in a day and did zero research. (As an example, the author notes the thermostat is reading 27 degrees, then talks about how it’s a rainy day.) That said, it was a pleasant enough way to pass a snowy evening when you don’t want to think about reality, even if parts of it made me cringe a bit. I won’t be reading this author again but not bad if you want escapism.
There is no substance to this book. The writing is hokey and filled with cliches and there is zero character development. There are tons of inconsistencies in the storyline…it reads like the author wrote it in a day and did zero research. (As an example, the author notes the thermostat is reading 27 degrees, then talks about how it’s a rainy day.) That said, it was a pleasant enough way to pass a snowy evening when you don’t want to think about reality, even if parts of it made me cringe a bit. I won’t be reading this author again but not bad if you want escapism.
February 7, 2024
This was not for me, I’m afraid.
This moved slowly for my taste, quite repetitive and extremely sweet, even saccharinic. There were many reference to baking cookies and eating pie and chicken dumplings, fresh cinnamon rolls and having hot chocolate, like a bunch of adults-kids playing house eating all these homemade things in perfect homemade harmony. Even when they go to the musical, they actually drink “root beers”, … two hard working guys from a farm who have been working all day drinking root beers… Cute but it doesn’t seem real.
The plot was simplistic and not a surprise.
Of all her books, this one is my least liked.
This moved slowly for my taste, quite repetitive and extremely sweet, even saccharinic. There were many reference to baking cookies and eating pie and chicken dumplings, fresh cinnamon rolls and having hot chocolate, like a bunch of adults-kids playing house eating all these homemade things in perfect homemade harmony. Even when they go to the musical, they actually drink “root beers”, … two hard working guys from a farm who have been working all day drinking root beers… Cute but it doesn’t seem real.
The plot was simplistic and not a surprise.
Of all her books, this one is my least liked.
October 11, 2024
I struggled between 3 and 4 stars, because I did end up liking it overall in the end. However, there were times I thought it was cheesy and almost stopped reading. The writing bothered me with the way everyone spoke in full sentences all the time, there seemed to be too much unnecessary details and dialogue, and the romance started based on virtually nothing. She sees someone and they shake hands and all of a sudden she likes him sooo much. There was quite a bit of stretching to the book. It ended up being a sweet story about family and forgiveness that made it a bit more well rounded.
January 7, 2024
Good emotional story about family, forgiveness, and letting go of the past. I love the author's talent for creating characters that are easy to relate to and realistic situations for them to deal with.
Angela Marie has spent her entire life on Meadow Falls, the successful peanut farm that has been in her family for generations. It wasn't by choice. She wanted to go to college and see life away from the farm, but as her father's only heir, he pretty much kept her chained to the farm. He started training her "from the ground up" when she was four years old and cleaning tools to the current day, where she can do it all, which is a good thing when he suddenly dies from a heart attack.
The book opens as she and her elderly nanny/housekeeper, Mandy, attend her father's funeral. Angela Marie feels a bit bitter about being stuck with the farm. She feels no grief for her father, as he was a cold, unfeeling man who never showed her any affection. Her emotionally distant mother died years earlier. Mandy was Angela Marie's only source of love and attention growing up, while Mandy's great-granddaughter, Celeste, was like a sister to her.
Celeste, who joined the Air Force eighteen years earlier, shows up suddenly right after the funeral. She has left the military and her unfaithful husband and come home to regroup. I liked Celeste and her forthright and practical attitude toward life. She and Angela Marie have a terrific relationship, and I enjoyed their exchanges. Celeste is very good at getting Angela Marie out of her tendency to get lost in her thoughts and take action.
Devon Parker, a recently retired Air Force mechanic and friend of Celeste's, appears at Meadow Falls looking for a job. The hiring process had me laughing out loud, but it is evident that Devon was perfect for the job. Devon also brings in his cousin Jesse, a handyman Angela Marie hires for renovation work.
As Angela Marie settles into her new life, things begin to change. She and Celeste talk Mandy into sharing stories of the family's past, and Angela Marie learns things that surprise her. As light shines on the darkness of the past, Angela Marie finds that light finding its way into her heart. Devon is there to support her through the journey, and she discovers hope for love and a family for herself. I liked Devon's easy-going ways, kindness, and understanding. Their growing feelings for each other are sweet and a bit steamy.
I loved Mandy. She is a wise old lady who has taught Angela Marie and Celeste many lessons over the years. She doesn't mince words when she has something to say. I ached for her as she dealt with her "memory disease" and loved that she handled it with humor and good grace. She and her friend Polly are a hoot together.
A little bit of a mystery about Celeste has haunted her all her life. Angela Marie is just as curious, and I enjoyed watching her thought processes as she tried to learn the truth. I figured it out early in the book but enjoyed it anyway.
The book wraps up with a terrific epilogue that updates us on life at Meadow Falls a few years later. It's a mixture of happiness and sadness, just like life itself.
#netgalley
Angela Marie has spent her entire life on Meadow Falls, the successful peanut farm that has been in her family for generations. It wasn't by choice. She wanted to go to college and see life away from the farm, but as her father's only heir, he pretty much kept her chained to the farm. He started training her "from the ground up" when she was four years old and cleaning tools to the current day, where she can do it all, which is a good thing when he suddenly dies from a heart attack.
The book opens as she and her elderly nanny/housekeeper, Mandy, attend her father's funeral. Angela Marie feels a bit bitter about being stuck with the farm. She feels no grief for her father, as he was a cold, unfeeling man who never showed her any affection. Her emotionally distant mother died years earlier. Mandy was Angela Marie's only source of love and attention growing up, while Mandy's great-granddaughter, Celeste, was like a sister to her.
Celeste, who joined the Air Force eighteen years earlier, shows up suddenly right after the funeral. She has left the military and her unfaithful husband and come home to regroup. I liked Celeste and her forthright and practical attitude toward life. She and Angela Marie have a terrific relationship, and I enjoyed their exchanges. Celeste is very good at getting Angela Marie out of her tendency to get lost in her thoughts and take action.
Devon Parker, a recently retired Air Force mechanic and friend of Celeste's, appears at Meadow Falls looking for a job. The hiring process had me laughing out loud, but it is evident that Devon was perfect for the job. Devon also brings in his cousin Jesse, a handyman Angela Marie hires for renovation work.
As Angela Marie settles into her new life, things begin to change. She and Celeste talk Mandy into sharing stories of the family's past, and Angela Marie learns things that surprise her. As light shines on the darkness of the past, Angela Marie finds that light finding its way into her heart. Devon is there to support her through the journey, and she discovers hope for love and a family for herself. I liked Devon's easy-going ways, kindness, and understanding. Their growing feelings for each other are sweet and a bit steamy.
I loved Mandy. She is a wise old lady who has taught Angela Marie and Celeste many lessons over the years. She doesn't mince words when she has something to say. I ached for her as she dealt with her "memory disease" and loved that she handled it with humor and good grace. She and her friend Polly are a hoot together.
A little bit of a mystery about Celeste has haunted her all her life. Angela Marie is just as curious, and I enjoyed watching her thought processes as she tried to learn the truth. I figured it out early in the book but enjoyed it anyway.
The book wraps up with a terrific epilogue that updates us on life at Meadow Falls a few years later. It's a mixture of happiness and sadness, just like life itself.
#netgalley
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