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Green Bayou #1
Going Home: A Green Bayou Novel (Volume One)
Paramedic Emily Boudreaux believes New Orleans is the perfect place for a young trauma junkie to see some action. Things start out fine enough, but years pass, and the job brings nothing but strife. Emily decides to make a fresh start by returning to her roots. She moves to the small town of Green Bayou, Louisiana.
Thinking she will find peace and tranquility, Emily quickly learns that her imagination steered her wrong. Small town life offers far more tumult than she remembered!
Mystery, excitement, deceit, and passion run rampant along the murky waters of Bayou Assumption. She struggles with the decision of which man to love: her amazing, new Paramedic partner, Jacob Templet or her handsome, former high school sweetheart, Deputy Pete Bergeron.
Her ultimate struggle won't involve the decision of which man to be with. It is a quest for her personal survival! Praying to get out of a disastrous situation alive, Emily hopes that going home won't be the wrong decision.
Thinking she will find peace and tranquility, Emily quickly learns that her imagination steered her wrong. Small town life offers far more tumult than she remembered!
Mystery, excitement, deceit, and passion run rampant along the murky waters of Bayou Assumption. She struggles with the decision of which man to love: her amazing, new Paramedic partner, Jacob Templet or her handsome, former high school sweetheart, Deputy Pete Bergeron.
Her ultimate struggle won't involve the decision of which man to be with. It is a quest for her personal survival! Praying to get out of a disastrous situation alive, Emily hopes that going home won't be the wrong decision.
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2011
76 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 20, 2013
Blimey. I actually read this book in one sitting, five nights ago, but I haven't had a spare second to review it. So here goes.
I'd had a few people telling me I needed to give the Green Bayou series a try, so my interest had been peeked. I put them on my TBR list, and as with so many other books, that was as far as I got... And then the author asked me to read and review them, so Going Home went on my waiting list.
I told Rhonda that I had quite a list to get through but I'd be delighted to read her books. She said that there was no hurry, that she'd send over the first book and then if I liked it, I could ask for the second one, as and when.
Well, put it this way, I will definitely be asking for the second one asap!! This is a great series! The story begins when Emily loses her job in New Orleans and makes the decision to return home to Green Bayou, her peaceful, friendly home town, for a quieter life. But, that isn't quite how things pan out.
My heart yearned for the sleepy, little town of Green Bayou, the place I was born and raised.
The plot line was original and gripping. The writing was easy to read and follow. The characters were down to earth and loveable and I had no idea how things were going to end up.
"The first time I saw you, I wanted you. To me, you are perfect in every way. It physically hurts to be next to you and not be able to touch you. I think we could have something special if you gave it a chance."
Now, I stupidly read the blurb for one of the other books in the series and was thrown for a loop because I can't understand how that something that I read is going to happen... so, as if I wasn't intrigued enough already, now I'm doubly desperate to get going with the rest of the Green Bayou series.
"I haven't heard you laugh like that in quite a while. I was glad to hear it. I'm tired of seeing you in pain." he said. "I'm going to do my best to keep you from ever hurting again. That's a promise," he said, softly.
I believed him. I leaned over to give him a kiss.
"I love you," he said once we'd separated. "Now let's go home."
If I had any complaints, it would be that the first 20% of the book was a little slow for me. I understand that it had to set the scene and introduce the reader to quite an array of personalities, so I can easily forgive this one thing. And not to mention the fact that the rest of the book is so action packed that it makes up for it ten fold!
"You're a sick son of a bitch. I'm your judge and jury. I find you guilty as charged and the sentence is death, mother fucker!"
This book reminded me a little of Kristen Ashley's Rock Chick series. It's that kind of action/drama/crime theme, with a side dish of romance. The romance is almost secondary to the craziness in this book, but it's still fab!
"Give me this one night, Em, please.
Let me feel the softness of your skin.
Let me taste the sweetness of your flesh.
Let me feel your warmth."
It's got such a great twist. As much as I enjoy the standard format of romance, I also so love to read something that pulls the world out from under you, and that's what Going Home does.
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October 12, 2015
I just re-read this book for the third or fourth time! It's such a perfect book & start to an amazing series!!
Going Home is the first book in the Green Bayou Novels series! It's a romantic suspense series but has a little of everything in it! You will laugh, cry, scream, swoon, swoon some more & want to throat punch certain people in the same chapter!
I fell in love with Emily, Connie, Pete, Bert, Jacob & even Alphonse!! Connie is my girl!! When things turn for the worse, I was literally biting my nails!! I knew what was happening but it still gets me every time!! I love everything that Rhonda Dennis writes!
Going Home is the first book in the Green Bayou Novels series! It's a romantic suspense series but has a little of everything in it! You will laugh, cry, scream, swoon, swoon some more & want to throat punch certain people in the same chapter!
I fell in love with Emily, Connie, Pete, Bert, Jacob & even Alphonse!! Connie is my girl!! When things turn for the worse, I was literally biting my nails!! I knew what was happening but it still gets me every time!! I love everything that Rhonda Dennis writes!
February 28, 2013
First and foremost:
I have read a few reviews for Going Home that gave the book a unsatisfactory rating. I respect that everyone has a right to their opinion, and that being said, I'll give my own.
Let's face the facts, there are so many books and such little time, that when you do read a book, you want to be fully invested in the story. You want something that will have you on the edge of your seat. Ladies and gentlemen is that book!! Now a days, books usually fall along the same lines of love, hate, drama, suspense, and everything in between. Original material tends to ride the same lines; however, when an author takes the usual theme and makes it not only their own, but allows you to get to know exactly what she is feeling and visualizing, you have to applaud them for their work!
Why I loved this book:
Emily is real! Yes, she has men fighting for her attention, but the vixen in all of us love this and might have even experienced it once or twice. Emily is a woman; a real genuine woman, with a normal job, normal values, and a good heart. Now tell me, how many of us cannot relate to that? The characters have gracious humor, southern values, and overall they're invested in the wellbeing of their community and friends.
Description of the book:
Paramedic Emily Boudreaux believes New Orleans is the perfect place for a young trauma junkie to see some action. Things start out fine enough, but years pass, and the job brings nothing but strife. Emily decides to make a fresh start by returning to her roots. She moves to the small town of Green Bayou, Louisiana. Thinking she will find peace and tranquility, Emily quickly learns that her imagination steered her wrong. Small town life offers far more tumult than she remembered! Mystery, excitement, deceit, and passion run rampant along the murky waters of Bayou Assumption. She struggles with the decision of which man to love: her amazing, new Paramedic partner, Jacob Templet or her handsome, former high school sweetheart, Deputy Pete Bergeron. Her ultimate struggle won't involve the decision of which man to be with. It is a quest for her personal survival! Praying to get out of a disastrous situation alive, Emily hopes that going home won't be the wrong decision.
Why I loved this book:
Emily is real, yes she has men fighting for her attention, but the vixen in all of us love this and might have experienced it once or twice. Emily is a woman; a real genuine woman, with a normal job, normal values, and a good heart and now tell me, how many of us cannot relate to that? The characters have gracious humor, southern values, and overall they're invested in the wellbeing of their community and friends.
About the book:
Going Home has you immersed from the beginning by enticing you with humor and attention to detail on life in Louisiana. It smacks you silly within a few chapters with how the ever suspenseful plot unfolds. It gives a heart pounding rush when you see the events breaking down into an incredible book.
Why I will continue to read this series:
Sometimes people are magnets for drama, and that holds true for Emily! So why wouldn't I want to know what is going to happen? Be sure to read the rest of my reviews for the series that are sure to follow.
I have read a few reviews for Going Home that gave the book a unsatisfactory rating. I respect that everyone has a right to their opinion, and that being said, I'll give my own.
Let's face the facts, there are so many books and such little time, that when you do read a book, you want to be fully invested in the story. You want something that will have you on the edge of your seat. Ladies and gentlemen is that book!! Now a days, books usually fall along the same lines of love, hate, drama, suspense, and everything in between. Original material tends to ride the same lines; however, when an author takes the usual theme and makes it not only their own, but allows you to get to know exactly what she is feeling and visualizing, you have to applaud them for their work!
Why I loved this book:
Emily is real! Yes, she has men fighting for her attention, but the vixen in all of us love this and might have even experienced it once or twice. Emily is a woman; a real genuine woman, with a normal job, normal values, and a good heart. Now tell me, how many of us cannot relate to that? The characters have gracious humor, southern values, and overall they're invested in the wellbeing of their community and friends.
Description of the book:
Paramedic Emily Boudreaux believes New Orleans is the perfect place for a young trauma junkie to see some action. Things start out fine enough, but years pass, and the job brings nothing but strife. Emily decides to make a fresh start by returning to her roots. She moves to the small town of Green Bayou, Louisiana. Thinking she will find peace and tranquility, Emily quickly learns that her imagination steered her wrong. Small town life offers far more tumult than she remembered! Mystery, excitement, deceit, and passion run rampant along the murky waters of Bayou Assumption. She struggles with the decision of which man to love: her amazing, new Paramedic partner, Jacob Templet or her handsome, former high school sweetheart, Deputy Pete Bergeron. Her ultimate struggle won't involve the decision of which man to be with. It is a quest for her personal survival! Praying to get out of a disastrous situation alive, Emily hopes that going home won't be the wrong decision.
Why I loved this book:
Emily is real, yes she has men fighting for her attention, but the vixen in all of us love this and might have experienced it once or twice. Emily is a woman; a real genuine woman, with a normal job, normal values, and a good heart and now tell me, how many of us cannot relate to that? The characters have gracious humor, southern values, and overall they're invested in the wellbeing of their community and friends.
About the book:
Going Home has you immersed from the beginning by enticing you with humor and attention to detail on life in Louisiana. It smacks you silly within a few chapters with how the ever suspenseful plot unfolds. It gives a heart pounding rush when you see the events breaking down into an incredible book.
Why I will continue to read this series:
Sometimes people are magnets for drama, and that holds true for Emily! So why wouldn't I want to know what is going to happen? Be sure to read the rest of my reviews for the series that are sure to follow.
May 5, 2013
Having read the first five books I really fell for this series. The first two were very very good but somewhere in the third book the real world fell away and I was completely lost to the world Rhonda Dennis created. This series is like combining the Rock Chick books (if the rest of the books focused on Indy), and the Virgin River books (if the focus stayed on Mel). Throw in the culture and food from a visit to New Orleans, great secondary characters, plenty of humor and there you have it.
Emily is a medic, so there is a lot of gritty realism both from her job as a first responder and her personal life. Ms. Dennis pulls no punches and had me yelling at my kindle when she was ruthless in her story line! I'm very much looking forward to the next book.
Emily is a medic, so there is a lot of gritty realism both from her job as a first responder and her personal life. Ms. Dennis pulls no punches and had me yelling at my kindle when she was ruthless in her story line! I'm very much looking forward to the next book.
April 7, 2013
Disclaimer: This is not the usual genre that I read. My taste tends more towards mystery or horror. I was surprised at the roller coaster nature of the story, especially later on in the book. I'd not anticipated the direction that the story would go, and it was very enjoyable to be taken into a totally different direction than what I'd expected! Especially loved the description of places throughout--I was transported into Louisiana while reading...
June 9, 2012
It was an easy read, too easy. I feel like I still don't know the main character, Emily. The story needs more depth. Important events happen too quickly. Seems like a Lifetime movie- predictable. I could have written this. Amateur writing.
March 20, 2012
I hate the romance novel that from Chapter One you can predict the whole story. Sue and Dan meet, fall in love, OH a twist, she forgives... THE END. None of that Here. I was never sure what twist was coming next and when I thought I did, I was wrong! It was so unpredictable that that in itself made it a great read. It was so much more than just another romance novel. I found Emily reckless, and free spirited, and fun. The kind of character you want to live through. There are no "sparkling vampires" here, nor is it a teenage love story gone gothic. This is the sort of book that you can picture while you read, the characters and locations are described to a point that you see them, yet not too descriptive that you feel like you're living in someone's head. I didn't find that it moved too quickly, nor that it puttered along. The characters were complete and interesting, yet left enough mystery in them to make you want to read more. Come on, we didn't find out Severus Snape's true loyalties until the last book and it wouldn't have been a great read if we had learned earlier.
I am ALWAYS busy and that keeps me from being able to really get into a book. Reality calls, and you are forced to set it aside, but when you get back to reading, you have to re-read the last few pages to remember where you were. I found NONE of that here. I never felt lost or like I missed something and searched back through the book to find it. I loved this book. It was fast paced, exciting, original, and not predictable in the least. I find its best audience being 25s - 40's bored with the day to day, though I wouldn't turn off the open minded teenager as well. This book is not all vampires and wizards, but just as exciting. If you are open minded and can give a book that doesn't have a character named Bella a chance, then you wont be sorry.
I am ALWAYS busy and that keeps me from being able to really get into a book. Reality calls, and you are forced to set it aside, but when you get back to reading, you have to re-read the last few pages to remember where you were. I found NONE of that here. I never felt lost or like I missed something and searched back through the book to find it. I loved this book. It was fast paced, exciting, original, and not predictable in the least. I find its best audience being 25s - 40's bored with the day to day, though I wouldn't turn off the open minded teenager as well. This book is not all vampires and wizards, but just as exciting. If you are open minded and can give a book that doesn't have a character named Bella a chance, then you wont be sorry.
June 19, 2013
Emily Boudreaux is a Paramedic, after finding out life in New Orleans isn’t as perfect as she thought she returns home to Green Bayou in Louisiana.
Taking a new post in a town close to where she grew up she reconnects with an old flame Pete.
Life seems to be getting back on track until she finds herself struggling to decide which of the two men in her life she wants to be with, Pete or her Partner Jacob.
Behind the tranquillity lies a dark secret in the town, one that will prove to be not only dangerous but heart breaking for Emily.
Can she find the strength to survive it?
I love, love, love this kind of novel. Almost a romance but with a dark side. A perfect combination for me.
I love the ease in the dialogue between the characters in this story, they all seem to fit perfectly to the part they play in the story.
Every element is described perfectly from the surrounding scenery to particular actions sometimes deemed unnecessary in a story but in this case was much needed to enhance the imagination.
I must admit I did have a moment where I was slightly disappointed. Without adding a spoiler……I would have chosen the other one!
I kind of had a feeling where this story was headed but I still loved reading every bit.
The pace is perfect and the mixture of normal life alongside the suspense and drama make for a great combination.
The final line in this book left me needing more. I can’t wait for part 2!
Taking a new post in a town close to where she grew up she reconnects with an old flame Pete.
Life seems to be getting back on track until she finds herself struggling to decide which of the two men in her life she wants to be with, Pete or her Partner Jacob.
Behind the tranquillity lies a dark secret in the town, one that will prove to be not only dangerous but heart breaking for Emily.
Can she find the strength to survive it?
I love, love, love this kind of novel. Almost a romance but with a dark side. A perfect combination for me.
I love the ease in the dialogue between the characters in this story, they all seem to fit perfectly to the part they play in the story.
Every element is described perfectly from the surrounding scenery to particular actions sometimes deemed unnecessary in a story but in this case was much needed to enhance the imagination.
I must admit I did have a moment where I was slightly disappointed. Without adding a spoiler……I would have chosen the other one!
I kind of had a feeling where this story was headed but I still loved reading every bit.
The pace is perfect and the mixture of normal life alongside the suspense and drama make for a great combination.
The final line in this book left me needing more. I can’t wait for part 2!
July 11, 2013
I started to realize not all books and series are for me and sadly this was one of them I mean I liked the book and the story I just didn't think it was for me. Emily she does what she thinks is right, "I'm talking about you depriving that man of his morphine and shooting it into yourself, you jacka**." Pete he is a good guy and he's endowed ladies (winks) "he started slowly, which I was thankful for since he was quite well endowed." Can't go wrong in that department can he? He's a caring guy and has a sense of humor, "I guess not," he conceded. "I can tell you I certainly wouldn't be pushing beds together to cuddle with them afterwords." And ladies you have to remember he's a man which means he gets horny, "you can't expect me to sit here, watch you take off your clothes, and think for one second that I'm going to let you in that shower by yourself." Overall it was an okay book but I don't think I can bring myself to read the next book in the series as it's about the same people. I like my series to have a different character's story in each book.
September 12, 2012
Going Home is the first book in the Green Bayou series by RHONDA DENNIS, and it is one of those can't put down books. The characters are likable and through out the book I felt emotionally involved with each and every one of them. Emily is a EMT working in New Orleans and decides to return home to her hometown. This is where the excitement begins. Get ready for a roller coaster ride. There are twists and turns through the entire book, you will be surprised every way you turn. Please get your hanky out and get ready to cry and get ready to hold your stomach when the laughter begins. The setting of the bayou made me homesick for Morgan City, La. The author described the scenery as I remembered my childhood home. Please pick up a copy of this book. I promise you wont be disapointed. You will also want to immediately want to start book two Awakenings....
June 18, 2013
Going Home is a wonderful love story/thriller. I liked how it starts out already with a little bit of a love interest. The first part of the book is more getting to know the characters, and their places in the story, as well as their general roles. As you get into the book, you learn that things aren't as they seem. You really have to pay attention to the little details at the beginning of the book to fully understand their situation around the middle of the book. This book basically revolves around something someone said at the beginning! I had a moment for Jacob. I honestly thought they would end up together!! At the end of the book. they leave a sort of cliffhanger. It's more just unanswered questions, but it certainly had me wanting to read more! This was a nice fast-paced read, and I am definitely giving it 5 out of 5 book-a-saur paws!
March 14, 2012
Going Home is an awesome book if you like adventure, romance, intrigue, and a steady pace. It is definitely one that you can't put down. I love the use of local cajun terms and descriptions of bayou life help any reader identify with the southern charm of Louisiana. The author also helps you feel what a paramedics life is like on the clock or off. Emily develops deep meaningful relationships even when faced with adversity. She is a strong ,caring, and devoted woman. Qualities that are admirable in my opinion. She stands tall and never gives up. It has just enough to keep you interested and at the edge of your seat. It's just one of those books that keep you wanting more. Loved it.
September 23, 2023
Emily is the luckiest unlucky person alive. She returns home to Green Bayou after working as a paramedic in New Orleans. She has two sexy men competeing for her attention when she returned home. There is Pete Bergeron, her high school sweetheart, and Jacob Templet, her new partner for her to choose from. Then things happen, and Emily must survive something more tragic than her impending decision. There are lots of thrills, excitement, and mystery throughout this book. Rhonda is an amazing author that draws her readers in, and keeps them hooked all the way to the last word. She makes you want more, and she never disappoints. Amazing read; one of my favorites.
June 23, 2013
The moment I read the destruction of this I was Interested completely! When I cracked it open it was honestly not what I expected... Oh NO it was so much more. I couldn't put it down. I thought my husband was going to hide my kindle. LOL It only got worse as I kept reading. This first books sets everything in motion for the series but omg such an amazing book. It got me addicted right away on The Green Bayou crazy train. I will never be able to do these books justice for they simply speak for themselves. Rhonda Dennis is amazing & such a down to earth gal. It shows through her stories for sure. A must read : )
June 20, 2013
I loved this story! I was totally vested from the very start. Going Home packs just enough of all the right elements to make this book an exciting page turner from beginning to end. Always leaving you wanting just a little bit more. I immediately connected with the characters in this story it was like I had known them my whole life and it was just one big coming home party. Rhonda Dennis does a terrific job of making every character in her book feel like an old friend. She brings to life through her words a whole other part of the world wrapped in enough mystery to leave you wanting to know more. I for one can not wait for this series to continue. Ms. Davis has found herself a new fan.
December 1, 2015
I just re-read this book for the third or fourth time! It's such a perfect book & start to an amazing series!!
Going Home is the first book in the Green Bayou Novels series! It's a romantic suspense series but has a little of everything in it! You will laugh, cry, scream, swoon, swoon some more & want to throat punch certain people in the same chapter!
I fell in love with Emily, Connie, Pete, Bert, Jacob & even Alphonse!! Connie is my girl!! When things turn for the worse, I was literally biting my nails!! I knew what was happening but it still gets me every time!! I love everything that Rhonda Dennis writes!
Going Home is the first book in the Green Bayou Novels series! It's a romantic suspense series but has a little of everything in it! You will laugh, cry, scream, swoon, swoon some more & want to throat punch certain people in the same chapter!
I fell in love with Emily, Connie, Pete, Bert, Jacob & even Alphonse!! Connie is my girl!! When things turn for the worse, I was literally biting my nails!! I knew what was happening but it still gets me every time!! I love everything that Rhonda Dennis writes!
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Blurb:
Things start out fine enough when Emily Boudreaux accepts a paramedic job in New Orleans, but each passing year brings more and more strife. Deciding to make a fresh start by returning to her roots, Emily leaves the big city behind to settle in the quaint town of Green Bayou, Louisiana. Peace and tranquility are what she seeks, but small town life offers far more tumult than she remembers.
Blurb:
Things start out fine enough when Emily Boudreaux accepts a paramedic job in New Orleans, but each passing year brings more and more strife. Deciding to make a fresh start by returning to her roots, Emily leaves the big city behind to settle in the quaint town of Green Bayou, Louisiana. Peace and tranquility are what she seeks, but small town life offers far more tumult than she remembers.
March 14, 2012
"Going Home" is a must read if you enjoy romance,mystery or suspense novels, because this one has it all!! The only negative comment I have is it kept me up too late because I just didn't want to put it down and go to bed. Couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next and I was NEVER guessed right! I am so much looking forward to the next
December 28, 2012
I love that this author lives two towns over from my hometown. She will be attending our next book club meeting to discuss her books.
I thought that it was very good! The romance was a bit predictable, but there were definitely twist that you did not expect! And of course I cried at the end.
I just started the second book!
I thought that it was very good! The romance was a bit predictable, but there were definitely twist that you did not expect! And of course I cried at the end.
I just started the second book!
March 27, 2013
I started reading this series mainly because one of my FB friends kept raving about it ... I needed a new book and thought "what the heck" ... OMG, I am so glad I started. Going Home is the first in an awesome awesome awesome series!!! I love these books ... all of them and can't wait for the next one!!!
March 23, 2013
Coming Home was a wonderful mix of, romance, mystery, and suspense. Starting over in life is never easy, but the things thrown at Emily are beyond words! Luckily, she has two hot, sexy guys there by her side to keep her going. Be warned! Once you get half way through the book YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN! I'm looking forward to the next book in the Green Bayou Series.
February 3, 2014
Do you like mystery ? Do you like love mixed with Louisiana cajun spice? Do you like a tear jearking loss of a main character? (who I loved)..... if you like all these things than this is a must read for
you!!!
you!!!
April 13, 2020
As a guy, I wasn't sure if I'd like the book, but I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading the next one.
April 20, 2012
I really did enjoy reading this book. I thought the characters were well developed and the story drew me in - so much so I went straight into the next book!
June 16, 2013
Light, fast paced, nail biter. Read in on sitting!
August 8, 2012
Wonderful book !!
January 31, 2013
What a great read! I was captured from the very beginning and couldn't put this book down. I finished it wanting more. I recommend this book to everyone!
February 2, 2013
Loved this book! Hooked on the series!
February 16, 2013
No downside whatsoever! From beginning to end I never was left to wonder for too long. AWESOME!'nmn
March 4, 2013
Makes me miss my home town in south Louisiana
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews