Woodlands

Glenbrooke #7

by Robin Jones Gunn

After years of pouring herself out for others, Leah is on the receiving end and she doesn't know what to do with the blessings. She has her own cottage in Glenbrooke, wonderful friends, a great job at the hospital and now an unexpected inheritance.
When Seth, the new guy in town, wants to give Leah lots of attention, she's not the only one who questions his motives.
Only by turning her affections in a new direction will Leah be able to hear the true song of this springtime of her life. Enjoy the pathway through the woodlands with Leah and watch love blossom.
Come to Glenbrooke -- a quiet place where souls are refreshed.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Christian Romance

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 18, 2000

About the author

ROBIN JONES GUNN has written more than 100 books with over 6.5 million copies sold worldwide. Her Father Christmas books have been made into three Hallmark Christmas movies. The timeless Christy Miller series now continues in Christy & Todd: The College Years, Married Years, Baby Years, and the Haven Maker series. Robin's novels and non-fiction works include Before Your Tween Daughter Becomes a Woman, Victim of Grace, Praying for Your Future Husband, and Before You Meet Your Future Husband co-authored with Tricia Goyer. Her books have received multiple awards and are a favorite with book clubs and study groups. Many of Robin's books are in eBook, audiobook, large print, and foreign editions. Robin does a weekly Podcast called "Women Worth Knowing" with Cheryl Brodersen. Robin and her husband have a grown son and daughter and live in California.

Reviews

[Destiny Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book 4.5 stars.
I really liked it.
It was a cute story, with some sad parts but it was nice having a story completely in Glenbrooke this time. I really liked Seth too.
It was just nice having most of the characters back in one book and seeing what their lives are like now.
I will always love Jessica and Kyle. 😊

And...BOOK ONE FOR BTAT ✅!

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure if I'd like Leah at first, but she grew on me. I simply misunderstood her. She wasn't whiny and mopey like I presumed, just someone who had been through a lot in her young life and handled it as best she knew how. Her struggles and responses reminded me very much of another servant-hearted friend of mine and her desire to always be in control reminded me of me. Her guardedness toward Seth and the good things starting to develop in her life seem strange at first, until one realizes what an impact others' perceptions and ideas of you can have in how you view yourself. The story behind her name is a perfect example. I like that both she and Seth are finding their way, uncertain about themselves and who they are becoming, and that they both have the touch of wanderlust about them. It was a sweet story that actually threw in some surprises I didn't see coming.

Favorite quotes: "It's not all like the movies." - Seth
"I know. But I always wanted to see for myself that it wasn't like the movies, you know?" - Leah

"I've always been everyone's pal and never anyone's girlfriend." - Leah

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know I read this years ago because the line about "pockets of grace" has stayed with me and brought me comfort over the years.
That being said, I wasn't crazy about this book. The first six in the series were all written as stand alone romances for Multnomah's Palisades line, and each book had what felt like an organic connection to the town of Glenbrooke. The last two books, written after reprinting the first six as a series, really shoehorn in "Glenbrooke! Best small town ever! All the women are best friends who get along swimmingly!" and it feels inauthentic.
I liked Leah's character but the romance with Seth was really rushed - either two or three weeks from meeting to a marriage proposal.
I was also not crazy about the Zephaniah scripture being presented as a line written from God directly to the modern day believer, and not within its context of an Old Testament prophet speaking to a wandering people.

[Nina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh for a minute there I thought I was going to LOVE this one but I just didn’t like it. I didn’t like the direction the book took and I didn’t like Seth. Though I really loved Leah’s journey. Also the synopsis spoils the ENTIRE novel so don’t read it.

[Ashley Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book honestly follows pretty much the same plot as the others in the series, this book, like Waterfalls before it, has a little more to offer by way of insight. Digging a little deeper into the psyche, Gunn balances the backstory with the present a little better throughout and we dig into causality while learning some Biblical truth. And while I think it is and little ridiculous for a 27 year old to be worried about spinsterdom as much as the main character is, the struggles with insecurity are real for many people that age---though often not as easily displaced, defined or overcome as Leah's (I'm 30 and unmarried).

[TheModestMillennial · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finally made it through this one. If not for my completion for completion, I don't think I would have made it through this one. By far the worst book in the series to this point, the story was awkward, the characters seemed underdeveloped, and it all felt choppy and stilted.

Fingers crossed that the last in the series is worth the time. This probably would have only gotten one star from me if I didn't reserve those for the titles that are this bad and morally corrupt. one point in favor of the book: solid morals. yay.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet and amusing Christian romance, but I must admit that it is my least favorite of the series. However, the characters were well drawn, and I liked the plot. Also, I truly enjoyed seeing how the protagonist grew not only as a person but as a believer. This series is full of both great characters and great stories where character lessons and spiritual truths are interwoven with the fun plots.

[Stephanie Madsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glenbrooke 7/8

As I’m getting close to the end of the series, I think I am considering the stories in retrospect and in comparison of one another.
A trend I’m noticing for all the stories is the male lead character “goes missing” near the end of the book (e.g. the couple take a break, travel, miscommunication, argument, etc.) and then there is a quick reunion in the last 20 pages of the book, a resolution to the relationship and any conflicts, and some sort of closure for the relationship to move forward to a happy ever after.
While that’s not my “cup of tea” to have the relationship on a “cliffhanger” to have it inevitably come together by the end of the novel book after book, I do appreciate that Gunn is trying to elevate a hopeful relationship start and a renewed commitment to communication and trusting God in the relationship than would otherwise be the case if the relationship’s solution were smoother (or didn’t happen at all).
All that to say, while the ‘romance’ in this novel may not have been my favorite, I loved the spiritual themes Gunn explored in this story. The story of Leah from Genesis, the beauty of God’s creation, God’s delight for His children, and the “pockets of grace” we sometimes stumble upon were all beautifully written about in Woodlands.
My favorite books in the series so far have probably been #3 and #6 in this series, but again, I really think they all are cozy (just forgive the unwavering pattern all the books take ;) )

[Ellie Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ehhh… this one was weird. I liked the other books in the series but this one did not flow well for me. The main things I had an issue with weren’t anything theological or moral, but more a lack of reality. For example when Leah was getting information on Seth’s surgery and the doctor and nurses were being very informative - hello, HIPAA? Just because Leah worked at the hospital didn’t mean anything - if the information wasn’t pertinent to her job, they had no business sharing it with her without consent from Seth. Their relationship as well as her dealings with Collin were both just strange, though I was rooting for her and Seth. Their communication was just awkward though.

[Kendra Kenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Christian slant of this book came as a surprise to me as I expected a run of the mill small town romance. I’ll admit that I was initially put off but I appreciated that the author didn’t beat readers over the head with religion so I was able to stick with it. It’s a cutesy story but the ending felt rushed as the misunderstanding and reconciliation happened over the course of basically one night!

[Ellie Porter · Rating 2 out of 5]

'Tears rushed to Leah's eyes, as she held the postcard for Seth and tried to explain what had just become so clear. "The gondolier. It's the Lord. He's been inviting me to rest in this pocket of grace for so long, but I've been the one doing all the steering...'

That's it. That's the essence of the book. It isn't worth explaining, and I probably couldn't, even if I tried.

[CarolynB · Rating 5 out of 5]

The seventh book in this series and it’s just as good as all the others. I enjoyed getting to know Leah and was very concerned that she make the right choices in this story. Seth and Collin were bith attractive heroes, it was important that Leah choose the right one.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Behold, it was Leah. Life becomes so much better when you learn who you really are, and Whose you are. From the girl who focuses on everyone else's needs to a daughter of the King of Kings is a journey that we all need to take. Well, sons, too, lol. Very well done!

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah is a character I truly related to as a "late bloomer" when it comes to love and relationships. I understood her hesitation and doubts as suddenly she had the attention of not one man but two! Highly recommended.

[Chelsea Faith Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how through a novel I could learn such important life lessons. Through Leah’s character I learned that joy is found when we let go of control and trust God. He is like a gondolier who ushers us down canals and sings over us with His love.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Robin interweaves the characters from previous books and keeps us updated on their lives while introducing us to new and refreshing characters.

[Donna Kale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second read.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another enjoyable quick read.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this is my least favourite of the series... I don't know if I can pick out a reason.

[Natalie LaRue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every single book of hers makes me feel closer to God and understand His heart more. Loved it ❤️

[Linea Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another goodie

[Lyna Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading "Woodlands" by Robin Jones Gunn! Especially learning about "pockets of grace". I loved that phrase!

[Taylor Auchtung · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite of the series so far.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not one of my favorites in the series, Leah really grew on me. Her story of not being "the favored one" and feeling like she never quite measured up to earning God's love was a good one.

[Darlene Ledford · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book

[Jeanna Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gahhhh, my favorite. I can see so much of me in Leah! I need this series to go on forever.

[Angie Longacre · Rating 3 out of 5]

My least favorite book of the series. It gets 3 stars only because I love the author. Otherwise it’s a definite 2 for me.

[Mary Grace Apostol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comfort series getting me out of my reading slump 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

[Sandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I read this book I kept having dejavu thinking I had read it before. Turns out I did read it before and completely forgot the whole plot. This second time I read it, it was mediocure. I finished the book because I enjoy the author and other books she writes. But I wasn't connected with this book and just seemed sorta dull.