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Hope's Crossing #3
Sweet Laurel Falls
Spring should bring renewal, but Maura McKnight-Parker cannot escape the past. Still reeling from the loss of one daughter, the former free spirit is thrown for a loop by the return of her older daughter, Sage, and the reappearance of her first love, Sage's father. Jackson Lange never knew his daughter—never even knew that he'd left the love of his life pregnant when he fled their small town—but he has never forgotten Maura.
Now they are all back, but Sage has her own secret, one that will test the fragile bonds of a reunited family. Thrown together by circumstances and dedicated to those they love, Maura and Jackson must learn to move forward and let go of the mistakes of their past for the bright future that awaits them and their friends in Hope's Crossing.
Now they are all back, but Sage has her own secret, one that will test the fragile bonds of a reunited family. Thrown together by circumstances and dedicated to those they love, Maura and Jackson must learn to move forward and let go of the mistakes of their past for the bright future that awaits them and their friends in Hope's Crossing.
376 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 25, 2012
680 people are currently reading
1879 people want to read
About the author
RaeAnne Thayne
311 books3,842 followersI'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
November 30, 2015
I love second chance romances, so it was a bit surprising I wasn't terribly engaged with this one. I kept waiting for it to happen, that moment of being right there with the main characters but it sadly never did. Which is really odd because on the surface all the right elements were there.
I think it may be that the events of the first book have lingered long enough that they're beginning to pall. This is the third book built around that central tragedy and I, for one, am ready to move on. So picking Maura as the central protagonist grated on me for completely unfair reasons. It's possible this is also an artifact of reading the series so closely together and not giving myself (or the characters) any space to decompress out of the intensity of those events.
And I think I'll leave it at that. Maura and Jack were fine. I really liked Sage and the plot with the grump Harry Lange was intriguing. Thayne needed to sell some unlikely events in this one, and she pulled it off very well, I thought. No details because spoilers, but the reveals were revealy and the twists, even the ones I'd copped to a book ago or so, were fun and twisty.
This may have earned four stars if I'd given myself some breathing room between books. Sadly, you really can't not read the other books in the series as many of the people and events are only lightly touched on here even though they have deep emotional impact. So it's a solid-ish three and a half but with enough disengagement for me to round it down in the end.
I think it may be that the events of the first book have lingered long enough that they're beginning to pall. This is the third book built around that central tragedy and I, for one, am ready to move on. So picking Maura as the central protagonist grated on me for completely unfair reasons. It's possible this is also an artifact of reading the series so closely together and not giving myself (or the characters) any space to decompress out of the intensity of those events.
And I think I'll leave it at that. Maura and Jack were fine. I really liked Sage and the plot with the grump Harry Lange was intriguing. Thayne needed to sell some unlikely events in this one, and she pulled it off very well, I thought. No details because spoilers, but the reveals were revealy and the twists, even the ones I'd copped to a book ago or so, were fun and twisty.
This may have earned four stars if I'd given myself some breathing room between books. Sadly, you really can't not read the other books in the series as many of the people and events are only lightly touched on here even though they have deep emotional impact. So it's a solid-ish three and a half but with enough disengagement for me to round it down in the end.
October 17, 2012
4.5 Stars
This is the third book in Thayne’s Hope Crossing series, following Blackberry Summer and Woodrose Mountain. I enjoyed the others, but I think Sweet Laurel Falls is the best of the three. The accident in which Maura’s daughter Layla was killed links the three stories, and I have been hoping since the first book to see Maura begin to heal. Thayne does a wonderful job of showing both Maura’s near-paralyzing grief and gradual understanding that even a life irrevocably changed must go on.
There were so many ways that Thayne could have gone for the trite and ended up with a lesser book, but she rejects the knee-jerk response every time. First, there’s the combination of Christmas and loss. Anyone who has lost someone she loves knows the pain of the first special days without him/her. I can only imagine that the first Christmas after a child’s death must be difficult beyond words. I’ve read books where characters in similar situations retreated into their grief and added to the burden other loved ones bear. I think it says a great deal about Maura that she refuses to do this.
Second, there’s the anger that Sage, Jack, and Maura all feel about the past and the secret of Sage’s birth. Sage’s anger when she reveals her father’s identity in the bookstore is almost palpable. And she has a right to be angry that her mother lied to her. Jack is angry too, angry that Maura never told him about Sage, angry at all the time he lost with his daughter that cannot be reclaimed. His anger too seems eminently justifiable. Maura is angry as well, angry that Jack followed her father’s pattern of leaving, angry that Jack’s arrival has turned upside down a world that has already been rocked on its axis. Her anger may be less logical, but it makes sense emotionally. Yet none of these characters use their anger as a weapon or a wall, or at least they do so only briefly. Sage tells her mother how angry she is, but in the next breath assures her that she loves her. Jack reminds himself when anger at Maura threatens to consume him that she was a seventeen-year-old making decisions in an impossible situation and that he left with no thought of consequences. Maura understands that Sage and Jack need to build a relationship, and she realizes that her resentments of him stems from her fear that she’s losing Sage. Through all the turmoil, these people talk to one another.
Finally, it’s a small point, but one I really liked. Maura’s marriage to Chris Parker lasted only five years, but he was a good stepfather to Sage and has continued to be involved in her life since the divorce. Sage loves him and still enjoys a good relationship with him. Since the man is the frontman in a rock band, it was especially refreshing to see him presented as a responsible and caring adult.
I haven’t even touched upon the strong sense of community that makes Hope’s Crossing a warm, wonderful—although imperfect—place. There’s a subplot with Jack’s father that adds interest, and for readers who have read the other books, there’s the satisfaction of seeing familiar characters again. Despite their appearance, I think this book can be read as a standalone. The only thing that kept this from being a five-star read for me is a complication in Sage’s life that seemed unnecessary to me.
There is sadness in this book, and it’s a sadness that will never completely disappear. But there is also redemption and joy and love in many dimensions. And, of course, there’s hope. We are in Hope’s Crossing after all.
See full review at The Romance Dish:
http://www.theromancedish.com/2012/10...
This is the third book in Thayne’s Hope Crossing series, following Blackberry Summer and Woodrose Mountain. I enjoyed the others, but I think Sweet Laurel Falls is the best of the three. The accident in which Maura’s daughter Layla was killed links the three stories, and I have been hoping since the first book to see Maura begin to heal. Thayne does a wonderful job of showing both Maura’s near-paralyzing grief and gradual understanding that even a life irrevocably changed must go on.
There were so many ways that Thayne could have gone for the trite and ended up with a lesser book, but she rejects the knee-jerk response every time. First, there’s the combination of Christmas and loss. Anyone who has lost someone she loves knows the pain of the first special days without him/her. I can only imagine that the first Christmas after a child’s death must be difficult beyond words. I’ve read books where characters in similar situations retreated into their grief and added to the burden other loved ones bear. I think it says a great deal about Maura that she refuses to do this.
Second, there’s the anger that Sage, Jack, and Maura all feel about the past and the secret of Sage’s birth. Sage’s anger when she reveals her father’s identity in the bookstore is almost palpable. And she has a right to be angry that her mother lied to her. Jack is angry too, angry that Maura never told him about Sage, angry at all the time he lost with his daughter that cannot be reclaimed. His anger too seems eminently justifiable. Maura is angry as well, angry that Jack followed her father’s pattern of leaving, angry that Jack’s arrival has turned upside down a world that has already been rocked on its axis. Her anger may be less logical, but it makes sense emotionally. Yet none of these characters use their anger as a weapon or a wall, or at least they do so only briefly. Sage tells her mother how angry she is, but in the next breath assures her that she loves her. Jack reminds himself when anger at Maura threatens to consume him that she was a seventeen-year-old making decisions in an impossible situation and that he left with no thought of consequences. Maura understands that Sage and Jack need to build a relationship, and she realizes that her resentments of him stems from her fear that she’s losing Sage. Through all the turmoil, these people talk to one another.
Finally, it’s a small point, but one I really liked. Maura’s marriage to Chris Parker lasted only five years, but he was a good stepfather to Sage and has continued to be involved in her life since the divorce. Sage loves him and still enjoys a good relationship with him. Since the man is the frontman in a rock band, it was especially refreshing to see him presented as a responsible and caring adult.
I haven’t even touched upon the strong sense of community that makes Hope’s Crossing a warm, wonderful—although imperfect—place. There’s a subplot with Jack’s father that adds interest, and for readers who have read the other books, there’s the satisfaction of seeing familiar characters again. Despite their appearance, I think this book can be read as a standalone. The only thing that kept this from being a five-star read for me is a complication in Sage’s life that seemed unnecessary to me.
There is sadness in this book, and it’s a sadness that will never completely disappear. But there is also redemption and joy and love in many dimensions. And, of course, there’s hope. We are in Hope’s Crossing after all.
See full review at The Romance Dish:
http://www.theromancedish.com/2012/10...
July 29, 2014
Stories from Hope's Crossing, Colorado continue with Maura, who lost her youngest daughter to a car crash just a short time ago. Now her 19 year old daughter has returned for vacation from college, with Jackson Lange, Maura's first love. Jackson has just found out that he is Sage's father, but Maura had never told him about her. Sage has her own secret as Maura and Jackson try to reconcile their problem pasts. Life is also complicated by Sage's new found grandfather, Harry Lange, the most hated man in Hope's Crossing.
I really enjoy these light romances that always have lots of serious situations and thoughts within the stories. One thought that stuck out in this book for me was:
"It was a philosophical point he would have to ask Reverend Wilson next time he saw him on the golf course. Hypothetically, of course. If people helped others because they craved that feeling of satisfaction and delight, was it really selfless? How could an act be considered altruistic if, in a roundabout fashion, somebody was just fulfilling a need inside themselves by helping someone else?"
This story also deals with grief, forgiveness and reconciliation. I've come to feel that the characters are good friends and neighbors. Looking forward to reading about more of the citizens of Hope's Crossing in the next book!
I really enjoy these light romances that always have lots of serious situations and thoughts within the stories. One thought that stuck out in this book for me was:
"It was a philosophical point he would have to ask Reverend Wilson next time he saw him on the golf course. Hypothetically, of course. If people helped others because they craved that feeling of satisfaction and delight, was it really selfless? How could an act be considered altruistic if, in a roundabout fashion, somebody was just fulfilling a need inside themselves by helping someone else?"
This story also deals with grief, forgiveness and reconciliation. I've come to feel that the characters are good friends and neighbors. Looking forward to reading about more of the citizens of Hope's Crossing in the next book!
August 4, 2012
When I realized that this book had Maura I wasn't sure what to think. I wanted her to be happy, but worried that she was still drowning in her grief from her daughter's death and wouldn't be ready. As the book started out that was just the case, Maura was facing the holidays and barely getting by. Her friends and family's hearts were in the right place, but I can see why Maura needed some alone time.
When Sage brought her guest home, it stunned me, mostly because I didn't remember that we didn't know that fact. I was surprised by how civil the guest and Maura's initial private talk was. I thought there would be ranting, raving, and all sorts of you done me wrong talk. I think because of this the 3 of them were able to settle into a fairly easy relationship.
I enjoyed seeing Jackson get to know Sage and Maura. I liked how old feelings were sparked back to life, how Jackson didn't gloss over Layla and what effect she had on the girls.
I was able to guess Sage's secret right away. I hated how it mirrored Maura's situation, and hated it even more when we found out just who was involved. While I thought less of Sage for the person involved, I hated how she was treated when she finally came clean. I did love the scene after with her Gramps! It was sweet and just what you wouldn't expect from a crotchety old man. I do wish that Sage would have taken Gramps up on his offer.
The quiet courtship seemed to fit our couple. Yes they had a history, but there were a lot of years in between. I loved how on a very important day Jackson was able to be there for Maura even though it was at great trouble for him.
I am not sure what I think of the ending, the choice that Sage made from Harry's suggestion. Part of me thinks it is perfect, but the other part of me wonders if at some point there will be trouble down the line with confusion with the connections. Either way, I hope to read more in this series.
When Sage brought her guest home, it stunned me, mostly because I didn't remember that we didn't know that fact. I was surprised by how civil the guest and Maura's initial private talk was. I thought there would be ranting, raving, and all sorts of you done me wrong talk. I think because of this the 3 of them were able to settle into a fairly easy relationship.
I enjoyed seeing Jackson get to know Sage and Maura. I liked how old feelings were sparked back to life, how Jackson didn't gloss over Layla and what effect she had on the girls.
I was able to guess Sage's secret right away. I hated how it mirrored Maura's situation, and hated it even more when we found out just who was involved. While I thought less of Sage for the person involved, I hated how she was treated when she finally came clean. I did love the scene after with her Gramps! It was sweet and just what you wouldn't expect from a crotchety old man. I do wish that Sage would have taken Gramps up on his offer.
The quiet courtship seemed to fit our couple. Yes they had a history, but there were a lot of years in between. I loved how on a very important day Jackson was able to be there for Maura even though it was at great trouble for him.
I am not sure what I think of the ending, the choice that Sage made from Harry's suggestion. Part of me thinks it is perfect, but the other part of me wonders if at some point there will be trouble down the line with confusion with the connections. Either way, I hope to read more in this series.
May 27, 2021
It's the Holidays but Maura isn't in the mood, grieving the lost of her youngest daughter for almost a year now. She still took the time to organize a book club reunion at her bookstore/coffee house and it's while she's talking litterature with her friends that her first love, a man she haven't seen in almost two decades, appear in her bookstore. Followed by Maura's daughter who suddenly announce to the assembly that he's her father. At 18, Jackson Lange swore he'd never be back in Hope's Crossing, running away from the memory of his mother's tragic death and leaving his bastard of a father. Now he's back and he wants answers from Maura about why she never told him they made a child together.
There's certainly a big part of realism in this romance novel. What I mean is that those characters are flawed, make mistake and try to atone, like people in real life. But to be honnest, I don't like how some of them view certain subject (like how Sage minimize cheating for example or how easily the hero's father's past behaviors are easily excused. I don't care for his charity act when he's still insulting people and being an arrogant ass). The romance didn't quite convinced me either. It felt more like a fond friendship for most of the book and then they declare their love for each other. There's something about the town and the sense of community that I enjoyed. And if Maura and Jack can have a second chance at love, I can certainly give a second chance to this series and try another book someday😜.
There's certainly a big part of realism in this romance novel. What I mean is that those characters are flawed, make mistake and try to atone, like people in real life. But to be honnest, I don't like how some of them view certain subject (like how Sage minimize cheating for example or how easily the hero's father's past behaviors are easily excused. I don't care for his charity act when he's still insulting people and being an arrogant ass). The romance didn't quite convinced me either. It felt more like a fond friendship for most of the book and then they declare their love for each other. There's something about the town and the sense of community that I enjoyed. And if Maura and Jack can have a second chance at love, I can certainly give a second chance to this series and try another book someday😜.
May 24, 2013
Sweet Laurel Falls is the third book in the Hope Crossing series. This book was published by Harlequin and released in September 2012.
Maura is trying to live one day to the next the best she can after her youngest daughter is killed in an accident. The holiday season is here and Maura is trying to focus on her book store and not on the first Christmas without her daughter. She is surrounded by her family and friends who are trying to as supportive a possible. But, when her oldest daughter comes home for the holidays with a visitor, Maura's world does another flip.
Jack hated his hometown and his father. He left for college and never looked back. What he didn't know was that when he left his girlfriend had been pregnant with his child. Twenty years later he discovers he is a father and is furious that he lost twenty years with his daughter.
He comes back to his hometown with his daughter Sage and to confront the mother of his child.
Sage, delighted to have found her father, but going through some intense personal challenges has a shocking announcement that will require the help and support of both her parents.
This book is more on the Women's fiction side that contemporary romance but works in both categories.
It is a sweet story about second chances and new beginnings and forgiveness.
I think all of us have made choices that we thought were right at the time, but later found that we should have done things differently. Maura finally realizes her mistakes and owns up them, while Jack must learn to forgive the wrongs done to him by Maura, the town and his father.
The chemistry is still alive between Jack and Maura, though the timing is not the best. Will they be able to let go of past hurts and rebuild a solid relationship?
I give this on a B+
Thanks to edelweiss for the ARC.
Maura is trying to live one day to the next the best she can after her youngest daughter is killed in an accident. The holiday season is here and Maura is trying to focus on her book store and not on the first Christmas without her daughter. She is surrounded by her family and friends who are trying to as supportive a possible. But, when her oldest daughter comes home for the holidays with a visitor, Maura's world does another flip.
Jack hated his hometown and his father. He left for college and never looked back. What he didn't know was that when he left his girlfriend had been pregnant with his child. Twenty years later he discovers he is a father and is furious that he lost twenty years with his daughter.
He comes back to his hometown with his daughter Sage and to confront the mother of his child.
Sage, delighted to have found her father, but going through some intense personal challenges has a shocking announcement that will require the help and support of both her parents.
This book is more on the Women's fiction side that contemporary romance but works in both categories.
It is a sweet story about second chances and new beginnings and forgiveness.
I think all of us have made choices that we thought were right at the time, but later found that we should have done things differently. Maura finally realizes her mistakes and owns up them, while Jack must learn to forgive the wrongs done to him by Maura, the town and his father.
The chemistry is still alive between Jack and Maura, though the timing is not the best. Will they be able to let go of past hurts and rebuild a solid relationship?
I give this on a B+
Thanks to edelweiss for the ARC.
October 9, 2018
I wanted to like this book because i liked the first 2 in the series. But as soon as i started reading i knew i would have problems.
The author tries to rekindle a romance from 20 years ago.
I am going to make a quote from Pacey of Dawson's Creek: "I can never go back to loving you the way I did knowing that my love wasn't strong enough the first time around." Pacey was wise for his age.
The hero of this book, Jack, is madly in love with Maura, but he manages to walk away anyway and not look back for 20 years. Yes i know there is some pain there and the reason he leaves town is briefly explored in an internal monologue. It is still not a good enough reason for me. If you love someone that much, you find a way. And according to the history there, this was quite a love.
And she is no innocent either. She should have tried harder to reach him. If she really loved him she would have done so.
And i don't believe for a second that when the child they accidentally spawn (Sage) gets older and starts to ask about her daddy that the words "he's not in our lives" is a sufficient explanation.
I actually almost started to see red when Sage (now an adult) gets pregnant and Jack and Maura convince her to consider adoption as if it is somehow a better solution for the unborn child just because Sage is still in college. Seriously?? Maura has just lost one of her children in a tragic car accident. So let me reiterate.... A parent who has just experienced the death of a child is going to tell her ONLY other child to give up her first baby for adoption? ABSOLUTELY NO WAY!!!! I would add swearing to that to emphasize my point if i thought it were appropriate. I am certain this is not how any sane person capable of raising a baby would think. Especially when the would be grandmother is only in her late 30s. If i was a would be grandmother in my 30s i would take that baby and raise it myself if i had to, no thinking or considering required. Besides that, this book is written in 2012 not the stone age! News flash: single mothers raise babies all the time. Not saying its perfect, but don't go around acting like putting the baby up for adoption is better for the baby in the situation presented in this book. Thank goodness the cranky old man spoke up in the end and pointed out to them that they were all being incredibly stupid.
And need i point out that this is a girl that has 5 Aunts and Uncles. Are you telling me that not one of them would step up and raise their neice or nephew? This is absolutely unbelievable! I have seen families in the real world (that are not even as tight of a family as the one written of in this book) stand up to take responsibility and care for the children their offspring spawn. Yet here, extended family is not even appealed to. It's like they aren't even there. This whole part of the story line makes me angry.
It's almost as if the author just wanted to add the subject of adoption into this book to add on to the incredible pain already being experienced. You know i would think that a man who just missed 20 years of his daughter's life would have some things to work through but we spend so much time in this book worrying about Sage's pregnancy that there is really no time for that.
I had a 2 star rating but after my rant, i realize i am going to change it to a 1. I am not sure i am going to read any more books in this series, despite really loving the first one. The author is leaning toward piling on pain in the books instead of focusing on what is already there. It leaves the reader wanting for what could have been.
The author tries to rekindle a romance from 20 years ago.
I am going to make a quote from Pacey of Dawson's Creek: "I can never go back to loving you the way I did knowing that my love wasn't strong enough the first time around." Pacey was wise for his age.
The hero of this book, Jack, is madly in love with Maura, but he manages to walk away anyway and not look back for 20 years. Yes i know there is some pain there and the reason he leaves town is briefly explored in an internal monologue. It is still not a good enough reason for me. If you love someone that much, you find a way. And according to the history there, this was quite a love.
And she is no innocent either. She should have tried harder to reach him. If she really loved him she would have done so.
And i don't believe for a second that when the child they accidentally spawn (Sage) gets older and starts to ask about her daddy that the words "he's not in our lives" is a sufficient explanation.
I actually almost started to see red when Sage (now an adult) gets pregnant and Jack and Maura convince her to consider adoption as if it is somehow a better solution for the unborn child just because Sage is still in college. Seriously?? Maura has just lost one of her children in a tragic car accident. So let me reiterate.... A parent who has just experienced the death of a child is going to tell her ONLY other child to give up her first baby for adoption? ABSOLUTELY NO WAY!!!! I would add swearing to that to emphasize my point if i thought it were appropriate. I am certain this is not how any sane person capable of raising a baby would think. Especially when the would be grandmother is only in her late 30s. If i was a would be grandmother in my 30s i would take that baby and raise it myself if i had to, no thinking or considering required. Besides that, this book is written in 2012 not the stone age! News flash: single mothers raise babies all the time. Not saying its perfect, but don't go around acting like putting the baby up for adoption is better for the baby in the situation presented in this book. Thank goodness the cranky old man spoke up in the end and pointed out to them that they were all being incredibly stupid.
And need i point out that this is a girl that has 5 Aunts and Uncles. Are you telling me that not one of them would step up and raise their neice or nephew? This is absolutely unbelievable! I have seen families in the real world (that are not even as tight of a family as the one written of in this book) stand up to take responsibility and care for the children their offspring spawn. Yet here, extended family is not even appealed to. It's like they aren't even there. This whole part of the story line makes me angry.
It's almost as if the author just wanted to add the subject of adoption into this book to add on to the incredible pain already being experienced. You know i would think that a man who just missed 20 years of his daughter's life would have some things to work through but we spend so much time in this book worrying about Sage's pregnancy that there is really no time for that.
I had a 2 star rating but after my rant, i realize i am going to change it to a 1. I am not sure i am going to read any more books in this series, despite really loving the first one. The author is leaning toward piling on pain in the books instead of focusing on what is already there. It leaves the reader wanting for what could have been.
March 21, 2020
“He had thought about her over the years with softness, the same kind of fond recollection he had for his first car and the first building he had ever designed. Over the years, he had even thought about looking her up a time or two, but had decided he would rather cherish those memories than be confronted with a reality that might have turned out far differently than he imagined.”
Esta frase me ha matado, en serio 😑
Por lo visto, esta escritora y yo no congeniamos. Ni de coña.
Esta frase me ha matado, en serio 😑
Por lo visto, esta escritora y yo no congeniamos. Ni de coña.
May 15, 2018
Ioved it. Now what is going to happen with Maura and Jack? What are they gonna name the adopted son?
January 4, 2020
I just couldn't get into this book. I had to take frequent breaks because I lost interest. I will say the general idea for this book was good and a couple of the characters were nice.
December 27, 2021
Noorelt tehtud vead, rääkimata jutud, saladuslik(ud) rasedus(ed), taaskohtumised, armastuse leidmine ja kaotamine - need olid teemad, mille vahel sujuvalt ning tasakaalukalt pendeldati. Hästi rahulik ja turvaline lugu, mis kindlalt sadamasse juhiti.
Pikemalt kirjutan blogis: https://midaheliluges.blogspot.com/20...
Pikemalt kirjutan blogis: https://midaheliluges.blogspot.com/20...
December 26, 2020
The book jacket makes it sound like Maura is in deep grief and is barely getting by, which isn't true. That bugged me--when book summaries don't match up with the story.
August 10, 2019
Minu arvamuse leiab blogist https://triinuraamatud.wordpress.com/...
January 23, 2021
I loved this sweet, uncomplicated story.
August 7, 2022
The next addition in Hope’s Crossing was pretty emotional. Definitely read the others before this or you will be lost. Plot was fairly common, teen lovers reunited, teen pregnancy but it was well written. Excited for the next one
December 22, 2013
Very good reunion story. Maura is still reeling from the death of her younger daughter in a car accident. She tries to put a good face on things for her friends and family but she isn't really in the mood for the holidays. Her world is rocked even further when her older daughter comes home from college with a visitor - the father she never knew. Maura had never told anyone who he was after he left their town saying he wouldn't be back. She had tried to contact him but he didn't return her calls, so she continued on her own. Maura has built a good life with family and friends and owns her own business. Seeing Jack again has brought back memories, both good and bad. I loved seeing the way that she and Jack were able to deal with each other in a civil manner from the beginning. She was still angry with him for leaving and never contacting her, but she also admitted that there was still an attraction to him. She also has to deal with the idea of Sage getting to know her father, and having to share Sage with him. I liked the way that she was honest enough to admit to herself that she was jealous of Sage's new relationship with her father, fearing that she'll lose her special relationship with her daughter. When an issue comes up with Sage that needs both her parents' support, Maura and Jack have to learn to coexist. What they discover is that their love hadn't really died after all. I loved the fact that they didn't just jump back into an intense relationship but took the time to get to know each other again and make sure that they had something that would work.
Jack couldn't wait to leave Hope's Crossing when he was a teenager. His mother had had mental issues when he was growing up before killing herself, and his father had withdrawn to his business world. When his father basically stole the land Jack had inherited from his mother, Jack had enough and left. He wanted Maura to go with him, but she wasn't ready to leave everything behind. Jack worked hard and became a successful architect, frequently appearing as a guest lecturer at colleges, which was how he met Sage. After discovering their connection he was furious at Maura for cheating him out of all those years of knowing his daughter. As angry as he was, I appreciated the fact that he didn't get vocally mean to her and generally be a jerk. He let her know that he planned to stay around and get to know Sage. It was fun seeing his confusion about staying in Hope's Crossing when he had sworn he would never come back. He couldn't understand why he felt compelled to stay. I loved his growing feelings for Maura and loved it when he told her he wanted to see where their feelings would lead them. I liked the fact that it wasn't an overnight decision but a slow progression. Jack also had to deal with seeing his father again. He still had a lot of anger toward his father and it was very hard to let it go. That resolution wasn't an overnight thing either, which made it much more realistic.
I liked the part that Sage had in this book. Her feelings of betrayal were real when she found out about Jack, but she also still loved her mother and told her so. I wasn't surprised by the problem that she had and found the way it echoed her mother's life pretty ironic. That it did was one of the things that helped Jack and Maura deal with it so well. I thought she showed pretty good maturity in her decision making. I also enjoyed her relationship with her grandfather and the part she played in Jack and Harry's reconciliation. Her emotions over the decisions she had to make at the end of the book were very realistic and I loved the solution that Harry came up with.
Jack couldn't wait to leave Hope's Crossing when he was a teenager. His mother had had mental issues when he was growing up before killing herself, and his father had withdrawn to his business world. When his father basically stole the land Jack had inherited from his mother, Jack had enough and left. He wanted Maura to go with him, but she wasn't ready to leave everything behind. Jack worked hard and became a successful architect, frequently appearing as a guest lecturer at colleges, which was how he met Sage. After discovering their connection he was furious at Maura for cheating him out of all those years of knowing his daughter. As angry as he was, I appreciated the fact that he didn't get vocally mean to her and generally be a jerk. He let her know that he planned to stay around and get to know Sage. It was fun seeing his confusion about staying in Hope's Crossing when he had sworn he would never come back. He couldn't understand why he felt compelled to stay. I loved his growing feelings for Maura and loved it when he told her he wanted to see where their feelings would lead them. I liked the fact that it wasn't an overnight decision but a slow progression. Jack also had to deal with seeing his father again. He still had a lot of anger toward his father and it was very hard to let it go. That resolution wasn't an overnight thing either, which made it much more realistic.
I liked the part that Sage had in this book. Her feelings of betrayal were real when she found out about Jack, but she also still loved her mother and told her so. I wasn't surprised by the problem that she had and found the way it echoed her mother's life pretty ironic. That it did was one of the things that helped Jack and Maura deal with it so well. I thought she showed pretty good maturity in her decision making. I also enjoyed her relationship with her grandfather and the part she played in Jack and Harry's reconciliation. Her emotions over the decisions she had to make at the end of the book were very realistic and I loved the solution that Harry came up with.
July 23, 2012
Sweet Laurel Falls by RaeAnne Thayne
ISBN: 9780373776702
Maura McKnight-Parker wanted a vacation from Christmas.
She runs a book/coffeehouse and is open to book clubs to meet.
Hope's Crossing is the type of town that belongs in a snowglobe. Everything is in place and it looks so magical especially when it snows.
The straw that broke the camel's back is when her grown daughter, Sage brings her father into the bookstore on the night of the Christmas party. Maura has had a tough year, she buried her younger daughter.
They head to her office and she admits that Jackson Lunge is her bio father. She had tried to contact him when he went away to college. She's not seen him in twenty years and it's been quite a shock to her system.
He's now an architect and he does lectures at college and that's where Sage had a conversation with him.
He now plans to stick around for a few weeks to get to spend time with his daughter as it's the slow time of the year for him. He also sees his father at the bookstore, being mean and rude and when he sees him he becomes ill and falls.
Harry agrees to be attended by EMT's and the hospital. Jackson thinks things would go back to normal if he just left.
They each daydream about their sensual sex life as teens, the places they shared their life's together.
When a crises hits someone in town the angel of hope pays a call, either by giving them cash or a much needed gift, or food.
The angel is about to be uncovered as Jackson has seen the person in action.
Tempers flare as Sage informs them both she is taking a semester off from college. He has a plan that might work for them all and it's accepted.
It helps them all out but it brings them all closer to one another. He's going to bid on the new town project, open an office in town and Sage can work there til the next semester to even see if she likes that type of career.
Sage is hiding major secrets and her parents both have feelings for one another but won't even 'go there'. They each have enough going on in their lives to not further complicate matters...
There are more turmoils ahead that can ruin many others life's.
Love the butterfly envelope and the significance...
Love this series and can't wait to read the next one.
ISBN: 9780373776702
Maura McKnight-Parker wanted a vacation from Christmas.
She runs a book/coffeehouse and is open to book clubs to meet.
Hope's Crossing is the type of town that belongs in a snowglobe. Everything is in place and it looks so magical especially when it snows.
The straw that broke the camel's back is when her grown daughter, Sage brings her father into the bookstore on the night of the Christmas party. Maura has had a tough year, she buried her younger daughter.
They head to her office and she admits that Jackson Lunge is her bio father. She had tried to contact him when he went away to college. She's not seen him in twenty years and it's been quite a shock to her system.
He's now an architect and he does lectures at college and that's where Sage had a conversation with him.
He now plans to stick around for a few weeks to get to spend time with his daughter as it's the slow time of the year for him. He also sees his father at the bookstore, being mean and rude and when he sees him he becomes ill and falls.
Harry agrees to be attended by EMT's and the hospital. Jackson thinks things would go back to normal if he just left.
They each daydream about their sensual sex life as teens, the places they shared their life's together.
When a crises hits someone in town the angel of hope pays a call, either by giving them cash or a much needed gift, or food.
The angel is about to be uncovered as Jackson has seen the person in action.
Tempers flare as Sage informs them both she is taking a semester off from college. He has a plan that might work for them all and it's accepted.
It helps them all out but it brings them all closer to one another. He's going to bid on the new town project, open an office in town and Sage can work there til the next semester to even see if she likes that type of career.
Sage is hiding major secrets and her parents both have feelings for one another but won't even 'go there'. They each have enough going on in their lives to not further complicate matters...
There are more turmoils ahead that can ruin many others life's.
Love the butterfly envelope and the significance...
Love this series and can't wait to read the next one.
September 10, 2012
4 STARS Sweet Laurel Falls is a Hope's Crossing book 3 Okay was I on a emotional roller coast with this book. I admit to sharing some tears and smiling in other parts of the book. RaeAnne characters were real to me and I cared what happens to them. In other Hope's Crossing books we learn that someone is going around and helping people and the notes are signed Angel. In this the 3 book we find out who started it but others are copying the Angel. Maura McKnight-Parker had lost her teen daughter less than a year ago to drunk driving accident. She is puting on a good job to others that she is coping alright. When she is not ready to let her daughter go just yet. She is getting settup to host another Christmas Book club in her book store when a old boyfriend Jackson Lange from over 20 years ago shows up in her store with her other daughter Sage in tow. Maura had never told anyone who the father of her baby was. She never told Jackson that she was pregnant. Never told her 19 year old daughter Sage. Jackson was at Sage's Collage giving a lecture and after Sage went up to him. Sage told him that they were from the same little town and she saw his father around town. Jackson asked who her parents were to see if he knew them. She told him that she never knew who her father was but told him Maura was her mother. He figured out fast that he was the father. Jackson hated his father and the small town of Sweet Laura Falls. He left for collage and never came back to his home town untill now. He was upset to find out he was a father all these years and did not know. He was going to stay at least threw the holidays and get to know his daughter. It has been a rough year on Sage too. She really missed her younger sister even though thier was a 4 years between them they were close. Thier is not much of anything to complain about this book except I did not have tissues handy. I will definately be reading more books by RaeAnne in the future. 09/25/2012 PUB Harlequin Imprint HarlequinHQN
September 30, 2012
Sweet Laurel Falls is one of those wonderful stories that take a hold of your heart and just won’t let you go. Starting with the beautiful cover (who wouldn’t want to sit on a purple bench with a view like that) until the very last page, I found myself captivated with this book.
Maura has had a tough year. Her youngest daughter was killed in a car crash and now at Christmas time she just needs some time to cope with it. Unfortunately during her bookstore’s party her oldest daughter Sage shows up with someone she hadn’t seen in quite awhile, Sage’s father Jackson.
Jackson never knew that when he left he had given Maura a child. After a chance meeting with Sage he was shocked to learn that he was her father. Jackson comes back and Maura has to deal with him and with the fact that there is something going on with Sage that she doesn’t want to talk about…
Sweet Laurel Falls is the third book in the Hope’s crossing series but could easily be read as a standalone. I have only had a chance to read the second in the series but I am planning on reading the first book as well as any others that might come next in this touching series.
Maura has had a tough year. Her youngest daughter was killed in a car crash and now at Christmas time she just needs some time to cope with it. Unfortunately during her bookstore’s party her oldest daughter Sage shows up with someone she hadn’t seen in quite awhile, Sage’s father Jackson.
Jackson never knew that when he left he had given Maura a child. After a chance meeting with Sage he was shocked to learn that he was her father. Jackson comes back and Maura has to deal with him and with the fact that there is something going on with Sage that she doesn’t want to talk about…
Sweet Laurel Falls is the third book in the Hope’s crossing series but could easily be read as a standalone. I have only had a chance to read the second in the series but I am planning on reading the first book as well as any others that might come next in this touching series.
January 21, 2021
I'm struggling a little bit with this series. I found them because I Googled books similar to the Eternity Springs series by Emily March. These are eerily similar in setting and characters (even down to similarly named towns in the same state), but with less development and more dragging. I feel like March could have told the story better in 100 pages less.
This is the third Hope's Crossing book, and my least favorite so far. The characters are high school sweethearts reunited 20 years later with a secret pregnancy between them. As much as the book went on and on about the same repeated emotions I felt other critical emotions were ignored. The characters were weakly developed and there was very little to make the reader fall in love with them. There was more so for the man, which is disappointing since the book is told mostly from the woman's perspective. Sadly, the supporting cast are more dazzling.
Overall, the book runs on and the characters are forgettable. I'll finish the series because I always do, but if you want an uplifting, entertaining, clean read with characters that become family, go to Eternity Springs.
This is the third Hope's Crossing book, and my least favorite so far. The characters are high school sweethearts reunited 20 years later with a secret pregnancy between them. As much as the book went on and on about the same repeated emotions I felt other critical emotions were ignored. The characters were weakly developed and there was very little to make the reader fall in love with them. There was more so for the man, which is disappointing since the book is told mostly from the woman's perspective. Sadly, the supporting cast are more dazzling.
Overall, the book runs on and the characters are forgettable. I'll finish the series because I always do, but if you want an uplifting, entertaining, clean read with characters that become family, go to Eternity Springs.
September 14, 2012
Maura McKnight-Parker has had a rough year dealing with losing her young daughter Layla. She is just trying to cope with the Christmas season, when she is shocked to see her ex-love Jackson Lange walk into her book store, even more shocked that her daughter Sage is with him. Jackson didn't know Maura was pregnant with his child when he left town. Jackson & Sage discovered their relationship after a lecture at the College Sage attends. As Jackson plans to stay in town to get to know his daughter, old sparks start to fly between he & Maura. As they band together to support their daughter through a life altering situation will they discover their love is still strong?
I really enjoyed this book. It was great to see Maura have some happiness after experiencing so much pain.
We also learn who the Angel of Hope is in this book.
I really enjoyed this book. It was great to see Maura have some happiness after experiencing so much pain.
We also learn who the Angel of Hope is in this book.
October 20, 2016
this was sweet, so far i liked the MC in this book. But harry was my favorite, and I was hoping to see closure between Jackson and him. But... the thing that I didn't like, was I guess Sage's choice to not keep the baby in the end. I kind of thought she was going to keep it, but ended up giving the baby to her parents to raise instead. It was sweet... but I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that would have rather be a big sister to her son, instead of being his mother. I just kinda thought that was weird.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2014
Slow, gentle and (maybe too) sweet second chance at love story. The low rating is due to some pet peeves this touched on:
There were too mane little details niggling at me for me to enjoy the novel. Maybe the next one...
There were too mane little details niggling at me for me to enjoy the novel. Maybe the next one...
February 27, 2022
Miss Raeanne definitely keeps you reading, looking for the next hint. Love is definitely in the air in Hope's Crossing
October 31, 2017
soooo i read Sugar Pine Trail and thought it was cute and wanted to read the start of the series. turns out the Caine's started in the hope's crossing series and not the haven point series.
ok the entire hope's crossing series was like a hallmark movie with a lil nicholas sparks thrown in. cuz in hallmark there is not as much bad stuff going like folks dying and whatnot, nick sparks likes death or dismemberment or some awful tragedy.
i enjoyed the hope's crossing series for that hallmark feel.
they were cute. they are good lil romances. no graphic sex, a lil bit of violence. a lot of dogs, kids, and family members. and nothing was mysterious. oh she tried, but nope. she tried to be all nicholas sparks and throw in some twists but nope it was hallmark. you saw the "surprises" coming a mile away. i really liked the big family and small picturesque town aspect. so hallmark.
even though i read them all one after another, the stories and characters were sufficiently different that i could enjoy each one.
not so with the haven point series. they have all the same stuff yet the no hallmark feels. except for the first one in the series(Snow Angel Cove)and the last oneSugar Pine Trail). (both of which have Caine's in them- like everyone of the hope crossing series does.) i am almost done with that series and it sucks. it started out very good with adian caine but it went downhill form there. why? cuz every book was VERY similar to the first one. i am literally recognizing entire phrasing. (like i am positive she used some of the exact sentences in all the books!) the lead characters all remind me of the previous leads. and they are so very quick to judge. like how can you be attracted to a person and feel this "hunger" (she uses that word A LOT) when you think they are mean or nasty or uptight or something else very unpleasant? the situations are even similar (crutches for everyone!) also every book is i really NEED help but i don't want your help but i guess i'll take it and try to be grateful and oh now i am in love.
i am saddened by this since i really enjoyed hope's crossing and the first and last book in the haven point series. oh welll...
ok the entire hope's crossing series was like a hallmark movie with a lil nicholas sparks thrown in. cuz in hallmark there is not as much bad stuff going like folks dying and whatnot, nick sparks likes death or dismemberment or some awful tragedy.
i enjoyed the hope's crossing series for that hallmark feel.
they were cute. they are good lil romances. no graphic sex, a lil bit of violence. a lot of dogs, kids, and family members. and nothing was mysterious. oh she tried, but nope. she tried to be all nicholas sparks and throw in some twists but nope it was hallmark. you saw the "surprises" coming a mile away. i really liked the big family and small picturesque town aspect. so hallmark.
even though i read them all one after another, the stories and characters were sufficiently different that i could enjoy each one.
not so with the haven point series. they have all the same stuff yet the no hallmark feels. except for the first one in the series(Snow Angel Cove)and the last oneSugar Pine Trail). (both of which have Caine's in them- like everyone of the hope crossing series does.) i am almost done with that series and it sucks. it started out very good with adian caine but it went downhill form there. why? cuz every book was VERY similar to the first one. i am literally recognizing entire phrasing. (like i am positive she used some of the exact sentences in all the books!) the lead characters all remind me of the previous leads. and they are so very quick to judge. like how can you be attracted to a person and feel this "hunger" (she uses that word A LOT) when you think they are mean or nasty or uptight or something else very unpleasant? the situations are even similar (crutches for everyone!) also every book is i really NEED help but i don't want your help but i guess i'll take it and try to be grateful and oh now i am in love.
i am saddened by this since i really enjoyed hope's crossing and the first and last book in the haven point series. oh welll...
December 5, 2022
The Hope's Crossing Series has been published over the last ten years, but they have recently been published as audiobooks. I am going back and listening to this sweet, small town, romance series by RaeAnne Thayne. Sweet Laurel Falls is the third in the series. In this book we meet Maura McKnight-Parker, a mother who is still dealing with the death of her youngest daughter in a car accident. Her older daughter, Sage, has returned home from school with a man in tow, her father. Jackson Lange never knew he has a daughter, as he didn't know Maura was pregnant when he fled Sweet Laurel Falls years earlier for school, and never returned. Laurel just happened to run into him at a guest lecture, and the well known architect was quickly identified as her father. Sage has told her mother she plans on taking time off school for awhile, and Jackson wants to stick around and get to know his daughter. Can they be together in this small town without rekindling old feelings?
This was a quick, sweet story with some angst, secrets and forgiveness. Maura, Jackson and Sage are all great characters, relatively well developed and very relatable. Sage is an emotional, hormonal young adult, and I quickly figured out what her secret was, but there was more than I had deduced. I have not read the first two books yet, so I have missed some of the background dealing with the car accident and the links to the previous stories, as well as some character information, but I had no problem enjoying this story. Harry Lange, is the richest and most detested man in the small town, but he is now Sage's grandfather, which brings out a kinder side to him. Themes of grief, single parenthood, absentee fathers, unplanned pregnancy, greed, reconciliation, family discord and more are all dealt with in a realistic and compassionate way. I will continue to catch up on this series. Claire Christie narrates this audiobook. She is another new narrator to me, and I enjoyed her voice. She gave the various characters their own voices using tone, expression and emotion to add much to this story. I do recommend this audiobook.
This was a quick, sweet story with some angst, secrets and forgiveness. Maura, Jackson and Sage are all great characters, relatively well developed and very relatable. Sage is an emotional, hormonal young adult, and I quickly figured out what her secret was, but there was more than I had deduced. I have not read the first two books yet, so I have missed some of the background dealing with the car accident and the links to the previous stories, as well as some character information, but I had no problem enjoying this story. Harry Lange, is the richest and most detested man in the small town, but he is now Sage's grandfather, which brings out a kinder side to him. Themes of grief, single parenthood, absentee fathers, unplanned pregnancy, greed, reconciliation, family discord and more are all dealt with in a realistic and compassionate way. I will continue to catch up on this series. Claire Christie narrates this audiobook. She is another new narrator to me, and I enjoyed her voice. She gave the various characters their own voices using tone, expression and emotion to add much to this story. I do recommend this audiobook.
October 3, 2019
Maura Parker lives in Hope's Crossing. She is a single mom and owner of a local bookstore and coffee shop called Dog-Eared Books and Brew. Maura is also mourning the death of her teenage daughter Layla who was killed in a terrible car accident. That accident also severely injured another teen girl as well. The accident changes many lives . Maura is basically going through the motions of grief until once day her oldest daughter comes home from college. Sage is home from college to append the holiday with her mom Maura. This will be the first holiday without her baby sister Layla. Layla was killed in a car accident several months ago. The visit is going ok but Sage is hiding a secret from her mom. And to top it all off , Sage has located her estranged dad and has brought him to Hope's Crossing as well. What will happen next? Will Sage reveal her secret? How will Maura feel about having Sage's dad in Hope's Crossing? Jackson Lange is back home to Hope's Crossing after being away 20 years. He has recently learned that he fathered a child with his teen love Maura McKnight-Parker . He had no idea until his daughter Sage found him and told him. Now he is back in town to confront Maura and to get to know his daughter. But there are a few snags along the way . Maura doesn't want to see him and he is been estranged from his dad for years. Plus Sage is hiding something but what? Will Jackson make peace with everyone? What will happen with Sage? This is book 3 of the Hope's Crossing series. This is a sweet, second chance love story . It takes about people making mistakes and forgiveness and healing after a tragic accident . Losing a child is a hard thing but the characters learn to deal with it and learn to heal . Sweet story .
August 14, 2025
So in this third book it starts out at Christmas as Maura deal's with the first one without her youngest daughter and her oldest coming home from College. She is trying to make things feel like Christmas but emotions tumble out when Sade returns but with the father she didn't know about in toe. So it seems like it's a case of like father like daughter as Sade wants to be an architect and the father she never knew happened to be giving a lecture at her college. It didn't take long for a short chat between the two to figure out things.
Let the drama begin as Maura who is dealing with a lot already must deal with Jackson, her childhood sweetheart who is happy to find out he has a daughter but not so happy with Maura for never telling him. So now they are both bouncing around old feelings while dealing with a lot of other emotions too.
Jackson swore he would never come back to Hope's Crossing because of things his father did in regards to his mother, but now he is back and having to face his father. There are a lot of other side things happening, such as a new puppy, finding out who the angel of Hope's Crossing is and more.
Overall, I did enjoy this but I think I am just not a huge fan of the I didn't tell him about his child thing. Sade is in college, I can't believe Maura still hadn't told her who her father was, just because she was holding a grudge. It just tempered my enjoyment of the story some times. I do think my favorite character in this was Harry the grumpy father of Jackson.
I do think the series overall is great and if you like small town settings you will enjoy the series.
Let the drama begin as Maura who is dealing with a lot already must deal with Jackson, her childhood sweetheart who is happy to find out he has a daughter but not so happy with Maura for never telling him. So now they are both bouncing around old feelings while dealing with a lot of other emotions too.
Jackson swore he would never come back to Hope's Crossing because of things his father did in regards to his mother, but now he is back and having to face his father. There are a lot of other side things happening, such as a new puppy, finding out who the angel of Hope's Crossing is and more.
Overall, I did enjoy this but I think I am just not a huge fan of the I didn't tell him about his child thing. Sade is in college, I can't believe Maura still hadn't told her who her father was, just because she was holding a grudge. It just tempered my enjoyment of the story some times. I do think my favorite character in this was Harry the grumpy father of Jackson.
I do think the series overall is great and if you like small town settings you will enjoy the series.
July 25, 2023
The owner of the small town bookstore, Maura, has to learn to open up again to the possibilities for her future after enduring the tragic loss of her youngest daughter. She has to decide if she wants to move on, especially since she was left alone as a teenage mother and then married and divorced the next man in her life. It takes great courage for her to take the huge step forward but realizes she is not helping herself by continuing to hide away. Her oldest daughter brings home quite a few surprises that they work through together as a "family" to find a new path forward. It turns out her happy ending may come almost twenty years later.
I really enjoy RaeAnne Thaynes books and have been working through this Hope Crossing Series. I enjoy that each book focuses on the lives of various townspeople. It is inspiring to see how the town pulls together to find a brighter future.
I really enjoy RaeAnne Thaynes books and have been working through this Hope Crossing Series. I enjoy that each book focuses on the lives of various townspeople. It is inspiring to see how the town pulls together to find a brighter future.
June 27, 2018
I enjoyed this story in and of its self, but not as part of a series. I love series built around a small town or other setting that allows for characters from other books to overlap and interact. This series is lacking in that and in plot lines. I know there are only so many romance novel plots lines, but using the “we don’t want to be in love because it might hurt” story line 3 times in a row and it appears to continue on is just too much. The only variety seems to be the few characters that flounder with self disgust and feeling unworthy of love.
If I put aside my issues with the series as a whole though the story of Maura, Jack, & their daughter Sage is well written and developed. I connected to all 3 main characters.
If I put aside my issues with the series as a whole though the story of Maura, Jack, & their daughter Sage is well written and developed. I connected to all 3 main characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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