The Sacred Ground

Holly Well Springs #3

by Vivian Porter

Enter the world of Holly Well Springs… where the Christmas spirit lives on.

A magical story of love in a sacred place.

Katrina's life is just right, with the perfect job working outdoors in a national park.

Then the US Forestry Service asks her to check on some land in Montana where a local company wants to expand a tree farm.

Ben loves his life in Holly Well Springs, where he works at the Christmas Tree Farm.

He’s been in love with his boss’s sister, Tracy, since high school, but the big city called to her, and he’s put his life on hold while he waits for her to come back.

But the moment Katrina and Ben meet in Holly Well Springs, things get complicated.

Katrina can’t get her mind off the gorgeous Montana cowboy, and Ben’s heart races whenever Katrina is around. Then one day, an amazing discovery on sacred land threatens to change both of their lives forever.

Will Ben choose Katrina, or will Tracy move back to rekindle their relationship? Will Katrina uproot her life and choose to take her rightful place in Holly Well Springs?

Only the magic of the Wishing Well can know for sure.

Genres: Holiday, Contemporary

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2023

About the author

Vivian is a Contemporary Romance writer that travels the US with her family in hopes of visiting with readers and experiencing all the US has to offer.
She loves the idea of sexy "Hallmark-like Inspirational Romance" stories, so that's what she writes. That combined with some great resources on the location of the books (thanks to her visiting these places) will hopefully give you a quick getaway from the comfort of your couch.
She loves coffee, Game of Thrones, and making a difference whenever possible. A theme in her books is love is around every bend in the road. Hopefully, you'll enjoy this journey through the US in her debut series, "All Roads Lead to Love."

Reviews

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic, mystical story. Reminds me of author Heather Webber’s writing.

[Lottie Hildenbrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet and clean romance. The story is a bit different; it takes place in a small town in Montana that celebrates Christmas all year long. This story takes place in June when they are preparing for a June jamboree Christmas celebration. I found it interesting and enjoyable. It was a little slow in the beginning but about midway I was so wrapped up in the story it was hard to tear myself away. This book is the third in the series and can be read as a standalone. I hadn’t read the first two and enjoyed the story; however I found myself wishing I had read the other two first so I would know the backstory of the other characters.
ARC review

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in A Holly Well Springs Novel and it is Katrina and Ben’s story. Katrina worked for the national park and loved what she did because it meant that she could work outdoors and feel free so when she is asked to check some land by the US Forestry Service because they want to extend there tree farm she goes to see what is required not knowing that this visit will change her life and she will also need to make some difficult decisions in her life. Ben lives in Holly Well Springs and loves his life working at the tree farm while waiting to see if the person that he has feelings for will return from the city but things don’t always go as planned. When Katrina and Ben meet for the first time the attraction between then is strong and neither seemed to be able to get the other out of there minds which caused complications all the way around which neither needs because they live a distance apart. There are twists and turns along with surprises, suspense, drama, hope, love and some situations that will have you turning the pages wondering what will happen next and what the outcome will be for Katrina and Blake and if they get the happiness and future that they both deserved. I definitely recommend that you read this book and you will not be disappointed when the magic of the wishing well strikes again when you least expect it. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

[Terri Eaches · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving the Magic of Holly Well Springs

The magic of small town Holly Well Springs that celebrates Christmas year round will make your heart smile. I'm so happy to see Ben get his story. Ben works with his best friend and boss Brodie at the Fisher Christmas tree farm. Not only are they best friends but Ben used to date Brodie's sister Tracy until the big city called her name. Katrina loves working outdoors and had the perfect job working in a national park until the US Forestry wants her go check out a tree farm in Montana to check for artifacts before their expansion. Who knew what their meeting would change for their future. A magical sacred ground, family ties, an old flame returning to town, a new love on the horizon, the future of Holly Well Springs...and it all depends on a single decision from Katrina. With past hurt and rejection can Katrina make the right decision? Will Ben loose the love of his life to a misunderstanding from a partial conversation?? Great characters, clean and wholesome story with a touch of magic, his/her POV, no cliffhanger and a HEA that will melt your heart. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and happily added it to my favorites collection. Looking forward to the next book and already ordered it!!

[Ally Doby (Schleicher) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three of this series, told in multiple first person POV, leaves you with a HEA in the love department and needing more about the mystery and magic that comes with the small town of Holly Springs.

This can be read as a standalone, but previous characters make a huge appearance. The actual storyline, apart from the main characters, is also somewhat told throughout both books so far and looks like it will continue into another book. So it is probably better to read them in order, but isn’t necessary.

I loved Ben and Katrina. They had so much in common, and their chemistry was undeniable. I was hoping that Ben would get a book especially since he was so bummed about his high school sweetheart. I loved that all the women that are brought to Holly Springs are tied to the town in some way that they didn’t know or understood. I can’t wait to read the next one and see what the next adventure will be.

I received an advanced readers copy via Bookfunnel/the author. These thoughts and opinions are my own and left voluntarily after reading for my own enjoyment.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the previous books so much; I knew I had to read this one. I dived into it not having read the blurb very carefully, so the direction of the story was a bit of a surprise to me. But it was the best kind of surprise. Ben was an amazing supporting character in Brodie and Evan’s books, and he made a perfect romantic hero in this book of his own. He’s got a lot of emotional baggage to unpack before he’s completely ready for a relationship, but so does his heroine. I feel like the focus in this story was all about choices and their consequences. Now, after where this ends, I’m more anxious than ever to find out what’s going to happen next.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.

[Jean M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Holly Well Springs series is one of my favourite sets of books, modern day love stories but with a twist of fantasy. This is the third book I have read and follows on from the ones before.
Well written, covering a new romance in each book but still linking in with the characters from previous books.
Ben finally finds true love with Katrina, but it is not without his ex-girlfriend turning up to put a spanner in the works. Big responsibility is put on Katrina’s head and she has a difficult decision to make.
There are tears, happiness and a touch of sadness in this beautiful story, I just love this series and can’t wait for the next.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the latest instalment in the Holly Well Springs series. This is Bens story, he works at the Christmas Tree farm. He dated Tracey since High School, but when she moved to New York she wanted him to move with her, but he’s a fan of the outdoors and cannot imagine living and working in a city, so their relationship has reached an impasse and stalled.
Brodie wants to extend his Christmas Tree farm, but the Forestry Commission have some concerns and send Katrina to survey the land to check for possible artifacts. This story explores Bens relationship with both women, it also explains more about the mysterious magical Town and its background. I received this as an ARC and thoroughly enjoyed this book

[K B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
I received a free copy of the clean Montana set novel The Sacred Ground: A Holly Well Springs Novel by Vivian Porter and this review was given freely.
Filled with drama, tension, and some suspense. This novel melds the love of the outdoors with an instant attraction romance, a genealogy revelation, a quest to protect the heritage of Native people, a question of the heart, and a secret that could end what makes Holly Well Springs special.
Ends with a hook.
While Brodie and Hannah go to a LA conference to market their plant food, Ben is placed in charge of the tree farm, greenhouses, and hosting Mississippi-born female US Forestry Service agent Katrina.

[Janet Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katrina Bennet works for the US Forestry Service. They have sent her to Montana to check out some property as it could have some native artifacts on it.
Ben Harper works for the Tree Farm that owns the property they were going to expand their operations onto.
When Katrina and Ben meet sparks fly.
The town of Holly Well Springs is a Magical place, and they celebrate Christmas all year long, but why did it start and can it continue?
I really enjoyed reading this story, it's the third in the series but I haven't read the first two yet so can be read as a standalone. It's a clean romance, easy read, HEA with some magic included.
It's a fun storyline to add to your TBR list.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in this author’s A Holly Well Springs Novel Series. I think the first book, The Wishing Well will always be my favourite book, I loved it. Again, it was so nice to sit back and read a sweet, clean, lovely romance, especially when I read a lot of mafia stories. I loved the little town in Montana that celebrates Christmas all year long. Definitely a place I’d like to live. The story follows their June jamboree Christmas celebration. It did take me a bit to get into the story but it was worth it in the end. This is a stand alone but I’d recommend reading in order if you can, you’ll get a bit more out of the read.

[Jeannine Wickliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

More magic and love

Absolutely love this series. Katrina has a life she loves as a Park Ranger in Mississippi. Then she discovers some Indian artifacts and gets noticed. So when Brodie Fisher wants to enlarge his greenhouses and Christmas tree farm, he needs federal approval because 5 acres of his land is considered part of the Indian Reservation. Katrina does not want to go to Holly Wells Springs but she has o choice. Once she arrives, she is surprised at how much she feels at home and then she meets Ben. Add a meeting with Sachee and a mysterious burial ground that only shows itself to her. What does all this mean for Holly Springs Wells.

[Susanh · Rating 4 out of 5]

More magic from the well

Ben has been pining for his former love, his boss’ sister Tracy. That is until he lays eyes on Katrina. Tracy wants city life and Ben wants nature and the outdoors.

Katrina wants nothing but to be in nature and outdoors. When she’s asked to visit Holly Well Springs to check if new construction will disturb any ancient Indian artifacts, she’s hesitant because she’s in the midst of another find. But she goes and as soon as she meets Ben, she can’t stop thinking about him. But what about her life back in Mississippi?

[Nuhaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.

This is a well written book by Vivian Porter. Despite that I haven't read the rest of the previous series, I find myself loving this one and want to read more. It was very interesting since the beginning of the book till end. Must add to your TBR shelf as you will not regret it. Who doesn't love a sweet and romantic book. It has everything you wish for and the characters are so well written. Holly Springs seem like a magical place that I want to go and visit.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can Ben and Katrina keep the magic going? It is Christmas year round in Holly Well Springs. But their way of life is threatened and only Ben and Katrina can save it. Katrina is a visitor so the pressure is really on her to make a decision that will affect the rest of her life and the life of everyone else in town. A wonderful love story that happens so fast. Can it really happen in two days? Lots of ups and downs and gossip from the rest of the town that make Ben and Katrina question their decision. A really good book.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet small town romance between Katrina and Ben in Holly Well Springs where Christmas is year round. The author brings mystery, magic and romance, throws in all the emotions and delivers a terrific read. It's well written with descriptive scenes, moves fluidly and is an interesting and heartwarming story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[LeMiliere · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by Vivian Porter and although it's not in my go-to gender as it's a sweet and clean romance and I admit I do like heat and spice, have to say I liked it. It's well written with well-drawn characters I found both believable and likeable. This sweet story has some of the magic of Christmas included in its storyline although it takes place in June as they prepare for a Christmas in June Jamboree celebration.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I've read in this series.
It's a town that celebrates Christmas all year long.
This book takes place in June.

Loved the emotion and tension and the chemistry the characters bring to the book.
Ben & Katrina are adorable and I love the development of them within the pages.
Can't wait for more.

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good storyline with well developed characters. The story has drama, tension and a bit of suspense. It also includes chemistry, twists and turns, other things to really grab you. Overall, it was good story. I haven’t read the other books in this series.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

As in sacred ground.

I liked that Katrina works for the park service. That how she meets Ben.
He’s been carrying a torch for someone else.
This is an enjoyable series with character cross overs from the previous books.
Recommend.

[Angela Mcmanus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Vivian Porter. This book was well written with good character development.
It was a sweet story with a little bit of Christmas magic. If you are looking for a sweet clean romance this is the book for you.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has everything you could want to see. The characters are well written with plenty of depth and passion. You will be drawn to mystic town of Holly Springs where your life can change for the better. This is a great read that will make you want to visit Holly Springs.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well developed plot with plenty of depth.
There’s drama action tension suspense and romance.
All round I found this to be and enjoyable page turner read.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katrina and Ben's story is full of mystery, magic and love. There are decisions to be made by the characters in this lovely story which has plenty of emotion. This is a really wonderful series.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Ben has lived all his life in holly well Springs and loved only one person until Katerina. Katerina comes to holly wells to help clear land for an expansion of brodie's tree farm never expecting to find Ben or the feelings that come with it. What will happen next?

[Miranda Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being the first book I have read by Vivian Porter, I was very happy with how it ended and even the way she tells the story from more than just 2 people! Now I will be reading more of her books!

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is pure magic… I love the world of Holly Well Springs, where they celebrate Christmas year round. The residents of the town are colorful characters, the way you’d expect in a small town.

The Sacred Ground brings us Ben’s story. His heart was shattered when Tracy, his long-time girlfriend, left for New York City. But one look at Katrina and his heart began to beat again. Kat’s investigation of the proposed expansion of the Christmas tree farm revealed so much more than anticipated. And the information she discovers not only turns her world upside down, but also threatens the entire town’s future.

All does not go smoothly for Ben and Kat initially, but the two of them could not be more perfect for each other. I can’t wait to read more about them in future books. Delving into the world of Holly Well Springs is one of my favorite escapes!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Well written and kept me interested.

[Jo-Ann Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice ,heartwarming, full of great characters and nice clean romance twist.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't hesitate. Read this amazing story now. Couldn't put it down. Interesting well written book with fantastic characters.