What do you think?
Rate this book
Hesse Creek #1
Walland
Can broken hearts risk love again?India's life has always gone according to plan. But when she decides to call off her high-profile wedding and take time off from her network television job, everything turns upside down. Tranquil Blackberry Farm in the moody Smoky Mountains of Tennessee was supposed to be a place she could hide out and lick her wounds. Instead she finds herself questioning everything she ever thought she wanted.Wyatt is a man with scars that run deep. He's built a careful life for himself, and he has no intention of letting anyone get close to him . . . again.But what happens when two people who are running away from love run right into one another? Will the intense chemistry they feel be enough to overpower their fears? Or will their time together in the Smoky Mountains end with broken hearts?
Paperback
First published August 12, 2016
About the author
Andrea Thome
5 books304 followersAndrea Thome is the author of the award-winning Hesse Creek Series and Mine Again, the first book in the Sunflower Series. A former sports and news anchor and occasional emcee, Andrea has two grown children and has been married to Hall of Fame baseball player, Jim Thome, for almost thirty years. The travel-loving couple divides their time between Chicago, Illinois and life on the road, usually with friends and always in search of hiking trails. The mountains are Andrea’s happy place.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 6, 2017
➳A love story filled with second chances at love, living life, getting to know yourself, and finding your inner passion for the things you have missed out on through the moments in time that would have brought you hope...
➳India and Wyatt come from a line of broken hearts and past history that have brought them both together, from unexpected moments, to a place filled with wonder and a seeking adventure that they both encounter. While running away from the hardships of her previous relationship, India confronts her fears of getting to know herself and being more adventurous in a world filled with regret and demolition in the emotional side of her life. Photography has been something that in the past she was passionate about, but ever since being part of the real world and working for a television program, she slowly started diminishing that passion. When being present at a photography retreat, she slowly starts to learn that her passion for photography has not left, but has just been in hibernation.
➳That's when she meets Wyatt, the dark, broody, and mystery man that she encounters at the airport and ends up being in the same retreat as her. Their chemistry together is one that has sparks flying everywhere. Yes, that does indeed sound cliche but in a way it's cliche in an aspect that makes you want to read more and more.
➳At first, their physical attraction is one that they decide to just take in part for the wholesome of them both being at this retreat. However, India and Wyatt both soon come to realize that their love cannot be separated even with a force that cannot be reckoned with. Overall, this story was filled with much more than just two people trying to diminish their physical attraction. It has a power that brings happiness to a person that needs it, craves it. Thank you to Andrea for providing a paperback of this beautifully written story that I will cherish for sure. I cannot wait to dive into the next novel...
➳Paperback copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review...
➳Follow Me On:
Blog ♕ Instagram ♕ Facebook ♕ Twitter
➳India and Wyatt come from a line of broken hearts and past history that have brought them both together, from unexpected moments, to a place filled with wonder and a seeking adventure that they both encounter. While running away from the hardships of her previous relationship, India confronts her fears of getting to know herself and being more adventurous in a world filled with regret and demolition in the emotional side of her life. Photography has been something that in the past she was passionate about, but ever since being part of the real world and working for a television program, she slowly started diminishing that passion. When being present at a photography retreat, she slowly starts to learn that her passion for photography has not left, but has just been in hibernation.
➳That's when she meets Wyatt, the dark, broody, and mystery man that she encounters at the airport and ends up being in the same retreat as her. Their chemistry together is one that has sparks flying everywhere. Yes, that does indeed sound cliche but in a way it's cliche in an aspect that makes you want to read more and more.
➳At first, their physical attraction is one that they decide to just take in part for the wholesome of them both being at this retreat. However, India and Wyatt both soon come to realize that their love cannot be separated even with a force that cannot be reckoned with. Overall, this story was filled with much more than just two people trying to diminish their physical attraction. It has a power that brings happiness to a person that needs it, craves it. Thank you to Andrea for providing a paperback of this beautifully written story that I will cherish for sure. I cannot wait to dive into the next novel...
➳Paperback copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review...
➳Follow Me On:
Blog ♕ Instagram ♕ Facebook ♕ Twitter
April 17, 2018
2.5 Stars — I liked the setting and most of the characters but it was just way too short! I felt like the romance happened too fast, so I can’t say I was really rooting for them.
March 15, 2017
THANK YOU NETGALLEY AND ANDREA THOME for a free copy of Walland
Too fast and I couldn’t get into it
Writing: Minimal errors. It’s decent for a first novel. Some of the writing seemed corny and there were a lot of clichéd sayings. There were these long drawn out narratives that made it difficult to connect. There were too many POVs for my liking, but I’m a one POV kinda girl…two POVs max. 3rd person narration.
Characters: India is a work horse and uses her job to make up for being alone in the world. Wyatt does the same. They both lost their parents early in life, and that loss has produced an admirable work ethic, but crappy social life.
Storyline: India calls off the wedding of the century and it affects her career. Her employers force her to take time off and give an interview when she returns. This city slicker finds herself in a rural area on Blackberry Farms. She meets Wyatt in the baggage terminal and he is heading the same way. At Blackberry farms a whirlwind romance between and a decision has to be made on India’s part. After a week in this beautiful countryside and with this incredible man will she give up her career and her city life for the ‘backwoods’ of Wyatt’s home?
Andrea’s description of the farm sounded so beautiful. It caused me to search landscapes and desire a retreat on a farm in middle of nowhere. If you knew me, you would rush me to a hospital STAT. This attests to Andrea’s vivid descriptions.
However, this book is only 195 pages, but it felt like 500. It took me almost a week to read. The romance was too unrealistic. It’s the 21st century, WHO HOPS INTO A TRUCK WITH SOMEONE YOU DON’T KNOW? You are just begging to be chopped up into little pieces and floating down the river.
From this first encounter, things took off at the speed of light. On Day 2, India requests that Wyatt take a bubble bath with her. HUH? All they have done so far is kiss…A bubble bath? YEAH, HE GOT LUCKY THAT NIGHT! So, when they confessed their undying love to each other on day 3, all of the reality suspension in the world wouldn’t help my mind to wrap around this romance. My brain kept screaming ABORT!
Intimacy Scenes: Just like the blooming romance, the intimacy was at lightning speed. I liked the way the scenes were written. It was subtle and it allowed your imagination to fill in what was not being said. However, it just happened too quickly.
Overall: It’s difficult and can be intimidating to publish a book. This is Andrea’s first novel and I commend her for her efforts. It is clear that my reaction to this book is in the minority with the 4.43 rating. However, not every novel will appeal to everybody. This novel is not for me.
Too fast and I couldn’t get into it
Writing: Minimal errors. It’s decent for a first novel. Some of the writing seemed corny and there were a lot of clichéd sayings. There were these long drawn out narratives that made it difficult to connect. There were too many POVs for my liking, but I’m a one POV kinda girl…two POVs max. 3rd person narration.
Characters: India is a work horse and uses her job to make up for being alone in the world. Wyatt does the same. They both lost their parents early in life, and that loss has produced an admirable work ethic, but crappy social life.
Storyline: India calls off the wedding of the century and it affects her career. Her employers force her to take time off and give an interview when she returns. This city slicker finds herself in a rural area on Blackberry Farms. She meets Wyatt in the baggage terminal and he is heading the same way. At Blackberry farms a whirlwind romance between and a decision has to be made on India’s part. After a week in this beautiful countryside and with this incredible man will she give up her career and her city life for the ‘backwoods’ of Wyatt’s home?
Andrea’s description of the farm sounded so beautiful. It caused me to search landscapes and desire a retreat on a farm in middle of nowhere. If you knew me, you would rush me to a hospital STAT. This attests to Andrea’s vivid descriptions.
However, this book is only 195 pages, but it felt like 500. It took me almost a week to read. The romance was too unrealistic. It’s the 21st century, WHO HOPS INTO A TRUCK WITH SOMEONE YOU DON’T KNOW? You are just begging to be chopped up into little pieces and floating down the river.
From this first encounter, things took off at the speed of light. On Day 2, India requests that Wyatt take a bubble bath with her. HUH? All they have done so far is kiss…A bubble bath? YEAH, HE GOT LUCKY THAT NIGHT! So, when they confessed their undying love to each other on day 3, all of the reality suspension in the world wouldn’t help my mind to wrap around this romance. My brain kept screaming ABORT!
Intimacy Scenes: Just like the blooming romance, the intimacy was at lightning speed. I liked the way the scenes were written. It was subtle and it allowed your imagination to fill in what was not being said. However, it just happened too quickly.
Overall: It’s difficult and can be intimidating to publish a book. This is Andrea’s first novel and I commend her for her efforts. It is clear that my reaction to this book is in the minority with the 4.43 rating. However, not every novel will appeal to everybody. This novel is not for me.
January 1, 2017
Readers Advisory expert, Nancy Pearl tells us there are four doorways for reading appeal. They are plot, characters, language and setting. I am a setting reader. I love books with a strong sense of place. Thome's Walland transported me to a place of such beauty with her rich attention to detail. I could see the flowers, gardens and the wine cellar dining room. I could also picture India and Wyatt clearly. It is a lovely, feel good romance with just the right amount of steamy without any vulgarity. I can't wait to read more in this series. I couldn't put it down. Not even to watch the Buckeyes!
August 10, 2018
Ok, so, I have so many things to say about this book I don't know where to begin. It's 11:30 at night and I apologize in advance if this review comes off as a wreck but I need to review it right now while all my thoughts are fresh.
I really liked how the perspectives shift in this novel. I feel like in a lot of romances I've read, the 3rd person singular view tends to shift with every chapter, or with an obvious section break. Not so with this one. Here, it switches at will--one paragraph may have India's thoughts, the next one have Wyatt's. It's more like an omniscient view. It threw me off at first, but as I read along I caught the perspective switching from being 'he thinks,' or 'she felt,' and turning into 'they knew,' and I may or may not have been squealing about it. Not sure if this was intentionally done, but I liked the subtlety there.
This is completely random, but I also really liked the names of the main characters: India and Wyatt. They're spunky, fun names.
Also, ok. The cover. I'm blown away by just how gorgeous that cover is--and I couldn't believe it when I found out the author had actually taken that picture herself. It's the coolest thing. I've heard that a lot of authors don't have a say when it comes to picking the cover art, but knowing that no, the author took this picture, she's the one who decided it was the cover--it just confirms that, hey, this really is what Blackberry Farm is supposed to look like.
And Blackberry Farms is the cutest setting EVER! I felt like I was really there. I loved reading about every character mentioned from there, both young and old. I loved the side romance stories. They brought new life to the story. What really enchanted me, though, was the amount of respect everyone at Blackberry had for each other. They really seemed like a family, and aware of others in such a caring, attentive way. Throughout the book, they're watching out for each other making sure no one does anything wrong. I loved seeing that strong sense of togetherness.
I also really liked that everyone was so supportive of what's basically crazy venture. Because India lives in NYC, it's clear from the get-go she and Wyatt would most likely be doing something long-distance and hoping it'd work. Yet the people around them are nothing but supportive and encouraging when faced with something so seemingly impossible and potentially fruitless. E
At the end of the day, I think what really drew me in was that everyone within the book fully believes in love (except maybe Jack Sterling, but he's a loser, let's be real). There's so many romance novels out there where the main source of conflict is third party interference or disapproval. I'm not bashing that--I enjoy them. On the other hand, it's unbelievably refreshing to have a down-to-earth book where everyone has their head on their shoulders, they support each other, and they're not afraid of love.
Most of all, I can't wait to read the sequel.
I really liked how the perspectives shift in this novel. I feel like in a lot of romances I've read, the 3rd person singular view tends to shift with every chapter, or with an obvious section break. Not so with this one. Here, it switches at will--one paragraph may have India's thoughts, the next one have Wyatt's. It's more like an omniscient view. It threw me off at first, but as I read along I caught the perspective switching from being 'he thinks,' or 'she felt,' and turning into 'they knew,' and I may or may not have been squealing about it. Not sure if this was intentionally done, but I liked the subtlety there.
This is completely random, but I also really liked the names of the main characters: India and Wyatt. They're spunky, fun names.
Also, ok. The cover. I'm blown away by just how gorgeous that cover is--and I couldn't believe it when I found out the author had actually taken that picture herself. It's the coolest thing. I've heard that a lot of authors don't have a say when it comes to picking the cover art, but knowing that no, the author took this picture, she's the one who decided it was the cover--it just confirms that, hey, this really is what Blackberry Farm is supposed to look like.
And Blackberry Farms is the cutest setting EVER! I felt like I was really there. I loved reading about every character mentioned from there, both young and old. I loved the side romance stories. They brought new life to the story. What really enchanted me, though, was the amount of respect everyone at Blackberry had for each other. They really seemed like a family, and aware of others in such a caring, attentive way. Throughout the book, they're watching out for each other making sure no one does anything wrong. I loved seeing that strong sense of togetherness.
I also really liked that everyone was so supportive of what's basically crazy venture. Because India lives in NYC, it's clear from the get-go she and Wyatt would most likely be doing something long-distance and hoping it'd work. Yet the people around them are nothing but supportive and encouraging when faced with something so seemingly impossible and potentially fruitless. E
At the end of the day, I think what really drew me in was that everyone within the book fully believes in love (except maybe Jack Sterling, but he's a loser, let's be real). There's so many romance novels out there where the main source of conflict is third party interference or disapproval. I'm not bashing that--I enjoy them. On the other hand, it's unbelievably refreshing to have a down-to-earth book where everyone has their head on their shoulders, they support each other, and they're not afraid of love.
Most of all, I can't wait to read the sequel.
April 22, 2018
I love books that take me to dreamy, faraway lands. Although I went to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee a thousand years ago and have such fond memories of it, I wasn't expecting to be so completely taken away by Andrea Thome's setting in her debut novel, Walland. Boy was I wrong. Walland is mostly sent at Blackberry Farm in Tennessee. Google it now. Dreamy.
India Evans is a host on the Today Show and just broke off her engagement to a narcissistic daytime television personality on a rival station. Huge loser. She and her best friend Julia had planned a trip to Blackberry Farm, but at the last minute Julia bails out. When India arrives at the Knoxville airport, she meets Wyatt, a strapping Nat Geo photographer who offers her a ride to Blackberry Farm. I won't spoil the rest, but the story moves at a great pace and Thome writes with such effortless detail about Blackberry Farm that the reader will think she/he is there along with India, Wyatt, etc.
India Evans is a host on the Today Show and just broke off her engagement to a narcissistic daytime television personality on a rival station. Huge loser. She and her best friend Julia had planned a trip to Blackberry Farm, but at the last minute Julia bails out. When India arrives at the Knoxville airport, she meets Wyatt, a strapping Nat Geo photographer who offers her a ride to Blackberry Farm. I won't spoil the rest, but the story moves at a great pace and Thome writes with such effortless detail about Blackberry Farm that the reader will think she/he is there along with India, Wyatt, etc.
April 2, 2023
I don't typically read the romance genre so I had forgotten how quickly a story could hook me. I finished this lovely romance in a single sitting on my deck in the sun, which is the ideal way to read. The arc of the story was predictable but the details were clever and the setting was drawn with such detail that I could see and taste and smell the Tennessee resort that is the heart of its setting. An easy and enjoyable read.
Full disclosure: I ordered this title because I've gotten to know the author this year and it's always a thrill for me to sit beside someone whose work I've read. I still marvel at the fact that real life people write books.
Full disclosure: I ordered this title because I've gotten to know the author this year and it's always a thrill for me to sit beside someone whose work I've read. I still marvel at the fact that real life people write books.
September 7, 2016
A beautiful, heartwarming story set in lovely surroundings--with good, kind characters you will enjoy--this book is a fresh look at modern romance, but stitched through with old-fashioned charm and intrigue. Ms. Thome's clever, rich insight into the human spirit, along with her witty penchant for great dialogue, will have you staying up late at night wanting to read more and more. If you're looking for a friendly, sweet love story, with quite a few "life lessons" to ponder along the way, you've found it. I personally can't wait for Thome's next book.
October 17, 2017
I received a galley of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have had Walland on my NetGalley to read shelf seemingly forever. I was drawn in by its lush cover and the lure of a story set at the famous Blackberry Farm in Tennessee. While Thome's wonderful descriptions of the farm and its environs made reading the book enjoyable, this book was also a reminder of why I find Romance a difficult genre to enjoy fully.
The protagonist, India, who has an interesting personal history, sounds a lot like blonde, tall and beautiful Thome herself, including having worked in broadcast TV. They always tell you to write what you know, so Thome did and she writes well. This is a well-written romance novel. But all the things that come with that, like this Manhattan woman getting into a vehicle with man she hardly knows, who offers her a ride at the airport, out to the farm well outside the city of her arrival, or the male love interest (personal sorrow) knowing that she must be a great photographer from watching (not even listening, watching) her talk to his friends, not from seeing her actual photography, or friends (thoroughly charming) of the male love interest, after spending all of about a week with India, knowing her on a deep, personal level, and telling the love interest (their lifelong friend who has suffered immense personal sorrow) that India is a great woman worth fighting for. (This is everything romance is, and is a potent reminder as to why I, as a reviewer, should avoid romance novels and probably stick to only historical romance, perchance only Jane Austen if I'm going to read the genre.)
Thome shows that she can come up with complex characters and has a real gift for describing natural environs. Her love of nature sings loud in this book. She's recently released a second in the series. Not sure I'd jump to read it but if she shifts to writing straight fiction, without the romance angle, I'd definitely read her work again.
I have had Walland on my NetGalley to read shelf seemingly forever. I was drawn in by its lush cover and the lure of a story set at the famous Blackberry Farm in Tennessee. While Thome's wonderful descriptions of the farm and its environs made reading the book enjoyable, this book was also a reminder of why I find Romance a difficult genre to enjoy fully.
The protagonist, India, who has an interesting personal history, sounds a lot like blonde, tall and beautiful Thome herself, including having worked in broadcast TV. They always tell you to write what you know, so Thome did and she writes well. This is a well-written romance novel. But all the things that come with that, like this Manhattan woman getting into a vehicle with man she hardly knows, who offers her a ride at the airport, out to the farm well outside the city of her arrival, or the male love interest (personal sorrow) knowing that she must be a great photographer from watching (not even listening, watching) her talk to his friends, not from seeing her actual photography, or friends (thoroughly charming) of the male love interest, after spending all of about a week with India, knowing her on a deep, personal level, and telling the love interest (their lifelong friend who has suffered immense personal sorrow) that India is a great woman worth fighting for. (This is everything romance is, and is a potent reminder as to why I, as a reviewer, should avoid romance novels and probably stick to only historical romance, perchance only Jane Austen if I'm going to read the genre.)
Thome shows that she can come up with complex characters and has a real gift for describing natural environs. Her love of nature sings loud in this book. She's recently released a second in the series. Not sure I'd jump to read it but if she shifts to writing straight fiction, without the romance angle, I'd definitely read her work again.
September 16, 2017
Really enjoyed this story. It pulled me in from the beginning and held my attention until the end. Even though it's a shorter story it doesn't feel like it. It's well written and flows smoothly. Even though it's already a great story, I would have enjoyed it even more if it had been a bit longer.
It's an entertaining, sweet and engaging story about finding a second chance at love when you least expect it. While there are a couple of moments, it's not filled with major amounts of angst or drama it's just a sweet, feel good, second chance story with a great HEA.
Great cast of well rounded and likable characters. I really enjoyed that both Wyatt and India were strong independent people. Wyatt was a great character. Immediately likable. Someone who likes the Dead can't be bad. Uncle John's Band is one of the best songs ever. Once you hear his backstory you fall for him even more. India was likable immediately although she did take a while to become as endearing a Wyatt.
Marnye Young did a good job with the narration. This is the first time I have listened to her narrate a book. She has a voice that is perfect for narrating books. Nice voice that is easy to listen to for long periods of time. The narration was clearly spoken and flowed smoothly. There is not much difference between her male and female character voices which is confusing at times but did not take away from my enjoyment of her narration. She would be perfect for books with dual narration. Very enjoyable.
I was provided this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily provided this review.
It's an entertaining, sweet and engaging story about finding a second chance at love when you least expect it. While there are a couple of moments, it's not filled with major amounts of angst or drama it's just a sweet, feel good, second chance story with a great HEA.
Great cast of well rounded and likable characters. I really enjoyed that both Wyatt and India were strong independent people. Wyatt was a great character. Immediately likable. Someone who likes the Dead can't be bad. Uncle John's Band is one of the best songs ever. Once you hear his backstory you fall for him even more. India was likable immediately although she did take a while to become as endearing a Wyatt.
Marnye Young did a good job with the narration. This is the first time I have listened to her narrate a book. She has a voice that is perfect for narrating books. Nice voice that is easy to listen to for long periods of time. The narration was clearly spoken and flowed smoothly. There is not much difference between her male and female character voices which is confusing at times but did not take away from my enjoyment of her narration. She would be perfect for books with dual narration. Very enjoyable.
I was provided this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily provided this review.
September 25, 2017
TV news personality India has called off her high profile wedding at the alter. Her news anchor ex-fiance gets all the sympathy while India gets all the blame. Her network allows her a week off to recoup in exchange for an exclusive interview about the breakup when she returns. India decides to go to the beautiful rural resort Blackberry Farm with a friend to relax and refocus.
When India arrives in Tennessee, she gets the bad news that her friend can't make it to the resort. Noticing she's upset, a nearby man at the baggage claim, Wyatt, strikes up a conversation. After hearing she's headed to Blackberry Farm, he offers her a ride. Wyatt is immediately physically attracted to India, and the chemistry between them is palpable. India and Wyatt are repeatedly thrown together at the farm through classes, dinners, and events, and their attraction grows. But Wyatt has been hurt in the past and he's hesitant to try again, and India needs time to heal before beginning a new relationship.
Blackberry Farm was the perfect setting for a romance. It was an interesting mix of rustic and sophisticated. The characters drink from crystal glasses while listening to fiddles at the bonfire and drive between the barns and planted fields in golf carts. It sounded like someplace I'd love to visit!
From the moment Wyatt grabbed a handful of napkins to dry India's tears, I loved him. His backstory was heartbreaking and I cheered for him to find true love. India was a bit harder to warm up to, especially when she thinks things like "She'd be surprised if this man even owned a television. He seemed too smart for that.". That thought and others about despising rural life seem a bit judgmental. We're repeatedly told how beautiful and charming she is, but we're never shown it. There's not one scene or conversation that shows how wonderful she is. Everyone seems to instantly love her because she's beautiful, but isn't being in love with the veneer of physical appearance what got her into trouble in the first place? I know we're supposed to despise her ex and sympathize with her, but she did break up with him at the church on their wedding day. If the roles were reversed, she'd be entitled to a snide comment or two about selfishness. At about 80% we get a few lines about her backstory, but I think she'd be more sympathetic if it were introduced earlier.
I did have a bit of trouble with the rotating points of view. A paragraph would start with one character, switch to another, and then go back to the first without warning. It switched between two main characters and four minor characters, and I had to occasionally rewind to understand who was thinking what. Other than that, I enjoyed the read. I thought the book had great descriptions, and the author's talent really shone through with the setting she's created.
The narrator did a great job, I enjoyed her voice and the accents she gave each character. The story is set in Tennessee, and she gave the locals the perfect amount of drawl without overdoing it. The narration was really effortless and I forgot I was listening to an audiobook.
I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
When India arrives in Tennessee, she gets the bad news that her friend can't make it to the resort. Noticing she's upset, a nearby man at the baggage claim, Wyatt, strikes up a conversation. After hearing she's headed to Blackberry Farm, he offers her a ride. Wyatt is immediately physically attracted to India, and the chemistry between them is palpable. India and Wyatt are repeatedly thrown together at the farm through classes, dinners, and events, and their attraction grows. But Wyatt has been hurt in the past and he's hesitant to try again, and India needs time to heal before beginning a new relationship.
Blackberry Farm was the perfect setting for a romance. It was an interesting mix of rustic and sophisticated. The characters drink from crystal glasses while listening to fiddles at the bonfire and drive between the barns and planted fields in golf carts. It sounded like someplace I'd love to visit!
From the moment Wyatt grabbed a handful of napkins to dry India's tears, I loved him. His backstory was heartbreaking and I cheered for him to find true love. India was a bit harder to warm up to, especially when she thinks things like "She'd be surprised if this man even owned a television. He seemed too smart for that.". That thought and others about despising rural life seem a bit judgmental. We're repeatedly told how beautiful and charming she is, but we're never shown it. There's not one scene or conversation that shows how wonderful she is. Everyone seems to instantly love her because she's beautiful, but isn't being in love with the veneer of physical appearance what got her into trouble in the first place? I know we're supposed to despise her ex and sympathize with her, but she did break up with him at the church on their wedding day. If the roles were reversed, she'd be entitled to a snide comment or two about selfishness. At about 80% we get a few lines about her backstory, but I think she'd be more sympathetic if it were introduced earlier.
I did have a bit of trouble with the rotating points of view. A paragraph would start with one character, switch to another, and then go back to the first without warning. It switched between two main characters and four minor characters, and I had to occasionally rewind to understand who was thinking what. Other than that, I enjoyed the read. I thought the book had great descriptions, and the author's talent really shone through with the setting she's created.
The narrator did a great job, I enjoyed her voice and the accents she gave each character. The story is set in Tennessee, and she gave the locals the perfect amount of drawl without overdoing it. The narration was really effortless and I forgot I was listening to an audiobook.
I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2017
Andrea is a familiar "face" to me. I grew up in Cleveland watching her on WKYC and supporting her husband. When I heard about her book I was excited to read it and quickly put it on my to be read list.
While fluffy and sickly sweet romance novels are typically my thing, this book had me hooked. I could have easily finished it in one day but stopped myself half way through.
I loved the setting and details about that. While I've never been to BlackBerry Farms, I'm familiar with it thanks to various country music acts who post about it. The way Andrea describes the location and the people is just down right amazing. I almost felt like I knew them myself.
My one main complaint is I wish there were more details and back stories about the characters themselves. That's just me though, I love being able to immerse myself in a character and get a feeling of who they are based off of details, happenings and backstories.
All in all, this story is truly amazing.
While fluffy and sickly sweet romance novels are typically my thing, this book had me hooked. I could have easily finished it in one day but stopped myself half way through.
I loved the setting and details about that. While I've never been to BlackBerry Farms, I'm familiar with it thanks to various country music acts who post about it. The way Andrea describes the location and the people is just down right amazing. I almost felt like I knew them myself.
My one main complaint is I wish there were more details and back stories about the characters themselves. That's just me though, I love being able to immerse myself in a character and get a feeling of who they are based off of details, happenings and backstories.
All in all, this story is truly amazing.
November 21, 2017
I can not even describe how much I loved this book. I loved how this book captured a magical place in Tennessee, with an amazing cast of characters. Even though this book heavily centers around Wyatt and India's story. The author does such an amazing job giving a voice and life to many secondary characters that made this story have so much more dept. Not only did I fall in love with a place the author painted such a beautiful picture of. I fell in love with the people that lived there.
This book was pure magic. This story was heartwarming and I loved every minute of it. I fell in love with Wyatt from the minute he entered the story... and boy did this man get better with each page. Let's not forget about India.. I loved her strength and her soul. Watching her fall for this place and these people as much as I did as a reader was amazing. Their chemistry was crazy!
Wyatt and India's story will forever be a favorite of mine. I loved ever single minute of their journey. This book was so enduring, so enchanting and last of all.. I could not put this one down! This one is definitely a #MustRead for all you hopeful romantics! This one will get you right in the heart! This was so good.
This book was pure magic. This story was heartwarming and I loved every minute of it. I fell in love with Wyatt from the minute he entered the story... and boy did this man get better with each page. Let's not forget about India.. I loved her strength and her soul. Watching her fall for this place and these people as much as I did as a reader was amazing. Their chemistry was crazy!
Wyatt and India's story will forever be a favorite of mine. I loved ever single minute of their journey. This book was so enduring, so enchanting and last of all.. I could not put this one down! This one is definitely a #MustRead for all you hopeful romantics! This one will get you right in the heart! This was so good.
October 13, 2019
How fun to be recommended to this fantastic, classy, clean series from a friend of mine and the author, Andrea Thome! Well, I am a new huge fan of Andrea's books! Andrea refers to our mutual friend in all her books!!!
Andrea has a such a beautiful way of writing such a sweet and caring love story about family and friends! But, she adds tasteful color to each person's life and intertwines them into a personal story. I honestly sat in my pj's all day just to finish House of Belong because it was too good to put down!!!
Her books have also inspired me to look into a photography class. I hope she writes many more stories. But, I wish she would continue this series because I want to see the lives of the children from these special characters in this Hesse Creek Series. I feel like I know these people now from reading this great series!!!!!
Andrea has a such a beautiful way of writing such a sweet and caring love story about family and friends! But, she adds tasteful color to each person's life and intertwines them into a personal story. I honestly sat in my pj's all day just to finish House of Belong because it was too good to put down!!!
Her books have also inspired me to look into a photography class. I hope she writes many more stories. But, I wish she would continue this series because I want to see the lives of the children from these special characters in this Hesse Creek Series. I feel like I know these people now from reading this great series!!!!!
August 23, 2017
I really enjoyed this romance. This was a second chance for both of them. I received this book for free and I voluntarily chose to review it. I've given it a 5* rating. This starts with a chance meeting in an airport. There are a lot of interesting characters in this story plus a bad guy. Most of them were woven into a sort of family. Lots of detailed scenery to round it out. Nice job.
March 21, 2018
I loved this book. It is a true love story that will keep you turning pages and wanting more. Make you want everything to be perfect for the characters. From start to finish it was one that was hard to put down.
I received this from NetGalley for my honest review. #NetGalley
I received this from NetGalley for my honest review. #NetGalley
October 15, 2017
A good first novel for this author. I had a fun time reading it ,I adored the characters and storyline .
December 4, 2017
In Walland, I had the privilege of meeting India, a well-known news anchor who had just called off her high profile wedding and was in search of some much needed R & R with her best friend at a resort in beautiful Tennessee. When her friend is forced to bail last minute due to a sick child, Indie decides she needs to follow through and make her way to Blackberry Farm alone. It's when she bumps into the gorgeous and sweet Wyatt at the airport that luck seems to find her and she begins to live again. The pair dance around each other awhile and have pasts they have to face in order to live the future they want, so they have to decide if their choices are worth it. If they give in to one another, they'll get their happily ever after, and if they don't, they get a few magical days on a lush farm to enjoy one another before returning to the lives they once knew before they met.
Filled with a colorful cast of characters and a stunning vision of this luxury retreat, Thome created a world I fell into and lost myself in completely. I adored Indie, Wyatt, and the whole gang running the farm. I never wanted to leave. Being in Walland was pure magic!
Filled with a colorful cast of characters and a stunning vision of this luxury retreat, Thome created a world I fell into and lost myself in completely. I adored Indie, Wyatt, and the whole gang running the farm. I never wanted to leave. Being in Walland was pure magic!
March 26, 2018
loved it great story two people come together and learn to really love . older couple two . loved where the story took place in smoky mts.
May 28, 2018
I started this book and was drawn in. I liked the story and the characters. By 11 pages in, I knew I'd found another go-to author.
October 21, 2021
A sweet, easy romance with a very low level of conflict.
January 20, 2018
GREAT BOOK PEOPLE,READ THE SERIES.
March 28, 2017
I received this book, in exchange for my honest review, from NetGalley and JKS Communications. These are my views and opinions, they are not meant to influence anyone, just inform. Thank you!!
I truly enjoyed this adventure! The characters and environment are very well described. I could easily, close my eyes and picture this area of Tennessee. Check the author's website, for pictures of Tennessee, see if they are as you envision them. I wanted to embrace all the characters and interact with their daily lives. In the beginning, India and Wyatt, have so much pain and misery. Coming to Walland, brings them the time and place to heal and join the lives of the people around them. There is sexual content, nothing that will burn the bed down, more like a quiet, intense, searing smolder! I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. If you enjoy romance, might want to check this wonderful journey for yourself!!
I truly enjoyed this adventure! The characters and environment are very well described. I could easily, close my eyes and picture this area of Tennessee. Check the author's website, for pictures of Tennessee, see if they are as you envision them. I wanted to embrace all the characters and interact with their daily lives. In the beginning, India and Wyatt, have so much pain and misery. Coming to Walland, brings them the time and place to heal and join the lives of the people around them. There is sexual content, nothing that will burn the bed down, more like a quiet, intense, searing smolder! I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. If you enjoy romance, might want to check this wonderful journey for yourself!!
October 10, 2017
I'm not much of a fiction or romance reader, but I'm amazed by my new found love for Walland!!! Andrea Thome is a truly gifted author who paints a picture so vividly! Allowing you to fall in love with her beautiful characters and locations! Lisa Johnson Hall
October 11, 2019
Fresh and subtle way of storytelling.
June 7, 2018
Wow! Holy toe-curler! Thome's first novel takes the reader on a fantastic ride, as we see India and Wyatt's attraction from their first encounter. These characters (and the others who surround them) and the incredible setting (based on Tennessee's Blackberry Farm) make you want to jump in the car and start driving to Tennessee immediately. This story moves at a delightfully brisk pace, with each chapter left dangling just within reach of the next. A great beach read (or anywhere else that you might be able to disguise blushing)!
August 1, 2021
Easy read! Read this book in two days and couldn’t put it down. Classic love story with a few plot twists along the way.
March 8, 2019
I throughly enjoyed this story and characters! I look forward to reading Andrea Thomes other books.
June 25, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It was beautifully written and very descriptive. Made me feel as if I had visited Blackberry Farm which is the setting for most of the book. The characters were vividly painted and made me feel empathy for them. There was an unexpected twist at the end, which left me in suspense and enjoying the story. I would like to see this turned into a movie. Looking forward to the next two books! Andrea Thome is definitely on my best authors list
March 3, 2017
A captivating and heart-warming story about the most important aspects of life...being happy and learning how to accept love. Beautifully written with relatable characters that are enticing to the reader. Absolutely a five star read that I would recommend to anyone! Bravo Andrea! I cannot wait to read the next books in the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews