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Where the Creek Bends
From acclaimed #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller comes a beautifully rendered timeslip novel about the family we create for ourselves…
Madison Bettencourt has tried to assemble all the pieces of a perfect life, but nothing fits quite the way it should. She’s moved back home to Montana to care for her grandmother, who is slipping further and further away. And she’s called off her wedding, and worries her dreams of a family are fading with it.
As Madison rattles around her family home, childhood memories come flooding back. Bliss Morgan transformed eight-year-old Madison with her loyalty, and for a while, the two girls were as close as can be. But Madison never understood why Bliss suddenly vanished, leaving only a friendship bracelet and a message etched into a matchbook.
Before she can begin again, Madison must uncover what happened to Bliss, and Liam McKettrick—a widowed dad trying to repair his relationship with his two children—becomes her unlikely ally. He, too, understands the pang of regret. Yet there are mysteries that Madison hesitates to explore with anyone, and strange energies in Bettencourt Hall that blur the lines between past and present.
Poignant and utterly captivating, Where the Creek Bends shows that finding yourself begins with following your heart, no matter where it leads.
Madison Bettencourt has tried to assemble all the pieces of a perfect life, but nothing fits quite the way it should. She’s moved back home to Montana to care for her grandmother, who is slipping further and further away. And she’s called off her wedding, and worries her dreams of a family are fading with it.
As Madison rattles around her family home, childhood memories come flooding back. Bliss Morgan transformed eight-year-old Madison with her loyalty, and for a while, the two girls were as close as can be. But Madison never understood why Bliss suddenly vanished, leaving only a friendship bracelet and a message etched into a matchbook.
Before she can begin again, Madison must uncover what happened to Bliss, and Liam McKettrick—a widowed dad trying to repair his relationship with his two children—becomes her unlikely ally. He, too, understands the pang of regret. Yet there are mysteries that Madison hesitates to explore with anyone, and strange energies in Bettencourt Hall that blur the lines between past and present.
Poignant and utterly captivating, Where the Creek Bends shows that finding yourself begins with following your heart, no matter where it leads.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2024
774 people are currently reading
7931 people want to read
About the author
Linda Lael Miller
553 books3,221 followersThe daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is a #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 historical and contemporary novels, most of which reflect her love of the West. Raised in Northport, Washington, Linda pursued her wanderlust, living in London and Arizona and traveling the world before returning to the state of her birth to settle down on a spacious property outside Spokane.
Linda traces the birth of her writing career to the day when a Northport teacher told her that the stories she was writing were good, that she just might have a future in writing. Later, when she decided to write novels, she endured her share of rejection before she sold Fletcher’s Woman in 1983 to Pocket Books. Since then, Linda has successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, mysteries and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, and concentrating on novels with a Western flavor. For her devotion to her craft, the Romance Writers of America awarded her their prestigious Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Long a passionate Civil War buff, Linda has studied the era avidly for almost thirty years. She has read literally hundreds of books on the subject, explored numerous battlegrounds and made many visits to her favorite, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where she has witnessed re-enactments of the legendary clash between North and South. Linda explores that turbulent time in The Yankee Widow, a May 7, 2019 MIRA Books hardcover, also available in digital and audiobook formats.
Dedicated to helping others, “The First Lady of the West” personally financed fifteen years of her Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women, which she awarded to women 25 years and older who were seeking to improve their lot in life through education. She anticipates that her next charitable endeavors will benefit four-legged critters.
More information about Linda and her novels is available at www.lindalaelmiller.com, on Facebook and from Nancy Berland Public Relations, nancy@nancyberland.com, 405-206-4748.
Linda traces the birth of her writing career to the day when a Northport teacher told her that the stories she was writing were good, that she just might have a future in writing. Later, when she decided to write novels, she endured her share of rejection before she sold Fletcher’s Woman in 1983 to Pocket Books. Since then, Linda has successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, mysteries and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, and concentrating on novels with a Western flavor. For her devotion to her craft, the Romance Writers of America awarded her their prestigious Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Long a passionate Civil War buff, Linda has studied the era avidly for almost thirty years. She has read literally hundreds of books on the subject, explored numerous battlegrounds and made many visits to her favorite, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where she has witnessed re-enactments of the legendary clash between North and South. Linda explores that turbulent time in The Yankee Widow, a May 7, 2019 MIRA Books hardcover, also available in digital and audiobook formats.
Dedicated to helping others, “The First Lady of the West” personally financed fifteen years of her Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women, which she awarded to women 25 years and older who were seeking to improve their lot in life through education. She anticipates that her next charitable endeavors will benefit four-legged critters.
More information about Linda and her novels is available at www.lindalaelmiller.com, on Facebook and from Nancy Berland Public Relations, nancy@nancyberland.com, 405-206-4748.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
November 5, 2024
Where the Creek Bends is an ambitious and poignant exploration of family, loss, and the mysteries that shape our lives. Madison Bettencourt returns to her Montana hometown to care for her ailing grandmother, grappling with her own shattered dreams and lingering regrets. While reconnecting with her roots, she stumbles upon a childhood mystery surrounding her friend, Bliss Morgan, and uncovers secrets in the walls of Bettencourt Hall. Alongside this, she meets Liam McKettrick, a widower striving to mend his relationship with his children after years of emotional turmoil.
There’s so much happening in this novel, which is both a strength and a drawback. Miller introduces a range of poignant issues, but at times it feels like too much to fully digest. Madison’s life is a patchwork of heartbreaks and unresolved questions, from a recent breakup at the altar to her uncertain career future. She’s navigating life’s complexities while supporting friends battling their own struggles, and she’s haunted by memories of Bliss, who mysteriously disappeared in her youth.Then we have Liam, a man who seems to be perfect for her and is slowly winning her heart. And this is just one perspective in a story woven from three.
The second storyline, centered on Bliss, offers a beautifully haunting look at a neglected child who escapes her harsh reality by stumbling through a rift in time. Her journey adds a layer of magical realism that kept me turning the pages, yet I wanted more—more development, more time for her story to breathe.
Finally, we have Liam, working through the loss of his ex-wife, attempting to reconnect with his children, and developing a sudden, intense romance with Madison. Liam’s perspective gives insight into his pain and efforts to rebuild trust with his children. His young daughter, grappling with abandonment and anger, is an especially compelling character. However, the romance between Liam and Madison, though sweet, felt rushed; three dates don’t equate to “madly in love” for me, and the pacing left their connection feeling somewhat surface-level.
In all honesty, this felt like two separate novels crammed into one, and as a result, some storylines fell short. I wanted one book focused on Madison and Bliss’s paranormal mystery, and a second that fully develops the tender but complicated romance between Madison and Liam, along with his relationship with his kids. The wealth of storylines and shifting POVs often left me craving more time with each plot thread.
The ending, felt abrupt and unfinished, and I couldn’t help but wish for an epilogue to tie things up. That said, Where the Creek Bends still held my interest—Bliss’s story is particularly memorable, and there’s a warmth to Miller’s writing that shines through. This is a novel brimming with intriguing ideas, but the many twists and turns sometimes diluted the impact of what could have been an even more powerful narrative.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC!
There’s so much happening in this novel, which is both a strength and a drawback. Miller introduces a range of poignant issues, but at times it feels like too much to fully digest. Madison’s life is a patchwork of heartbreaks and unresolved questions, from a recent breakup at the altar to her uncertain career future. She’s navigating life’s complexities while supporting friends battling their own struggles, and she’s haunted by memories of Bliss, who mysteriously disappeared in her youth.Then we have Liam, a man who seems to be perfect for her and is slowly winning her heart. And this is just one perspective in a story woven from three.
The second storyline, centered on Bliss, offers a beautifully haunting look at a neglected child who escapes her harsh reality by stumbling through a rift in time. Her journey adds a layer of magical realism that kept me turning the pages, yet I wanted more—more development, more time for her story to breathe.
Finally, we have Liam, working through the loss of his ex-wife, attempting to reconnect with his children, and developing a sudden, intense romance with Madison. Liam’s perspective gives insight into his pain and efforts to rebuild trust with his children. His young daughter, grappling with abandonment and anger, is an especially compelling character. However, the romance between Liam and Madison, though sweet, felt rushed; three dates don’t equate to “madly in love” for me, and the pacing left their connection feeling somewhat surface-level.
In all honesty, this felt like two separate novels crammed into one, and as a result, some storylines fell short. I wanted one book focused on Madison and Bliss’s paranormal mystery, and a second that fully develops the tender but complicated romance between Madison and Liam, along with his relationship with his kids. The wealth of storylines and shifting POVs often left me craving more time with each plot thread.
The ending, felt abrupt and unfinished, and I couldn’t help but wish for an epilogue to tie things up. That said, Where the Creek Bends still held my interest—Bliss’s story is particularly memorable, and there’s a warmth to Miller’s writing that shines through. This is a novel brimming with intriguing ideas, but the many twists and turns sometimes diluted the impact of what could have been an even more powerful narrative.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC!
November 14, 2024
Entertaining, romance/women’s fiction novel that I really enjoyed. Solid plot and likeable characters. Magical elements support the flashbacks between time.
Bitter Gulch, Montana is a ‘pretend’ Old West town with citizens who ‘play’ the characters for tourists. When Madison Bettencourt leaves her fiancé at the altar, she runs across the street from the venue to a bar! She meets handsome Liam McKettrick there and proceeds to get drunk with her best friends. Madison’s grandmother, Coralee is a wealthy heir to a silver fortune, and sadly, lives in an assisted living home there, diagnosed with dementia.
Twenty-four years before, Madison met a young girl, Bliss, whose circumstances were filled with a drunk, mean father, and an absent mother. Madison is kind to her, and therefore puzzled when she finds a goodbye note and a friendship bracelet left near Painted Pony Creek, and Bliss has disappeared.
Liam acts as the town marshal and bartender. He’s drawn to Madison as soon as they meet. He’s moving his estranged children into his home in Bitter Gulch even though his daughter despises him and shows her resentfulness constantly by acting out. His son just wants to be loved by his daddy.
Madison hears talk of a mystical realm around the cemetery in the woods near the creek bend. She’s always wondered what happened to Bliss. On her deathbed, Coralee warns Madison about the danger around those areas.
As the story’s revelations culminate in the last 20% of the book; all the secrets and questions are revealed and answered. The answers are astonishing! This is a thought-provoking, entertaining, and emotional novel. I highly recommend to readers.
I honestly reviewed a digital ARC provided by NetGalley and Harlequin/Canary Press. All opinions are my own.
Bitter Gulch, Montana is a ‘pretend’ Old West town with citizens who ‘play’ the characters for tourists. When Madison Bettencourt leaves her fiancé at the altar, she runs across the street from the venue to a bar! She meets handsome Liam McKettrick there and proceeds to get drunk with her best friends. Madison’s grandmother, Coralee is a wealthy heir to a silver fortune, and sadly, lives in an assisted living home there, diagnosed with dementia.
Twenty-four years before, Madison met a young girl, Bliss, whose circumstances were filled with a drunk, mean father, and an absent mother. Madison is kind to her, and therefore puzzled when she finds a goodbye note and a friendship bracelet left near Painted Pony Creek, and Bliss has disappeared.
Liam acts as the town marshal and bartender. He’s drawn to Madison as soon as they meet. He’s moving his estranged children into his home in Bitter Gulch even though his daughter despises him and shows her resentfulness constantly by acting out. His son just wants to be loved by his daddy.
Madison hears talk of a mystical realm around the cemetery in the woods near the creek bend. She’s always wondered what happened to Bliss. On her deathbed, Coralee warns Madison about the danger around those areas.
As the story’s revelations culminate in the last 20% of the book; all the secrets and questions are revealed and answered. The answers are astonishing! This is a thought-provoking, entertaining, and emotional novel. I highly recommend to readers.
I honestly reviewed a digital ARC provided by NetGalley and Harlequin/Canary Press. All opinions are my own.
November 8, 2024
Loved it!
This book has a lot going on and I for one was here for every twist and turn!
Madison was a great character, from the second we meet her!
Liam was a walking, living dream!
I loved every character and I hope there is another book about this town!
This book has a lot going on and I for one was here for every twist and turn!
Madison was a great character, from the second we meet her!
Liam was a walking, living dream!
I loved every character and I hope there is another book about this town!
February 9, 2025
This was just a mess on so many levels. It was advertised as a time slip novel, but the whole time slip
Plot line didn’t really mesh. Then the ending was super rushed and all neatly packaged.
Plot line didn’t really mesh. Then the ending was super rushed and all neatly packaged.
October 3, 2025
I could have done without the time travel. I actually skipped most of those chapters. The time travel did not really add to the story. The romantic aspect between Liam and Madison was rather weak. The time travel chapters could have been used to explore their so called romance.
Did Madison ever get Jeffrey and his mother out of her condo? That story line should have been completed, but it was not. Did she sell her condo?
Since Liam's brother, Jesse, lived close by, why wasn't he in the book for at least a few pages? Nothing was ever mentioned about him and his wife.
I felt that the book ended abruptly. There should have been more after Liam and Madison declare their love. There was a long epilogue in the previous book. This book could have used one too, especially since Madison wanted to be pregnant. She could have gotten pregnant in an epilogue.
The eBook was not worth $15. It was a so so read, but not worth the price.
Did Madison ever get Jeffrey and his mother out of her condo? That story line should have been completed, but it was not. Did she sell her condo?
Since Liam's brother, Jesse, lived close by, why wasn't he in the book for at least a few pages? Nothing was ever mentioned about him and his wife.
I felt that the book ended abruptly. There should have been more after Liam and Madison declare their love. There was a long epilogue in the previous book. This book could have used one too, especially since Madison wanted to be pregnant. She could have gotten pregnant in an epilogue.
The eBook was not worth $15. It was a so so read, but not worth the price.
March 3, 2025
Wow. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book as disjointed and unorganized as this one. I have no idea how this author has published as many books as they have, but they need a better editor.
There were SO many different plot points happening at one time it was challenging to figure out which one was supposed to be the main story:
✅ runaway bride
✅ex-husbands and ex-wives
✅grandmother with dementia
✅friend with cancer
✅moving back to hometown
✅selling a business and being wildly rich
✅having a trust fund and being wildly rich
✅being an orphan
✅love at first sight
✅movie set
✅ stunt doubles
✅abused/neglected child
✅time travel
✅ death of a family member
✅ random dog to adopt that come fully trained
✅ wonderful sister-in-law with unknown profession and substantial wealth
✅narcissistic mother-in-law
I hope I didn’t forget anything but it was hard to keep track of all the random cliches sprinkled throughout the novel.
Another issue was the writing itself. Parts of it were rushed while others dragged on with unnecessary detail. There were also a couple errors in continuity where an event happened and then was referred to incorrectly in other sections of the book.
There were SO many different plot points happening at one time it was challenging to figure out which one was supposed to be the main story:
✅ runaway bride
✅ex-husbands and ex-wives
✅grandmother with dementia
✅friend with cancer
✅moving back to hometown
✅selling a business and being wildly rich
✅having a trust fund and being wildly rich
✅being an orphan
✅love at first sight
✅movie set
✅ stunt doubles
✅abused/neglected child
✅time travel
✅ death of a family member
✅ random dog to adopt that come fully trained
✅ wonderful sister-in-law with unknown profession and substantial wealth
✅narcissistic mother-in-law
I hope I didn’t forget anything but it was hard to keep track of all the random cliches sprinkled throughout the novel.
Another issue was the writing itself. Parts of it were rushed while others dragged on with unnecessary detail. There were also a couple errors in continuity where an event happened and then was referred to incorrectly in other sections of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2025
First book by this author, not quite what I was expecting. Takes place in Montana, Madison Bettencourt is coming home to deal with her ailing grandmother and a marriage she ran out on and of course falls hard for local rancher Liam McKettrick. Liam is a widower with two children and a lot a baggage of his own. What made the book strange was the element of time travel of Madison's childhood friend, Bliss. That whole segment of the story was just did not seem to fit or maybe I am too pragmatic to like this element!
February 27, 2025
From page one this read as a teenage romance novel. Within two pages much of the story was easily predicted.
June 17, 2025
Rating: 3.5 Stars
I actually LOVED the magical element of this story, but do agree with other readers that it seemed a bit disjointed. The two pieces eventually do come together for a delightful surprise in the end which made me happy. Overall, this was an entertaining story, and I appreciated Madison's personal journey.
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I actually LOVED the magical element of this story, but do agree with other readers that it seemed a bit disjointed. The two pieces eventually do come together for a delightful surprise in the end which made me happy. Overall, this was an entertaining story, and I appreciated Madison's personal journey.
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March 20, 2025
Where the Creek Bends was a good read with a nice pace that kept me engaged. I found myself eager to keep going, wanting to uncover what happened next. The story unfolds through two different timelines, and I genuinely enjoyed both perspectives.
However, I found myself wanting more—especially from the past timeline. While the dual timelines were intriguing, I wish there had been a stronger connection between them. It felt like there was so much potential to deepen the ties between past and present, showing how one truly influenced the other. The ending, while satisfying in its own way, wrapped up a little too neatly for my taste. I felt it could have been even more impactful if it had leaned into the emotional and historical connections between the characters across time.
Overall, Where the Creek Bends was an engaging and enjoyable read, but I was left wishing for a bit more depth in how the two storylines intertwined.
However, I found myself wanting more—especially from the past timeline. While the dual timelines were intriguing, I wish there had been a stronger connection between them. It felt like there was so much potential to deepen the ties between past and present, showing how one truly influenced the other. The ending, while satisfying in its own way, wrapped up a little too neatly for my taste. I felt it could have been even more impactful if it had leaned into the emotional and historical connections between the characters across time.
Overall, Where the Creek Bends was an engaging and enjoyable read, but I was left wishing for a bit more depth in how the two storylines intertwined.
May 20, 2025
When I grabbed this off the library shelf of new books, I didn’t know I was getting a traditional romance novel, but I quickly figured that out within the first few pages. I am giving this book two stars despite the cheesiness of the romance portions because the historical and time travel portions were enough to keep me reading and interested. Those two stars are generous and I doubt I will seek this author out again.
December 29, 2024
Loved this book! An enjoyable and thoughtful read. A charming romance with some mysterious elements. Bliss was my favorite character but they were all well thought out. A beautifully written story with unexpected revelations. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest opinion.
February 15, 2025
This was a beautiful, slow-paced romance book ... a nice change from the thrillers that I usually read. I thought it was a bit rushed at the end, wrapping all the story lines in just a handful of pages but still a good read.
March 13, 2025
I usually don’t care for “going back in time books”, but this kept to the present day and the love story evolving that kept my attention in how it was going to end. I can see a sequel coming with the secondary characters with Lance and Audra.
May 12, 2025
While I'm more used to this author's cowboy romance, this book was a refreshing change. Though there is romance in the storyline I'd say it's more women's fiction. I loved all of the characters but I think Blogs was my favorite. I thought this was well written and a great story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 8, 2025
3.5 ⭐
This book didn't seem to know quite what it was. A romance novel? A time-travel mystery? It was so busy bouncing between the two, it didn't really develop into either one, and that was disappointing.
This book didn't seem to know quite what it was. A romance novel? A time-travel mystery? It was so busy bouncing between the two, it didn't really develop into either one, and that was disappointing.
February 12, 2025
Enjoyed this bk abt second chances, family, small towns, romance and a mystery. Madison called off her wedding, is caring for her grandmother, wonders what happened to a friend, and meets Liam.
February 24, 2025
3 1/2 stars. Part of the story involves time travel, which I don't usually care for, but it works in this book.
Read
August 24, 2025😵💫😵
October 4, 2025
a disconnect for me
It’s a classic story of a woman who, with 1 marriage and 1 narrow escape finds the man she’s looking for until she walks into his saloon. Insert random time travel that has nothing to do with the story. A lot of filler for a basic girl meets boy trope with time travel thrown in to make you think, “why”?!
It’s a classic story of a woman who, with 1 marriage and 1 narrow escape finds the man she’s looking for until she walks into his saloon. Insert random time travel that has nothing to do with the story. A lot of filler for a basic girl meets boy trope with time travel thrown in to make you think, “why”?!
November 10, 2024
mixture of votex and time travel and new romance and grief. I liked bliss and that part of the story and the romance was okay. it seemed like a busy book.
August 11, 2025
Madison Bettencourt is the last heiress of the Bettencourt family. She returned to Painted Pony Creek to wed, but realized it was not what she wanted. She stays on to care for her ailing grandmother and take the time to reevaluate her life. She knows she wants a family more than anything and her business is beyond successful. But right now she wants something to occupy her and finding out what happened to her childhood friend, Bliss Morgan, seems like a good place to start. And perhaps exploring the cowboy bartender from the Bitter Gulch Saloon, Liam McKettrick.
Welcome to Bitter Gulch, Montana! A fun and antiquated fake western town outside Painted Pony Creek, run by cowboy Liam McKettrick. Enter runaway bride, Madison Bettencourt, who stumbles into Bitter Gulch’s Saloon in an attempt to escape another marriage mistake. Liam is smitten from the moment he sees this whirlwind bride tumble in the door. Despite his own recent heartaches and upheavals in the relationship world, he is willing to explore possibilities with Madison. But first and foremost, he must rebuild the relationship with his two young children who have finally returned home.
The story includes a dose of magical realism in the form of a time slip. Well explained by the author in flashback chapters, we learn the secrets of Bettencourt Hall and the surrounding property. This ties into young Bliss Morgan, Madison’s friend that disappeared with nothing but a scratched goodbye on a discarded matchbook. While the slow burn romance takes place between Liam and Madison, multiple other storylines are running including Liam’s children and dysfunctional family (in-laws) issues, Madison’s ailing grandmother and her ex in Florida, her best friends, both of the romance interests’ businesses and some minor characters who play a role in solving the mystery of Bliss.
This should have been a 4.5-5 star read, but 3.5 stars only because of the rather rushed ending. It could easily have been two novels with lots of material to explore the dual storylines. I loved the premise, but was left feeling rushed at the end as the author tried to tie too much up at once. We never get an endgame story on Madison’s friends or a confirmed wrap up on the time slip. I just wanted more from the author than a neat and tidy tuck in vs full exploration of the multiple avenues she walked down.
Welcome to Bitter Gulch, Montana! A fun and antiquated fake western town outside Painted Pony Creek, run by cowboy Liam McKettrick. Enter runaway bride, Madison Bettencourt, who stumbles into Bitter Gulch’s Saloon in an attempt to escape another marriage mistake. Liam is smitten from the moment he sees this whirlwind bride tumble in the door. Despite his own recent heartaches and upheavals in the relationship world, he is willing to explore possibilities with Madison. But first and foremost, he must rebuild the relationship with his two young children who have finally returned home.
The story includes a dose of magical realism in the form of a time slip. Well explained by the author in flashback chapters, we learn the secrets of Bettencourt Hall and the surrounding property. This ties into young Bliss Morgan, Madison’s friend that disappeared with nothing but a scratched goodbye on a discarded matchbook. While the slow burn romance takes place between Liam and Madison, multiple other storylines are running including Liam’s children and dysfunctional family (in-laws) issues, Madison’s ailing grandmother and her ex in Florida, her best friends, both of the romance interests’ businesses and some minor characters who play a role in solving the mystery of Bliss.
This should have been a 4.5-5 star read, but 3.5 stars only because of the rather rushed ending. It could easily have been two novels with lots of material to explore the dual storylines. I loved the premise, but was left feeling rushed at the end as the author tried to tie too much up at once. We never get an endgame story on Madison’s friends or a confirmed wrap up on the time slip. I just wanted more from the author than a neat and tidy tuck in vs full exploration of the multiple avenues she walked down.
February 7, 2025
I began reading Miller's McKettrick books more than twenty years ago. I loved the historical romances but it's been a while since I checked in with this family so I decided to give Miller's newest, Where the Creek Bends, a try. I was not disappointed.
This story is an enjoyable blend of women's fiction, sweet contemporary romance, and time-slip fiction. It's poignant, complex, and heart-tugging with well-placed bits of humor to prevent it from tilting too heavily to the angsty side though there is plenty of emotion.
I enjoyed the time-slip facet of the book with the author telling the inter-connected dual timeline stories of Bliss and Madison. I was surprised - but pleased - by the direction that part of the story took.
I was in Liam's and Madison's corner from the moment she charged into his saloon in a wedding dress. They were both so likeable, so deserving of a happily ever after, and carrying so much emotional baggage. I liked that Miller gave them time to work through their individual issues while getting to know one another.
My heart hurt so much for Liam and his children. I just wanted to hug them all; they had so much grief, anger, confusion, and forgiveness to work through. I was pleased that they were given the time and tools to make strides in a realistic way. No easy fixes.
Though the book ended on a hopeful note, I would have liked an ending that wasn't quite so abrupt. Maybe an epilogue. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am hoping Miller has plans to return to Montana for more McKettrick stories. And I wouldn't be at all disappointed if we got to catch up with Liam, Madison, and the kids along the way.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased review
This story is an enjoyable blend of women's fiction, sweet contemporary romance, and time-slip fiction. It's poignant, complex, and heart-tugging with well-placed bits of humor to prevent it from tilting too heavily to the angsty side though there is plenty of emotion.
I enjoyed the time-slip facet of the book with the author telling the inter-connected dual timeline stories of Bliss and Madison. I was surprised - but pleased - by the direction that part of the story took.
I was in Liam's and Madison's corner from the moment she charged into his saloon in a wedding dress. They were both so likeable, so deserving of a happily ever after, and carrying so much emotional baggage. I liked that Miller gave them time to work through their individual issues while getting to know one another.
My heart hurt so much for Liam and his children. I just wanted to hug them all; they had so much grief, anger, confusion, and forgiveness to work through. I was pleased that they were given the time and tools to make strides in a realistic way. No easy fixes.
Though the book ended on a hopeful note, I would have liked an ending that wasn't quite so abrupt. Maybe an epilogue. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am hoping Miller has plans to return to Montana for more McKettrick stories. And I wouldn't be at all disappointed if we got to catch up with Liam, Madison, and the kids along the way.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased review
October 23, 2024
Linda Lael Miller has been one of my favorite authors since I first started reading “grown up” romance novels. I did a little celebratory jump when I saw her ARC for Where the Creek Bends in my inbox. Madison is a runaway bride who meets Liam McKettrick in the living history town of Painted Pony Creek. After she drink enough alcohol to loosen her tongue, she tells Liam how she can’t possibly marry a mama’s boy and Liam loses his heart. What follows is their story, but also the story of Madison’s lost childhood friend, Bliss, and Liam’s attempt to restore his relationship with his young children who have been living with their grandparents since their mother died.
Where the Creek Bends is exactly what you expect to get with one of Miller’s novels. Light hearted romance (no hot and steamy scenes that make you blush) set in the countryside with land for miles, you’ll fall in love quickly with the story. There are some definite full circle moments and existing another McKettrick is always one helluva ride. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on December 31, 2024.
#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #WheretheCreekBends #LindaLaelMiller #HarlequinTradePublishing
Where the Creek Bends is exactly what you expect to get with one of Miller’s novels. Light hearted romance (no hot and steamy scenes that make you blush) set in the countryside with land for miles, you’ll fall in love quickly with the story. There are some definite full circle moments and existing another McKettrick is always one helluva ride. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on December 31, 2024.
#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #WheretheCreekBends #LindaLaelMiller #HarlequinTradePublishing
December 10, 2024
Where the Creek Bends by Linda Lael Miller masterfully combines paranormal, romance, time travel, mystery, and western elements, creating a captivating read.
Madison Bettencourt dreams of having a family, but her past choices in love have left her disillusioned. While trying to know more about her ailing grandmother and the secrets of her ancestral home, Madison reflects on her childhood friend Bliss, who mysteriously vanished years ago. As she searches for closure and happiness, Madison’s journey intertwines with intriguing mysteries of the past and present.
I particularly enjoyed the paranormal elements, which added a magical layer to the story. Bliss's heartwarming arc stood out, and the romance between Madison and Liam felt genuine and endearing. However, I found the ending slightly incomplete and would have appreciated an epilogue to tie up loose ends. There were moments where repetition made the narrative feel a bit dragged, but the enchanting setting of Bettencourt Hall transported me back to the kind of novels I loved to read.
Overall, Where the Creek Bends is a nostalgic and engaging story, perfect for fans of heartwarming mysteries and multi-genre romances.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, The Hive, and Canary Street Press for the ARC.
Madison Bettencourt dreams of having a family, but her past choices in love have left her disillusioned. While trying to know more about her ailing grandmother and the secrets of her ancestral home, Madison reflects on her childhood friend Bliss, who mysteriously vanished years ago. As she searches for closure and happiness, Madison’s journey intertwines with intriguing mysteries of the past and present.
I particularly enjoyed the paranormal elements, which added a magical layer to the story. Bliss's heartwarming arc stood out, and the romance between Madison and Liam felt genuine and endearing. However, I found the ending slightly incomplete and would have appreciated an epilogue to tie up loose ends. There were moments where repetition made the narrative feel a bit dragged, but the enchanting setting of Bettencourt Hall transported me back to the kind of novels I loved to read.
Overall, Where the Creek Bends is a nostalgic and engaging story, perfect for fans of heartwarming mysteries and multi-genre romances.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, The Hive, and Canary Street Press for the ARC.
December 21, 2024
I wasn't sure what to expect because I realized that Linda Lael Miller is primarily a romance novelist, a Western romance writer to be exact, as I was looking through my NetGalley shelf to see what books had an end-of-year date. I did not have high expectations as I usually do not like romance novels and the Western angle sounded potentially a little cheesy to me. I started it and wasn't sure that I liked the main character.
I am happy to say that this book exceeded my expectations and although they were admittedly low, this book was a solid 4 star read. It wasn't important or life altering but it was engaging and the Western angle was actually fun. The time travel was also entertaining (and was, quite frankly, why I chose the book because I love time travel and seldom seem to run across it).
I don't know how much of Miller's work I will read--she has written a great deal--but I may pick up one of her books now and then when I am in the mood for something light and escapist and in today's world there is always room for that.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with an advance copy of this book.
I am happy to say that this book exceeded my expectations and although they were admittedly low, this book was a solid 4 star read. It wasn't important or life altering but it was engaging and the Western angle was actually fun. The time travel was also entertaining (and was, quite frankly, why I chose the book because I love time travel and seldom seem to run across it).
I don't know how much of Miller's work I will read--she has written a great deal--but I may pick up one of her books now and then when I am in the mood for something light and escapist and in today's world there is always room for that.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with an advance copy of this book.
November 23, 2024
What a fun and captivating story. This story is so good and I felt like I was immersed with the plot and living this book right along with the characters. That is one of my favorite feelings as a reader and something I seek out. While it doesn’t happen as often as I’d like, I’m absolutely enthralled when it does, and that was the case there. The paranormal element to this one was *chefs kiss*. I love a good paranormal read, and this was just a dash, which was the perfect amount. There were so many twists and turns to this book, it was fantastic. When done right, twists and turns help keep me engaged and looking forward to what is coming next. I felt that there was the perfect amount of them to keep the read engaging and balanced. The romance element was very nice, and sweet.
If you are looking for a well done mystery with a dash or romance and paranormal, then check this one out.
Thank you to @canarystreetpress @htpbooks @htp_hive @lindalaelmiller and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
If you are looking for a well done mystery with a dash or romance and paranormal, then check this one out.
Thank you to @canarystreetpress @htpbooks @htp_hive @lindalaelmiller and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
December 13, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. From the beginning when Madison was running from her wedding and met Liam in the old west bar across the street from the venue and then the storyline of Bliss (who Madison met when she was a child) and had always wondered what had happened to her. Time travel isn't talked about much in Madison's family but several people had experienced it. Liam had two children who had not lived with him for a year, due to his ex's death and her grandparents wanted them to stay with them. He finally realized he needed to get them home with him so they would know he loved them. His 9 year old daughter had a massive chip on her shoulder due to all the untruths her mother and grandmother had told her. When an almost tragedy happened she realized the error of her ways and it gave hope to a much better relationship with her dad and brother Also, I believe the love of Madison will help mend fences also. This was a very good story that I highly recommend
I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
March 14, 2025
This was.... one of the first simple romance novels I read this year. Saw it on Libby and liked the title and the cover. So I figured I'd request it to read whenever it came available.
Turns out it's a pretty good story. I do feel like the end became EXTREMELY rushed, which, lost a star for me. I'm admittedly fine with the love at first sight and quick overwhelming need for the love interest characters to tell each other they love each other and want to get married and yada yada yada.... but where I am irked? is that it happened in the course of like 3 pages. The ending just feels so rushed and so abrupt. But the time slipping, I wish there was more of it, so I will definitely be looking into the rest of the books that I think are about these characters, or at the very least this locaiton.
Overall, it's a good book, there's a few pretty clunky errors to get through if you're one of the people to notice that. But man... finding out what happened to Madison's friend was REALLY cool.
If you have the time, it's worth the read.
Turns out it's a pretty good story. I do feel like the end became EXTREMELY rushed, which, lost a star for me. I'm admittedly fine with the love at first sight and quick overwhelming need for the love interest characters to tell each other they love each other and want to get married and yada yada yada.... but where I am irked? is that it happened in the course of like 3 pages. The ending just feels so rushed and so abrupt. But the time slipping, I wish there was more of it, so I will definitely be looking into the rest of the books that I think are about these characters, or at the very least this locaiton.
Overall, it's a good book, there's a few pretty clunky errors to get through if you're one of the people to notice that. But man... finding out what happened to Madison's friend was REALLY cool.
If you have the time, it's worth the read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2025
This was an unusual story about time travel, and I was captivated. When Madison Bettencourt meets Bliss Morgan, they are both 8 years old. Madison lives in the big, beautiful old home on gorgeous acreage when she discovers Bliss sitting in the family cemetery located in the trees behind her home. She recognizes that Bliss is hungry, poor, neglected and mistreated by her drunken father. Madison often brings food for Bliss and has compassion for her. Both girls also need a friend. One day Bliss suddenly disappears, leaving a note and friendship bracelet for Madison. Years later, as an adult, Madison can't get Bliss out of her mind and attempts to find her. So begins a remarkable story of the portal that carries people from the present back to the 1800s. It was hard to put this book down, as the mystery unfolded in twists and turns. The story also includes a romance for Madison with a heart stopping, handsome man, who is struggling to repair relationships with his two young children, after their mother divorces him, and then dies.
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