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Hidden Mountain #1
Preston's Mill
When her disastrous marriage ends in the most humiliating way, Meg Hanson doesn’t know what to do or who to turn to. Unhappy with her life as it was and unwilling to become what her mother and sister envision, she retreats to the little Appalachian town of Prestons Mill, the place where her father was raised. Meg has promised herself six months away from the influences of home to find out who she is and what she really wants out of life.
Her Great Aunt Annie doesn’t hold with such nonsense, but she does believe that good food, hard work and fresh country air have the power to heal the soul and she sees in Meg a soul that belongs to the mountain.
Coming from wealth and privilege, Meg isn’t sure at first what to make of a place where much of your wardrobe comes from Gorton’s Farm Supply and the only coffee available is what’s brewed at the Downtown Café. However, it doesn’t take long for her to become attached to the people of Prestons Mill with their blunt honesty and strange speech or to reluctantly fall for the boy who kissed her under the apple tree when she was only ten. He’s grown into an intriguing man with problems of his own.
JT Preston is burdened with his family’s past sins, sins that prevent him from seeking the life he’s always envied and longed for. Annie thinks this is nonsense, too, and sets about bringing Meg and JT together, but nothing is ever as easy as it sounds.
When a coal company makes plans to begin mining the mountain, Meg and JT find themselves in the middle of the battle between those who consider it progress and those who see it as the end of a way of life. Greed rears its head, people are hurt and lives are endangered, Meg’s most of all.
Her Great Aunt Annie doesn’t hold with such nonsense, but she does believe that good food, hard work and fresh country air have the power to heal the soul and she sees in Meg a soul that belongs to the mountain.
Coming from wealth and privilege, Meg isn’t sure at first what to make of a place where much of your wardrobe comes from Gorton’s Farm Supply and the only coffee available is what’s brewed at the Downtown Café. However, it doesn’t take long for her to become attached to the people of Prestons Mill with their blunt honesty and strange speech or to reluctantly fall for the boy who kissed her under the apple tree when she was only ten. He’s grown into an intriguing man with problems of his own.
JT Preston is burdened with his family’s past sins, sins that prevent him from seeking the life he’s always envied and longed for. Annie thinks this is nonsense, too, and sets about bringing Meg and JT together, but nothing is ever as easy as it sounds.
When a coal company makes plans to begin mining the mountain, Meg and JT find themselves in the middle of the battle between those who consider it progress and those who see it as the end of a way of life. Greed rears its head, people are hurt and lives are endangered, Meg’s most of all.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2012
8 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Rhoades
24 books340 followersJacqueline, known as Jackie to her friends, lives in rural southern Ohio with one lovable husband, one spoiled dog and one disinterested cat. She believes coffee is a food group and therefore necessary to survival. She always has a pot brewing. When not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in someone else's book or working in her garden. She also spends a great deal of time chasing deer and rabbits who apparently also like gardening.
Jackie loves hearing from her readers and is always willing to chat. She can be reached through her website, http://www.jacquelinerhoades.com/ or at jackie3049@gmail.com
Jackie loves hearing from her readers and is always willing to chat. She can be reached through her website, http://www.jacquelinerhoades.com/ or at jackie3049@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 8, 2013
Wow! Another brilliant read from Jacqueline Rhoades. I honestly couldn’t put it down. I’m a little bit speechless at this point in time.
There were times when you could see how it would end, but couldn’t fathom how they would get there. Rhoades’ brilliant storytelling takes you on an amazing journey throughout, with just the right amount of spice. She also manages to balance the serenity of the mountain with her storyline. The story maintains a fast enough pace that when action scenes appear near the end, they do not seem out of place.
Interspersed throughout the novel are some brilliant and vivid descriptions that allowed you to walk into the story, to see exactly what the characters were seeing, and to feel exactly what they were feeling. Through her writing, Rhoades also manages to evoke emotions in her reader on a scale rarely seen.
The characters that Rhoades brings to life are phenomenal. They are so well and subtly developed that you feel like you have known them your entire life. No one ever seems out of place. Each person has their own niche that they fill beautifully and fully. Each character remains consistent throughout the novel. I greatly appreciated that no one had a massive personality change before the end of the novel in order for the story to reach a happy ending. I also love that the characters stay true to the local dialect throughout the novel. Rhoades doesn’t slip up once.
This novel was absolutely breathtaking. By the end, you are in the novel so deep that you find yourself wishing that you were living on the mountain with the characters. I didn’t want this story to end as I found myself wanting to know what came next for everyone and to continue the journey with them.
There were times when you could see how it would end, but couldn’t fathom how they would get there. Rhoades’ brilliant storytelling takes you on an amazing journey throughout, with just the right amount of spice. She also manages to balance the serenity of the mountain with her storyline. The story maintains a fast enough pace that when action scenes appear near the end, they do not seem out of place.
Interspersed throughout the novel are some brilliant and vivid descriptions that allowed you to walk into the story, to see exactly what the characters were seeing, and to feel exactly what they were feeling. Through her writing, Rhoades also manages to evoke emotions in her reader on a scale rarely seen.
The characters that Rhoades brings to life are phenomenal. They are so well and subtly developed that you feel like you have known them your entire life. No one ever seems out of place. Each person has their own niche that they fill beautifully and fully. Each character remains consistent throughout the novel. I greatly appreciated that no one had a massive personality change before the end of the novel in order for the story to reach a happy ending. I also love that the characters stay true to the local dialect throughout the novel. Rhoades doesn’t slip up once.
This novel was absolutely breathtaking. By the end, you are in the novel so deep that you find yourself wishing that you were living on the mountain with the characters. I didn’t want this story to end as I found myself wanting to know what came next for everyone and to continue the journey with them.
November 10, 2012
Just want to say up front I received a copy of Preston's Mill from the author for an honest review. I would recommend this book to most any lover of romance stories. As a librarian I can think of several patrons that I will/would recommend Preston’s Mill to. I will have to see if a print version is available, if not I hope one becomes available because I would add this book to our collection. It is a good story with plenty of action and a bit of humor mixed in and some steamy love scenes and well. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
To start off with the beginning of the book, it was excellent. I wish some of the other independent/self-published authors (maybe even some better known ones too) I've read would read Ms. Rhoades work, they are a great example of how to start a story. Lots of drama in that first chapter to pull you in, just enough back story to give you an idea what is happening without dragging the story down. I really felt angry for Meg and what was happening to her, the injustice of it all. No one deserves to be treated the way Meg was or should have to face that sort of humiliation. I would go into hiding too.
Up next, the setting. I live in a rural community, where you have to drive 40 minutes to reach civilization, 25 to the nearest farm supply store where, yes, I have been known to clothes shop. My surrounding isn't a mountain community, but I felt like I could have fit right in, Preston’s Mill felt like home. I know what it’s like to know most everyone in town and they are all related somehow. Main Street is far past its former glory and many buildings sit empty. The characters in this book felt like the ones I know in my daily life. I could appreciate the people's self-reliant nature. The characters in this book come off as very real, full of funny quirks, flaws and each has their own secrets some of them we discovered, but I have a feeling there is more to be learned about the people of Preston's Mill. It was amusing to watch Meg as she learned the ropes of her new community and rural life.
Some of the supporting cast that I loved: There was Annie of course, Meg's Aunt. She is one tough cookie, a little rough around the edges but you can tell she loves her family, both blood and adopted, and just wants what is best for them. I totally agree with her philosophy of hard work and fresh air being able to heal one's damaged soul. I wasn't sure of what to make of Lorelei to begin with. She has set up so many walls and comes off prickly to keep people out and herself safe, my heart hurts for her. She too has been dealt a difficult hand and doesn't really know how to escape her circumstance. I would love to read more of her story and see her get a happily ever after.
Now for Meg and JT, the hero and heroine of this book. Annie was right all along they are a good match for each other. Meg needed to find herself and learn to assert her wants and needs to others. She has been told much of her life how to live and what to think she needs to learn what she really wants out of life. JT comes from a troubled youth with a difficult home life and is freighted to really love anyone for fear of hurting them. He is afraid he can’t break the cycle and be in a healthy relationship. He needs to learn to trust himself and that he is not guilty of the mistakes of others. Unlike many of the other stories I have read their romance was slow to grow, both denying that they wanted anything too serious. You could tell where they were headed, but it was nice to read a story where the lead couple takes things at a more natural pace. We got to see all the foreplay in their relationship and watch them drive each other crazy, it was kind of fun.
Finally the end, which was as well written as the beginning. It had a nice feeling of closure for the main couple, and left me feeling happy for them and gave me hope for the future of the town as well. I would like to return to Preston’s Mill to see some of the other character’s get a happily ever after and see what comes of Meg and JT’s plans. Don’t want to give it away, but I loved the last few paragraphs about Annie.
To start off with the beginning of the book, it was excellent. I wish some of the other independent/self-published authors (maybe even some better known ones too) I've read would read Ms. Rhoades work, they are a great example of how to start a story. Lots of drama in that first chapter to pull you in, just enough back story to give you an idea what is happening without dragging the story down. I really felt angry for Meg and what was happening to her, the injustice of it all. No one deserves to be treated the way Meg was or should have to face that sort of humiliation. I would go into hiding too.
Up next, the setting. I live in a rural community, where you have to drive 40 minutes to reach civilization, 25 to the nearest farm supply store where, yes, I have been known to clothes shop. My surrounding isn't a mountain community, but I felt like I could have fit right in, Preston’s Mill felt like home. I know what it’s like to know most everyone in town and they are all related somehow. Main Street is far past its former glory and many buildings sit empty. The characters in this book felt like the ones I know in my daily life. I could appreciate the people's self-reliant nature. The characters in this book come off as very real, full of funny quirks, flaws and each has their own secrets some of them we discovered, but I have a feeling there is more to be learned about the people of Preston's Mill. It was amusing to watch Meg as she learned the ropes of her new community and rural life.
Some of the supporting cast that I loved: There was Annie of course, Meg's Aunt. She is one tough cookie, a little rough around the edges but you can tell she loves her family, both blood and adopted, and just wants what is best for them. I totally agree with her philosophy of hard work and fresh air being able to heal one's damaged soul. I wasn't sure of what to make of Lorelei to begin with. She has set up so many walls and comes off prickly to keep people out and herself safe, my heart hurts for her. She too has been dealt a difficult hand and doesn't really know how to escape her circumstance. I would love to read more of her story and see her get a happily ever after.
Now for Meg and JT, the hero and heroine of this book. Annie was right all along they are a good match for each other. Meg needed to find herself and learn to assert her wants and needs to others. She has been told much of her life how to live and what to think she needs to learn what she really wants out of life. JT comes from a troubled youth with a difficult home life and is freighted to really love anyone for fear of hurting them. He is afraid he can’t break the cycle and be in a healthy relationship. He needs to learn to trust himself and that he is not guilty of the mistakes of others. Unlike many of the other stories I have read their romance was slow to grow, both denying that they wanted anything too serious. You could tell where they were headed, but it was nice to read a story where the lead couple takes things at a more natural pace. We got to see all the foreplay in their relationship and watch them drive each other crazy, it was kind of fun.
Finally the end, which was as well written as the beginning. It had a nice feeling of closure for the main couple, and left me feeling happy for them and gave me hope for the future of the town as well. I would like to return to Preston’s Mill to see some of the other character’s get a happily ever after and see what comes of Meg and JT’s plans. Don’t want to give it away, but I loved the last few paragraphs about Annie.
June 21, 2014
Right up front I will say that I bought the next book in this series today, so that gives you a good idea of how much I enjoyed the story. I won’t summarize the plot, as everyone else, including the author’s own blurb, does a lovely job of that.
I bought this book because Amy Softa let me know about it and because it was set in what I refer to as “my mountains”. In my mind, there are not enough romances set in the Appalachian Mountains and whenever I find one I am thrilled.
I really enjoyed the author’s portrayal of the setting. The town of Preston’s Mill reminds me of my mother’s home town in the mountains, right down to the boarded up stores and the legacy of coal mining and shine. I love those mountains, and I love that JT and that he is my kind of guy, reclaiming the old wood and stone of an abandoned cabin for his own and retaining the history of the place.
I love the characters. You could run into these folks in the White Star Café in my mom’s hometown (if it was still open), right down to that one guy who everyone knows has the good hooch hidden somewhere. And Aunt Annie reminds me of my mom, adopting everyone else’s kids as her own and passing out advice and counsel with her coffee and biscuits. We even had a Lorelei or two in our family, bless their hearts, and I cannot wait for the rest of Lorelei’s story.
The character arcs of Meg, JT, and Lorelei were very well done. I enjoyed seeing all these characters change and grow as the plot progressed. It was logical growth and they had absolutely true to the society of a small town issues in that growth. And I loved Annie’s arc, although she didn’t NEED to grow. She’s darn perfect just the way she is.
The plot was great fun. It has a bit of suspense and mystery, with a bit of sleight of hand as to who the real individual villain was in the end. And I will always cheer any plot that has the I love that the mountains also claimed their own bit of mystery when it came to a certain character’s fate. There are so many hidden secrets in those mountains. (Aha, so that is where the name of the series came from, eh?)
I only had a couple of quibbles with the book. One was the beginning. I think I just wanted to get to the mountain, darn it, and the exposition at the beginning got in my way, even with the bits of action here and there. I probably would have been more comfortable with Meg’s back story being given to me in bits and pieces as we met the mountain and its people, but again, that is probably me just wanting to get there. The other one was a few places where I lost track of whose head I was in and those were mostly with JT and Meg. The whole POV shift thing is a pain with third person and hard to pull off without a hard break. That is difficult to do when you want to really know what is going on both characters’ heads in a key scene. But it was NOT a deal breaker. I figured it out pretty quickly. It is telling that I didn't really get tossed out of the story by these and was able to stick with the scene.
It is also telling that this is one of those books where I left my Kindle in the bathroom for quick reads, if you get my drift. The last few I have read on my Kindle haven’t gotten that treatment. That should tell you that I wasn’t willing to wait until bedtime to catch up on the folks of Preston’s Mill.
To summarize, I would give it 5 Stars, but I have a feeling I need to reserve that for the next book based on the snippet I read at the end of this one! This one gets 4.5 Stars. Great job, Ms. Rhoades!
If you love a realistic, sweet, but hot romance about real people with very real, and sometimes scary, issues set in a visually rich and intriguing setting, this is the book for you. I would love to move to Preston’s Mill, especially for someone like JT and his cabin on the mountain.
I bought this book because Amy Softa let me know about it and because it was set in what I refer to as “my mountains”. In my mind, there are not enough romances set in the Appalachian Mountains and whenever I find one I am thrilled.
I really enjoyed the author’s portrayal of the setting. The town of Preston’s Mill reminds me of my mother’s home town in the mountains, right down to the boarded up stores and the legacy of coal mining and shine. I love those mountains, and I love that JT and that he is my kind of guy, reclaiming the old wood and stone of an abandoned cabin for his own and retaining the history of the place.
I love the characters. You could run into these folks in the White Star Café in my mom’s hometown (if it was still open), right down to that one guy who everyone knows has the good hooch hidden somewhere. And Aunt Annie reminds me of my mom, adopting everyone else’s kids as her own and passing out advice and counsel with her coffee and biscuits. We even had a Lorelei or two in our family, bless their hearts, and I cannot wait for the rest of Lorelei’s story.
The character arcs of Meg, JT, and Lorelei were very well done. I enjoyed seeing all these characters change and grow as the plot progressed. It was logical growth and they had absolutely true to the society of a small town issues in that growth. And I loved Annie’s arc, although she didn’t NEED to grow. She’s darn perfect just the way she is.
The plot was great fun. It has a bit of suspense and mystery, with a bit of sleight of hand as to who the real individual villain was in the end. And I will always cheer any plot that has the I love that the mountains also claimed their own bit of mystery when it came to a certain character’s fate. There are so many hidden secrets in those mountains. (Aha, so that is where the name of the series came from, eh?)
I only had a couple of quibbles with the book. One was the beginning. I think I just wanted to get to the mountain, darn it, and the exposition at the beginning got in my way, even with the bits of action here and there. I probably would have been more comfortable with Meg’s back story being given to me in bits and pieces as we met the mountain and its people, but again, that is probably me just wanting to get there. The other one was a few places where I lost track of whose head I was in and those were mostly with JT and Meg. The whole POV shift thing is a pain with third person and hard to pull off without a hard break. That is difficult to do when you want to really know what is going on both characters’ heads in a key scene. But it was NOT a deal breaker. I figured it out pretty quickly. It is telling that I didn't really get tossed out of the story by these and was able to stick with the scene.
It is also telling that this is one of those books where I left my Kindle in the bathroom for quick reads, if you get my drift. The last few I have read on my Kindle haven’t gotten that treatment. That should tell you that I wasn’t willing to wait until bedtime to catch up on the folks of Preston’s Mill.
To summarize, I would give it 5 Stars, but I have a feeling I need to reserve that for the next book based on the snippet I read at the end of this one! This one gets 4.5 Stars. Great job, Ms. Rhoades!
If you love a realistic, sweet, but hot romance about real people with very real, and sometimes scary, issues set in a visually rich and intriguing setting, this is the book for you. I would love to move to Preston’s Mill, especially for someone like JT and his cabin on the mountain.
December 3, 2012
I liked this book a lot. The author is a really good writer, and the story sucked me in right from the get-go.
Some of the best things about the book:
Great characters! Everyone was really complex. This is no simple, formulaic romance. The author looks deeply into all the characters' pasts. Even the secondary characters are well-developed and interesting.
Great sense of place! The author uses a nice smattering of regional dialect that really adds to the story. And it's not irritating or distracting, the way I've seen in some novels. You can still read it easily, and yet the language really adds to your feel for the characters and the town. Also, the descriptions of the town are fabulous. It's been almost a week since I finished reading the book, and I can still see the places in my mind easily. And I've read a few books since then, and I can *still* see it all.
I loved the hero, JT! He as the perfect mix of cute, emotional, artsy, and alpha, all in one. Just the kind of man that I would want to fall in love with. He had lots of baggage, but he didn't treat the heroine terribly badly when push came to shove (I've seen that in some other novels, I don't really like it when the hero becomes an absolute and complete jerk. You don't have that here.).
The heroine rocked. Meg had a lot of issues that initially affected her confidence, but she wasn't a doormat. In fact, she stood up for herself in a way that made me proud. I love a strong woman, and Meg didn't let me down.
The loves were pretty hot. There was a point in the first third of the book where I wondered if the hero and heroine were ever going to get to it, but then I realized: the author is just doing a good job of building the tension. And that tension was there, believe me. She had me really wanted those two characters to come together. And it was sweet when they did.
So here is my one big criticism:
There were several sections of the book where the author seamed to jump back and forth in perspective right in the middle of a scene. It was a big distraction for me in several spots, and I actually went back to re-read those parts. I thought maybe I was reading it incorrectly at first. It was definitely confusing. I'm not sure if the author intended to do that, or if it was an accident, or if the writing just needed some editing to clarify those sections. I think there were about 3 sections where I noticed it enough that it drove me insane. Most of the novel did not have those problems, so it wasn't bad enough to stop me from recommending the book.
So anyway...Go and read it! Seriously!
Just letting you know: I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. I have been completely honest!
Some of the best things about the book:
Great characters! Everyone was really complex. This is no simple, formulaic romance. The author looks deeply into all the characters' pasts. Even the secondary characters are well-developed and interesting.
Great sense of place! The author uses a nice smattering of regional dialect that really adds to the story. And it's not irritating or distracting, the way I've seen in some novels. You can still read it easily, and yet the language really adds to your feel for the characters and the town. Also, the descriptions of the town are fabulous. It's been almost a week since I finished reading the book, and I can still see the places in my mind easily. And I've read a few books since then, and I can *still* see it all.
I loved the hero, JT! He as the perfect mix of cute, emotional, artsy, and alpha, all in one. Just the kind of man that I would want to fall in love with. He had lots of baggage, but he didn't treat the heroine terribly badly when push came to shove (I've seen that in some other novels, I don't really like it when the hero becomes an absolute and complete jerk. You don't have that here.).
The heroine rocked. Meg had a lot of issues that initially affected her confidence, but she wasn't a doormat. In fact, she stood up for herself in a way that made me proud. I love a strong woman, and Meg didn't let me down.
The loves were pretty hot. There was a point in the first third of the book where I wondered if the hero and heroine were ever going to get to it, but then I realized: the author is just doing a good job of building the tension. And that tension was there, believe me. She had me really wanted those two characters to come together. And it was sweet when they did.
So here is my one big criticism:
There were several sections of the book where the author seamed to jump back and forth in perspective right in the middle of a scene. It was a big distraction for me in several spots, and I actually went back to re-read those parts. I thought maybe I was reading it incorrectly at first. It was definitely confusing. I'm not sure if the author intended to do that, or if it was an accident, or if the writing just needed some editing to clarify those sections. I think there were about 3 sections where I noticed it enough that it drove me insane. Most of the novel did not have those problems, so it wasn't bad enough to stop me from recommending the book.
So anyway...Go and read it! Seriously!
Just letting you know: I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. I have been completely honest!
December 24, 2012
Meg Hanson is trying to get her life back together after her divorce from her husband of eight years. She's lost weight, depressed, lonely, and at a complete loss for what to do next. Meg's father Jeb Hanson just wants to see Meg happy again and suggests that she visit his Aunt Annie in Prestons Mill. Meg jumps at the chance to get away from her mother's idea of getting over her broken marriage. Meg arrives in Prestons Mill and stunned by how peaceful life seems to be here. Meg meets Annie at Downtown Cafe where Meg learns how to come back to the land of the living again. Annie makes sure theat Meg doesn't have time to think about the past with chores and jobs which add to the healing process. JT Preston remembers Meg from childhood yet finds the woman he sess in Meg much more appealing. JT finds reasons to be around Meg yet can't believe that Meg's ex-husband mmissed out on her true beauty. JT is fighting the ghosts of his past and running from his future at the same time. JT can't believe that Meg sees past all of his hurts, pain, and self-loathing to the core of the man. Meg settles into life in Prestons Mill making friends, working hard, and trying to have a relationship with JT. Strange accidents and happenings are occurring thru out Prestons Mill yet no one knows why. Will Meg learn to be free of her past? Can JT lay his ghosts to rest? Will Meg really leave Prestons Mill? Will JT admit his feelings? You're answers await you in Preston's Mill.
I just love how the author wove this story together. I really experienced an emotional rollercoaster with each and every character thru out the whole book. I really understood where each character was coming from and why. I'm so looking forward to the author's next installment for this series. I'll happily read more of this author's work. Don't just take my word for it see for yourself.
I just love how the author wove this story together. I really experienced an emotional rollercoaster with each and every character thru out the whole book. I really understood where each character was coming from and why. I'm so looking forward to the author's next installment for this series. I'll happily read more of this author's work. Don't just take my word for it see for yourself.
March 9, 2014
When I picked this book up to read I wasn’t expecting it to have everything a great book has all in one place. You have humor, mystery, passion, heartbreak, death, and above all else love and so much more. What else could you ask for in a book. The author gives you a wonderful story that flows so easy. You will not want to put this book down, it is truly a lovely wonderful story.
Meg find out not only is her husband a cheat but gives another women the one things she want most in live a child. This leave Meg broken, untrusting, she needs to get away. Her father tells her to go back to his hometown. What she finds is a little town with lots of nosy people who knows everything about everybody. Is this a town where she can heal, find herself and put a life together to go home to?
JT is a strong passionate man who seems to be the town’s player. He isn't looking for love nor a woman. JT Preston's Mill had a good life, abuse by this father who has been missing for years. He knows he cannot every have a wife, abuse runs in his family. He is so afraid what he will do if he loses his temper and will not take the chance. Can he overcome his fears, can he find true love and have all that he dreams?
There are a ton of wonderful characters whose humor will keep you laughing as they stick their nose all over the place. Great Aunt Annie is something, you have to laugh not only at her but with her. She just knows Meg and JT are made for each other, all she needs to do is get them to see it and find a dog. There are characters in this book you will want to kill, others you just want to love and you don’t want the story to end.
In walk the coal company who wants the land, are they the ones causing the accidents? Will this be the end of Preston’s Mills as we know it? Will peoples greed get in the way or will their love for their town stand?
Meg find out not only is her husband a cheat but gives another women the one things she want most in live a child. This leave Meg broken, untrusting, she needs to get away. Her father tells her to go back to his hometown. What she finds is a little town with lots of nosy people who knows everything about everybody. Is this a town where she can heal, find herself and put a life together to go home to?
JT is a strong passionate man who seems to be the town’s player. He isn't looking for love nor a woman. JT Preston's Mill had a good life, abuse by this father who has been missing for years. He knows he cannot every have a wife, abuse runs in his family. He is so afraid what he will do if he loses his temper and will not take the chance. Can he overcome his fears, can he find true love and have all that he dreams?
There are a ton of wonderful characters whose humor will keep you laughing as they stick their nose all over the place. Great Aunt Annie is something, you have to laugh not only at her but with her. She just knows Meg and JT are made for each other, all she needs to do is get them to see it and find a dog. There are characters in this book you will want to kill, others you just want to love and you don’t want the story to end.
In walk the coal company who wants the land, are they the ones causing the accidents? Will this be the end of Preston’s Mills as we know it? Will peoples greed get in the way or will their love for their town stand?
May 23, 2014
This is a must read! I found Preston’s Mill to be, as far as I’m concerned, on a level with one of my favorite books of all time, Katherine Woodwiss’s “The Wolf and the Dove”. This story is a wonderfully crafted work. It has everything I look for in a romance: great characters I can love or hate, a hero and heroine I can love and identify with, great conversations, magnificent arguments, tender and even hot steamy lovemaking (not just sex…lovemaking), lots of excitement, even danger!
Ms. Rhoades has crafted her story to have great dialog, with just the right amount of really good country dialect to make the characters true to the imagination without being condescending. They sound like real people and are designed to be themselves and some with more than a little down to earth wisdom. Very warm and heartfelt friends and family that make you wish you lived there.
The plot is wonderfully written allowing the characters to fall in love over enough time to create expectation and even a little frustration that adds to the realism and charm of the story. Some very sobering modern issues are raised with great sensitivity and concern. The “bad guys” are believable (scarily so) and the climax is of the “I just can’t put it down” variety.
In conclusion I think this is the beginning of a great new series from Ms. Rhoades, who is proving to be a truly exciting writer!
Ms. Rhoades has crafted her story to have great dialog, with just the right amount of really good country dialect to make the characters true to the imagination without being condescending. They sound like real people and are designed to be themselves and some with more than a little down to earth wisdom. Very warm and heartfelt friends and family that make you wish you lived there.
The plot is wonderfully written allowing the characters to fall in love over enough time to create expectation and even a little frustration that adds to the realism and charm of the story. Some very sobering modern issues are raised with great sensitivity and concern. The “bad guys” are believable (scarily so) and the climax is of the “I just can’t put it down” variety.
In conclusion I think this is the beginning of a great new series from Ms. Rhoades, who is proving to be a truly exciting writer!
December 8, 2012
I spent a quiet Saturday afternoon reading this book. I found it hard to put it down as I was drawn to the main characters, plot and the setting.
Newly divorced, Meg Hansen drives to Preston Mills, the town where her Father was raised, to regroup. Meg becomes accustomed to life a rural community, makes friends and starts a part time job at the local diner. I was drawn to the cast of the "regular" characters who spent time in the diner. Each character has many facets and was well written. I am hoping that a full length story about Lorelei is in the works.
The author blends the right amount of history, love and romance in the storyline. I was pleased that the romance between Meg and JT developed as the story progressed and was not hurried along. Meg's friendship with Lorelei is tested several times throughout the story as one of the secondary storylines unfolds. Both Lorelei and Meg share secrets and learn to trust each other as their friendship grows. The author added suspense and mystery when the coal mining comapny was introduced in the plot. It was interesting to see how the main characters reacted to the changes when the mining company set up it's offices in town.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchnage for a fair review.
Newly divorced, Meg Hansen drives to Preston Mills, the town where her Father was raised, to regroup. Meg becomes accustomed to life a rural community, makes friends and starts a part time job at the local diner. I was drawn to the cast of the "regular" characters who spent time in the diner. Each character has many facets and was well written. I am hoping that a full length story about Lorelei is in the works.
The author blends the right amount of history, love and romance in the storyline. I was pleased that the romance between Meg and JT developed as the story progressed and was not hurried along. Meg's friendship with Lorelei is tested several times throughout the story as one of the secondary storylines unfolds. Both Lorelei and Meg share secrets and learn to trust each other as their friendship grows. The author added suspense and mystery when the coal mining comapny was introduced in the plot. It was interesting to see how the main characters reacted to the changes when the mining company set up it's offices in town.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchnage for a fair review.
November 12, 2012
The author offer free a free copy of her book for your honest review.
I have to tell you is I totally 100% loved this book. It above & beyond met any of they expectations that the blurb gives you about the book.
The characters were so inviting that you really felt you were right there with them in the middle of the discussions. The authors ability to craft her words in a way that you get so caught up in what's going on in the town, the characters & surroundings you don't even notice an hour or two has gone by. JT is the man love interest but if you ask me all the good guys in the story every woman will want two under her Christmas tree. For JT is what guy should be rough, rugged, kind hearted, gentle, funny & loving. Meg the female love interest naive, fun loving, endearing a true friend, a spit fire & loving too. Then there's Annie Meg's aunt, JT's savior, who is always there for everyone, the rock, the bossy one, the tell it like it is one, funny one & yet most of all loving one. She is no match when she is on the match make mode. All the towns people will win your heart too. Read this book you will not be disappointed.
I have to tell you is I totally 100% loved this book. It above & beyond met any of they expectations that the blurb gives you about the book.
The characters were so inviting that you really felt you were right there with them in the middle of the discussions. The authors ability to craft her words in a way that you get so caught up in what's going on in the town, the characters & surroundings you don't even notice an hour or two has gone by. JT is the man love interest but if you ask me all the good guys in the story every woman will want two under her Christmas tree. For JT is what guy should be rough, rugged, kind hearted, gentle, funny & loving. Meg the female love interest naive, fun loving, endearing a true friend, a spit fire & loving too. Then there's Annie Meg's aunt, JT's savior, who is always there for everyone, the rock, the bossy one, the tell it like it is one, funny one & yet most of all loving one. She is no match when she is on the match make mode. All the towns people will win your heart too. Read this book you will not be disappointed.
November 17, 2012
I am so thankful that I got to meet Meg Hanson, JT Preston and all the good folks of Preston's Mill. What wonderful characters, they just come alive. I couldn't stop laughing when Annie went after the mouse. She reminds me so much of my Granny, though at least Annie doesn't smoke a corn cob pipe. And Hardy....what a character!!
Ms. Rhoades did such a fabulous job writing this story. It flows so smoothly and has just the right blend of romance, friendship and suspense. It's a wonderfully sweet romance with two damaged but good, nice people who just needed to heal. I highly reccommend this book to anyone. Go ahead and curl up in your favorite chair with a drink and spend some time in the beautiful mountains, experience the sweet romance of Meg & JT and get to know some really good people. I hope one day we'll get to visit Preston's Mill again, maybe see Lorilei finally get the HEA she so richly deserves.
I would like to acknowledge that this book was given to me by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. And yes, it really does deserve the 5 star rating that I gave it.
Ms. Rhoades did such a fabulous job writing this story. It flows so smoothly and has just the right blend of romance, friendship and suspense. It's a wonderfully sweet romance with two damaged but good, nice people who just needed to heal. I highly reccommend this book to anyone. Go ahead and curl up in your favorite chair with a drink and spend some time in the beautiful mountains, experience the sweet romance of Meg & JT and get to know some really good people. I hope one day we'll get to visit Preston's Mill again, maybe see Lorilei finally get the HEA she so richly deserves.
I would like to acknowledge that this book was given to me by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. And yes, it really does deserve the 5 star rating that I gave it.
December 21, 2012
I recieved this book through goodreads.com.I just finished reading the book and I loved it. The book is more like a Romantic Suspense book than a Romance. It started out with Meg, the heroine, after her divorce. She goes to Preston's Mill to be with her Aunt Annie. Preston's Mill is a very small town, everyone knows everyone and most of them are related to each other. Meg moves there and meets JT, the hero, through her Aunt Annie. the whole way through the book it is like you basic romance with a little suspense thrown in. The ending is were most of the suspense comes in. If this book ever comes out in a hard copy I will have to let some friends know, that do not have ereaders, becuase I know some people that would probably love the book like I did. But if you love small town romances like I do you would love this book.
November 29, 2012
Loved this book... LOVED IT! The author has a true gift when it comes to books whether it be contemporary or paranormal. This is contemporary and a new start to a series. The book kept me engaged the entire time. I never got bored and didn't skim. Great development of a town, characters, everything. I can't wait for the next book, which we were given a small snippet of. Definitely will be reading it.
Also, there was a small snippet of the next book involving her wolves. How cruel of you to give me that tidbit then *gasp* make me wait until JANUARY. Oh the horror, oh the pain. *snicker*
Anywho, great work, as always, Jacqueline and I can't wait to read more.
Also, there was a small snippet of the next book involving her wolves. How cruel of you to give me that tidbit then *gasp* make me wait until JANUARY. Oh the horror, oh the pain. *snicker*
Anywho, great work, as always, Jacqueline and I can't wait to read more.
October 6, 2013
With her divorce, the heroine realized she had been living a superficial life with her overbearing husband. Who was the real her after years of just being "Edward's wife"? She hasn't been back to her dad's childhood town since her childhood but what better place to find herself so she goes to visit her aunt Annie.
If you want to sink into the characters living in a small rural town... then you will enjoy reading what happens in Preston's Mill.
I really liked the hero and heroine and can't wait to get the next book to find out what becomes of their friend Loreli and read more of feisty aunt Annie.
If you want to sink into the characters living in a small rural town... then you will enjoy reading what happens in Preston's Mill.
I really liked the hero and heroine and can't wait to get the next book to find out what becomes of their friend Loreli and read more of feisty aunt Annie.
May 18, 2013
This was a really enjoyable romance novel. Meg is an honest, down to earth character, and the women in the book come across as strong, despite their flaws. Some romance novels only focus on the love struck duo, but there was so much life in so many characters in this small town. The sideline plot with the obligatory bad guys was also well followed through. I'm really looking forward to the sequel!!
April 9, 2014
I read the second book in this series first and loved it. Have had the first book for awhile and just read it. May I say I am sorry I waited what a wonderful beginning to this series. I loved the main couple Meg and JT and I really loved her Aunt Annie. There are so any great secondary characters in this story and so very true to life. Loved it.
July 7, 2013
Wonderfully written characters. Love this book!
August 11, 2013
Great story, and a overall beautiful book. ;))
October 23, 2017
Riveting, Romance, and Rewarding.
I couldn't put it down! You must read this whole story! I do loved the way things progressed. There was a love scene that was so tender and sweet, it reminds me of my Jimmie when he romances me. **sigh** The angst is real! There is suspense and a bit of a mystery. I love a good mystery. This Book is written with a lot of humor. There are some action scenes. Loved the small town feel. If you're looking for a wonderful story, this is the book. From a True Fan... Pam James.
I couldn't put it down! You must read this whole story! I do loved the way things progressed. There was a love scene that was so tender and sweet, it reminds me of my Jimmie when he romances me. **sigh** The angst is real! There is suspense and a bit of a mystery. I love a good mystery. This Book is written with a lot of humor. There are some action scenes. Loved the small town feel. If you're looking for a wonderful story, this is the book. From a True Fan... Pam James.
October 30, 2015
Audiobook
Narration - Leah Frederick - Pretty Good! She's a good story teller and it was easy to differentiate between the characters.
This is really a pretty sweet romance. I kinda fell in love with Meg and loved JT.
Poor Meg is cheated on by her jerk of a husband and finds out in a pretty miserable way. She heads to the mountain town of Preston's Mill to hang with her Aunt Annie (who I also loved). Here she meets quite a group of characters that were all pretty entertaining. The gossip mill is in full force and of course, most of the time, it's a little broken and the information isn't always as it seems.
I really fell in love with these characters - especially those struggling in the court of public opinion.
The dangerous part of the tale got a little bit Scooby Doo-ish, but not too bad. I loved the ending too, but really wished for more, but then that's usually a good thing in my eyes! I'd rather be left wanting more than glad it's finally over!
Really enjoyed this one!
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from audiobookblast in exchange for an unbiased review
Narration - Leah Frederick - Pretty Good! She's a good story teller and it was easy to differentiate between the characters.
This is really a pretty sweet romance. I kinda fell in love with Meg and loved JT.
Poor Meg is cheated on by her jerk of a husband and finds out in a pretty miserable way. She heads to the mountain town of Preston's Mill to hang with her Aunt Annie (who I also loved). Here she meets quite a group of characters that were all pretty entertaining. The gossip mill is in full force and of course, most of the time, it's a little broken and the information isn't always as it seems.
I really fell in love with these characters - especially those struggling in the court of public opinion.
The dangerous part of the tale got a little bit Scooby Doo-ish, but not too bad. I loved the ending too, but really wished for more, but then that's usually a good thing in my eyes! I'd rather be left wanting more than glad it's finally over!
Really enjoyed this one!
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from audiobookblast in exchange for an unbiased review
August 17, 2015
**I was given this audiobook in exchange for an honest review
Where is book 2 on audio? This book was entertaining, suspenseful, romantic and had beautiful descriptions. You felt like you were on Hidden Mountain. The character development was very good, you can relate to each person, even supporting characters had 3 dimensions. The relationship between Annie and Meg was probably my favorite. Annie is no nonsense, pulls no punches and says it like it is. My favorite kind of person. Meg pleasantly surprised me with the changes in her as the story developed from the meek ex-wife to a strong, opinionated woman, not afraid to go after what she wants. And JT...I don't even have to go into him..the awesome hero. Love his dark past and how he overcomes it. The story underlying it with Lorelei and the role she plays is all just poetic justice. Loved this!
The narration of the story by Leah Frederick was wonderful. She has wonderful flow and brought to life each character. She captured each one's personality and easily distinguished them with different voices.
This was my first Jacqueline Rhoades book, and look forward to more!
Where is book 2 on audio? This book was entertaining, suspenseful, romantic and had beautiful descriptions. You felt like you were on Hidden Mountain. The character development was very good, you can relate to each person, even supporting characters had 3 dimensions. The relationship between Annie and Meg was probably my favorite. Annie is no nonsense, pulls no punches and says it like it is. My favorite kind of person. Meg pleasantly surprised me with the changes in her as the story developed from the meek ex-wife to a strong, opinionated woman, not afraid to go after what she wants. And JT...I don't even have to go into him..the awesome hero. Love his dark past and how he overcomes it. The story underlying it with Lorelei and the role she plays is all just poetic justice. Loved this!
The narration of the story by Leah Frederick was wonderful. She has wonderful flow and brought to life each character. She captured each one's personality and easily distinguished them with different voices.
This was my first Jacqueline Rhoades book, and look forward to more!
July 6, 2016
Meg returns to her fathers home town to try to forget her former life married to an atrocious man.She moves in with her Aunt Annie,who puts her to work to get her mind off her former life.She's given herself 6 months to get it together but decides she may need to stay longer after re meeting her first 'kiss'.There are plenty of misunderstandings,lost moments,etc.It is a good story narrated by Leah Frederick,who does a nice job.
I was given this book free for an honest review.
I was given this book free for an honest review.
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