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Sweetwater Canyon #2
Healing Notes
Forgiving yourself is the first step, but helping others forgive may be just too hard.
Rachel Cullen grew up in Scotland with a fiddle in her hand from the age of four. She couldn't imagine life as anything but a musician. When her husband brought her to America she was immediately embraced by the Celtic and Bluegrass communities. But after her divorce, Rachel's life is a mess.
A year of trying to prove to herself that she's woman enough for any man, and then a vicious rape while on tour with the band, leaves Rachel reeling. When she meets Noel Kershaw, an English teacher who is poetry in motion, she is definitely attracted. But he has a young child and he's suffering from his own divorce. The last thing Rachel needs in life is more baggage.
First, Rachel must reconcile who she is, what she wants, and how to get there. Maybe then she'll know how to be a part of the family she's always wanted.
Rachel Cullen grew up in Scotland with a fiddle in her hand from the age of four. She couldn't imagine life as anything but a musician. When her husband brought her to America she was immediately embraced by the Celtic and Bluegrass communities. But after her divorce, Rachel's life is a mess.
A year of trying to prove to herself that she's woman enough for any man, and then a vicious rape while on tour with the band, leaves Rachel reeling. When she meets Noel Kershaw, an English teacher who is poetry in motion, she is definitely attracted. But he has a young child and he's suffering from his own divorce. The last thing Rachel needs in life is more baggage.
First, Rachel must reconcile who she is, what she wants, and how to get there. Maybe then she'll know how to be a part of the family she's always wanted.
- GenresRomance
351 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2011
4 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 15, 2017
I'm impressed with how this author deals with an issue far too many woman have to face, rape. Rachel was violently raped and left for dead in the first book in this series undertones. You can certainly read this book on its own but part of the passion of this book comes from the fierce bond these women have for one another. They have a band (folk/celtic) and they are more than a band, they are family. In this book Rachel is beginning her emotional healing and encounters Noel and his daughter Claire. A romantic and loving relationship after such a violent rape comes with many ghost and issues that would flaunt most relationships. This author handles the hard issues in a loving healing way. There are surprises and hope. Little Claire provides for love and joy throughout as her character is so sweet. I've come to love these ladies and can't wait to read the next book, Healing Strings.
January 1, 2019
This is a very well written book about the aftermath of a very sensitive subject matter. This book gives us a little more insight into band member Rachel. In the first book Rachel was violently raped and left for dead, Healing Notes is about Rachel’s healing process. Rachel meets a gentleman and his little girl, this little family plays a big part along with the other ladies in the band in helping Rachel heal. Although the book mostly focuses on Rachel the rest of the band members are present and we get a little peak on how their lives are progressing. This book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone but for a better understanding of Rachel’s backstory, I would suggest reading book 1 first.
I listened to the audio version, Narrator Sonja Field is a gifted storyteller. She brings the characters to life. She has great diction, accents, and timing.
I voluntarily agreed to read an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
I listened to the audio version, Narrator Sonja Field is a gifted storyteller. She brings the characters to life. She has great diction, accents, and timing.
I voluntarily agreed to read an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
February 15, 2019
A single dad has to be careful of whom he allows contact with his young daughter. Introducing a women could cause further grief when the relationship finishes, to an already traumatized child. Therefore, loneliness is the constant companion of a single Father.
Any relationship after a child's death and the abandonment by a husband, is wraught with self loathing, as to why a man would want what now remained.
The catalyst for the two people whose lives are as described, is a charming little child, who has the knack of reminding the adults, that they have to abide by the rules that they set out for the children.
A wonderful uplifting story with the audiobook adding so much by the characteristics portrayed of the unique vocalizations of each character.
Any relationship after a child's death and the abandonment by a husband, is wraught with self loathing, as to why a man would want what now remained.
The catalyst for the two people whose lives are as described, is a charming little child, who has the knack of reminding the adults, that they have to abide by the rules that they set out for the children.
A wonderful uplifting story with the audiobook adding so much by the characteristics portrayed of the unique vocalizations of each character.
June 29, 2020
Healing notes Rachel Story by Maggie Lynch.
This is the 2nd book in a series about the members of a Celtic/ Bluegrass band. Rachel is the one in the band who is the most trouble due to her divorce, a traumatic rape and the journey she must take to find the person she is and not what circumstances have made her.
It was an extremely beautiful book although covering a very difficult subject and done truthfully and tastefully. A book not to be put down from the beginning and the support Rachel finds where she least expects. I can’t praise Maggie Lynch enough for her handling of some very difficult subjects matter in this book.
This is the 2nd book in a series about the members of a Celtic/ Bluegrass band. Rachel is the one in the band who is the most trouble due to her divorce, a traumatic rape and the journey she must take to find the person she is and not what circumstances have made her.
It was an extremely beautiful book although covering a very difficult subject and done truthfully and tastefully. A book not to be put down from the beginning and the support Rachel finds where she least expects. I can’t praise Maggie Lynch enough for her handling of some very difficult subjects matter in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2017
This was another beautiful story dealing with some very difficult situations. Rachel and Neil's story if one of sadness, survival and finding the way back to love and happiness. A beautiful series and the hints of Scotland made it extra special for me because of my St. Andrew's born grandmother...I could hear the music as I read
December 27, 2017
I was not disappointed when I read this second book in Maggie's Sweetwater Canyon series. Well-written, engaging characters and more insight into life on the road of a band.
November 14, 2012
I am so very pleased that I had the opportunity to read this book. I was drawn into the story from the first page, and I assure you there was never a dull moment. And, of course, since it was about a music group (that I absolutely must look up!)and took place in the Mt. Hood area (I'm a Washingtonian!), I couldn't have been happier! Rachel was a wonderfully flawed character that was an outstanding reminder that rape is NEVER a woman's fault, no matter what.
From the beginning, I loved Noel and Claire, and I was distrustful of Clarissa--no matter what she said. My heart cried for Kat, and the twists and turns continued to keep me guessing. Do you want raw emotion, romance, and heartbreak? You will find this and more in this exceptionally well-crafted tale. I was glad that the author was able to inject appropriate humor into the story. I often get tired of authors writing about serious topics and adding no humor in them to break the tension. I am so glad this author doesn't fall into that pattern!
As much as I love this book, I will caution you about a few things. First of all, this book does deal with rape, and some of the scenes/descriptions are intense. None of this offended me due to the nature of the book. Secondly, there is some profanity. Most of it is not too bad, but it is there (and especially in the second half of the book, I grew tired of that). And finally, there are some intense bedroom scenes. In addition to the rape situations, there are a couple detailed bedroom scenes. I didn't find myself highly offended during these. They were detailed without making me feel "dirty," but there were there. This is not a sweet, clean romance, but let me tell you that the romance is hot! While the Rachel's morals do not mirror my own, I was pleased to see some positive changes, but I'll let you read about that yourself.
I did not read the first book in the series, but now I wish I had--and maybe I will do just that! I definitely want to read the third book when it comes out. And i can highly recommend this book to any woman who loves a good romance and would like to read a book about healing and the issue of rape, this would be an ideal book!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
From the beginning, I loved Noel and Claire, and I was distrustful of Clarissa--no matter what she said. My heart cried for Kat, and the twists and turns continued to keep me guessing. Do you want raw emotion, romance, and heartbreak? You will find this and more in this exceptionally well-crafted tale. I was glad that the author was able to inject appropriate humor into the story. I often get tired of authors writing about serious topics and adding no humor in them to break the tension. I am so glad this author doesn't fall into that pattern!
As much as I love this book, I will caution you about a few things. First of all, this book does deal with rape, and some of the scenes/descriptions are intense. None of this offended me due to the nature of the book. Secondly, there is some profanity. Most of it is not too bad, but it is there (and especially in the second half of the book, I grew tired of that). And finally, there are some intense bedroom scenes. In addition to the rape situations, there are a couple detailed bedroom scenes. I didn't find myself highly offended during these. They were detailed without making me feel "dirty," but there were there. This is not a sweet, clean romance, but let me tell you that the romance is hot! While the Rachel's morals do not mirror my own, I was pleased to see some positive changes, but I'll let you read about that yourself.
I did not read the first book in the series, but now I wish I had--and maybe I will do just that! I definitely want to read the third book when it comes out. And i can highly recommend this book to any woman who loves a good romance and would like to read a book about healing and the issue of rape, this would be an ideal book!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
July 28, 2016
This was an amazing walk through Rachael's story, a Scottish lass that plays a fiddle in a band of talented women who play folk songs on tours and have produced a CD that was very successful. While on tour she was drugged and then raped and almost killed. The story is about her struggle through therapy and the guilt of thinking it was her fault. She meets Noel and his daughter Claire a sweet 6 year old whom immediately takes to Rachel and her fiddle playing. Noel is attracted to Rachel but having been burned by his drugged addicted ex-wife he is over cautious about who he brings around Claire. Claire on the other hand has other ideas, she is enthralled with the fiddle and begs for lessons, Noel contacts Rachel to see if she can give him a reference for someone and she volunteers to give Claire her lessons. To both of their surprise, Claire has amazing talent with the fiddle, and begins to play with the band, as they are thrown together the attraction between them grows. This story is so well written , the author has done an amazing job with her research and detail on the subject of rape and the laws surrounding the prosecution of it, I was very impressed . This is the first book I have read by this author , I look forward to reading more in the future. I recieved this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2012
I haven’t read the first book in the series but this one stands alone well enough. I did not feel like I was getting confused or I had missed out a chunk of the plot, it all fell along nicely.
This book deals with a very sensitive issue of rape and makes things very clear indeed for everyone involved – the victim, the caregivers/ support system and to the outsiders on the heinous crime, the emotions involved and how it is so NOT the victim’s fault or lead-on.
The book has many moods, from the music the band plays, the violin lessons, to the romance, the bad marriages, friendships and emotions involved. And there’s a cute little girl in there who managed to string my heart and that’s no mean feat since I’m not that great a fan of kids. The author is spot-on with the characterization of Claire.
The book ties along the various characters, the situations and the different moods and sets it into a good pace.
The book could have fared better in my eyes if only it focused a little less on sex and more on relationship/love-building situation.
In all, it makes for a good read.
This book deals with a very sensitive issue of rape and makes things very clear indeed for everyone involved – the victim, the caregivers/ support system and to the outsiders on the heinous crime, the emotions involved and how it is so NOT the victim’s fault or lead-on.
The book has many moods, from the music the band plays, the violin lessons, to the romance, the bad marriages, friendships and emotions involved. And there’s a cute little girl in there who managed to string my heart and that’s no mean feat since I’m not that great a fan of kids. The author is spot-on with the characterization of Claire.
The book ties along the various characters, the situations and the different moods and sets it into a good pace.
The book could have fared better in my eyes if only it focused a little less on sex and more on relationship/love-building situation.
In all, it makes for a good read.
February 23, 2013
I read the first book in this series, Undertones, and really liked the characters so I thought I would pick up this one. It is even better in my opinion. This follows up on Rachel's rape from the first book. I tell you, she is one tough cookie.
Rachel finally runs into the right man for her, and he comes with a ready-made family. But now that she’s found him can she keep him? He has baggage of his own from his ex-wife who was hooked on drugs.
What I liked about this book is that both Rachel and Noel seemed real to me. And even though I got mad at Noel when he can’t face up to Rachel’s past, he does come through in the end. And his little girl, Claire, is really sweet. She acts as the voice of reason even though she’s only six. The nice thing about kids is they just tell it like it is today, instead of getting bogged down in the past.
Oh, also you keep learning what is happening in the other character's lives too. I understand the last two books in this series are coming out this year. I can hardly wait to read them--especially Kat's story.
Rachel finally runs into the right man for her, and he comes with a ready-made family. But now that she’s found him can she keep him? He has baggage of his own from his ex-wife who was hooked on drugs.
What I liked about this book is that both Rachel and Noel seemed real to me. And even though I got mad at Noel when he can’t face up to Rachel’s past, he does come through in the end. And his little girl, Claire, is really sweet. She acts as the voice of reason even though she’s only six. The nice thing about kids is they just tell it like it is today, instead of getting bogged down in the past.
Oh, also you keep learning what is happening in the other character's lives too. I understand the last two books in this series are coming out this year. I can hardly wait to read them--especially Kat's story.
November 6, 2012
Rachel Cullen is slowly trying to rebuild her life again after a brutal rape left her in a tailspin. As each new step has Rachel gaining back some control, Rachel finds herself facing tough choices. Rachel had not planned on meeting Noel Kershaw, a single father who has his own share of issues he is trying to overcome. Two fragile souls find themselves leaning on one another to help heal, but old wounds are ever present and could tear them apart.
I thought this was a potent story, you truly find yourself immersed in these characters lives. It is not an easy healing process for both and with Noel’s little girl, Rachel finds herself even more cautious. There are so many layers to this story from Rachel’s from her anger to her estrangement with her bandmates to entering into another journey that she doesn’t have a certainty how it will turn out and it is a rocky start to a her newest path in life.
I thought this was a potent story, you truly find yourself immersed in these characters lives. It is not an easy healing process for both and with Noel’s little girl, Rachel finds herself even more cautious. There are so many layers to this story from Rachel’s from her anger to her estrangement with her bandmates to entering into another journey that she doesn’t have a certainty how it will turn out and it is a rocky start to a her newest path in life.
September 27, 2016
Another enjoyable read
Maggie Jamieson has written another enjoyable novel in the Sweetwater Canyon series.
Rachel and Noel's story is an interesting one. It is a story where love conquers all. It is heartwarming and heartbreaking. It is the story of the love between father and daughter;, the love between a little girl and a woman she initially admirers from a blues band; the love of music; and the love in families of all types.
This is a beautiful, and at times haunting, novel. It is engrossing and arresting. It is a story of perfectly flawed characters who are tough yet vulnerable. It is a novel I highly recommend.
Maggie Jamieson has written another enjoyable novel in the Sweetwater Canyon series.
Rachel and Noel's story is an interesting one. It is a story where love conquers all. It is heartwarming and heartbreaking. It is the story of the love between father and daughter;, the love between a little girl and a woman she initially admirers from a blues band; the love of music; and the love in families of all types.
This is a beautiful, and at times haunting, novel. It is engrossing and arresting. It is a story of perfectly flawed characters who are tough yet vulnerable. It is a novel I highly recommend.
February 1, 2017
Some say music soothes the savage beast. This story says music can help heal a lost or damaged heart. This story shows how someone may cope with rape. Tearful, emotional story. I really loved it.
Noel and Claire needed Rachel. Rachel needed them. It took a lot to get Noel and Rachel where they could be. The reappearance of the ex may throw a wrench into things.
Noel and Claire needed Rachel. Rachel needed them. It took a lot to get Noel and Rachel where they could be. The reappearance of the ex may throw a wrench into things.
August 6, 2013
I enjoyed getting to know the ladies of Sweetwater Canyon. This story was heart-wrenching. The emotions pulled me in and kept me hoping for goodness to prevail and it did. Great characters and fulfilling ending.
August 25, 2016
I feel like it was a difficult read and something about the ending wasn't quite right, but for so many reasons the character's story needed to be told. If not just to give hope to others out their in the same postion.
October 24, 2016
Good story Gives a person a genuine feel of what a rape victim undergoes ,though it deals with a topic that is difficult to deal with I loved the book as it was empathic.A few grammatical errors that missed editing that did not detract from the story.
June 5, 2013
i won this book in a goodreads giveaway
i really enjoyed this book. i coulndt put it down. will tell my friends this is a must read book.
i really enjoyed this book. i coulndt put it down. will tell my friends this is a must read book.
August 23, 2016
Excellent
I just love this whole series and can't wait to see if there are more. Love all the characters and hope to see a book about Theresa and Kat
I just love this whole series and can't wait to see if there are more. Love all the characters and hope to see a book about Theresa and Kat
September 14, 2016
I really enjoyed this series so far. It is very well written.Thank you Maggie Jameson for letting me read and review it. Keep up the good books.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews