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Harmony #7
Betting the Rainbow
New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas returns to the town of Harmony, Texas, where life has a way of making better plans than anyone ever imagined…
Sisters Abby and Dusti Delaney have spent their entire lives on Rainbow Lane, but they dream of something bigger. So when a poker tournament comes to town, Dusti is determined to win enough money to leave. Enlisting expert Kieron O’Brian to teach her the game, sparks begin to fly as they play their hands. But Kieron refuses to stand in the way of her dream, even if it means losing her forever...
After a year of traveling, Ronny Logan is settling into a home on Rainbow Lane, but that’s all the settling she’ll be doing. Ronny refuses to fall for anyone, regardless of the chemistry she has with her neighbor Austin Hawk. Yet something undeniable begins to grow between the two loners—if only they can let their barriers fall and open their hearts...
Sisters Abby and Dusti Delaney have spent their entire lives on Rainbow Lane, but they dream of something bigger. So when a poker tournament comes to town, Dusti is determined to win enough money to leave. Enlisting expert Kieron O’Brian to teach her the game, sparks begin to fly as they play their hands. But Kieron refuses to stand in the way of her dream, even if it means losing her forever...
After a year of traveling, Ronny Logan is settling into a home on Rainbow Lane, but that’s all the settling she’ll be doing. Ronny refuses to fall for anyone, regardless of the chemistry she has with her neighbor Austin Hawk. Yet something undeniable begins to grow between the two loners—if only they can let their barriers fall and open their hearts...
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2014
160 people are currently reading
663 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Thomas
128 books2,501 followersI'm a New York Times and USA Today Best Selling author, wife, mother, in-law, grandmother, sister, friend, and owner of one fat cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
October 21, 2016
The author betrayed me. A hero slept with another woman (cheating on his girlfriend) and got the other woman pregnant.
I'm so angry and hurt that the author did this. I've been hoping this hero would get a happy ending since book 1 of this series.
I'm so angry and hurt that the author did this. I've been hoping this hero would get a happy ending since book 1 of this series.
July 31, 2021
So happy to see Ronny get her HEA with Austin. And, I really enjoyed Dusti and Kieron's story. However, the one character who I was routing for since the very first book was Reagan. That poor girl went to hell and back and survived with her soul and heart intact. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to slap the crap out of Noah and almost put the book down at one point. Geez! What an immature, lost fool he was! So happy to see it worked out the way it did. Sheesh. The mark of a really great writer is when you become emotionally invested in the characters. I was fully invested with Reagan and Ronny. Great stories and series for me. ;)
February 23, 2014
As always, I enjoyed this book by Ms. Thomas. Her writing is warm and sweet and beguiling. Her characters are distinct with interesting layers. I feel like I am an honorary member of Harmony, Texas. I am always happy to go back there for a visit.
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine in the April 2014 issue. http://affairedecoeur.com.
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine in the April 2014 issue. http://affairedecoeur.com.
February 28, 2014
Ronny Logan is back in her hometown of Harmony after traveling all over the world to ease the pain of losing her first love. Her life up until the time she met Marty Winslow consisted of being brow beaten by her overbearing mother and hiding out in the mail room at the post office to avoid having to deal with people in general. Then Marty arrived in town after being paralyzed in an accident, angry at the world, until he met Ronny. She understood him, and he understood her. When he died, part of Ronny died with him. But Marty left her with enough money to do whatever she wants to do, and he also left his driver to her, and Mr. Carleon is as devoted to Ronny as he was to Marty. So when Ronny said she wants to be away from everyone, he finds her a small lakeside cottage where she can recover.
Austin Hawk has also returned to Harmony to the odd house his grandfather built on the lake off Rainbow Lane. A military man who survived a disastrous situation where many of his friends were lost, Austin wants to be alone to build back his strength as well as deal with the guilt he feels. He’s none too pleased to have someone staying in Walden cabin just through the trees from his house. It’s fine having the Delaney sisters across the lake, they mind their own business, but now he has to watch himself as he trains in the woods.
The Delaney girls, Dusti and Abby, run their family’s small farm, barely making ends meet. Abby had to leave nursing school with one semester remaining when her mother died and her help was needed on the farm. Dusti’s dream of becoming a photographer was put on hold when she had to sell all of her cameras to pay bills. They both still hope that they will have a good pecan crop one year that will allow Abby to finish school and Dusti to follow her dream.
Reagan Truman has turned her late uncle’s apple orchard into a viable business. Even at the tender age of twenty-three, she is proving herself a good businesswoman. If only boyfriend Noah McAllen, a rodeo bull rider, would settle down and stop following the circuit. When she flies to Las Vegas to watch him ride, she can’t find him afterwards, and returns to Harmony with a heavy heart. And then a stranger drives up to Reagan’s house and gives her something belonging to Noah that will change everything.
BETTING THE RAINBOW is an emotional return to Harmony for readers of this wonderful series. As always, reacquainting with the citizens of this small Texas town is almost like going home. Each has their own unique quirkiness, and readers also get to meet a few new characters who only add to the down home goodness of Harmony.
Poignant at times, humorous, and romantic, BETTING THE RAINBOW is Harmony at its best.
Austin Hawk has also returned to Harmony to the odd house his grandfather built on the lake off Rainbow Lane. A military man who survived a disastrous situation where many of his friends were lost, Austin wants to be alone to build back his strength as well as deal with the guilt he feels. He’s none too pleased to have someone staying in Walden cabin just through the trees from his house. It’s fine having the Delaney sisters across the lake, they mind their own business, but now he has to watch himself as he trains in the woods.
The Delaney girls, Dusti and Abby, run their family’s small farm, barely making ends meet. Abby had to leave nursing school with one semester remaining when her mother died and her help was needed on the farm. Dusti’s dream of becoming a photographer was put on hold when she had to sell all of her cameras to pay bills. They both still hope that they will have a good pecan crop one year that will allow Abby to finish school and Dusti to follow her dream.
Reagan Truman has turned her late uncle’s apple orchard into a viable business. Even at the tender age of twenty-three, she is proving herself a good businesswoman. If only boyfriend Noah McAllen, a rodeo bull rider, would settle down and stop following the circuit. When she flies to Las Vegas to watch him ride, she can’t find him afterwards, and returns to Harmony with a heavy heart. And then a stranger drives up to Reagan’s house and gives her something belonging to Noah that will change everything.
BETTING THE RAINBOW is an emotional return to Harmony for readers of this wonderful series. As always, reacquainting with the citizens of this small Texas town is almost like going home. Each has their own unique quirkiness, and readers also get to meet a few new characters who only add to the down home goodness of Harmony.
Poignant at times, humorous, and romantic, BETTING THE RAINBOW is Harmony at its best.
March 9, 2017
least favorite book because of the turn noah and raegan's story took. dusti and kieran's romance was the only highlight of this book for me.
November 30, 2015
Glad that finally Reagan and Ronny got their happy ending. Really satisfied with this one :-)
June 17, 2014
Another excellent release by Jodi Thomas! Like fine wine, each one gets better and better. This is Book 7 of her bestselling Harmony series and she didn't shortchange the reader one bit. She revisits some of the previous characters in addition to adding two new ones--Dusti Delaney and the rugged Scotsman Kieran O'Toole. They certainly heat up the pages as love catches and holds them.
When news of a poker tournament reaches Dusti, she's determined to find a way to win it. That money is her ticket to putting her sister through nursing school and letting them both reach their dream. Only she needs Kieran's help. She makes a deal with him. He's to teach her how to play and in return she'll go out with him on a real date.
Then we have Ronny Logan returning after her year away traveling the world after Marty's death. Austin Hawk has exactly what it takes to help her get her life back on even ground.
But it was Reagan's and Noah's story that made the book for me. Ms Thomas had lots more in store for them. Something very shocking. I won't give it away here though.
I LOVED, LOVED this book. I think it's my favorite of all the Harmony ones. If you love good romance mixed with the ups and downs of the people of Harmony, you need to read this. You won't be sorry.
When news of a poker tournament reaches Dusti, she's determined to find a way to win it. That money is her ticket to putting her sister through nursing school and letting them both reach their dream. Only she needs Kieran's help. She makes a deal with him. He's to teach her how to play and in return she'll go out with him on a real date.
Then we have Ronny Logan returning after her year away traveling the world after Marty's death. Austin Hawk has exactly what it takes to help her get her life back on even ground.
But it was Reagan's and Noah's story that made the book for me. Ms Thomas had lots more in store for them. Something very shocking. I won't give it away here though.
I LOVED, LOVED this book. I think it's my favorite of all the Harmony ones. If you love good romance mixed with the ups and downs of the people of Harmony, you need to read this. You won't be sorry.
May 23, 2014
4/5; 4 stars; A-
I've thoroughly enjoyed the town of Harmony and all its inhabitants and this book is special because it goes full circle back to some key people who were there from the start of the series. The style of these books is consistently 'multi-storyline, small town drama and romance'. Jodi Thomas and Robyn Carr are in the same league with this style of series and I really enjoy them.
The cover blurb refers to Dusti Delaney's quest to win enough money at a poker tournament to help her sister and herself realize their dreams but the two main longstanding characters who I was most interested in were Reagan Truman and Ronny Logan. The first book was about Reagan and, although several books ago her life and role in Harmony became settled and established, she never found her HEA. In this book she does. Ronny's character was also front and center in this book and there were small appearances from many of the characters from other books. I enjoyed Martha Q and Mrs Mill's small time in the spotlight too.
Altogether, a very satisfying read.
I've thoroughly enjoyed the town of Harmony and all its inhabitants and this book is special because it goes full circle back to some key people who were there from the start of the series. The style of these books is consistently 'multi-storyline, small town drama and romance'. Jodi Thomas and Robyn Carr are in the same league with this style of series and I really enjoy them.
The cover blurb refers to Dusti Delaney's quest to win enough money at a poker tournament to help her sister and herself realize their dreams but the two main longstanding characters who I was most interested in were Reagan Truman and Ronny Logan. The first book was about Reagan and, although several books ago her life and role in Harmony became settled and established, she never found her HEA. In this book she does. Ronny's character was also front and center in this book and there were small appearances from many of the characters from other books. I enjoyed Martha Q and Mrs Mill's small time in the spotlight too.
Altogether, a very satisfying read.
April 1, 2014
I get excited every time a new Harmony Texas book comes out. Since the first book, "Welcome to Harmony", I have wished they were all real. Its like coming home and wrapping yourself in the afghan your Grandma made and gossiping with your friends.
This book brought back a character I felt a kindred spirit with the first time she was introduced in the series, Ronny Logan. Without giving away any major plots, this story is about how Ronny, Austin Hawk, Dusti Delaney, and Kieran O'Toole put everything they had into middle of the table.
If you are debating about reading this book, STOP!!!! Bet the rainbow and do it. You will not be sorry.
This book brought back a character I felt a kindred spirit with the first time she was introduced in the series, Ronny Logan. Without giving away any major plots, this story is about how Ronny, Austin Hawk, Dusti Delaney, and Kieran O'Toole put everything they had into middle of the table.
If you are debating about reading this book, STOP!!!! Bet the rainbow and do it. You will not be sorry.
April 28, 2014
As always, this series does not disappoint. The author wrapped up several ongoing story lines in this book, and I see her next book is a sortof prequel and goes back to when the town of Harmony started. I hope that doesn't mean she is ending this series. I love this small town and the sometimes quirky characters who live there. In this installment, two long time characters, Ronny Logan and Reagan Truman finally get their happy-ever-afters and there is a back story about the Delaney sisters and a poker game. Enjoyable read.
June 23, 2020
This one was a perfect 5 Stars for me because we get the story of Ronny and Reagan!
Yes, a book centered around them and Dusti. Well, I guess even though Kieran and Dusti were supposed to be main characters...it was Ronny and Reagan's stories that made my day.
Ronny and Austin made such a cute couple especially having to put up with Dallas's antics.
Now, Reagan...my favorite character in this whole series...ugh...more heart ache this poor girl has to go through...and Noah...ugh...I was hating on that man something fierce!
I'm stopping here and not reading the last book in the series because the stories I was interested in have reached the end...and I don't want to end up disappointed and come down from the high I'm on right now!
Yes, a book centered around them and Dusti. Well, I guess even though Kieran and Dusti were supposed to be main characters...it was Ronny and Reagan's stories that made my day.
Ronny and Austin made such a cute couple especially having to put up with Dallas's antics.
Now, Reagan...my favorite character in this whole series...ugh...more heart ache this poor girl has to go through...and Noah...ugh...I was hating on that man something fierce!
I'm stopping here and not reading the last book in the series because the stories I was interested in have reached the end...and I don't want to end up disappointed and come down from the high I'm on right now!
November 4, 2017
I liked that there were multiple romances in this book and I enjoyed Regan's story so much I just read her thread first but going back the other romances were rather unbelievable; novice poker player situation - I don't think so, and some of the actions of the last couple seemed juvenile. Noah goes home to Regan, Ronnie moves in next door to Austin and Dusti asks Kieran to teach her poker.
April 18, 2014
Jodi Thomas takes readers back to her beloved town of Harmony, Texas in her latest book in the Harmony series, Betting the Rainbow. Thomas doesn't give readers just one couple or romance to focus on, but three in this offering. This book ties up a lot of loose ends in the series, while continuing to draw in new readers with it's small town charm and warm writing style. Thomas has a way with realistic characters in realistic situations and readers of contemporary romance can't get enough. Another great book by this well respected voice in the genre.
What I liked:
Jodi Thomas' Harmony series is all about love in a small town. Thomas draws readers in with an idyllic Texas setting and a cast of characters that will pull at the heart strings. Throughout the series her characters have been through a lot and though Betting the Rainbow can be read as a stand alone, it goes a long way toward wrapping up some story lines that are near and dear to the hearts of her fans. The thing that continues to draw most readers to this series is the heart felt writing style of Thomas. She knows how to wring the emotion out of her readers and what they need to read get that warm fuzzy feeling that some contemporary romances have. I just love this series.
There are essentially three different story lines combining in this book. Fans who followed the series faithfully will love the update on Reagan and Noah, one of the series most beloved couples. Noah may be coming home, but a lot of things have changed including Reagan. I loved this part of the book and looked forward to where Thomas would take these characters. I thought I knew the direction, but a mid-book curve ball really threw me.
Dusti wants nothing more than follow her dreams with her sister Abby at her side. She thinks she knows how to do it when a high stakes poker tournament comes to town. With a help of Scotsman she could have it in the bag. But she soon begins to see that what she wants most might be right there in Harmony after all. This was a great storyline. A girl who just wants to get out of town, finally realizes she has all she wants right here. I know about that from experience, so this part of the book really hit home with me.
Ronny has been traveling for a year after the death of her love, Marty. Now she is returning to Harmony, but she isn't ready to face the world. Living quietly on the outskirts of life she finds someone she never expected to find. Someone just as damaged and hurt as she is and in helping him, she never imagines that she will be ultimately helping herself. I really enjoyed all of the healing that went on with these two characters. Austin was a dream and I thought they were perfect for each other.
What I didn't like:
I liked it all. Thomas seems to fill her books with love and you can't argue about that.
Bottom Line:
This really was one of my favorites of the series so far. It had some much genuine emotion. I felt happy and sad and joyful and full of angst and so many other things as I read it. Thomas never disappoints. She is truly a very gifted author and her books have been a great joy and comfort to numerous readers along the way. Can't wait for the next one.
What I liked:
Jodi Thomas' Harmony series is all about love in a small town. Thomas draws readers in with an idyllic Texas setting and a cast of characters that will pull at the heart strings. Throughout the series her characters have been through a lot and though Betting the Rainbow can be read as a stand alone, it goes a long way toward wrapping up some story lines that are near and dear to the hearts of her fans. The thing that continues to draw most readers to this series is the heart felt writing style of Thomas. She knows how to wring the emotion out of her readers and what they need to read get that warm fuzzy feeling that some contemporary romances have. I just love this series.
There are essentially three different story lines combining in this book. Fans who followed the series faithfully will love the update on Reagan and Noah, one of the series most beloved couples. Noah may be coming home, but a lot of things have changed including Reagan. I loved this part of the book and looked forward to where Thomas would take these characters. I thought I knew the direction, but a mid-book curve ball really threw me.
Dusti wants nothing more than follow her dreams with her sister Abby at her side. She thinks she knows how to do it when a high stakes poker tournament comes to town. With a help of Scotsman she could have it in the bag. But she soon begins to see that what she wants most might be right there in Harmony after all. This was a great storyline. A girl who just wants to get out of town, finally realizes she has all she wants right here. I know about that from experience, so this part of the book really hit home with me.
Ronny has been traveling for a year after the death of her love, Marty. Now she is returning to Harmony, but she isn't ready to face the world. Living quietly on the outskirts of life she finds someone she never expected to find. Someone just as damaged and hurt as she is and in helping him, she never imagines that she will be ultimately helping herself. I really enjoyed all of the healing that went on with these two characters. Austin was a dream and I thought they were perfect for each other.
What I didn't like:
I liked it all. Thomas seems to fill her books with love and you can't argue about that.
Bottom Line:
This really was one of my favorites of the series so far. It had some much genuine emotion. I felt happy and sad and joyful and full of angst and so many other things as I read it. Thomas never disappoints. She is truly a very gifted author and her books have been a great joy and comfort to numerous readers along the way. Can't wait for the next one.
May 19, 2014
originally reviewed at http://www.newandusedbooks.com/index....
Betting the Rainbow (Harmony)
By Jodi Thomas
Berkley
April 2014
Ronny Logan has returned to Harmony after traveling the world for a year. This was one of the things that her late friend, Marty Winslow, wanted her to do with some of the money he bequeathed her. Ronny will always love Marty, but must start a new life; however, she doesn’t know what to do since she has enough money to last her for forever. Marty’s butler and friend, Mr. Carleon, has stayed in Harmony to help Ronny with any and every thing. While she was away, he leased a cottage for her on Rainbow Lane and it sits on a small lake. There are only three houses in that area. Across the lake the Delaney sisters, Abby and Dusti, have a small farm and raise chickens. Hawk House is on Ronny’s side of the lake and currently is housing Austin Hawk.
Abby had to quit nursing school with only a year to go due to finances after parent’s illnesses. Dusti has entered a local fund raising poker game that sends the winner to Las Vegas to play for a million dollar jack pot. Dusti asks Kiernan O’Toole to teach her the finer points of the game. She hopes to win locally and then win enough in Los Vegas to send Abby back to school. Kiernan will help her but warns her he is also a competitor and he will be hard to beat. The Irishman has loved Dusti forever, it seems, and she is totally unaware…but not for long.
Austin Hawk is also back in Harmony rehabbing from burns and injuries suffered during a fire. He just wants to be left alone, but Fate has other plans for him. The first night that Austin and Ronny meet had this reviewer hee-hawing. A connection is made between these two lost, wounded, and very sad souls, which evolves into a magnificent relationship.
Reagan Truman gives Noah McAllen an ultimatum – her or the rodeo. Noah can’t always run from his responsibilities.
Betting The Rainbow visits so many of the core characters and updates their status. Jodi Thomas has truly outdone herself with this fine, fine story. I know, personally, each and every character in Harmony, Texas and hope to meet many more. They are wonderful, kind, generous, real people with real problems. Be warned that having a box of tissues close by will come in handy. Beautiful stories like Betting The Rainbow don’t come around too often, and reading this tale is like finding a pot of gold.
Betty Cox, Staff Reviewer
ReaderToReader.com
Betting the Rainbow (Harmony)
By Jodi Thomas
Berkley
April 2014
Ronny Logan has returned to Harmony after traveling the world for a year. This was one of the things that her late friend, Marty Winslow, wanted her to do with some of the money he bequeathed her. Ronny will always love Marty, but must start a new life; however, she doesn’t know what to do since she has enough money to last her for forever. Marty’s butler and friend, Mr. Carleon, has stayed in Harmony to help Ronny with any and every thing. While she was away, he leased a cottage for her on Rainbow Lane and it sits on a small lake. There are only three houses in that area. Across the lake the Delaney sisters, Abby and Dusti, have a small farm and raise chickens. Hawk House is on Ronny’s side of the lake and currently is housing Austin Hawk.
Abby had to quit nursing school with only a year to go due to finances after parent’s illnesses. Dusti has entered a local fund raising poker game that sends the winner to Las Vegas to play for a million dollar jack pot. Dusti asks Kiernan O’Toole to teach her the finer points of the game. She hopes to win locally and then win enough in Los Vegas to send Abby back to school. Kiernan will help her but warns her he is also a competitor and he will be hard to beat. The Irishman has loved Dusti forever, it seems, and she is totally unaware…but not for long.
Austin Hawk is also back in Harmony rehabbing from burns and injuries suffered during a fire. He just wants to be left alone, but Fate has other plans for him. The first night that Austin and Ronny meet had this reviewer hee-hawing. A connection is made between these two lost, wounded, and very sad souls, which evolves into a magnificent relationship.
Reagan Truman gives Noah McAllen an ultimatum – her or the rodeo. Noah can’t always run from his responsibilities.
Betting The Rainbow visits so many of the core characters and updates their status. Jodi Thomas has truly outdone herself with this fine, fine story. I know, personally, each and every character in Harmony, Texas and hope to meet many more. They are wonderful, kind, generous, real people with real problems. Be warned that having a box of tissues close by will come in handy. Beautiful stories like Betting The Rainbow don’t come around too often, and reading this tale is like finding a pot of gold.
Betty Cox, Staff Reviewer
ReaderToReader.com
December 4, 2024
Betting the Rainbow is #7 in the Harmony series and was every bit as satisfying as the previous six in this series. This particular book has at its heart a set of characters - some new and some we have met before along the way. This is definitely a series that needs to be read in order. This could be read as a stand alone, but then you would miss out on following Ronny and Reagan right from the beginning of the series. Abby and Dusti, the two sisters are new characters, and make a great addition to the Harmony community.
The main interest for me was Reagan, I have always loved her, and followed her relationship with Noah. She has finally had enough of Noah, and along with a surprise addition, Reagan has made up her mind about Noah. I was totally in agreement with her!
Ronny is another character who has had a long line story, another one that I have always been interested in. She finally has her time where the future looks great and I am hoping that the road ahead is all she well deserves.
While this book has at its heart relationships and romance, its not one that is 'hot'. Rather it has the intricacies of good relationships and neighbors who are their for each other. Jodi Thomas adds enough details to make Harmony a place that brings warmth to a reader's heart.
The main interest for me was Reagan, I have always loved her, and followed her relationship with Noah. She has finally had enough of Noah, and along with a surprise addition, Reagan has made up her mind about Noah. I was totally in agreement with her!
Ronny is another character who has had a long line story, another one that I have always been interested in. She finally has her time where the future looks great and I am hoping that the road ahead is all she well deserves.
While this book has at its heart relationships and romance, its not one that is 'hot'. Rather it has the intricacies of good relationships and neighbors who are their for each other. Jodi Thomas adds enough details to make Harmony a place that brings warmth to a reader's heart.
April 2, 2014
Another trip to Harmony, Texas to watch as three couples find their happily-ever-afters. It's always a wonderfully comfortable visit when Jodi Thomas shares another of her sweet and tender stories in this series. After seven books now, these characters are familiar and keep readers begging for more.
Ronny Logan comes back to Harmony after being away for a year nursing her sadness and sorrow after losing Marty; Dusti Delaney and her sister Abby need a financial windfall in order to save their family farm and pay for Abby's last year of nursing school. In the process of putting their plan to work, Dusti reacquaints herself with a childhood crush; and finally Reagan Truman has grown up and doing well with her apple orchard and the business it brings to her doorstep. Noah McAllen returns home from the bullriding circuit to find himself in a situation that could cost him his heart when Reagan turns her back on him and tells him good-bye forever.
Three heart-stealing stories within one book, along with a catch up visit with a few favorite residents of Harmony, Texas, make this one a solid and rewarding experience.
Ronny Logan comes back to Harmony after being away for a year nursing her sadness and sorrow after losing Marty; Dusti Delaney and her sister Abby need a financial windfall in order to save their family farm and pay for Abby's last year of nursing school. In the process of putting their plan to work, Dusti reacquaints herself with a childhood crush; and finally Reagan Truman has grown up and doing well with her apple orchard and the business it brings to her doorstep. Noah McAllen returns home from the bullriding circuit to find himself in a situation that could cost him his heart when Reagan turns her back on him and tells him good-bye forever.
Three heart-stealing stories within one book, along with a catch up visit with a few favorite residents of Harmony, Texas, make this one a solid and rewarding experience.
January 17, 2016
Title: Betting the Rainbow
Author: Jodi Thomas
Publisher: Berkley
Age Recommended: New Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Series: Harmony #7
Rating:5
Review:
"Betting the Rainbow" by Jodi Thomas was the seventh in this author series...Harmony was of three couples who will hopefully find their way to the happily ever afters. You many want to read the other series before this one, however this read can be read as a stand alone. The author does a good job with the characters of Harmony, Texas and her novels bringing out the romance along with the humor. Truly, Ronny Logan, Reagan Truman and the Delaney sister, Dusti and Abby will bring out the 'focus of the interweaving stories of healing, forgiveness, and taking some big chances that have been delayed in fulfilling their dreams.' "Betting the Rainbow" was one good well written read that was a page turner that this author has created characters that will have some of it all...'flaws, strengths, triumphs and struggles.' Be ready for a beautiful rainbow of colors to this Harmony town that will give the reader humor, romance and second chances.
Author: Jodi Thomas
Publisher: Berkley
Age Recommended: New Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Series: Harmony #7
Rating:5
Review:
"Betting the Rainbow" by Jodi Thomas was the seventh in this author series...Harmony was of three couples who will hopefully find their way to the happily ever afters. You many want to read the other series before this one, however this read can be read as a stand alone. The author does a good job with the characters of Harmony, Texas and her novels bringing out the romance along with the humor. Truly, Ronny Logan, Reagan Truman and the Delaney sister, Dusti and Abby will bring out the 'focus of the interweaving stories of healing, forgiveness, and taking some big chances that have been delayed in fulfilling their dreams.' "Betting the Rainbow" was one good well written read that was a page turner that this author has created characters that will have some of it all...'flaws, strengths, triumphs and struggles.' Be ready for a beautiful rainbow of colors to this Harmony town that will give the reader humor, romance and second chances.
March 30, 2014
Be thou the rainbow in the storms of life. - Lord Byron
BETTING THE RAINBOW is Book 7 in Thomas' contemporary series set in Harmony, Texas. I joined the series with Book 5, CHANCE OF A LIFETIME, and continued with Book 6, CAN'T STOP BELIEVING. Thomas makes it easy to settle into Harmony with BETTING THE RAINBOW as she seeminglessly introduces the characters from previous books while offering new protagonists to cheer.
In fact, Thomas creates an entire community to envelope the reader with Harmony's warmth. It is that commpassion that helps several characters heal from their broken bodies, spirits, and hearts. Thomas' strength lies in the layers she builds to give each character depth beyond the obvious pain they have felt.
Thomas delivers the rainbow and all its glorious colors to Harmony's denizens through this poignant, humorous, and romantic novel about second chances. Recommended read for those who enjoy heartwarming romances set in small towns.
I received a print copy of BETTING THE RAINBOW from the publisher for an honest review.
BETTING THE RAINBOW is Book 7 in Thomas' contemporary series set in Harmony, Texas. I joined the series with Book 5, CHANCE OF A LIFETIME, and continued with Book 6, CAN'T STOP BELIEVING. Thomas makes it easy to settle into Harmony with BETTING THE RAINBOW as she seeminglessly introduces the characters from previous books while offering new protagonists to cheer.
In fact, Thomas creates an entire community to envelope the reader with Harmony's warmth. It is that commpassion that helps several characters heal from their broken bodies, spirits, and hearts. Thomas' strength lies in the layers she builds to give each character depth beyond the obvious pain they have felt.
Thomas delivers the rainbow and all its glorious colors to Harmony's denizens through this poignant, humorous, and romantic novel about second chances. Recommended read for those who enjoy heartwarming romances set in small towns.
I received a print copy of BETTING THE RAINBOW from the publisher for an honest review.
June 24, 2025
I didn't like this one as well as I liked the previous ones. Everything felt rushed and unfinished.
2021: I must have been in a bad mood or something in 2014 because this one was just as good as the previous books!
2025: And this time, I loved it! Sometimes books improve with age. Sometimes *I* do!
2021: I must have been in a bad mood or something in 2014 because this one was just as good as the previous books!
2025: And this time, I loved it! Sometimes books improve with age. Sometimes *I* do!
June 1, 2019
Not as good as the rest of the series. Have not been a fan of Noah since the first book and don’t like Austin. Noah is self centered. Reagan deserves better — like Big. Wish Ronny had gotten her HEA with Marty who put her first and was more caring and less “damaged”. Did not like Austin.
September 22, 2021
There is not a lot of things I hate more than shit one of the characters pulled in this book, and after all of this girl have gone thru, i hate that it happened to her. So not a fan of this ending. Also kinda dissapointed in Austin and Ronny story.
November 16, 2024
#7 in the Harmony series
This is such a good, comfortable series, and I always find myself caught up in the stories. And I like that there are multiple story lines going on in each book, which makes things particularly interesting. This time we get to know Dusti Delaney, and she and her sister want to make their dreams come true rather than have to stay on their small farm forever. Her sister Abby wants to finish her nursing degree, and Dusti wants to continue with her photography studies. So Dusti gets it into her head that she should enter a local poker competition so she can win and get funded to head to Las Vegas to enter a tournament there. The fact that she knows nothing about poker doesn't deter her, and she asks Kieran (a summer resident) to teach her. It doesn't hurt that she's got a crush on him (and he her, of course). Ronnie comes back from her trip around the world after Marty's death and settles in a secluded rental on the other side of the lake from the Delaney sisters. Ronnie meets Austin Hawk, a retired military firefighter who is very reclusive. But, being of similar natures, they hit it off and start to build a relationship. I enjoyed the visits from previous characters. And I have become engrossed in each of these new stories. I look forward to the next book, but I'm sad that it's the final book of this enjoyable series. Side note: I learned something new - "betting the rainbow" means you're all in--pushing in all the different colors of chips that you have.
This is such a good, comfortable series, and I always find myself caught up in the stories. And I like that there are multiple story lines going on in each book, which makes things particularly interesting. This time we get to know Dusti Delaney, and she and her sister want to make their dreams come true rather than have to stay on their small farm forever. Her sister Abby wants to finish her nursing degree, and Dusti wants to continue with her photography studies. So Dusti gets it into her head that she should enter a local poker competition so she can win and get funded to head to Las Vegas to enter a tournament there. The fact that she knows nothing about poker doesn't deter her, and she asks Kieran (a summer resident) to teach her. It doesn't hurt that she's got a crush on him (and he her, of course). Ronnie comes back from her trip around the world after Marty's death and settles in a secluded rental on the other side of the lake from the Delaney sisters. Ronnie meets Austin Hawk, a retired military firefighter who is very reclusive. But, being of similar natures, they hit it off and start to build a relationship. I enjoyed the visits from previous characters. And I have become engrossed in each of these new stories. I look forward to the next book, but I'm sad that it's the final book of this enjoyable series. Side note: I learned something new - "betting the rainbow" means you're all in--pushing in all the different colors of chips that you have.
August 21, 2018
Even though I adored all the other Harmony books, and I love everything from Jodi Thomas, I just couldn’t completely love this book. My absolute favorite characters were Reagan, Noah, and Brandon Biggs, and I just couldn’t get over the fact that we didn’t get much of a story for Brandon, and I despised the turn in Reagan and Noah’s story. Cheating is one sin I just absolutely could not forgive. From the moment I read that part, I just couldn’t like Noah anymore. I can think of a few other ways a conflict could have happened for Noah and Reagan without that. I feel a little disappointed after all the build up, but I’ll go ahead and read the final book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2018
This book had three couples I had to keep track of and their dramas. Yes one of the couple was a very familiar team but it was still somewhat disorienting to switch between the couples every chapter. I can't remember the word I'm looking for but Jodi kept the Truman family tree consistent. The very first Truman from 1870s he married the bride adopting her newborn, then old Jeremiah adopts Reagan, now this book has baby Utah who's going to be raised on Truman land. These folks may not have been born Trumans but through love they become Trumans. Jodi is great at reminding all of us that our friends and neighbors are our families too.
June 2, 2017
Just like all the books in this series, this one was amazing. I get really caught up in these stories about Harmony, Texas. I feel like I know all the characters. I love how the author refers back to other characters that she has focused on in previous books, but they don't always have a major role, and she doesn't dwell on previous stories. Each one can be read individually, without feeling like you're missing something. But, if you have read them in order, they are sooo good.
May 3, 2021
Broke my heart a bit with Reagan’s ending she deserves way better definitely didn’t like her ending. Great ending for Ronny she also deserves a great ending. I’ve actually skipped a lot of the sisters I did not find their part interesting enough. I’ve loved all the books so far for this one just because of Reagan’s part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2017
I love the continued stories of the Harmony, TX series. Ronny Logan returns to Harmony and finds love and the Delany sisters is told to a happy outcome. I know I will be re-reading this series again. I highly recommend this series!
August 16, 2022
Some of my favorite people in Harmony seemed to get their life situations sorted out, but new actors were introduced also. So I don't know if this series is finished or if I can look forward to more of Harmony. I'll just keep checking up on J T and her fine stable of evolving characters.
October 2, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up. The plot was just kind of blahhh to me. It was a quick easy read and had a cheating husband and child born to another woman and dropped off in a box, but it just never fully pulled me in.
August 22, 2025
this entire series has been a page turner for me. as you step back in time to.r awhile small community in Texas and meet the people you also step into their lives.
begin at the beginning and live in grace for awhile.
begin at the beginning and live in grace for awhile.
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