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Welcome to Bluestone #1
Bluestone Homecoming
War correspondent Leo Erickson returns to his hometown of Bluestone Lake, Minnesota, when his parents notify him his young son is having trouble fitting in at school. Leo doesn’t know how to be a single parent since the death of his wife, and he certainly has no desire to return to Bluestone. But he needs a place for his son, a place where he’ll be with family, while Leo does his job. He’ll stay long enough to get Max settled, then go back to work.
School counselor Trinity Madison watches Leo struggle with his son, trying to overcome the mental barricade she’s erected against the man who sent his son away when he’s perfectly capable of caring for the child. The situation brings about her own unsettled feelings about giving her child up for adoption when she was young. But as she observes Leo’s difficulties, his sacrifices, she softens toward the man.
While he’s in town, he ends up working with some old friends and Trinity on a committee to revitalize Bluestone. The former resort town is struggling and looking for ways to bring tourists back. Leo finds himself charmed, then smitten with the feisty counselor, but will he still love her when he learns her secret?
School counselor Trinity Madison watches Leo struggle with his son, trying to overcome the mental barricade she’s erected against the man who sent his son away when he’s perfectly capable of caring for the child. The situation brings about her own unsettled feelings about giving her child up for adoption when she was young. But as she observes Leo’s difficulties, his sacrifices, she softens toward the man.
While he’s in town, he ends up working with some old friends and Trinity on a committee to revitalize Bluestone. The former resort town is struggling and looking for ways to bring tourists back. Leo finds himself charmed, then smitten with the feisty counselor, but will he still love her when he learns her secret?
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First published January 31, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
November 7, 2016
In Bluestone Homecoming, M.J. Fredrick pens the tale about Afghanistan war correspondent, Leo Erickson, who has to move back to his hometown to help his son adjust to life after the death of his mother and Leo's wife. He struggles to connect with his son, but finds help (and romance) from school councillor, Trinity, who has a secret of her own.
While Bluestone Homecoming is a sweet story about new love, it isn't sickly, pathetically sweet. Both MCs are standoffish, both have secrets and issues to deal with and I liked that they still had issues to work through at the end. Another 4 star read.
While Bluestone Homecoming is a sweet story about new love, it isn't sickly, pathetically sweet. Both MCs are standoffish, both have secrets and issues to deal with and I liked that they still had issues to work through at the end. Another 4 star read.
October 13, 2012
First let me say this was a pretty emotional read, but totally with a big reward! War correspondent Leo Ericson returns to his hometown of Bluestone Lake, Minnesota. He lost his wife and his parents have had his son Max for a few months. Poor Max is dealing with the loss of his home, Mother and Father being away. The beginning is tough because he knows that he needs to work and seeing Max for a little while and then going back to work will be tough. Into the story is Trinity Madison who is the counselor for Max at school. There are a few reveals about Leo and also about Trinity that were REALLY good.
Of course Leo falls for her and there is a lot of emotions. Overall a really great book. I think the tough part was being a Mom thinking what would I do if I knew a kid like that.
September 21, 2016
Well
I enjoyed this book. It was well written, great story, relatable characters......
What I didn't like was Trinity's parents. I wanted to crawl into my kindle and strangle their necks or just slap them silly. What mean, spiteful, self absorbed, horrible excuses for parents. The lives they destroyed in the name of their own self righteous morality. Ugh. That subplot of this delightful story made a twist (twist of their necks).
Looking forward to reading more of MJ Fredrick.
I enjoyed this book. It was well written, great story, relatable characters......
What I didn't like was Trinity's parents. I wanted to crawl into my kindle and strangle their necks or just slap them silly. What mean, spiteful, self absorbed, horrible excuses for parents. The lives they destroyed in the name of their own self righteous morality. Ugh. That subplot of this delightful story made a twist (twist of their necks).
Looking forward to reading more of MJ Fredrick.
February 23, 2020
Bluestone Homecoming (Welcome to Bluestone Book 1)
The love story of Loe and Trinity. Loe and his son Max, have come to Bluestone after the death of his wife. Love mets Trinity at Max' s school. Will Lie stay in Bluestone or will he leave Max wit his Parents? Ok story
The love story of Loe and Trinity. Loe and his son Max, have come to Bluestone after the death of his wife. Love mets Trinity at Max' s school. Will Lie stay in Bluestone or will he leave Max wit his Parents? Ok story
February 26, 2012
M. J. Fredrick has a talent for creating characters that one can always relate to. The romance that sizzles is always an added incentive to seek her books out because I for one am always certain that if the book is written by M. J. Fredrick, I wouldn’t ever have a reason to regret my purchase.
Bluestone Homecoming is the debut novel in a series centered around the small town of Bluestone. Leo Erickson is the hotshot war correspondent that had always felt the need to get away and had done so as soon as he could from his hometown Bluestone. And now Leo is back, the first step he takes in making amends towards his son Max whom he had left behind, too taken up on his own grief after the death of his wife to take care of his son’s needs.
Trinity Madison is the Bluestone Elementary School counselor and is the daughter of a Reverend, still paying for her one indiscretion during her youth, one which her family still hasn’t forgotten and won’t let her forget or forgive herself. When Leo comes into town, her emotions take a leap in a direction it hasn’t for the past 8 years and Trinity is both scared and in anticipation of what could come out of a brief fling between herself and Leo with Leo uncertain of how he wants to proceed with his future.
Leo never takes into account how he well he might settle into small town life, especially with the way Trinity makes him feel deep inside as if he could once again be happy and have a second chance with his son with whom he has a difficult time at first. But Trinity’s secret when it comes out, would it have the power to drive them apart or would Leo be the man Trinity believes him to be deep in her heart, the man who would save her from her endless guilt and give her the love and support that she needs to move on with her life.
Bluestone Homecoming starts out a bit slow, laying down the foundation of the series, introducing the reader to the wholesome and charming and sometimes intriguing characters of Bluestone. Once the story picks up pace and things start happening, Bluestone Homecoming definitely pulled me in and charmed the socks off of me. Leo and Trinity both being likable characters made for an endearing couple, the attraction between them somehow sweet and sizzling hot at the same time. Leo’s relationship with his son Max was one of the most beautiful aspects of the story. That initial awkwardness and the pain both of them have never let out since the death of the woman who had meant the world to them is one that had my heart going out for them.
Bluestone is a town that has been hit hard by the financial climate and it was heartwarming to see all of them band up together to find a way to generate more income for their small community. Leo finds his footing and his place in Bluestone through this process of helping the town remake its image, in getting involved with ordinary day-to-day life that somehow ends up being moments that he starts savoring once he gets into the groove of things.
Though the ending was a bit rushed, I decided to forgive M. J. because she has got the next book out already and Quinn and Lily’s book which I am counting on to be explosive and already my most favorite couple from the series would be out latest somewhere in March. Couldn’t ask for a better birthday present for myself if Lily and Quinn’s story turns out to be everything I expect it to be and I am certain M. J. won’t disappoint.
Great introduction into a heartwarming series whose characters, the scene and the setting worms their way into your heart before you know it.
Rating=4/5
Quotes included below!
Bluestone Homecoming is the debut novel in a series centered around the small town of Bluestone. Leo Erickson is the hotshot war correspondent that had always felt the need to get away and had done so as soon as he could from his hometown Bluestone. And now Leo is back, the first step he takes in making amends towards his son Max whom he had left behind, too taken up on his own grief after the death of his wife to take care of his son’s needs.
Trinity Madison is the Bluestone Elementary School counselor and is the daughter of a Reverend, still paying for her one indiscretion during her youth, one which her family still hasn’t forgotten and won’t let her forget or forgive herself. When Leo comes into town, her emotions take a leap in a direction it hasn’t for the past 8 years and Trinity is both scared and in anticipation of what could come out of a brief fling between herself and Leo with Leo uncertain of how he wants to proceed with his future.
Leo never takes into account how he well he might settle into small town life, especially with the way Trinity makes him feel deep inside as if he could once again be happy and have a second chance with his son with whom he has a difficult time at first. But Trinity’s secret when it comes out, would it have the power to drive them apart or would Leo be the man Trinity believes him to be deep in her heart, the man who would save her from her endless guilt and give her the love and support that she needs to move on with her life.
Bluestone Homecoming starts out a bit slow, laying down the foundation of the series, introducing the reader to the wholesome and charming and sometimes intriguing characters of Bluestone. Once the story picks up pace and things start happening, Bluestone Homecoming definitely pulled me in and charmed the socks off of me. Leo and Trinity both being likable characters made for an endearing couple, the attraction between them somehow sweet and sizzling hot at the same time. Leo’s relationship with his son Max was one of the most beautiful aspects of the story. That initial awkwardness and the pain both of them have never let out since the death of the woman who had meant the world to them is one that had my heart going out for them.
Bluestone is a town that has been hit hard by the financial climate and it was heartwarming to see all of them band up together to find a way to generate more income for their small community. Leo finds his footing and his place in Bluestone through this process of helping the town remake its image, in getting involved with ordinary day-to-day life that somehow ends up being moments that he starts savoring once he gets into the groove of things.
Though the ending was a bit rushed, I decided to forgive M. J. because she has got the next book out already and Quinn and Lily’s book which I am counting on to be explosive and already my most favorite couple from the series would be out latest somewhere in March. Couldn’t ask for a better birthday present for myself if Lily and Quinn’s story turns out to be everything I expect it to be and I am certain M. J. won’t disappoint.
Great introduction into a heartwarming series whose characters, the scene and the setting worms their way into your heart before you know it.
Rating=4/5
Quotes included below!
May 11, 2012
I first need to start by saying that I enjoyed this novel very much, but had a visceral reaction to it. I have thought about what I would want my husband and kids to do if I ever passed away and struggle with thinking about them moving on and having another "mother". I was so consumed by this that I finished the book in a few hours.
Fredrick beautifully captured the hold grief can have on you, how selfish and raw is can be. Leo could not see past his own grief of losing his wife and felt unable to help his son, Max, deal with the emotions of losing his mother so he escaped into his work out of town.
Fredrick created a wonderful story that illustrates that grief can totally encapsulate somebody until they are ready to let go and move on. How in times of grief people can come together and build back relationship by remembering and not running away.
The novel is quickly paced, allowing you to really get drawn into the characters. I cannot wait to see where this series will take us, with a touch small town, a dash of fun and a whole lot of romance BLUESTONE HOMECOMING is a 4 star read you will really enjoy.
Fredrick beautifully captured the hold grief can have on you, how selfish and raw is can be. Leo could not see past his own grief of losing his wife and felt unable to help his son, Max, deal with the emotions of losing his mother so he escaped into his work out of town.
Fredrick created a wonderful story that illustrates that grief can totally encapsulate somebody until they are ready to let go and move on. How in times of grief people can come together and build back relationship by remembering and not running away.
The novel is quickly paced, allowing you to really get drawn into the characters. I cannot wait to see where this series will take us, with a touch small town, a dash of fun and a whole lot of romance BLUESTONE HOMECOMING is a 4 star read you will really enjoy.
August 13, 2013
Wonderful romance of a widowed father of a young son and a school counselor with a regretful past find love in a small Minnesota town. Loved the details of the town, the cast of characters and family as much as the romance! A new author to add to my MUST READ list!! Highly recommend this book!
May 3, 2016
More than a homecoming.
This is quite a good book. Times have changed a bit, but depending on how old you are...or rather how old your parents are,
Depicts how this book affects you.
This is quite a good book. Times have changed a bit, but depending on how old you are...or rather how old your parents are,
Depicts how this book affects you.
July 18, 2012
This was a great book.
June 17, 2014
This is a good book for what it is, but it doesn't transcend the contemporary romance genre in any way. I also didn't really believe in the kid's dialogue --- it sounded like an adult was speaking.
Want to read
January 4, 2015Free on Amazon as of 12/19/14!
May 2, 2016
Easy read with characters you'll like
The realness of the characters makes this an enjoyable book. Their story is sweet and honest. I love a feel good story.
The realness of the characters makes this an enjoyable book. Their story is sweet and honest. I love a feel good story.
November 21, 2023
This was just ok. I liked the secondary characters almost more than our main couple in this novel. This story seems to skim the surface of things and doesn't really dive into any of it. We get a lot of oh they're falling for each other without really seeing why that should be the case. Leo also bugged me a lot with how he handled things. He kinda really doesn't handle the interpersonal stuff well even by the end of the book. I didn't honestly see much true growth there other than that his priorities have changed. He's still a very selfish thinker. I'm also bothered by the fact that even by the end of the book I didn't really feel like his relationship with Max was truly repaired. I wanted to see more of an excited Max returning. It was starting, but one good weekend doesn't a recovery make.
Still I did like the idea of Leo and Trinity as a couple. The ridiculous plot point wedged in there to add some artificial tension though felt out of place and rushed everything about the way their relationship was developing. Again I felt like I was being told that they were really into each other instead of seeing them work through things and get there eventually.
All in all, I didn't dislike this book and I might check out the next book in the series as I'm curious about some of the other characters.
Still I did like the idea of Leo and Trinity as a couple. The ridiculous plot point wedged in there to add some artificial tension though felt out of place and rushed everything about the way their relationship was developing. Again I felt like I was being told that they were really into each other instead of seeing them work through things and get there eventually.
All in all, I didn't dislike this book and I might check out the next book in the series as I'm curious about some of the other characters.
September 25, 2024
*I Loved*
-Both Leo & Trinity were imperfect, relatable characters.
-Trinity having to live with her parents to save money seemed like a realistic situation.
*What Didn’t Work For Me*
-Both Leo & Trinity defined themselves by one major life event. Leo struggled to see himself as a good Father after leaving Max. What about his chivalry, good work ethic? Trinity defined herself only by giving her child up for adoption. What about her selflessness in helping with her Dad’s medical bills, her work with kids?
-Both Leo’s & Trinity’s parents especially treat them like children.
-Fredrick's writing style tells too much & doesn't show enough.
-Last few chapters were too long.
-Leo & Max have one conversation about Liv, spend one weekend in St. Paul, & all of a sudden their grief ‘heals.’ Fredrick doesn’t even show us what happens during that weekend, she just tells us. Max is 'happily fixed' & Liv is never mentioned again.
-Leo & Trinity have a few surface level conversations & one kiss. Then, all of a sudden they can’t stop thinking of one another & are falling in love?!
-Much unaddressed tension & unresolved conflicts (Leo & his Mom, Trinity & her parents).
-Spicy scenes had cringe-worthy descriptions.
-There were a few grammatical errors.
-This wasn’t enough of a slow burn for me. They kissed within the first 100 pages.
-Both Leo & Trinity were imperfect, relatable characters.
-Trinity having to live with her parents to save money seemed like a realistic situation.
*What Didn’t Work For Me*
-Both Leo & Trinity defined themselves by one major life event. Leo struggled to see himself as a good Father after leaving Max. What about his chivalry, good work ethic? Trinity defined herself only by giving her child up for adoption. What about her selflessness in helping with her Dad’s medical bills, her work with kids?
-Both Leo’s & Trinity’s parents especially treat them like children.
-Fredrick's writing style tells too much & doesn't show enough.
-Last few chapters were too long.
-Leo & Max have one conversation about Liv, spend one weekend in St. Paul, & all of a sudden their grief ‘heals.’ Fredrick doesn’t even show us what happens during that weekend, she just tells us. Max is 'happily fixed' & Liv is never mentioned again.
-Leo & Trinity have a few surface level conversations & one kiss. Then, all of a sudden they can’t stop thinking of one another & are falling in love?!
-Much unaddressed tension & unresolved conflicts (Leo & his Mom, Trinity & her parents).
-Spicy scenes had cringe-worthy descriptions.
-There were a few grammatical errors.
-This wasn’t enough of a slow burn for me. They kissed within the first 100 pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2022
#1 in the Welcome to Bluestone romance series
This was a pleasant surprise. I haven't read this author before, although this book has been on my TBR for years. I'm glad I finally got around to it. Sweet is the word that comes to mind with this book. It's a quiet, warm romance in a small town, everyone working together, friends, neighbors, love, just an all-around nice book with people being kind to each other. Leo has been the reporter who travels the world looking for the tough stories. After his wife dies, he continues with that life for a while then realizes he needs to connect with his young son (who has been uprooted and left with Leo's parents). We watch as their relationship builds, while at the same time Leo begins to get to know the beautiful local school guidance counselor who has issues of her own. It was enjoyable to watch their relationship grow, to see Leo remember his roots in this small town, and to become involved with the people around him. I liked it very much and will definitely continue with this series sooner rather than later.
This was a pleasant surprise. I haven't read this author before, although this book has been on my TBR for years. I'm glad I finally got around to it. Sweet is the word that comes to mind with this book. It's a quiet, warm romance in a small town, everyone working together, friends, neighbors, love, just an all-around nice book with people being kind to each other. Leo has been the reporter who travels the world looking for the tough stories. After his wife dies, he continues with that life for a while then realizes he needs to connect with his young son (who has been uprooted and left with Leo's parents). We watch as their relationship builds, while at the same time Leo begins to get to know the beautiful local school guidance counselor who has issues of her own. It was enjoyable to watch their relationship grow, to see Leo remember his roots in this small town, and to become involved with the people around him. I liked it very much and will definitely continue with this series sooner rather than later.
June 19, 2020
Biggest complaint was it ended before I was ready to quit.
Bought it by mistake, couldn't figure out how I wound up with it. Decided to just take a quick look to see if it was at all interesting and 4 hours later looked up and had no idea where the time had gone, realized I had to know where the story was going, was it headed where I wanted to see it go, what was happening next, etc. The book could use a bit of grammatical editing. Since I unfortunately always zero in and make notes as I go along these things always stick out to me. It's no worse than a lot other books I've read, but if the occasional error bugs you better think it over first and decide if you can overlook it in the pleasure of reading a good story. As for me, I decided even before finishing this book that I had to buy the next two in the series because I had to follow up on the characters introduced in this book. Enjoy, readers.
Bought it by mistake, couldn't figure out how I wound up with it. Decided to just take a quick look to see if it was at all interesting and 4 hours later looked up and had no idea where the time had gone, realized I had to know where the story was going, was it headed where I wanted to see it go, what was happening next, etc. The book could use a bit of grammatical editing. Since I unfortunately always zero in and make notes as I go along these things always stick out to me. It's no worse than a lot other books I've read, but if the occasional error bugs you better think it over first and decide if you can overlook it in the pleasure of reading a good story. As for me, I decided even before finishing this book that I had to buy the next two in the series because I had to follow up on the characters introduced in this book. Enjoy, readers.
August 28, 2024
AMAZON FREE E-BOOK - I STARTED READING THIS E-BOOK ON 6/24/2024.
WELCOME TO BLUESTONE SERIES - BOOK 1 - BLUESTONE HOMECOMING - BY M. J. FREDRICK - KINDLE EDITION = 208 PAGES
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS E-BOOK. THE CHARACTERS WERE GREAT. I LOVE HOW LEO CAME TO BE WITH HIS SON, AND HELPED THE SMALL TOWN TO BRING IN REVENUE. FALLING IN LOVE WITH A WOMAN VERY DESERVING TO BE LOVED, BOTH GETTING A SECOND CHANCE. CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE NEXT BOOK IN THIS SERIES. I JUST LOVE THESE HAPPILY EVER AFTER STORIES. I FINISHED READING THIS E-BOOK ON 8/27/2024.
WELCOME TO BLUESTONE SERIES - BOOK 1 - BLUESTONE HOMECOMING - BY M. J. FREDRICK - KINDLE EDITION = 208 PAGES
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS E-BOOK. THE CHARACTERS WERE GREAT. I LOVE HOW LEO CAME TO BE WITH HIS SON, AND HELPED THE SMALL TOWN TO BRING IN REVENUE. FALLING IN LOVE WITH A WOMAN VERY DESERVING TO BE LOVED, BOTH GETTING A SECOND CHANCE. CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE NEXT BOOK IN THIS SERIES. I JUST LOVE THESE HAPPILY EVER AFTER STORIES. I FINISHED READING THIS E-BOOK ON 8/27/2024.
December 13, 2021
Romance with graphic sex scenes
I much rather have a romance that either leaves intimacy to my imagination or reaches the conclusion without consummation.
The thin plot and character development were adequate for a love story. You might skip this one.
I much rather have a romance that either leaves intimacy to my imagination or reaches the conclusion without consummation.
The thin plot and character development were adequate for a love story. You might skip this one.
July 10, 2023
Enjoyed
I was not a fan of the cover. It was a nice novella and over all enjoyed the story. Some things were over repeated and wish I knew her past secret before reading the story. It was an okay story but did not click all the way with me personally.
I was not a fan of the cover. It was a nice novella and over all enjoyed the story. Some things were over repeated and wish I knew her past secret before reading the story. It was an okay story but did not click all the way with me personally.
September 2, 2025
A new life to live
This was a nice contemporary romance with all the real life problems and finding a new Love. It's well written but did think the story ended abruptly. I enjoyed it.
This was a nice contemporary romance with all the real life problems and finding a new Love. It's well written but did think the story ended abruptly. I enjoyed it.
January 26, 2018
lovely romance with a bit of true realism in it.
April 2, 2018
Fantastic
Had me at the beginning to the end kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to read more.
Had me at the beginning to the end kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to read more.
February 19, 2022
Good, but ultimately not one of my preferred reads.
September 27, 2023
DNF, I guess I am just not this type of romance girly because wtf was this crap. The story was so boring, it would have been better but of course it was just not.
November 11, 2023
Amazon free download
I like enough I might order the next one in the series
I like enough I might order the next one in the series
February 14, 2024
The story was good, but way too much talk about the man getting aroused. I stopped reading after that.
April 16, 2024
The plot was very speedy and felt like there was some holes in the plot too, missing some details.
May 29, 2015
3.5 Stars. Bluestone Homecoming is the first book in the Welcome to Bluestone series by MJ Fredrick. Bluestone is a small town that has been hit hard by the recession. This book centers around Leo, a war correspondent that grew up in Bluestone but always felt "trapped" and wanted to get away. Leo's wife died two years ago and Leo had a hard time dealing with his grief. He's spent more time away from his young son Max then with him and when a series of nannies didn't work out he moved his son back to Bluestone to live with Leo's parents so he could return to Afghanistan to finish his story.
Trinity is the Bluestone Elementary School counselor and is the daughter of a Reveren. She made a mistake in college and her family has never let her forget it. When Leo comes to town because his son isn't adjusting well he meets Trinity. There is an instant attraction but Leo doesn't plan to stay for long and Trinity isn't sure she wants to get involved with someone who is leaving but she also hasn't been in a relationship since college and she's very attracted to Leo.
This book starts out a little slow as it introduces everyone to the town of Bluestone and the characters within it. This book is a sweet romance with touching moments between Leo and his son Max. Leo and Trinity are both likeable characters who work well together. I liked that Leo took it slow and charmed his way back into both his son's life and Trinity's life. MJ did a wonderful job of showing how the grief both Leo and Max felt affected them and the repercussions of Leo being gone so much. The initial scenes between Leo and Max were Leo felt so awkward with his own son and the pain that they were both feeling were very touching and heart wrenching.
This was a sweet, entertaining and easy read. The biggest issue was the rushed ending. I expected more of an ending and it was obvious that the book was leading to the next one which will be about two different characters from Bluestone. I'm not all that intrigued about the next couple in the book and in fact can't remember there names just that one is the country singer and the other is the waitress but I would like to read Lily and Quinn's book so I'll probably pick up the second book as well because I have to read a series in order.
Bottom Line: good introduction to a sweet and touching small town romantic series.
Trinity is the Bluestone Elementary School counselor and is the daughter of a Reveren. She made a mistake in college and her family has never let her forget it. When Leo comes to town because his son isn't adjusting well he meets Trinity. There is an instant attraction but Leo doesn't plan to stay for long and Trinity isn't sure she wants to get involved with someone who is leaving but she also hasn't been in a relationship since college and she's very attracted to Leo.
This book starts out a little slow as it introduces everyone to the town of Bluestone and the characters within it. This book is a sweet romance with touching moments between Leo and his son Max. Leo and Trinity are both likeable characters who work well together. I liked that Leo took it slow and charmed his way back into both his son's life and Trinity's life. MJ did a wonderful job of showing how the grief both Leo and Max felt affected them and the repercussions of Leo being gone so much. The initial scenes between Leo and Max were Leo felt so awkward with his own son and the pain that they were both feeling were very touching and heart wrenching.
This was a sweet, entertaining and easy read. The biggest issue was the rushed ending. I expected more of an ending and it was obvious that the book was leading to the next one which will be about two different characters from Bluestone. I'm not all that intrigued about the next couple in the book and in fact can't remember there names just that one is the country singer and the other is the waitress but I would like to read Lily and Quinn's book so I'll probably pick up the second book as well because I have to read a series in order.
Bottom Line: good introduction to a sweet and touching small town romantic series.
December 24, 2014
Bluestone Homecoming is book 1 in the Welcome to bluestone series by M.J. Fredrick. It takes place in the little town of Bluestone, Minnesota. They have great fishing and hiking in the area. It was a great book.
Leo Erickson has come back from Afghanistan to see what he can do to help his son Max. It meant leaving his story behind. He was a feature writer and was to write a story on what was happening in Afghanistan. His wife Liv had died two years ago in a freak car accident leaving Leo as the sole parent of Max who was nine. He had tried hiring nannies but his being gone for long times made that impractical. He ended up bringing Max to Bluestone to stay with his parents. Even though Leo had grown up here, he always felt like an outsider. Now Max was going through the same thing and Leo was concerned. However, he also knew he wanted to go back to write. Although he didn’t like Bluestone, he wanted his son to grow up in a safe environment.
Max had no friends as everyone already had their friendships made before he came on the scene. He was a bright young man; but very sad. He made a connection with the school counselor, Trinity. She was also the preacher’s daughter and sister. Max’s grandparents had made a schedule for Max as he did better when there was a schedule. He never talked about his mother and definitely not his father. He was afraid of getting close again and having his father leave. Leo had his work cut out.
Trinity Madison had grown up in Bluestone. Her father had been the Methodist minister but had turned it over to his son. Trinity had gone to college and gotten her degree then got a Masters and had a large student loan to pay back. She had come home to help when her father became ill and lived with them to help pay the bills. However, she had a secret that only her parents, brother, and Lily knew about.
Lily Prater, an old friend, spoke up at the city council meeting about ideas to bring tourists back to Bluestone and get it back on its feet. It ws going to take a miracle but that didn’t stop her. She roped the others into setting up summer programs and weekly movie nights, etc. Will they succeed in turning things around? Will Leo go back to traveling?
Leo Erickson has come back from Afghanistan to see what he can do to help his son Max. It meant leaving his story behind. He was a feature writer and was to write a story on what was happening in Afghanistan. His wife Liv had died two years ago in a freak car accident leaving Leo as the sole parent of Max who was nine. He had tried hiring nannies but his being gone for long times made that impractical. He ended up bringing Max to Bluestone to stay with his parents. Even though Leo had grown up here, he always felt like an outsider. Now Max was going through the same thing and Leo was concerned. However, he also knew he wanted to go back to write. Although he didn’t like Bluestone, he wanted his son to grow up in a safe environment.
Max had no friends as everyone already had their friendships made before he came on the scene. He was a bright young man; but very sad. He made a connection with the school counselor, Trinity. She was also the preacher’s daughter and sister. Max’s grandparents had made a schedule for Max as he did better when there was a schedule. He never talked about his mother and definitely not his father. He was afraid of getting close again and having his father leave. Leo had his work cut out.
Trinity Madison had grown up in Bluestone. Her father had been the Methodist minister but had turned it over to his son. Trinity had gone to college and gotten her degree then got a Masters and had a large student loan to pay back. She had come home to help when her father became ill and lived with them to help pay the bills. However, she had a secret that only her parents, brother, and Lily knew about.
Lily Prater, an old friend, spoke up at the city council meeting about ideas to bring tourists back to Bluestone and get it back on its feet. It ws going to take a miracle but that didn’t stop her. She roped the others into setting up summer programs and weekly movie nights, etc. Will they succeed in turning things around? Will Leo go back to traveling?
March 31, 2014
A quick read that holds your attention with engaging characters and some tough issues. Leo's wife was killed in a tragic accident two years ago leaving him with their 7 year old son and no clue how to be a single parent. So, he bailed. Oh, he made sure that Max was taken care of, but he continued on with his career as a war correspondent. He was gone more than he was home. Eventually, the only thing he could think of to help Max was to take him to Bluestone and his parents. And then he went off to war again. To immerse himself in his latest assignment.
Trinity is the school counselor who has plenty in her past that she doesn't want to talk about, much less have become public knowledge. She made a mistake a long time ago, or maybe it wasn't such a big mistake. Either way, her parents have forgiven her. Maybe. But they certainly haven't forgotten. And they make sure that Trinity knows they haven't forgotten. Even though she is a full grown woman she feels like she's a teenager. She loves Bluestone, but sometimes it can be suffocating. Then one day in walks Leo......
As a counselor at Max's school, Trinity know the history of how Max's mother died and why he's in Bluestone. What she doesn't know is how long Leo is planning on sticking around. She is also unprepared for her reaction to him. Leo is just as unprepared for his reaction to Trinity.
The characters in this book are relatable. They aren't extremely complex, but they are real, and handle their problems much as any of us would. They could be your next door neighbor. All in all, this was a good read for a quiet day.
Trinity is the school counselor who has plenty in her past that she doesn't want to talk about, much less have become public knowledge. She made a mistake a long time ago, or maybe it wasn't such a big mistake. Either way, her parents have forgiven her. Maybe. But they certainly haven't forgotten. And they make sure that Trinity knows they haven't forgotten. Even though she is a full grown woman she feels like she's a teenager. She loves Bluestone, but sometimes it can be suffocating. Then one day in walks Leo......
As a counselor at Max's school, Trinity know the history of how Max's mother died and why he's in Bluestone. What she doesn't know is how long Leo is planning on sticking around. She is also unprepared for her reaction to him. Leo is just as unprepared for his reaction to Trinity.
The characters in this book are relatable. They aren't extremely complex, but they are real, and handle their problems much as any of us would. They could be your next door neighbor. All in all, this was a good read for a quiet day.
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