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Virginia Country Roads #1
Cub Creek
In the heart of Virginia, where the forests hide secrets and the creeks run strong and deep ~
Libbie Havens doesn’t need anyone. She’s fine on her own. When she chances upon the secluded house on Cub Creek she buys it. She’ll prove to her cousin Liz, and other doubters, that she can rise above her past and live happily and successfully on her own terms.
Libbie has emotional problems born of a troubled childhood. Raised by a grandmother she could never please, Libbie is more comfortable not being comfortable with people. She knows she’s different from most. She has special gifts, or curses, but are they real? Or are they products of her history and dysfunction?
At Cub Creek Libbie makes friends and attracts the romantic interest of two local men, Dan Wheeler and Jim Mitchell. Relationships with her cousin and other family members improve dramatically and Libbie experiences true happiness—until tragedy occurs.
Having lost the good things gained at Cub Creek, Libbie must find a way to overcome her troubles, to finally rise above them and seize control of her life and future, or risk losing everything, including herself.
Libbie Havens doesn’t need anyone. She’s fine on her own. When she chances upon the secluded house on Cub Creek she buys it. She’ll prove to her cousin Liz, and other doubters, that she can rise above her past and live happily and successfully on her own terms.
Libbie has emotional problems born of a troubled childhood. Raised by a grandmother she could never please, Libbie is more comfortable not being comfortable with people. She knows she’s different from most. She has special gifts, or curses, but are they real? Or are they products of her history and dysfunction?
At Cub Creek Libbie makes friends and attracts the romantic interest of two local men, Dan Wheeler and Jim Mitchell. Relationships with her cousin and other family members improve dramatically and Libbie experiences true happiness—until tragedy occurs.
Having lost the good things gained at Cub Creek, Libbie must find a way to overcome her troubles, to finally rise above them and seize control of her life and future, or risk losing everything, including herself.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2014
2449 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Grace Greene
76 books953 followersGrace Greene writes fiction with romance, suspense and inspiration ~ The Emerald Isle, NC Stories Series includes Beach Rental, Beach Winds, Beach Wedding, along with the Christmas novellas, Beach Christmas and Beach Walk. Her Virginia books are Women's Fiction with romance, suspense and mystery. Most are set in rural Cub Creek and include her bestselling The Memory of Butterflies and The Happiness In Between which were released in 2017. Three new Cub Creek books were released in 2019 - The Wildflower House Series: Wildflower Heart, Wildflower Hope and Wildflower Christmas, and Wildflower Wedding, A Light Last Seen was released in Feb. 2020. A Barefoot Tide and A Dancing Tide brought a new character from Cub Creek to the beach at Emerald Isle with beloved crossover characters from both settings. Beach Heart and Emerald Heart are single titles set in Emerald Isle, NC. Grace's newest, A HEART BEYOND, will be released on September 3rd, 2024.
Grace is also an artist and photographer and these interests show up on the pages of the stories. She lives in central Virginia. You'll find Grace here:
Website: http://www.gracegreene.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceGreeneB...
Author Central: http://amazon.com/author/gracegreene
Grace is also an artist and photographer and these interests show up on the pages of the stories. She lives in central Virginia. You'll find Grace here:
Website: http://www.gracegreene.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceGreeneB...
Author Central: http://amazon.com/author/gracegreene
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
April 11, 2025
3.50 stars
This is basically a good story, with a good ending. An interesting and enjoyable read, just a bit better than middle of the road.
The whole Libbie and Liz relationship was strange, along with Libbie's' past.
This is basically a good story, with a good ending. An interesting and enjoyable read, just a bit better than middle of the road.
The whole Libbie and Liz relationship was strange, along with Libbie's' past.
March 6, 2017
A wonderful and enjoyable novel
Grace Greene uses a slightly different writing style with this novel that works extremely well. The reader begins the novel and has hit the end without realizing it.
Such wonderful and realistic characters bring this novel to life. The sheriff, who has some helpful and not so helpful qualities, as far as Libbie is concerned. The lawn and garden owner, Jim, who always is there when Libbie needs help with her garden projects, but also with life. The cousin who has an opinion and thought about almost anything, good or bad, and many others. She inherits a dog, and an elderly neighbor. And finds ways to adjust to her new environment, which seems to fit her better, for the most part.
An enjoyable and heartwarming novel, "Cub Creek" is a story about changes, growing, moving forward a step at a time, and finding friends in the places you least expected them.
Grace Greene uses a slightly different writing style with this novel that works extremely well. The reader begins the novel and has hit the end without realizing it.
Such wonderful and realistic characters bring this novel to life. The sheriff, who has some helpful and not so helpful qualities, as far as Libbie is concerned. The lawn and garden owner, Jim, who always is there when Libbie needs help with her garden projects, but also with life. The cousin who has an opinion and thought about almost anything, good or bad, and many others. She inherits a dog, and an elderly neighbor. And finds ways to adjust to her new environment, which seems to fit her better, for the most part.
An enjoyable and heartwarming novel, "Cub Creek" is a story about changes, growing, moving forward a step at a time, and finding friends in the places you least expected them.
July 31, 2020
Good chick read
I got this book for free, and really enjoyed it. It’s a great way to end the day, sitting on the porch, and enjoying the breeze. Can’t wait the the next book.
I got this book for free, and really enjoyed it. It’s a great way to end the day, sitting on the porch, and enjoying the breeze. Can’t wait the the next book.
September 27, 2020
Cub Creek
I enjoyed reading Cub Creek. Elizabeth aka Libbie had a rough life as a child with both parents got killed in an automobile accident and Libby did feel wanted by her Dear Grandma. Life changed for life by as she got older and was free to do her own thing in Life. Elizabeth and her cousin Liz is also called Elizabeth were just at like a sister. They got along well but Liz was always looking out for Libby. A lot of events happened in this interesting book. New purchases, friendships, love is found in this book.
I enjoyed reading Cub Creek. Elizabeth aka Libbie had a rough life as a child with both parents got killed in an automobile accident and Libby did feel wanted by her Dear Grandma. Life changed for life by as she got older and was free to do her own thing in Life. Elizabeth and her cousin Liz is also called Elizabeth were just at like a sister. They got along well but Liz was always looking out for Libby. A lot of events happened in this interesting book. New purchases, friendships, love is found in this book.
August 3, 2023
See! I knew Greene wrote books I have liked in the past. This was MUCH better than the previous two I listened to. Interesting characters, interesting storyline, surprise twist. Much more mature writing/characters. I don't think Greene does intrigue well and I wish she would stop trying, it reads as predictable and is completely superfluous.
November 21, 2017
I loved this book. Libbie, the main character, at first makes you wonder if she is totally compus mentis. Then, as the book progresses, you find yourself totally at ease with the wiring in her brain that differs from most people. Libbie sees herself as odd, and not especially likeable, but given her childhood, you like her all the more for her quirks.
Libbie is a reclusive, independently wealthy women who can live and go anywhere, but she chooses, on a whim, a fairly isolated estate in Virginia. It has the added benefit of being hours closer to her only close friend, her cousin Liz. The women's fathers were twins who both named their daughters, born weeks apart, after their wealthy mother to remain in her good graces. Where Liz was brought up in an intact family, Libbie's parents died when she was five and she was sent to live with the grandmother. Despite her own efforts to remain solitary, Libbie's life changes and soon she has a few friends, she becomes closer with Liz's children, and there is even romance, though she tries to resist that entanglement.
As with Greene's The Memory of Butterflies, there are secrets that are kept until they have to come out or destroy the people keeping them. One thing that I am seeing in these books so far is that the characters are financially secure enough not to have to work, with none of those pesky things to deal with like jobs, making ends meet, etc. Three books read so far (albeit two about the very wealthy Libbie) and no real employment in sight. Another minor quibble is that in a few points in this book, written in the third person, a few sentences are written in the first person. I attribute that to the editing, not the author.
Libbie is a reclusive, independently wealthy women who can live and go anywhere, but she chooses, on a whim, a fairly isolated estate in Virginia. It has the added benefit of being hours closer to her only close friend, her cousin Liz. The women's fathers were twins who both named their daughters, born weeks apart, after their wealthy mother to remain in her good graces. Where Liz was brought up in an intact family, Libbie's parents died when she was five and she was sent to live with the grandmother. Despite her own efforts to remain solitary, Libbie's life changes and soon she has a few friends, she becomes closer with Liz's children, and there is even romance, though she tries to resist that entanglement.
As with Greene's The Memory of Butterflies, there are secrets that are kept until they have to come out or destroy the people keeping them. One thing that I am seeing in these books so far is that the characters are financially secure enough not to have to work, with none of those pesky things to deal with like jobs, making ends meet, etc. Three books read so far (albeit two about the very wealthy Libbie) and no real employment in sight. Another minor quibble is that in a few points in this book, written in the third person, a few sentences are written in the first person. I attribute that to the editing, not the author.
November 25, 2015
Enjoyed
Good read. Interesting characters. Mystery and a little love story. To me the characters make a book. And this book has quite a few. Lobbied is a strange young woman with a strange past. She is a loner and likes it that way. You will route for her to come out of her shell. She has only one relative, and she has two kids. Gruesome a significant part of the story. Read and enjoy.
Good read. Interesting characters. Mystery and a little love story. To me the characters make a book. And this book has quite a few. Lobbied is a strange young woman with a strange past. She is a loner and likes it that way. You will route for her to come out of her shell. She has only one relative, and she has two kids. Gruesome a significant part of the story. Read and enjoy.
June 15, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and the storyline flowed well. This was a story of forgiveness and healing. It was a story of accepting ourselves for who we are and not trying to be what others want us to be. I will be reading many more books by this author. Wonderful!
February 26, 2017
Better story than i expected
I really liked the way the author handled the mental illlnesses that were present in the story. The treatment the main character received from her family was not the best but it happens. There is a sequel to this book but this book stands alone.
I really liked the way the author handled the mental illlnesses that were present in the story. The treatment the main character received from her family was not the best but it happens. There is a sequel to this book but this book stands alone.
May 26, 2014
While not great literature, I just enjoyed it.
May 26, 2014
A good read
A good read
learning to forgive oneself is hard to do but the main character finally did through the help of a new friend and an incidental couple.
A good read
learning to forgive oneself is hard to do but the main character finally did through the help of a new friend and an incidental couple.
August 16, 2014
This is the second book I've read by this author and both books were very good. I will be putting her other books on my list to read.
May 1, 2018
I enjoyed the story and the characters well enough to want to read the sequel. Libbie isn't what I call an especially likable character, but she portrays a person with emotional issues very well. I certainly felt sympathy for her and applauded her efforts to have better control of her life. I thought she'd be a lot healthier without her cousin and aunt around to make her feel worthless. I didn't like those two at all. Nobody can mess you up like your family, and that's very true for Libbie. The kids were great, though, and Joyce is wonderful.
This book misses five stars for a couple of reasons. It wasn't edited well. Too many sentences have punctuation issues - mostly missing and/or misplaced commas. There are some poorly worded sentences that are confusing. And the narration switches from third person to first person and back to third again in several chapters. The other reason is the ending. Libbie's very abrupt mood swing near the end was not credible. The same is true of her sudden interest in Jim, discovered in the course of a ten-minute conversation. This made the ending feel rushed.
Still, the story is a good one, and I liked the setting and the local residents enough to want to read more in the next book.
This book misses five stars for a couple of reasons. It wasn't edited well. Too many sentences have punctuation issues - mostly missing and/or misplaced commas. There are some poorly worded sentences that are confusing. And the narration switches from third person to first person and back to third again in several chapters. The other reason is the ending. Libbie's very abrupt mood swing near the end was not credible. The same is true of her sudden interest in Jim, discovered in the course of a ten-minute conversation. This made the ending feel rushed.
Still, the story is a good one, and I liked the setting and the local residents enough to want to read more in the next book.
December 9, 2017
The cover and the synopsis of Cub Creek had me intrigued. How could I resist the story of quirky young woman buying on a whim a house in the Virginia country side? I have to say that I was slightly disappointed by the whole story turned out. For one, Libbie's obscure childhood remained a mystery for the longest time. Secondly, Libbie continually vacillated between knowing her mind and then doubting herself. For sure, this came from the insecure few family members who wanted to control her. As for the men in her life, Libbie didn't seem to know what she wanted, but then you will understand everything better when you read the second book.
What I enjoyed best were her ten year old niece and nephew, they were refreshing in their honesty and in their affection for their aunt Libbie.
To sum up my feelings about this book, I don't know why Libbie thought she had to go along with the labels that other people put on her. I always say, 'be yourself'.
What I enjoyed best were her ten year old niece and nephew, they were refreshing in their honesty and in their affection for their aunt Libbie.
To sum up my feelings about this book, I don't know why Libbie thought she had to go along with the labels that other people put on her. I always say, 'be yourself'.
September 18, 2018
I do enjoyed Cub Creek. Libbie Haven blames herself of every tradgedy
This is a beautiful writing of Lonnie Haven's life experiences since she was 5 years old. Never feeling love after her parents died and ending up being raised by her father's mother who criticised and blamed her for anything and everything that happened. She bought a house in Cub Creek by impulse. The home and surrounding neighbors were kind but Libbie held everyone of suspect of them not being that meaningful as that is what she endured all her life. She grows little by little to excepting that there are people that really do care. A lot of tragic things happened and she had been told all her youth she was a magnet to dispose and hurting others.
This is a beautiful writing of Lonnie Haven's life experiences since she was 5 years old. Never feeling love after her parents died and ending up being raised by her father's mother who criticised and blamed her for anything and everything that happened. She bought a house in Cub Creek by impulse. The home and surrounding neighbors were kind but Libbie held everyone of suspect of them not being that meaningful as that is what she endured all her life. She grows little by little to excepting that there are people that really do care. A lot of tragic things happened and she had been told all her youth she was a magnet to dispose and hurting others.
April 22, 2019
Another great novel
Once again, Grace Greene has written a novel with a struggling character that you feel empathy for and want to understand her life perspective. Libbie has been emotionally scared by an unloving grandmother who blamed her for her parents' death. Everyone she has cared about has let her down, leaving her to conclude that she is better off alone. A misadventure leads her to Cub Creek, a country home that brings her peace. She meets new people and just as it seems her world is finally happy, tragedy strikes, causing her to retreat once more when those she cares about abandon her. There is a happy ending and a lesson we all should learn, forgiving oneself.
Once again, Grace Greene has written a novel with a struggling character that you feel empathy for and want to understand her life perspective. Libbie has been emotionally scared by an unloving grandmother who blamed her for her parents' death. Everyone she has cared about has let her down, leaving her to conclude that she is better off alone. A misadventure leads her to Cub Creek, a country home that brings her peace. She meets new people and just as it seems her world is finally happy, tragedy strikes, causing her to retreat once more when those she cares about abandon her. There is a happy ending and a lesson we all should learn, forgiving oneself.
May 10, 2017
Good Story; Sloppy Editing
I like Grace Greene's writing & love her characters. That being said, there are places in this book where the voice switches from third-to-first-to-third person. Frustrating to read. In addition, there are places where the author makes assumptions about what the reader knows. A few words explaining what the reader should see as the scene moves from the terrace to the garage, for example, would help avoid confusion (why is the author suddenly describing a scene in the garage?). On the whole, a nice story with some interesting surprises.
I like Grace Greene's writing & love her characters. That being said, there are places in this book where the voice switches from third-to-first-to-third person. Frustrating to read. In addition, there are places where the author makes assumptions about what the reader knows. A few words explaining what the reader should see as the scene moves from the terrace to the garage, for example, would help avoid confusion (why is the author suddenly describing a scene in the garage?). On the whole, a nice story with some interesting surprises.
July 30, 2017
This novel paints a disturbing picture in a beautiful setting. Libbie is running from a tragic past, but her impulsive purchase of a home in the middle of nowhere turns eerie quickly when she feels like she's being watched and has flashbacks to some of the horrors in her formative years. Her relocation isn't enough to keep tragedy from following where she goes. There's hints at some sort of mental illness on top of Libbie's abusive family background.
November 27, 2018
Cub Creek
I would love to visit Cub Creek it sounds wonderful. Libby grew up with her grandmother because she lost her parents at an early age. Shes always felt unwanted and unloved, and everyone shes ever cared about something has happened to them. She moves to Cub Creek to prove to herself and her family she can take care of herself. She learns a lot about herself after moving there. Good read. I'll have to read the second book in the series.
I would love to visit Cub Creek it sounds wonderful. Libby grew up with her grandmother because she lost her parents at an early age. Shes always felt unwanted and unloved, and everyone shes ever cared about something has happened to them. She moves to Cub Creek to prove to herself and her family she can take care of herself. She learns a lot about herself after moving there. Good read. I'll have to read the second book in the series.
March 2, 2019
Love Grace Greene's books! Cub Creek is entertaining, sad, romantic, healing all rolled into one.
Libbie has issues, keeping her dreadful past close. Libbie finds a gorgeous house in the country, restoring the house and updating the landscape is , to me, one of the best parts, keeps her mind off her past. Her sister is no help!, But, she loves her niece and nephew! Libbie is surrounded by love, but can't see it, as she has been really hurt. Good reading.
Libbie has issues, keeping her dreadful past close. Libbie finds a gorgeous house in the country, restoring the house and updating the landscape is , to me, one of the best parts, keeps her mind off her past. Her sister is no help!, But, she loves her niece and nephew! Libbie is surrounded by love, but can't see it, as she has been really hurt. Good reading.
April 29, 2019
Tolerance and Forgjvness
All people are individuals and react differently, depending on circumstances and life experiences. The way we are viewed by others has a huge impact on our self image. Healing is possible if one is provided with understanding and acceptance. I would recommend this book.
All people are individuals and react differently, depending on circumstances and life experiences. The way we are viewed by others has a huge impact on our self image. Healing is possible if one is provided with understanding and acceptance. I would recommend this book.
October 30, 2019
Love this book!
I love this author's writing, first of her books I have read, now will read all of the others. She has a great style, slowly taking you through the story with vivid descriptions, humor and enough intrigue to keep you hooked from the first page. Now into the next book!
I love this author's writing, first of her books I have read, now will read all of the others. She has a great style, slowly taking you through the story with vivid descriptions, humor and enough intrigue to keep you hooked from the first page. Now into the next book!
November 14, 2019
A wonderful read. Grace Greene is a descriptive writer. Her writing ushers you inside the story where you can smell the lady slippers, feel the texture of the tree bark, and love in the emotion of the moment. I have yet to be disappointed with any of her books. I am excited to read the next in the series.
October 3, 2020
Well written but odd characters
I enjoyed this book for the most part. The message in the story is nice although the characters were somewhat quirky and odd. I’m left a little bewildered by the ending and wish the story had developed more around that ending but will continue in the series to see how it continues.
I enjoyed this book for the most part. The message in the story is nice although the characters were somewhat quirky and odd. I’m left a little bewildered by the ending and wish the story had developed more around that ending but will continue in the series to see how it continues.
June 23, 2023
a really good book to escape in!
A new author for me AND I like her writing! I could visualize the area and the characters so well! I felt the main character’s anguish, her struggles……..but also her personal growth .
Yes, I recommend this book…..and thrilled I have a sequel waiting!
A new author for me AND I like her writing! I could visualize the area and the characters so well! I felt the main character’s anguish, her struggles……..but also her personal growth .
Yes, I recommend this book…..and thrilled I have a sequel waiting!
January 2, 2018
Just well WOW
This was a well written tale about finding yourself when you aren't even looking. A story spun around questions of life, love, and the past it is overwhelmingly touching and soulful. Cover to cover a good read
This was a well written tale about finding yourself when you aren't even looking. A story spun around questions of life, love, and the past it is overwhelmingly touching and soulful. Cover to cover a good read
January 5, 2018
Fantastic
Another fantastic book to read by grace Greene! I can't say enough wonderful things about her writings! They grab you as if you're a part of the story! Highly recommend grace Greene books!!!
Another fantastic book to read by grace Greene! I can't say enough wonderful things about her writings! They grab you as if you're a part of the story! Highly recommend grace Greene books!!!
February 2, 2018
Page turner. A little mystery, a little romance
Enjoyed the descriptions of restoring the house and the journey of healing. I did want to shake Liz when she turns her back on Libby.
Enjoyed the descriptions of restoring the house and the journey of healing. I did want to shake Liz when she turns her back on Libby.
April 2, 2018
Refreshing
It was so refreshing to read a great story that doesn't use foul language or steamy sexual scenes. Cub Creek is about a women who finds healing in a secluded old house. The book contains mystery, friendship, family relationships and resolution.
It was so refreshing to read a great story that doesn't use foul language or steamy sexual scenes. Cub Creek is about a women who finds healing in a secluded old house. The book contains mystery, friendship, family relationships and resolution.
June 3, 2018
Very good book
I enjoyed reading this book about Libbie's life. The twist and turns kept me so interested in this book. I could not put the book down. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I enjoyed reading this book about Libbie's life. The twist and turns kept me so interested in this book. I could not put the book down. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews