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Montana Riverbend #5
Long Walk Home
Everyone has baggage by the time they’re into their thirties.
When single mom and Marietta High School teacher Gemma Clayton acquires a strong, family-oriented and very good-looking new neighbor over her back fence, she’s not put off by his complicated past as the attraction flares between them. Her own past is a very different matter, however.
Nobody knows what she went through on the night of the 1996 Marietta High School senior prom, between running after Judd and Garth Newell’s car as it left River Bend Park and limping into her friend Neve Shepherd’s street two hours later.
But Gemma’s secrets have been rusted up inside her for so long that not even a gorgeous man like Dylan Saddler can help her to break them free.
A Montana River Bend series
Book 1: Late Last Night
Book 2: The Sweetest Thing
Book 3: The Sweetest Sound
Book 4: After the Rain
Book 5: Long Walk Home
When single mom and Marietta High School teacher Gemma Clayton acquires a strong, family-oriented and very good-looking new neighbor over her back fence, she’s not put off by his complicated past as the attraction flares between them. Her own past is a very different matter, however.
Nobody knows what she went through on the night of the 1996 Marietta High School senior prom, between running after Judd and Garth Newell’s car as it left River Bend Park and limping into her friend Neve Shepherd’s street two hours later.
But Gemma’s secrets have been rusted up inside her for so long that not even a gorgeous man like Dylan Saddler can help her to break them free.
A Montana River Bend series
Book 1: Late Last Night
Book 2: The Sweetest Thing
Book 3: The Sweetest Sound
Book 4: After the Rain
Book 5: Long Walk Home
Unknown Binding
First published October 1, 2014
16 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Lilian Darcy
320 books100 followersWomen's fiction and romance author Lilian Darcy has written more than eighty novels for Harlequin, Silhouette, Mira Australia, and Mills & Boon. Under another name she has also written for Australian theater and television.
Lilian's career highlights include many appearances on the Waldenbooks Romance Bestsellers list, five nominations for the Romance Writers of America's presitious Rita Award, and translation into twenty different languages.
Lilian has an active family life involving kids, chickens, cats, music, scouting, gardening, hiking and horses. Oh, and there's a husband in there somewhere, too.
Her upcoming releases include the first book in her Cherry Sisters trilogy, "The One Who Changed Everything" from Harlequin Special Edition, and a novella, "Marry Me, Cowboy" for Tule Publishing's Copper Mountain Rodeo mini-series, part of the exciting new Montana Born series, with authors such as Jane Porter, Megan Crane and C.J. Carmichael.
Lilian's career highlights include many appearances on the Waldenbooks Romance Bestsellers list, five nominations for the Romance Writers of America's presitious Rita Award, and translation into twenty different languages.
Lilian has an active family life involving kids, chickens, cats, music, scouting, gardening, hiking and horses. Oh, and there's a husband in there somewhere, too.
Her upcoming releases include the first book in her Cherry Sisters trilogy, "The One Who Changed Everything" from Harlequin Special Edition, and a novella, "Marry Me, Cowboy" for Tule Publishing's Copper Mountain Rodeo mini-series, part of the exciting new Montana Born series, with authors such as Jane Porter, Megan Crane and C.J. Carmichael.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 15, 2017
This book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review. My review is below.
The final book in the River Bend series focuses on Gemma Clayton, Neve's best friend from high school. Gemma was also there at the park after prom night, but she missed Neve's drowning. Her secrets, her fears, her mistakes make Neve's story sound downright normal. Gemma's high school love, Judd and his brother - and unfortunately for Gemma - Gemma, were involved in the other big disaster on prom night. But before we get to that, Gemma is young and in love with a young man whose parents are druggies and just basically awful people. Judd isn't who Gemma thinks he is and she finds that out the hard way on prom night. Now her secret eats her up inside and keeps her locked in a prison of silence and isolation.
Dylan Saddler, Gemma's new across-the-fence neighbor, has his own baggage including a daughter 15 years his junior. Talk about an oops! He also has a son from his now-failed marriage. And they are both living with him this summer. Dylan wants Gemma; Gemma wants Dylan. But let's be real, with all that baggage, how's that supposed to work? One step at a time, one day at a time, and a whole lot of trust.
A far more emotional story than the previous book in this series, both Gemma and Dylan's obvious love for their children is a tie that wraps around this whole story. Watching both of them struggle with difficult decisions and how to deal with difficult relationships, both with their children and with their pasts. As the story builds to it's crisis, Dylan and Gemma struggles are very real and very painful.
I enjoyed this book, especially for the sensitive way it deals with incredibly difficult traumas. It comes out in the end a little Pollyanna-ish, but I enjoyed that after all the adversity. With the final mystery solved, Marietta is once again a safe and loving place.
The final book in the River Bend series focuses on Gemma Clayton, Neve's best friend from high school. Gemma was also there at the park after prom night, but she missed Neve's drowning. Her secrets, her fears, her mistakes make Neve's story sound downright normal. Gemma's high school love, Judd and his brother - and unfortunately for Gemma - Gemma, were involved in the other big disaster on prom night. But before we get to that, Gemma is young and in love with a young man whose parents are druggies and just basically awful people. Judd isn't who Gemma thinks he is and she finds that out the hard way on prom night. Now her secret eats her up inside and keeps her locked in a prison of silence and isolation.
Dylan Saddler, Gemma's new across-the-fence neighbor, has his own baggage including a daughter 15 years his junior. Talk about an oops! He also has a son from his now-failed marriage. And they are both living with him this summer. Dylan wants Gemma; Gemma wants Dylan. But let's be real, with all that baggage, how's that supposed to work? One step at a time, one day at a time, and a whole lot of trust.
A far more emotional story than the previous book in this series, both Gemma and Dylan's obvious love for their children is a tie that wraps around this whole story. Watching both of them struggle with difficult decisions and how to deal with difficult relationships, both with their children and with their pasts. As the story builds to it's crisis, Dylan and Gemma struggles are very real and very painful.
I enjoyed this book, especially for the sensitive way it deals with incredibly difficult traumas. It comes out in the end a little Pollyanna-ish, but I enjoyed that after all the adversity. With the final mystery solved, Marietta is once again a safe and loving place.
November 17, 2014
This is the second book in this series that I have read. I loved the Sweetest Thing so that made me curious about other characters mentioned when you find they have their own books. I really like this author. She weaves stories together really well. I liked this book, but not as much as The Sweetest Thing. That isn't a bad thing though. They were both so different that I appreciated those differences. The writing style was similar though which was great.
Lilian Darcy writes really deep, interesting characters. In terms of the couple. I actually liked this couple's relationship better than the one in The Sweetest Thing. Both these characters had such mistakes in their pasts. I thought that the communication between these two was great. I liked how cute they were.
There was also the added interesting dynamic of their relationships with their kids. Family relationships are written really well by this author because they show how complicated they can be in a very truthful way.
I thought that the description was a little misleading just because she doesn't plan to turn herself in like it says, but that issue is dealt with really well. The idea that secrets from our past can be their own type of prison is very truthful and that point really got across in this novel.
Lilian Darcy writes really deep, interesting characters. In terms of the couple. I actually liked this couple's relationship better than the one in The Sweetest Thing. Both these characters had such mistakes in their pasts. I thought that the communication between these two was great. I liked how cute they were.
There was also the added interesting dynamic of their relationships with their kids. Family relationships are written really well by this author because they show how complicated they can be in a very truthful way.
I thought that the description was a little misleading just because she doesn't plan to turn herself in like it says, but that issue is dealt with really well. The idea that secrets from our past can be their own type of prison is very truthful and that point really got across in this novel.
July 31, 2015
I wasn't really impressed with this book. I kept getting lost in the story. There were so many different story lines running through it I couldn't keep track of all of them. The book was supposed to be about a woman who unwittingly helped rob a gun shop & kill 2 men as a 17yr old pregnant teen. Left behind by he criminal boyfriend she raises her child to the best of her abilities & continues to be a good person fearing everyday that someone will find out about her past & turn her into the police. The book is also about a man who is 40 with a 9yr old son & 25yr old daughter who he is trying to have a relationship with. His relationship with the daughter is strained & has only just been renewed from when she was taken away by her grandparents as a young baby. The story is supposed to be about these 2 people getting together but the focus is more on what is going on each others lives than them getting together. Was rather disappointed.
December 4, 2023
This series is fabulous. We learned in the first book about a tragic accident that took the life of one of the high school students. The remaining books take place years later and discuss the accident and relate it to the featured characters in that book. So each time the reader has a different perspective because of whose story it is. This format was such a great concept. This book takes place 18 years after the accident and features Gemma Clayton, best friend to the girl who died in the tragic accident on their prom night. We were given glimpses into each character and their life in the other books. This let us know Gemma’s story. This book includes her daughter and mother and her budding romance with her new neighbor. Another 5 star book by Lilian Darcy.
March 1, 2021
Lillian Darcy has such a lovely way of describing and involving her characters in an emotional roller coaster. The way she plays out each scene and heart warming craves is just beautiful. There were flawed people in this story but due to love, kindness and understanding eventually arrived at their happily ever after.
September 7, 2019
A brilliant drama, beautifully woven by Darcy. A single mother and a divorced single dad — but not the regular run-of-the mill romance. The storyline is emotionally intense, and the reader is as intrigued by Gemma’s past as are the rest of the characters. A wonderful read.
January 28, 2019
Great book
I really enjoyed this series. Every book in this series was enjoyable and hard to put down until the very end.
I really enjoyed this series. Every book in this series was enjoyable and hard to put down until the very end.
March 14, 2020
Beautiful ending
Another great read in the series. Thank you to Julian Darcy for a great series. I would recommend these books to anyone needing romance.
Another great read in the series. Thank you to Julian Darcy for a great series. I would recommend these books to anyone needing romance.
December 23, 2014
Gemma Clayton had a secret, a really big secret that she had been carrying around with her for half of her lifetime. In spite of that she managed to raise a wonderful daughter, become a teacher and stay incredibly well respected in Marietta. She never really felt anything was missing, that is until she started talking with her backyard neighbor.
Dylan Saddler had a bunch of baggage in his life along with an ex wife he had two children, from different mothers and no real stability until a few months ago. He was getting his life back on track though with an inherited house he was now going to be taking up residence in Marietta and starting up his renovation company. What he didn’t realize was that this summer he was going to have his son, his daughter and working out his feelings for his backyard neighbor.
Both Dylan and Gemma have a lot of history and not a lot of it good, but they both know that they are trying to make the best out of their situations. So when the past comes rearing up and hitting them in the face just as their future seems to be taking off they know that this will be the time they either hit the ground running or fall apart permanently.
Ms. Darcy takes us back to Marietta and finally gives us a little bit of closure as to what happened that fateful night in 1996 when Neve passed away. This is of course a part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone but I wouldn’t recommend it. As always Ms. Darcy gives us such a full picture of all of the players in the story it is like we are living in Marietta talking with Ms. Bingley. For anyone who has read the others in the series this is something you probably never saw coming but was such a huge sigh of relief to finally have some closure. This is a great short read where ends are tied up and the good girl finally ends with the right man. “He may not be perfect, but he is perfect for her.”
Dylan Saddler had a bunch of baggage in his life along with an ex wife he had two children, from different mothers and no real stability until a few months ago. He was getting his life back on track though with an inherited house he was now going to be taking up residence in Marietta and starting up his renovation company. What he didn’t realize was that this summer he was going to have his son, his daughter and working out his feelings for his backyard neighbor.
Both Dylan and Gemma have a lot of history and not a lot of it good, but they both know that they are trying to make the best out of their situations. So when the past comes rearing up and hitting them in the face just as their future seems to be taking off they know that this will be the time they either hit the ground running or fall apart permanently.
Ms. Darcy takes us back to Marietta and finally gives us a little bit of closure as to what happened that fateful night in 1996 when Neve passed away. This is of course a part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone but I wouldn’t recommend it. As always Ms. Darcy gives us such a full picture of all of the players in the story it is like we are living in Marietta talking with Ms. Bingley. For anyone who has read the others in the series this is something you probably never saw coming but was such a huge sigh of relief to finally have some closure. This is a great short read where ends are tied up and the good girl finally ends with the right man. “He may not be perfect, but he is perfect for her.”
April 8, 2015
Gemma Clayton is a teacher, single mom, and has become a respected member of Marietta's community. She has her secrets: she has never told anyone who Bree's father is and she has never told anyone what happened the tragic night of the Prom. She lost not only her best friend, but so much more. In 17 years, there has never been a man she was wanted to have more than one date with, much less confide in. That is changing as she gets to know her backyard neighbor.
Dylan is a divorced father with his own skeletons. When he inherited his aunt's house he thought it was better to have a fresh start away from the his ex and her new husband. The only thing he wants is to be a good father and make sure his son knows he is loved and important. Getting to know Gemma has made the transition easier, and he is just as interested in getting to know her as she is him.
I have to be honest and say that I was looking forward to this novel so much, but I purposely put off reading it after I found out it would be Darcy's last novel.
Gemma and Dylan are well-developed characters and I was pulled into the story as soon as I started it. I didn't want to put it down, which made the end bittersweet. I love the way Gemma and Dylan came together to support each other, and the way Gemma finally had the courage to face the skeletons in her past and find a way to live in the present without the shadows of her past.
I loved the story. It stands alone, but is an excellent end to the Riverbend Series. I hated to see the story and the series end, especially knowing that Darcy has no plans to write any more.
Dylan is a divorced father with his own skeletons. When he inherited his aunt's house he thought it was better to have a fresh start away from the his ex and her new husband. The only thing he wants is to be a good father and make sure his son knows he is loved and important. Getting to know Gemma has made the transition easier, and he is just as interested in getting to know her as she is him.
I have to be honest and say that I was looking forward to this novel so much, but I purposely put off reading it after I found out it would be Darcy's last novel.
Gemma and Dylan are well-developed characters and I was pulled into the story as soon as I started it. I didn't want to put it down, which made the end bittersweet. I love the way Gemma and Dylan came together to support each other, and the way Gemma finally had the courage to face the skeletons in her past and find a way to live in the present without the shadows of her past.
I loved the story. It stands alone, but is an excellent end to the Riverbend Series. I hated to see the story and the series end, especially knowing that Darcy has no plans to write any more.
November 5, 2014
Long Walk Home by Lilian Darcy
Everyone has baggage by the time they’re into their thirties.
When single mom and Marietta High School teacher Gemma Clayton acquires a strong, family-oriented and very good-looking new neighbor over her back fence, she’s not put off by his complicated past as the attraction flares between them. Her own past is a very different matter, however.
Nobody knows what she went through on the night of the 1996 Marietta High School senior prom, between running after Judd and Garth Newell’s car as it left River Bend Park and limping into her friend Neve Shepherd’s street two hours later.
But Gemma’s secrets have been rusted up inside her for so long that not even a gorgeous man like Dylan Saddler can help her to break them free.
how did Gemma Clayton and Dylan Saddler meet?
Gemma's daughter Bree has a secret what is the secret?
what is Dylan Saddler ex-wife name?
will Gemma Clayton and Dylan Saddler be more than friends?
what is Dylan Saddler son name?
who is your favorite character in this story?
And why?
what secrets has Gemma been keeping for years?
Long Walk Home (River Bend)by Lilian Darcy is a 4 stars book.
Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
more books by Lilian Darcy.
River Bend
1. Late Last Night
2. The Sweetest Thing
3. The Sweetest Sound
4. After The Rain
Book 5: Long Walk Home
Mother's Day Romance Bundle (with C J Carmichael, Megan Crane, Katherine Garbera, Melissa McClone, Jane Porter and Kaira Rouda)
Everyone has baggage by the time they’re into their thirties.
When single mom and Marietta High School teacher Gemma Clayton acquires a strong, family-oriented and very good-looking new neighbor over her back fence, she’s not put off by his complicated past as the attraction flares between them. Her own past is a very different matter, however.
Nobody knows what she went through on the night of the 1996 Marietta High School senior prom, between running after Judd and Garth Newell’s car as it left River Bend Park and limping into her friend Neve Shepherd’s street two hours later.
But Gemma’s secrets have been rusted up inside her for so long that not even a gorgeous man like Dylan Saddler can help her to break them free.
how did Gemma Clayton and Dylan Saddler meet?
Gemma's daughter Bree has a secret what is the secret?
what is Dylan Saddler ex-wife name?
will Gemma Clayton and Dylan Saddler be more than friends?
what is Dylan Saddler son name?
who is your favorite character in this story?
And why?
what secrets has Gemma been keeping for years?
Long Walk Home (River Bend)by Lilian Darcy is a 4 stars book.
Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
more books by Lilian Darcy.
River Bend
1. Late Last Night
2. The Sweetest Thing
3. The Sweetest Sound
4. After The Rain
Book 5: Long Walk Home
Mother's Day Romance Bundle (with C J Carmichael, Megan Crane, Katherine Garbera, Melissa McClone, Jane Porter and Kaira Rouda)
December 3, 2014
Once again, Lilian Darcy has taken us on a visit to the Montana area in Long Walk Home. Even though, I am not familiar with the River Bend series that did not hinder my enjoyment of this novel. Lilian Darcy has written an impressive story line with wonderful romance, along with realistic feelings and emotions of the characters.
Gemma Clayton is a very likable character a as well as her daughter, Bree. As a single parent, I thought her concern about getting involved with anyone came from her desire to focus on her daughter, so her past came as an unexpected surprise. I must say that I found Gemma to be quite the deeper character, much more than I had thought at first. This makes for a much more interesting read with the surprises and secrets that keep being exposed.
Dylan would be too good to be true if it wasn’t for all the complicated baggage in his own life. However, Dylan’s past which controls his actions now are exposed soon in the story. I had predicted that this would be the main conflict in the story. Not so, those problems of his do not drive Gemma away. It is her own past at work that is doing that.
What looks to be a predictable story is not, which raises this small town life novel up a level. So that I found it to be a more interesting and pleasurable read than I first expected. Well done.
NetGalley provided a copy.
Gemma Clayton is a very likable character a as well as her daughter, Bree. As a single parent, I thought her concern about getting involved with anyone came from her desire to focus on her daughter, so her past came as an unexpected surprise. I must say that I found Gemma to be quite the deeper character, much more than I had thought at first. This makes for a much more interesting read with the surprises and secrets that keep being exposed.
Dylan would be too good to be true if it wasn’t for all the complicated baggage in his own life. However, Dylan’s past which controls his actions now are exposed soon in the story. I had predicted that this would be the main conflict in the story. Not so, those problems of his do not drive Gemma away. It is her own past at work that is doing that.
What looks to be a predictable story is not, which raises this small town life novel up a level. So that I found it to be a more interesting and pleasurable read than I first expected. Well done.
NetGalley provided a copy.
January 6, 2015
Single Mum, Gemma Clayton, has brought up her seventeen year old daughter, Bree, helped by her Mum. Her Mum and daughter, however, have no idea of the traumatic events which ensued after Gemma informed Bree's father that she was pregnant, the secrets of her long walk home. She has kept these secrets locked in her heart for so long now that it feels like they are locked behind a door with rusty hinges - a door she really doesn't want to open.
Dylan Saddler is the man now living next door to Gemma and Bree. He's inherited the property from his aunt and he, too, has secrets from his past.
The two are attracted to each other, but taking things very slowly. Will the past push them apart or help bring them together? Can Gemma let Dylan unlock the door to her secrets - and will he still be around when he learns about the dramatic, traumatic events in her past?
This is a great story, very well written, with strong charismatic characters. The events are portrayed in an empathetic manner, making it easy for the reader to relate to how the characters felt at the time. It is a lovely read and, although it is the fifth in the series, it works well as a standalone, too.
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Dylan Saddler is the man now living next door to Gemma and Bree. He's inherited the property from his aunt and he, too, has secrets from his past.
The two are attracted to each other, but taking things very slowly. Will the past push them apart or help bring them together? Can Gemma let Dylan unlock the door to her secrets - and will he still be around when he learns about the dramatic, traumatic events in her past?
This is a great story, very well written, with strong charismatic characters. The events are portrayed in an empathetic manner, making it easy for the reader to relate to how the characters felt at the time. It is a lovely read and, although it is the fifth in the series, it works well as a standalone, too.
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2016
This story had all the family drama and angst that I love in a contemporary romance because those dynamics, as well as a person's past mistakes, affect their ability to find their HEA. Gemma struck me as much older in the beginning of the story than her chronological age. Later, I realized she acted and sounded like an older woman because she was weighed down by a seriously troubled--even shocking--past. Dylan has been beaten down in life, but his experiences make him all the more compassionate and likeable character.
Circumstances bring these two together when they come to live next door in a small Montana town. Dylan and Gemma strike up a backyard friendship. They're both very attracted to the other, but their complicated lives cause them to hesitate about going to the next step. They are afraid of losing their friend, afraid to take that leap of faith. Life has always let them both down in the past. What would make this time any different? And then there's all the growing pains of their children to tackle.
But it is different.
A string of events push them together until they give into their desires and dare to dream of a life filled with love and healthy relationships. It's all so breathtakingly beautiful between them...until Gemma's past comes back to haunt them both. Can their love survive?
Circumstances bring these two together when they come to live next door in a small Montana town. Dylan and Gemma strike up a backyard friendship. They're both very attracted to the other, but their complicated lives cause them to hesitate about going to the next step. They are afraid of losing their friend, afraid to take that leap of faith. Life has always let them both down in the past. What would make this time any different? And then there's all the growing pains of their children to tackle.
But it is different.
A string of events push them together until they give into their desires and dare to dream of a life filled with love and healthy relationships. It's all so breathtakingly beautiful between them...until Gemma's past comes back to haunt them both. Can their love survive?
November 5, 2014
If you have read any of Montana River Bend books, you might be familiar with the character of Gemma Clayton. This is her story and of what happened to her the night of the prom eighteen years past when she was young, in love with a really bad man, and pregnant with his baby. It is also the story of how the events of that night have tempered her life and stifles her future when it comes to love or even having a boyfriend. She has lived her life for her daughter, Bree, trying over time to atone for the actions she was a victim of then.
Next door to Gemma lives Dylan Sadler, a divorced father of Tyler, age nine, Dylan has a hard time getting to see Tyler because of his ex-wife and her new husband. Dylan wants to really connect with Tyler and the mysterious (to Gemma) twenty-five year old Jasmine, who is also staying with him.
They have talked many times over their common fence and both sense there is more to them than just being neighbors. Gemma's past makes her pull back from Dylan whenever it seems they will get closer. There are many problems that they both face that must be resolved if there can be any future for the both of them, especially some resolution to the secrets Gemma has harbored for 18 years.
Next door to Gemma lives Dylan Sadler, a divorced father of Tyler, age nine, Dylan has a hard time getting to see Tyler because of his ex-wife and her new husband. Dylan wants to really connect with Tyler and the mysterious (to Gemma) twenty-five year old Jasmine, who is also staying with him.
They have talked many times over their common fence and both sense there is more to them than just being neighbors. Gemma's past makes her pull back from Dylan whenever it seems they will get closer. There are many problems that they both face that must be resolved if there can be any future for the both of them, especially some resolution to the secrets Gemma has harbored for 18 years.
February 17, 2015
ARC provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
Long Walk Home is really an incredible story. It was impossible to put this book down. I actually want to read it again and again for its warmth and goodness. Gemma is a single mom who LIVES for her daughter. She holds a really deep dark secret from a long time ago that could possibly break her if it was revealed. She's imprisoned by this secret. It has consumed her and ruled her life. Dylan, also a single dad, has just moved to Marietta to start fresh. His next door neighbor .... yup, Gemma :) cue .... our story! :)
Their story starts as neighborly friendship over their connecting backyards, but soon, the attraction they have for one another wins and they give in to desire. They both have soiled pasts that give them reason to be weary of relationships. Not the same dirt, but soil just the same. Will the past push them apart or help bring them together? Can Gemma allow Dylan inside to her deep dark secret? And will Dylan even be ABLE to handle Gemma's past?
I was stunned by the warmth of not only the story, but the characters themselves. Once again, Lillian Darcy writes a phenomenally heartwarming story that will leave you puffy eyed and smiling all in the same moment!
Long Walk Home is really an incredible story. It was impossible to put this book down. I actually want to read it again and again for its warmth and goodness. Gemma is a single mom who LIVES for her daughter. She holds a really deep dark secret from a long time ago that could possibly break her if it was revealed. She's imprisoned by this secret. It has consumed her and ruled her life. Dylan, also a single dad, has just moved to Marietta to start fresh. His next door neighbor .... yup, Gemma :) cue .... our story! :)
Their story starts as neighborly friendship over their connecting backyards, but soon, the attraction they have for one another wins and they give in to desire. They both have soiled pasts that give them reason to be weary of relationships. Not the same dirt, but soil just the same. Will the past push them apart or help bring them together? Can Gemma allow Dylan inside to her deep dark secret? And will Dylan even be ABLE to handle Gemma's past?
I was stunned by the warmth of not only the story, but the characters themselves. Once again, Lillian Darcy writes a phenomenally heartwarming story that will leave you puffy eyed and smiling all in the same moment!
January 17, 2015
Originally published in booksandspoons.weebly.com/book-blog
I enjoyed the love and attraction between Gemma and Dylan, two grown up people, with a connection, that grew over time. They had the time to get to know each other, for months talking over the backyard fence. They felt the attraction, the pull for each other, and with time, acted on it. Dylan's belief that Gemma had just waited on him, was endearing.
There were secrets, so many of them, and they were serious, life changing secrets. Baggage was on both sides of the fence, but they dealt with the issues, forming a team and support system for each other that was admirable.
As a part of the series, questions from the past were answered, brought into the light. As the story unfolds, the family unit, as unconventional as it is, is forming. The growth within the characters was noticeable. I wish there would have a bit more insights into the future, what and how some of the issues were dealt with, how the family functions in the future. Overall, a charming tale of family, love, dealing with past hurt, and how undisclosed issues and events in a person's life, can form a prison inside, and keep from living in the truest of the potential of life.
~ Three spoons with a teaspoon on the side
I enjoyed the love and attraction between Gemma and Dylan, two grown up people, with a connection, that grew over time. They had the time to get to know each other, for months talking over the backyard fence. They felt the attraction, the pull for each other, and with time, acted on it. Dylan's belief that Gemma had just waited on him, was endearing.
There were secrets, so many of them, and they were serious, life changing secrets. Baggage was on both sides of the fence, but they dealt with the issues, forming a team and support system for each other that was admirable.
As a part of the series, questions from the past were answered, brought into the light. As the story unfolds, the family unit, as unconventional as it is, is forming. The growth within the characters was noticeable. I wish there would have a bit more insights into the future, what and how some of the issues were dealt with, how the family functions in the future. Overall, a charming tale of family, love, dealing with past hurt, and how undisclosed issues and events in a person's life, can form a prison inside, and keep from living in the truest of the potential of life.
~ Three spoons with a teaspoon on the side
December 25, 2014
Gemma's story is heartbreaking and brings closure to so many questions. Her best friend Neve drowns the night of their senior prom, while this is happening a just as horrific event is happening to Gemma. I have read this series from the beginning and never would have speculated the truth of Gemma's events that lead up to her Long Walk Home.
Gemma's whole life is shattered in one night. She looses her best friend, the man she thought loved her as much as she loved him and the reality of being pregnant. Luckily, Gemma had an awesome mother who helped her through these times and didn't push her to hold those closely guarded secrets for 18 years.
I would recommend reading at least Late Last Night before reading the Long Walk Home, which is Kate and Harrison's story. It will help with understanding the complexity of a few of the details.
Dylan has had his own rough story growing up, which gives him the foundation for Gemma and him to help each other.
Sad to see the series end, but glad for closure for that long ago Senior Night!!
Gemma's whole life is shattered in one night. She looses her best friend, the man she thought loved her as much as she loved him and the reality of being pregnant. Luckily, Gemma had an awesome mother who helped her through these times and didn't push her to hold those closely guarded secrets for 18 years.
I would recommend reading at least Late Last Night before reading the Long Walk Home, which is Kate and Harrison's story. It will help with understanding the complexity of a few of the details.
Dylan has had his own rough story growing up, which gives him the foundation for Gemma and him to help each other.
Sad to see the series end, but glad for closure for that long ago Senior Night!!
January 19, 2015
Single mother Gemma Clayton has kept her secret for eighteen years. No one knows who fathered her daughter, Bree. Can she put the past behind her and find love? Dylan Saddler is a divorced father? He has two children and is trying to start over in Marietta. He wants to forge a bond with his daughter, Jasmine, and spend more time with his son, Tyler. Will he ever have time for romance? The spark between Gemma and Dylan won't die. They are so aware of the other, but they each have problems that are keeping them apart. Long Walk Home is an incredible story. It was impossible to put this book down. Gemma lives for her daughter. She's not interested in romance until she meets Dylan. Gemma is such a strong and compelling character. Her story touched my heart. I was stunned when her secret was revealed. My sympathy was with Dylan. He loves his son and wants to protect him. I cheered as he and Jasmine started to connect as father and daughter. The setting in Marietta was perfect. Lilian Darcy wrote a touching story that had me in tears. I was glad to have resolution on the long ago murder.
November 7, 2014
Gemma is hiding a secret from 18 years ago about what happened to her on that prom night when Neve Shepherd died in the river. She hadn't let anyone get close to her in all this time, focused entirely on raising her daughter, Bree, to be a good, successful person.
Dylan is her back fence neighbor who is divorced and has his son coming to stay with him for part of the summer. Dylan and Gemma had gotten to know each other over the back fence, and now the flirting seems to be becoming more serious.
I loved reading about another perspective from that prom night 18 years ago. Gemma and Dylan both have their baggage from the past.
I enjoyed how both Gemma and Dylan were working so hard on their relationships with their family, while at the same time trying to start a relationship with each other.
All in all it was a very good story.
Dylan is her back fence neighbor who is divorced and has his son coming to stay with him for part of the summer. Dylan and Gemma had gotten to know each other over the back fence, and now the flirting seems to be becoming more serious.
I loved reading about another perspective from that prom night 18 years ago. Gemma and Dylan both have their baggage from the past.
I enjoyed how both Gemma and Dylan were working so hard on their relationships with their family, while at the same time trying to start a relationship with each other.
All in all it was a very good story.
November 11, 2014
Long Walk Home is a romance that tells the story of Gemma from the Copper Mountain series. It is well written and well edited.
Gemma has a seventeen year old daughter that she has raised as a single parent after finding herself pregnant and alone at seventeen. She has been keeping several secrets: who is the father of her daughter and what happened on the night of her prom that ended with three people dying. Now she is dating her handsome neighbor, Dylan, a single father, and her greatest fear is having her secrets revealed.
Long Walk Home is a warm, feel good read with nicely developed characters that are easy to identify with. I have enjoyed this series, but each book can be read as a standalone. A HEA caps off this sweet romance.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
Gemma has a seventeen year old daughter that she has raised as a single parent after finding herself pregnant and alone at seventeen. She has been keeping several secrets: who is the father of her daughter and what happened on the night of her prom that ended with three people dying. Now she is dating her handsome neighbor, Dylan, a single father, and her greatest fear is having her secrets revealed.
Long Walk Home is a warm, feel good read with nicely developed characters that are easy to identify with. I have enjoyed this series, but each book can be read as a standalone. A HEA caps off this sweet romance.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
December 6, 2014
I can easily give this book 4 stars it keep you on the edge of your seat the storyline is amazing and written well It keeps you hanging at the right times only to through a twist you didn't see coming in. I love each one of the characters which is rare for me. I loved Bree most she is one tough cookie and she has an amazing attitude. I don't read the back of books or the descriptions I am one of those who judges a book by the cover, so I didn't know what to expect with this book, when I started reading I thought it was just another romance story. It is don't get me wrong but its so much more then that. There are some "sex" parts but done in a very tasteful way that it doesn't seem like the whole book is done. I love who you can meet new people from Marietta and check in with a few others. This book will not disappoint and is well worth the read.
January 11, 2015
Given To Me For An Honest Review
Long Walk Home (A Montana River Bend Book 5) by Lilian Darcy is the last book in the Montana River Bend series. Once you begin reading this you will not be able to stop until you reach the end. Gemma has a daughter that she had at a young age. Her neighbor Dylan, is divorced and has 2 children that he had at a young age. Gemma has kept herself in a self-imprisonment and has chosen to live a safe life. Each of them have issues that they have to work through before any relationship can really develop between them. There are many twists and turns. But needless to say, everything comes out when love enters. This is a must read. It is so good. I recommend it to everyone. It would make a great addition to anyone's bookshelf. I look for more from Lilian Darcy.
Long Walk Home (A Montana River Bend Book 5) by Lilian Darcy is the last book in the Montana River Bend series. Once you begin reading this you will not be able to stop until you reach the end. Gemma has a daughter that she had at a young age. Her neighbor Dylan, is divorced and has 2 children that he had at a young age. Gemma has kept herself in a self-imprisonment and has chosen to live a safe life. Each of them have issues that they have to work through before any relationship can really develop between them. There are many twists and turns. But needless to say, everything comes out when love enters. This is a must read. It is so good. I recommend it to everyone. It would make a great addition to anyone's bookshelf. I look for more from Lilian Darcy.
December 31, 2014
Long Walk Home by Lilian Darcy is book #5 in the Montana River Bend series by Tule Publishing and is winner in my book. This book features Gemma Clayton(a single mom and teacher) who has major secrets from the long ago Marietta, Montana prom night that impacted so many characters in 1996. I always felt Gemma had a major story and boy, I was not disappointed. Dylan Saddler our other main character is Gemma's new handsome neighbor, a man with an interesting past also. This book held my interest through-out the whole story sucking me into the story. This book deals with many emotions and secrets. A good read! Check it out, along with the other books in this series!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for a honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for a honest review.
November 6, 2014
Lilian Darcy knows how to tell a story and make it one anyone will enjoy reading. Long Walk Home is no exception. I had a hard time putting this book down.
Life hasn’t always been easy for Gemma Clayton. She has kept a big secret since prom night. She fears it is about to be exposed. Will her new neighbor Dylan Sadler be the first one she tells her secret to? They have become very good friends in the 4 months that he has lived next to her. They soon move from friends to lovers. But will they ever be able to have a real relationship with all of the weight of their pasts?
Great characters and seeing how they deal with real life situations make this a wonderful book.
Life hasn’t always been easy for Gemma Clayton. She has kept a big secret since prom night. She fears it is about to be exposed. Will her new neighbor Dylan Sadler be the first one she tells her secret to? They have become very good friends in the 4 months that he has lived next to her. They soon move from friends to lovers. But will they ever be able to have a real relationship with all of the weight of their pasts?
Great characters and seeing how they deal with real life situations make this a wonderful book.
November 13, 2014
LONG WALK HOME is well-written, well paced with very appealing characters that you want to get to know better from page one. It was intense and full of emotional torment. The array of transgressions and small-town secrets make for a riveting read. Book five in the Montana river bend series, but can read as a stand alone with an exception of character Gemma from the series. This is her story of the events of prom 18 years ago. When she and her daughter Bree moves in next door to Dylan and his son Tyler. Seeing how they move on from the early events and move on with life kept me turning the pages.
Colorful cover is very pretty and would make a great addition to your bookshelf!
Colorful cover is very pretty and would make a great addition to your bookshelf!
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February 13, 2021DNF -- I tried reading this novel up to 12% but it didn't hold my interest. Dylan & Gamma might be a good match but their home lives were full of angst wrapped in mystery from their past secrets. Secrets that while weren't told by 12% of the way through the book but ones you could guess enough that it felt like the novel was dragging.
If you try to read it I hope you like it better then I did.
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Read more of From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews' here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/
If you try to read it I hope you like it better then I did.
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Read more of From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews' here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/
November 7, 2014
You know you are invested in a book or series by how well you are consumed by it. The joy at happy parts, the tightness in your body as you worry and the gradual tears at the sad parts. I went through all these emotions while reading about Emma's journey and having more pieces fit into the River Bend puzzle. I enjoyed the addition of the neighbor Dylan, into the story as Emma's neighbor. She needed that connection and she needed to be involved in someone else's life and problems, that were not her own.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2015
Gemma is a single moom who has been talking with and Dylan across their back yard fence for a few months. They both have feeling for each other. Dylan is divorced and a father of two but has not been in his daughterd life but with a accident she comes to stay with him and his son for the summer and then hires Gemma's daughter Bree to help with her over the summer. Jasmine thinks it is really embarrassing that he fathered a child at fifteen years old. I loved how Dylan and Gemma's past helps with there future.
November 11, 2014
It is all about a secret and one fateful night that happened eighteen years ago and how that secret has impacted the life of Gemma Clayton.
This book is very dramatic and detailed oriented.
I really enjoyed reading this story. It was well written. Lillian Darcy has done a wonderful job with the entire River Bend Series. I don’t know how she did it, but she put enough twist and turns into the series that I always was surprised with the outcome.
I was given an ARC to read for an honest review.
This book is very dramatic and detailed oriented.
I really enjoyed reading this story. It was well written. Lillian Darcy has done a wonderful job with the entire River Bend Series. I don’t know how she did it, but she put enough twist and turns into the series that I always was surprised with the outcome.
I was given an ARC to read for an honest review.
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