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The Women of Brambleberry House #2
His Second-Chance Family
WELCOME HOME...
When she was sixteen Julia Blair found more than fun in the sun on the sands of Cannon beach. She found a home--especially in the arms of her teenage crush, Will Garrett--and she knew that life, sunny and beautiful, stretched out in front of her....
Now she's thirty-two, and though life may not have worked out the way she planned, here she is, back in Cannon Beach, still standing, with her two little children in tow. Only to find Will Garrett there too--battered and bruised. Julia believed he could still make all her dreams come true. The question was, would he let her into his heart and do the same for him?
When she was sixteen Julia Blair found more than fun in the sun on the sands of Cannon beach. She found a home--especially in the arms of her teenage crush, Will Garrett--and she knew that life, sunny and beautiful, stretched out in front of her....
Now she's thirty-two, and though life may not have worked out the way she planned, here she is, back in Cannon Beach, still standing, with her two little children in tow. Only to find Will Garrett there too--battered and bruised. Julia believed he could still make all her dreams come true. The question was, would he let her into his heart and do the same for him?
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
685 people are currently reading
620 people want to read
About the author
RaeAnne Thayne
312 books3,873 followersI'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 8, 2024
2.5*
I've enjoyed many books from Thayne when in the mood for something quick, easy, with no drama or angst. But the hero here soured me on this one. I was annoyed that Will ran so hot and cold with Julia, but he went from taciturn to being intentionally hurtful and cruel - I was done. I get that he was grieving but the way he struck out at Julia was so uncalled for. That doused any investment I had in their relationship and I would have been fine with Will continue to wallow and Julia moving on to someone who treated her better.
I've enjoyed many books from Thayne when in the mood for something quick, easy, with no drama or angst. But the hero here soured me on this one. I was annoyed that Will ran so hot and cold with Julia, but he went from taciturn to being intentionally hurtful and cruel - I was done. I get that he was grieving but the way he struck out at Julia was so uncalled for. That doused any investment I had in their relationship and I would have been fine with Will continue to wallow and Julia moving on to someone who treated her better.
February 6, 2019
4.5 Stars
I liked this book better than the first book in the series but only by a hair. I do enjoy romances that has one person still grieving and the other person helps them find happiness and love again. But I think this book would have been even better if it had of been longer.
I really liked Julia's character. She was kind, patient, compassionate but not a push over, saying what's on her mind, but still being polite. And willing to apologize when she felt she was in the wrong. And she bounced back from pain the way I hope we all can: being sad and feeling the grief but then finding hope for the future and the joy in her current place in life.
I can accept Julia and Will falling in love so quickly because they had been in-teenage-love 15 years previously. But I felt it was all a bit rushed. In my opinion, Will didn't spend enough time with Julia's twins to really get to know them. And then Will and Julia would have a surface level conversation and a make out session and then not talk to each other for two to three weeks, the whole book taking maybe a two month time frame. If they hadn't had a relationship when they were younger, I wouldn't accept this as a reasonable amount of time for them to really fall in love.
Surprisingly, the characters have sex (I've read like 15 RaeAnne Thayne novels and her characters have never once had sex on page. Heavy makeout/petting sessions yes, but they never make it to home base). The scene is not long, nor is it very descriptive, but it's not vague either. I did find the scene appropriate to the story and made sense to the characters. I was bothered that they never once talked about protection or preventing pregnancy. I was actually hoping that Will would leave, Julia would find out she was pregnant and then he would come back after a couple months, declaring his stupidity and she could reveal she was pregnant. But alas, that did not happen.
There are no swear words in this book.
Anna is next and I'm quite looking forward to her book!
I liked this book better than the first book in the series but only by a hair. I do enjoy romances that has one person still grieving and the other person helps them find happiness and love again. But I think this book would have been even better if it had of been longer.
I really liked Julia's character. She was kind, patient, compassionate but not a push over, saying what's on her mind, but still being polite. And willing to apologize when she felt she was in the wrong. And she bounced back from pain the way I hope we all can: being sad and feeling the grief but then finding hope for the future and the joy in her current place in life.
I can accept Julia and Will falling in love so quickly because they had been in-teenage-love 15 years previously. But I felt it was all a bit rushed. In my opinion, Will didn't spend enough time with Julia's twins to really get to know them. And then Will and Julia would have a surface level conversation and a make out session and then not talk to each other for two to three weeks, the whole book taking maybe a two month time frame. If they hadn't had a relationship when they were younger, I wouldn't accept this as a reasonable amount of time for them to really fall in love.
Surprisingly, the characters have sex (I've read like 15 RaeAnne Thayne novels and her characters have never once had sex on page. Heavy makeout/petting sessions yes, but they never make it to home base). The scene is not long, nor is it very descriptive, but it's not vague either. I did find the scene appropriate to the story and made sense to the characters. I was bothered that they never once talked about protection or preventing pregnancy. I was actually hoping that Will would leave, Julia would find out she was pregnant and then he would come back after a couple months, declaring his stupidity and she could reveal she was pregnant. But alas, that did not happen.
There are no swear words in this book.
Anna is next and I'm quite looking forward to her book!
November 12, 2021
3.5 Julia has decided to move back to Brambleberry House as she needs a new start in her life for herself and her two children. Julia is a school teacher and is widowed with twins one boy and one girl. Maddie has been sick with cancer and the treatments have made the little girl very weak. Maggie's friend Abbie used tyo live in Brambleberry House but unknown to Julia Abbie recently passed away and now her heirs have decided to rent out the house into apartments. Julia meets up with her old boyfriend Will who has stayed in the area and is now a carpenter doing repairs on the house. These two people shared a young love many many years ago and Will lost his wife and child in an accident. Broken hearts when they were young but maybe their is a second chance if they both begin to accept the truth.
July 4, 2025
Great story of love after grief
This is a great standalone book at Brambleberry House. Julia and her twins, Maddie and Sean need a new start after the death of their father and Maddie's fight with cancer. Brambleberry House holds special memories for Julia, Abigail and the house were a place of peace and safety. When she sees the sign posting an apartment for rent, she quickly follows up about the apartment. Sage and Anna quickly take to Julia and her kids and Julia feels like she has finally come home. Then she bumps into Will Garrett, the boy she fell in love with when they were sixteen. But Will has changed due to being unable to move past the deaths of his wife and daughter. Can the magic of Brambleberry House work on finally getting Maddie healthy, and bringing Will and Julia back together?
This is a great standalone book at Brambleberry House. Julia and her twins, Maddie and Sean need a new start after the death of their father and Maddie's fight with cancer. Brambleberry House holds special memories for Julia, Abigail and the house were a place of peace and safety. When she sees the sign posting an apartment for rent, she quickly follows up about the apartment. Sage and Anna quickly take to Julia and her kids and Julia feels like she has finally come home. Then she bumps into Will Garrett, the boy she fell in love with when they were sixteen. But Will has changed due to being unable to move past the deaths of his wife and daughter. Can the magic of Brambleberry House work on finally getting Maddie healthy, and bringing Will and Julia back together?
January 25, 2019
I loved his heart warming story that followed the theme of life be after loss. Life has been hard for Julia Blair, and taking a chance on relocating her life when she gets a job offer at the vacation spot she loved just felt right. Fitting in is easy as she clicks with her neighbors, but she wasn't counting on the turmoil seeing her first love , Will would cause.
After the untimely death of his wife and daughter a few years prior, Will is a different man. Bitter, solitary, and aloof, he's not ready for the spark of life Julia brings with her. The push and pull as they deal with their emotional baggage kept me turning the pages. There were times Will had me so flustered, I wasn't sure if HEA was going to come.
After the untimely death of his wife and daughter a few years prior, Will is a different man. Bitter, solitary, and aloof, he's not ready for the spark of life Julia brings with her. The push and pull as they deal with their emotional baggage kept me turning the pages. There were times Will had me so flustered, I wasn't sure if HEA was going to come.
January 21, 2019
Great second story in this series!
This is an emotional and bittersweet story. The characters are a huge part of what makes this so good. Both Julia and Will have suffered tragedies. The kids Simon and Maddie make the story immeasurably better. Seeing Chloe, Sage, Anna and Eben again was great too. I do have this feeling that i read this series a long time ago, but it is well worth rereading! The leisurely pace, emotional and bittersweet tone add to the character oriented storyline and vivid complex characters with one mildly steamy scene. If this sounds good to you, then read book one and then this one.Enjoy!
This is an emotional and bittersweet story. The characters are a huge part of what makes this so good. Both Julia and Will have suffered tragedies. The kids Simon and Maddie make the story immeasurably better. Seeing Chloe, Sage, Anna and Eben again was great too. I do have this feeling that i read this series a long time ago, but it is well worth rereading! The leisurely pace, emotional and bittersweet tone add to the character oriented storyline and vivid complex characters with one mildly steamy scene. If this sounds good to you, then read book one and then this one.Enjoy!
December 6, 2019
. When she was sixteen Julia Blair found more than fun in the sun on the sands of Cannon beach. She found a home--especially in the arms of her teenage crush, Will Garrett--and she knew that life, sunny and beautiful, stretched out in front of her.... Now she's thirty-two, and though life may not have worked out the way she planned, here she is, back in Cannon Beach, still standing, with her two little children in tow. Only to find Will Garrett there too--battered and bruised. Julia believed he could still make all her dreams come true. The question was, would he let her into his heart and do the same for him?
May 6, 2020
This is the 2nd book of the series (Women of Brambleberry House). Just as rewarding to read as the first. Love the role of Conan, the dog. He impacts everyone's life in such a positive way. He also sways the women's decisions in the most mysterious ways. This is a lovely uplifting story about a lady named Julia who comes back to Cannon Beach after suffering a couple of traumatic events in her life and the lives of her children. She had been a summer visit to Cannon Beach and had left some lovely memories behind. Very good light read.
January 5, 2019
I love RaeAnne Thayne books.Abigail leaves her house which includes three apartments to Sage and Anna when she died.Abigail makes some mysterious visits to the house after she died.I know she loved both women.They now are renting the third apartment in the house to Julia and she was young boy/girl twins.Her daughter is in remission from acute lymphocytic leukemia.She’s making the best of her life living in Brambleberry House.
March 15, 2019
Pleasant
I enjoyed the story of Julia and Will. I can understand falling in love quickly with someone you fell in love with as a teenager and meet again years later, but I don’t think they really spent enough time together to develop a truly passionate love. They both had their share of past heartache and sorrow and it was good to see them falling in love. The book needed better editing to catch numerous errors. So frustrating.
I enjoyed the story of Julia and Will. I can understand falling in love quickly with someone you fell in love with as a teenager and meet again years later, but I don’t think they really spent enough time together to develop a truly passionate love. They both had their share of past heartache and sorrow and it was good to see them falling in love. The book needed better editing to catch numerous errors. So frustrating.
March 14, 2019
Great book
Another wonderful read from RaeAnne Thayne in the second book of The Women of Brambleberry House series. This series is about the terrific people in Canon Beach OR. Great read.
Another wonderful read from RaeAnne Thayne in the second book of The Women of Brambleberry House series. This series is about the terrific people in Canon Beach OR. Great read.
March 17, 2019
Losing someone can make you never want to take the chance on losing again but RaeAnne Thayne can write a story that will convince you to try again! Laughter, tears, joy, sorrow.......You will find it all in this book. Enjoy! 📚
September 29, 2019
Old Crushes
Will and Julia were attracted to each other during their summer together. Now years later...can they make it work? The house and a big red dog have something to say about it.
Will and Julia were attracted to each other during their summer together. Now years later...can they make it work? The house and a big red dog have something to say about it.
October 28, 2019
I thought this book way okay. Not the greatest, but not the worst either. I just feel indifferent about it. It was a typical romance story. Very predictable, but it is an easy read and a nice romance if that is what you're looking for.
March 3, 2022
This book takes the reader on the feel good journey of two high school kids who fell in love one summer, through difficult adult years, only to reunite years later to build a new relationship on the foundation of their former love.
September 21, 2023
En trevlig tvåa i serien! Jag brukar sällan lyssna eller läsa bokserier i ett streck, men nu råkade det bli att jag lyssnade på tvåan i den här serien och det var rätt trevligt! Man befinner sig kvar i världen och får en annan upplevelse än om man bryter av en serie med andra böcker.
March 15, 2025
Spoiler alert: I dislike chsracters who roll around in their grief and anger the way my cat rolls in a clean litter box. And I think stories like this where there is a sudden 180 degree turnaround is the worst kind of fantasy, convincing young readers that their love will heal all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2017
Great!
January 14, 2018
Very nice story
This book is a very nice story diminished by inadequate attention to proofreading and editing, which distracted me from the storyline.
This book is a very nice story diminished by inadequate attention to proofreading and editing, which distracted me from the storyline.
February 11, 2018
I have enjoyed most of her books, but this was one that I found a little hard to get into.
January 16, 2019
4.5 Stars
July 9, 2019
Mindless but entertaining and we all need mindless at times. 2.5
March 8, 2020
I’m a sucker for broken heroes. Would’ve loved an epilogue though as this story is short.
October 21, 2020
😭😭🥰❤️👏🏾
October 29, 2020
I know I've read this before but it's not on my list. Nice story. Will and Julia's story.
January 12, 2021
Just can't get into this one for some reason.
June 3, 2021
Geweldig <3
July 4, 2021
This is a light, sweet, feel good romance that’s still manages to touch on deeply important topics in life. I enjoyed it very much.
July 28, 2021
4.5 Stars
August 26, 2021
Love this series! Looking forward to Anna’s story next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews