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Hope Springs #5
The Comfort of Favorite Things
No matter how many years Dakota Keller has spent trying, he can’t outrun his past, so when a private investigator tells him his sister needs him, he travels to the small Texas town of Hope Springs to start a new life with the support of his siblings. When he arrives to do a routine construction job at the town’s new espresso bar, he’s shocked to discover that the owner is Thea Clark—the girl he couldn’t resist in high school and whose memory kept him sane in prison.
Recovering from an abusive relationship, Thea decides that her past is off-limits for discussion, even with Dakota. After all, it feels like a lifetime since she last saw him. But when Dakota’s brother’s firm is tapped to renovate the women’s shelter Thea runs out of her home, old feelings quickly reignite. Could a casual affair from high school turn out to be the one connection neither of them can live without?
Recovering from an abusive relationship, Thea decides that her past is off-limits for discussion, even with Dakota. After all, it feels like a lifetime since she last saw him. But when Dakota’s brother’s firm is tapped to renovate the women’s shelter Thea runs out of her home, old feelings quickly reignite. Could a casual affair from high school turn out to be the one connection neither of them can live without?
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2015
235 people are currently reading
635 people want to read
About the author
Alison Kent
129 books641 followersI often read of or hear about authors who knew they were meant to tell stories from the time they left the crib. Me? I didn't decide what I wanted to be when I grew up until I was thirty years old - and then sold my first book at thirty-four. Still, it was obvious that I always knew I was going places.
Like so many other authors, I was a voracious reader from day one, devouring everything from Nancy Drew to My Friend Flicka, which I remember sitting hovered over the heater vent in the kitchen floor to read while my father made his coffee.
I moved on to my mother's Phyllis Whitney, Dorothy Eden, and Mary Stewart gothics before discovering my first true romances written by Lucy Walker and set in the Australian Outback. And then, at last, when I was 18 I found 'The Flame and the Flower'. (My son almost spent his life as Brandon because of that, but I spared him and named him Casey instead!)
Why write romance? Because love stories have always been a major part of the books I've loved. Father Ralph and Meggie Cleary. (I did name my daughter Megan after reading The Thorn Birds! Do you see a trend here?) The aforementioned Brandon Birmingham and Heather Simmons. Wolf Mackenzie and Mary Potter.
Even more so, it's because I love writing romance heroes. The men who sweep both heroines and readers off their feet - not to mention their authors, too!
I've spent several years happily writing action adventure romance for Kensington Brava along with hot and sexy series romances for Harlequin Blaze. Now I'm thrilled to be a launch author for Vows.
Like so many other authors, I was a voracious reader from day one, devouring everything from Nancy Drew to My Friend Flicka, which I remember sitting hovered over the heater vent in the kitchen floor to read while my father made his coffee.
I moved on to my mother's Phyllis Whitney, Dorothy Eden, and Mary Stewart gothics before discovering my first true romances written by Lucy Walker and set in the Australian Outback. And then, at last, when I was 18 I found 'The Flame and the Flower'. (My son almost spent his life as Brandon because of that, but I spared him and named him Casey instead!)
Why write romance? Because love stories have always been a major part of the books I've loved. Father Ralph and Meggie Cleary. (I did name my daughter Megan after reading The Thorn Birds! Do you see a trend here?) The aforementioned Brandon Birmingham and Heather Simmons. Wolf Mackenzie and Mary Potter.
Even more so, it's because I love writing romance heroes. The men who sweep both heroines and readers off their feet - not to mention their authors, too!
I've spent several years happily writing action adventure romance for Kensington Brava along with hot and sexy series romances for Harlequin Blaze. Now I'm thrilled to be a launch author for Vows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
October 4, 2015
After escaping an abusive relationship Thea returned to her childhood home of Hope Springs with a suitcase full of money and ragtag group of women, other survivors of domestic violence. She immediately bought a decrepit old house and a shop with plans on turning the house into a shelter for women on the run from their abusers and the shop as a place to get them working and earning a few dollars.
Then her boyfriend from high school walks in the door and she finds herself dealing with her past as well as her present.
The last time Dakota saw Thea was the night before he was dragged off to prison for beating up his sister's rapist six ways to Sunday. After his release he hit the road and it's only now with the birth of his niece and his sister getting married that he has returned to Hope Springs. But despite everyone wanting him to hang around, the road is calling him and once he finishes the renovation for Thea he plans on moving on.
Such a beautiful, sweet book. It's about damaged women who are getting their lives back and I really found myself engaging with all of them. While it sits comfortably in Contemporary Romance there are definitely some elements which I would describe as Women's Fiction. Truthfully the romance didn't really start till the last 30% of the book and that's fine. Everything about this book is great.
Many thanks to Montlake Romance and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC
Then her boyfriend from high school walks in the door and she finds herself dealing with her past as well as her present.
The last time Dakota saw Thea was the night before he was dragged off to prison for beating up his sister's rapist six ways to Sunday. After his release he hit the road and it's only now with the birth of his niece and his sister getting married that he has returned to Hope Springs. But despite everyone wanting him to hang around, the road is calling him and once he finishes the renovation for Thea he plans on moving on.
Such a beautiful, sweet book. It's about damaged women who are getting their lives back and I really found myself engaging with all of them. While it sits comfortably in Contemporary Romance there are definitely some elements which I would describe as Women's Fiction. Truthfully the romance didn't really start till the last 30% of the book and that's fine. Everything about this book is great.
Many thanks to Montlake Romance and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC
September 27, 2015
Eh...
I didn't like this story as much as the others in the series. I really wanted to know more about Dakota from the hints I got from the other books. But this didn't feel like enough. I'm still missing something and I didn't feel the connection between Dakota and Thea like I did with the couple's of the previous books which I really enjoyed. I liked the Becca character a lot. I wouldn't mind a story of just her and Manny but Ellie and Lena was weird for me and random.
I didn't like this story as much as the others in the series. I really wanted to know more about Dakota from the hints I got from the other books. But this didn't feel like enough. I'm still missing something and I didn't feel the connection between Dakota and Thea like I did with the couple's of the previous books which I really enjoyed. I liked the Becca character a lot. I wouldn't mind a story of just her and Manny but Ellie and Lena was weird for me and random.
January 23, 2017
This title was particularly apt for me since the story contained so many of my romance-novel favorite things: a small-town setting, connections to other books, and the reunion trope. Dakota Keller, who fled from his siblings when he was released from prison, has now reconnected with them, but unlike Tennessee and Indiana, he is not expecting to put down roots in Hope Springs. Still, while he is there waiting to decide where he will wander next, he is willing to work with his brother Tennessee in the construction company that had once been their shared dream. He doesn’t expect a renovation project to lead him to Thea Clark, the high school girlfriend whom he has never forgotten. It was the memory of Thea that kept him sane during his three years in prison.
Thea’s memories of their past are just as vivid as Dakota’s, and she is no more eager to share her past than he is. She has left her own prison of abuse and obsessive control, and her energies now are focused on the refuge and new life she offers to other abused women. Breads and Beans, the coffee bar that Dakota is opening is one way of funding the shelter. Despite their wariness, Dakota and Thea cannot ignore their feelings for one another, feelings that are even more powerful for these two wounded adults than they were for the troubled teenagers they once were. But can they trust one another enough to open their hearts and their lives and accept this second chance at love.
Kent continues her second-chance stories with this fifth novel in the series. Fans of the series will doubtless be happy to learn more about the mysterious Dakota. His angst-heavy story combines with Thea’s story and those of the other abused women she has befriended to make this novel darker than the others in the series, but ultimately both the primary and secondary characters offer stories of triumph over adversity and hopeful new beginnings. It doesn’t take an English major to note that the town’s name is laden with meaning.
Like the other books in the series, this one is very much a character-driven story with a higher than average degree of introspection. Readers who prefer high action may find the pace too slow for their taste. I’m a fan of quiet books, and while the first book in the series, The Second Chance Café, remains my favorite, this one is a solid addition to a series I have enjoyed overall. Dakota and Thea are layered, sympathetic characters, and the secondary romances added an extra touch of sweetness. I also enjoyed seeing the HEAs of characters from earlier books in progress.
Kent has indicated that she has another story in this series “bubbling in a creative cauldron.” I hope that is a reference to Will Bowman’s story. The series will seem incomplete to me without it. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for the next good thing from Hope Springs.
Reread January 2017--see comment on The Second Chance Café.
Thea’s memories of their past are just as vivid as Dakota’s, and she is no more eager to share her past than he is. She has left her own prison of abuse and obsessive control, and her energies now are focused on the refuge and new life she offers to other abused women. Breads and Beans, the coffee bar that Dakota is opening is one way of funding the shelter. Despite their wariness, Dakota and Thea cannot ignore their feelings for one another, feelings that are even more powerful for these two wounded adults than they were for the troubled teenagers they once were. But can they trust one another enough to open their hearts and their lives and accept this second chance at love.
Kent continues her second-chance stories with this fifth novel in the series. Fans of the series will doubtless be happy to learn more about the mysterious Dakota. His angst-heavy story combines with Thea’s story and those of the other abused women she has befriended to make this novel darker than the others in the series, but ultimately both the primary and secondary characters offer stories of triumph over adversity and hopeful new beginnings. It doesn’t take an English major to note that the town’s name is laden with meaning.
Like the other books in the series, this one is very much a character-driven story with a higher than average degree of introspection. Readers who prefer high action may find the pace too slow for their taste. I’m a fan of quiet books, and while the first book in the series, The Second Chance Café, remains my favorite, this one is a solid addition to a series I have enjoyed overall. Dakota and Thea are layered, sympathetic characters, and the secondary romances added an extra touch of sweetness. I also enjoyed seeing the HEAs of characters from earlier books in progress.
Kent has indicated that she has another story in this series “bubbling in a creative cauldron.” I hope that is a reference to Will Bowman’s story. The series will seem incomplete to me without it. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for the next good thing from Hope Springs.
Reread January 2017--see comment on The Second Chance Café.
September 17, 2015
My Review:
I've only read one other book in this series, the one right before this one, and really liked it so when I saw this one come up for review, I grabbed it. While that one was all about chocolate, this one took place surrounding one of my other favorite substances...coffee.
Thea is super-woman...she's just opened a pseudo-shelter for battered women, is in the process of renovating a storefront for her coffee, soup, and bread shop, and she's also debating buying into another business in this book. She has a LOT on her plate. To complicate her life, her new construction foreman is the former love of her young life, Dakota.
Dakota hasn't seen Thea since the night before he went to prison for three years. That night kept him somewhat sane during that time, but three years in prison took it's toll. He's not the same man she used to know. But she's not that same girl either. They are both broken. But what hasn't broken is their connection to one another.
I love second chance love stories and the back story about these two is heartbreaking. I understand why Dakota didn't come home, but they both lost so much time and had so much more hurt in the meantime. That's a painful reality...but it did provide for some good emotional angst in the story.
There are a ton of secondary story lines within this book. Thea's home is a shelter for battered women, three other women and two children, to be exact. And each has her own story happening, two of them besides Thea include romantic story lines...so, yes there are three total romantic story lines in this book.
There is also Dakota and his brother and sister. When he got out of prison, he didn't just ignore Thea, he ignored his siblings, too...and those are some difficult emotions for them to work through. I did enjoy this aspect of the story, but I always like stories that involve sibling relationships. I can't imagine growing up with their parents and circumstances...and none of them were left undamaged when Dakota went to prison for attacking his sister's attempted rapist. There are some really complex emotions underlying all these interactions.
But to be honest...I feel like this was a book weakened by too many points of view. While I loved the romance between Thea and Dakota and his whole family dynamic, the momentum of the story kept getting sidelined by the other two romantic stories within the book. I liked them all, but I think it weakened my emotional investment with Thea and Dakota. It was distracting when I really wanted to be consumed by them and the possibilities for them, but just as the story would get good, the author would change the POV. I wasn't a fan of that technique.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I've only read one other book in this series, the one right before this one, and really liked it so when I saw this one come up for review, I grabbed it. While that one was all about chocolate, this one took place surrounding one of my other favorite substances...coffee.
Thea is super-woman...she's just opened a pseudo-shelter for battered women, is in the process of renovating a storefront for her coffee, soup, and bread shop, and she's also debating buying into another business in this book. She has a LOT on her plate. To complicate her life, her new construction foreman is the former love of her young life, Dakota.
Dakota hasn't seen Thea since the night before he went to prison for three years. That night kept him somewhat sane during that time, but three years in prison took it's toll. He's not the same man she used to know. But she's not that same girl either. They are both broken. But what hasn't broken is their connection to one another.
I love second chance love stories and the back story about these two is heartbreaking. I understand why Dakota didn't come home, but they both lost so much time and had so much more hurt in the meantime. That's a painful reality...but it did provide for some good emotional angst in the story.
There are a ton of secondary story lines within this book. Thea's home is a shelter for battered women, three other women and two children, to be exact. And each has her own story happening, two of them besides Thea include romantic story lines...so, yes there are three total romantic story lines in this book.
There is also Dakota and his brother and sister. When he got out of prison, he didn't just ignore Thea, he ignored his siblings, too...and those are some difficult emotions for them to work through. I did enjoy this aspect of the story, but I always like stories that involve sibling relationships. I can't imagine growing up with their parents and circumstances...and none of them were left undamaged when Dakota went to prison for attacking his sister's attempted rapist. There are some really complex emotions underlying all these interactions.
But to be honest...I feel like this was a book weakened by too many points of view. While I loved the romance between Thea and Dakota and his whole family dynamic, the momentum of the story kept getting sidelined by the other two romantic stories within the book. I liked them all, but I think it weakened my emotional investment with Thea and Dakota. It was distracting when I really wanted to be consumed by them and the possibilities for them, but just as the story would get good, the author would change the POV. I wasn't a fan of that technique.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
August 31, 2015
I went into this one expecting a fun romance and boy, was I quickly slapped in the face as this one had a bit of a dark side. The thing is, I found that I liked that part of the story. I think what made this work was that both Dakota and Thea had a dark past.
I loved what Thea was working towards with Bread and Beans, loved that the business would be a safe place for a new start for so many. I loved it when some of those in town realized what Thea was doing and they did what they could to help.
Dakota annoyed me for a great portion of the book. It seemed like he couldn't get past his past. I hated how he pushed his siblings away, hurting them in the process.
By the end of the book it seemed like everyone had made peace with their past, putting it where it belonged, firmly in the past, while looking towards their future with a smile.
I loved what Thea was working towards with Bread and Beans, loved that the business would be a safe place for a new start for so many. I loved it when some of those in town realized what Thea was doing and they did what they could to help.
Dakota annoyed me for a great portion of the book. It seemed like he couldn't get past his past. I hated how he pushed his siblings away, hurting them in the process.
By the end of the book it seemed like everyone had made peace with their past, putting it where it belonged, firmly in the past, while looking towards their future with a smile.
November 12, 2015
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series but did not like this most recent installment as much. Too many relationships being developed and as some other reviewers have said, too much reiteration of what had originally caused the Keller siblings to be separated but never any REAL discussion or counseling or anything; just bringing it up again and again. At least Dakota and Thea had conversations about their pasts but even still at times it seemed like they suddenly had relationship changes without much explanation.
September 23, 2015
A sweet book that walks a little on the dark side.
Nothing really happens until about 80% of the book. Just storytelling and a little insight to all the characters.
It was still a good book, well deserving of a 3 star rating.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
***
January 2, 2019
I didn't enjoy as much as previous titles in the series. I felt it was a constant rehashing of the near rape of Indiana. Also as a previous reader says they are two other romance stories going on but not really because all three couple romance go at a very slow pace. With that said I do enjoy this series and am hoping that the author will give us Will's story next.
October 23, 2015
there were too many people and too many stories in this one so you never felt like you got to know anyone and it all worked out easily and quickly for them, not the usual standard for this series.
November 8, 2017
Another great story added to the Hope Springs series.
Dakota, the third Keller sibling finds his happily ever after.
When I saw Thea was the heroine of Dakotas story, I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. But to be fair, I only saw her from the point of view of Dakotas fourteen year old sister.
This story was about second chances.
Dakota and Thea were high school sweethearts. Then a bad decision on Dakotas part sent him to prison for three years. Ten plus years later finds them both back in Hope Springs. Thea setting up a new business, Dakota working construction for his brother.
It was a great story, we are actually treated to not one second chance romance, but three, as two side characters start to find love as well. Thea is doing her part to help women like herself who have survived bad relationships. They were difficult to read but helped tell an emotional heartfelt story of strong women and moving forward.
Well written, great characters. The story is told from multiple points of view. No cheating, no cliffhanger no drama or angst. Just a sweet second chance romance.
Dakota, the third Keller sibling finds his happily ever after.
When I saw Thea was the heroine of Dakotas story, I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. But to be fair, I only saw her from the point of view of Dakotas fourteen year old sister.
This story was about second chances.
Dakota and Thea were high school sweethearts. Then a bad decision on Dakotas part sent him to prison for three years. Ten plus years later finds them both back in Hope Springs. Thea setting up a new business, Dakota working construction for his brother.
It was a great story, we are actually treated to not one second chance romance, but three, as two side characters start to find love as well. Thea is doing her part to help women like herself who have survived bad relationships. They were difficult to read but helped tell an emotional heartfelt story of strong women and moving forward.
Well written, great characters. The story is told from multiple points of view. No cheating, no cliffhanger no drama or angst. Just a sweet second chance romance.
July 14, 2019
I am thoroughly enjoying this series.
And even though I had taken a break after “Bliss...”, I still appreciate Hope Springs and how Ms. Kent brings the town and its residents to life.
I like all the secondary romances as well - it is heartening to read about Becca and Ellie both finding new folks who will appreciate them and keep them looking only ever forward, away from their respective horrendous pasts.
Granted, I spent quite a bit of the story wondering if any of the awful exes would pop up to ruin what Dragon Hill house was starting to heal ... I am relieved by the ending, and also about the Kellers all coming together fully again at the end.
One more installment, which I’m assuming will be bittersweet. But I’m hoping for the same delightful characterization, comfortable pacing, and turns of phrase ... dare I launch into it immediately?
And even though I had taken a break after “Bliss...”, I still appreciate Hope Springs and how Ms. Kent brings the town and its residents to life.
I like all the secondary romances as well - it is heartening to read about Becca and Ellie both finding new folks who will appreciate them and keep them looking only ever forward, away from their respective horrendous pasts.
Granted, I spent quite a bit of the story wondering if any of the awful exes would pop up to ruin what Dragon Hill house was starting to heal ... I am relieved by the ending, and also about the Kellers all coming together fully again at the end.
One more installment, which I’m assuming will be bittersweet. But I’m hoping for the same delightful characterization, comfortable pacing, and turns of phrase ... dare I launch into it immediately?
April 30, 2018
This books of the series was definitely my least favorite. There were too many story lines going on throughout this book. It was hard to fall in love with the characters when neither of them got to tell the full extent of their stories. The author could have definitely created a story for each one of them and still kept the audience's attention.
November 2, 2016
Thea and Dakota
In book 5 we revisit Hope Springs. We delve further into the life of Dakota. Thea Clark emerges as a dominant character. Ms Kent manages to weave an interesting plot around believable characters.
In book 5 we revisit Hope Springs. We delve further into the life of Dakota. Thea Clark emerges as a dominant character. Ms Kent manages to weave an interesting plot around believable characters.
April 1, 2018
Awesome book
This book is about Dakota and The a. Will he break her heart again or will he stay. Can he find himself with family and friends or we he leave to be the lone wolf again?
This book is about Dakota and The a. Will he break her heart again or will he stay. Can he find himself with family and friends or we he leave to be the lone wolf again?
November 9, 2018
The comfort of favorite things
Oh my you got me again.well done.Love stories of family,life,love and all that happens in between.All I can say is friends,pick up a copy of book one in Hope Springs.
Oh my you got me again.well done.Love stories of family,life,love and all that happens in between.All I can say is friends,pick up a copy of book one in Hope Springs.
September 13, 2019
Detailed and pertinent
I have read a number of her books and enjoyed them. This one, With the lesbian issue and profanity, and everyone sleeping with old partners
( as was a part of most of her books),
Just was not entertaining to me. I probably will not read her again.
I have read a number of her books and enjoyed them. This one, With the lesbian issue and profanity, and everyone sleeping with old partners
( as was a part of most of her books),
Just was not entertaining to me. I probably will not read her again.
October 27, 2019
Another perfect couple
Great story. Good possibilities for future spin offs. Allison really knows how to blend the past with the present to the it all together with a bit of uncertainty thrown in for good measure!
Great story. Good possibilities for future spin offs. Allison really knows how to blend the past with the present to the it all together with a bit of uncertainty thrown in for good measure!
November 22, 2019
Terrific series
Such a dynamic depiction of family interaction and remorse for not having done enough for each other.
New love is also a plus.
I enjoyed the series so much I am going to read again.
Such a dynamic depiction of family interaction and remorse for not having done enough for each other.
New love is also a plus.
I enjoyed the series so much I am going to read again.
May 30, 2017
Great book!
August 17, 2017
incredible Read
I only hope that there are a few more books to find out about the rest of the charactures.
5 Star's
I only hope that there are a few more books to find out about the rest of the charactures.
5 Star's
September 14, 2017
I loved this series!!!
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
February 15, 2018
I liked learning more about Dakota and Thea, and the other ladies in the house. It was interesting, but in the end I didn't really feel like anything got resolved and it left me hanging.
October 9, 2018
Wonderfully sweet cozy romance. Just what I needed.
December 1, 2018
Love
Hopes and dreams settle into place when everyone decides the past is past and it's what made them who they are family friends and a town full of hope.
Hopes and dreams settle into place when everyone decides the past is past and it's what made them who they are family friends and a town full of hope.
August 18, 2019
The Comfort of Favorite Things
This book has an easy to follow plot and interesting characters. I recommend this book to all lovers of contemporary, romance novels.
This book has an easy to follow plot and interesting characters. I recommend this book to all lovers of contemporary, romance novels.
October 17, 2019
This was my favourite book in this series
I knew I was going to love Dakota's story & it didn't disappoint!
There is so many stories going on in this one but all where part of it
I knew I was going to love Dakota's story & it didn't disappoint!
There is so many stories going on in this one but all where part of it
March 26, 2023
Best Series Yet!!
Love the characters. Love the family plot!! Love how this shows how strong people can be!! The whole series is the best I’ve read yet!! Highly recommend!!
Love the characters. Love the family plot!! Love how this shows how strong people can be!! The whole series is the best I’ve read yet!! Highly recommend!!
March 23, 2019
The Comfort Of Sweet Things is the fifth instalment in the Hope Springs series. Darker than its predecessors, this is nevertheless a solid addition to the series with wonderful three dimensional characters.
Told from multiple points of view, it’s easy to identify and sympathise with each character and all that they had been through. To see them triumph over adversity despite their broken backgrounds was satisfying. This has been my favourite of the series so far.
Told from multiple points of view, it’s easy to identify and sympathise with each character and all that they had been through. To see them triumph over adversity despite their broken backgrounds was satisfying. This has been my favourite of the series so far.
December 31, 2015
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
I was so excited to finally have Dakota’s story. He has been within almost every story in the Hope Springs series. In The Comfort of Favorite Things we will get the chance to hear directly from Dakota, as he gives us his reasons for disappearing for so long and where his future will lie.
This fifth novel of the series also touches on some very important and sensitive subjects with a realistic touch and compassion for those who have dealt with some of the worst that can happen done in the name of “love”. And others done for power and control.
Thea’s life has changed a lot since Dakota spent the last night before entering prison with her. A life that has offered more pain than anything else. Now she’s settled in Hope Springs, she’s bought a rundown old mansion on a hill and fortified it so that no one can ever enter to harm those that live within its walls. Thea has created a shelter for other women who need protection and a chance to rebuild their lives. It won’t be easy, but she is determined. The new business she is opening will help to fund that shelter. The last person she expected to show up to do construction on her shop was Dakota.
The Comfort of Favorite Things is such a powerful story. Not only are we getting Dakota’s side of the story of his disappearance after serving his time for the actions he took after Indiana’s attack – but we get the chance to also meet some very courageous women. Each of the women that Thea is helping has their own unique story and reason to need the safety of the shelter and to rebuild their lives.
It was fun to run into old friends in this story. Most of the couples, and people we met in previous novels have a brief appearance in this newest story. It’s always a good feeling to get an update on characters who mean so much to the town and the series. I would recommend The Comfort of Favorite Things to anyone who enjoys a deeply layered story that feels realistic and believable from the first chapter.
*I received an e-ARC of The Comfort of Favorite Things from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
I was so excited to finally have Dakota’s story. He has been within almost every story in the Hope Springs series. In The Comfort of Favorite Things we will get the chance to hear directly from Dakota, as he gives us his reasons for disappearing for so long and where his future will lie.
This fifth novel of the series also touches on some very important and sensitive subjects with a realistic touch and compassion for those who have dealt with some of the worst that can happen done in the name of “love”. And others done for power and control.
Thea’s life has changed a lot since Dakota spent the last night before entering prison with her. A life that has offered more pain than anything else. Now she’s settled in Hope Springs, she’s bought a rundown old mansion on a hill and fortified it so that no one can ever enter to harm those that live within its walls. Thea has created a shelter for other women who need protection and a chance to rebuild their lives. It won’t be easy, but she is determined. The new business she is opening will help to fund that shelter. The last person she expected to show up to do construction on her shop was Dakota.
The Comfort of Favorite Things is such a powerful story. Not only are we getting Dakota’s side of the story of his disappearance after serving his time for the actions he took after Indiana’s attack – but we get the chance to also meet some very courageous women. Each of the women that Thea is helping has their own unique story and reason to need the safety of the shelter and to rebuild their lives.
It was fun to run into old friends in this story. Most of the couples, and people we met in previous novels have a brief appearance in this newest story. It’s always a good feeling to get an update on characters who mean so much to the town and the series. I would recommend The Comfort of Favorite Things to anyone who enjoys a deeply layered story that feels realistic and believable from the first chapter.
*I received an e-ARC of The Comfort of Favorite Things from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
September 13, 2015
Recommended for: Readers who likes small town charms, slow plot, multilayered characters and great secondary characters.
This book is part of the Hope Springs series but can standalone (however there are intersecting characters from previous books that are somewhat connected to the main characters)
Triggers: Domestic and sexual abuse (experienced in the characters past)
This book kind of took me by surprise. I was expecting second chance romance and instead I got second chance at life. The Comfort of Favorite Things was in a word, special. Most books grab you in a whirlwind of emotions, the highs and lows, whether it be tears or laughter and you get your perfect ending and that wonderful sense of happily ever after. This book gave me a world where people are broken but surviving it. They have a past and for the most part are ruled by it and as they inch their way forward into a better future, they acknowledge that past and shed the shackles that bind them to it slowly but surely. We have one main OTP and this is one love story that spans years, Dakota and Thea are one couple that just had stuff happen to them but their one shining light was always each other. The story is never about falling in love again, it was about acknowledging that the love they have was lasting and forever, that it just came too early in their life and was cowered for a little while and is now ready to shine once again. There are other wonderful characters in this book, all dealing with trauma, all ready to have another turn in this complicated life. Great reading overall.
*ARC provided thru NetGalley by the publisher*
This book is part of the Hope Springs series but can standalone (however there are intersecting characters from previous books that are somewhat connected to the main characters)
Triggers: Domestic and sexual abuse (experienced in the characters past)
This book kind of took me by surprise. I was expecting second chance romance and instead I got second chance at life. The Comfort of Favorite Things was in a word, special. Most books grab you in a whirlwind of emotions, the highs and lows, whether it be tears or laughter and you get your perfect ending and that wonderful sense of happily ever after. This book gave me a world where people are broken but surviving it. They have a past and for the most part are ruled by it and as they inch their way forward into a better future, they acknowledge that past and shed the shackles that bind them to it slowly but surely. We have one main OTP and this is one love story that spans years, Dakota and Thea are one couple that just had stuff happen to them but their one shining light was always each other. The story is never about falling in love again, it was about acknowledging that the love they have was lasting and forever, that it just came too early in their life and was cowered for a little while and is now ready to shine once again. There are other wonderful characters in this book, all dealing with trauma, all ready to have another turn in this complicated life. Great reading overall.
*ARC provided thru NetGalley by the publisher*
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