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The Wildes of Birch Bay #1
Montana Cherries
After her mother’s tragic death, Dani Wilde had no choice but to abandon her dreams. She left Columbia University and returned to her family’s Montana cherry farm, intent on being a maternal figure to her brothers. Now the kids are grown, and it’s finally her time to fly. Her sights are on New York City, and nothing will stop her—not even an old flame with gorgeous green eyes.
Celebrity photographer Ben Denton hasn’t seen Montana in years—and hasn’t spoken to Dani since “that night” so long ago. When he discovers he’s a dad to a four-year-old—and the child’s mother refuses to care for her—Montana and the Wilde farm spring to mind. The orchard is the only place that’s ever felt like home, but will the warmth of the Wilde family be enough to help Ben figure out how to be a father?
As the Wilde family gathers for the yearly cherry harvest and Dani struggles to figure out what she really wants in life, she discovers the shocking truth about her own mother—and learns that following her heart may lead her to her dreams after all.
Celebrity photographer Ben Denton hasn’t seen Montana in years—and hasn’t spoken to Dani since “that night” so long ago. When he discovers he’s a dad to a four-year-old—and the child’s mother refuses to care for her—Montana and the Wilde farm spring to mind. The orchard is the only place that’s ever felt like home, but will the warmth of the Wilde family be enough to help Ben figure out how to be a father?
As the Wilde family gathers for the yearly cherry harvest and Dani struggles to figure out what she really wants in life, she discovers the shocking truth about her own mother—and learns that following her heart may lead her to her dreams after all.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2015
1793 people are currently reading
1435 people want to read
About the author
Kim Law
31 books836 followersKim Law is an award-winning bestselling author of contemporary romance. Kim writes epic love stories with heart, heat, and happily ever afters. Her novels are set mostly in small towns and contain a fun mix of drama, family & friends, and laughter. 😊 Her most recent release is Caught off Guard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 356 reviews
January 8, 2023
Montana Cherries by Kim Law
The Wildes of Birch Bay series #1. Contemporary romance. Alternating POV, 3rd person. Second chance troupe.
Dani Wilde dropped out of college to return home to Montana after her mother’s death. She raised her four younger brothers and took over running the family business. Now that all her brothers are adults, it’s finally her turn to live her dreams in New York. Before she leaves, her high school boyfriend moves back to town with a 4 year old daughter and Dani falls in love again. But New York is the plan for Dani, not Montana and a cherry farm.
This book runs through a lot of emotionally difficult issues. With different mother and family issues, mental health and career through the story lines as well as children of different generations, it’s best to have the box of tissues close by. Don’t be alarmed. It’s still a romance so will end well, but oh, the pressures, and sad memories had me in tears several times. There are joyful parts as well with adorable Haley and the rebuilding romance between Dani and Ben.
There are many emotional swings in this 370 page story. While there is much of the secondary character arcs that need resolution, ultimately I loved this romance and will continue to read more of the series.
The Wildes of Birch Bay series #1. Contemporary romance. Alternating POV, 3rd person. Second chance troupe.
Dani Wilde dropped out of college to return home to Montana after her mother’s death. She raised her four younger brothers and took over running the family business. Now that all her brothers are adults, it’s finally her turn to live her dreams in New York. Before she leaves, her high school boyfriend moves back to town with a 4 year old daughter and Dani falls in love again. But New York is the plan for Dani, not Montana and a cherry farm.
This book runs through a lot of emotionally difficult issues. With different mother and family issues, mental health and career through the story lines as well as children of different generations, it’s best to have the box of tissues close by. Don’t be alarmed. It’s still a romance so will end well, but oh, the pressures, and sad memories had me in tears several times. There are joyful parts as well with adorable Haley and the rebuilding romance between Dani and Ben.
There are many emotional swings in this 370 page story. While there is much of the secondary character arcs that need resolution, ultimately I loved this romance and will continue to read more of the series.
July 19, 2015
I enjoyed this book but yet i didn't fall in love with it. I did love the unique plot and the
Cherry trees. The way Law describes it just sounds so enchanting.
Dani's mother passed away so she returned home to Montana to take care of her brothers and father. Now she is set to return to NYC to start her marketing job in a month when Ben returns to Montana with his daughter he is just getting to know.
Ben didn't have a traditional childhood but he is determined to make his daughters life a good one. It also helps that Dani is around to steer him in the right direction plus he just stop stop thinking of her and that one night they spent together.
This story was more about family and forgiveness then it was about romance. Don't get me wrong there was a Romance that bloomed between Ben and Dani. It has some cute and sweet moments especially the ones that include his daughter.
Some lies and truths are uncovered and tend to rock Danis family but I loved how Ben was there with ice cream or a hug just to be there for her while she is dealing with the things that come to light.
I'm sad to say I wish this was a series and not a standalone. Dani has at least 5 brothers in which I believe 4 are single. And we'll her brother who is married should be divorced and looking for someone else just saying. I did like her brothers but do to the seriousness of the book they didn't have a playful banter which I would have loved to see.
I enjoyed the ending and all the princess talk. I thought that was sweet and Ben did a wonderful job on being the prince Dani needed and wanted.
Cherry trees. The way Law describes it just sounds so enchanting.
Dani's mother passed away so she returned home to Montana to take care of her brothers and father. Now she is set to return to NYC to start her marketing job in a month when Ben returns to Montana with his daughter he is just getting to know.
Ben didn't have a traditional childhood but he is determined to make his daughters life a good one. It also helps that Dani is around to steer him in the right direction plus he just stop stop thinking of her and that one night they spent together.
This story was more about family and forgiveness then it was about romance. Don't get me wrong there was a Romance that bloomed between Ben and Dani. It has some cute and sweet moments especially the ones that include his daughter.
Some lies and truths are uncovered and tend to rock Danis family but I loved how Ben was there with ice cream or a hug just to be there for her while she is dealing with the things that come to light.
I'm sad to say I wish this was a series and not a standalone. Dani has at least 5 brothers in which I believe 4 are single. And we'll her brother who is married should be divorced and looking for someone else just saying. I did like her brothers but do to the seriousness of the book they didn't have a playful banter which I would have loved to see.
I enjoyed the ending and all the princess talk. I thought that was sweet and Ben did a wonderful job on being the prince Dani needed and wanted.
March 23, 2017
While not a bad book by any stretch, I struggled through the whole story. This book is loooooong, like tediously, painfully long. The audiobook was 11 hours long, and it FELT 11 hours long.
I also struggled with the romance. I didn't care much for Dani and I didn't love how she was with Ben. The romance was also not the main focus of the story, with the bulk of the plot dealing with family drama.
In the end, despite a very competent audiobook narration, I couldn't wait to be done with it. Not too impressed.
Read as part of my RT reading challenge, my quest to read new authors before the convention (https://www.rtconvention.com).
July 24, 2015
An astounding, painful, cathartic book you SHOULD read “Triangulation: a tactic used by narcissistic parents to change the balance of power in a family system. For example, rather than allowing two siblings to work together, the Narcissistic Parent insists that he or she be the go-between. This controls the way the information flows, the way it is interpreted, and adds nuances to the conversation.” – Band Back Together, adult children of narcissistic parents resources“Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have - life itself.” -- Walter AndersonWhat do we naturally forget, and what do we force from our minds, wipe the slate clean, when it comes to our childhood? Where in our minds is the blackness and pain packed away, hidden? Behind locked doors? Or in solid chests, pushed to the back of the mind, covered in dust and ashes, only to crack open, leaking out poisons that eat away at body, mind and soul, tiny currents, lapping away at the foundations of life until it is simply not worth living any longer. Crippled lives, crippled relationships. And the pain. The pain, constant and unyielding, thrumming in the background, dark drums in the night, throbbing … throbbing … throbbing …But the guilt? The guilt is, in a way, can be even more debilitating. You are never enough. Never good enough, never sane enough, never pretty enough or smart enough not not not. . . The thing is, Dani Wilde doesn’t even know she is damaged. You see, she doesn’t remember. She thinks things are fine. Her life is finally opening up. The four younger brothers she raised are taken care of, all grown up, have good positions, and even the youngest is graduating from college. Finally, finally she can reach for her own dreams. She can take her skills at marketing and accept the position at a New York firm that has been following her through her career as a freelance marketing specialist in Montana. Dani is responsible for keeping the cherry farm her family owns financially stable. She cooks and cleans for a family of six, runs a store featuring local products, runs an online business selling the stores wares, and has a separate business as a marketing specialist for local businesses. She never stops working, never stops caring for others. Just. Never. Stops. But now? Now she can have the life she gave up when her mother died in a car accident, a death that brought Dani back from her full ride at Columbia to take over the household on their cherry farm and raise the four brothers that her mother left behind. These are good time, wonderful times. Dani can finally have a life which doesn’t include having to be everything to everyone else. But.Something is happening inside her. Flashes of memory, scenes in her mind that can’t possibly be real. Can they?The door is opening, the chest creaking as the top rises. The dust is blowing away. And what crawls out of the darkness, pale and ephemeral, could very well destroy Dani. And the larger that shadowy presence grows in her mind, the wider the opening, the darker the memories . . . Memories that will literally rip her life to shreds, destroying everything she ever thought about herself, her family, her very life. The pain . . . I am not ashamed to say that I cried like a baby over this book. It took me a couple of days to even write this review. Looking back, this almost sounds like a horror story, doesn’t it? And in a way, it is. But it is also a story of incredible inner strength, a story of just how devastating the actions of one member of a family can be upon the lives of all around them. Especially the lives of their own children. This book hurt on a level that is hard for me to even explain. But that isn’t a bad thing. You see, it is nearly impossible for anyone who hasn’t been there to understand just how Narcissistic Personality Disorder in a parent can shatter the very soul of a child. And that is what this family has suffered, though Dani doesn’t even remember it. And when she does, when her memories finally return, here it becomes not just Dani’s story, but the story of a family so deeply damaged that they may never be completely healed. But it is also a story of a family finding their way towards that healing, towards understanding and relearning how to love one another.This is, on the surface, a ‘sweet, home town romance.’ And yes, there is romance here. But what makes it SO much better than a ‘boy meets girl’ romance is the cast of characters. Armed with a sharp and unrelenting pen, Kim Law draws a picture of family life that is far from perfect. And it isn’t just Dani’s family that is far from Norman Rockwellesque. Ben was Dani’s first love, first lover, and best friend ten years ago. But one single night separated them. Now Ben, who had his own issues with the coldness and disregard of his famous actress mother finds himself the single father of a four-year-old little girl who is dropped off on his doorstep one day like a load of laundry by a mother who never looks back. Bringing her back to Montana where he spent as much time as possible at one time with the Wilde family, he is looking for some way to connect with the child. Yes, all of these people are heartbreaking. And all of them – all of them – even the ones I wanted to hit over the head with a very large rock, are worth spending time with. Worth coming to know, coming to understand – if for no other reason than to understand your own heart, your own pain. And some of them? Some of them are worth loving so very much simply for their ability to continue to survive, continue to love, to even know how to love under the crushing weight of betrayals beyond comprehension. This is what makes this book so very heartbreaking – and so very, very worth reading. This is a six tissue read, and I have to say, when I finished it? I felt, well, cleaner. Like one of the many wounds in my soul had been lanced and bled, and can now heal. Not all, but you know what? As Ms. Law says in her postscript, “You’re not alone. You’re a survivor. You got dealt a rotten hand in life. But you can move on.” Watching her characters do just that? Well, that is the very definition of cathartic. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a realistic review. Here is the skinny. If you are looking for a ‘simple’ romance story, this isn’t it. If you are looking for a well written book with a strong story, wonderful characters, a realistic look at the damage a serious but under acknowledged disorder can cause, well, you are in for a true treat. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you like my review, I would really appreciate it if you would click to “Like” my review here and on Amazon when the book is published on the 28th. It helps draw attention to my reviews, which helps the authors I review garner more readers. Thank you!
November 27, 2016
This is so much more than a sweet romance! It explores familial relationships and dynamics in a moving manner, with the focus on Dani Wilde and those around her. Dani was at Columbia University when her mother dies. She gave up her studies to return to the family Cherry farm in Montana to bring up her younger brothers who are now grown up. She plans to return to live her own life, starting a new job in a month’s time.
That’s when her first lover, Ben, returns to Montana, bringing with him his four year old daughter who he is only just starting to know after her mother refuses to look after her. Thrust into the role of father, he seeks the only place he felt was home, the Wilde Cherry Farm and his first love, Dani.
There are lies and secrets to be revealed as Ben learns to be a father and Dani questions just what she really wants in life. Some of the secrets are devastating for Dani, who tries to emotionally shut herself away to protect herself, but Ben is always there to support her. In a similar way, Dani is always there to help Ben learn to be a father to his delightful daughter and there are some really sweet interactions between the three of them. The romance between them does develop but it is the whole gamut of characters that make the story. I really hope this will be followed by other novels concerning Dani’s brothers!
Many thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for gifting me an ARC of this novel with no obligation. This is my honest review.
That’s when her first lover, Ben, returns to Montana, bringing with him his four year old daughter who he is only just starting to know after her mother refuses to look after her. Thrust into the role of father, he seeks the only place he felt was home, the Wilde Cherry Farm and his first love, Dani.
There are lies and secrets to be revealed as Ben learns to be a father and Dani questions just what she really wants in life. Some of the secrets are devastating for Dani, who tries to emotionally shut herself away to protect herself, but Ben is always there to support her. In a similar way, Dani is always there to help Ben learn to be a father to his delightful daughter and there are some really sweet interactions between the three of them. The romance between them does develop but it is the whole gamut of characters that make the story. I really hope this will be followed by other novels concerning Dani’s brothers!
Many thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for gifting me an ARC of this novel with no obligation. This is my honest review.
July 16, 2015
**My thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Romance, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
This is the first book that I have read by this author and after this book, I would certainly not hesitate to read more of her work.
This book may be light on the romance, but the drama of the story really grips you with the emotions that both Dani Wilde and Ben Denton feel.
For Dani, after having taken care of her father and brothers since her mothers death 10 years ago, she is FINALLY on the road to living her dream and moving to New York. She character shows endless love to her family and great loyalty, but things start to go a little wrong when an old childhood sweetheart returns with a daughter he didn't know he had.
Ben is still in love with Dani and is patient and kind towards her, but lets her know what he wants. He is there when she needs him, he anticipates what she needs, and she helps him connect with his daughter.
After a shocking discovery that turns Dani's world upside down, Dani closes in on herself for self preservation. It may hurt a few of those around her, but she does it for good reasons.
Even though this book was light on the romance, I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters in the book. I honestly hope that there are other books after this one for the other brothers as they deserve a HEA.
I would certainly recommend this book for the story and for the HEA.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and after this book, I would certainly not hesitate to read more of her work.
This book may be light on the romance, but the drama of the story really grips you with the emotions that both Dani Wilde and Ben Denton feel.
For Dani, after having taken care of her father and brothers since her mothers death 10 years ago, she is FINALLY on the road to living her dream and moving to New York. She character shows endless love to her family and great loyalty, but things start to go a little wrong when an old childhood sweetheart returns with a daughter he didn't know he had.
Ben is still in love with Dani and is patient and kind towards her, but lets her know what he wants. He is there when she needs him, he anticipates what she needs, and she helps him connect with his daughter.
After a shocking discovery that turns Dani's world upside down, Dani closes in on herself for self preservation. It may hurt a few of those around her, but she does it for good reasons.
Even though this book was light on the romance, I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters in the book. I honestly hope that there are other books after this one for the other brothers as they deserve a HEA.
I would certainly recommend this book for the story and for the HEA.
June 24, 2015
I had mixed feelings about this book. I loved Ben. He is a wonderful man who is doing his best to learn how to be a good father to his four-year-old daughter. He is also a great friend and very much in love with Dani who he had become close to years ago when visiting her brother.
Dani is a good sister and daughter who had given up her dreams to return home and take care of her brothers after her mother died. Now that her brothers are all grown up, she has decided to go to NYC and live out her dreams; however, as it gets closer to being time for her to leave, her family/world is shaken by secrets that are revealed. She has also become more attached to Ben and his daughter and knows it will be difficult leaving them; but, she feels she has to go.
The family dynamics in the book were very complex and a big secret had been kept from Dani. I felt very bad for her considering everything she had been through and everything she had done for her family. Having said that, the main reason why I have mixed feelings about the book is because although I wanted Dani and Ben to be happy, I wasn't sure if Dani was right for Ben or if they truly belonged together. I felt somewhat conflicted after I finished this.
*I received my ARC from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Dani is a good sister and daughter who had given up her dreams to return home and take care of her brothers after her mother died. Now that her brothers are all grown up, she has decided to go to NYC and live out her dreams; however, as it gets closer to being time for her to leave, her family/world is shaken by secrets that are revealed. She has also become more attached to Ben and his daughter and knows it will be difficult leaving them; but, she feels she has to go.
The family dynamics in the book were very complex and a big secret had been kept from Dani. I felt very bad for her considering everything she had been through and everything she had done for her family. Having said that, the main reason why I have mixed feelings about the book is because although I wanted Dani and Ben to be happy, I wasn't sure if Dani was right for Ben or if they truly belonged together. I felt somewhat conflicted after I finished this.
*I received my ARC from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2015
I am an avid reader, but it is a rare occurrence that I can’t put a book down until completed. That happened to me with Montana Cherries! I am now a fan of author Kim Law. I loved the dynamics between Dani and Ben. The sub stories were as much an integral part of the story as Ben & Dani. If you are looking for just a light romance or chick lit this isn’t for you! This is a book about love, forgiveness, family and learning how to heal! Not to diminish the love story it is there, but the family dynamics and forgiveness was what kept me reading til all hours. Kim Law tackled a tough subject of mental illness and how it affects the entire family not just the ill person! Kim Law has just made it onto my list of must read authors!!!!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2015
3 Cherry Loving Stars!!
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley
Ok, so I did quite enjoy this book, I just didn't fall completely in love with it. I loved most of the characters especially Haley and Jenna, but it was Dani that didn't win me over in the end. She started out strong for me but ended up weak. :(
Dani Wilde has taken care of her family but for once its time she takes care of herself. In her past one weak moment has been Ben Denton so when he returns home after ten years she tries to stay away from him. Ben has had his life flip on its side but he knows coming home, especially to Dani that everything will be better.
To begin with Dani for the most part started strong as she was the bind that held the Wilde's together but as the story went on you started to see the cracks of Dani. When I was reading this story I thought it was going to be quite predictable but once the cracks turned into fissures, then BOOM surprising revelation occurs and changes every aspect of Dani's world.
Dani needs comfort so she turns to Ben, but this is where she started to go downhill for me. Did I get her issues? Yes. Did I understand why she chose they way she did? Yes. But how she did it left her not as endearing to me. To help her deal she reeled Ben in and broke him a bit. Sure yes Ben's a big boy and he took a chance this could happen but Dani cut to the quick in this regard.
What the fuck was wrong with this woman? (Good question Ben, good question)
She'd said no for his own benefit. (Insert eye roll here. Damn martyrs)
Now that Dani's world has shifted she has to change and heal. Did I like this part? Yes, but I only liked the idea of it, unfortunately Dani never won me back in her favor. As Dani finally gets her shit together she finally figures out what she wants and tries to get it. Even though she pushed Ben away she was a bit cray cray when it came to him trying to move on. In real life and in fiction I'm never a big fan of ' go be free, you deserve better' to 'what you moved on? why???' I don't know why but this double standard theme is not my fave.
Did I like the book? Yes. But at times I liked the idea of the story more than the story. Did I love Ben? Yes, especially when he is with his daughter. Did I like Dani's brothers? Yes I would love to read more and find out how they all fared out in their emotional aftermath. Did I love Dani? No, she was hit and miss for me. Did I like the revelation in the middle of the book? Yes. It was unexpected and an unexplored yet meaningful topic. If this book ever continued into a series, would I continue with it? Yes I think I would.
All quotes taken from pre-published eARC & may be altered or omitted in the final copy.
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August 21, 2017
This romance is set in Montana, but the cherry orchard is only an occasional backdrop, with one chapter in the middle where we see a harvest. The rest of the time we are mostly indoors or around the town, watching Dani and her contentious, divided and unhappy family tearing apart and trying to explain what went so wrong in their lives. Re-enter Ben, a young man from a similarly divorced Hollywood family, home to Montana with a little girl who has been suddenly landed on his doorstep after a fling a few years previously. He and Dani had an even briefer fling.
By halfway we learn that Dani, the girl in a family of several boys, was the one treated as a servant by all of them, but picked on by her mother. She could never do anything well enough, she had to re-do housework, was not allowed to visit her New York aunt or date boys. Yet Dani managed to suppress her unhappiness under the fonder memories of her now late mother, having argued with all her brothers. Now an older lad, Jaren, has majored in psychology and he tells her that their mother had Narcissistic Personality Disorder and sought to dictate, to be the centre of attention, to set siblings against one another and against their long-suffering father. Dani freaks out. She's heading to New York to work, as soon as the cherries are harvested. Another brother meanwhile looks to be making all the same mistakes again, while Ben would really like Dani to settle down with him, now that he's got a need for a mother figure and, no doubt, housekeeper.
Wow, what a lot to take on board. Poor Dani. How can she ever know her own mind? Doesn't she deserve to go off and live her own life?
I found echoes of Molly Keane's book Time After Time.
Why I didn't give more stars is twofold: I would have liked more information about managing the cherry orchard, not just taking it for granted, while we never see a bird or bee. The children are told to wash cherries before eating; have they been sprayed with pesticide or not? Cherries used to be the most valuable crop in English villages, shipped to London fast in the couple of weeks of ripeness. The town has a cherry festival, which is nice, but we don't hear any history.
Also, the first half of the book is filled with introducing more and more people who all lead shattered, selfish or chaotic family lives, and as Dani just treats this as normal I don't know whether this is normal in America. She later rails against having had to do all the housework and how her parents never hugged in public; that was completely normal when I was growing up in Ireland. So even the change midway is a bit confusing.
But no doubt, people reading this story will start to recognise a selfish manipulator somewhere in their own history, because it's actually pretty common, humans being selfish. And like a college tale I read recently, Those Black Wings, we see that the manipulator picks on someone good hearted and uses and abuses them, eating up their lives. This is learned behaviour and some will pass it on while others will spend years recovering from the abuse. Good for the author to highlight this situation in a romance.
This is an adult romance with some adult scenes and occasional strong language. I was sent an ARC and this is an unbiased review.
By halfway we learn that Dani, the girl in a family of several boys, was the one treated as a servant by all of them, but picked on by her mother. She could never do anything well enough, she had to re-do housework, was not allowed to visit her New York aunt or date boys. Yet Dani managed to suppress her unhappiness under the fonder memories of her now late mother, having argued with all her brothers. Now an older lad, Jaren, has majored in psychology and he tells her that their mother had Narcissistic Personality Disorder and sought to dictate, to be the centre of attention, to set siblings against one another and against their long-suffering father. Dani freaks out. She's heading to New York to work, as soon as the cherries are harvested. Another brother meanwhile looks to be making all the same mistakes again, while Ben would really like Dani to settle down with him, now that he's got a need for a mother figure and, no doubt, housekeeper.
Wow, what a lot to take on board. Poor Dani. How can she ever know her own mind? Doesn't she deserve to go off and live her own life?
I found echoes of Molly Keane's book Time After Time.
Why I didn't give more stars is twofold: I would have liked more information about managing the cherry orchard, not just taking it for granted, while we never see a bird or bee. The children are told to wash cherries before eating; have they been sprayed with pesticide or not? Cherries used to be the most valuable crop in English villages, shipped to London fast in the couple of weeks of ripeness. The town has a cherry festival, which is nice, but we don't hear any history.
Also, the first half of the book is filled with introducing more and more people who all lead shattered, selfish or chaotic family lives, and as Dani just treats this as normal I don't know whether this is normal in America. She later rails against having had to do all the housework and how her parents never hugged in public; that was completely normal when I was growing up in Ireland. So even the change midway is a bit confusing.
But no doubt, people reading this story will start to recognise a selfish manipulator somewhere in their own history, because it's actually pretty common, humans being selfish. And like a college tale I read recently, Those Black Wings, we see that the manipulator picks on someone good hearted and uses and abuses them, eating up their lives. This is learned behaviour and some will pass it on while others will spend years recovering from the abuse. Good for the author to highlight this situation in a romance.
This is an adult romance with some adult scenes and occasional strong language. I was sent an ARC and this is an unbiased review.
July 13, 2015
I received this book for my honest review. This book is different from Kim Law's other books and I really enjoyed it. It has me wondering if my mother in law has this same disorder that was mentioned in the book.
Dani Wilde gave up her dreams to return to Montana to help her dad and brothers after her mom dies in a car accident. After they are all grown to adulthood and her brothers and their dad start to follow their dreams she has the opportunity to go to New York and follow hers. But than complications start to arise and she begins to doubt why she wants to go. Hidden bad memories start to return to her, family secrets are finally out in the open and Ben the boy she had a crush on and lost her virginity to returns to Montana with his 4 year old daughter that he just found out he has.
This is a very moving story of healing, forgiving and love. It is a very hard book to put down and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Dani Wilde gave up her dreams to return to Montana to help her dad and brothers after her mom dies in a car accident. After they are all grown to adulthood and her brothers and their dad start to follow their dreams she has the opportunity to go to New York and follow hers. But than complications start to arise and she begins to doubt why she wants to go. Hidden bad memories start to return to her, family secrets are finally out in the open and Ben the boy she had a crush on and lost her virginity to returns to Montana with his 4 year old daughter that he just found out he has.
This is a very moving story of healing, forgiving and love. It is a very hard book to put down and I enjoyed every minute of it.
July 8, 2015
Firstly I would like to thank the lovely author for kindle providing me with a copy to read and review, this is my first time in reading anything written by this author.
After tragedy strikes home, Dani Wilde has no choice but to abandon her dreams and return back to home base, everything was falling apart around her, and being the eldest it was her responsibility to take care of her younger siblings.
But what happens when an old flame returns too?
When things start to heat up for Dani, past memories begin to surface, lies will be revealed, home-truths will be told.
Dani now has to live with the lies her family have kept hidden from her, all of these years but can she become the person that she was meant to be?
Can she keep her dreams on a constant hold?
Or is it finally time to fly from the nest?
This book is written fantastically and is a great story about family, friends & first love rediscovered
After tragedy strikes home, Dani Wilde has no choice but to abandon her dreams and return back to home base, everything was falling apart around her, and being the eldest it was her responsibility to take care of her younger siblings.
But what happens when an old flame returns too?
When things start to heat up for Dani, past memories begin to surface, lies will be revealed, home-truths will be told.
Dani now has to live with the lies her family have kept hidden from her, all of these years but can she become the person that she was meant to be?
Can she keep her dreams on a constant hold?
Or is it finally time to fly from the nest?
This book is written fantastically and is a great story about family, friends & first love rediscovered
June 27, 2022
This book has some of my favorite tropes, brother’s friend and friendship to love.
Dani has taken care of her family every since her mom passed away. Her life changes when her brother’s friend, Ben comes back to town.
I enjoyed the relationship that Ben and Dani have. Yes, there is chemistry and flirting. Ben makes Dani a priority in a way her family doesn’t. He takes time to learn more about her. He looks past her “I’m fine” attitude.
Dani has taken care of her family every since her mom passed away. Her life changes when her brother’s friend, Ben comes back to town.
I enjoyed the relationship that Ben and Dani have. Yes, there is chemistry and flirting. Ben makes Dani a priority in a way her family doesn’t. He takes time to learn more about her. He looks past her “I’m fine” attitude.
August 8, 2015
Dani Wilde was the sole person who glued her family together. It doesn’t matter if her dreams of attending Columbia and live a normal college life came to a halt. She was needed by her family, and she came back for them.
But now, her brothers have settled down, and it was time for her to make her dreams of going to New York come true. She will go there, nothing will stop her this time, not even an old flame.
Ben Denton is coming back home, alongside the daughter who was pushed into him by an ex. He didn’t know what to do with a kid, he didn’t know how to act around her. He was trying, and his latest action was to bring his daughter back to Montana. He spent some of his childhood there, and he knew it would be a great place to raise his four-year old daughter. But will coming back home be enough for him to figure out if he was cut out to be a father?
Dani tries to figure out what she really wants in life, was it going to New York or staying with her family? She was finally getting some memories from her past – memories she didn’t know exists, especially the truth about her own mother. Talk about a surprising turn-out of events.
What I love about Dani is her big, generous heart. She took care of everyone and did it flawlessly. I don’t think her brothers would be where they are right now if it wasn’t for her. She forgot about herself, about her happiness, her dreams. I was glad she was finally given a chance of going to New York and making her dreams come true. But it was not that simple.
And what I love most about this book is that it is more than just romance (which is really sweet, by the way!), it talks about family. Their relationship – the ups and downs, the perfections and imperfections, the struggles. They may argue at times, they may have some misunderstanding, but at the end of the day – you’re family would always be with you. Supporting you and wanting nothing but the best for you. Although there would ALWAYS be some exceptions: it was just sad both Ben and Dani experienced it.
Ben – he may have some hesitations at first, but after Dani gave her some tips and support – he was at it like a pro. I mean playing dolls with his four year old daughter: it was just priceless. Pretty much adorable and one of my most favorite scenes in the book!
Even though it broke my heart a bit, I was glad of Dani’s decision – she needed it. It needed to be done not just for her, but for their relationship to go on. I was just crossing my fingers that she’d decide fast before Ben changes his mind!
I was surprised that this one is a stand-alone, considering Dani has some interesting brothers. Kim Law, I’d love to read about their happy endings as well, would you consider it?
Review originally posted on my blog
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•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
But now, her brothers have settled down, and it was time for her to make her dreams of going to New York come true. She will go there, nothing will stop her this time, not even an old flame.
Ben Denton is coming back home, alongside the daughter who was pushed into him by an ex. He didn’t know what to do with a kid, he didn’t know how to act around her. He was trying, and his latest action was to bring his daughter back to Montana. He spent some of his childhood there, and he knew it would be a great place to raise his four-year old daughter. But will coming back home be enough for him to figure out if he was cut out to be a father?
Dani tries to figure out what she really wants in life, was it going to New York or staying with her family? She was finally getting some memories from her past – memories she didn’t know exists, especially the truth about her own mother. Talk about a surprising turn-out of events.
What I love about Dani is her big, generous heart. She took care of everyone and did it flawlessly. I don’t think her brothers would be where they are right now if it wasn’t for her. She forgot about herself, about her happiness, her dreams. I was glad she was finally given a chance of going to New York and making her dreams come true. But it was not that simple.
And what I love most about this book is that it is more than just romance (which is really sweet, by the way!), it talks about family. Their relationship – the ups and downs, the perfections and imperfections, the struggles. They may argue at times, they may have some misunderstanding, but at the end of the day – you’re family would always be with you. Supporting you and wanting nothing but the best for you. Although there would ALWAYS be some exceptions: it was just sad both Ben and Dani experienced it.
Ben – he may have some hesitations at first, but after Dani gave her some tips and support – he was at it like a pro. I mean playing dolls with his four year old daughter: it was just priceless. Pretty much adorable and one of my most favorite scenes in the book!
Even though it broke my heart a bit, I was glad of Dani’s decision – she needed it. It needed to be done not just for her, but for their relationship to go on. I was just crossing my fingers that she’d decide fast before Ben changes his mind!
I was surprised that this one is a stand-alone, considering Dani has some interesting brothers. Kim Law, I’d love to read about their happy endings as well, would you consider it?
Review originally posted on my blog
Purchase Links:
AMAZON US | B&N | BAM | Powell's
Follow me on: Twitter | Facebook | tsu | Instagram
•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
August 2, 2015
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books
This is definitely a book about relationships and what do you do when the foundation that you’ve been living on for so long is ripped from you.
Dani had given up an Ivy League scholarship to come home and help raise her brothers after her mother was killed in a car accident. We meet her when she is in her early 30’s and she finally feels like that job is “done” and she is getting ready to leave the family farm to resume her dreams.
In the month or so before Dani is ready to leave, she faces a lot of relationship challenges and a tough family meeting causes Dani to take a hard look at her life. The author does a wonderful job of letting us see Dani sort things out. We see her work on herself, her relationships with her father, her brothers, and her aunt. Some of these scenes are hard to see because there is a lot of emotion going on, but they are crucial to understanding what is going on with Dani.
Ben has been a longtime friend to Dani’s family, but hasn’t seen her in 10 years. He has come back for help learning to be a father to a 4 year old daughter he didn’t know he had. Dani is instrumental in helping him and Haley become a family and he has a front row seat to the issues Dani and her family are dealing with. We get to watch Ben grow and see how he and Haley develop as a team.
I loved watching Ben and Dani together. Their chemistry together is noticeable from the very first time they are in the room together and seeing how the move from resuming a friendship to becoming romantic is sweet and sad at the same time.
There is definitely a lot going on in Montana Cherries, but everything is set up so that nothing feels rushed or crowded. The different pieces of the story line are woven together so well that it just works. I enjoyed Dani and Ben’s story, but now I want to know what happens to the other Wilde siblings.
Reviewer information can be found under the Tags section of the post on our site.
This is definitely a book about relationships and what do you do when the foundation that you’ve been living on for so long is ripped from you.
Dani had given up an Ivy League scholarship to come home and help raise her brothers after her mother was killed in a car accident. We meet her when she is in her early 30’s and she finally feels like that job is “done” and she is getting ready to leave the family farm to resume her dreams.
In the month or so before Dani is ready to leave, she faces a lot of relationship challenges and a tough family meeting causes Dani to take a hard look at her life. The author does a wonderful job of letting us see Dani sort things out. We see her work on herself, her relationships with her father, her brothers, and her aunt. Some of these scenes are hard to see because there is a lot of emotion going on, but they are crucial to understanding what is going on with Dani.
Ben has been a longtime friend to Dani’s family, but hasn’t seen her in 10 years. He has come back for help learning to be a father to a 4 year old daughter he didn’t know he had. Dani is instrumental in helping him and Haley become a family and he has a front row seat to the issues Dani and her family are dealing with. We get to watch Ben grow and see how he and Haley develop as a team.
I loved watching Ben and Dani together. Their chemistry together is noticeable from the very first time they are in the room together and seeing how the move from resuming a friendship to becoming romantic is sweet and sad at the same time.
There is definitely a lot going on in Montana Cherries, but everything is set up so that nothing feels rushed or crowded. The different pieces of the story line are woven together so well that it just works. I enjoyed Dani and Ben’s story, but now I want to know what happens to the other Wilde siblings.
Reviewer information can be found under the Tags section of the post on our site.
July 12, 2015
This was my first book by Kim Law. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book had it all: second chance romance – check; in love with your brother’s friend – check; single father of an adorable little girl – check!
Dani returned home during her freshman year of college to help take care of brothers after the death of their mother. Years later, now that her youngest brother is graduating from college, she is finally preparing to leave home to begin her own life that was interrupted when her mother died. As she’s preparing to leave, she learns/remembers things from her past. (That’s one part of the book I struggled with. It was hard to believe that she couldn’t remember any of this, but not having grown up with that type of dysfunctional family, perhaps it’s just hard for me to understand.) I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say that I like that she realized that she needed help, and she knew that she needed to fix herself. She was used to taking care of everybody else for so long, and now it was time for her to focus on herself. It wasn’t a book where the guy just swoops in and makes everything better.
One thing I would have liked to see more of in this book is the relationship between Ben and Hailey. I realize their relationship wasn’t the focus of the book, but I would have enjoyed seeing more of them together and how they bonded.
If you read this book, you should also read the acknowledgements at the end. The author explains more about the disorder that is mentioned in this book – including the lifelong effects on a person/family, and the recovery process, all of which are more involved than she could include in this book.
There is no indication that this book will be part of a series, but I hope it is. This could easily become a series following Dani’s brothers. If it does become a series, I would love for the next book to be about Gabe and kicking Michelle to the curb.
This book had it all: second chance romance – check; in love with your brother’s friend – check; single father of an adorable little girl – check!
Dani returned home during her freshman year of college to help take care of brothers after the death of their mother. Years later, now that her youngest brother is graduating from college, she is finally preparing to leave home to begin her own life that was interrupted when her mother died. As she’s preparing to leave, she learns/remembers things from her past. (That’s one part of the book I struggled with. It was hard to believe that she couldn’t remember any of this, but not having grown up with that type of dysfunctional family, perhaps it’s just hard for me to understand.) I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say that I like that she realized that she needed help, and she knew that she needed to fix herself. She was used to taking care of everybody else for so long, and now it was time for her to focus on herself. It wasn’t a book where the guy just swoops in and makes everything better.
One thing I would have liked to see more of in this book is the relationship between Ben and Hailey. I realize their relationship wasn’t the focus of the book, but I would have enjoyed seeing more of them together and how they bonded.
If you read this book, you should also read the acknowledgements at the end. The author explains more about the disorder that is mentioned in this book – including the lifelong effects on a person/family, and the recovery process, all of which are more involved than she could include in this book.
There is no indication that this book will be part of a series, but I hope it is. This could easily become a series following Dani’s brothers. If it does become a series, I would love for the next book to be about Gabe and kicking Michelle to the curb.
June 21, 2015
Ben has returned to Montana after his ex-girlfriend surprised him with a 4-year old daughter. He was floundering in his sudden parenthood and his efforts to bond with his daughter were failing miserably. He was smart enough to know that he needed help, so he reached out to the Wilde family, because they - particularly Dani - had once shown him what a family could be.
Dani has spent years putting her family before herself. As her brother Gabe said "Our big sister has held our butts to the fire more times than you can imagine over the years. She's helped hold this family together, and she's done it at a huge cost to herself." Now it's her turn to put herself first. Only Ben has just re-entered her life.
Dani hasn't seen Ben in 10 years, but the friendship they had shared had been special. He understood who she ways, even when she didn't. He knows her well enough to know when to go to the freezer and simply ask "Was it a one-scoop or a two-scoop day?" And then head to the pantry for chips to crumble on top. Now he's back, just as she is getting ready to leave.
Kim's did a fantastic job with setting the stage and developing the characters and the story. It made me laugh, want to cry, want to smack Dani's "protective" brothers, and in general, root for Dani, Ben, and his daughter Hailey for a number of different reasons. If your looking for chic-lit and lots of chuckles, you won't find it here. If your looking for a story with substance, one that is as much about how family impacts who we are and our relationships with others, as it is about finding love, then you will find it here.
Dani has spent years putting her family before herself. As her brother Gabe said "Our big sister has held our butts to the fire more times than you can imagine over the years. She's helped hold this family together, and she's done it at a huge cost to herself." Now it's her turn to put herself first. Only Ben has just re-entered her life.
Dani hasn't seen Ben in 10 years, but the friendship they had shared had been special. He understood who she ways, even when she didn't. He knows her well enough to know when to go to the freezer and simply ask "Was it a one-scoop or a two-scoop day?" And then head to the pantry for chips to crumble on top. Now he's back, just as she is getting ready to leave.
Kim's did a fantastic job with setting the stage and developing the characters and the story. It made me laugh, want to cry, want to smack Dani's "protective" brothers, and in general, root for Dani, Ben, and his daughter Hailey for a number of different reasons. If your looking for chic-lit and lots of chuckles, you won't find it here. If your looking for a story with substance, one that is as much about how family impacts who we are and our relationships with others, as it is about finding love, then you will find it here.
July 28, 2015
First of all, I was enchanted with the cherry orchards and the magic of Montana. I felt like loading up my car and setting out to find this magical place.
This book revolves around a family with a big secret. We are introduced to main character Dani, who was a take charge chick, that I immediately respected. I feel we both have some issues with control and throw in her love for kiddos -- I feel like we need to have a 2nd book with a career change to an elementary school teacher. :) I loved the entrance of Ben, and his newly discovered daughter, Haley. Nothing sexier than a man who loves his daughter. Throw in some Hollywood worthy good looks and we have us a certified book boyfriend, girls.
I can't help but admit that I enjoyed the first half much more than the second -- mental illness is a touchy topic and sometimes can be confusing. I felt myself wanting to shake Dani, and also wanting to throttle her family. However, I think that Kim Law did a great job portraying a rare disorder. I was thinking earlier tonight how reading helps us become more empathetic because we've seen the effect of different things through beloved characters. And this book just reinforced that for me.
I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
This book revolves around a family with a big secret. We are introduced to main character Dani, who was a take charge chick, that I immediately respected. I feel we both have some issues with control and throw in her love for kiddos -- I feel like we need to have a 2nd book with a career change to an elementary school teacher. :) I loved the entrance of Ben, and his newly discovered daughter, Haley. Nothing sexier than a man who loves his daughter. Throw in some Hollywood worthy good looks and we have us a certified book boyfriend, girls.
I can't help but admit that I enjoyed the first half much more than the second -- mental illness is a touchy topic and sometimes can be confusing. I felt myself wanting to shake Dani, and also wanting to throttle her family. However, I think that Kim Law did a great job portraying a rare disorder. I was thinking earlier tonight how reading helps us become more empathetic because we've seen the effect of different things through beloved characters. And this book just reinforced that for me.
I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2015
I wonder if the author named the book Montana Cherries only because of the cherry farm or because it also involves a woman's first love. Clever.
I liked all of characters in this book. Everyone made sense together. The family dynamic seemed weird at first, but as things progressed it made more and more sense. The characters were (mostly) believable in the way they felt and acted towards each other. The psychological issues addressed were interesting and made me enjoy the book even more because it didn't seem like a typical romance novel.
I felt the book was predictable. I felt it was fairly obvious what was going to happen from the start and this made the book seem to drag on for me. Towards the end I just couldn't wait to finish because it just kept stalling. Maybe I'm just impatient. But I felt the ending was a little too corny. It was overall an enjoyable book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I liked all of characters in this book. Everyone made sense together. The family dynamic seemed weird at first, but as things progressed it made more and more sense. The characters were (mostly) believable in the way they felt and acted towards each other. The psychological issues addressed were interesting and made me enjoy the book even more because it didn't seem like a typical romance novel.
I felt the book was predictable. I felt it was fairly obvious what was going to happen from the start and this made the book seem to drag on for me. Towards the end I just couldn't wait to finish because it just kept stalling. Maybe I'm just impatient. But I felt the ending was a little too corny. It was overall an enjoyable book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2015
I received an advanced copy for an honest review.
I have read several of Kim Law's books and enjoyed them all. I started this one expecting a light romance, but it was anything but light (except on the romance).
I would have put this in the family drama genre. The Wildes are a large, damaged dysfunctional family suffering the after effects of a mentally unstable mother. If you are a fan of watching a psychological drama unfold, this is the book for you. It was well written and intense. I was drawn into the unfolding life of the main character, Dani and wanted to see her pick up the pieces of her life and get that HEA. The only part of the book I had trouble with was everyone having a terrible mother, the Wildes, Ben, Jenna, Haley, really? However, I would still recommend reading this book and would like to see a few more, letting me know how the brothers turned out.
I have read several of Kim Law's books and enjoyed them all. I started this one expecting a light romance, but it was anything but light (except on the romance).
I would have put this in the family drama genre. The Wildes are a large, damaged dysfunctional family suffering the after effects of a mentally unstable mother. If you are a fan of watching a psychological drama unfold, this is the book for you. It was well written and intense. I was drawn into the unfolding life of the main character, Dani and wanted to see her pick up the pieces of her life and get that HEA. The only part of the book I had trouble with was everyone having a terrible mother, the Wildes, Ben, Jenna, Haley, really? However, I would still recommend reading this book and would like to see a few more, letting me know how the brothers turned out.
October 22, 2015
This is one of the most interesting romance novels I've read in a long, long time. The plot and the characters were very well written and realistic. This storyline reaffirmed to me that things are not always what they seem, and that people are the products of their childhood or their childhood as they perceived it. I could not put this down as I got more involved in the characters and the storyline.
I'll be looking for more novels by Ms Law and wonder if there are more books to come that involve this Wilde family. I see books about Gabe and Cord and the twins as real possibilities.
I'll be looking for more novels by Ms Law and wonder if there are more books to come that involve this Wilde family. I see books about Gabe and Cord and the twins as real possibilities.
March 5, 2016
A lot of boring filler
As I was reading this book I kept thinking the story dragged in certain chapters. Certain topics in the book were mentioned in multiple chapters. At the end of the book the author mentions she had to lengthen the first copy for it to be published.
As I was reading this book I kept thinking the story dragged in certain chapters. Certain topics in the book were mentioned in multiple chapters. At the end of the book the author mentions she had to lengthen the first copy for it to be published.
March 7, 2019
I saw this cover and fell in love with it and immediately had some expectations of it. The story centers around Dani Wilde whose mother tragically dies when Dani was attending Columbia University, so she quit her education so that she could care for her brothers.
As luck would have it, I love children and this book has little ones, especially the 4 year old daughter of Ben who pursues Dani romantically. The way Ben became caretaker for his daughter made me sad, but I don't want to give it away.
I really loved Ben because he was so supportive of Dani as she went through some difficult life situations. And being the father that is learning to be is so attractive. The romance isn't overdone and the love of the family is demonstrated so well. I just loved this one.
As luck would have it, I love children and this book has little ones, especially the 4 year old daughter of Ben who pursues Dani romantically. The way Ben became caretaker for his daughter made me sad, but I don't want to give it away.
I really loved Ben because he was so supportive of Dani as she went through some difficult life situations. And being the father that is learning to be is so attractive. The romance isn't overdone and the love of the family is demonstrated so well. I just loved this one.
August 8, 2022
I have some mixed thoughts on this book. Overall, I enjoyed the story. It felt very realistic, a family that has it's ups and downs, and the return of the boyfriend with his daughter. Clearly there are some secrets but I'm thinking what family doesn't. Then the bomb is dropped, and it was like Dani flipped a switched. I really struggled with her in the second half of the book. At one point I was thinking Ben really didn't deserve her. The author day say that the recovery was very quick, and I totally understand it. Maybe that's what I struggled with. Overall, an interesting story. I'm curious to see how the brothers find their hea.
May 7, 2017
Road Trip
I started this book on the road to North Carolina from Pennsylvania on Audible. Once in NC I switched over to reading and it was almost impossible to set down. Will be getting Montana Rescue ASAP to enjoy some more time with the Wilde family.
I started this book on the road to North Carolina from Pennsylvania on Audible. Once in NC I switched over to reading and it was almost impossible to set down. Will be getting Montana Rescue ASAP to enjoy some more time with the Wilde family.
August 10, 2015
4.5 stars.
Montana Cherries by Kim Law is an emotional, poignant and ultimately uplifting novel of healing. Although there is also a romantic element to the storyline, the main focus is on Dani Wilde's struggle to come to terms with the wounds from her past.
Following her mother's death, Dani gave up her dream of attending college to return home and care for her younger siblings. Fast forward fourteen years, and she is on the verge of making her long awaited move to New York. She is finalizing her plans to leave in a few weeks when the cherry harvest is over and the last thing she needs is a relationship. So when good friend (and one-time lover) Ben Denton returns to the farm with his four year old daughter, Haley, Dani tries to keep her distance from both him and his daughter. But as they resume their once close friendship, their mutual attraction is impossible to ignore and they embark on a no strings fling. After a shocking family secret is revealed, Dani retreats from her loved ones in order to heal.
In the beginning, Dani seems to be happy, well-adjusted and eager to begin the next phase of her life. But as she continues to pack her belongings, she runs across a few items that bring up some unsettling feelings about her relationship with her mother, whom she has long idolized. Unable to face these distressing memories, she pushes them to the back of her mind and keeps busy with her family and the upcoming harvest. When the rest of her brothers return home to help with the annual harvest, Dani's foundation begins to crumble when she learns they have been keeping a huge secret from her. After their stunning revelation, she feels betrayed by her family but it is the disturbing memories that comes rushing back that destroy her. Although Ben is at her side every step of the way, Dani cannot consider a future with him until she takes the necessary steps to process the emotional damage from her past.
Ben also has a somewhat troubled past but he has come to terms with most of it. His main issue is learning how to care for his newly discovered daughter. He is definitely out of his depth, but with Dani's guidance, he and Haley finally begin to sort out their new relationship. Their relationship is fragile at first but he gradually gains Haley's trust and their scenes are quite touching.
The relationship between Dani and Ben is a nice blend of sweet and steamy. Despite their ten year separation, they easily pick up their friendship where it left off and they quickly put the lingering issue of their one night stand to rest. Their transition from friends to lovers is gradual and although they try to keep things casual, it is easy to see their growing affection for one another. It is also quite refreshing that Ben is willing to put his heart on the line for Dani.
Montana Cherries is a heartbreaking journey of self-discovery and healing. The storyline is quite unique and touches on a little about talked mental illness that has devastating and long reaching effects. Kim Law's research is extensive and her depiction of the actions of the person who has the disorder is incredibly accurate (unfortunately I have personal experience with someone who has this particular illness). All in all, a beautifully rendered and achingly realistic novel that will touch readers' hearts and remain with them long after the last page is turned.
Montana Cherries by Kim Law is an emotional, poignant and ultimately uplifting novel of healing. Although there is also a romantic element to the storyline, the main focus is on Dani Wilde's struggle to come to terms with the wounds from her past.
Following her mother's death, Dani gave up her dream of attending college to return home and care for her younger siblings. Fast forward fourteen years, and she is on the verge of making her long awaited move to New York. She is finalizing her plans to leave in a few weeks when the cherry harvest is over and the last thing she needs is a relationship. So when good friend (and one-time lover) Ben Denton returns to the farm with his four year old daughter, Haley, Dani tries to keep her distance from both him and his daughter. But as they resume their once close friendship, their mutual attraction is impossible to ignore and they embark on a no strings fling. After a shocking family secret is revealed, Dani retreats from her loved ones in order to heal.
In the beginning, Dani seems to be happy, well-adjusted and eager to begin the next phase of her life. But as she continues to pack her belongings, she runs across a few items that bring up some unsettling feelings about her relationship with her mother, whom she has long idolized. Unable to face these distressing memories, she pushes them to the back of her mind and keeps busy with her family and the upcoming harvest. When the rest of her brothers return home to help with the annual harvest, Dani's foundation begins to crumble when she learns they have been keeping a huge secret from her. After their stunning revelation, she feels betrayed by her family but it is the disturbing memories that comes rushing back that destroy her. Although Ben is at her side every step of the way, Dani cannot consider a future with him until she takes the necessary steps to process the emotional damage from her past.
Ben also has a somewhat troubled past but he has come to terms with most of it. His main issue is learning how to care for his newly discovered daughter. He is definitely out of his depth, but with Dani's guidance, he and Haley finally begin to sort out their new relationship. Their relationship is fragile at first but he gradually gains Haley's trust and their scenes are quite touching.
The relationship between Dani and Ben is a nice blend of sweet and steamy. Despite their ten year separation, they easily pick up their friendship where it left off and they quickly put the lingering issue of their one night stand to rest. Their transition from friends to lovers is gradual and although they try to keep things casual, it is easy to see their growing affection for one another. It is also quite refreshing that Ben is willing to put his heart on the line for Dani.
Montana Cherries is a heartbreaking journey of self-discovery and healing. The storyline is quite unique and touches on a little about talked mental illness that has devastating and long reaching effects. Kim Law's research is extensive and her depiction of the actions of the person who has the disorder is incredibly accurate (unfortunately I have personal experience with someone who has this particular illness). All in all, a beautifully rendered and achingly realistic novel that will touch readers' hearts and remain with them long after the last page is turned.
July 11, 2023
Wow! Intense Listen.
Great characters. Very relatable, even if I wanted to smack them upside the head a time or two.
I completely understand why Dani had to leave. As well as how hard it was for both her and Ben. Not that it was done we'll. But then love hurts. All I can say, is tissues are needed.
Great story. I'm off to read the next in the series.
Great characters. Very relatable, even if I wanted to smack them upside the head a time or two.
I completely understand why Dani had to leave. As well as how hard it was for both her and Ben. Not that it was done we'll. But then love hurts. All I can say, is tissues are needed.
Great story. I'm off to read the next in the series.
July 28, 2015
Vikki’s Musings
I have recently become a huge fan of Kim Law. I actually met Kim at a Reader/Writer Conference two years ago, but at that time I had never read any of her work. I received a copy of Ex on the Beach, but since I only read on my Kindle now. I set it to the side. Several month ago, I downloaded the audio for Ex on the Beach and took advantage of the Kindle Unlimited program and read/listened to the book and fell in love with her writing. Since then, I have read all of her books, so I jumped at the chance to read and review Montana Cherries. This is one of the most amazing reads I’ve come across in quite some time.
Finally Dani Wilde is ready to follow her dreams and move to New York City. In a matter of weeks, she will leave Montana for good. When Ben shows up at her home with his newly acquired four-year-old daughter, he tugs at her heartstrings. After all, she gave the man her virginity ten years ago. A woman does not forget her first romantic encounter, and the physical pull is still there for both of them.
When family secrets are revealed, they threaten all Dani’s childhood memories of her mother. Will she learn to accept the reality of her nurturing years, or will she run as fast as she can to avoid it and leave the man who has fallen in love with her behind forever?
Montana Cherries resonated with me in a huge way. Ms. Law has penned a very thought provoking book. There is so much more to this story than just the romance. While I enjoyed Dani and Ben’s love story a great deal, the family dynamics of the Wilde clan pulled me in. I truly hope Kim will write Dani’s brother’s stories. I think each of the five brothers would have a fascinating story to tell.
Dani’s character was quite complex, and I felt as if she were a kindred spirit from the start. As the story unfolded that only grew stronger. While Dani is a successful individual, she has a great many insecurities and has a tortured soul. I loved her struggle to move beyond the hurt caused by her mother. I could also identify with the rose-colored glasses she wore in regards to her memories of her mother. I always love tortured souls, but they are usually men, not women.
Ben’s character is somewhat less complicated, but he also had his own demons. However, he had learned to cope with most of his issues for this story. His conflict was due to finding out he had a four-year-old daughter when she was dumped on his doorstep three weeks earlier. Ben sees Dani as his salvation when it comes to dealing with Haley, but he very quickly realizes she means more to him than that. I loved the tenderness and care he shows Dani. He’s a great hero, and I fell in love with him right away.
Mental illness is not a comfortable topic and is rarely discussed, especially in a romance novel, but Ms. Law paints a vivid picture of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. I had never heard of it before. However, after reading this book I plan to delve into it deeper for personal reasons.
If you are looking for a tale that will touch your heart and stir your emotions, then Montana Cherries is a book you will not want to miss. I am sure you will find it as fascinating as I did. Happy reading!
I have recently become a huge fan of Kim Law. I actually met Kim at a Reader/Writer Conference two years ago, but at that time I had never read any of her work. I received a copy of Ex on the Beach, but since I only read on my Kindle now. I set it to the side. Several month ago, I downloaded the audio for Ex on the Beach and took advantage of the Kindle Unlimited program and read/listened to the book and fell in love with her writing. Since then, I have read all of her books, so I jumped at the chance to read and review Montana Cherries. This is one of the most amazing reads I’ve come across in quite some time.
Finally Dani Wilde is ready to follow her dreams and move to New York City. In a matter of weeks, she will leave Montana for good. When Ben shows up at her home with his newly acquired four-year-old daughter, he tugs at her heartstrings. After all, she gave the man her virginity ten years ago. A woman does not forget her first romantic encounter, and the physical pull is still there for both of them.
When family secrets are revealed, they threaten all Dani’s childhood memories of her mother. Will she learn to accept the reality of her nurturing years, or will she run as fast as she can to avoid it and leave the man who has fallen in love with her behind forever?
Montana Cherries resonated with me in a huge way. Ms. Law has penned a very thought provoking book. There is so much more to this story than just the romance. While I enjoyed Dani and Ben’s love story a great deal, the family dynamics of the Wilde clan pulled me in. I truly hope Kim will write Dani’s brother’s stories. I think each of the five brothers would have a fascinating story to tell.
Dani’s character was quite complex, and I felt as if she were a kindred spirit from the start. As the story unfolded that only grew stronger. While Dani is a successful individual, she has a great many insecurities and has a tortured soul. I loved her struggle to move beyond the hurt caused by her mother. I could also identify with the rose-colored glasses she wore in regards to her memories of her mother. I always love tortured souls, but they are usually men, not women.
Ben’s character is somewhat less complicated, but he also had his own demons. However, he had learned to cope with most of his issues for this story. His conflict was due to finding out he had a four-year-old daughter when she was dumped on his doorstep three weeks earlier. Ben sees Dani as his salvation when it comes to dealing with Haley, but he very quickly realizes she means more to him than that. I loved the tenderness and care he shows Dani. He’s a great hero, and I fell in love with him right away.
Mental illness is not a comfortable topic and is rarely discussed, especially in a romance novel, but Ms. Law paints a vivid picture of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. I had never heard of it before. However, after reading this book I plan to delve into it deeper for personal reasons.
If you are looking for a tale that will touch your heart and stir your emotions, then Montana Cherries is a book you will not want to miss. I am sure you will find it as fascinating as I did. Happy reading!
December 3, 2016
This book is so unlike anything that I have ever read in this genre and I really liked it. While it is also a sweet, sweet love story, Montana Cherries addresses something very, very serious, but is so beautifully written that it never feels too heavy or too overwhelming. I have to admit to being completely floored when the big reveal happened, and wanting to hug the main character.
I loved the children in this book. So often I will read a book and wonder if the author had ever even met a child, but Jenna and Haley were SO perfectly written that I couldn't help but grin whenever they were mentioned.
MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD – there is no way to talk about this book without spoilers.
Despite all of her issues, Dani is an incredibly likable character. When she finally and realized what was happening in her life and the things that she'd repressed, I couldn't help but want her to get her happily ever after. I wanted her to get help so that she could find a way to let her family and Ben back into her life, and Kim Law made all of that happen in a beautiful way (yes, it was accelerated due to this being a novel and not a text book on proper recovery methods and time periods). I thought it was fabulous that she went to NYC and found herself, even though I will admit to questioning whether or not she would ever return to Montana. I love love love that she went back on her terms and figured her life out instead of just running back to let Ben take care of her.
And Ben. Oh my gosh. I loved watching him progress in his relationship with Haley, and the loving, protective streak. I also loved that he took care of Dani, whether she felt like she needed it or not, he was always there for her. There is nothing sexier in a book than a man who loves the females in his life unashamedly. Although I was rooting for he and Dani to get back together, I thought it was great that he was trying to move on when she left him behind. Even if it didn't take. Kim Law has a way of writing really, really swoon-worthy men in her books, and Ben fit right into the list of her great male characters.
I will admit to being a little overwhelmed by the amount of Wilde siblings. I struggled to keep them all straight (thank goodness for Kindle bookmarks), but that is a really, really good problem to have because they were all so well-written and very likable. I am very much looking forward to getting to know them all.
If you enjoy a book that makes you feel and think while it also makes you laugh and swoon, you should give this one a read.
I loved the children in this book. So often I will read a book and wonder if the author had ever even met a child, but Jenna and Haley were SO perfectly written that I couldn't help but grin whenever they were mentioned.
MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD – there is no way to talk about this book without spoilers.
Despite all of her issues, Dani is an incredibly likable character. When she finally and realized what was happening in her life and the things that she'd repressed, I couldn't help but want her to get her happily ever after. I wanted her to get help so that she could find a way to let her family and Ben back into her life, and Kim Law made all of that happen in a beautiful way (yes, it was accelerated due to this being a novel and not a text book on proper recovery methods and time periods). I thought it was fabulous that she went to NYC and found herself, even though I will admit to questioning whether or not she would ever return to Montana. I love love love that she went back on her terms and figured her life out instead of just running back to let Ben take care of her.
And Ben. Oh my gosh. I loved watching him progress in his relationship with Haley, and the loving, protective streak. I also loved that he took care of Dani, whether she felt like she needed it or not, he was always there for her. There is nothing sexier in a book than a man who loves the females in his life unashamedly. Although I was rooting for he and Dani to get back together, I thought it was great that he was trying to move on when she left him behind. Even if it didn't take. Kim Law has a way of writing really, really swoon-worthy men in her books, and Ben fit right into the list of her great male characters.
I will admit to being a little overwhelmed by the amount of Wilde siblings. I struggled to keep them all straight (thank goodness for Kindle bookmarks), but that is a really, really good problem to have because they were all so well-written and very likable. I am very much looking forward to getting to know them all.
If you enjoy a book that makes you feel and think while it also makes you laugh and swoon, you should give this one a read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2015
4.5 Stars
Dani Wilde had given up her dreams to help raise her brothers after her mom had died in a car accident. To uphold her mom’s memory she raised them the best she can as her mom would’ve raised them. But they are all grown, and now it’s time for her to live her dream. As things start to fall apart, reasons and excuses come up for her to stay. But her brothers will not have it and will tell her the family secret hoping to push her pursue her dreams instead. Nothing is what it seems, and this secret will definitely destroy her.
To add cherry on top of all of her problems, her childhood crush comes back to town. After a successful year in Los Angeles, Ben comes back with the daughter he never knew existed. Determined to be a good father, he seeks help from the Wilde family who seems to have everything in tact. After seeing Dani again, he realizes there may be more reasons to visit this household.
There is a lot at play here. Montana Cherries is about life at its best throwing heartaches, disappointments, and drama into the characters’ lives. Most importantly is rising above the disappointments.
I especially love the romance bit of the story. Ben, despite his problems, recognized Dani for who she was. He pursued romantically but let go when it was needed. Dani, on the other hand, was stronger, pursued what was needed and stood strong even when she had to make hard decisions. It was both heartbreaking and empowering. I cried, laughed and fell in love with all the characters in this book. Other than a couple of slow spots, it was a great read overall.
I know Montana Cherries is meant to be standalone but after reading this book, I have no doubt that we will get more of the Wilde Family. There so much more to explore and I would like to know that each sibling get’s their happy-ending. While Ms. Law and her pub decide on that, we will get another novel before the year is over and another by January, which both are in the works.
Dani Wilde had given up her dreams to help raise her brothers after her mom had died in a car accident. To uphold her mom’s memory she raised them the best she can as her mom would’ve raised them. But they are all grown, and now it’s time for her to live her dream. As things start to fall apart, reasons and excuses come up for her to stay. But her brothers will not have it and will tell her the family secret hoping to push her pursue her dreams instead. Nothing is what it seems, and this secret will definitely destroy her.
To add cherry on top of all of her problems, her childhood crush comes back to town. After a successful year in Los Angeles, Ben comes back with the daughter he never knew existed. Determined to be a good father, he seeks help from the Wilde family who seems to have everything in tact. After seeing Dani again, he realizes there may be more reasons to visit this household.
There is a lot at play here. Montana Cherries is about life at its best throwing heartaches, disappointments, and drama into the characters’ lives. Most importantly is rising above the disappointments.
I especially love the romance bit of the story. Ben, despite his problems, recognized Dani for who she was. He pursued romantically but let go when it was needed. Dani, on the other hand, was stronger, pursued what was needed and stood strong even when she had to make hard decisions. It was both heartbreaking and empowering. I cried, laughed and fell in love with all the characters in this book. Other than a couple of slow spots, it was a great read overall.
I know Montana Cherries is meant to be standalone but after reading this book, I have no doubt that we will get more of the Wilde Family. There so much more to explore and I would like to know that each sibling get’s their happy-ending. While Ms. Law and her pub decide on that, we will get another novel before the year is over and another by January, which both are in the works.
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