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Falling for Flannel #2
A Hometown Kind of Love
First love. Second chance. And one Friday-night-lights kiss they can’t forget.
Rowan Wilkes was eighteen the last time Lucas Hemingway kissed her at the fifty-yard line of Maple Lake High School. The next day, she drove out of town with a guitar in the back seat and a graduation tassel swinging from the rearview mirror, swearing she’d never look back.
She’s spent twelve years in Nashville keeping that promise.
Now she’s the country music star with a hit song the whole world thinks is about a fictional boy. He’s not fictional. And neither are her quiet, sleepless nights.
Lucas Hemingway is the boy who stayed.
High school football coach. Funeral home son. Quietly pouring every last dollar he has into the Maple Lake Integrative Counseling Center for Adolescents—because the kids in his town deserve a place where someone says they aren’t too broken, too small, too easily forgotten.
He’s the steady, faith-rooted, mustard-seed-and-shoulder-pads kind of man who shows up for everyone.
And waits for nobody.
Especially not the girl who broke his heart at eighteen and rode out of town to chase the spotlight.
Then Rowan’s sister calls.
Jenna Ludington has beaten cancer three times now, with more grace than Maple Lake knows what to do with—and the town has named a scholarship in her honor. The ceremony is at the homecoming football game in three weeks. Rowan is asked to be there. To sing. To stand in the lights of the field where she once kissed a boy who told her she could go anywhere—and meant it.
Three weeks at home. One Lucas Hemingway with a glow-up the rumors didn’t prepare her for. One brand-new song nobody knows is about him yet. And a quietly persistent question—the one Rowan hasn’t had the courage to face since the day she packed her car:
What if home was never the thing she had to leave behind?
Tropes you’ll love
First love / second chance romance
Country music star × hometown football coach
The girl who left × the boy who stayed
Friday-night-lights / fifty-yard-line first kiss
Coming-home / homecoming-weekend romance
Cozy autumn small-town faith-forward romance
From beloved inspirational romance author Janine Rosche, A HOMETOWN KIND OF LOVE is the second novel in Falling for Flannel in Maple Lake — Sunrise Publishing’s new multi-author small-town romance series, set in Maple Lake, Minnesota. Perfect for readers of Denise Hunter, Becky Wade, Carla Laureano, Tammy L. Gray, and Susan May Warren. Pour the cider. The maples are turning.
Falling for Flannel — some stories are worth coming home for.
Rowan Wilkes was eighteen the last time Lucas Hemingway kissed her at the fifty-yard line of Maple Lake High School. The next day, she drove out of town with a guitar in the back seat and a graduation tassel swinging from the rearview mirror, swearing she’d never look back.
She’s spent twelve years in Nashville keeping that promise.
Now she’s the country music star with a hit song the whole world thinks is about a fictional boy. He’s not fictional. And neither are her quiet, sleepless nights.
Lucas Hemingway is the boy who stayed.
High school football coach. Funeral home son. Quietly pouring every last dollar he has into the Maple Lake Integrative Counseling Center for Adolescents—because the kids in his town deserve a place where someone says they aren’t too broken, too small, too easily forgotten.
He’s the steady, faith-rooted, mustard-seed-and-shoulder-pads kind of man who shows up for everyone.
And waits for nobody.
Especially not the girl who broke his heart at eighteen and rode out of town to chase the spotlight.
Then Rowan’s sister calls.
Jenna Ludington has beaten cancer three times now, with more grace than Maple Lake knows what to do with—and the town has named a scholarship in her honor. The ceremony is at the homecoming football game in three weeks. Rowan is asked to be there. To sing. To stand in the lights of the field where she once kissed a boy who told her she could go anywhere—and meant it.
Three weeks at home. One Lucas Hemingway with a glow-up the rumors didn’t prepare her for. One brand-new song nobody knows is about him yet. And a quietly persistent question—the one Rowan hasn’t had the courage to face since the day she packed her car:
What if home was never the thing she had to leave behind?
Tropes you’ll love
First love / second chance romance
Country music star × hometown football coach
The girl who left × the boy who stayed
Friday-night-lights / fifty-yard-line first kiss
Coming-home / homecoming-weekend romance
Cozy autumn small-town faith-forward romance
From beloved inspirational romance author Janine Rosche, A HOMETOWN KIND OF LOVE is the second novel in Falling for Flannel in Maple Lake — Sunrise Publishing’s new multi-author small-town romance series, set in Maple Lake, Minnesota. Perfect for readers of Denise Hunter, Becky Wade, Carla Laureano, Tammy L. Gray, and Susan May Warren. Pour the cider. The maples are turning.
Falling for Flannel — some stories are worth coming home for.
- GenresAutumn
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Janine Rosche’s addition to this series is a wonderful story about the choices we make and the harmony (or discord) that results.
After a 12-year absence, Rowan Ludington returns home and decides to fight for something that matters rather than continue to sacrifice for music charts and deadlines. I appreciated the encouragement to make brave choices, to remember that (1) storms pass, and that sometimes (2) real love finds us when we’ve forgotten who we are.
I’ve noticed that many of the books I’ve been reading lately and the many conversations I’ve had with friends center around the importance of being seen. This book is no different. I loved the focus on a character who realizes that she is worthy of being seen for who she is.
I laughed at the leech scene and got emotional at Crue’s betrayal. Rosche’s characters felt genuine, the pace was even, and the gift of a second chance kept me turning pages.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
After a 12-year absence, Rowan Ludington returns home and decides to fight for something that matters rather than continue to sacrifice for music charts and deadlines. I appreciated the encouragement to make brave choices, to remember that (1) storms pass, and that sometimes (2) real love finds us when we’ve forgotten who we are.
I’ve noticed that many of the books I’ve been reading lately and the many conversations I’ve had with friends center around the importance of being seen. This book is no different. I loved the focus on a character who realizes that she is worthy of being seen for who she is.
I laughed at the leech scene and got emotional at Crue’s betrayal. Rosche’s characters felt genuine, the pace was even, and the gift of a second chance kept me turning pages.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Lucas and Rowan's second chance romance was sweet and it was touching that they never forgot each other. Their romance also held bittersweet history, tension from a love triangle, and hurt from years past. I loved watching Lucas coach his high school football team and also loved seeing him build his dream counseling center for adolescents with faith and hard work. Rowan was lovable and compassionate but needed to mature some. I did enjoy her creative process as she wrote songs and performed. I loved returning to Maple Lake to bask in its small-town vibe, especially during the fall season, but this Maple Lake felt like a completely different town from the first book (though still a small-town). I had expected some tie-ins from the first book of the series but there was no mention of the characters from the previous book. I didn't fully connect with Lucas or Rowan unfortunately. Their hurts, words, and actions didn't always resonate with me. Still, the redemptive arc was a highlight and the forgiveness given and received was heart-warming.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Sunrise Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Sunrise Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was a sweet story featuring characters with a lot of unfinished baggage due to different dreams and not proper communication.
I enjoyed the small setting of Maple Lake, but did not connect with the story and characters like I did with the first book. I appreciated the growth Rowan experienced from the start to the end of the story, realizing dreams can still be achieved without sacrificing other dreams.
Lukas was a character who never stopped giving, even to his own undoing. I loved the scenes between him and his football team and how he realised he did not have to do everything on his own, there is a team rooting for his dreams.
A sweet story set in a sweet small town.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.*
I enjoyed the small setting of Maple Lake, but did not connect with the story and characters like I did with the first book. I appreciated the growth Rowan experienced from the start to the end of the story, realizing dreams can still be achieved without sacrificing other dreams.
Lukas was a character who never stopped giving, even to his own undoing. I loved the scenes between him and his football team and how he realised he did not have to do everything on his own, there is a team rooting for his dreams.
A sweet story set in a sweet small town.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A Hometown Kind of Love by Janine Rosche is a sweet second chance romance that touches on some deep subjects.
Rowan Ludington aka Rowan Wilke left Maple Lake 12 years earlier to follow her dreams to make it big in Nashville. When Rowan left Maple Lake she left everything behind: her family, her hometown, and the love of her life, Lucas Hemingway.
Lucas Hemingway stayed in Make Lake to help his father and his sister after his mom left. Lucas is trying to open a nonprofit integrative counseling center for youth while also coaching high school football. While Lucas works to fulfill his dream of a youth counseling center everything seems to go wrong. He has one setback after the next.
When Rowan comes to town the pair reconnect but past hurts, misunderstandings, and seemingly different dreams will all need to be overcome to find their happily ever after.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and could understand some of the feelings they were experiencing. There were definitely some tears provoking moments. The one problem I had with this book was that I expected more of a tie in to the first book. There was no character overlap which I found to be a missed opportunity.
I received an arc of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
Rowan Ludington aka Rowan Wilke left Maple Lake 12 years earlier to follow her dreams to make it big in Nashville. When Rowan left Maple Lake she left everything behind: her family, her hometown, and the love of her life, Lucas Hemingway.
Lucas Hemingway stayed in Make Lake to help his father and his sister after his mom left. Lucas is trying to open a nonprofit integrative counseling center for youth while also coaching high school football. While Lucas works to fulfill his dream of a youth counseling center everything seems to go wrong. He has one setback after the next.
When Rowan comes to town the pair reconnect but past hurts, misunderstandings, and seemingly different dreams will all need to be overcome to find their happily ever after.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and could understand some of the feelings they were experiencing. There were definitely some tears provoking moments. The one problem I had with this book was that I expected more of a tie in to the first book. There was no character overlap which I found to be a missed opportunity.
I received an arc of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Janine Rosche's newest book in the Falling for Flannel series, "A Hometown Kind of Love," sets the bar sky high for sweetly tragic romances! I've not read any of Rosche's books before, but if this is how she typically writes, she has a new fan.
There's a few things you need to know before you start to read, though. First, grab at least two of your favorite fall drinks and a full box of tissues with lotion. Clear your calendar, then cozy up with your favorite snuggly blanket and a few snacks, because you won't move once you start this story - and while the redemption arc is amazing, the tragedy between Rowan and Lucas rivals the Capulets and the Montagues.
So you'll make good use of that tissue box, but the wisdom and the kindness woven throughout this story will prevail. I love those elements; because while the romance is still the main theme, it's so much more than JUST that.
So if you want a fun, sweet, and teary story about pitfalls and prevailing hope of real love, get your copy of A Hometown Kind of Love now.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
There's a few things you need to know before you start to read, though. First, grab at least two of your favorite fall drinks and a full box of tissues with lotion. Clear your calendar, then cozy up with your favorite snuggly blanket and a few snacks, because you won't move once you start this story - and while the redemption arc is amazing, the tragedy between Rowan and Lucas rivals the Capulets and the Montagues.
So you'll make good use of that tissue box, but the wisdom and the kindness woven throughout this story will prevail. I love those elements; because while the romance is still the main theme, it's so much more than JUST that.
So if you want a fun, sweet, and teary story about pitfalls and prevailing hope of real love, get your copy of A Hometown Kind of Love now.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is my 1st Janine Rosche book and I loved it! It won’t be my last. She’s a perfect addition to Sunrise Publishing.
After a 12-years being away from Maple Lake, Rowan Ludington returns to her hometown to see if she can make her music career work still and be herself. The industry was trying to change her into something she wasn’t. It’s funny how these two recent books I’ve read about music industry all have about the same themes of the artist having to change who they are instead of being all God has made them into. But the overarching theme is being who God called you to be and be real. Being authentically yourself. Janine did an excellent job of showing how when we lose our way, God and those around us who have always been in our corner, love us unconditionally. Rowan realizes her own worth and it’s not in what she can do but in who she is. Although I didn’t like Crue’s betrayal and his overall behavior, I realized he’s just a broken man who is need a savior just like we all are before Christ saved us. Love the second chances all around in this book. Sisters, family, love and more. Lucas and Rowan’s second chance at love was beautiful.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to give a review.
After a 12-years being away from Maple Lake, Rowan Ludington returns to her hometown to see if she can make her music career work still and be herself. The industry was trying to change her into something she wasn’t. It’s funny how these two recent books I’ve read about music industry all have about the same themes of the artist having to change who they are instead of being all God has made them into. But the overarching theme is being who God called you to be and be real. Being authentically yourself. Janine did an excellent job of showing how when we lose our way, God and those around us who have always been in our corner, love us unconditionally. Rowan realizes her own worth and it’s not in what she can do but in who she is. Although I didn’t like Crue’s betrayal and his overall behavior, I realized he’s just a broken man who is need a savior just like we all are before Christ saved us. Love the second chances all around in this book. Sisters, family, love and more. Lucas and Rowan’s second chance at love was beautiful.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to give a review.
October 1, 2026
If Hallmark is your cup of tea, you do not want to miss this series. A Hometown Kind of Love is the second book in the multi-author Falling for Flannel series. A Hometown Kind of Love is written by Janine Rosche, and it's perfect. This can be enjoyed as a standalone.
This story took Hallmark and blended it with the show Nashville for the perfect fall read. Rowan left Maple Lake to pursue her music career in Nashville. But the musician life is not all it is cracked up to be. Rowan has returned home to celebrate with her family. Lucas, Rowan’s high school boyfriend, is still holding everything and everyone together in Maple Lake. He has set his sights on opening a counseling facility to help teens out, for those who can and cannot afford it.
The character growth throughout this story was a lot. There were many different layers to this story, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Dealing with lost dreams, parental abandonment, overcoming cancer, alcoholism, feeling like you don’t belong, and so much more.
This second chance romance was perfection with kisses only.
I loved the faith elements twisted throughout this story.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
This story took Hallmark and blended it with the show Nashville for the perfect fall read. Rowan left Maple Lake to pursue her music career in Nashville. But the musician life is not all it is cracked up to be. Rowan has returned home to celebrate with her family. Lucas, Rowan’s high school boyfriend, is still holding everything and everyone together in Maple Lake. He has set his sights on opening a counseling facility to help teens out, for those who can and cannot afford it.
The character growth throughout this story was a lot. There were many different layers to this story, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Dealing with lost dreams, parental abandonment, overcoming cancer, alcoholism, feeling like you don’t belong, and so much more.
This second chance romance was perfection with kisses only.
I loved the faith elements twisted throughout this story.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book pulled me in from the beginning as the reader meets Rowan who is visiting kids at the children's hospital. Her love and care for each person was so endearing.
The reader then pivots to meeting Lucas who is the former boyfriend of Rowan. He is trying to do everything possible to open a center for teens who need a little extra mental health support.
I enjoyed slowly learning more of the story for each characters and what prompted them to make past decisions.
I will also admit that I was in tears at one point on the story. I had a really difficult putting this one down as I was so invested in the characters and their stories!
I was given a copy of the book. The opinions are my own.
The reader then pivots to meeting Lucas who is the former boyfriend of Rowan. He is trying to do everything possible to open a center for teens who need a little extra mental health support.
I enjoyed slowly learning more of the story for each characters and what prompted them to make past decisions.
I will also admit that I was in tears at one point on the story. I had a really difficult putting this one down as I was so invested in the characters and their stories!
I was given a copy of the book. The opinions are my own.
October 6, 2026
This book made me feel so happy. I love the town of Maple Lake, and I really wish I could visit for a maple scone! This second book in the Falling for Flannel series further immersed me in this town and introduced me to new characters I quickly fell in love with. In Rowan and Lucas's story, we see themes of redemption and forgiveness, along with healing from past hurts. Their rekindled romance is a sweet testament to second chances and the fulfillment of dreams.
I look forward to returning to this town in future books, and I hope to see glimpses of these characters again!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I look forward to returning to this town in future books, and I hope to see glimpses of these characters again!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What an amazing story about a country music star and a football coach who once were high school sweethearts. A Hometown Kind of Love is about second chances, family dynamics, and learning what it means to be seen. Lucas and Rowen encountered snags and bumps along the way about Rowen's singing career and Lucas's nonprofit counseling center he wants to open. I enjoyed the faith elements in this story, and the characters had lessons they needed to learn. What a delightful contemporary romance read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Sweet story with emotional depth and inspiration. Loved the main characters and the storyline. Definitely worth the read. This book was provided by Sunrise Publishing for me to read. The opinions expressed here are my own thoughts.
October 1, 2026
Nothing beats a second chance kind of romance, am I right?
Rowan Wilkes set out for Nashville to make a name for herself and she’s done just that. Now she’s coming home to Maple Lake to keep her name in lights burning.
Lucas Hemingway (no relation to the famous author—I checked 😉) is running on fumes trying to get his counseling center up and running. He has a heart for teens needing a safe space.
When Rowan comes home everything seems to come apart. Her request to shoot a video for her new song collides with his need to meet his deadline. Add in an estranged best friend with a grudge and you have a story that will tug hard on all the feels.
I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Highly recommend!
Rowan Wilkes set out for Nashville to make a name for herself and she’s done just that. Now she’s coming home to Maple Lake to keep her name in lights burning.
Lucas Hemingway (no relation to the famous author—I checked 😉) is running on fumes trying to get his counseling center up and running. He has a heart for teens needing a safe space.
When Rowan comes home everything seems to come apart. Her request to shoot a video for her new song collides with his need to meet his deadline. Add in an estranged best friend with a grudge and you have a story that will tug hard on all the feels.
I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A compelling, tender romance about second chances. Rowan and Lucas had every intention of living their lives together until a misunderstanding and family drama drove them apart. When Rowan returns home to support her family, it’s clear that there are still feelings between her and Lucas. As they rebuild their relationship, many obstacles stand in their way.
This story has a wonderful depth to it; it’s no fluffy romance. There are some real heartaches and trauma that has to be worked through. The characters are noble and loyal, with a commitment to helping people and to loving each other. I truly enjoyed reading this clean, inspiring story and give it 4.5 stars.
I received an early copy of this story. A positive review was not required. This is my opinion.
This story has a wonderful depth to it; it’s no fluffy romance. There are some real heartaches and trauma that has to be worked through. The characters are noble and loyal, with a commitment to helping people and to loving each other. I truly enjoyed reading this clean, inspiring story and give it 4.5 stars.
I received an early copy of this story. A positive review was not required. This is my opinion.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews