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Harmony #3
The Comforts of Home
In Harmony, Texas, twenty-year-old Reagan Truman has found her place, and found her family. But with her uncle taken ill and her friend Noah lost and disheartened with his life, Reagan is afraid of ending up alone again, and she's not the only one. When a terrible storms threatens the town, the residents of Harmony are forced to think about what they really want. Because making the connections they so desperately desire means putting their hearts at risk...
328 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2011
204 people are currently reading
1096 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Thomas
126 books2,495 followersI'm a New York Times and USA Today Best Selling author, wife, mother, in-law, grandmother, sister, friend, and owner of one fat cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
November 19, 2011
I think everyone would like to live in Harmony, TX. It is the ideal small town filled with people who care about each other. Of course there are some not so nice people as well. It would not be a story without them.
Like the other Harmony books The Comforts of Home is character driven. All of the original characters are back and some new ones have moved into town. In The Comforts of Home there are two couples that finally get their HEA’s and there are some new characters that are still working on romance. I don’t like spoilers so I will only say that there are two people I am hoping work out in the next book. There are also plenty of interesting side characters waiting for a bigger role.
This is one of those series that gets under my skin. The characters become such good friends I laugh and cry for them and want everything to work out in the end. Jodi is very good at gently torturing her characters and keeping the tension going in her books. That makes for a very good read.
You can read The Comforts of Home as a stand-alone but I recommend reading them in order. Start with Welcome to Harmony followed by Somewhere Along the Way and finally The Comforts of Home.
Like the other Harmony books The Comforts of Home is character driven. All of the original characters are back and some new ones have moved into town. In The Comforts of Home there are two couples that finally get their HEA’s and there are some new characters that are still working on romance. I don’t like spoilers so I will only say that there are two people I am hoping work out in the next book. There are also plenty of interesting side characters waiting for a bigger role.
This is one of those series that gets under my skin. The characters become such good friends I laugh and cry for them and want everything to work out in the end. Jodi is very good at gently torturing her characters and keeping the tension going in her books. That makes for a very good read.
You can read The Comforts of Home as a stand-alone but I recommend reading them in order. Start with Welcome to Harmony followed by Somewhere Along the Way and finally The Comforts of Home.
June 20, 2020
Another winner by Jodi Thomas and her perfect small town of Harmony ..the more I read, the more connected to these characters I become.
We have our normal characters from the beginning and damn if Noah is starting to get on my bad side.
We learn more about Ronnelle (Ronny)and that story had my heart sad and happy! I hope we get more of her in the series!
We have our normal characters from the beginning and damn if Noah is starting to get on my bad side.
We learn more about Ronnelle (Ronny)and that story had my heart sad and happy! I hope we get more of her in the series!
March 28, 2012
Had to DNF it. One of the secondary characters was just ruining the book for me which is sad as I read and enjoyed the first 2 books in this series. I just couldn't get past her actions and her treatment of another character.
ETA -- 4/11/12
Have been in a weird reading mood. Went back and read/skimmed the rest of this one last night. Still hated Claire and her attitude towards Denver and how she was just using him for sex while he, the sucker, seemed to really love her.
There were 4 or 5 different stories going on. Ronny & Marty. Reagan & Noah. Claire & Denver. (If you can even call their story a "relationship". Tyler & Kate.
We can go ahead and mark off Reagan & Noah because both were 20? 21? Too young to really decide anything more than the back and forth that was going on between them.
Claire & Denver, skimmed through most of their scenes after Claire annoyed me so much.
Tyler & Kate, didn't think they'd ever decide to finally take the next time and make the choice to go to the next step, the emails, will she reply, when will she reply, were getting old, seriously old. Almost to the point of wanting Tyler to just move the heck on and just forget about her.
Then we have Ronny & Marty. Ronny is 26? Lives at home and her mother is the rudest person alive, IMO. The way she treats her daughter is horrible. Ronny grew up basically not wanting to be noticed. Didn't talk much, hated to be touched, etc. Marty was 30? Had been in a accident that put him in a wheelchair and he was grumpy at first. But they met one day when Ronny delivered the mail to his apartment. They struck up a friendship where they would have lunch once a week where Marty would give Ronny "lessons" (kissing lessons to begin with) and it seemed the book was focusing on their relationship, even though each chapter was about one of the couples.
The last 10% of the book had a storm come through, blah blah blah. Tyler & Kate decide to marry (Thank you, God, they finally decide to take that step after 4 years of being friends). Noah decides to tell Reagan to wait for him until he was done from being part of the rodeo. Said he saw them married with 3 kids blah blah blah. Claire & Denver? Honestly, I have no idea what happened with them. Was hoping the storm would snatched Claire away like the wicked witch she was and just make her go *poof*, that's how much I cared about her.
Then we have Ronny & Marty. Ronny was injured one night and ended up at Marty's place where he helped take care of her injured leg. She ended up falling asleep on his bed and by the time she got home, her mom had basically called her trash and kicked her out (or Ronny may have just walked out before she kicked her out). After the storm, Ronny goes to Marty's to see him and he's not there. Somehow he's moved out, something having to do with his father, but he's not there when she goes and she ends up renting his place for herself. The book ends with her finding a paper that Marty left for her saying "Grow". No goodbye. No nothing, just "Grow" and the book ends. Just like that.
I'm slightly puzzled. I know the previous two books also featured several storylines but we went in knowing who the h/h of each book was. This one, I thought it was about Ronny & Marty but the ending confused the hell out of me and my skimming most of it didn't help any but damn, I couldn't take much of Claire. Does this mean Ronny & the absent Marty will be in book 4? I have no clue and right now I'm very leery about giving that one a try. Might have to wait a bit before I dive into that one.
ETA -- 4/11/12
Have been in a weird reading mood. Went back and read/skimmed the rest of this one last night. Still hated Claire and her attitude towards Denver and how she was just using him for sex while he, the sucker, seemed to really love her.
There were 4 or 5 different stories going on. Ronny & Marty. Reagan & Noah. Claire & Denver. (If you can even call their story a "relationship". Tyler & Kate.
We can go ahead and mark off Reagan & Noah because both were 20? 21? Too young to really decide anything more than the back and forth that was going on between them.
Claire & Denver, skimmed through most of their scenes after Claire annoyed me so much.
Tyler & Kate, didn't think they'd ever decide to finally take the next time and make the choice to go to the next step, the emails, will she reply, when will she reply, were getting old, seriously old. Almost to the point of wanting Tyler to just move the heck on and just forget about her.
Then we have Ronny & Marty. Ronny is 26? Lives at home and her mother is the rudest person alive, IMO. The way she treats her daughter is horrible. Ronny grew up basically not wanting to be noticed. Didn't talk much, hated to be touched, etc. Marty was 30? Had been in a accident that put him in a wheelchair and he was grumpy at first. But they met one day when Ronny delivered the mail to his apartment. They struck up a friendship where they would have lunch once a week where Marty would give Ronny "lessons" (kissing lessons to begin with) and it seemed the book was focusing on their relationship, even though each chapter was about one of the couples.
The last 10% of the book had a storm come through, blah blah blah. Tyler & Kate decide to marry (Thank you, God, they finally decide to take that step after 4 years of being friends). Noah decides to tell Reagan to wait for him until he was done from being part of the rodeo. Said he saw them married with 3 kids blah blah blah. Claire & Denver? Honestly, I have no idea what happened with them. Was hoping the storm would snatched Claire away like the wicked witch she was and just make her go *poof*, that's how much I cared about her.
Then we have Ronny & Marty. Ronny was injured one night and ended up at Marty's place where he helped take care of her injured leg. She ended up falling asleep on his bed and by the time she got home, her mom had basically called her trash and kicked her out (or Ronny may have just walked out before she kicked her out). After the storm, Ronny goes to Marty's to see him and he's not there. Somehow he's moved out, something having to do with his father, but he's not there when she goes and she ends up renting his place for herself. The book ends with her finding a paper that Marty left for her saying "Grow". No goodbye. No nothing, just "Grow" and the book ends. Just like that.
I'm slightly puzzled. I know the previous two books also featured several storylines but we went in knowing who the h/h of each book was. This one, I thought it was about Ronny & Marty but the ending confused the hell out of me and my skimming most of it didn't help any but damn, I couldn't take much of Claire. Does this mean Ronny & the absent Marty will be in book 4? I have no clue and right now I'm very leery about giving that one a try. Might have to wait a bit before I dive into that one.
November 10, 2011
I've loved the Jodi Thomas's Harmony Series from the first book. Each book has deepened my feelings. I feel a bond with the characters and I want everyone to be happy and safe. I believe it's true what they say about "three's the charm" because this book certainly was for me. I was in a lull and needed a pick-me-up and I definitely got it. Tyler, Reagan, Noah, Gabe, Uncle Jeremiah and his old girlfriend Pat and all the others, along with new characters who come alive in this series will grab your heart and not let go. Now I've seriously got the ho-hums and need another pick-me-up. I'll have to find it somewhere else because the next Harmony addition won't come for awhile . . . but I know it will be worth the wait when it arrives. If you like small town charm, characters with lots of personality, and a captivating fun-filled read, you might want to make a visit to Harmony, Texas and visit all the wonderful people who bring the town to life.
October 25, 2011
4.5)THE COMFORTS OF HOME by Jodi Thomas is an interesting contemporary romance set in Harmony,Texas. This is #3 in the "A Harmony Novel". See "Welcome To Harmony",and "Somewhere Along The Way". Come meet the characters of Harmony,Texas you will not regret the visit. This is a compelling,heartfelt,powerful,gripping story of love,romance,family,community,with secrets,danger and finding home. The characters will tug at your heart strings as they each find their way,and learn the meeting of love,peace and happiness. Harmony, Texas is a town with likable townspeople,who are human in everyway,and jump off the pages. An emotional story,that will keep your turning pages. A must read for any romance readers and any reader who enjoys a heartwarming story. I can hardly wait for the next installment. Received from the author and publisher for review. Details can be found at The Berkley Publishing Group,published by Penguin Group and My Book Addiction and More.
***Coming soon "JUST DOWN THE ROAD" from The Berkley Publising Group***
***Coming soon "JUST DOWN THE ROAD" from The Berkley Publising Group***
July 10, 2014
Finished the third one!
I love that Reagan and Noah finally got together. They are the sweetest couple in Harmony (or could it be Uncle Jeremiah and Aunt Pat? ;))
I love that finally Tyler got his Kate and his own HEA. I'm afraid I have lost a little hope seeing that Kate was ignoring him for about third half of the story.
But... I am angry at Marty for the way he left Ronny. After pursuing her and giving her hope, he just walked away without a word. Not romantic, okay! We lived in the world where mobile phones is a necessity, almost everyone have it. Can't you drop a message or a word yourself? Argghhh.....
Can't wait to visit Harmony again...
I love that Reagan and Noah finally got together. They are the sweetest couple in Harmony (or could it be Uncle Jeremiah and Aunt Pat? ;))
I love that finally Tyler got his Kate and his own HEA. I'm afraid I have lost a little hope seeing that Kate was ignoring him for about third half of the story.
But... I am angry at Marty for the way he left Ronny. After pursuing her and giving her hope, he just walked away without a word. Not romantic, okay! We lived in the world where mobile phones is a necessity, almost everyone have it. Can't you drop a message or a word yourself? Argghhh.....
Can't wait to visit Harmony again...
April 11, 2012
The third book in the this series and I loved it! This series is SO good. Read it, it makes you happy, and is such a comfort read.
I love coming back to Harmony to visit old friends we met in previous stories and see how they are doing, and to see new stories, loves, relationships develop and grow.
Reagan and Noah tug at my heartstrings and I can't wait to see what awaits them next. And dear me, I was so stinky proud of Ronny in this book. I hope we see her story develop as well as Marty's.
This is a series that I read and almost crave the next book. This is an amazing series, a magical town created by an extremely talented author. Read this series and enjoy!
I love coming back to Harmony to visit old friends we met in previous stories and see how they are doing, and to see new stories, loves, relationships develop and grow.
Reagan and Noah tug at my heartstrings and I can't wait to see what awaits them next. And dear me, I was so stinky proud of Ronny in this book. I hope we see her story develop as well as Marty's.
This is a series that I read and almost crave the next book. This is an amazing series, a magical town created by an extremely talented author. Read this series and enjoy!
October 18, 2011
Reagan Truman has grown since; she first came to Harmony, Texas. She is now a young woman has a grandpa, friends and a place to call home.
Ronelle Logan works for the post office. Her first delivery is to Mr. Marty Winslow. Ronelle was not prepared for Marty’s abrupt attitude. This would explain why on her first meeting with him, she called him a cripple.
Tyler Wright is the local funeral director. He is finally ready to make the leap from friends to more than just friends, with Kate. Though, is she ready for the same thing?
Everyone in Harmony is friendly and people that I want to hang out with. Well most of the people. There was Marty. I could not believe how grown up Reagan was. She now had to contend with boys and prior she was just happy sitting on the front porch with her grandpa. It was nice to see Noah again. I do believe that he and Reagan belong together. Ronelle became an instant hit with me. She was shy but around Marty she opened up and could be herself. Even if that meant sometimes just blurting out things.
I so love this series from author, Jodi Thomas. I have to compare this series to another one of my favorite author’s, Robyn Carr and her Virgin River series. They are both great, the characters are more like friends, and I can not read these books fast enough. The Comforts of Home is like eating a slice of Grandma’s homemade, warm, apple pie…it is delicious and makes you wants seconds and thirds!
Ronelle Logan works for the post office. Her first delivery is to Mr. Marty Winslow. Ronelle was not prepared for Marty’s abrupt attitude. This would explain why on her first meeting with him, she called him a cripple.
Tyler Wright is the local funeral director. He is finally ready to make the leap from friends to more than just friends, with Kate. Though, is she ready for the same thing?
Everyone in Harmony is friendly and people that I want to hang out with. Well most of the people. There was Marty. I could not believe how grown up Reagan was. She now had to contend with boys and prior she was just happy sitting on the front porch with her grandpa. It was nice to see Noah again. I do believe that he and Reagan belong together. Ronelle became an instant hit with me. She was shy but around Marty she opened up and could be herself. Even if that meant sometimes just blurting out things.
I so love this series from author, Jodi Thomas. I have to compare this series to another one of my favorite author’s, Robyn Carr and her Virgin River series. They are both great, the characters are more like friends, and I can not read these books fast enough. The Comforts of Home is like eating a slice of Grandma’s homemade, warm, apple pie…it is delicious and makes you wants seconds and thirds!
November 28, 2011
4/5; 4 stars; A-
I enjoyed reading another story set in Harmony Texas. I think a person would not enjoy this book as much if they hadn't read the previous books and gotten to know the characters and their history but it would still be a good read.
The characters drive all the Jodi Thomas books I've read and this one is the same. Like Robyn Carr, this author can build a community and intertwine several story lines without making a jumbled mess.
Recommend this to anyone who enjoys stories about family, community, and personal growth.
I enjoyed reading another story set in Harmony Texas. I think a person would not enjoy this book as much if they hadn't read the previous books and gotten to know the characters and their history but it would still be a good read.
The characters drive all the Jodi Thomas books I've read and this one is the same. Like Robyn Carr, this author can build a community and intertwine several story lines without making a jumbled mess.
Recommend this to anyone who enjoys stories about family, community, and personal growth.
November 2, 2011
Another absolutely fabulous addition to this series! And I wish I wasn't done b/c now I am dying for more and more and more!
April 11, 2021
I wish I could give this alllllll the stars! Just so heartwarming and I’m eager for more. I wish Harmony really existed and I could pop in and visit friends :)
July 10, 2023
Love this series of books.
January 6, 2012
4.5/5 (A-)
I loved this book!! Just loved it :) I really enjoyed Somewhere Along the Way and was a bit anxious to read The Comforts of Home... but once I finished this book and re-read it immediately LOL. Yep, that's how much I enjoyed The Comforts of Home :)
So far, I've loved following Reagan's journey, seeing her grow and dealing with life. It's really been heart-warming to see the relationship between Reagan and her great-uncle, Jeremiah. They are not blood-related, but blood doesn't matter. It's the heart that does. I've also been very anxious to see what would happen to her relationship with Noah. It was sad to see that Noah has lost his joy and love of the rodeo world. That the injuries and the reality of the rodeo world have toughened him up, but also eroded his spirit. At the same time, it makes Noah's promises to Reagan at the end even stronger, meaningful. I think that Noah will turn into a really fine man and as such, I'm glad that the fractures in their relationship were mended.
Another relationship that I'm happy with the outcome is Ty and Kate. I think Ty is an awesome man. Definitively not your typical hero in romance - a chubby 40-ish y.o. funeral director - and yet there is something about him. His gentleness, the way he cares for people and his job, his sincerity. Tyler is really a genuine person... While I think he deserves much better than Kate, in the end, it is the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with and I'm happy that he finally gets what he wants :)
I have to say though, my favorite storyline in The Comforts of Home was Ronny's story. She's been mentioned in Welcome to Harmony if I'm not wrong and she seems such a strange woman... but Ms Thomas was able to turn her into an interesting character, one that you came to love and couldn't help but root for :) It was just amazing to see her bloom and spread her wings, to come out from under her mother's thumb, starts making friends and affirming herself.
When I first read this passage, it made me chuckled LOL. At the same time, can you imagine the situation Ronelle finds herself in? Also the stunt that her mother pulled at the end of the book. Really, I don't know how Ronelle did which shows that deep down, Ronelle is really a strong woman.
Anyway, I really enjoyed Ronny's relationship with Marty, because it was so strange. However, I think that both of them really connected and really understood each other. I thought that the romance developed a little bit too fast, so it's a good thing that Marty leaves to get better at the end... But I have to say, I cannot wait for the next book!!! I want to see what happens to this relationship and how things turn out!!!
So yes, I really enjoyed The Comforts of Home, but there were two flaws to it. First, there is another couple - Denver and Claire. I really didn't care about them... I just don't like Claire and can't warm up to her. However, I can say she's lucky to have Denver. The other issue I had with this book was the big storm. I just wished Ms Thomas would not use the disaster plot device in all the books ^_^; It's just becoming a pattern and I think patterns when they are too obvious are not good. Good thing these were small issues and did not affect my enjoyment of the book too much :)
Finally, but not least... I've said it often, but it's worth to mention it again: there is something special about Ms Thomas' writing :) The best way I can describe it is gentle, delicate and it really suits this series. The Harmony series is not your typical small-town contemporary romance series... instead, it's about characters in a community growing and falling in love, but not in a straightforward way :) I liked that life for these characters is not all pink, because it makes it more believable, more realistic... but at the same time, it's not always tragic. It's just life. And the way Ms Thomas writes it... it's not heart-breaking because that would imply it's sad, but it definitively tugs hard at your heart :)
The Comforts of Home made me smiled, made me chuckled, made me laughed and definitively warmed my heart :) I can't wait for the next book!
I loved this book!! Just loved it :) I really enjoyed Somewhere Along the Way and was a bit anxious to read The Comforts of Home... but once I finished this book and re-read it immediately LOL. Yep, that's how much I enjoyed The Comforts of Home :)
So far, I've loved following Reagan's journey, seeing her grow and dealing with life. It's really been heart-warming to see the relationship between Reagan and her great-uncle, Jeremiah. They are not blood-related, but blood doesn't matter. It's the heart that does. I've also been very anxious to see what would happen to her relationship with Noah. It was sad to see that Noah has lost his joy and love of the rodeo world. That the injuries and the reality of the rodeo world have toughened him up, but also eroded his spirit. At the same time, it makes Noah's promises to Reagan at the end even stronger, meaningful. I think that Noah will turn into a really fine man and as such, I'm glad that the fractures in their relationship were mended.
Another relationship that I'm happy with the outcome is Ty and Kate. I think Ty is an awesome man. Definitively not your typical hero in romance - a chubby 40-ish y.o. funeral director - and yet there is something about him. His gentleness, the way he cares for people and his job, his sincerity. Tyler is really a genuine person... While I think he deserves much better than Kate, in the end, it is the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with and I'm happy that he finally gets what he wants :)
I have to say though, my favorite storyline in The Comforts of Home was Ronny's story. She's been mentioned in Welcome to Harmony if I'm not wrong and she seems such a strange woman... but Ms Thomas was able to turn her into an interesting character, one that you came to love and couldn't help but root for :) It was just amazing to see her bloom and spread her wings, to come out from under her mother's thumb, starts making friends and affirming herself.
Ronelle knew Dallas would not stay to eat. She often reminded Ronelle never to eat anything at potluck dinners or bake sales. One person hating the town could wipe out the entire population with poison.
Looking around, she saw everyone eating and had a horrible thought. If they all died, that would leave only her mother and her in town. While her mother stopped to talk to Willie Davis, Ronelle slipped a piece of corn bread into her pocket. It would be all in crumbs by the time she got home, but she planned to eat it. Just in case.
When I first read this passage, it made me chuckled LOL. At the same time, can you imagine the situation Ronelle finds herself in? Also the stunt that her mother pulled at the end of the book. Really, I don't know how Ronelle did which shows that deep down, Ronelle is really a strong woman.
Anyway, I really enjoyed Ronny's relationship with Marty, because it was so strange. However, I think that both of them really connected and really understood each other. I thought that the romance developed a little bit too fast, so it's a good thing that Marty leaves to get better at the end... But I have to say, I cannot wait for the next book!!! I want to see what happens to this relationship and how things turn out!!!
So yes, I really enjoyed The Comforts of Home, but there were two flaws to it. First, there is another couple - Denver and Claire. I really didn't care about them... I just don't like Claire and can't warm up to her. However, I can say she's lucky to have Denver. The other issue I had with this book was the big storm. I just wished Ms Thomas would not use the disaster plot device in all the books ^_^; It's just becoming a pattern and I think patterns when they are too obvious are not good. Good thing these were small issues and did not affect my enjoyment of the book too much :)
Finally, but not least... I've said it often, but it's worth to mention it again: there is something special about Ms Thomas' writing :) The best way I can describe it is gentle, delicate and it really suits this series. The Harmony series is not your typical small-town contemporary romance series... instead, it's about characters in a community growing and falling in love, but not in a straightforward way :) I liked that life for these characters is not all pink, because it makes it more believable, more realistic... but at the same time, it's not always tragic. It's just life. And the way Ms Thomas writes it... it's not heart-breaking because that would imply it's sad, but it definitively tugs hard at your heart :)
The Comforts of Home made me smiled, made me chuckled, made me laughed and definitively warmed my heart :) I can't wait for the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2011
Coming back to Harmony with each book is like coming home to me. Jodi manages to make the town of Harmony, Texas feel like my own home town and it's inhabitants like people I know and run into at the store. Even though there are usually six months between installments, I fall right back into town life and the life of the people the story focuses on. Yet if this was the first Harmony novel you were to pick up, I think that would be fine as well. Jodi goes into enough back story to familiarize you with a character so a new person to the Harmony books wouldn't feel lost.
The Comforts of Home is different from the first two Harmony novels which focused mainly on one couple while focusing on the town too. Now of course those two couples are settled down and we get to see some of them in this book which is a real treat. But in this installment, several story lines are focused on. Here several romances are given the spotlight and several characters with minor roles in earlier books are also given the spotlight. Reagan and Noah are ever-present and I am glad for that - I want to continue to see them grow up in the town of Harmony. I also love how Jodi uses people of all different ages in her books. She doesn't focus on 20-something couples or even 30-somethings. There is even a couple who broke up in WWII in this one who are either trying to reignite the fire or keep it going, depending on who's gossip you believe.
So there is romance, and that is wonderful, but the characters are what really make these books and The Comforts of Home is no exception. Getting a closer look at Tyler, Kate, Ronelle and several others was great in this book. Such different people with different lives, yet they can all come together when needed. And of course some new faces are introduced and there are some definite interesting ones there as well that I can't wait to see more of in future books.
I won't give too much away but suffice it to say that the plot moves along swiftly. I never wanted to put it down and I didn't want it to end. I definitely don't want to wait until April for the next book, but I guess I will have to. Until then I have the various stories going through my head and hopes and dreams for the characters to come. So far Ms. Thomas has not disappointed and I don't expect her to anytime soon. The Harmony series is like a roaring fire on a cool fall or winter day, comforting and relaxing, something that just makes you feel like you are at home. That's what The Comforts of Home is like and it's perfect for these coming late fall/early winter days so make sure you get a copy and see for yourself.
The Comforts of Home is different from the first two Harmony novels which focused mainly on one couple while focusing on the town too. Now of course those two couples are settled down and we get to see some of them in this book which is a real treat. But in this installment, several story lines are focused on. Here several romances are given the spotlight and several characters with minor roles in earlier books are also given the spotlight. Reagan and Noah are ever-present and I am glad for that - I want to continue to see them grow up in the town of Harmony. I also love how Jodi uses people of all different ages in her books. She doesn't focus on 20-something couples or even 30-somethings. There is even a couple who broke up in WWII in this one who are either trying to reignite the fire or keep it going, depending on who's gossip you believe.
So there is romance, and that is wonderful, but the characters are what really make these books and The Comforts of Home is no exception. Getting a closer look at Tyler, Kate, Ronelle and several others was great in this book. Such different people with different lives, yet they can all come together when needed. And of course some new faces are introduced and there are some definite interesting ones there as well that I can't wait to see more of in future books.
I won't give too much away but suffice it to say that the plot moves along swiftly. I never wanted to put it down and I didn't want it to end. I definitely don't want to wait until April for the next book, but I guess I will have to. Until then I have the various stories going through my head and hopes and dreams for the characters to come. So far Ms. Thomas has not disappointed and I don't expect her to anytime soon. The Harmony series is like a roaring fire on a cool fall or winter day, comforting and relaxing, something that just makes you feel like you are at home. That's what The Comforts of Home is like and it's perfect for these coming late fall/early winter days so make sure you get a copy and see for yourself.
June 16, 2013
This is the first of the Harmony series that I've read. I did not go back and read the 1st 2. Perhaps I should have so that I didn't feel so overwhelmed with too many characters to keep track of in this one. It was very distracting from the plot of the story to have to keep guessing which character was the focus.
I anticipated something along the line of Robyn Carr's Virgin River series or Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove series, but it just wasn't even close.
The author covers a great number of characters' relationships after a tragic event for the town, but again, too many story lines to want to keep track and keep reading. I did finish even though most of the underdeveloped characters were not appealing or, in some cases, even likeable.
I received this as a Goodreads giveaway and, read it because of the feeling of obligation. I had really anticipated enjoying it after reading the back cover & the summary on Goodreads. But I didn't.
Again, reading the earlier ones in series might have helped with identifying the numerous characters, but I doubt that I would have finished this one even if I had read the other 2 --- and, I won't read the next one to see if the characters' become better people. Not interested enough to care.
I anticipated something along the line of Robyn Carr's Virgin River series or Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove series, but it just wasn't even close.
The author covers a great number of characters' relationships after a tragic event for the town, but again, too many story lines to want to keep track and keep reading. I did finish even though most of the underdeveloped characters were not appealing or, in some cases, even likeable.
I received this as a Goodreads giveaway and, read it because of the feeling of obligation. I had really anticipated enjoying it after reading the back cover & the summary on Goodreads. But I didn't.
Again, reading the earlier ones in series might have helped with identifying the numerous characters, but I doubt that I would have finished this one even if I had read the other 2 --- and, I won't read the next one to see if the characters' become better people. Not interested enough to care.
June 14, 2014
Kudos to Jodi Thomas. This lady can write for me any time! I love to settle in, relax at the close of a long day and return to Harmony, the town that this author has created. Her characters are well-crafted, complex and real. She's given them emotions and fears--sometimes for good reason. You never know where one of her stories will take you.
With the character Reagan, the petite fiery-haired young woman who has been through so much, a reader gets to see the world from her perspective. Taken in by a surly old man belonging to one of the town's founding families, the interaction between the two is most interesting. The town's female sheriff has her own foibles--and Tyler Wright, the seemingly lonely overweight undertaker is not to be forgotten.
At the risk of giving any portion the story away, I will simply say, if you want to 'meet' good down home folk, if you want to get involved in their lives, if you want to leave the city and travel at a slower pace, then pick up a Harmony novel. Hopefully, you will love each as I do.
With the character Reagan, the petite fiery-haired young woman who has been through so much, a reader gets to see the world from her perspective. Taken in by a surly old man belonging to one of the town's founding families, the interaction between the two is most interesting. The town's female sheriff has her own foibles--and Tyler Wright, the seemingly lonely overweight undertaker is not to be forgotten.
At the risk of giving any portion the story away, I will simply say, if you want to 'meet' good down home folk, if you want to get involved in their lives, if you want to leave the city and travel at a slower pace, then pick up a Harmony novel. Hopefully, you will love each as I do.
July 21, 2016
Interesting choice of title. Harmony seems to be disaster prone. Last outing it was a prairie grassland wildfire, this time a tornado. Harmony seems not so Harmonious. (groan)
Of the original romances alluded to Noah has declared an intent to settle down with Reagan when he finally gets the rodeo circuit out of his system. His sister Alex married her fire chief Hank. Ty, the funeral director is on the road to making his online romance a reality.
Strays keep showing up in Harmony to enhance the gene pool lest the three founding families get overly inbred. There have been a few more marriages and old romances renewed and new ones sprouted up.
Cowboys of the Texas Panhandle tend to be tall and wear big hats, belt buckles and boots but few are three hundred-pound mountains of muscle like the Biggs Brothers. There seems to be a place for everyone who would find a home in Harmony.
Of the original romances alluded to Noah has declared an intent to settle down with Reagan when he finally gets the rodeo circuit out of his system. His sister Alex married her fire chief Hank. Ty, the funeral director is on the road to making his online romance a reality.
Strays keep showing up in Harmony to enhance the gene pool lest the three founding families get overly inbred. There have been a few more marriages and old romances renewed and new ones sprouted up.
Cowboys of the Texas Panhandle tend to be tall and wear big hats, belt buckles and boots but few are three hundred-pound mountains of muscle like the Biggs Brothers. There seems to be a place for everyone who would find a home in Harmony.
December 30, 2011
Very good. Probably the best in the series so far. The story centers around 3 relationships. Ronny who has been told she is ugly and worthless so often that she accepts it as a fact until she meets Marty, a man angry with the world.
Tyler the town funeral director who has just about given up any hope that Kate will ever return his love; and Denver and Claire. Denver has finally found the woman he wants to spend his life with, but she is determined to make him work for every stolen kiss.
This book has a little passion but no sex. I know there are people out there who don't like books with detailed descriptions of sex and if you're one of them I think this series might be for you.
Tyler the town funeral director who has just about given up any hope that Kate will ever return his love; and Denver and Claire. Denver has finally found the woman he wants to spend his life with, but she is determined to make him work for every stolen kiss.
This book has a little passion but no sex. I know there are people out there who don't like books with detailed descriptions of sex and if you're one of them I think this series might be for you.
October 13, 2016
A wonderful small town romance. Everyone knows who everyone else is, there is slow build and you really learn to love the characters. Comfort read for me.
I was worried about reading Tyler Wright the funeral director's story. I thought it'd be gross or weird. But he's just a guy doing a job that needs doing and he enjoys his job and helping families through one of the most difficult times in their lives. I liked him as a character.
I thought Kate, his heroine, needed to get her act together. Her hot and cold routine got annoying. I liked how Jeremiah (Reagan's uncle) and Aunt what's her name got together in their nineties.
I was worried about reading Tyler Wright the funeral director's story. I thought it'd be gross or weird. But he's just a guy doing a job that needs doing and he enjoys his job and helping families through one of the most difficult times in their lives. I liked him as a character.
I thought Kate, his heroine, needed to get her act together. Her hot and cold routine got annoying. I liked how Jeremiah (Reagan's uncle) and Aunt what's her name got together in their nineties.
December 11, 2019
If you love soap operas you will love this book. I had not read any of the previous Harmony books. It was Ok as a stand alone. My main complaint is how dark it was. It was just sad situation followed by tragic circumstances. It was about several severely damaged women and one damaged man. There is light at the end of the tunnel, but it took a long time and was not realistic with some transitions. I would read another book in the series, but I'm not running to the library immediately.
March 29, 2012
Another fabulous contemporary from JT. I knew this was part of a series, but didn't realize it was basically a collection of stories about many characters in one small town. Not all of them get their happy ending in this book, but it was enough to be intriguing and make me fall in love with the town. Now I can't wait to read the other stories set in Harmony, TX.
September 9, 2014
The background on all my favorite characters.
May 19, 2016
I absolutely love this series. nothing like I've read before
December 29, 2012
I didn’t like how there were so many characters to keep up with. Two is about all I like in my books, four at the most. But in here we had so many it was a trial to keep them straight. And most of the characters I didn’t like.
Ronelle, I thought was going to be like me, quiet and shy, someone I could relate to, but she was just weird and strange. She doesn’t get out much, goes to deliver a package, finds the guy to be younger than she thought and handsome, gets scared by his surliness, calls him a cripple when she asks what he’s looking at and then runs away like a scared little baby, leaving her clipboard behind. And she considers the whole thing an adventure. She wouldn’t say anything to people who talked to her and was really antisocial.
Noah was a likable character, and I was interested in him and his bull riding career. I wanted to know more about him. It was cute when he asked what Reagan was wearing over the phone and then said he’d been picturing her naked for years. It would have been cute had he said her name in a different circumstance, instead of while he was having sex with someone else. That just ruined it.
I didn’t care about the old lady that worked at the inn, Martha Q, or Denver and Claire. Tyler’s profession turned me off from him Funeral director is not the job I’d want my guy to have. I thought it would be sweet because on the back of the book it said he was friends with Kate, but they weren’t really friends. She only came a handful of times, and it seemed like she was leading him on. She’d hold his hand, hug him, sleep in his bed and kiss him on the lips, yet act all cold. When he said he liked sleeping with her in his arms she didn’t even really comment on it. I couldn’t connect with her and I didn’t like her.
I was very sick of all the sordid details from everyone’s pasts. Finding out Tyler had had a one night stand with someone and then regretted it the next morning, Noah’s one night stands with barmaids and floozies; it was just disgusting.
Tyler finds a woman sleeping in a car in the cemetery, so he shines the light in her face and she just attacks him like a psycho. He feels responsible, I’m not sure why, and buys her a suitcase full of items she’ll need. He finds out she’s pregnant and he’s like “he might have had nothing to do with Autumn Smith getting pregnant, but he definitely had some part, no matter how small, in her almost losing the baby. He felt terrible.
What an idiot. How would he be responsible for that? He found her and he was the reason she went to the hospital. He saved her and her baby’s life. Tyler was just so annoying. He moped around all the time because Kate didn’t like him. He despaired that she would never like him as much as he liked her. He was such a baby.
Tyler’s scenes became all about Autumn. I was so sick and bored to death from hearing about her. She made great food. Everybody liked it. She fit right in with the schedule. She knew when he wanted to be left alone and when he didn’t
Omg, put me out of my misery already.
The nurse asked him if he needed a pain pill and he said yes, knowing the pain wouldn’t end the hurt inside him. He and Rea could never be more than friends. He tried to make himself believe that he could accept it.
Only, how would he ever get her out of his thoughts? When he imagined making love, it was Reagan in his arms, no other. She was one petite little girl of a woman who didn’t have a single sexy thing about her, but she was the only woman he’d ever longed for. He’d spent a few hundred hours figuring out just what he’d do with every part of her body. Thoughts she’d probably kill him for thinking.
He didn’t deserve her.
Closing his eyes, he knew it had been a mistake to call her. She was like a mirror of what he could be, held up to show him how little he’d made himself.
Only he’d break his other arm and both legs before he’d tell her to go.
That was a little heavy, and it was random, but overall sweet. What isn’t sweet, what’s totally false and just ruins it, is when he said she’s the only woman he longed for. He’s had sex with I don’t know how many women, so that statement has no weight with me. I don’t know what’s worse, the fact that he “only loved her” and had sex with people he didn’t even care about instead of waiting for her, or that he cared about other women enough to have sex with them. And he said there wasn’t a single sexy thing about her. How sweet. And he’s attracted to her . . . why, exactly?
Ronnie’s personality seemed to fluctuate like the weather. One second she could answer someone, the next she had to think about it for a second, and the next she could only answer in a whisper. Wth? The author made her out to be quite the recluse, and then has her repeatedly go to his house. Why did she want to go there when he was rude and she was afraid? It doesn’t add up! Then she kisses him on the cheek which was completely uncharacteristic of her. You don’t get someone who can’t interact with people and then have her do that. You just can’t do it.
Ronelle was just pathetic. She simultaneously bored and disgusted me. The ugly clothing, the sheltered life, the fact that she didn’t know anything. When he gets made because she doesn’t respond to his kiss he snaps at her, and she leaves but forgets her bag and goes back for it. She should be hurt, and just grab the bag and get the heck out of there, but no, she sits down and tells him she’s never kissed anyone. It was so pathetic. Then another time she goes over there and there’s another woman there, someone from his past. I don’t know why that was thrown in there, it was another random thing. But instead of being hurt and leaving, she stays there and thinks nothing of it. Wth? It was like the author didn’t have time for a proper reaction. Everything was rushed to the finish line in an unnatural manner.
I felt towards the end everything just worked out. It was all very convenient and was wrapped up very quickly. Martha Q told Kate that Tyler was living with a woman in his house and she just comes over and says that Tyler and her are a couple. That pretty much came out of nowhere. I was sick to death of these women who were standoffish and had their guards up.
Reagan stayed cautious and played hard-to-get up until the very end. She never said she loved him. When she asked Noah what if she asked him to stay, he in turn asked are you asking me to stay, and she says no. Wow, how caring. Let the guy go off and possibly get hurt again after he said he loved you. What a bitch!
Reagan was toying with Brandon’s affections, and I didn’t care for that at all. She was kissing him when Noah walked her into the kitchen, and she said she was “comparative shopping.” If she didn’t want to make it too easy for Noah, that’s fine, but you don’t lead someone else on to do it. That’s cruel.
The ending was completely messed up. It just cut off suddenly and I couldn’t believe there were so many loose ties and unanswered questions. What was a complete waste.
What was the point of this book?
There were a few slightly humorous things, nothing hilarious. The writing was just boring. Nothing was exciting. Noah and Reagan were the most interesting, but the way things left off wasn’t satisfying. The rest of the characters I could really care less about.
Ronelle, I thought was going to be like me, quiet and shy, someone I could relate to, but she was just weird and strange. She doesn’t get out much, goes to deliver a package, finds the guy to be younger than she thought and handsome, gets scared by his surliness, calls him a cripple when she asks what he’s looking at and then runs away like a scared little baby, leaving her clipboard behind. And she considers the whole thing an adventure. She wouldn’t say anything to people who talked to her and was really antisocial.
Noah was a likable character, and I was interested in him and his bull riding career. I wanted to know more about him. It was cute when he asked what Reagan was wearing over the phone and then said he’d been picturing her naked for years. It would have been cute had he said her name in a different circumstance, instead of while he was having sex with someone else. That just ruined it.
I didn’t care about the old lady that worked at the inn, Martha Q, or Denver and Claire. Tyler’s profession turned me off from him Funeral director is not the job I’d want my guy to have. I thought it would be sweet because on the back of the book it said he was friends with Kate, but they weren’t really friends. She only came a handful of times, and it seemed like she was leading him on. She’d hold his hand, hug him, sleep in his bed and kiss him on the lips, yet act all cold. When he said he liked sleeping with her in his arms she didn’t even really comment on it. I couldn’t connect with her and I didn’t like her.
I was very sick of all the sordid details from everyone’s pasts. Finding out Tyler had had a one night stand with someone and then regretted it the next morning, Noah’s one night stands with barmaids and floozies; it was just disgusting.
Tyler finds a woman sleeping in a car in the cemetery, so he shines the light in her face and she just attacks him like a psycho. He feels responsible, I’m not sure why, and buys her a suitcase full of items she’ll need. He finds out she’s pregnant and he’s like “he might have had nothing to do with Autumn Smith getting pregnant, but he definitely had some part, no matter how small, in her almost losing the baby. He felt terrible.
What an idiot. How would he be responsible for that? He found her and he was the reason she went to the hospital. He saved her and her baby’s life. Tyler was just so annoying. He moped around all the time because Kate didn’t like him. He despaired that she would never like him as much as he liked her. He was such a baby.
Tyler’s scenes became all about Autumn. I was so sick and bored to death from hearing about her. She made great food. Everybody liked it. She fit right in with the schedule. She knew when he wanted to be left alone and when he didn’t
Omg, put me out of my misery already.
The nurse asked him if he needed a pain pill and he said yes, knowing the pain wouldn’t end the hurt inside him. He and Rea could never be more than friends. He tried to make himself believe that he could accept it.
Only, how would he ever get her out of his thoughts? When he imagined making love, it was Reagan in his arms, no other. She was one petite little girl of a woman who didn’t have a single sexy thing about her, but she was the only woman he’d ever longed for. He’d spent a few hundred hours figuring out just what he’d do with every part of her body. Thoughts she’d probably kill him for thinking.
He didn’t deserve her.
Closing his eyes, he knew it had been a mistake to call her. She was like a mirror of what he could be, held up to show him how little he’d made himself.
Only he’d break his other arm and both legs before he’d tell her to go.
That was a little heavy, and it was random, but overall sweet. What isn’t sweet, what’s totally false and just ruins it, is when he said she’s the only woman he longed for. He’s had sex with I don’t know how many women, so that statement has no weight with me. I don’t know what’s worse, the fact that he “only loved her” and had sex with people he didn’t even care about instead of waiting for her, or that he cared about other women enough to have sex with them. And he said there wasn’t a single sexy thing about her. How sweet. And he’s attracted to her . . . why, exactly?
Ronnie’s personality seemed to fluctuate like the weather. One second she could answer someone, the next she had to think about it for a second, and the next she could only answer in a whisper. Wth? The author made her out to be quite the recluse, and then has her repeatedly go to his house. Why did she want to go there when he was rude and she was afraid? It doesn’t add up! Then she kisses him on the cheek which was completely uncharacteristic of her. You don’t get someone who can’t interact with people and then have her do that. You just can’t do it.
Ronelle was just pathetic. She simultaneously bored and disgusted me. The ugly clothing, the sheltered life, the fact that she didn’t know anything. When he gets made because she doesn’t respond to his kiss he snaps at her, and she leaves but forgets her bag and goes back for it. She should be hurt, and just grab the bag and get the heck out of there, but no, she sits down and tells him she’s never kissed anyone. It was so pathetic. Then another time she goes over there and there’s another woman there, someone from his past. I don’t know why that was thrown in there, it was another random thing. But instead of being hurt and leaving, she stays there and thinks nothing of it. Wth? It was like the author didn’t have time for a proper reaction. Everything was rushed to the finish line in an unnatural manner.
I felt towards the end everything just worked out. It was all very convenient and was wrapped up very quickly. Martha Q told Kate that Tyler was living with a woman in his house and she just comes over and says that Tyler and her are a couple. That pretty much came out of nowhere. I was sick to death of these women who were standoffish and had their guards up.
Reagan stayed cautious and played hard-to-get up until the very end. She never said she loved him. When she asked Noah what if she asked him to stay, he in turn asked are you asking me to stay, and she says no. Wow, how caring. Let the guy go off and possibly get hurt again after he said he loved you. What a bitch!
Reagan was toying with Brandon’s affections, and I didn’t care for that at all. She was kissing him when Noah walked her into the kitchen, and she said she was “comparative shopping.” If she didn’t want to make it too easy for Noah, that’s fine, but you don’t lead someone else on to do it. That’s cruel.
The ending was completely messed up. It just cut off suddenly and I couldn’t believe there were so many loose ties and unanswered questions. What was a complete waste.
What was the point of this book?
There were a few slightly humorous things, nothing hilarious. The writing was just boring. Nothing was exciting. Noah and Reagan were the most interesting, but the way things left off wasn’t satisfying. The rest of the characters I could really care less about.
May 11, 2021
#3 in the Harmony chick lit/small town series
This series has turned out to be a wonderful surprise. I have become invested in the community and the people who live there. This book was all about longing and hoping for love. We mostly follow 4 different couples (who we've met in previous books). Tyler (the funeral director) continues to hope for emails from Kate, but they are few and far between. Denver (Gabe's friend) is totally besotted with Claire (Gabe's SIL), but she's continuing to keep him at arm's length. Reagan loves Noah, but he's insisting on following the rodeo and she refuses to leave Harmony now that she's finally found a forever home. And finally, Ronelle (the shy wallflower) has met a man who is able to bring her out of her shell and teach her how to be herself. Besides all of this soap opera (in a good way), a runaway ends up in town, trying to find a safe haven. And there's a tornado warning. The story moves forward quickly, with alternating chapters about the various townsfolk. We revisit with previous characters, and the whole book is just charming and a very enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
This series has turned out to be a wonderful surprise. I have become invested in the community and the people who live there. This book was all about longing and hoping for love. We mostly follow 4 different couples (who we've met in previous books). Tyler (the funeral director) continues to hope for emails from Kate, but they are few and far between. Denver (Gabe's friend) is totally besotted with Claire (Gabe's SIL), but she's continuing to keep him at arm's length. Reagan loves Noah, but he's insisting on following the rodeo and she refuses to leave Harmony now that she's finally found a forever home. And finally, Ronelle (the shy wallflower) has met a man who is able to bring her out of her shell and teach her how to be herself. Besides all of this soap opera (in a good way), a runaway ends up in town, trying to find a safe haven. And there's a tornado warning. The story moves forward quickly, with alternating chapters about the various townsfolk. We revisit with previous characters, and the whole book is just charming and a very enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
May 21, 2018
Comforts of home
I have enjoyed both of the book I have read. Stan alone or read together. Fast pace I liked that. Excitement. Follow a young girl grow into a lovely woman. A old man full of wisdom. A town filled with special,quirky people. Then it leaves you wanting to know what happen to your favorite characters.
I have enjoyed both of the book I have read. Stan alone or read together. Fast pace I liked that. Excitement. Follow a young girl grow into a lovely woman. A old man full of wisdom. A town filled with special,quirky people. Then it leaves you wanting to know what happen to your favorite characters.
November 16, 2018
Hope. That's the feeling I got at the end of the book. Yeah they just had a tornado sweep through and the town is in ruins. However neighbors will help each other. I'm not invested in Marty and Ronny but I hope their story will eventually have a happily ever after. And yay for Tyler!!! Such a great guy. And ohmygoodness Jeremiah and Patricia. I'm telling ya the 80s are the new 40s.
October 11, 2019
Challenges: RRRCs July 2019 (belated) - "J" author's first name (1); and, Create Your Own Readathon/Steeped in Books/Stacking the Series - Primary List/Level 10/Book 3. Characters find the comforts of home in panhandle Harmony, Texas, a safe haven where they can learn to love and live again, and to grow. One of the nicest series out there to read.
September 5, 2023
Loved this book and want to read the next...and the next...
This is bigger than a romance with multiple threads, some of which came to closure at the end, and some that leave you hanging. I am impressed the author kept up with them all!
It did take me a bit to get them all straight, and still not sure I did, but that's okay--I enjoyed it!
This is bigger than a romance with multiple threads, some of which came to closure at the end, and some that leave you hanging. I am impressed the author kept up with them all!
It did take me a bit to get them all straight, and still not sure I did, but that's okay--I enjoyed it!
November 10, 2011
Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2011/11/rev...
Favorite Quote: “One word. His last wish. His last hope for her. Grow. “
Reagan Thurman is all grown up now. It’s been 3 years since the first time we saw her; a bedraggled 15 year old looking for a place to call her own. Jeremiah Thurman adopted her-letting the world continue to think she was his niece and has pretty much gave her the farm. Reagan knows her uncle doesn’t have long to live and she wishes her best friend, Noah McAllen, was back in Harmony where he belongs. But Noah is riding the rodeo circuit and has no reason to return to Harmony; except for one. Reagan. He loves Reagan with all his heart but fear of failing her and himself keeps him traveling and away from her.
Tyler Wright has spent the last four years emailing and occasionally "dating" Major Kate Cummings. He loves Kate but doesn’t know how to tell her. When a young woman is found trespassing on his land, a series of circumstances puts Tyler in the role of her savior and suddenly he finds himself thinking less about Kate and more about his own happiness.
Ronelle Logan has spent her life hiding from her mother and the town. Working at the post office is her only way of being free from the constant demands of her mother, Dallas. Ronelle’s life changes when a special delivery requires her to to meet the town recluse, Marty Winslow.
Marty was a world class skier till an accident left him without the use of his legs. Ronelle is a true gift to him for she only sees the man before her. As Marty and Ronelle get to know one another, Ronelle is given the chance to emerge from her shell and begin the process of becoming the special person Marty sees before him.
Denver and Clare began their affair over a year ago. Clare’s ex husband severely hurt her and she has yet to give up the pain and begin healing. For this reason she demands Denver keep their relationship a secret and only meet on her terms. Denver waits for Clare to admit she loves him but she denies him even that. Denver is ready for more so when his bet friend Gabe tells him that everyone already knows about their affair, he decides that the time has come to stop chasing Clare and start let her decide once and for all if she’s willing to take a chance with him.
Jodi Thomas’s Harmony series is like receiving letters from home. Brimming with gossip, news of family, and well wishes; you find yourself waiting with anticipation for the next batch to arrive. A smoothly written romantic contemporary that goes beneath the facade of a small town and examines and reveals the love, laughter, pain, and heartbreak that resides within.
The Comforts Of Home is all about trust, change, and whether the people we have grown to care for have the courage to take what is being offered to them. There are four main story lines involved here with numerous subplots that intertwine and come together in the end. What I truly enjoy about this series is the sense of realism she injects into her characters and their situations. Ms. Thomas has such a gift for creating memorable and witty characters whose not so perfect lives enchant and beguile. She writes with such intimacy that we are instantly drawn back in to their lives as if we never left. These are folks you can find anywhere. They are your friends and loved ones. Ms. Thomas doesn’t answer all of ours or their questions in here. We aren’t promised happily ever after. She can’t because their lives aren’t over at the words, " The End, " they continue on past that page.
She gives voice to old and new characters in this story and each one plays an important role in the towns life and well being. Ms. Thomas gives a lot of background into her characters lives without overwhelming you. A strong character driven arc; it’s the steady and humorous dialog keeps you entertained and laughing throughout the book. I adored watching Gabe Leary try to deal with his wife Liz having twins. One particular scene between Gabe & Denver had me giggling.
“It turns out I don’t even have a voice on the breast-feeding question, and after my last suggestion on names, Liz and her mother both agree don’t get a vote on that either.”
“What did you suggest?”
“Well, after Thing-One and Thing-Two didn’t go over, I thought Thor and Loki. After that I was told to stop thinking period. Apparently my role in this whole thing is sperm donor and nothing else.”
Hints of suspense and mystery only strengthens the strong emotional connection of this series. Well written with a steady pace-this is the perfect book to lose yourself in on a quiet rainy day.
I was pleasantly surprised to see Ms. Thomas go in depth with Carol and Denver’s storyline. She does a great job of helping them overcome their obstacles. I really enjoyed Ronelle and Marty. Their story was especially bittersweet and has me eager for book four in this series. Even though this could be read as a stand alone, I recommend reading the first in the series, Welcome To Harmony. This is a continuation and is written as such. All in all a delightful contemporary romance that continues the Harmony saga and I cannot wait for the 4th book-Just Down The Road-set to release April 3, 2012.
Overall Rating: A
Favorite Quote: “One word. His last wish. His last hope for her. Grow. “
Reagan Thurman is all grown up now. It’s been 3 years since the first time we saw her; a bedraggled 15 year old looking for a place to call her own. Jeremiah Thurman adopted her-letting the world continue to think she was his niece and has pretty much gave her the farm. Reagan knows her uncle doesn’t have long to live and she wishes her best friend, Noah McAllen, was back in Harmony where he belongs. But Noah is riding the rodeo circuit and has no reason to return to Harmony; except for one. Reagan. He loves Reagan with all his heart but fear of failing her and himself keeps him traveling and away from her.
Tyler Wright has spent the last four years emailing and occasionally "dating" Major Kate Cummings. He loves Kate but doesn’t know how to tell her. When a young woman is found trespassing on his land, a series of circumstances puts Tyler in the role of her savior and suddenly he finds himself thinking less about Kate and more about his own happiness.
Ronelle Logan has spent her life hiding from her mother and the town. Working at the post office is her only way of being free from the constant demands of her mother, Dallas. Ronelle’s life changes when a special delivery requires her to to meet the town recluse, Marty Winslow.
Marty was a world class skier till an accident left him without the use of his legs. Ronelle is a true gift to him for she only sees the man before her. As Marty and Ronelle get to know one another, Ronelle is given the chance to emerge from her shell and begin the process of becoming the special person Marty sees before him.
Denver and Clare began their affair over a year ago. Clare’s ex husband severely hurt her and she has yet to give up the pain and begin healing. For this reason she demands Denver keep their relationship a secret and only meet on her terms. Denver waits for Clare to admit she loves him but she denies him even that. Denver is ready for more so when his bet friend Gabe tells him that everyone already knows about their affair, he decides that the time has come to stop chasing Clare and start let her decide once and for all if she’s willing to take a chance with him.
Jodi Thomas’s Harmony series is like receiving letters from home. Brimming with gossip, news of family, and well wishes; you find yourself waiting with anticipation for the next batch to arrive. A smoothly written romantic contemporary that goes beneath the facade of a small town and examines and reveals the love, laughter, pain, and heartbreak that resides within.
The Comforts Of Home is all about trust, change, and whether the people we have grown to care for have the courage to take what is being offered to them. There are four main story lines involved here with numerous subplots that intertwine and come together in the end. What I truly enjoy about this series is the sense of realism she injects into her characters and their situations. Ms. Thomas has such a gift for creating memorable and witty characters whose not so perfect lives enchant and beguile. She writes with such intimacy that we are instantly drawn back in to their lives as if we never left. These are folks you can find anywhere. They are your friends and loved ones. Ms. Thomas doesn’t answer all of ours or their questions in here. We aren’t promised happily ever after. She can’t because their lives aren’t over at the words, " The End, " they continue on past that page.
She gives voice to old and new characters in this story and each one plays an important role in the towns life and well being. Ms. Thomas gives a lot of background into her characters lives without overwhelming you. A strong character driven arc; it’s the steady and humorous dialog keeps you entertained and laughing throughout the book. I adored watching Gabe Leary try to deal with his wife Liz having twins. One particular scene between Gabe & Denver had me giggling.
“It turns out I don’t even have a voice on the breast-feeding question, and after my last suggestion on names, Liz and her mother both agree don’t get a vote on that either.”
“What did you suggest?”
“Well, after Thing-One and Thing-Two didn’t go over, I thought Thor and Loki. After that I was told to stop thinking period. Apparently my role in this whole thing is sperm donor and nothing else.”
Hints of suspense and mystery only strengthens the strong emotional connection of this series. Well written with a steady pace-this is the perfect book to lose yourself in on a quiet rainy day.
I was pleasantly surprised to see Ms. Thomas go in depth with Carol and Denver’s storyline. She does a great job of helping them overcome their obstacles. I really enjoyed Ronelle and Marty. Their story was especially bittersweet and has me eager for book four in this series. Even though this could be read as a stand alone, I recommend reading the first in the series, Welcome To Harmony. This is a continuation and is written as such. All in all a delightful contemporary romance that continues the Harmony saga and I cannot wait for the 4th book-Just Down The Road-set to release April 3, 2012.
Overall Rating: A
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