Hope's Crossing Series Volume 1: Blackberry Summer / Woodrose Mountain / Sweet Laurel Falls

Hope's Crossing #1-3

by RaeAnne Thayne

In Blackberry Summer, Claire Bradford leads a predictable life in Hope's Crossing, Colorado. So what if she has no time for romance? At least, that's what she tells herself, especially when her best friend's sexy younger brother comes back to town as the new chief of police. But when an accident forces Claire to slow down and lean on others—especially Riley McKnight—she realizes, for the first time, that things need to change.

In Woodrose Mountain, Evie Blanchard was at the top of her field, but when an emotional year forces her to walk away from her job as a physical therapist, she moves from Los Angeles to Hope's Crossing seeking a quieter life. The last thing she needs is to get involved with the handsome, arrogant Brodie Thorne and his injured daughter, Taryn. Despite her vow to keep an emotional distance, Evie can't help but be moved by Taryn's spirit, or Brodie's determination to win her help—and her heart.

In Sweet Laurel Falls, Maura McKnight-Parker—still reeling from the loss of one daughter—is thrown for a loop by the return of her older daughter, Sage, and the reappearance of her first love, Sage's father. Jackson Lange never knew his daughter-never even knew that he'd left the love of his life pregnant when he fled their small town-but he has never forgotten Maura. Now they are all back, but Sage has her own secret, one that will test the fragile bonds of a reunited family.

Genres: Romance

908 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 14, 2014

About the author

I'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.

Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.

After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.

Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.

I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.

I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.

Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.

I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com

Reviews

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOPE'S CROSSING VOLUME ONE

The first three books in the Hope's Crossing series, they are all filled with romance and each one is very special and unique. Love the Angel of Hope which is in each book.

[Anna Rhys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant story full of hope

Hope's Crossing stories are amazing, this story of a family coming together gives hope beyond words to all that read it.

[Marcia Haskell · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 intertwined books which portray a small town

I have enjoyed RaeAnne Thayne's earlier books but enjoyed this set 3 even more. There was a devastating car accident with one young girl killed and another badly injured. These are the stories of their families, how they were affected and changed by that evening.

Even more, these novels portray the affects on the entire town, their pain and disillusionment and gradually finding the good and strength in one another.

While I enjoyed the romances that came from these stories the support and caring for each other moved me even more. An excellently written series.

[♥ Joy Joy ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a pretty good series but I did have issues with the ending of the first book. It ended so abruptly and was a poorly done cliff hanger. The following two books, though, did a lot better in regards to ending.

Still, a series that's been interesting, emotional, and easy to follow so far.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful set of books. I loved each one. They were funny and so terribly sad, all the characters were great. So well written. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.