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Willow Valley #1
Hometown Hearts
An alternate cover edition can be found here.
Cassie Powell is perfectly happy with her small town life in Willow Valley. She has a successful bakery and a beautiful little girl--everything she's ever wanted. But when Jack Martin swaggers back into town, secrets she's worked too hard to keep threaten to bring it all tumbling down around her.
Jack has always thought of Cassie as a little sister--until he sees her all grown up! But she's hiding something, and he's determined to find out what. Can he break down her walls and find a way into her heart?
Cassie Powell is perfectly happy with her small town life in Willow Valley. She has a successful bakery and a beautiful little girl--everything she's ever wanted. But when Jack Martin swaggers back into town, secrets she's worked too hard to keep threaten to bring it all tumbling down around her.
Jack has always thought of Cassie as a little sister--until he sees her all grown up! But she's hiding something, and he's determined to find out what. Can he break down her walls and find a way into her heart?
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2015
2157 people are currently reading
1079 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
March 8, 2017
I'm sorry. I just don't appreciate the set up. Every other sentence is about staying away from this dude to protect her daughter and the secret (WHICH BTW YOU SEE A MILLION MILES AWAY AND THE TROUBLE THAT WILL BRING) and yet she doesn't even try. No means no. Try saying it and sticking to it. JFC. I don't know why it's such a big deal and she's not telling him. Such BS. That irked me beyond belief. There was no reason to keep it a secret. It just pissed me off beyond redemption. I need to stop this review because it will go from my opinion to meanness. And I don't want to be mean. I just hated this book.
Secret:
Secret:
February 19, 2019
Return to Love by Christine Kingsley is the first book of the contemporary romance Willow Valley series. Cassie Powell had made a life for herself and her adopted daughter in Willow Valley when Jack Martin walks back into her life. Cassie and Jack had grown up together and Cassie hadn't seen him since he left for college with her sister whom she hasn't spoken to in years. This would be one that I didn't mine the writing and I wished the story had been a little different to enjoy it more. There's a reveal concerning the past that I just didn't see Cassie and Jack together. 2.5 stars overall but I would try this author again.
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how-about-never
April 10, 2019I don't find it to be a strength of a woman to be in love with a male, who dated her sister. He left with her sister, he had a kid with her sister (so their relationship was NOT platonic)...
The h did a good thing to adopt her sister's/male protagonist's baby, no question... But to be still in love with a male, who chose OW, is pathetic IMO.
The h did a good thing to adopt her sister's/male protagonist's baby, no question... But to be still in love with a male, who chose OW, is pathetic IMO.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2016
I absolutely loved this book I could definitely understand why she kept the secret for as long as she did but I would have never protected someone who was as mentally abusive and selfish as her sister. but I would difinately tell people to read this book.
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December 30, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/30/2017)! 💝
March 20, 2016
Nice character development, good pace, just the right amount of sizzle.
March 19, 2017
I really liked this story.
Callie has a bakery in her small town and life is good for her and her adopted daughter. Being a single mom has its challenges but she has a support network to help with her daughter so she is happy with her life. That is until Jack comes back to town. His father needs help with the ranch so he stopped traveling the world to run the ranch. Callie isn't happy about his return and is jumpy whenever she sees Jack.
Jack can't believe the changes in Callie, who he used to think of as a little sister. This woman is no little sister. But she has secrets that he wants to find out about.
I liked the way the secret was hinted at during the story but not told. While Callie planned on telling Jack the secret, I was impatient for her to get it out.
Christine Kingsley is a very illustrative writer making it easy to picture the events taking place. This book is a great read and definitely captures the reader in the story line.
Callie has a bakery in her small town and life is good for her and her adopted daughter. Being a single mom has its challenges but she has a support network to help with her daughter so she is happy with her life. That is until Jack comes back to town. His father needs help with the ranch so he stopped traveling the world to run the ranch. Callie isn't happy about his return and is jumpy whenever she sees Jack.
Jack can't believe the changes in Callie, who he used to think of as a little sister. This woman is no little sister. But she has secrets that he wants to find out about.
I liked the way the secret was hinted at during the story but not told. While Callie planned on telling Jack the secret, I was impatient for her to get it out.
Christine Kingsley is a very illustrative writer making it easy to picture the events taking place. This book is a great read and definitely captures the reader in the story line.
February 13, 2017
Great
Cassie adopts her sisters baby and gives up heart dream of going to culinary school to take care of her mom and raise Sarah. Her mom is in the early stages of dementia. She takes her school money opens a bakery and puts her Mom in a care facility that can take care of her. Fast forward 2 years. Jack Martin is back and Cassie is still in love with him, when through he dated her older sister. Cassie has a secret and she's afraid to tell Jack.
Cassie adopts her sisters baby and gives up heart dream of going to culinary school to take care of her mom and raise Sarah. Her mom is in the early stages of dementia. She takes her school money opens a bakery and puts her Mom in a care facility that can take care of her. Fast forward 2 years. Jack Martin is back and Cassie is still in love with him, when through he dated her older sister. Cassie has a secret and she's afraid to tell Jack.
October 7, 2018
3.5 Stars
This was a quick, sweet read that I picked up as a freebie on Amazon. It was okay but I felt like I was missing more explanation of Jack’s previous relationship and that made it harder to connect to and accept his quick and easy feelings for Cassie. I’m not really sure I understand why Cassie felt the need to keep promises made under less than ideal circumstances. Overall though, I enjoyed the story enough to finish and not consider it a waste of tie.
This was a quick, sweet read that I picked up as a freebie on Amazon. It was okay but I felt like I was missing more explanation of Jack’s previous relationship and that made it harder to connect to and accept his quick and easy feelings for Cassie. I’m not really sure I understand why Cassie felt the need to keep promises made under less than ideal circumstances. Overall though, I enjoyed the story enough to finish and not consider it a waste of tie.
January 23, 2019
Cassie has been in love with Jack for years, but she's afraid to believe in happily ever after with him because of the secret she keeps. She fears that she will lose Jack forever if he finds out. Nice sweet romance with some suspenseful elements. I can't wait to read her spunky best friend Lissa's story.
May 13, 2017
A sweet small-town/second-chance romance, and the first book in the Willow Valley series.
I like second-chance romances, and the secret baby trope - although this one is a little different from the standard definition.
Cassie and Jack have been friends since they were kids, but he ended up dating her older sister, Amanda. But things end between the two, and when he returns home after traveling around the country for a few years, Jack and Cassie get closer. She is keeping a secret from him, though, a secret that might destroy their friendship and their budding relationship.
Things will come out in the open in a dramatic way, when Amanda shows up unexpectedly and spill the beans about who the real parents of Cassie's 2-year-old adoptive daughter are.
I'll admit it did bother me that it took so long for Cassie to trust Jack enough to tell him the truth, especially since he deserved to know from the moment he came back. Although I understood her reasons behind the decision to keep it a secret, I also wished she'd told him sooner. Also because I was hoping to read a bit more about them together. Her insecurities and constant push and pull did get on my nerve at times, but luckily Jack was patient enough to keep up with her. :)
Although I enjoyed the story, the small-town setting, and the second-chance romance, I wish there had been more about the two of them together, and maybe the three of them together eventually, instead of the push-and-pull, and push again, that Cassie did with him. I know this built the tension until the moment the truth came out but, like I said, I liked the three of them together and I would have liked to see more of them as a family. Perhaps I will get that in the next books in the series. I do hope so.
If you're looking for a sweet, country romance, this is a nice series starter and an enjoyable weekend read.
I like second-chance romances, and the secret baby trope - although this one is a little different from the standard definition.
Cassie and Jack have been friends since they were kids, but he ended up dating her older sister, Amanda. But things end between the two, and when he returns home after traveling around the country for a few years, Jack and Cassie get closer. She is keeping a secret from him, though, a secret that might destroy their friendship and their budding relationship.
Things will come out in the open in a dramatic way, when Amanda shows up unexpectedly and spill the beans about who the real parents of Cassie's 2-year-old adoptive daughter are.
I'll admit it did bother me that it took so long for Cassie to trust Jack enough to tell him the truth, especially since he deserved to know from the moment he came back. Although I understood her reasons behind the decision to keep it a secret, I also wished she'd told him sooner. Also because I was hoping to read a bit more about them together. Her insecurities and constant push and pull did get on my nerve at times, but luckily Jack was patient enough to keep up with her. :)
Although I enjoyed the story, the small-town setting, and the second-chance romance, I wish there had been more about the two of them together, and maybe the three of them together eventually, instead of the push-and-pull, and push again, that Cassie did with him. I know this built the tension until the moment the truth came out but, like I said, I liked the three of them together and I would have liked to see more of them as a family. Perhaps I will get that in the next books in the series. I do hope so.
If you're looking for a sweet, country romance, this is a nice series starter and an enjoyable weekend read.
August 29, 2017
Cassie is a single mom, baker, bakery owner and provides for her sick mom. She also holds on to a deep secret that affects her life and the person she crushes on for years.
Sarah is a beautiful 2 year old that is surrounded by love, she was adopted by Cassie who loves her more then anything.
Jack was her Cassie's childhood friend, her sisters ex, and close to her family.
He thinks he's returning to help his dad, takeover his ranch and settle down. What he finds is his feelings for Cassie are no longer platonic, that he enjoys Sarah and wants them to be his future.
This story is a cute boy next door tale, and wrong sister right match circumstance. What I didn't like is the secret she's had to keep thanks to her no good sister. How can they even be related...
She kept Sarah's biological parentage a secret- I understand initially but she should have trusted her first instincts when Sarah was born, therefore either reaching out to Jack, or shortly after the adoption was done. If not shortly after he returned. Thankfully after several emotions and a rift they did patch their relationship. Nice HEA.
Sarah is a beautiful 2 year old that is surrounded by love, she was adopted by Cassie who loves her more then anything.
Jack was her Cassie's childhood friend, her sisters ex, and close to her family.
He thinks he's returning to help his dad, takeover his ranch and settle down. What he finds is his feelings for Cassie are no longer platonic, that he enjoys Sarah and wants them to be his future.
This story is a cute boy next door tale, and wrong sister right match circumstance. What I didn't like is the secret she's had to keep thanks to her no good sister. How can they even be related...
She kept Sarah's biological parentage a secret- I understand initially but she should have trusted her first instincts when Sarah was born, therefore either reaching out to Jack, or shortly after the adoption was done. If not shortly after he returned. Thankfully after several emotions and a rift they did patch their relationship. Nice HEA.
June 5, 2022
„Return to Love“ ist der erste Band der Willow Valley-Reihe und meine erste Leseerfahrung mit einem Buch von Christine Kingsley. Als ich das Buch angefangen habe, hatte ich keine Erwartungen; ich wusste nicht, was mich erwartet. Wurde aber teilweise positiv überrascht.
Mit knapp 202 Seiten schafft die Autorin es, eine wirklich niedliche und herzerwärmende Geschichte zu erzählen. Die beiden Protagonisten sind sympathisch und man wünscht ihnen von Anfang an, dass sie ihr Glück finden.
Cassie ist für ihre 22 Jahre wirklich erwachsen. Während andere noch fröhlich Party machen, ist sie eine gestandene Geschäftsfrau und Mutter einer 2-jährigen Tochter. Trotz ihrer Selbstständigkeit hat sie Angst vor der Zukunft und davor, sich emotional auf jemanden einzulassen. Die Angst wird nur noch schlimmer als Jack, ein Jugendfreund von ihrer Schwester und ihr selbst wieder auftaucht. Doch Jack ist nicht einfach bloß ein Jugendfreund, nein, er ist auch zugleich der Ex-Freund ihrer Schwester. Und sie weiß etwas über ihn, was er nicht einmal ahnt.
Jack ist etwas älter als Cassie. Er mochte sie schon immer wie eine kleine Schwester, doch nun haben sich seit dem Wiedersehen seine Gefühle für sie verändert. Er möchte eine Beziehung mit ihr aufbauen. Doch Cassie weigert sich und stößt ihn immer wieder von sich. Was aus Cassies Perspektive leicht begründet ist (und ich sage nicht, dass ich es verstehe oder dafür Verständnis habe!). Er bemüht sich sehr. Bindet auch Cassies kleine Tochter mit ein und gewinnt diese lieb. Die Kleine ist absolut zauberhaft und bringt ein paar süße Momente in die Geschichte ein.
Das Hin und Her, warum Cassie Jack von sich stößt, fand ich ehrlich gesagt dann etwas bescheuert. Ich verstehe bis zu einem bestimmten Punkt, warum sie so handelt, aber andererseits auch nicht. Denn ihre kleine Tochter verdient es zu wissen, wer ihr Vater ist. Worum kein Geheimnis gemacht wird, ist, dass Sara (die Tochter von Cassie) adoptiert ist. Alles andere kann man sich denken. Und ja, ich gehöre zu den Menschen, die glauben, dass Väter ein Recht darauf haben, zu wissen, dass sie Vater sind. Wie man auf eine so bescheuerte Idee kommen kann, dem Mann das nicht zu sagen, entzieht sich jeglichem Verständnis meinerseits. Natürlich gibt es immer Ausnahmen, keine Frage. Aber bei einer normalen Beziehung, wo beide Partner sich mal geliebt haben, sollte doch dem Kind zuliebe auch weiterhin ein Grundmaß an Kommunikation möglich sein. Kinder sind keine Spielbälle der Eltern. Sie haben ebenfalls Rechte. Das sollte man nie vergessen.
Neben Cassie gibt es ein paar sehr liebenswerte Nebencharaktere und zwei davon sollen dann im zweiten Band der Reihe ihr Glück finden. Und die Geschichte würde mich ehrlich gesagt schon reizen… vielleicht irgendwann?
Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist angenehm. Die Erzählung wechselt stets zwischen den Perspektiven von Cassie und Jack hin und her, sodass man als Leser ein Gefühl für beide Charaktere bekommt. Was mir jedoch nicht gefallen hat, war das überhastete Ende. Erst wurde sich mit dem (gefühlten) ewigen Hin und Her Zeit gelassen und dann kommt das Ende quasi fast aus dem Nichts angerollt. Da hätte ich mir gewünscht, dass es etwas besser und ausschweifender dargestellt wird. Und nicht einfach bloß „so siehts aus, werde glücklich damit“. Ich hätte mir gern mehr gemeinsame Momente mit Cassie, Jack und auch der kleinen Sara gewünscht.
Alles in allem ein gutes Buch, das man zur Entspannung an einem Wochenende verschlingen kann. Kein Drama. Nur den einen oder anderen zickigen Nebencharakter, den man gerne mal gegen die Wand klatschen möchte. Aber kennen wir die nicht auch aus anderen Geschichten? 😉
Mit knapp 202 Seiten schafft die Autorin es, eine wirklich niedliche und herzerwärmende Geschichte zu erzählen. Die beiden Protagonisten sind sympathisch und man wünscht ihnen von Anfang an, dass sie ihr Glück finden.
Cassie ist für ihre 22 Jahre wirklich erwachsen. Während andere noch fröhlich Party machen, ist sie eine gestandene Geschäftsfrau und Mutter einer 2-jährigen Tochter. Trotz ihrer Selbstständigkeit hat sie Angst vor der Zukunft und davor, sich emotional auf jemanden einzulassen. Die Angst wird nur noch schlimmer als Jack, ein Jugendfreund von ihrer Schwester und ihr selbst wieder auftaucht. Doch Jack ist nicht einfach bloß ein Jugendfreund, nein, er ist auch zugleich der Ex-Freund ihrer Schwester. Und sie weiß etwas über ihn, was er nicht einmal ahnt.
Jack ist etwas älter als Cassie. Er mochte sie schon immer wie eine kleine Schwester, doch nun haben sich seit dem Wiedersehen seine Gefühle für sie verändert. Er möchte eine Beziehung mit ihr aufbauen. Doch Cassie weigert sich und stößt ihn immer wieder von sich. Was aus Cassies Perspektive leicht begründet ist (und ich sage nicht, dass ich es verstehe oder dafür Verständnis habe!). Er bemüht sich sehr. Bindet auch Cassies kleine Tochter mit ein und gewinnt diese lieb. Die Kleine ist absolut zauberhaft und bringt ein paar süße Momente in die Geschichte ein.
Das Hin und Her, warum Cassie Jack von sich stößt, fand ich ehrlich gesagt dann etwas bescheuert. Ich verstehe bis zu einem bestimmten Punkt, warum sie so handelt, aber andererseits auch nicht. Denn ihre kleine Tochter verdient es zu wissen, wer ihr Vater ist. Worum kein Geheimnis gemacht wird, ist, dass Sara (die Tochter von Cassie) adoptiert ist. Alles andere kann man sich denken. Und ja, ich gehöre zu den Menschen, die glauben, dass Väter ein Recht darauf haben, zu wissen, dass sie Vater sind. Wie man auf eine so bescheuerte Idee kommen kann, dem Mann das nicht zu sagen, entzieht sich jeglichem Verständnis meinerseits. Natürlich gibt es immer Ausnahmen, keine Frage. Aber bei einer normalen Beziehung, wo beide Partner sich mal geliebt haben, sollte doch dem Kind zuliebe auch weiterhin ein Grundmaß an Kommunikation möglich sein. Kinder sind keine Spielbälle der Eltern. Sie haben ebenfalls Rechte. Das sollte man nie vergessen.
Neben Cassie gibt es ein paar sehr liebenswerte Nebencharaktere und zwei davon sollen dann im zweiten Band der Reihe ihr Glück finden. Und die Geschichte würde mich ehrlich gesagt schon reizen… vielleicht irgendwann?
Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist angenehm. Die Erzählung wechselt stets zwischen den Perspektiven von Cassie und Jack hin und her, sodass man als Leser ein Gefühl für beide Charaktere bekommt. Was mir jedoch nicht gefallen hat, war das überhastete Ende. Erst wurde sich mit dem (gefühlten) ewigen Hin und Her Zeit gelassen und dann kommt das Ende quasi fast aus dem Nichts angerollt. Da hätte ich mir gewünscht, dass es etwas besser und ausschweifender dargestellt wird. Und nicht einfach bloß „so siehts aus, werde glücklich damit“. Ich hätte mir gern mehr gemeinsame Momente mit Cassie, Jack und auch der kleinen Sara gewünscht.
Alles in allem ein gutes Buch, das man zur Entspannung an einem Wochenende verschlingen kann. Kein Drama. Nur den einen oder anderen zickigen Nebencharakter, den man gerne mal gegen die Wand klatschen möchte. Aber kennen wir die nicht auch aus anderen Geschichten? 😉
August 27, 2019
Secrets!!
Childhood friends reunited when Jack Martin returns home. Cassie Powell never left, but has taken care of her mother, created her own business & has adopted a child. Cassie had a secret crush on Jack years ago, but Jack was her sister Amanda's boyfriend. Jack & Amanda went to college, but Amanda broke up with Jack & dropped out of college. At first Jack only sees Cassie as his ex-girlfriend's sister, but finally admits he is drawn to her. Cassie tries to keep Jack at arms length, but fears it is a lost cause. They will need to figure out if what they feel can last & if they can get past the secrets & learn to trust each other.
Downside was numerous typos, words in wrong places, wrong words. I was able to get past most of these errors but the more I read the more they occurred. That is the reason for 3 stars. Overall I enjoyed the story. Thinking if Cassie got to the bakery an hour before it opened, no way would she have enough items to sell in an hour. This part made no sense.
Childhood friends reunited when Jack Martin returns home. Cassie Powell never left, but has taken care of her mother, created her own business & has adopted a child. Cassie had a secret crush on Jack years ago, but Jack was her sister Amanda's boyfriend. Jack & Amanda went to college, but Amanda broke up with Jack & dropped out of college. At first Jack only sees Cassie as his ex-girlfriend's sister, but finally admits he is drawn to her. Cassie tries to keep Jack at arms length, but fears it is a lost cause. They will need to figure out if what they feel can last & if they can get past the secrets & learn to trust each other.
Downside was numerous typos, words in wrong places, wrong words. I was able to get past most of these errors but the more I read the more they occurred. That is the reason for 3 stars. Overall I enjoyed the story. Thinking if Cassie got to the bakery an hour before it opened, no way would she have enough items to sell in an hour. This part made no sense.
October 11, 2018
Cute story
This is a quick read, the start of a series. There isn’t really a whole lot of character development which might have given the story more depth. I don’t really feel like I got to know these characters. It’s a variation on the secret baby trope thus it’s clear where everything is heading. We’ve even got the best friend urging Cassie to do the right thing but of course Cassie ignoring her advice. As I’m reading all I can think is “you know how this is going to play out...” With a bit more information it also becomes clear how the crisis is going to come to a head. Why no one anticipated this in their bizarre secret keeping promises is beyond me.
Of course after tears and angst there is the requisite HEA (it’s a romance story after all). I just feel like there could have been a bit more depth to the characters to give the story more of a punch or to make the reader more invested.
This is a quick read, the start of a series. There isn’t really a whole lot of character development which might have given the story more depth. I don’t really feel like I got to know these characters. It’s a variation on the secret baby trope thus it’s clear where everything is heading. We’ve even got the best friend urging Cassie to do the right thing but of course Cassie ignoring her advice. As I’m reading all I can think is “you know how this is going to play out...” With a bit more information it also becomes clear how the crisis is going to come to a head. Why no one anticipated this in their bizarre secret keeping promises is beyond me.
Of course after tears and angst there is the requisite HEA (it’s a romance story after all). I just feel like there could have been a bit more depth to the characters to give the story more of a punch or to make the reader more invested.
February 24, 2017
Sweet romance.
I really enjoyed this romance. It's a short story without too many twists and turns. I felt sorry for Cassie. She of all had given up all her future to pick up the pieces of two selfish people's actions. Although Jack stepped up to the mark, for me he never took into consideration the fact that he felt he was too good for the town and was too busy living his life to even stop and find d out what was up with Amanda. In this he was just as selfish, Cassie spent her time picking up after others and got blamed when really, the only irresponsible ones were Jack and Amanda. I was hoping this would be addressed, it would've had that extra star if it had.
BUT, then again, what an amazing author to raise such emotion in her readers from her writing. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
I really enjoyed this romance. It's a short story without too many twists and turns. I felt sorry for Cassie. She of all had given up all her future to pick up the pieces of two selfish people's actions. Although Jack stepped up to the mark, for me he never took into consideration the fact that he felt he was too good for the town and was too busy living his life to even stop and find d out what was up with Amanda. In this he was just as selfish, Cassie spent her time picking up after others and got blamed when really, the only irresponsible ones were Jack and Amanda. I was hoping this would be addressed, it would've had that extra star if it had.
BUT, then again, what an amazing author to raise such emotion in her readers from her writing. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
September 20, 2024
Return to Love by Christine Kingsley is a second chance type of story. Cassie has a secret that she promised not to tell. Jack has returned to Willow Valley. Cassie and Jack were friends long ago. Jack was involved with Cassie's sister - and he is two years older. Will her secret keep them from finding each other? The spark is there! This book is the first of the series and I have had it in my library for quite awhile and I just started reading it. It was enjoyable; the secret stayed hidden until well into the story, but I felt that the plot dragged out a little too much. In spite of that, I enjoyed reading this story and I think you will too. There are some open bedroom door scenes, that I glanced over, but if this does not offend you, then go and get this book and read it. You will enjoy it.
November 15, 2018
3.5 Stars
This was an easy read. The romance was sweet but complicated.
Cassie has been secretly in love with Jack as long as she can remember but he she's always been like a little sister to him. Jack use to date Cassie's older sister Amanda until a few years ago. When Jack comes back to town he realizes his feelings for Cassie are different but Cassie has a secret and tries to push Jack away.
I like the fact that Jack didn't want to give up on Cassie. I didn't like the fact that Cassie waited so long to tell Jack her secret but I figured it was mostly out of fear of the unknown.
This was an easy read. The romance was sweet but complicated.
Cassie has been secretly in love with Jack as long as she can remember but he she's always been like a little sister to him. Jack use to date Cassie's older sister Amanda until a few years ago. When Jack comes back to town he realizes his feelings for Cassie are different but Cassie has a secret and tries to push Jack away.
I like the fact that Jack didn't want to give up on Cassie. I didn't like the fact that Cassie waited so long to tell Jack her secret but I figured it was mostly out of fear of the unknown.
August 8, 2019
I loved this book. It was sweet and filled with so much love.
It’s the first I’ve read by this author, and it won’t be the last, I can’t wait to jump into the rest of the series and see all the characters again.
It was beautiful to see the connection Jack and Sarah had even with out the knowledge of her parentage to Jack. They make a great family, and yes as other reviews suggest, the plot may of been a bit predictable but it in no way took away my enjoyment of this book, as there was still the uncertainty and twists of will they still make it as a couple or not? How will others react?
It was a beautiful, sweet read filled with so much love.
It’s the first I’ve read by this author, and it won’t be the last, I can’t wait to jump into the rest of the series and see all the characters again.
It was beautiful to see the connection Jack and Sarah had even with out the knowledge of her parentage to Jack. They make a great family, and yes as other reviews suggest, the plot may of been a bit predictable but it in no way took away my enjoyment of this book, as there was still the uncertainty and twists of will they still make it as a couple or not? How will others react?
It was a beautiful, sweet read filled with so much love.
April 22, 2019
So wanted to love this book
I was excited to read this book and dive into the entire series. Maybe my expectations were to high. The story line is good, but was harx to get into in the beginning. Maybe it's just me, but it seemed as though things were rushed and happened way to fast or easily. There was really no fire in the writing. The last 3 chapters were better, but again, lacking in the fire and passion I was hoping for. Still a good, sweet read, but it also makes me second guess the rest of the series.
I was excited to read this book and dive into the entire series. Maybe my expectations were to high. The story line is good, but was harx to get into in the beginning. Maybe it's just me, but it seemed as though things were rushed and happened way to fast or easily. There was really no fire in the writing. The last 3 chapters were better, but again, lacking in the fire and passion I was hoping for. Still a good, sweet read, but it also makes me second guess the rest of the series.
May 17, 2017
This book has spelling errors in it that irritated me. The story line was ok I liked Jack a whole lot more than I liked Cassie. Hard to believe that she thought it was for the best that Jack didn't know he had a daughter even knowing that her sister was a consummate liar. It was just an ok story for me but seriously if you are going to write a western novel and have horses in it for the love of heaven know which "rein" to use in spelling. Horses use reins not reigns. UGH!
November 12, 2017
A warm, loving tale of a woman who has sacrificed all of her life to do what is right for her family. Until now, she has been contented with this, but now the love of her life is back in town and wants her as his wife. The secret that she promised her family never to tell stands in the way. The characters were well done, the story plausible, and there was no violence, only difficulties with the past occurrences. I enjoyed this and will read more of this series.
February 12, 2019
I really enjoyed Book 1 in the Willow Valley series. If you enjoy small town romance, then this is the series for you. Cassie and Jack grew up together, but Jack was romantically involved with her older sister, Amanda. When Jack returns to town, he’s surprised at his attraction to Cassie, the single mom to Sarah. Cassie is keeping a big secret and tries to deny her feelings for Jack. Grab your copy to meet the other characters that will be in the future books and to see what happens when Cassie’s secret is revealed.
February 27, 2019
Great Read!
Jack returns home for good and runs into his friend,from his youthful days and is visually shaken. She’s his exgirlfriends sister. Add to the mix an uncaring sister and baby Sarah, along with a promise to her mother,she struggles with her feelings for Jack and the promise she made. This book shows how she and Jack deal with this and the shocking news Jack receives.
This is a wonderful story!
Jack returns home for good and runs into his friend,from his youthful days and is visually shaken. She’s his exgirlfriends sister. Add to the mix an uncaring sister and baby Sarah, along with a promise to her mother,she struggles with her feelings for Jack and the promise she made. This book shows how she and Jack deal with this and the shocking news Jack receives.
This is a wonderful story!
January 6, 2024
Cassie Powell lives in the small town of Willow Valley running a bakery, raising her two-year old daughter and takes care of her mother suffering from dementia. Jack Martin returns to town and has always thought of Cassie as his little sister until he sees her all grown up. Cassie and Jack start a romance but Cassie is keeping a secret from him that may destroy their relationship. I really enjoyed this wonderful western contemporary romance novel.
June 17, 2017
When Jack came back home to the ranch to help his father. He saw Cassie had grown up since he had left. She also had adopted a little girl. He soon realized that she had a secret. He was determined to find out what it was. Now I'll let you read the book to determine what it was and how it would affect Jack and Cassie's relationship.
August 13, 2017
I received a free copy of Return to Love and this review was given freely.
Return to Love by Christine Kingsley is a second chance heart warming romance which seamlessly incorporates romance, frustration for various reasons, family intrigue, adoption, and elder care. At one point, I found myself laughing out loud. Overall, this book is a great introduction to the Willow Valley series.
Return to Love by Christine Kingsley is a second chance heart warming romance which seamlessly incorporates romance, frustration for various reasons, family intrigue, adoption, and elder care. At one point, I found myself laughing out loud. Overall, this book is a great introduction to the Willow Valley series.
November 5, 2017
Pretty quickly you know who the father is but the story to get there is good! The stress and worry Cassie goes they wanting to telling Jack that Sarah is his biological daughter just to have Amanda blurt it out almost destroys their relationship. Enjoyed this story, going for the next book in the series!
August 25, 2018
I enjoyed this book, it didn’t blow my mind but it was an easy read. Predictable, yes, but it did throw me an elementary surprise once. The characters we’re skilfully described and I had a clear picture of them in my mind. I probably would not rush to read all the books as for me they lacked a little something but would be unfair if I said I didn’t enjoy it........
November 5, 2018
Loved this book!
I really enjoyed reading this book! The characters are described so well that you can visualize each character! The storyline was wonderful and kept me engaged the whole time, wondering what was going to happen next. Looking forward to the next book in the series!!
I really enjoyed reading this book! The characters are described so well that you can visualize each character! The storyline was wonderful and kept me engaged the whole time, wondering what was going to happen next. Looking forward to the next book in the series!!
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