Piper Daniels has one wish—to keep her little brother out of trouble—but her work schedule and a lack of activities for teens in her neighborhood complicate that mission. When she latches onto the idea of starting a community garden, it seems to answer all of her requirements. Until she realizes who owns the property she wants to use.
Reece Stone was the love of her life ten years earlier, until he left with only a phone call goodbye and no explanation. Now he’s the head of Stone Enterprises, and he’s thrilled at the chance to make amends and spend time with the woman he’s never been able to forget. He knows they can find love again, if he can melt her anger enough to give him a chance.
. As you hop into the introduction of this series, you are presented with drama, intrigue, and the possibility of a second chance at love between Piper and Reece, after experiencing a heartbreaking split ten years prior, which it turns out had been orchestrated by the parents. They come from two different stations in life, Reece is the C.E.O. of a large company and Piper has a low-income job, living at home, basically in charge of caring for her 14-year-old brother, Spencer, who has Autism. After Spencer gets into trouble with some neighborhood thug types, Piper gets a brainstorm to begin a community garden to help give the kids something to do besides getting into trouble. Some of the main characters were woven in from the previous series and the reader gets to not only reconnect but also has the opportunity to see a more in-depth look these characters in this series.
Some of the main characters were woven in from the previous series and allow the reader to not only reconnect, but also has the opportunity to see a more in-depth look these characters in this series.
Escape into the world of suspense and romance with this clean and wholesome contemporary backdrop, unless a few kisses eliminate this from that category for you. There were lots of issues to overcome, twists and turns, and the family dynamics to iron out. It was captivating and provided a gratifying experience, including spurts of inspiration, hope, and romance.
This first volume in this series is a spin-off from The Carver Ranch series, also written by Heather Tullis. Thankfully, both series are available to Prime members on Amazon through the Kindle Unlimited program. It was clean and wholesome, so that makes me smile! I would recommend the series for sure.
It's been awhile since I have read this series and I thought that since the 3rd book was recently released that I would give myself a refresher course before reading it. I am still totally in love with Reece! He's pretty amazing! *dreamy sigh* I can't wait to reread book 2 and then move on to book 3! :)
May 2015:
4.5 Stars
I've been on a lost love kick lately and I love it! I am definitely a sucker for these types of stories. I love seeing the couple overcome past hurts and move forward to their happily ever after!
Piper and Reece dated for part of a summer and they clicked instantly. Things were going great until one day Piper receives a phone call from Reece breaking things off and then he takes off. Piper is heart broken and depressed. She thought that they really had something special and just didn't understand why things went down hill so fast.
Fast forward years later and she is now working full time and taking care of her autistic brother while her mom works swing shifts. Her brother seems to be getting into more trouble lately and Piper has to decide what to do with him. There is nothing in their neighborhood that will keep him and the other kids occupied and out of trouble. Then Piper has the brilliant idea of doing a community garden. She and her friends, Adelyn and Maddie, do some research and start putting her plan into action. The only problem is the lot that would be perfect for her project is owned by the one and only Reece Stone.
Reece has always regretted breaking things off with Piper. However, he really didn't have a choice in the matter. He had to or else the consequences of him staying with her would ruin his life. But he never stopped thinking about her. When the proposal for the community garden comes across his desk he almost lets it pass by until he sees who the proposal is from. The wheels in his head start turning and he believes that this is his second chance with the one and only woman he has ever loved. The only problem?! Convincing Piper that he really does love her and wants her in his life.
*dreamy sigh* Reece is absolutely amazing!! I LOVE him!! He really did have his work cut out for him when it comes to winning Piper back. But with a little honestly... lots of patience... and fighting to make her dreams come true he is able to show her just how much she really means to him and how he never stopped loving her. And I just have to say I LOVED his relationship with Spencer! While some people had trouble connecting him him and not wanting him around... Reece made him feel apart of various things and never left him out. Seriously... this man rocked!!
I do have to say I did not like their mom. She really was a piece of work and I really, really wanted to knock her upside the head! Ugh! What kind of person does those types of things?! She is the mom for crying out loud and she needs to act like one! I know towards the end she started trying but the book ended before she really got a chance to make things right in my opinion. Not sure if I ended up liking her or not. I guess time and other books in the series will tell.
All in all it was a really good book and I really enjoyed it!! I only wish that it would have been just a little bit longer... maybe like a chapter. I would have LOVED to see Spencer's reaction to what happened at the end... it would have been priceless!! But instead... it just ended. :( And as you all know... I hate that! Lol. But I guess it'll all work out since there are going to be other books in the series. :) I am definitely looking forward to Adelyn and Maddie's stories!
And of course no review of mine would be complete without casting! ;) Hehe. So... here is my Piper and Reece...
I've read and enjoyed a couple titles this author has written under the name Heather Justesen. I've been drawn to her DiCarlo Bride series and downloaded the first book but never read it. After reading this I will definately bump that up on my to read list. Hello Again came across my radar and was at the top of my Kindle when looking for a new book so I gave it a try. I ended up pleasantly surprised but how much I enjoyed it. It's a great book with good chemistry between the main characters. Add in some family drama and this made for a story that drew me in and kept me reading. Rating 4.5 Stars - Great book Content: Clean Source: Purchased from Amazon
I liked this one, thought it had a sweet romance and was just a nice story to pass the afternoon. At a young age Piper has known responsibility, helping to raise her autistic brother and take care of her mom. She works hard and is doing the best she can. When her brother Spencer gets into trouble she is desperate to find something to help keep him bust and out of mischief. She comes up with the idea to start a community garden. The only problem is the land is owned by her ex-boyfriend who she dated while in high school. It's been ten years since they've seen each other and she is not looking forward to seeing him again, not after they way he ended things. Reece has never forgotten Piper and is not about to let this opportunity to reunite pass him by. Reece and Piper have a sweet romance, it takes some work to earn her trust back, but he is going to do whatever it takes. I liked their story and relationship. I liked how he is with Spencer and just thought he was a nice guy. Piper is also nice, she works hard and I like how she does what she can for her family. I also liked seeing her stand up for herself more with her mom.
Overall, I thought this was a nice story. I wouldn't have minded an epilogue, but was happy with how it all wraps up. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
The first book in the In the Garden Series, Hello Again, is a great start. The story of a love once lost but second chances do not come around often. What do you do when the person you try and forget has exactly what you need?
I really found the characters likeable. Piper Daniels is a hard worker who has become the unofficial parent to her brother. She has such a dedication and passion for what she believes is right. I liked Reece. He is charming and fun. He has a renewed dedication for Piper and is, of course, super sweet.
A super cute clean romance! This is my first book by this author and it will not be the last. I am excited to read the rest of the Garden series.
*Please note I received a copy of this book. I was under no obligation to review and all opinions are my own.
I absolutely adore this book! The situation, the characters (their names!), the place they live. Because I have no personal experience living with a teen with autism, I felt that was an educational peek that helped me learn a little understanding, and see a little of the joy as well as the struggles. I like the chemistry between the main characters, and like that they had a history they needed to get over. It was a great book and I look forward to the next book in the series. (I liked it so much, I nominated it for a Whitney Award.) You've got to read this one!
*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
I'm happy to see the beginning of a new series by Heather Tullis. This book was a clean romance with some added depth to it. I enjoyed the characters and the progression of the book. I love how the book centered around a community garden- what a fun idea! I can't wait to see what comes next!
This book was romantic and it was clean! Nothing to report as far as content goes. :)
Loved this book so much...the characters and the storyline that I immediately bought the rest of the series. I came to like Piper, her huge heart and work ethic, her love and care for her brother and her friends.
This book started out a bit slow but once it picked up I was enjoying it. I stuck around and continue reading for Spencer because he pulled me in from the start. I was definitely happy with the ending. I should have known it was them to caused all the issues for Reece and Piper
3.5 for me Romance, Clean Not knowing that this was connected with another book I had read. Cute story of reconciliation after a summer romance that was put aside. Starting a garden near a school puts our Heroine back in contact with a former summer romance (age 17 for her). She is working, helping her mother run their household and caring for her younger brother with a disability. Lots of things combine together to make this a fun story.
This book was good enough. I liked that it wasn't all about their relationship. I felt so bad for piper! Her mom was kinda horrible. I liked the guy. I just forgot his name
Reviews for In The Garden 1-4 **** 3 stars I purchased a copy of the novel Hello Again (In The Garden Book 1) Apr 27, 2015 by Heather Tullis and this review was given freely. A second chance at love with a millionaire romance. Easy flowing with wonderful characters, a sweet romance, vivid descriptions and enough family drama to keep things interesting. Struggling Crystal Creek Dental Hygienist Piper meets her first love Reese Stone when she tries to start a city garden in her neighborhood to keep her autistic brother Spencer out of trouble.
**** 5 stars I purchased a copy of the novel First Crush (In the Garden Book 2) Mar 22, 2016 by Heather Tullis and this review was given freely. A second chance at love with your brother's best friend clean romance with family drama and a sinister undertone. The story in book one continues with one of Piper's best friends, 3rd grade school teacher Maddie and her frustration when her brother Jason's best friend officer Ben continues to ignore her. A complex and interesting story containing two romances, the planning of Piper and Reese's wedding, gang activity, the topic of physical abuse, the anxiety that can occur with the uncertainty of loving a police officer, and Ben's surprise fatherhood.
**** 4 stars I purchased a copy of the novel Not in the Plans (In The Garden Book 3) Feb 27, 2018 by Heather Tullis and this review was given freely. The trio of friends complete their status as couples when Adelyn finally recognises and accepts former army serviceman now construction worker Jason's labors of love. This novel combines vivid descriptions, family drama, a little humor and a happy ending with the pitfalls of online dating, the rocky preparations for Piper and Maddie's weddings as well as hinting at a second chance for love romance for Comfrey.
**** 3 stars I purchased a copy of the novel Last Chance (In The Garden Book 4) Apr 19, 2018 by Heather Tullis and this review was given freely. This book covers the same time frame as book 3 but from Comfrey's view. Comfrey aka Channing must decide between local accountant Tony and her attorney ex-fiance Nick who is being blackmailed by Comfrey's parents to bring her back to Boston. A rocky romance, lottery winners,overbearing and self centered parents,
A decade ago, Piper and Reece had a summer fling that ended badly, devastating them both. Now Reece Stone runs Stone Enterprises, his father’s empire. But he finds corporate success a lonely, suffocating existence. “He longs for the uncomplicated romance of his college days, and the sweet, very complicated woman” he left behind.
Piper Daniels is overwhelmed with balancing her job, keeping track of her teenage brother Spencer, and filling in for her disinterested, absentee mother. Her brainchild--Crystal Creek Community Garden provides a welcome purpose and distraction to her life. She hopes it can make a positive change in her neighborhood. “She blooms amidst adversity.”
They have a painful past. Can they put the past aside and work together for the future? “He couldn’t imagine walking away without seeing if there was a chance to rekindle their old romance.” Time has not diminished the attraction.
I love the idea of creating a community garden. This well-developed plot and creative, inspiring characters drew me into this story. The family drama adds an interesting element, as does the mystery and angst. My favorite part is that this book is part of the crossover books that follow the residents of Crystal Creek.
*I won a copy of this book. All opinions are uniquely my own.
Too many stories go into wild extremes. Not this story. It tells of a single parent family, with two children, a daughter of 29 and a 15-year old high-functioning autistic boy. It tells of the mother leaving the full responsibility of the boy to his sister. It tells of her long-lost love for a very special young man. It speaks of him inheriting his difficult father's company. It mentions the boy breaking windows of a deserted apartment block with two delinquent friends with nothing better to do, and how his strict sister forced him to pick up the broken glass, which gave her the idea to turn it into a community garden to help uplift the whole run-down neighbourhood. An ordinary everyday tale so nicely constructed which I found to be a very enjoyable read. It is unusual in that it is a clean book with no erotica, blasphemy or expeletives. I did notice a small error almost at the end of the book when they went down two floors to the ground floor, but the new apartment was on the third floor. If there were any others, I didn't notice them. I was enjoying the story far too much.
Good second chance love story. Reece & Piper dated for part of a summer until he suddenly called & broke things off. Now, years later, Piper’s autistic brother is picked up for breaking windows in an abandoned building owned by Reece’s family. Then Piper finds out his company also owns the property she wants to develop into a community garden. After meeting Reece to go over her proposal for the garden, Piper realizes she still likes Reece but can she trust him?
The hardest thing Reece has ever done was break up with Piper. He’s never forgotten her. Nor that she’s back in his life, he isn’t going to let her shove him out again. Why can’t he get her to acknowledge the attraction is mutual?
I really enjoyed this story. The characters are realistic & likable. I love the way Piper stands by her brother & takes care of him while not taking over. Reece treats him as a normal person instead of looking down on him too. There were a few twists I wasn’t expecting but I really enjoyed this story.
Love is a Powerful Feeling - This was a intriguing story about two people from different social backgrounds, who are trying to navigate their different world, whilst dealing with betrayals, false accusations, jealousy, parentification, family drama and trust issue, so they could have a chance at the relationship they were deprived off. I’m obsessed with this book, as the author did a great job writing about the autistic character, which was really realistic and an issue close to my heart.
This clean romance story, had a perfect amount of angst, romance, drama and most importantly a gorgeous hero with a heart of gold. I really enjoyed reading this story and believe it deserves to be highly recommended. Heather Tullis is a new up author to me and I can say without a shadow of doubt after reading this book, that I am very impressed with her talent.
I received a copy of this book free and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the book and characters, although Piper's mother and Reece's father are both terrible. Piper's mom pretty much leaving the child rearing to Piper, then complaining if things didn't go her way. It was hard seeing her be so nasty to her daughter when if it wasn't for Piper, they wouldn't have a roof over their heads. Reece's sister is wonderful! There was a lot of drama with one member of the board at the business kept giving him a hard time, saying they had an offer on the property that Piper wants to turn into a community garden(although the building had been standing empty for a LONG time and suddenly there is a buyer?). I won't tell all so as not to spoil the story, but it is amazing the lengths some people will go to trying to get their way or hurt someone else. The ending is great.
To regain a lover you broke up with is the jest of HELLO AGAIN. Ten years earlier, Reese had left Piper hanging, she not knowing why he had forsaken her love.
Piper has a community garden project she and her cohorts want for their neighborhood. The land is owned by the Stone Corporation, where Reece Stone was the current president after his father's death.
When Piper brings the project to his office, sparks of familiarity commence for Reece. Piper goes into battle mode, which leads to an unlikely romance and turbulent social events. The games begin.
At the end of this story, the community has a garden and is wrapped up romantically—a perfectly written romance novel with few gaps but with characters that will bring the reader to Book 2.
-‘Now that he’d been in the same space as her, found that the attraction he’d felt for her before was still there, as strong as ever, he couldn’t imagine walking away without seeing if there was a chance to rekindle their old romance. He needed to see if his feelings were real or temporary, brought back by memories of their former closeness. Had they become so different in the past decade that the attraction would fade as they got to know each other, or would it grow stronger? He needed to know.’-
I am pleased that this was a clean, romantic read. I was drawn to the story because the main character’s younger brother has Autism, something that is close to my heart. The author addressed this very well and the representation was “right on” for me. My one complaint is that the story seemed to move a bit too slowly for me with a bit too much description. I felt it could’ve been told more succinctly. Otherwise, a very good story. I would rate it 3.5 stars.
I wasn't really impressed with this book. While I could identify with Piper in caring for her autistic brother, I felt that she wasn't really in tune with her brother's interests. I get her motivations to start the garden, but with him not showing even a little interest, I have to wonder if it would actually accomplish what she was wanting for him. I also found Piper to be too much of a doormat and too wishy-washy to be a good heroine! I especially hated that she never really stood up to her mother and called her on all the crap that she had done! Reese also was kinda just there, not really a strong male hero in my eyes. The book was interesting, but not enough so for me to want to continue the series anytime soon.
Piper meet Reese when she was just seventeen; he was about to start his final year in college. He calls her and dumps her; without any real reason. It's ten years later Piper is living with her mother and teenage brother with Autism. She needs to find something to keep her brother out of trouble. She comes up with starting a community garden on a empty lot. When she finds out Reese's family owns the lot she decides to go ahead and ask to use the lot.
Reese has never forgot Piper and when he reads her letter he decides to contact her. The story has great friends for Piper and a mother who is disconnected with her son. Overall it was a good read; but I did find at times a little to long in spots.
When the man who broke Piper's heart 20 years ago reappears into her life she instantly puts her wall up and won't let him in. When she finally hears him out it's the beginning of a promising romance and life together. There are a few twists and turns throughout the story that threaten to ruin Piper's dreams of starting a community garden, which gives the story some mystery. I really liked Reece's character and how he patiently endures Piper's doubts. This is a story about love and forgiveness and how doing the right thing always wins out in the end. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a clean romance with sprinkles of drama.
I love second chance stories. Piper and Reece meet when Piper was in high school but the timing was not right. Piper decides the community needs a community garden and the property she needs is owned by Stone Enterprises. Reece reads her proposal for the garden and decides to use this as a chance to get to know Piper again. There is great chemistry between Reece and Piper. I like how Piper takes care of her brother Spencer. Piper's mother was not a favorite of mine. I loved Piper's best friends. I can't wait to read their stories next. This book has romance, a little intrigue and is a great story.
I love the way Heather and Danyelle Ferguson weave their characters together in Crystal Creek. It's exciting to come across a character from another book and be like, "hey! I know her/ him and their story!" I also find myself wondering about pretty much every other character in the book that is set up for you to connect with. When will I get to read his/her story?
I have read several of Heather's books and I always enjoy them. Sometimes I want a that will fry my brain and make me work. But in a crazy busy world, sometimes I just want a book that will make me happy. That's what this one was.
I’m just a sucker for lost loves who reconnect years later. Piper was in a difficult situation with her and I loved how Reece didn’t put and bulldoze his way in her life and fix it all with his money. He stood by her.
Piper had insecurities with Reece’s status and I would’ve like to see the family dinner scene with his family and Piper. Especially after the board scandal and his mother’s first impressions.
Also, how did Spencer take the news about the garden or their upcoming marriage. He was such an important secondary character that I would’ve like to have read about that.
Loved it and can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Piper is more of less raising her younger brother, who is autistic, since her mother works nights. She has the idea to start a community garden in an empty lot across from an elementary school. She sent a proposal to the company that owns the lot, turns out to be the boy she fell in love with at 17, then he dumped her. They work together on the project to approach his board of directors. Lot of things happen before things are settled. Loved this book and looking forward to the rest of the series.
I enjoyed this book! It was a great story of poor heroine and rich hero. I liked how Piper didn't let her situation get her down and that she was ambitious in helping her brother and in creating a community garden - she was easy to cheer for. I liked her friends, Maddie and Adelyn, and the support they provided to Piper. Reece was a great hero. I thought the story was a little slow in spots, however, as I mentioned, it is a great story and I recommend it if you like clean, contemporary romance. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Love second chance romance s. They met when they were younger. They split up but they don't forget each other. Their world's co!life years later. Love the garden idea. It seems so wonderful. Their ups and downs are so emotional. Love the different characters in this book. Spencer seems so interesting. Piper and Reese make a wonderful couple once they make through all their struggles. Can't wait to continue this series.
Piper met Reece the summer before her senior year, he was a college boy. Her mom didn't like it and told him to stay away. Well he did with pressure from his dad. Now they are both working. She takes care of her brother Spencer who has Autism, her mom works nights. They live in a bit so nice neighborhood. But she decided a community garden would be great she see him again because his company owns the property.