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Sullivan's Crossing #1
What We Find
Join Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Virgin River and Thunder Point series, as she explores the healing powers of rural Colorado in a brand-new story of fresh starts, budding relationships and one woman's journey to finding the happiness she's long been missing
Between the urban bustle of Denver and the high-stress environment of a career in neurosurgery, Maggie Sullivan has hit a wall. When an emergency high-risk procedure results in the death of a teenager, Maggie finds herself in the middle of a lawsuit--and experiencing levels of anxiety she's never faced before. She knows she needs to slow down before she burns out completely, and the best place she can think to do that is Sullivan's Crossing.
Named for Maggie's great-grandfather, the land and charming general store at the crossroads of the Colorado and the Continental Divide Trails have been passed down through the generations and now belong to Maggie's eccentric father, Sully. When she shows up unannounced, he welcomes her with open arms, and she relishes the opportunity to indulge in his simple way of life.
But shortly after arriving, Maggie's world is rocked once again and she must take on more responsibility than she'd planned. Though she's relieved a quiet and serious-looking hiker, Cal Jones, is willing to lend a hand, Maggie is suspicious of this mysterious man's eagerness to help--until she finds out the true reason for his deliberate isolation.
Though Cal and Maggie each struggle with loss and loneliness, the time they spend together gives Maggie hope for something brighter just on the horizon...if only they can learn to find peace and healing--and perhaps love--with each other.
Between the urban bustle of Denver and the high-stress environment of a career in neurosurgery, Maggie Sullivan has hit a wall. When an emergency high-risk procedure results in the death of a teenager, Maggie finds herself in the middle of a lawsuit--and experiencing levels of anxiety she's never faced before. She knows she needs to slow down before she burns out completely, and the best place she can think to do that is Sullivan's Crossing.
Named for Maggie's great-grandfather, the land and charming general store at the crossroads of the Colorado and the Continental Divide Trails have been passed down through the generations and now belong to Maggie's eccentric father, Sully. When she shows up unannounced, he welcomes her with open arms, and she relishes the opportunity to indulge in his simple way of life.
But shortly after arriving, Maggie's world is rocked once again and she must take on more responsibility than she'd planned. Though she's relieved a quiet and serious-looking hiker, Cal Jones, is willing to lend a hand, Maggie is suspicious of this mysterious man's eagerness to help--until she finds out the true reason for his deliberate isolation.
Though Cal and Maggie each struggle with loss and loneliness, the time they spend together gives Maggie hope for something brighter just on the horizon...if only they can learn to find peace and healing--and perhaps love--with each other.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2016
9271 people are currently reading
17920 people want to read
About the author
Robyn Carr
161 books12.6k followers Robyn Carr is a RITA® Award-winning, eleven-time #1 New York Times bestselling author of over sixty novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River series and Sullivan's Crossing series. Robyn's new women's fiction novel, THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB, will be released in January 2024. The new hit Sullivan's Crossing TV series (season 1) inspired by Robyn's book series was released in the USA in the fall of 2023! Plus, season 5 of the worldwide fan-favorite Virgin River TV Series is now streaming on Netflix (July 2023) with two holiday episodes coming November 30, 2023. Both TV series have been renewed for another season!
Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.
Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,917 reviews
July 13, 2018
WHAT WE FIND is the beginning of another heart-warming small town saga from Robyn Carr. She's my "most read" author, so yep, I enjoy her books very much.
This series is set in Colorado, at a place called Sullivan's Crossing, located near the intersection of the Continental Divide trail & Colorado trail. How gorgeous would that place be? *sigh* Yet another Robyn Carr location I want to live in...
At Sullivan's Crossing, there's a campground and general store, and it's all run by Sully, a cantankerous yet kindhearted guy who's been there forever. It's to Sullivan's Crossing that Sully's daughter, Maggie, returns, during a turbulent time of loss and great stress in her life. At the campground she encounters the very private Cal, someone else searching for calm and healing.
The easy pacing of this book was enjoyable, giving readers time to get to know the characters and the beautiful setting. Maggie is a strong and courageous woman, and if I was ever in trouble, I'd want her on my side. I was touched by Cal's back story and was rooting for him to find happiness again.
I didn't think the plot was particularly strong, though I know what the two main characters were headed for. Things had to be worked through. Closure first, then possibly a second chance at love? WHAT WE FIND is a solid start to the Sullivan's Crossing series, and I'd recommend it to any fan of romantic women's fiction.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This series is set in Colorado, at a place called Sullivan's Crossing, located near the intersection of the Continental Divide trail & Colorado trail. How gorgeous would that place be? *sigh* Yet another Robyn Carr location I want to live in...
At Sullivan's Crossing, there's a campground and general store, and it's all run by Sully, a cantankerous yet kindhearted guy who's been there forever. It's to Sullivan's Crossing that Sully's daughter, Maggie, returns, during a turbulent time of loss and great stress in her life. At the campground she encounters the very private Cal, someone else searching for calm and healing.
The easy pacing of this book was enjoyable, giving readers time to get to know the characters and the beautiful setting. Maggie is a strong and courageous woman, and if I was ever in trouble, I'd want her on my side. I was touched by Cal's back story and was rooting for him to find happiness again.
I didn't think the plot was particularly strong, though I know what the two main characters were headed for. Things had to be worked through. Closure first, then possibly a second chance at love? WHAT WE FIND is a solid start to the Sullivan's Crossing series, and I'd recommend it to any fan of romantic women's fiction.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2016
Robyn Carr is famous for her two series, Virgin River and Thunder Point. With Thunder Point nearing its end, I was so very excited to see that she’s starting a new series, with yet another small town community at its center. It was clear from the start that Sullivan’s Crossing has a whole lot of potential, with so many interesting characters already prepared to take the spotlight.
What We Find, however, wasn’t quite up to Robyn Carr’s standards. Centered around Maggie and Cal, What We Find shows both of them during their most vulnerable time. They both have reasons to be a little bit lost and disillusioned. As a neurosurgeon, Maggie is being sued for malpractice, her practice is closed and her boyfriend of two years abandoned her after a miscarriage. She goes to regroup to the only place she feels completely safe – her father’s camping ground and store at Sullivan’s Crossing. There she meets Cal, a homeless hiker with secrets. She is distrustful at first even though Cal tries very hard to help her and her father. She is curious about his story and more than willing to pry, but Cal keeps his reasons for wandering very close to his chest.
Although Carr’s characters are very much alive, What We Find suffers from a serious lack of plot. Nothing actually happens in it. We follow these people as they slowly uncover each other’s secrets and admit their feelings for each other. I usually prefer romances with very little tension and angst, but there has to be something to keep me engaged. Aside from the secondary characters like Maggie’s father Sully or neighbor Tom, there was very little to keep me turning those pages.
I think I was mostly bothered by the lack of chemistry between Maggie and Cal. It didn’t seem like one of those romances that are meant to be, but rather a marriage of convenience for two wounded souls. Books with no tension and very little plot have to make up for it somehow, and a strong magnetic pull between characters is usually a way to do it. Unfortunately, What We Find was mostly unsuccessful in that, and almost every other department.
The book was saved, as so many books are, by Therese Plummer’s fantastic narration. Yes, she’s one of those narrators who could read grocery lists and make them interesting. She brings characters to life and ads something uniquely hers to every story she reads. I will read the next book in this series because I trust Carr to make it a whole lot better than this unfortunate beginning, and as always, I’ll choose Plummer to read it to me.
What We Find, however, wasn’t quite up to Robyn Carr’s standards. Centered around Maggie and Cal, What We Find shows both of them during their most vulnerable time. They both have reasons to be a little bit lost and disillusioned. As a neurosurgeon, Maggie is being sued for malpractice, her practice is closed and her boyfriend of two years abandoned her after a miscarriage. She goes to regroup to the only place she feels completely safe – her father’s camping ground and store at Sullivan’s Crossing. There she meets Cal, a homeless hiker with secrets. She is distrustful at first even though Cal tries very hard to help her and her father. She is curious about his story and more than willing to pry, but Cal keeps his reasons for wandering very close to his chest.
Although Carr’s characters are very much alive, What We Find suffers from a serious lack of plot. Nothing actually happens in it. We follow these people as they slowly uncover each other’s secrets and admit their feelings for each other. I usually prefer romances with very little tension and angst, but there has to be something to keep me engaged. Aside from the secondary characters like Maggie’s father Sully or neighbor Tom, there was very little to keep me turning those pages.
I think I was mostly bothered by the lack of chemistry between Maggie and Cal. It didn’t seem like one of those romances that are meant to be, but rather a marriage of convenience for two wounded souls. Books with no tension and very little plot have to make up for it somehow, and a strong magnetic pull between characters is usually a way to do it. Unfortunately, What We Find was mostly unsuccessful in that, and almost every other department.
The book was saved, as so many books are, by Therese Plummer’s fantastic narration. Yes, she’s one of those narrators who could read grocery lists and make them interesting. She brings characters to life and ads something uniquely hers to every story she reads. I will read the next book in this series because I trust Carr to make it a whole lot better than this unfortunate beginning, and as always, I’ll choose Plummer to read it to me.
January 10, 2019
Maggie Sullivan returns to her father's place at Sullivan's Crossing to recharge after an extremely stressful period. She's a neurosurgeon who's being sued, her practice is being dissolved and her boyfriend just walked away. What starts as a plan to spend a few days seeking respite turns into a much longer search for grounding and what's really important.
I liked this story that seems to meander without purpose until it finds one. Maggie is an interesting character who, despite all her issues, never loses her footing. Cal Jones is a man of mystery who stays at the camp well beyond his planned few days and they seem to be on parallel paths in their separate journeys. I also liked this unique community and learned a lot about the lifestyle of a small Colorado mountain town.
This was a strong start to a new series with a collection of characters I grew to like and appreciate. Maggie and Cal were beautifully crafted and I especially liked how their relationship developed. The story dragged at times as there was more a bit more telling than doing. However, the series shows promise as it has the signature sense of community typically found in a Carr story. 3.5 stars
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
March 28, 2023
A wonderful heartwarming with incredible characters revolves around the #1 in the series of Sullivan’s Crossing by Robyn Carr.
January 27, 2016
A Robyn Carr book is like comfort food to me. She has the ability to sweep me away to a quaint town or country setting to get lost in the charming lives of it's residents. I first fell in love with Carr's writing when I read Virgin River, and wanted nothing more than to live in a place just like it. This book was just as lovely and adorable as I've come to expect from the author. I spent most of my time reading the book with a big smile on my face, even laughing out loud at some of the humorous moments. I loved the characters and the story and was completely charmed by the setting. My only complaint was that it became a little long winded and drawn out in the middle of the book, where it started losing steam, and I found myself starting to get a bit bored. But things happened to quickly pull me back into the story, and it won me over in the end.
If you're looking for a romantic, witty, charming story- you'll find this book is the perfect getaway!
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
If you're looking for a romantic, witty, charming story- you'll find this book is the perfect getaway!
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2019
4,25 sterren - Nederlandse paperback -
Quote uit het boek : Maggie wilde naar Sully. Ongecompliceerd naar de rust van de crossing. 🌿🌿🌿
Maggie is een neuro chirurg maar na een aantal zakelijke klappen en privé, ziet ze nog maar een uitweg, terug naar de camping van haar 70 jarige vader. Daar tussen alle gebeurtenissen ontmoet ze Cal, en wauw wat een aantrekkingskracht. Cal is weduwnaar en advocaat, en stevig de weg kwijt. Maar ja Maggie. Robyn Carr zet wederom karakters neer van mensen die je graag wil kennen. De prachtige omgeving waar het verhaal zich afspeelt is ook een aantrekkelijk punt in dit boek voor mij. 🌸🌸🌸
Quote uit het boek : Maggie wilde naar Sully. Ongecompliceerd naar de rust van de crossing. 🌿🌿🌿
Maggie is een neuro chirurg maar na een aantal zakelijke klappen en privé, ziet ze nog maar een uitweg, terug naar de camping van haar 70 jarige vader. Daar tussen alle gebeurtenissen ontmoet ze Cal, en wauw wat een aantrekkingskracht. Cal is weduwnaar en advocaat, en stevig de weg kwijt. Maar ja Maggie. Robyn Carr zet wederom karakters neer van mensen die je graag wil kennen. De prachtige omgeving waar het verhaal zich afspeelt is ook een aantrekkelijk punt in dit boek voor mij. 🌸🌸🌸
December 1, 2016
There was no real angst or anything else really moving this story. It's about two pretty bland people finding each other, enjoying having sex with each other, and getting married. The end. Seriously.
I loved Carr's Virgin River series, so I tend to pop up and read her standalones now and again hoping that I can capture some of the magic from that series in her other works. But this book was not that interesting.
Maggie Sullivan is a neurosurgeon who suffers a breakdown after being dumped by her long term self involved boyfriend as well as dealing with the aftermath of a miscarriage. To top all of that all off, she's also being sued by the parents of a teenage boy she could not save. She decides to retreat to her father's store/camp grounds in Colorado (Sullivan's Crossing). Maggie gets there and ends up pretty much hiding from friends/family and herself while staying in Sullivan's Crossing.
The book jumps back and forth between Maggie and her love interest named Cal Jones. A running (not funny theme) is Maggie trying to figure out what Cal stands for in the book, I have to say the reveal of his full name made me cringe in sympathy.
We find out that Cal is also running from some things, but Carr tries to build it up into something big that may separate the two lovers from each other, but that does not happen.
There are other characters in this book, but honestly I was more interested in Maggie's stepfather Walter. Maggie who is 37 by the way, pretty much rails at her father, mother, and anyone dumb enough to listen to her about how hard her life was and how angry she was that her mother divorced her father and rarely let her see him. But then you read she did get to see her dad for months at a time and honestly I started running out of sympathy for Maggie. Poor you, you had a well to do stepfather who honestly loved you and your mother and your mother wanted something more than just running a general store with her husband in the woods. At least Maggie's father finally had enough and told her about herself (the only part of the book I liked).
There's also a random kidnapping plot point in this thing, as well as a woman who is being charged as an escort that totally made me wonder why in the world Carr included that in this book. Maybe even she realized that the two leads were boring.
The writing and flow kind of chug along. I really wish I could say more than just I was bored. But honestly, I was just bored. The end eventually comes and I was relieved. I definitely will not be reading any more books in this series.
I loved Carr's Virgin River series, so I tend to pop up and read her standalones now and again hoping that I can capture some of the magic from that series in her other works. But this book was not that interesting.
Maggie Sullivan is a neurosurgeon who suffers a breakdown after being dumped by her long term self involved boyfriend as well as dealing with the aftermath of a miscarriage. To top all of that all off, she's also being sued by the parents of a teenage boy she could not save. She decides to retreat to her father's store/camp grounds in Colorado (Sullivan's Crossing). Maggie gets there and ends up pretty much hiding from friends/family and herself while staying in Sullivan's Crossing.
The book jumps back and forth between Maggie and her love interest named Cal Jones. A running (not funny theme) is Maggie trying to figure out what Cal stands for in the book, I have to say the reveal of his full name made me cringe in sympathy.
We find out that Cal is also running from some things, but Carr tries to build it up into something big that may separate the two lovers from each other, but that does not happen.
There are other characters in this book, but honestly I was more interested in Maggie's stepfather Walter. Maggie who is 37 by the way, pretty much rails at her father, mother, and anyone dumb enough to listen to her about how hard her life was and how angry she was that her mother divorced her father and rarely let her see him. But then you read she did get to see her dad for months at a time and honestly I started running out of sympathy for Maggie. Poor you, you had a well to do stepfather who honestly loved you and your mother and your mother wanted something more than just running a general store with her husband in the woods. At least Maggie's father finally had enough and told her about herself (the only part of the book I liked).
There's also a random kidnapping plot point in this thing, as well as a woman who is being charged as an escort that totally made me wonder why in the world Carr included that in this book. Maybe even she realized that the two leads were boring.
The writing and flow kind of chug along. I really wish I could say more than just I was bored. But honestly, I was just bored. The end eventually comes and I was relieved. I definitely will not be reading any more books in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2017
Man, I'm having a hard time starting this review. Some of that is past experience with Carr's other work. This story is much closer to a traditional romance than those others have been because there's a single central couple and we stay exclusively in the PoV of the main characters. So this was a much closer match to my reading preferences and much more firmly a romance story.
Carr still feels uncomfortable with that focus, however, as a lot of community and extra drama bits are thrown in often enough that the romance still feels somehow secondary. Both main characters, for example, are in the midst of mid-life crises and ready to redefine who they are and what they want out of life. So despite tagging this as a Romance, it's an uncomfortable fit.
I never did connect fully with either Cal or Maggie. Which is probably why some of the events felt manufactured or less serious than they would otherwise have warranted. It felt more like I was watching a TV show than reading a book, if that makes any sense. This was particularly noticeable when Cal reaches his catharsis moment and my only thought was "oh good, now we can get back to him and Maggie."
Most telling about my engagement to the story, though, is that I put the book down for days at a time and had to explicitly remind myself that I hadn't finished with it, yet. Not that I was reluctant to pick it up or anything. It wasn't like that. It's just that other normal, every-day events would happen and it'd take time for me to realize that I was in the middle of the story and hadn't reached the end, yet.
So this was enjoyable enough, but not outstanding. A solid three stars.
A note about Steamy: As with other Carr stories, the explicit scenes are over-the-top enough that I had a hard time taking them seriously. There are maybe three, but my long delays between reading and eye-roll tendency means I can't be certain about the number or length. Middle of my steam tolerance, at any rate.
Carr still feels uncomfortable with that focus, however, as a lot of community and extra drama bits are thrown in often enough that the romance still feels somehow secondary. Both main characters, for example, are in the midst of mid-life crises and ready to redefine who they are and what they want out of life. So despite tagging this as a Romance, it's an uncomfortable fit.
I never did connect fully with either Cal or Maggie. Which is probably why some of the events felt manufactured or less serious than they would otherwise have warranted. It felt more like I was watching a TV show than reading a book, if that makes any sense. This was particularly noticeable when Cal reaches his catharsis moment and my only thought was "oh good, now we can get back to him and Maggie."
Most telling about my engagement to the story, though, is that I put the book down for days at a time and had to explicitly remind myself that I hadn't finished with it, yet. Not that I was reluctant to pick it up or anything. It wasn't like that. It's just that other normal, every-day events would happen and it'd take time for me to realize that I was in the middle of the story and hadn't reached the end, yet.
So this was enjoyable enough, but not outstanding. A solid three stars.
A note about Steamy: As with other Carr stories, the explicit scenes are over-the-top enough that I had a hard time taking them seriously. There are maybe three, but my long delays between reading and eye-roll tendency means I can't be certain about the number or length. Middle of my steam tolerance, at any rate.
October 7, 2021
After a "slowish" start, where I was losing interest, I ended up really enjoying this. Loved both characters. Independent, strong, smart people - a little bit older ... I think Maggie was 36 and Cal was maybe a little older (not sure of his exact age).
Maggie returns to her Dad's home in Colorado (on my wishlist of places to visit - it sounds breathtaking).
It was a nice read. No real angst. Everyday life was portrayed at the Campsite in Colorado. Maggie and Cal get to know each other. Both have a "sort of complicated" past. Can they have a future?
I will definitely continue with this series (I gave up on her Virgin River series ... not even sure why - I read the first book and then started watching the TV show and the characters in the TV show sort of annoyed me so didn't want to read about them ... LOL - I know, I know ... doesn't make much sense to me either)
I alternated between the book and audio. I liked the narrator, Therese PLUMMER and I am a very fussy audible listener!
Just living is not enough ...
One must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.
Maggie returns to her Dad's home in Colorado (on my wishlist of places to visit - it sounds breathtaking).
It was a nice read. No real angst. Everyday life was portrayed at the Campsite in Colorado. Maggie and Cal get to know each other. Both have a "sort of complicated" past. Can they have a future?
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us ...
I will definitely continue with this series (I gave up on her Virgin River series ... not even sure why - I read the first book and then started watching the TV show and the characters in the TV show sort of annoyed me so didn't want to read about them ... LOL - I know, I know ... doesn't make much sense to me either)
I alternated between the book and audio. I liked the narrator, Therese PLUMMER and I am a very fussy audible listener!
September 15, 2024
I picked this up off my shelves as part of a "read my shelves" project, but didn't find it too enthralling. Neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan flees to Colorado and her father's camp/general store after a series of traumatic events and lawsuits upend her personal and professional life. Once there, there's more upheaval, and she finds herself caring for her older father, Sully, who's been running the campsite for years. She meets Cal, who is staying at the camp, and waiting until the weather warms to hike the trails. The two grow close as they help Sully take care of things.
There's nothing wrong with WHAT WE FIND, it's just that nothing really happens. Maggie cares for her father and meets Cal. Repeat. There's no real depth to either Maggie or Cal, making it hard to get attached to either one. Maggie is supposedly facing bankruptcy thanks to issues with malpractice lawsuits and trouble with her medical partners, yet she can escape for months and continue to keep her home in Denver. The middle of the story is bogged down by a tangent related to Maggie's lawsuit.
The scenic descriptions in this one are good, and I enjoyed Maggie's gruff but kind father, but overall, this bland story wasn't a real winner for me.
There's nothing wrong with WHAT WE FIND, it's just that nothing really happens. Maggie cares for her father and meets Cal. Repeat. There's no real depth to either Maggie or Cal, making it hard to get attached to either one. Maggie is supposedly facing bankruptcy thanks to issues with malpractice lawsuits and trouble with her medical partners, yet she can escape for months and continue to keep her home in Denver. The middle of the story is bogged down by a tangent related to Maggie's lawsuit.
The scenic descriptions in this one are good, and I enjoyed Maggie's gruff but kind father, but overall, this bland story wasn't a real winner for me.
February 4, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com/
3.5 stars
‘At that moment she had no plan except to escape from the life of persistent strain, anxiety and heartache.’
The No. 1 Bestselling New York Times Bestselling, Robyn Carr, uses her novel What We Find, to introduce a series that is set between Colorado and the Continental Divide Trails. What We Find is a story of leaving your past behind, healing, new relationships, family love, comfort and happiness. What We Find is a sweet and comforting story, that will embrace you with its small town charms.
What We Find begins in the busy location of Denver, as neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan is faced with a personal and career crisis. When we are acquainted with Maggie she is dealing with a wrongful death lawsuit, that coincides with the demise of her relationship and a shock pregnancy loss. Maggie’s confusion and desperation to take stock leads her back home to her open arms of Sullivan’s Crossing. This charming locale, based in the mountains of Colorado, offers Maggie a lifeline and a sense of solace at an incredibly trying time. Reconnecting with her father, Maggie begins to see the light, until a health crisis close to home changes everything. Maggie decides that her short term stay in Sullivan’s Crossing must now be a long term arrangement. The care of her father is of the utmost importance. In helping with her father’s recovery, Maggie finds that the tight knit local community and the campers on her father’s grounds are more than happy to lend a hand. Maggie becomes acquainted with a camper, who has also come to Sullivan’s Crossing to heal old wounds. Together and apart, this couple negotiates the tricky road to forgiveness, acceptance and recovery.
What We Find represents the introductory novel in popular novelist Robyn Carr’s Sullivan’s Crossing series. I am a newcomer to Carr’s work. Carr recently came to my attention following the Netflix series Virgin River, which is based on another series of books penned by this prolific writer. I enjoy small town romances and now that I have finished the Virgin River television series, I was hungry for more from Carr, which is why I turned to this backlist title, published in 2016.
Maggie Sullivan is the appealing heroine of this tale. When we first meet this likeable character, her life is in a shambles. A career, relationship, health and family crisis all compound at the same time, sending this woman in a spin and back to her home town. I immediately developed a sense of sympathy and empathy for Maggie, it did seem unfair that a series of unfortunate events happened to her. I agreed with her move to return home, a place of comfort. I’m sure I would do the same! Maggie is a reliable character, facing believable obstacles that we could easily be faced with.
Alongside Maggie is her gruff, but sprightly father Sully, who also suffers from a medical crisis as the story progresses. I enjoyed his musings and banter with the characters of this novel. Sully was also quite witty, which added a nice touch of humour to the unfolding story. Cal Jones, the hero of the tale, enters as the mysterious stranger with an equally shady past. Like Maggie, Cal is at a crossroads in his life. Cal uses Sullivan’s Crossing as a sanctuary to help him heal. When the paths of Maggie and Cal cross, there is a gentle friendship that eventually spurns into a sensuous romance. I enjoyed the personal growth of these characters a tad more than the unfolding romance.
The shining light What We Find is the setting, the Colorado mountain ranges and Sullivan’s Crossing, which are both full of charm. The locale base of this novel is a strong force that commands the reader’s attention. This is an area I am very green to, so the opportunity to indulge in a spot of armchair travel to this appealing location was great. I enjoyed taking in the pristine air and the picturesque mountain based locale of this well depicted township.
Carr ties up her novel very neatly by the close of What We Find. We see the characters go full circle and reach a point of understanding in their lives. Carr definitely has paved the way for continued exploration of the interesting townsfolk in further issues in this series.
There isn’t too much I can fault about What We Find. It was an enjoyable way to pass the weekend. I’m unsure as to whether or not I will commit to further books by Carr due to my time demands, but I would happily recommend this one to readers who like to reach for small town romances.
3.5 stars
‘At that moment she had no plan except to escape from the life of persistent strain, anxiety and heartache.’
The No. 1 Bestselling New York Times Bestselling, Robyn Carr, uses her novel What We Find, to introduce a series that is set between Colorado and the Continental Divide Trails. What We Find is a story of leaving your past behind, healing, new relationships, family love, comfort and happiness. What We Find is a sweet and comforting story, that will embrace you with its small town charms.
What We Find begins in the busy location of Denver, as neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan is faced with a personal and career crisis. When we are acquainted with Maggie she is dealing with a wrongful death lawsuit, that coincides with the demise of her relationship and a shock pregnancy loss. Maggie’s confusion and desperation to take stock leads her back home to her open arms of Sullivan’s Crossing. This charming locale, based in the mountains of Colorado, offers Maggie a lifeline and a sense of solace at an incredibly trying time. Reconnecting with her father, Maggie begins to see the light, until a health crisis close to home changes everything. Maggie decides that her short term stay in Sullivan’s Crossing must now be a long term arrangement. The care of her father is of the utmost importance. In helping with her father’s recovery, Maggie finds that the tight knit local community and the campers on her father’s grounds are more than happy to lend a hand. Maggie becomes acquainted with a camper, who has also come to Sullivan’s Crossing to heal old wounds. Together and apart, this couple negotiates the tricky road to forgiveness, acceptance and recovery.
What We Find represents the introductory novel in popular novelist Robyn Carr’s Sullivan’s Crossing series. I am a newcomer to Carr’s work. Carr recently came to my attention following the Netflix series Virgin River, which is based on another series of books penned by this prolific writer. I enjoy small town romances and now that I have finished the Virgin River television series, I was hungry for more from Carr, which is why I turned to this backlist title, published in 2016.
Maggie Sullivan is the appealing heroine of this tale. When we first meet this likeable character, her life is in a shambles. A career, relationship, health and family crisis all compound at the same time, sending this woman in a spin and back to her home town. I immediately developed a sense of sympathy and empathy for Maggie, it did seem unfair that a series of unfortunate events happened to her. I agreed with her move to return home, a place of comfort. I’m sure I would do the same! Maggie is a reliable character, facing believable obstacles that we could easily be faced with.
Alongside Maggie is her gruff, but sprightly father Sully, who also suffers from a medical crisis as the story progresses. I enjoyed his musings and banter with the characters of this novel. Sully was also quite witty, which added a nice touch of humour to the unfolding story. Cal Jones, the hero of the tale, enters as the mysterious stranger with an equally shady past. Like Maggie, Cal is at a crossroads in his life. Cal uses Sullivan’s Crossing as a sanctuary to help him heal. When the paths of Maggie and Cal cross, there is a gentle friendship that eventually spurns into a sensuous romance. I enjoyed the personal growth of these characters a tad more than the unfolding romance.
The shining light What We Find is the setting, the Colorado mountain ranges and Sullivan’s Crossing, which are both full of charm. The locale base of this novel is a strong force that commands the reader’s attention. This is an area I am very green to, so the opportunity to indulge in a spot of armchair travel to this appealing location was great. I enjoyed taking in the pristine air and the picturesque mountain based locale of this well depicted township.
Carr ties up her novel very neatly by the close of What We Find. We see the characters go full circle and reach a point of understanding in their lives. Carr definitely has paved the way for continued exploration of the interesting townsfolk in further issues in this series.
There isn’t too much I can fault about What We Find. It was an enjoyable way to pass the weekend. I’m unsure as to whether or not I will commit to further books by Carr due to my time demands, but I would happily recommend this one to readers who like to reach for small town romances.
April 4, 2016
We begin the story in Denver where we meet Maggie Sullivan a thirty-seven year old neurosurgeon who has had a rough year. She is emotionally drained and financially strained. When her Doctor and co-worker tell her to take a leave, she packs up her bags and heads to her father’s place in Sullivan’s Crossing.
Sullivan’ Crossing hosts a general store and campground set along the Continental Divide trails in Colorado. It is owned by Maggie’s father Sully. Right away, I loved the setting for What We Find. The campground sits on the edge of a lake and is surrounded by woods and trails. I love small-town settings and was drawn to the characters we meet, including Maggie’s father, Sully.
Maggie is suffering on so many fronts, and Carr takes great care in fleshing her out. Underneath the hurt is a compassionate, bright, witty character I came to respect. Cal Jones a camper soon befriends her after Sully has a heart attack. A short break turns into an extended leave as Maggie spends the summer helping her father and reevaluating her life. Carr brought the daily life of this small camp town to life making me long to pack my bags and touch nature.
The friendship between Cal and Maggie slowly simmers into something more. The relationship began with snark and witty quips but evolved into something beautiful. Cal is a bit of a mystery and Maggie questions his aid. He refuses to say what Cal stands for, and of course, Maggie tries to find out by calling him Calvin, Clyde, Clinton and more it was hilarious. Their friendship soon turns to sweet kisses and I enjoyed watching it all unfold. Carr gives us Cal’s story and it touched me. She writes genuine characters and allows the reader to connect giving the stories and townsfolk depth. The interaction between Maggie and Cal felt genuine and comfortable like a perfect summer night.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Sullivan’ Crossing hosts a general store and campground set along the Continental Divide trails in Colorado. It is owned by Maggie’s father Sully. Right away, I loved the setting for What We Find. The campground sits on the edge of a lake and is surrounded by woods and trails. I love small-town settings and was drawn to the characters we meet, including Maggie’s father, Sully.
Maggie is suffering on so many fronts, and Carr takes great care in fleshing her out. Underneath the hurt is a compassionate, bright, witty character I came to respect. Cal Jones a camper soon befriends her after Sully has a heart attack. A short break turns into an extended leave as Maggie spends the summer helping her father and reevaluating her life. Carr brought the daily life of this small camp town to life making me long to pack my bags and touch nature.
The friendship between Cal and Maggie slowly simmers into something more. The relationship began with snark and witty quips but evolved into something beautiful. Cal is a bit of a mystery and Maggie questions his aid. He refuses to say what Cal stands for, and of course, Maggie tries to find out by calling him Calvin, Clyde, Clinton and more it was hilarious. Their friendship soon turns to sweet kisses and I enjoyed watching it all unfold. Carr gives us Cal’s story and it touched me. She writes genuine characters and allows the reader to connect giving the stories and townsfolk depth. The interaction between Maggie and Cal felt genuine and comfortable like a perfect summer night.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
October 30, 2023
I loved this book and all the characters. I wanted to read book because it's now a tv show and the TV show is also very good, although, of course, it's changed a little bit but I still love all the characters. This is a good family story and a good love story. Two 30 something both at a crossroads in their life, meet on the woman's family campground on eventually fall in love. Can't wait to read next book in this series.
April 5, 2016
I have been experiencing burn out with contemporary romance this year. I think my biggest problem was the prevalence of new adult heroines... immature girls with lots of drama that made me feel old. So I thought I would try some new authors, those who write more mature female leads who are ensconced in their professional lives. I figured I would have more in common with these types of heroines.
Unfortunately, this book didn't do it for me. It started out okay. Maggie is a successful neurosurgeon who has experienced a personal tragedy, and is being sued for malpractice. But as the story got going, I really felt like I was watching one of those movies that comes on the Lifetime Channel. (They really aren't my thing either.) Overall, I found Maggie to be boring and I lost my connection to her very quickly.
I did like the hero, California Jones, lawyer and widower. The story about his wife was sad and moving, and he seemed like a genuinely good guy. I didn't find anything about him to be exciting though. Even the intimacy between the couple seemed more clinical than steamy or romantic. However, I totally lost respect for his character when he started talking about legal procedure because he was just flat out wrong. (Discussed below)
The story meandered along at a snail's pace, except for a small blip of excitement around 35%. I wanted something to happen to spike my interest, but it didn't and I ended up losing interest all together. By 76%, I realized I was skimming pretty often and I decided to stop reading.
I think the final nail in the coffin for me was the incorrect legal information that I kept coming across. For example, Cal is telling Maggie that she should not testify... but this is a civil trial, she does not have a choice. Either party in a civil case can be compelled to testify. Then a couple paragraphs later, Cal tells Maggie that if he were the plaintiff's attorney, he would use all her prior lawsuits against her. But a jury does not get to consider prior bad acts in a malpractice suit. There were a number of these mistakes, and they are the reason I usually stay away from books that cross my professional arena. I can't help picking apart glaring mistakes to legal practice and procedure... and its pretty clear that this book has criminal procedure confused with civil procedure. They are quite different.
Otherwise, I am not giving up on this author. I have heard good things about her Virgin River series, so I think I will give it a shot and see if another story piques my interest.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 2 stars / 2 flames.
Unfortunately, this book didn't do it for me. It started out okay. Maggie is a successful neurosurgeon who has experienced a personal tragedy, and is being sued for malpractice. But as the story got going, I really felt like I was watching one of those movies that comes on the Lifetime Channel. (They really aren't my thing either.) Overall, I found Maggie to be boring and I lost my connection to her very quickly.
I did like the hero, California Jones, lawyer and widower. The story about his wife was sad and moving, and he seemed like a genuinely good guy. I didn't find anything about him to be exciting though. Even the intimacy between the couple seemed more clinical than steamy or romantic. However, I totally lost respect for his character when he started talking about legal procedure because he was just flat out wrong. (Discussed below)
The story meandered along at a snail's pace, except for a small blip of excitement around 35%. I wanted something to happen to spike my interest, but it didn't and I ended up losing interest all together. By 76%, I realized I was skimming pretty often and I decided to stop reading.
I think the final nail in the coffin for me was the incorrect legal information that I kept coming across. For example, Cal is telling Maggie that she should not testify... but this is a civil trial, she does not have a choice. Either party in a civil case can be compelled to testify. Then a couple paragraphs later, Cal tells Maggie that if he were the plaintiff's attorney, he would use all her prior lawsuits against her. But a jury does not get to consider prior bad acts in a malpractice suit. There were a number of these mistakes, and they are the reason I usually stay away from books that cross my professional arena. I can't help picking apart glaring mistakes to legal practice and procedure... and its pretty clear that this book has criminal procedure confused with civil procedure. They are quite different.
Otherwise, I am not giving up on this author. I have heard good things about her Virgin River series, so I think I will give it a shot and see if another story piques my interest.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 2 stars / 2 flames.
May 16, 2017
Okay, so it's not Virgin River or even Thunder Point, but it was still a pretty good read. I thought maybe the author's style was just a bit too wordy, and that she skimped just a wee bit on the romance... but I was in dire need of a well written story that I could lose myself in, and this filled the bill. I loved neurosurgeon Maggie--a very strong/admirable character and loved the hero Cal, who had quite the backstory. I enjoyed all the supporting characters and plots, and I can see similarities between Sullivan's Crossing and Carr's previous two small town series. The only thing different is that it reads a bit more like women's fiction than a typical contemporary romance. 4 stars
March 13, 2016
*I received a free copy of What We Find from Harlequin MIRA via Netgalley in exchange of an honest and unbiased review*
What We Find is a beautifully written tender and slightly nostalgic story about finding love, finding oneself, and moving forward after dealing with loss.
4.5 stars
What We Find is a beautifully written tender and slightly nostalgic story about finding love, finding oneself, and moving forward after dealing with loss.
4.5 stars
December 24, 2018
I really like Robyn Carr books. They're so honest. They have real people with real problems and finding their way through them. Grown ups finding love at all stages.
This was the first in the series and I really liked it. It was a lot of fun and I loved the characters.
This was the first in the series and I really liked it. It was a lot of fun and I loved the characters.
December 16, 2019
Audiobook: Narrator - Therese Plummer
I started listening to this narrator with The Virgin River Series and fell absolutely in love with her! This is pretty much a duplicate performance of that series but still pure perfection when it comes to bringing these characters to life.
While I enjoyed this book, I think I may be a bigger fan of Virgin River. I’m still committed to that series and really should have held off on listening to this one until I had completed VR. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this one very much although it felt a bit like VR. The fact of the matter is, you can’t beat a great story and a wonderful narration even if you’ve heard/read it before.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
I started listening to this narrator with The Virgin River Series and fell absolutely in love with her! This is pretty much a duplicate performance of that series but still pure perfection when it comes to bringing these characters to life.
While I enjoyed this book, I think I may be a bigger fan of Virgin River. I’m still committed to that series and really should have held off on listening to this one until I had completed VR. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this one very much although it felt a bit like VR. The fact of the matter is, you can’t beat a great story and a wonderful narration even if you’ve heard/read it before.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
April 20, 2016
Robyn Carr's one of my all-time favourite authors and her Virgin River series I could read over and over again.
Small-town romance is the author's specialty and in "What We Find", the 1st book in her Sullivan's Crossing series, she takes us to rural Colorado.
Filled with beautiful picturesque scenery, and a flawed yet believable and captivating cast of characters, this is a story of new beginnings.
I loved Maggie and Cal! Their story is very emotional and beautifully written.
I look forward to the continuing saga of the Sullivan's Crossing community that I have come to know and care for.
Thank you to Net Galley, Harlequin (MIRA) and Robyn Carr for an ARC of this novel.
Small-town romance is the author's specialty and in "What We Find", the 1st book in her Sullivan's Crossing series, she takes us to rural Colorado.
Filled with beautiful picturesque scenery, and a flawed yet believable and captivating cast of characters, this is a story of new beginnings.
I loved Maggie and Cal! Their story is very emotional and beautifully written.
I look forward to the continuing saga of the Sullivan's Crossing community that I have come to know and care for.
Thank you to Net Galley, Harlequin (MIRA) and Robyn Carr for an ARC of this novel.
July 2, 2020
This book was fine. I guess. I thought Maggie was pretty obnoxious - to Cal, to her parents, just in general. I guy she was grieving but it just made me dislike her. The rest of the book was just eh. Not terrible, not great. Eh.
July 17, 2017
Good book about two people who are looking for answers after their lives undergo massive shake-ups. Maggie is a neurosurgeon in a busy Denver hospital. She has a boyfriend who is just as busy as she is. When her co-workers in her practice are accused of fraud, then she is sued by the parents of a patient she lost, her stress goes through the roof. Add in an unexpected pregnancy that ends in a miscarriage, a boyfriend who is a total jerk about it, and her emotions are all over the place. She finally arrives at the point where she knows she has to get away, so that's what she does. She goes home to Sullivan's Crossing, where her father runs a campground and general store. An absence of judging and the opportunity to share in his simple life gives her the respite she needs. Then Sully is taken ill, and she has to step up and take care of him, plus the campground. She couldn't do it without the help of his friends, including Cal Jones, a mysterious camper who is eager to do whatever is needed.
Cal is an attorney who was very successful. He had it all - great reputation, nice house, and the love of his beautiful wife. Then she came down with a devastating illness, and by the time it was all over his material possessions didn't hold the same meaning any longer. Feeling lost and lonely, he set out to hike some of the trails around the Continental Divide, which brought him to Sullivan's Crossing. While waiting for the trails to warm up, he finds comfort in the people around him.
Maggie is suspicious of Cal at first. First, she thinks he's homeless, and that he certainly has no direction in his life. He seems content to just hang out, read his books, and chat with Sully. She can't deny that he's good looking, and that she feels a certain attraction to him. When he jumps in to help with the campground while Sully is recovering, she gets a chance to get to know him. What she finds is a charming, well-read man with a sense of humor and an amazing sense of calm around him. Their friendship starts with banter and teasing and an attraction that simmers just below the surface. As the weeks go on, that simmer grows stronger, and pretty soon the kisses lead to more.
I loved seeing the relationship develop as each of them shares what has brought them to this point in their lives. Cal gives Maggie a quiet port where she can look at her life and the choices that are open to her. He doesn't push or direct or even suggest, he's just there when she wants to talk or just be together. Maggie gets Cal out of his funk and to start living again. Neither one pushes the other to give more than they are ready for, but instead provides the support needed to deal with their issues. I loved seeing them back each other up when complications would arise. I especially loved seeing Maggie dealing with Cal's parents in such a kind, yet matter-of-fact way. It was just what Cal needed to realize that, though his parents are part of him, they don't define him. I really enjoyed seeing that their relationship grew with mature discussions and understanding of what's important, without any major arguments or drama. The ending was sweet and romantic and just right for them.
I loved the setting of Sullivan's Crossing. The people are fun, diverse and interesting. The stories of the various campers who came through the crossing were varied and fun. I loved Sully and his unquestioning love for Maggie. They had their issues at the beginning, but her extended time with him gave them a chance to resolve them. I enjoyed how everyone around him helped with his recovery. His friend Tom was great, as a single father of four and a busy life that wasn't too busy for his friends. His ex-wife's problems gave Cal a chance to dip his toes back into the world of lawyering. Tom's son also provided tension at the end with a search and rescue mission that had an unexpected twist for Maggie. I am looking forward to the next book and seeing what's in store for the people at Sullivan's Crossing.
Cal is an attorney who was very successful. He had it all - great reputation, nice house, and the love of his beautiful wife. Then she came down with a devastating illness, and by the time it was all over his material possessions didn't hold the same meaning any longer. Feeling lost and lonely, he set out to hike some of the trails around the Continental Divide, which brought him to Sullivan's Crossing. While waiting for the trails to warm up, he finds comfort in the people around him.
Maggie is suspicious of Cal at first. First, she thinks he's homeless, and that he certainly has no direction in his life. He seems content to just hang out, read his books, and chat with Sully. She can't deny that he's good looking, and that she feels a certain attraction to him. When he jumps in to help with the campground while Sully is recovering, she gets a chance to get to know him. What she finds is a charming, well-read man with a sense of humor and an amazing sense of calm around him. Their friendship starts with banter and teasing and an attraction that simmers just below the surface. As the weeks go on, that simmer grows stronger, and pretty soon the kisses lead to more.
I loved seeing the relationship develop as each of them shares what has brought them to this point in their lives. Cal gives Maggie a quiet port where she can look at her life and the choices that are open to her. He doesn't push or direct or even suggest, he's just there when she wants to talk or just be together. Maggie gets Cal out of his funk and to start living again. Neither one pushes the other to give more than they are ready for, but instead provides the support needed to deal with their issues. I loved seeing them back each other up when complications would arise. I especially loved seeing Maggie dealing with Cal's parents in such a kind, yet matter-of-fact way. It was just what Cal needed to realize that, though his parents are part of him, they don't define him. I really enjoyed seeing that their relationship grew with mature discussions and understanding of what's important, without any major arguments or drama. The ending was sweet and romantic and just right for them.
I loved the setting of Sullivan's Crossing. The people are fun, diverse and interesting. The stories of the various campers who came through the crossing were varied and fun. I loved Sully and his unquestioning love for Maggie. They had their issues at the beginning, but her extended time with him gave them a chance to resolve them. I enjoyed how everyone around him helped with his recovery. His friend Tom was great, as a single father of four and a busy life that wasn't too busy for his friends. His ex-wife's problems gave Cal a chance to dip his toes back into the world of lawyering. Tom's son also provided tension at the end with a search and rescue mission that had an unexpected twist for Maggie. I am looking forward to the next book and seeing what's in store for the people at Sullivan's Crossing.
March 28, 2016
What We Find
Robyn Carr
I was so excited to find out Robyn Carr had a new series about to begin and Sullivan's Crossing is going to be so much fun to read. Robyn is my favorite author and I devour everything she writes. I've never read a Robyn Carr book I didn't love. WHAT WE FIND is an awesome start to what I'm sure will become a wonderful series.
WHAT WE FIND takes place in Colorado and the way Robyn Carr describes the scenery had me feeling like I was sitting right there in the woods by the campground and enjoying a warm fire. I could almost taste the s'mores. The plot is multi layered and will have you not being able to put this wonderful story down until the very last page.
Maggie Sullivan's life has gone to hell in a hand basket. She needs to get away. She is a neurosurgeon and her life has been non stop and hectic for years. She is being sued, her boyfriend has just dumped her, and two of her partners are under investigation. She decides to go and visit her dad, Sully at his campground. While she is there she meets Cal who is also taking a break from his life. They have many things in common but don't realize it at first. Maggie actually believes Cal is homeless but you know what they say about judging a book by its cover right?
My heart was really breaking for Maggie and all she went through in WHAT WE FIND. The way Robyn Carr writes, it was as if I had known Maggie for years and I found myself wishing and hoping she wouldn't get hurt anymore. Her ex Andrew was a total jerk towards her and I just wanted to reach in the pages and slap him silly. I truly got lost while reading this beautiful story and found myself in Colorado with Cal and Maggie and all the wonderful secondary characters who I know are going to become my friends as the series continues. Keep the tissues close by because as secrets are revealed, I was an emotional wreck. I'm so excited to read the next story in this series and learn more about my new friends.
ARC received from Netgalley for honest review.
Robyn Carr
I was so excited to find out Robyn Carr had a new series about to begin and Sullivan's Crossing is going to be so much fun to read. Robyn is my favorite author and I devour everything she writes. I've never read a Robyn Carr book I didn't love. WHAT WE FIND is an awesome start to what I'm sure will become a wonderful series.
WHAT WE FIND takes place in Colorado and the way Robyn Carr describes the scenery had me feeling like I was sitting right there in the woods by the campground and enjoying a warm fire. I could almost taste the s'mores. The plot is multi layered and will have you not being able to put this wonderful story down until the very last page.
Maggie Sullivan's life has gone to hell in a hand basket. She needs to get away. She is a neurosurgeon and her life has been non stop and hectic for years. She is being sued, her boyfriend has just dumped her, and two of her partners are under investigation. She decides to go and visit her dad, Sully at his campground. While she is there she meets Cal who is also taking a break from his life. They have many things in common but don't realize it at first. Maggie actually believes Cal is homeless but you know what they say about judging a book by its cover right?
My heart was really breaking for Maggie and all she went through in WHAT WE FIND. The way Robyn Carr writes, it was as if I had known Maggie for years and I found myself wishing and hoping she wouldn't get hurt anymore. Her ex Andrew was a total jerk towards her and I just wanted to reach in the pages and slap him silly. I truly got lost while reading this beautiful story and found myself in Colorado with Cal and Maggie and all the wonderful secondary characters who I know are going to become my friends as the series continues. Keep the tissues close by because as secrets are revealed, I was an emotional wreck. I'm so excited to read the next story in this series and learn more about my new friends.
ARC received from Netgalley for honest review.
August 19, 2019
So I read #3 of this series before starting at the beginning - Well, here is #1 of the Sullivans Crossing series, and it did not disappoint. It did give me the perspective I needed to understand better how the story began and how the characters are played out.
Gosh, the beauty of nature in Colorado behind these stories!
Sully is the kind of guy you would want to know and have on your side. He runs a “hike in”camp where hikers either begin or stop along their way or finish their hikes before going home. He gets their packages, provides food, supplies, shelter, showers, a place to rest. As you can imagine, it is remote, but well run with the help of other people and family. You can meet some interesting people who come along, each for different reasons, vacation, hiking, get away from stress, people, etc.
This lays the footwork of the story and also includes Maggie, Sully’s daughter who is now a successful young neurosurgeon, escaping the stress of her job and some potential medical lawsuits.
It’s a nice, happy story. It was fun reading of her budding romance with Cal, a camper/hiker. Both Seeing what is really important in life. Finding themselves. Making peace with the past. Moving forward. Being happy.
Speaking of moving forward, I’m on to the next book of Sullivans Crossing!
Gosh, the beauty of nature in Colorado behind these stories!
Sully is the kind of guy you would want to know and have on your side. He runs a “hike in”camp where hikers either begin or stop along their way or finish their hikes before going home. He gets their packages, provides food, supplies, shelter, showers, a place to rest. As you can imagine, it is remote, but well run with the help of other people and family. You can meet some interesting people who come along, each for different reasons, vacation, hiking, get away from stress, people, etc.
This lays the footwork of the story and also includes Maggie, Sully’s daughter who is now a successful young neurosurgeon, escaping the stress of her job and some potential medical lawsuits.
It’s a nice, happy story. It was fun reading of her budding romance with Cal, a camper/hiker. Both Seeing what is really important in life. Finding themselves. Making peace with the past. Moving forward. Being happy.
Speaking of moving forward, I’m on to the next book of Sullivans Crossing!
June 21, 2019
El estilo impecable de Robyn Carr y una trama entretenida y chisposa hacen que todas sus historias sean una apuesta segura.
Me ha gustado la historia, aunque me ha faltado un poco más de romance ... no obstante, recomendable.
Me ha gustado la historia, aunque me ha faltado un poco más de romance ... no obstante, recomendable.
November 8, 2019
I like Robyn Carr's books, the characters are always warming, and invite you into their lives. Plus her books are not full of sex, between the partners, which always wrecks a good book. I really enjoyed this book.
June 19, 2021
You can always rely on Robyn Carr for good, low-angst romance. I love getting lost for awhile in one of her fictional little communities. Great settings, relatable characters and solid plot lines equal another fantastic romance story. Looking forward to more.
April 27, 2016
What we Find by Robyn Carr is 2016 MIRA publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in the Sullivan’s Crossing series by the amazing Robyn Carr. I have been very curious about this new series and I eagerly dived into it.
Maggie is dangerously close to meltdown territory after a series of huge professional dilemmas takes place, and her personal life implodes, as well. Heeding the advice of friends, Maggie decides to take a leave of absence and visit her father, Sully, who lives in the small community of Sullivan’s Crossing in the Colorado mountains.
But, her plan to escape from life’s pressures are quickly dashed when Sully has a heart attack, and Maggie must tend to him, which means sticking around much longer than she had anticipated.
Cal is in Sullivan’s Crossing with a top secret mission of his own. He hangs round the general store helping with chores while Sully regains his strength, which gives him time to get to know Maggie.
Initially, Maggie is wary of Cal, who seems like a man without direction, or goals, and no apparent need to work a real job. But, there is no denying an underlying attraction to him, and it could be that Cal is just the soothing balm Maggie needs right now. But, once the summer is over, will Cal move on?
First of all, the setting for this book is perfect. While I consider myself more of a beach person, this book had me pining for the Colorado mountains. The slower pace of life is evident and I could feel the stress Maggie was under slowly begin to ease, the more times she spends here. This setback in her life also offers her the opportunities to address old resentments, which helps her strengthen her relationship with Sully, and realize the sacrifices he made for her.
However, there were a few issues with this series debut, one of which, for me personally, was Cal’s understated personality. He was too cool for school sometimes, personifying his parent’s hippie background with a kind of laid back response to almost anything, which is charming at first, and his playful teasing draws Maggie out of her depression. But, he remains too calm even in life’s most poignant moments, or in situations that are extremely heavy, dire, or dangerous, or just plain stressful or emotional. I wanted him to show some kind of righteous indignation on Maggie’s behalf, to wipe away a few understandable tears, or feel his heart beat out of his chest during harrowing moments, but I never picked up that vibe from him, and it’s a little odd for a person not to respond to those situations with more gusto. In real life, I think someone like Cal would drive me nuts. But, he is super sweet, too, and really comes through for some folks in a big way, and I knew he had a big, generous heart, which eventually won me over. I also appreciated that his character was a little offbeat, his unusual background, and his approach to Maggie and the building of their relationship.
The other issue with the story was the pacing, which unfortunately is almost a death knell for this book, because of its sluggishness. I had a very hard time staying focused and fought hard not to skim over some areas.
However, Maggie more than makes up for any of Cal’s blandness, and single handedly saves the story with her exploits, which come out of nowhere sometimes, and are often hilarious or exhilarating, giving the story a strong shot in the arm at just the right moment. Maggie is the heart and soul of this story, and her journey to Sullivan's crossing, and all the trials she faced, will open her eyes to all there is to be thankful for, will teach her some very important life lessons, and open doors for her that are far more appealing than the life she was living in Denver.
I also enjoyed the quotes that started off each chapter, and loved seeing two people with huge, life altering issues to face down, helping each other move upward and onward to bigger and better things, learning what is most important in life, accepting that fate has plans for them, they didn’t expect, and finding the courage to embark on a new path, working things out as they go, and are rewarded with peace, contentment and true love.
Although, the road was a bit rocky, overall, this is a solid begging for this new series. 3.5 stars
This is the first book in the Sullivan’s Crossing series by the amazing Robyn Carr. I have been very curious about this new series and I eagerly dived into it.
Maggie is dangerously close to meltdown territory after a series of huge professional dilemmas takes place, and her personal life implodes, as well. Heeding the advice of friends, Maggie decides to take a leave of absence and visit her father, Sully, who lives in the small community of Sullivan’s Crossing in the Colorado mountains.
But, her plan to escape from life’s pressures are quickly dashed when Sully has a heart attack, and Maggie must tend to him, which means sticking around much longer than she had anticipated.
Cal is in Sullivan’s Crossing with a top secret mission of his own. He hangs round the general store helping with chores while Sully regains his strength, which gives him time to get to know Maggie.
Initially, Maggie is wary of Cal, who seems like a man without direction, or goals, and no apparent need to work a real job. But, there is no denying an underlying attraction to him, and it could be that Cal is just the soothing balm Maggie needs right now. But, once the summer is over, will Cal move on?
First of all, the setting for this book is perfect. While I consider myself more of a beach person, this book had me pining for the Colorado mountains. The slower pace of life is evident and I could feel the stress Maggie was under slowly begin to ease, the more times she spends here. This setback in her life also offers her the opportunities to address old resentments, which helps her strengthen her relationship with Sully, and realize the sacrifices he made for her.
However, there were a few issues with this series debut, one of which, for me personally, was Cal’s understated personality. He was too cool for school sometimes, personifying his parent’s hippie background with a kind of laid back response to almost anything, which is charming at first, and his playful teasing draws Maggie out of her depression. But, he remains too calm even in life’s most poignant moments, or in situations that are extremely heavy, dire, or dangerous, or just plain stressful or emotional. I wanted him to show some kind of righteous indignation on Maggie’s behalf, to wipe away a few understandable tears, or feel his heart beat out of his chest during harrowing moments, but I never picked up that vibe from him, and it’s a little odd for a person not to respond to those situations with more gusto. In real life, I think someone like Cal would drive me nuts. But, he is super sweet, too, and really comes through for some folks in a big way, and I knew he had a big, generous heart, which eventually won me over. I also appreciated that his character was a little offbeat, his unusual background, and his approach to Maggie and the building of their relationship.
The other issue with the story was the pacing, which unfortunately is almost a death knell for this book, because of its sluggishness. I had a very hard time staying focused and fought hard not to skim over some areas.
However, Maggie more than makes up for any of Cal’s blandness, and single handedly saves the story with her exploits, which come out of nowhere sometimes, and are often hilarious or exhilarating, giving the story a strong shot in the arm at just the right moment. Maggie is the heart and soul of this story, and her journey to Sullivan's crossing, and all the trials she faced, will open her eyes to all there is to be thankful for, will teach her some very important life lessons, and open doors for her that are far more appealing than the life she was living in Denver.
I also enjoyed the quotes that started off each chapter, and loved seeing two people with huge, life altering issues to face down, helping each other move upward and onward to bigger and better things, learning what is most important in life, accepting that fate has plans for them, they didn’t expect, and finding the courage to embark on a new path, working things out as they go, and are rewarded with peace, contentment and true love.
Although, the road was a bit rocky, overall, this is a solid begging for this new series. 3.5 stars
July 18, 2023
Sullivan's Crossing - #1 What We Find
Fantastic love story. I want to spend time at Sully's place and explore the mountains.
Fantastic love story. I want to spend time at Sully's place and explore the mountains.
July 26, 2020
What We Find by Robyn Carr is my first that I have read. I enjoyed this book so much that I'm now following Robyn on Goodreads and have applied for her newsletter via her amazing website.
The story really starts of so sad I nearly cried for Maggie. I immediately warmed to neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan, she had too much to deal with , she had just had a miscarriage, her practice had shut down due to legal complications and Andrew, the man in her life wasn't happy about Maggie being pregnant. I wanted to hug Maggie, everything was going wrong for her. Will Maggie's life turn around when she meets Cal Jones ? Absolutely a beautiful story not to be missed.
The story really starts of so sad I nearly cried for Maggie. I immediately warmed to neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan, she had too much to deal with , she had just had a miscarriage, her practice had shut down due to legal complications and Andrew, the man in her life wasn't happy about Maggie being pregnant. I wanted to hug Maggie, everything was going wrong for her. Will Maggie's life turn around when she meets Cal Jones ? Absolutely a beautiful story not to be missed.
November 16, 2017
If you enjoy reading about contemporary small town life you will enjoy this novel. Two very intelligent and accomplished people find themselves taking a break in Sullivan's Crossing and the rest....well you know what is going to happen.
A bit predicatable, however we don't always need heavy literary fiction do we?
A bit predicatable, however we don't always need heavy literary fiction do we?
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