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Rose Farm #1
Forever Country
Ten years ago, Abel Kennedy was anxious and excited to leave his country upbringing behind, and find his way in the world as a professional boxer.
Abel now returns home for the holidays to his country roots after his championship fight with Bobby Grether.
During his visit home, Abel learns how little a person needs to be truly happy.
Will Abel pursue a relationship with the charming, country gal, Savannah Mae, whom he meets? Will he stay in Rose Farm, Ohio, where his ugly past threatens his future? Or will Abel leave his family and continue living a life of solitude?
Abel now returns home for the holidays to his country roots after his championship fight with Bobby Grether.
During his visit home, Abel learns how little a person needs to be truly happy.
Will Abel pursue a relationship with the charming, country gal, Savannah Mae, whom he meets? Will he stay in Rose Farm, Ohio, where his ugly past threatens his future? Or will Abel leave his family and continue living a life of solitude?
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First published January 1, 2016
221 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Kennedy
47 books378 followersBrenda Kennedy is an award winner, an Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and a Publishers Weekly bestselling author. She is a true believer of romance. Her stories are based on the relationships that define our lives - compassionate, emotionally gripping, and uplifting novels with true to life characters, that stay with her readers long after the last page is turned.
Her varied, not always pleasant background has given her the personal experience to take her readers on an emotional, sometimes heart wrenching, journey through her stories.
Brenda has been a struggling single mom, a survivor of domestic abuse, waitress, corrections officer, hostage negotiator and a corrections nurse. She is also a wife, mom, and grandmother. Even though her life was not always rainbows and butterflies, she is a survivor and believes her struggles have made her the person she is today.
Brenda is the author of the award winning book, Forever Country (The Rose Farm Trilogy Book 1). She has been dubbed "The Queen of Cliffhangers" by her adoring readers because books one and two always have a cliffhanger ending. In Brenda's own words, "I write series that end in cliffhangers, because I love them. I always give away the first book in each series so you have nothing to lose by reading it."
She was born and raised in Zanesville, Ohio and moved to SW Florida in 2006 with her husband Rex. They have a combined family, and she often jokes about not remembering what child belongs to who.
Her varied, not always pleasant background has given her the personal experience to take her readers on an emotional, sometimes heart wrenching, journey through her stories.
Brenda has been a struggling single mom, a survivor of domestic abuse, waitress, corrections officer, hostage negotiator and a corrections nurse. She is also a wife, mom, and grandmother. Even though her life was not always rainbows and butterflies, she is a survivor and believes her struggles have made her the person she is today.
Brenda is the author of the award winning book, Forever Country (The Rose Farm Trilogy Book 1). She has been dubbed "The Queen of Cliffhangers" by her adoring readers because books one and two always have a cliffhanger ending. In Brenda's own words, "I write series that end in cliffhangers, because I love them. I always give away the first book in each series so you have nothing to lose by reading it."
She was born and raised in Zanesville, Ohio and moved to SW Florida in 2006 with her husband Rex. They have a combined family, and she often jokes about not remembering what child belongs to who.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 20, 2015
Just when you thought you couldn't love the "bad guy" BAM Brenda throws you a curveball!! To not fall in love with these books is to not be human. (that's my opinion, and i'm stickin to it) You will laugh, you might cry, you might even stay up all night to finish it. :) But in the end it is worth it. Yes it is part of a triology and yes it is a cliffhanger. But there are two sides to every story and this show's Abel's side. A character continued from a previous triology, Forever Country brings you back home to your roots and shows you how simple life can be!
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November 18, 2015
After the brutal loss to Bobby Greether, Abel Kennedy decides to hang up his boxing gloves for good and head back to his home town of Rose Farm, Ohio. Little did he know the country life he left years ago would soon creep back into his heart after returning home. You can take the man out of the country but you can’t take the country out of a man. And let’s be honest who doesn’t love a hard working country boy!:) After returning home Abel realizes just how much he’s missed out on. Abel’s trying hard to start a new life back in his home town and help the small town get back on their feet. But little does he know his ugly past may have different plans for him. As you know Brenda Kennedy is the Queen of Cliffhangers, so as expected this book leaves you in suspense and eager to find out what is going to happen next! Thank you so much Brenda for choosing me to be one of your beta readers! As always I can’t seem to put your books down till I get to the end! Can’t wait for book two: Country Life!
November 16, 2015
I was one of the lucky people that had the opportunity to read Brenda Kennedy’s new book, Forever Country, before publication. Brenda captured me from the beginning with her characters and the story of country life in Ohio, and the warm innocence of the residents of the small community of Rose Hill Farms.
Brenda’s ability to drawn me into the story was uncanny. I felt I was living there, experiencing the trials, struggles, joys, and love of the people who resided there. She added just enough suspense that it kept me reading. I couldn’t put it down; I had to discover what lies ahead for the dashing ex-boxer, Abel Kennedy. He returns to his roots for a visit but will he remain in his hometown or will he return to the limelight of the city?
This book is a must read!!
Brenda’s ability to drawn me into the story was uncanny. I felt I was living there, experiencing the trials, struggles, joys, and love of the people who resided there. She added just enough suspense that it kept me reading. I couldn’t put it down; I had to discover what lies ahead for the dashing ex-boxer, Abel Kennedy. He returns to his roots for a visit but will he remain in his hometown or will he return to the limelight of the city?
This book is a must read!!
November 19, 2015
This is the first book in the new trilogy from Brenda Kennedy. For those that do not know it yet, Ms. Kennedy is the queen of cliff hangers and she has done it again in this book. This book takes us on the story of Abel from the last trilogy. He goes to his hometown to take a break after retiring from boxing and is only planning on staying for a little while.....then he meets a girl..... This first book is one of the best so far, in my opinion. Especially if you have country roots. I can't wait to see what's in store for Abel in the next two books!!
November 18, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. Can not wait to read the next one. You can really feel the characters in this book. It really started to pull you in around chapter 3. This book has left me wanting to read the next book so I can find out what happens next and that's a good book.
October 11, 2016
Faith is a wonderful thing.
This is a very calming read. Not sexual at all. Just a polite soothing family and friends type book.. Sometimes we all just need to read books that make us stop and reevaluate our heart. This book is good for the soul. Enjoy!
This is a very calming read. Not sexual at all. Just a polite soothing family and friends type book.. Sometimes we all just need to read books that make us stop and reevaluate our heart. This book is good for the soul. Enjoy!
October 25, 2016
Any book written by Brenda Kennedy is a must read. I believe I have read all of her books she has written so far and always looking to see if she has a newly released book.
I have even recommended this author to several of my friends who enjoy reading.
I have even recommended this author to several of my friends who enjoy reading.
February 1, 2017
Left me hanging! Onto book 2!
March 18, 2017
Well written, BUT....
This author is a very good writer. The real problem I have with the book is that it isn't complete. When you get to a climactic point the book ends. You need the next book in the series to get a temporary answer. This is like the serials they used to show in theaters. Personally,I have an ethical problem with this. When I order a book, I expect a complete self contained story. If I am forced to buy another book to get closure I consider it a form of blackmail. I refuse to play that game and refuse to make further purchases from that author even though she is an excellent writer. Hence, I can only do two stars. For others who aren't bothered by serials, please know this is a good author who writes well.
This author is a very good writer. The real problem I have with the book is that it isn't complete. When you get to a climactic point the book ends. You need the next book in the series to get a temporary answer. This is like the serials they used to show in theaters. Personally,I have an ethical problem with this. When I order a book, I expect a complete self contained story. If I am forced to buy another book to get closure I consider it a form of blackmail. I refuse to play that game and refuse to make further purchases from that author even though she is an excellent writer. Hence, I can only do two stars. For others who aren't bothered by serials, please know this is a good author who writes well.
March 1, 2016
To say I'm a Brenda Kennedy fan would be an understatement. I've reread the freedom trilogy three times and it still takes the same emotional toll on me. That's what amazing writing does, it sticks with you and even though you know how things will end, you feel for the characters each and every time.
The first book in the Rose Farm Trilogy is just as amazing as her previous work. While I was screaming at the end and contemplated yelling at the author instead of my kindle, I took a few minutes to calm down and write this review.
Able is a country boy at heart, he left home 10 years ago with one thing on his mind, getting far away from the farm. Over that time he had a lucrative boxing career, but he also has a secret. Something that's made him a bit closed off.
Now he's home and realizes leaving may not have been the right decision. As much as he wants to believe small town USA isn't for him it's ingrained in him, it will always be his home.
He meets Savannah Mae, a single mom struggling to make it. Befriending her and being home shows him what he's been missing, it gives him hope and slowly a plan comes together to help out his town, to give back and make things better for those around him.
But as things start looking up he and Savannah both receive a series of letters from an unknown sender. Both thinking nothing of it let it go until one letter shows up that scares Savannah.
And cliffhanger ending!
Yes I know, it was just getting good huh? Luckily the second book will be here in just a few days!!
The first book in the Rose Farm Trilogy is just as amazing as her previous work. While I was screaming at the end and contemplated yelling at the author instead of my kindle, I took a few minutes to calm down and write this review.
Able is a country boy at heart, he left home 10 years ago with one thing on his mind, getting far away from the farm. Over that time he had a lucrative boxing career, but he also has a secret. Something that's made him a bit closed off.
Now he's home and realizes leaving may not have been the right decision. As much as he wants to believe small town USA isn't for him it's ingrained in him, it will always be his home.
He meets Savannah Mae, a single mom struggling to make it. Befriending her and being home shows him what he's been missing, it gives him hope and slowly a plan comes together to help out his town, to give back and make things better for those around him.
But as things start looking up he and Savannah both receive a series of letters from an unknown sender. Both thinking nothing of it let it go until one letter shows up that scares Savannah.
And cliffhanger ending!
Yes I know, it was just getting good huh? Luckily the second book will be here in just a few days!!
March 13, 2016
I have read all of Brenda's previous books and loved them all. We first met Abel Lee in the Fighting To Survive trilogy and to be honest I didn't like him as he was arrogant and standoffish.
In Forever Country,Abel has retired from boxing after he lost his championship title to Bobby Grether. He has returned to his home town of Rose Farm after being away for 10 years. Abel only intends to stay for a short while before returning to New York. As the story progresses he sees the poverty that is rife in his hometown and wants to do something about it so he can help the people of Rose Farm. He does this by paying off peoples debts in the local store aswell as donating money to other causes.
My first impression of Abel Lee was not a positive one,how wrong was I? Abel Lee is a man with a good heart and he uses his fortune to help others. He also has a wonderful relationship with his Parents,which is lovely.
Abel Lee meets a local woman called Savannah Mae and they start to have a relationship. I love how Abel is with Savannah Mae and her son Sawyer Jackson.
Things are starting to look up for Abel Lee,until Savannah Mae receives a note and a photo from an unknown person. Will Abel's past wreck his future happiness?
I stayed up until almost midnight to finish the book and downloade the second book straight away
In Forever Country,Abel has retired from boxing after he lost his championship title to Bobby Grether. He has returned to his home town of Rose Farm after being away for 10 years. Abel only intends to stay for a short while before returning to New York. As the story progresses he sees the poverty that is rife in his hometown and wants to do something about it so he can help the people of Rose Farm. He does this by paying off peoples debts in the local store aswell as donating money to other causes.
My first impression of Abel Lee was not a positive one,how wrong was I? Abel Lee is a man with a good heart and he uses his fortune to help others. He also has a wonderful relationship with his Parents,which is lovely.
Abel Lee meets a local woman called Savannah Mae and they start to have a relationship. I love how Abel is with Savannah Mae and her son Sawyer Jackson.
Things are starting to look up for Abel Lee,until Savannah Mae receives a note and a photo from an unknown person. Will Abel's past wreck his future happiness?
I stayed up until almost midnight to finish the book and downloade the second book straight away
January 24, 2016
I had the priveledge of receiving an ARC of this book from the author. This review may contain slight spoilers. I was hooked from the cover alone. After losing the boxing championship to Bobby Grether, Abel Kennedy decides to go home to the country to spend some time with his family, back to his roots. What he had planned to be a visit for Christmas has turned into an eye opening experience as he meets new people, makes new friends and learns about the sacrifices that his own family has made to help those in need while he was out in the world, making millions and losing touch with what really matters. He meets Savannah Mae and her son and soon falls in head over heels. But even country life isn't perfect as an unsolved murder rocks the small, close community as well as poverty and starvation. And who is leaving strange notes for Abel? For Savannah? Don't plan on ending this book with the answers because you will have to hang on the edge of this cliff and wait with the rest of us. I have no doubt whatsoever that it will be well worth the wait.
November 28, 2015
Amazing book. Brenda Kennedy has done it again. She has pulled off her best book yet. As soon as I began reading this book, I lost all sense of self, as though becoming part of each story. This author immediately captivates you in her magical and intriguing web with a well paced story line and filled with characters who are so in depth that you find yourself feeling like you know them on a personal level. Brenda Kennedy's imagination and perception of how this stories should really be told is completely outstanding and this book deserves way more than five stars. I was completely consumed with this fascinating tale and I know that you will be too. This book had me completely consumed from the very first page. I this author and her style of writing. Brenda Kennedy, Great Job and keep up the hard word. Us avid readers appreciate you more than you know. I was very happy with the way that this book changed my poor opinion of Able. I hope this review was helpful. I cannot say enough about all of Brenda Kennedy's books.
March 18, 2017
Hometowns
Abel left his hometown and became a boxer. He did well until his last fight and he decided to go home to Ohio. He didn't realize how bad the economy hit his little hometown. He decides to give back to the community. He meets Savannah Mae and her son Sawyer. But his past is coming back to haunt him.
Abel left his hometown and became a boxer. He did well until his last fight and he decided to go home to Ohio. He didn't realize how bad the economy hit his little hometown. He decides to give back to the community. He meets Savannah Mae and her son Sawyer. But his past is coming back to haunt him.
January 25, 2016
How can you not love when a writer wraps you into a blanket of love of 2 characters falling for each other?
Abel Lee has a mysterious dark past that creeps in ever so slightly and then...
He's a pure mamas boy and a heart of gold but doesn't want to be recognized for it. He does a lot for his childhood small town. Abel Lee finds himself changing his life, falling for a strong beautiful woman, loving an amazing little boy, murder mystery, stalker... And the list goes on.
Savannah Mae small town country girl finds herself in a situation she never thought she would be in. After thinking she could never be happy again along comes Abel Lee who changes everything. Just as things turn to bein their favor of love along comes a stalker to rain on their parade.
What a riveting read! See what happens to this just starting out soon to be hot and heavy romance.
Abel Lee has a mysterious dark past that creeps in ever so slightly and then...
He's a pure mamas boy and a heart of gold but doesn't want to be recognized for it. He does a lot for his childhood small town. Abel Lee finds himself changing his life, falling for a strong beautiful woman, loving an amazing little boy, murder mystery, stalker... And the list goes on.
Savannah Mae small town country girl finds herself in a situation she never thought she would be in. After thinking she could never be happy again along comes Abel Lee who changes everything. Just as things turn to bein their favor of love along comes a stalker to rain on their parade.
What a riveting read! See what happens to this just starting out soon to be hot and heavy romance.
November 16, 2015
This is my first read by Brenda Kennedy, and boy did I pick a good one to start. Forever Country is a contemporary romance about a professional boxer that goes home for Christmas after being gone many years. He meets a new girl, makes new friends, and finds out some of the sacrifices his family and town have made during his absence. This is not a stand alone. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. I'm anxiously waiting for the next book, so some of unanswered questions can be answered and mysteries can possibly be revealed.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
March 22, 2017
First person. present tense. I, I, I, ...I ..I ... I....
Bullet point sentences:
I drive through Crooksville.....
I watch the people....
I look around....
I consider stopping......
I wonder if ....
I'm not the same person......
I look down....
I stop at......
I put on my cowboy hat......
I make my way to the bar. After I order a Bud Light, I take the only seat left at the bar. It's beside a girl with long brown hair. I don't complain.
I look around the bar and drink my beer. When the band begins to play, I turn round and face the stage.
I stop reading and delete the book from my kindle.
Bullet point sentences:
I drive through Crooksville.....
I watch the people....
I look around....
I consider stopping......
I wonder if ....
I'm not the same person......
I look down....
I stop at......
I put on my cowboy hat......
I make my way to the bar. After I order a Bud Light, I take the only seat left at the bar. It's beside a girl with long brown hair. I don't complain.
I look around the bar and drink my beer. When the band begins to play, I turn round and face the stage.
I stop reading and delete the book from my kindle.
November 26, 2015
So I went to into this book with no expectations. I'll admit I wasn't sure how I would feel about Abel after getting a glimpse of his character in Brenda's last series. However I can admit that yet again she sucked me in and left me wanting to know more. As I was reading I could literally visualize the country scenery. I found myself falling for all the characters and wanting to know more about them. As always Brenda's writing gets better and better. The book left off on a cliff hanger so I can't wait to read the next one. This book is a much read!
November 18, 2015
Forever Country is one of the best written books that I have read in a long time. I fell totally in love with the characters and the small town life and atmosphere. This is a heart-felt, heartwarming, true-to-life story that will have you crying one minute and laughing out loud the next. Ms. Kennedy has outdone herself with this one. This is truly a must read that is not to be missed. I can't wait for the next book by this wonderful author.
November 16, 2015
I just want to say that brenda out did herself on this book. It was given to me as arc book to review as I was reading it i couldn't put it down and was dreading for it to end. Thank you again for a marvelous. job well done. I'm so jealous of savannah to have capture. able eyes.
March 4, 2016
Loved it
Wow is all I can say. This is new author to me and now she isn't. Lol. Love finding a book and then seeing somewhere close to wear I grew up. And still live close by. Can't wait to read what is going to happen next. Love stories that take place in Ohio.
Wow is all I can say. This is new author to me and now she isn't. Lol. Love finding a book and then seeing somewhere close to wear I grew up. And still live close by. Can't wait to read what is going to happen next. Love stories that take place in Ohio.
July 17, 2016
Cliff hanger.
Ahhh, love a good cliff hanger, but not when I can't buy book 2 straight away. Love the characters and the dialect. It's awesome reading another's roots, through text on how they speak and their family values. Can't wait for the next one.
Ahhh, love a good cliff hanger, but not when I can't buy book 2 straight away. Love the characters and the dialect. It's awesome reading another's roots, through text on how they speak and their family values. Can't wait for the next one.
September 22, 2016
I loved Abel
A really sweet returning to home book, but so much more. This one has a little bit of everything along with the fret characters. I will definitely be reading the next one to see what happens.
A really sweet returning to home book, but so much more. This one has a little bit of everything along with the fret characters. I will definitely be reading the next one to see what happens.
January 28, 2016
Great read
Love Abel and Savannah. What a great story. Yes it ends with a cliffhanger and I hope the next one is just as good
Love Abel and Savannah. What a great story. Yes it ends with a cliffhanger and I hope the next one is just as good
February 6, 2016
Great book!!!!
Very deep and suspenseful. Love the characters and there growing connection. Love the biblical references throughout. Sweet romance as well.
Very deep and suspenseful. Love the characters and there growing connection. Love the biblical references throughout. Sweet romance as well.
March 24, 2016
5 stars
Great book. It is suspenseful, funny and sad. Loved the story line. Can't wait to read more of the series.
Great book. It is suspenseful, funny and sad. Loved the story line. Can't wait to read more of the series.
November 20, 2016
Good read
December 9, 2016
Great
This book is so so so good. I can't put it down. Love love love love love it so much
This book is so so so good. I can't put it down. Love love love love love it so much
August 14, 2023
The writing was fine. The plot was a little obvious. It seemed like almost every life challenge was faced by a member of the community, making the book feel like it was lecturing me on how to deal with difficulties. There was more religious content than I expected. I was definitely disappointed at the sharp cliffhanger ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews