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Goose Harbor #5
Apple Orchard Bride
Hometown Reunion
When Toby Holcomb becomes guardian to his cousin's daughter, he goes from hard-living bachelor to father without a clue. One thing he can do is give Kasey a stable home. Returning to Goose Harbor, he takes a job at his childhood friend's apple orchard. But Jenna Crest isn't ready to forgive him for his past mistakes. Desperate for sweet Jenna's help in raising his little girl, Toby vows to make amends to the woman he wronged so many years ago. Suddenly, he and Jenna and young Kasey are feeling more and more like a family. But convincing Jenna he's a changed man will take all the love in his heart.
When Toby Holcomb becomes guardian to his cousin's daughter, he goes from hard-living bachelor to father without a clue. One thing he can do is give Kasey a stable home. Returning to Goose Harbor, he takes a job at his childhood friend's apple orchard. But Jenna Crest isn't ready to forgive him for his past mistakes. Desperate for sweet Jenna's help in raising his little girl, Toby vows to make amends to the woman he wronged so many years ago. Suddenly, he and Jenna and young Kasey are feeling more and more like a family. But convincing Jenna he's a changed man will take all the love in his heart.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published December 20, 2016
12 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Keller
32 books69 followersJessica Keller is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of both Young Adult Fiction and Romance. If you're looking to interact with her on social media, she is most active on Instagram and has a Facebook author page.
Jessica can most often be found sipping an iced coffee while listening to an audiobook, working on her next novel, or attempting to gain her aloof cat's affection. She lives in the Midwest and is mom to the greatest kid in the world (though, she may be bias).
Jessica can most often be found sipping an iced coffee while listening to an audiobook, working on her next novel, or attempting to gain her aloof cat's affection. She lives in the Midwest and is mom to the greatest kid in the world (though, she may be bias).
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 10, 2017
Sometimes it's good to get away from everyday stress and read a gentle book in which the characters cope with recognisable challenges. In this case, a small family orchard business is threatened as the elderly owner is suffering from a progressive disease and no longer has strength. His daughter had other plans - didn't we all when life changed them! - but has to devote herself to the house and orchard, helping her father adapt his lifestyle and thinking of the future.
Enter a returned prodigal, with a young niece in tow. He wants to raise her in Goose Harbour on Lake Michigan, and he suddenly has to turn responsible. I found a lot of discussion of emotions which slows down the storytelling a bit, but otherwise it's a nice read. The romance is suitable for any age.
I was sent an e-ARC through Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
Enter a returned prodigal, with a young niece in tow. He wants to raise her in Goose Harbour on Lake Michigan, and he suddenly has to turn responsible. I found a lot of discussion of emotions which slows down the storytelling a bit, but otherwise it's a nice read. The romance is suitable for any age.
I was sent an e-ARC through Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
August 24, 2018
I've loved the Goose Harbor series by Jessica Keller since the first book, and Apple Orchard Bride is every bit as good as the rest of the series. Reading Jenna and Toby's story was a perfect rollercoaster ride of emotions. It was frustrating in the best possible way. I loved the depth of emotion and the way Keller weaves spiritual truths into the story. I can't wait to see what she does with the next Goose Harbor book. I've already pre-ordered it and can't wait to receive it.
February 7, 2017
When Toby and Jenna meet up again after years apart, can they lay the past aside and let the truth of God's love heal their hearts?
While I love a good story, there's just always something special about this authors books! The fifth installment of the Goose Harbor series delves deeper into a town that has become all too real and the characters dig deep in my heart. While you can certainly read this as a stand-alone, as with any series, I recommend you read each one to get the depth, richness and layering of a story you can get lost in for an afternoon or two! Toby and Jenna certainly have a history together as best friends growing up. Each one in turn, goes on to live life separately as adults with all the disillusionment that comes with unexpected changes life sometimes throws. When Toby returns to Goose Harbor, he's a different man with the responsibility to raise his cousin's daughter. Can Jenna put aside the past to help him be the best father figure to little Kasey & can she guard her heart against loving the only man she ever dreamed of having? There were times in this story that my heart cried for all the things they both went through in the past & all the lies they told themselves of how they weren't good enough or worthy enough. I loved how faith played a major role in Toby's life and how he gently guided Jenna back into the Father's loving arms. I cheered the moment the truth of God's love for both of them began to shine in their hearts and how it broke through all the lies that the enemy put on them for years. It reminded me of myself when I can sometimes get disillusioned and doubt God's love for me. I really like how the author put it in words on the “Dear Reader” note at the end: “The truth is that God's love for you is not dependent on anything you can do to lose or gain His attention. He loves you.” Period! This one had all the emotions I love to feel in a book, the connection to the characters real and the reminders of God's love make for the kind of book to savor long after the last page! I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment in this series.
*I received a complimentary copy of this by the author. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed here are strictly my own*
While I love a good story, there's just always something special about this authors books! The fifth installment of the Goose Harbor series delves deeper into a town that has become all too real and the characters dig deep in my heart. While you can certainly read this as a stand-alone, as with any series, I recommend you read each one to get the depth, richness and layering of a story you can get lost in for an afternoon or two! Toby and Jenna certainly have a history together as best friends growing up. Each one in turn, goes on to live life separately as adults with all the disillusionment that comes with unexpected changes life sometimes throws. When Toby returns to Goose Harbor, he's a different man with the responsibility to raise his cousin's daughter. Can Jenna put aside the past to help him be the best father figure to little Kasey & can she guard her heart against loving the only man she ever dreamed of having? There were times in this story that my heart cried for all the things they both went through in the past & all the lies they told themselves of how they weren't good enough or worthy enough. I loved how faith played a major role in Toby's life and how he gently guided Jenna back into the Father's loving arms. I cheered the moment the truth of God's love for both of them began to shine in their hearts and how it broke through all the lies that the enemy put on them for years. It reminded me of myself when I can sometimes get disillusioned and doubt God's love for me. I really like how the author put it in words on the “Dear Reader” note at the end: “The truth is that God's love for you is not dependent on anything you can do to lose or gain His attention. He loves you.” Period! This one had all the emotions I love to feel in a book, the connection to the characters real and the reminders of God's love make for the kind of book to savor long after the last page! I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment in this series.
*I received a complimentary copy of this by the author. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed here are strictly my own*
February 24, 2017
Healing. Hope. Love.
Everything a happily-ever-after reader desires in a book.
Redemption.
Whether from being destroyed by your own hands or by the actions of another, this story showed what it’s like to deal with one’s past and how to overcome it.
So often nowadays in inspirational fiction the new trend seems to be to water down the spiritual thread, but I was thrilled to see that wasn’t the case in “Apple Orchard Bride.” Toby and Jenna’s story held so much Truth and Biblical wisdom, and it was displayed through the character’s lives—their insecurities, their questions. Not in a way that the author only wanted to get her point across, but in an enjoyable I-want-to-read-more-of-this-author’s- fiction kind of way.
Ms. Keller is stellar about not skimping on secondary characters. Their personalities and life hardships only add to the conflict, never letting the story sag in the middle. But what I enjoyed most was the love.
Not just the budding romance that leads to a happily-ever-after, but the love of God that is expressed on the page.
*Jenna's character endured...things no one should have to experience. (that situation wasn't fully detailed on the pages--only as a backstory.) I love that Jenna's situation offers hope for those who aren't in the fictional world. :)
I received an ARC in exchange for nothing. My review is my honest opinion.
Everything a happily-ever-after reader desires in a book.
Redemption.
Whether from being destroyed by your own hands or by the actions of another, this story showed what it’s like to deal with one’s past and how to overcome it.
So often nowadays in inspirational fiction the new trend seems to be to water down the spiritual thread, but I was thrilled to see that wasn’t the case in “Apple Orchard Bride.” Toby and Jenna’s story held so much Truth and Biblical wisdom, and it was displayed through the character’s lives—their insecurities, their questions. Not in a way that the author only wanted to get her point across, but in an enjoyable I-want-to-read-more-of-this-author’s- fiction kind of way.
Ms. Keller is stellar about not skimping on secondary characters. Their personalities and life hardships only add to the conflict, never letting the story sag in the middle. But what I enjoyed most was the love.
Not just the budding romance that leads to a happily-ever-after, but the love of God that is expressed on the page.
*Jenna's character endured...things no one should have to experience. (that situation wasn't fully detailed on the pages--only as a backstory.) I love that Jenna's situation offers hope for those who aren't in the fictional world. :)
I received an ARC in exchange for nothing. My review is my honest opinion.
July 25, 2019
Sweet and emotional, Apple Orchard Bride doesn't shy away from the difficult trials life can bring, and the faith struggles that come as a result. The author handled a traumatic event (not shown on the page) with grace and tender care.
Secondary characters were just as well-rounded as Jenna and Toby, the main characters. I loved the snappy dialogue and the chemistry these two characters shared, and the ending was sigh-worthy.
If you're looking for a romantic read that's both humorous and realistic, this one's for you!
I'm definitely going to look for more books by this author!
Secondary characters were just as well-rounded as Jenna and Toby, the main characters. I loved the snappy dialogue and the chemistry these two characters shared, and the ending was sigh-worthy.
If you're looking for a romantic read that's both humorous and realistic, this one's for you!
I'm definitely going to look for more books by this author!
February 7, 2017
Apple Orchard Bride is full of charm! It is always a pleasure to return to Goose Harbor, and this story just might be my favorite yet. I loved the setting of the apple orchard and the history that Jenna and Toby share. As they work together at the orchard, they also begin to work through the hurt and heartache that lingers from their past. I really enjoyed their emotional and spiritual growth and delighted in the culmination of their journey.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.
December 30, 2018
The story was OK. The h and the H both had issues. The h seemed immature with her attitude about the past with her friend Toby. The h had a number of issues which while bad made her seem to be whiny.
May 25, 2020
This was a dragged out story that repeated itself with different words. The author could have written it a lot better and more interesting with the good plots she put in but she dragged out her poor structured story and made her main characters look week and emotionally unstable and immature!
August 15, 2017
Really enjoyed this book! The apple orchard setting is perfect for this time of year as summer ends and we move into Fall.
March 5, 2018
The perfect weekend read!
October 12, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. Although I should have been warned from the title it would have been craving all sorts of apple stuff. ;)
August 30, 2019
I loved that in the midst of a heartwarming fun romance story the author deals with some really heavy issues that are very pertinent today. Wonderful read!
February 23, 2020
Loved this story. God is in control. Love always wins!
March 16, 2022
Absolutely awful this had to be written as a joke. My mom and I read it in the car as a joke but I didn’t think it would be THIS horrid. Jenna drones on and on about her life
September 15, 2025
Very sweet and moving read.
June 13, 2019
Awesome book. Loved it. Couldn't put it down. I could relate to Jenna in some of the things she went through.
February 19, 2017
This is book #5 in the Goose Harbor Series, it can be read without reading the others but I would recommend that you read the others at some point. I can relate to some of the story, and it was easy to connect with the characters.
Jenna has moved back home to help her Dad with the apple orchard, has her Dad is having health issues. Toby moves back to Goose Harbor after he becomes guardian to his cousin's daughter and Toby takes a job at the apple orchard. Jenna and Toby grew up together and Toby spent a lot of time at the orchard since his family was dealing with his brother's illness. But the both move away and lose touch with each other.
Jenna is not happy to hear that Toby is back and living on the farm and helping out with the orchard because of what happened to her during college she doesn't want to get close to a man that has a chance to hurt her again. Jenna is also upset about how Toby treated her during high school.
It is almost apple season so Toby arranges for people from the community and the high school football team to come and help out to get it ready in time. Toby agrees to help coach the football team for free for the time that the team helped out at the orchard.
Jenna and her father have a special bond with Kasey, Toby's cousin's daughter that he is guardian of and the move Kasey into the farm house from the bunkhouse were there is more room. Toby helps Jenna with her Dad.
Toby gets into a car accident during a bad rain storm and Jenna gets called to the hospital. Toby had swerve the motorcycle the had taken the curve to wide. The driver of the motorcycle didn't make it and the driver was the new pastor from church. During all the months that Toby was back, both he and Jenna realize that they are in love with each other and it takes the accident for them to admit it to each other.
Jenna's dream was to get married in the apple orchard so they get married 3 weeks after Toby's accident.
Got a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Jenna has moved back home to help her Dad with the apple orchard, has her Dad is having health issues. Toby moves back to Goose Harbor after he becomes guardian to his cousin's daughter and Toby takes a job at the apple orchard. Jenna and Toby grew up together and Toby spent a lot of time at the orchard since his family was dealing with his brother's illness. But the both move away and lose touch with each other.
Jenna is not happy to hear that Toby is back and living on the farm and helping out with the orchard because of what happened to her during college she doesn't want to get close to a man that has a chance to hurt her again. Jenna is also upset about how Toby treated her during high school.
It is almost apple season so Toby arranges for people from the community and the high school football team to come and help out to get it ready in time. Toby agrees to help coach the football team for free for the time that the team helped out at the orchard.
Jenna and her father have a special bond with Kasey, Toby's cousin's daughter that he is guardian of and the move Kasey into the farm house from the bunkhouse were there is more room. Toby helps Jenna with her Dad.
Toby gets into a car accident during a bad rain storm and Jenna gets called to the hospital. Toby had swerve the motorcycle the had taken the curve to wide. The driver of the motorcycle didn't make it and the driver was the new pastor from church. During all the months that Toby was back, both he and Jenna realize that they are in love with each other and it takes the accident for them to admit it to each other.
Jenna's dream was to get married in the apple orchard so they get married 3 weeks after Toby's accident.
Got a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 23, 2017
Apple Orchard Bride a Goose Harbor series by Jessica Keller. It wasn't the best in the series. In a lot of the book it was too depressing. It had it's high points but a lot of low points. Toby Holcomb moves back to Goose Harbor after he became guardian of a seven year old cousin girl. He works for his ex girlfriend Jenna Crest's dad in his apple orchard. Jenna was raped while in collage. No one knows about it. Toby is trying to get back with Jenna but Jenna is being very hateful toward him. It was an okay book.
February 12, 2017
This story is a sweet romance about a girl and boy who loved each other since they were young kids. Life handed them some hard times, but God brought them together for a second chance. Did they take that chance? Did they let go of hard feelings to reconcile? You need to get this book to find out. I thank the author and all for this copy and I have given my honest opinion about this book.
February 12, 2017
High School.. don't we all have things we wish we could have done better or over? The main characters were living through some hard topics and this author covered them so realistically.. Hard times, hard choices and.. I loved the ending!
February 11, 2017
I love the Goose Harbor series and hope there are many more to come!
January 24, 2017
I loved this book! I read it last month and gave it 5 stars but didn't write a review. I just finished reading it again and loved it just as much the second time. Jenna and Toby's feelings of failure, not being enough, and life not going according to their plans are very real. The author, Jessica Keller, put many references to God, reading the Bible and praying in the story and they are PERFECTLY placed. My favorite comment was "Pray your way through situations you don't have a clue about." (p. 139 lp). I have enjoyed all the Goose Harbor books which can be read alone or as the series. I think this is my favorite so far. I can't wait to read more.
February 6, 2017
Another amazing story by Jessica Keller!
Apple Orchard Bride, the fifth books in the Goose Harbor Series by Jessica Keller is an absolute must read! While I have enjoyed all of these Goose Harbor books, this has been my absolute favorite if I had to pick one!
Jessica Keller does an amazing job of making the characters so real and their life issues and problems so real you feel apart of it all! I read this book in one sitting one afternoon! Just did not want to put it down, but also hated for it to end!
I love the way Jessica uses scripture and Godly guidance and encouragement throughout this story in her characters lives!
Apple Orchard Bride, the fifth books in the Goose Harbor Series by Jessica Keller is an absolute must read! While I have enjoyed all of these Goose Harbor books, this has been my absolute favorite if I had to pick one!
Jessica Keller does an amazing job of making the characters so real and their life issues and problems so real you feel apart of it all! I read this book in one sitting one afternoon! Just did not want to put it down, but also hated for it to end!
I love the way Jessica uses scripture and Godly guidance and encouragement throughout this story in her characters lives!
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January 1, 2017Miniseries: Goose Harbor
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January 1, 2017Miniseries: Goose Harbor
July 17, 2017
Easy read. Good story line. Happy ending.
September 22, 2018
I like the theme of this book. We are loved by God and we need not to make our past mistakes control our present. A nice read!
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May 13, 2017As a SW Michigander, I identify with the Goose Harbor setting and our beautiful apple orchards. A well crafted story with interesting and relatable characters, a unique setting, twist and turn plot. Well done Jessica Keller.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews