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The Women of Brambleberry House #2-3
Brambleberry House: His Second-Chance Family / A Soldier's Secret
Come stay awhile at Brambleberry House, a place infused with acceptance, healing and heart--as only RaeAnne Thayne can imagine it.
His Second-Chance Family
Julia Blair spent many happy summers at Cannon Beach and fell hard for sweet local boy Will Garrett. Now the for-rent sign at Brambleberry House seems like a wonderful omen for widowed Julia and her young children. She craves the warmth she once felt in Brambleberry House--and in Will's arms. But before he can embrace his first love, he'll have to lay down the burden of the past and open his heart again.
A Soldier's Secret
Struggling to rebuild her business and her life, Anna Galvez knows she's fortunate to have inherited Brambleberry House as her rock-solid base. When she finds a handsome new tenant in injured army pilot Harry Maxwell, Anna thinks her luck--in love, at least--might be changing. Until the lieutenant's story begins to unravel...
His Second-Chance Family
Julia Blair spent many happy summers at Cannon Beach and fell hard for sweet local boy Will Garrett. Now the for-rent sign at Brambleberry House seems like a wonderful omen for widowed Julia and her young children. She craves the warmth she once felt in Brambleberry House--and in Will's arms. But before he can embrace his first love, he'll have to lay down the burden of the past and open his heart again.
A Soldier's Secret
Struggling to rebuild her business and her life, Anna Galvez knows she's fortunate to have inherited Brambleberry House as her rock-solid base. When she finds a handsome new tenant in injured army pilot Harry Maxwell, Anna thinks her luck--in love, at least--might be changing. Until the lieutenant's story begins to unravel...
426 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 31, 2017
328 people are currently reading
1037 people want to read
About the author
RaeAnne Thayne
312 books3,863 followersI'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 31, 2019
This book contained numbers two and three in the Women of Brambleberry House series.
His Second-Chance Family was the story of Julia and Will, who were teen first loves that reconnect many years later after Will's heartbreaking loss and Julia's own troubles of loss and concern for her children. I loved the way these two characters got to know each other all over again as the people they had become from their circumstances. The story felt true and the characters felt real.
A Soldier's Secret was Anna and Max's story. Anna has trust issues from past hurts and Max is keeping a secret from her that could destroy the sweet connection they're starting to develop. This story could have become very melodramatic and out there, but -- as is always the case with this author -- there's just enough angst to keep this going without zooming over the top or ending with an unbelievable redemption.
These stories (and the first book of the series, The Daddy Makeover) have a sweet old lady who is deceased that is pretty much the driving force for these stories. Abigail and her dog Conan, who was inherited by two of the ladies in these stories, along with her Victorian home (Brambleberry House) are a huge part of these books and wonderful characters themselves.
I continue to love this author's work for the sweet, realistic stories she writes that also just happen to have a love story in them. She creates great characters that never seem to be cookie-cutter or redundant, even though they may be similar to others in her other books. So far every book I've read by RaeAnne Thayne has felt fresh and original with characters I fell for from the outset.
His Second-Chance Family was the story of Julia and Will, who were teen first loves that reconnect many years later after Will's heartbreaking loss and Julia's own troubles of loss and concern for her children. I loved the way these two characters got to know each other all over again as the people they had become from their circumstances. The story felt true and the characters felt real.
A Soldier's Secret was Anna and Max's story. Anna has trust issues from past hurts and Max is keeping a secret from her that could destroy the sweet connection they're starting to develop. This story could have become very melodramatic and out there, but -- as is always the case with this author -- there's just enough angst to keep this going without zooming over the top or ending with an unbelievable redemption.
These stories (and the first book of the series, The Daddy Makeover) have a sweet old lady who is deceased that is pretty much the driving force for these stories. Abigail and her dog Conan, who was inherited by two of the ladies in these stories, along with her Victorian home (Brambleberry House) are a huge part of these books and wonderful characters themselves.
I continue to love this author's work for the sweet, realistic stories she writes that also just happen to have a love story in them. She creates great characters that never seem to be cookie-cutter or redundant, even though they may be similar to others in her other books. So far every book I've read by RaeAnne Thayne has felt fresh and original with characters I fell for from the outset.
December 23, 2017
I didn't pay attention and this is actually a reprint of two books published in 2008. Plus it's also books #2 and #3 in the series. There is a prior book which while reading the first story in this book, I thought there had to be one - so I looked it up. Should have done that in the first place! (Picture V-8 palm to forehead). I think some of the gaps in the background were explained in book #1 and it would have helped the character development, etc. Definitely felt like I got dropped into the middle of the story.
I found both books to be a little too slow, a little too boring and a little too cliche. Nothing critically wrong, just nothing special. In fact there was a big gap in time for me between reading the two stories as I couldn't get my interest up.
I did find in book #3 that it was definitely a little too contrived that the best friends are conveniently gone while Anna is going through the emotional impact of the trial. I also found that with the exception of one scene that all the info relating to the trial of her employee's fraud to be "all tell" and "no show". And Max not telling Anna who he really was before he slept with her was a big negative. Hard to support that type of stupidity in your leading male character.
This was really more like a 2.5 stars rounded up...
I found both books to be a little too slow, a little too boring and a little too cliche. Nothing critically wrong, just nothing special. In fact there was a big gap in time for me between reading the two stories as I couldn't get my interest up.
I did find in book #3 that it was definitely a little too contrived that the best friends are conveniently gone while Anna is going through the emotional impact of the trial. I also found that with the exception of one scene that all the info relating to the trial of her employee's fraud to be "all tell" and "no show". And Max not telling Anna who he really was before he slept with her was a big negative. Hard to support that type of stupidity in your leading male character.
This was really more like a 2.5 stars rounded up...
February 29, 2020
This was so schmaltzy that I could have used it to make a million matzo balls.
July 27, 2018
Both stories about Brambleberry House were an enjoyable read. My favorite was the spirit of Aunt Abigail. The love that flowed through he house and those in it was awesome. Curl up with a nice cup of coffee and enjoy.
February 10, 2018
We would like to say beforehand that if you like one or both these books that we are more than happy for you. That said we had some complaints, but since that goes into spoiler territory we will start with the good.
This is two books in one from The Women of Brambleberry House. The second and third, and no we have not read the first, but it does not feel like you need to. The similarities between all of them are what in our opinion we bound to be the good point. The settings were well writing. To the point, we felt that we were actually there and that mom liked being there. (To the point she was thinking of packing her bags and moving.) The characters were well fleshed out and the stories had some great thought behind. The last thing we both loved was the dog. He had a human quality, which my mom can completely understand as someone who constantly anthropomorphizes me, that we both loved and respected.
Okay, so we told you all the good stuff, now, if we may? We have some stuff to air.
Mom would like to read another book RaeAnne Thayne, she felt over all RaeAnne Thayne had great potential to be an author mom might like. (It just felt like she need more pages to tell her story.) As for these two stories the climaxing of plot/ bad pacing lead to the books not feeling like a complete read. If you like them great, but mom and I do not think these books are our cup of tea.
This is two books in one from The Women of Brambleberry House. The second and third, and no we have not read the first, but it does not feel like you need to. The similarities between all of them are what in our opinion we bound to be the good point. The settings were well writing. To the point, we felt that we were actually there and that mom liked being there. (To the point she was thinking of packing her bags and moving.) The characters were well fleshed out and the stories had some great thought behind. The last thing we both loved was the dog. He had a human quality, which my mom can completely understand as someone who constantly anthropomorphizes me, that we both loved and respected.
Okay, so we told you all the good stuff, now, if we may? We have some stuff to air.
Mom would like to read another book RaeAnne Thayne, she felt over all RaeAnne Thayne had great potential to be an author mom might like. (It just felt like she need more pages to tell her story.) As for these two stories the climaxing of plot/ bad pacing lead to the books not feeling like a complete read. If you like them great, but mom and I do not think these books are our cup of tea.
March 5, 2021
This book contains two related stories: His Second Chance Family and A Soldier’s Secret, that are books 2 and 3 in the series. The house has been left to two women by the former owner, Abigail, and they rent out part of the house to help cover the costs and maintenance of the property. Julia has returned to Cannon Beach where she spent many happy summers to take a teaching job and take care of her two children. She is surprised to find her summer romance boyfriend of many years ago, Will, working as a carpenter on the house. He is still broken by the loss of his wife and child, but slowly Julia and Will begin to find a way back to each other, with the help of the house, Abigail’s dog, and possibly Abigail’s ghost. The second story in the book involves Anna, one of the new owners and a soldier who comes to rent part of the house. She does not know that Max is hiding the fact that he is family to Abigail and has been sent by his mother to spy and find out why he did not inherit the property while he recovers from his injuries from a helicopter crash. He is trying to figure out where to go with his life as his military career may be over. Once again Abigail’s spirit and her dog play a role in getting Anna and Max together but his secret may make everything fall apart.
January 17, 2022
This 2 for 1 book includes His Second-Chance Family: Julia Blair as a teenager spent summers at Cannon Beach and had fallen in love with a local boy Will Garrett. When her husband dies, she applies for a teaching job in the town where she had happy memories. She finds an apartment to rent by chance when she spots a for rent sign at Brambleberry House. Who should she meet but Will. He lives only a few house from her rental and is doing repair work there. He needs to rid himself of the burden of the past before he can open his heart to the love Julia still has for him.
Also, included is A Soldier's Secret: Anna Galvez and her friend Sage have inherited Brambleberry House from their best friend Abigail. Anna is trying to rent out the third floor apartment to help defray the cost of a new roof. Her real estate person has found Harry Maxwell, an injured army pilot, who need a place to stay and recuperate until he finds out if he can go back to flying copters. Anna invites Max to have some French toast and that's all it takes to start a blossoming romance. Max has lied to Anna as he has a different motive for being there. He is actually Abigails nephew. Anyway, through a few twists and turns love is in both their hearts. Both stories are good reads.
Also, included is A Soldier's Secret: Anna Galvez and her friend Sage have inherited Brambleberry House from their best friend Abigail. Anna is trying to rent out the third floor apartment to help defray the cost of a new roof. Her real estate person has found Harry Maxwell, an injured army pilot, who need a place to stay and recuperate until he finds out if he can go back to flying copters. Anna invites Max to have some French toast and that's all it takes to start a blossoming romance. Max has lied to Anna as he has a different motive for being there. He is actually Abigails nephew. Anyway, through a few twists and turns love is in both their hearts. Both stories are good reads.
March 10, 2018
I have yet to read a book by RaeAnne Thayne that I did not love and Brambleberry House is no exception. In His Second-Chance Family Will Garrett is wallowing in grief over the loss of his wife and daughter. Though it has been two years, his heart is encased in concrete that noone can break through. Julia Blair arrives at Brambleberry House with her two children to escape her grief and start over. Read the book and find out how Will and Julia are able to help each other.
In A Soldier's Secret Harry Maxwell temporarily moves into Brambleberry House for some detective work of his own. What he didn't count on was his attraction to Anna Galvez, one of the co-owners.
I loved both of these stories and hated for the book to end.
In A Soldier's Secret Harry Maxwell temporarily moves into Brambleberry House for some detective work of his own. What he didn't count on was his attraction to Anna Galvez, one of the co-owners.
I loved both of these stories and hated for the book to end.
January 5, 2022
HIs Second-Chance Family 4 stars - Will is just going through the motions, 2 years after his wife and daughter were killed by a drunk driver. Julia returns to Cannon Beach to start fresh after her husband's abandonment and for the recovery of her daughter's health. Will their teenage romance reignite or will his anger drive her away?
Soldier's Secret 3 stars - Rounded down Max returns to Brambleberry House to see if the two women his Aunt left the house to took advantage of her. His lie about his identity comes back to haunt him as he falls for Anna.
Rounded up because I like the dog, though the ending of Soldier's Secret seemed rushed to me.
Soldier's Secret 3 stars - Rounded down Max returns to Brambleberry House to see if the two women his Aunt left the house to took advantage of her. His lie about his identity comes back to haunt him as he falls for Anna.
Rounded up because I like the dog, though the ending of Soldier's Secret seemed rushed to me.
July 26, 2017
Welcome to Brambleberry house! This is two wonderful stories in one book. in the first story we find a widowed woman with twins move back to the house she remembers visiting as a child. she falls back in love with the guy who first captured her heart as a teenager. She helps him cope with losing fist wife and daughter in a car crash. In the second story we have Max and Anna. max moves into the house under disguise to see if the two women who had inherited his aunts house are gold diggers. He soon finds out how wrong he is. I highly recommend this book.
August 12, 2017
His second chance family was a good story. Julia and Will were meant for each other, even though it took some time to overcome their past losses. They made it work. I love the HEA.
A soldier's secret was a great story. I loved Anna and Max's story. They work together beautifully. There were some struggles, but they overcame them. I think Abigail and Conan were my favorite characters.
A soldier's secret was a great story. I loved Anna and Max's story. They work together beautifully. There were some struggles, but they overcame them. I think Abigail and Conan were my favorite characters.
June 2, 2017
Includes this story about a widow with 7 yr old twins and a widower she knew years ago during a summer at Cannon Beach and a story called Soldier's Scret. Both involve Brambleberry House and the two women who inherited it.
I'm reviewing Soldier's Secret as a separate Kindle title.
I'm reviewing Soldier's Secret as a separate Kindle title.
March 19, 2018
Great read!
As always Raeanne Thane has managed to captivate the many different emotions of love and friendships. I have to pace myself to not read a series all at once, but she manages to pull you in as if you are there inside each story!
As always Raeanne Thane has managed to captivate the many different emotions of love and friendships. I have to pace myself to not read a series all at once, but she manages to pull you in as if you are there inside each story!
March 9, 2017
Loved this , glad I picked it up. Light hearted and a breeze. Great story.
June 19, 2017
Sweet Tale
Loved this book. Julia and Anna's stories are so different yet give you a look at how love can be found in the most unexpected way
Loved this book. Julia and Anna's stories are so different yet give you a look at how love can be found in the most unexpected way
June 23, 2017
Brambleberry house
I loved this story about love, friendship and a ghost. The writer makes you feel what the characters feel. This is a good book to read on the beach.
I loved this story about love, friendship and a ghost. The writer makes you feel what the characters feel. This is a good book to read on the beach.
June 25, 2017
A pair to complete the series! Enjoyable.
Want to read
August 9, 2017love this book this is my second time reading it and I just love the twins and the dog but the love everyone has for a person they all once knew is breathtaking
August 2, 2017
This was obviously an earlier book/books from RaeAnne Thayne as her later books are much improved. These two stories were "ok" but the conflicts got wrapped up way way too quickly.
August 24, 2017
Two great stories. Love this author.
September 10, 2017
Sweet romance
rayanne thayne does romance very well. She tells stories with much heart and loads of soul. Very good read. Enjoy.
rayanne thayne does romance very well. She tells stories with much heart and loads of soul. Very good read. Enjoy.
October 17, 2017
BRAMBLEBERRY HOUSE
A house with a ghost (with an agenda)- a dog to help carry out her plans and two unsuspecting friends. This is a wonderful whimsical romance book - loved it!
A house with a ghost (with an agenda)- a dog to help carry out her plans and two unsuspecting friends. This is a wonderful whimsical romance book - loved it!
April 21, 2019
Very short and sweet story. Love lost. Love found. Healing and friendship. Perfect weekend read. 📖
July 2, 2019
Great characters and great story. Will and Julia are so lovable and Brambleberry House is wonderful. Love the series.
February 24, 2020
Really enjoy this series.
March 30, 2020
What's not to love? A perfect blend of characters - broken hearts, downcast souls, children, and a dog that is a little to human. ❤️
April 21, 2020
Great book(s)! Just what I needed at this time. Who doesn’t like happy endings? Keep up the good work.
October 13, 2022
2017 - PB - 2 books in one - dollhouse repair
April 10, 2023
Very good. Sometimes people outside of circle can see better than us.
May 11, 2023
Book 2 of the Brambleberry House series. It just keeps getting better!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews