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Homecoming #2
Second Chances: Love in Juniper Ridge
It's never too late for a second chance at love.Coach Marshal Wilmore has had feelings for his best friends' younger sister, Karissa, since they were teens, but the age difference, and his friendship, meant he had to keep his feelings to himself. Now that she's back on her family's farm, single again, with her young son in tow, he's determined to see if they have a future.Karissa thinks she has more than enough on her plate without adding another man to it--her divorce isn't even final when she moves home, and she remembers the way Marsh used to tease her all to well. But the grown up version of the guy she thought she knew as a teen is a whole lot more appealing. Can he show her what love is supposed to be? And when trouble comes his way, will she have the faith to stand beside him, despite everything that says he's not what he seems?
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2012
691 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Heather Justesen
28 books122 followersHeather Justesen is an award-winning and up-and-coming author for the women's romance market.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 25, 2019
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This was the introduction to a contemporary romance series that entertains with inspiration, hope, and romance. Of course, the heroine did have some character flaws that were super annoying. However, there are similar complaints in real life, are there not? On the other hand, the hero was strong, persistent, and dependable - until she is not sure that he is. Can she trust him after all?
This is a clean and wholesome read unless a few kisses eliminate this from that category for you. There were lots of issues to overcome, twists and turns, and the family dynamics to iron about. It was captivating enough to be enjoyable.
It really irks me when the conclusion is so abrupt. Loose ends don't give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. You never know if they will be addressed in the next installment of a series or not. And what reader would look forward to waiting to find out? Not this one!
This was the introduction to a contemporary romance series that entertains with inspiration, hope, and romance. Of course, the heroine did have some character flaws that were super annoying. However, there are similar complaints in real life, are there not? On the other hand, the hero was strong, persistent, and dependable - until she is not sure that he is. Can she trust him after all?
This is a clean and wholesome read unless a few kisses eliminate this from that category for you. There were lots of issues to overcome, twists and turns, and the family dynamics to iron about. It was captivating enough to be enjoyable.
It really irks me when the conclusion is so abrupt. Loose ends don't give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. You never know if they will be addressed in the next installment of a series or not. And what reader would look forward to waiting to find out? Not this one!
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January 16, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/16/2018)! 💝
May 16, 2017
FTC DISCLAIMER: I WAS OFFERED AN E-ARC FROM THE AUTHOR, HOWEVER I PURCHASED A COPY DIRECT FROM AMAZON. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! OFFER OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!
I was not that impressed with this story. I felt that the style was more of a "tell everything, don't have the characters show the reader" type of situation. The story also felt a little disjointed to me, as if I was reading scenes, rather than a fluid plot.
I found most all of the characters annoying, but Karissa was the one that stood out for me the most. The reasons for her gun-shy nature when it came to relationships didn't come off as realistic. I also felt that she was a bit too whiny, constantly doubting herself and her attractiveness, all because he ex cheated on her. She was weepy, not angry, and it didn't resonate well with me.
Marsh was a bit too pushy for my tastes, especially since the ink on the divorce was barely dry! He never gave Karissa time to be on her own, figure out who she was now without being in a relationship. He seemed to enjoy Karissa's use of him to needle her ex, and it made the relationship feel unrealistic.
All things considered, I thought this was a good introduction to the author's writing style, but it wasn't a good fit for me as a reader. I do believe I have another book written by this author, so I am willing to give her a second chance, but not right away. I hope the next one is a better fit for me!
I was not that impressed with this story. I felt that the style was more of a "tell everything, don't have the characters show the reader" type of situation. The story also felt a little disjointed to me, as if I was reading scenes, rather than a fluid plot.
I found most all of the characters annoying, but Karissa was the one that stood out for me the most. The reasons for her gun-shy nature when it came to relationships didn't come off as realistic. I also felt that she was a bit too whiny, constantly doubting herself and her attractiveness, all because he ex cheated on her. She was weepy, not angry, and it didn't resonate well with me.
Marsh was a bit too pushy for my tastes, especially since the ink on the divorce was barely dry! He never gave Karissa time to be on her own, figure out who she was now without being in a relationship. He seemed to enjoy Karissa's use of him to needle her ex, and it made the relationship feel unrealistic.
All things considered, I thought this was a good introduction to the author's writing style, but it wasn't a good fit for me as a reader. I do believe I have another book written by this author, so I am willing to give her a second chance, but not right away. I hope the next one is a better fit for me!
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January 16, 2018Stopped reading at 39%. There was little 'plot' to the story other than Marsh mooning over Karissa and Karissa being an absolute whiner about her ex and so on. I got a little tired of reading about Paul going to his dad's etc. Nothing seemed to happen.
I hated the way Karissa seemed to rely on everyone else to sort out her problems and yet when she had a flat tyre she got grumpy when Marsh helped her out.
How could her parents possible help her care for her son if her mother was sick? How could Karissa deal with day to day life if she lost her mother? Wow.
Marsh acted like a neanderthal at times and although there was frequent mention of farm activities such as milking, I never got the sense that this was part of their life. The sub plot about alcohol drugs etc in High school was somehow unrelated and forced, perhaps because Marsh was a very underdeveloped character and had little real personality.
I hated the way Karissa seemed to rely on everyone else to sort out her problems and yet when she had a flat tyre she got grumpy when Marsh helped her out.
How could her parents possible help her care for her son if her mother was sick? How could Karissa deal with day to day life if she lost her mother? Wow.
Marsh acted like a neanderthal at times and although there was frequent mention of farm activities such as milking, I never got the sense that this was part of their life. The sub plot about alcohol drugs etc in High school was somehow unrelated and forced, perhaps because Marsh was a very underdeveloped character and had little real personality.
February 5, 2018
It was OK, that's it, just OK. Nothing deep or moving about this story. Karissa has come home to recoup after a nasty divorce. Her ex is a jerk, but he is good to their son, Paul, so Karissa is trying to keep the peace. It's not easy. Marsh has had his eye on Karissa since forever. He's her brothers' best friend and she's been off-limits until now. He just has to figure out how to make it work without rushing Karissa. Marsh has problems of his own that call into question everything Karissa is beginning to know about Marsh.
It's an OK story, there is no high drama. Karissa gets tiring after awhile and Marsh is almost too understanding. The writing is OK. It's a good "filler" that's quick to read if you're looking for something like that.
It's an OK story, there is no high drama. Karissa gets tiring after awhile and Marsh is almost too understanding. The writing is OK. It's a good "filler" that's quick to read if you're looking for something like that.
May 12, 2017
Karissa can't figure out what she did wrong. She was married & had a child. She thought they were happy. Right up to the time her husband came to her & said he was in love with someone else, wanted a divorce & oh, by the way, she's pregnant with a child when he swore he didn't want any more kids. Karissa decides to move her son, Paul &herself back home with her parents until she gets her life back together.
Marsh has had a crush on Karissa throughout high school. Unfortunately, he is her brother's best friend & a couple of years older. By the time he felt he could ask her out without her dad coming at him with a shotgun, she was dating the man that now is her ex. This time, he's not going to let anything stand I. His way.
I really enjoyed the start to this series. Heather Tullis developed complex characters that are realistic & well rounded. With Karissa, the writer allowed the reader the intimacy of knowing what was going on in her mind & how her husband cheating & the divorce really affected her heart, her mind & her ability to trust. With Marsh, his lack of patience about cost him everything. The plot moved quickly but had several twists that could have derailed their relationship. I can't wait to see how the series progresses!
Marsh has had a crush on Karissa throughout high school. Unfortunately, he is her brother's best friend & a couple of years older. By the time he felt he could ask her out without her dad coming at him with a shotgun, she was dating the man that now is her ex. This time, he's not going to let anything stand I. His way.
I really enjoyed the start to this series. Heather Tullis developed complex characters that are realistic & well rounded. With Karissa, the writer allowed the reader the intimacy of knowing what was going on in her mind & how her husband cheating & the divorce really affected her heart, her mind & her ability to trust. With Marsh, his lack of patience about cost him everything. The plot moved quickly but had several twists that could have derailed their relationship. I can't wait to see how the series progresses!
July 9, 2017
Second Chances: Love in Juniper Ridge: This story tells us of Karissa, a broken-hearted wife and mother who is going through a divorce and moving back into her parents' farmhouse with her little boy, Paul. Her ex, Dennis, cheated on her and has moved on with his new 'fling' who is now very pregnant with their child. Hey, this situation is making Karissa angry, unhappy, broken, untrusting and not sure that she will ever trust a man again. She didn't see it coming - we seldom do - she thought she had picked the man for a lifetime, so her ability to choose seems warped. Then along comes Marsh - well let's face it, Marsh has always been there with her brother Hank. She practically grew up with him, and he and her brother Hank had fun teasing her as a teenager. Karissa is a copy who is currently working as a dispatcher. Hank is a H.S. teacher and team coach. The author writes this story well, but I have learned very little about Juniper Ridge and really little or nothing about the characters, other than their love, their loyalty or disloyalty, their faithfulness of lack of it. I do understand that it is in a series and more will come later. Overall, the book is written well and ended at a very satisfying spot.
January 30, 2018
I really liked this book! I liked the characters and the plot. This is a cute second chance romance.
I liked Karissa. I liked the humility she shows during this one. It would have been hard, but she was willing to move her son Paul to her parents home when her marriage fell apart. She was also really kind to her ex-husband and his new wife, even when it didn't seem like they deserved it. And the way she trusted Marshal, even when things didn't seem right was great. She even goes out of her way to figure out a way to prove his innocence. That was one of my favorite parts about this one!
Marshal is great too! I liked the way he goes after Karissa, showing her he cares for her, even though she's just gotten out of a relationship. He knows she has some trust issues, but he cared for her enough before that he goes for it. I liked seeing him with the students he coaches, you can tell he cares for them. He was also really humble when everything seemed to be falling apart for him. So great!
This is a fun one, I really enjoyed it!
I liked Karissa. I liked the humility she shows during this one. It would have been hard, but she was willing to move her son Paul to her parents home when her marriage fell apart. She was also really kind to her ex-husband and his new wife, even when it didn't seem like they deserved it. And the way she trusted Marshal, even when things didn't seem right was great. She even goes out of her way to figure out a way to prove his innocence. That was one of my favorite parts about this one!
Marshal is great too! I liked the way he goes after Karissa, showing her he cares for her, even though she's just gotten out of a relationship. He knows she has some trust issues, but he cared for her enough before that he goes for it. I liked seeing him with the students he coaches, you can tell he cares for them. He was also really humble when everything seemed to be falling apart for him. So great!
This is a fun one, I really enjoyed it!
January 1, 2018
ARC for honest review with no compensation
Second Chances is book 1 in the Carver Ranch series by Heather Tullis and she gets it started with a bang! !
Karissa always knew what her life would be like…love, marriage, children and a HEA until her husband does the ultimate…demand a divorce and gets another woman pregnant! ! Her life is in shambles and she decides to move back home and begin again only….no man will ever claim her heart again...or so she believes…
Marshal has always had a crush on Karissa but things happened and they never got the chance to date…now she is back in town all grown up and has a child and he is determined to be a part of her ever after…that is until he is accused of giving his students drugs.
Can Marshal show Karissa that she can trust him while his reputation and life is on the line or will she just turn her back on him and move on to a lonely life???
Second Chances is book 1 in the Carver Ranch series by Heather Tullis and she gets it started with a bang! !
Karissa always knew what her life would be like…love, marriage, children and a HEA until her husband does the ultimate…demand a divorce and gets another woman pregnant! ! Her life is in shambles and she decides to move back home and begin again only….no man will ever claim her heart again...or so she believes…
Marshal has always had a crush on Karissa but things happened and they never got the chance to date…now she is back in town all grown up and has a child and he is determined to be a part of her ever after…that is until he is accused of giving his students drugs.
Can Marshal show Karissa that she can trust him while his reputation and life is on the line or will she just turn her back on him and move on to a lonely life???
May 9, 2017
A story about learning to trust again and open your heart after the ultimate betrayal.
I liked the way Ms Tullis allowed you into Karissa's thoughts and emotions regarding Dennis and Marsh. It helped a lot to understand their dynamics and why she acted like she did in "difficult" situations.
I was pleasantly surprised "running" into Gage and hearing about Vince and Cami from "A Perfect Fit" - albeit just a brief encounter. I wasn't aware that the two series were set in the same town/area.
The story moves at a brisk pace and just when you think Karissa and Marsh have found their happily ever after and Karissa has buried her doubts and demons - Ms Tullis throws in a curve ball or three to complicate and possibly derail their fledgling romance.
I liked the way Ms Tullis allowed you into Karissa's thoughts and emotions regarding Dennis and Marsh. It helped a lot to understand their dynamics and why she acted like she did in "difficult" situations.
I was pleasantly surprised "running" into Gage and hearing about Vince and Cami from "A Perfect Fit" - albeit just a brief encounter. I wasn't aware that the two series were set in the same town/area.
The story moves at a brisk pace and just when you think Karissa and Marsh have found their happily ever after and Karissa has buried her doubts and demons - Ms Tullis throws in a curve ball or three to complicate and possibly derail their fledgling romance.
August 9, 2017
Second Chances: Love in Juniper Ridge is the first book in the Carver Ranch series. Life is good, until it's not. Karissa found that out when she had to start her life over and move with her son to the family ranch. You see her struggling with trust and getting past the hurt. Marshal has always liked Karissa but never had the timing down to do anything about it, but now since she is at the ranch, he is hoping to have a chance. Karissa finds herself responding more and more to Marshal as he helps her adjust to her new life. Their story is sweet and I absolutely loved it.
January 24, 2019
What a great book! Marsh and Karissa are perfect together and so glad that they got their first chance together but her second chance. I could defintely relate to Karissa and where it was hard to trust in Marsh and believe after she had been hurt so bad by her ex. So it was defintely a realstic book in my opinion as I would have been the same way. I can't wait to read the next in the series and hear about her Hank and Bo (Karissa's brothers). Hopefully we will hear a little more on Marsh & Karissa.
January 7, 2018
Love this second chance story.
Marsh as known Karissa for years. He is her brother's friend. He fell to her years before but she was younger than him. She went on with her life. She got married, had a son, then divorced. She ended up moving back home. Marsh was there. Things were still the same but the emotions came through. Love the emotional ups and downs of this book. They are so cute together.
Marsh as known Karissa for years. He is her brother's friend. He fell to her years before but she was younger than him. She went on with her life. She got married, had a son, then divorced. She ended up moving back home. Marsh was there. Things were still the same but the emotions came through. Love the emotional ups and downs of this book. They are so cute together.
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February 6, 2018I could not warm to the characters, especially Karissa. Her attitude and treatment of Marsh annoyed me and to be honest after 70 pages I started skimming through the book. I will try another book by this author, because enough reviewers tell me she is a very talented writer. I just could not get into this story and move past my dislike of Karissa, the creep ex-husband Dennis and Sheryl. I think it was the wrong time for me to read this book.
March 24, 2018
This was a very enjoyable book.
I liked that the characters had known one another while growing up but he couldn't date her since she was too young at the time and she had a crush on him. Fast forward a few years and a failed marriage for her with her picking up the pieces and trying to find balance in her life again. That's where this book starts off. You find out that he has never met anyone who meets his standards of her.
I liked that the characters had known one another while growing up but he couldn't date her since she was too young at the time and she had a crush on him. Fast forward a few years and a failed marriage for her with her picking up the pieces and trying to find balance in her life again. That's where this book starts off. You find out that he has never met anyone who meets his standards of her.
October 15, 2018
This was a sweet romance about second chances. Karissa returns home after a failed marriage with her young son. Marsh has always like Karissa but the timing has never been right until now. Marsh is a great guy and he is very sweet to Karissa and her family. I liked his relationship with his team. Karissa struggles at first but as the book progresses she finds her way. I like the family dynamics in this book. Overall it was a good read.
January 10, 2019
Love in Juniper Ridge
When Karissa moves back to her parents farm with her son, to wait for her divorce, she is reunited with her high school crush. But because of her husband's betrayal she fights her feelings about Marsh. He will have to reassure her his is in the relationship for the long haul. But what happens when he is arrested? Will she believe in him or because of her ex push him aside?
When Karissa moves back to her parents farm with her son, to wait for her divorce, she is reunited with her high school crush. But because of her husband's betrayal she fights her feelings about Marsh. He will have to reassure her his is in the relationship for the long haul. But what happens when he is arrested? Will she believe in him or because of her ex push him aside?
December 30, 2017
Winner
I have read other books from Heather and each of them have been wonderful. Karissa was dealing with a divorce and moving back to the family farm with her son. Her ex is expecting another child with the woman he left her for. But there is someone who was always there. Can she trust her heart again.
I have read other books from Heather and each of them have been wonderful. Karissa was dealing with a divorce and moving back to the family farm with her son. Her ex is expecting another child with the woman he left her for. But there is someone who was always there. Can she trust her heart again.
January 13, 2018
I didn't fee the love. The characters were weak, both in the story and in development. There were some good parts in the book, but overall, I felt like an outsider looking in instead of being drawn into the story. It lacked color, spice, and passion. Too much telling and not enough painting. I finished it but was bored.
July 2, 2018
Marsh and Karissa have a unique story. Karissa is divorced and has scars that are deep. Her husband cheated and blamed her. Marsh has always had a thing for Karissa and decides to give her some time to grieve. When they get together it isn’t easy due to Karissa’s insecurities. Truly an example of second chances and how we handle them. Really enjoyed this story.
September 30, 2018
This sweet romance was well written. I liked that there was a cameo appearance by Gage, a character that I got acquainted with in the Di Carlo Brides Series. I have really enjoyed all the books written by Heather Tullis that take place in Juniper Ridege Colorado. I will look for more books in this series.
November 6, 2021
Carver Ranch 1
When Karissa's marriage falls apart and she moves back home to Juniper Ridge, her past comes back to haunt her. Marsh has had a crush on Karissa for years but the timing has never worked out yet now that she has come back home, maybe time is on his side now. Will Marsh and Karissa find their happily ever after or will lies and deception keep them apart?
When Karissa's marriage falls apart and she moves back home to Juniper Ridge, her past comes back to haunt her. Marsh has had a crush on Karissa for years but the timing has never worked out yet now that she has come back home, maybe time is on his side now. Will Marsh and Karissa find their happily ever after or will lies and deception keep them apart?
January 10, 2018
Good romance
This is a nice story. Marsh has the opportunity to finally be with his all time crush and Karissa is learning to love again, learning how to trust again after a failed marriage. Very sweet!
This is a nice story. Marsh has the opportunity to finally be with his all time crush and Karissa is learning to love again, learning how to trust again after a failed marriage. Very sweet!
January 11, 2018
Great
This was was awesome!The story was great and well written. There was a lot of different emotions. It points out to not give up.Things usually work out I the end.The ending was TOTALLY unexpected.
This was was awesome!The story was great and well written. There was a lot of different emotions. It points out to not give up.Things usually work out I the end.The ending was TOTALLY unexpected.
January 17, 2018
This book was so good! I liked how Karissa had to get over her past and learn to trust again. Marsh is a good guy, and I love that there was a happy ending. Getting there was frustrating at times but I was ok with it because it worked out in the end.
January 18, 2018
Second Chance
Very good characters with Karissa and Marsh finding real love. Their love is demonstrated through caring about family and Karissas little boy. The mystery part is good
Very good characters with Karissa and Marsh finding real love. Their love is demonstrated through caring about family and Karissas little boy. The mystery part is good
May 13, 2018
A sweet romantic read. Marsh and Karissa were each other’s crush as kids but never acted on it. As adults, they try to give it a go but past experiences gives doubt to Karissa. Not a hot and heavy romance but a likeable and enjoyable read.
May 13, 2018
Adult love
Marissa has !let her confidence because her husband d left her for another woman. She second guesses every decision. Marsh has always loved her and hopes she will start a relationship with him.
Marissa has !let her confidence because her husband d left her for another woman. She second guesses every decision. Marsh has always loved her and hopes she will start a relationship with him.
July 15, 2018
The heart and mind need to be on the same page.
Karissa and Marsh have a past, friends and he was her brother’s best friend. Now with Karissa getting over her divorce, maybe they have more in their future.
Karissa and Marsh have a past, friends and he was her brother’s best friend. Now with Karissa getting over her divorce, maybe they have more in their future.
October 5, 2018
This third book in the homecoming series was a great read! It is very well written. It has book romance and suspense in the perfect blend. I loved the characters and can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews