How much would you sacrifice to save the life of a child?
In the fourth novel of best-selling author Barbara Hinske’s beloved Rosemont series, Maggie Martin faces her biggest challenges when her future at Rosemont and the life of someone dear to her are at stake.
Fighting to eradicate the corruption in Westbury has left Mayor Maggie Martin drained. A sweet respite in Cornwall, England, with her new husband is exactly what she needs. Their flight hasn’t left the tarmac, however, before another betrayal by her late husband Paul Martin comes to light. His lies turned their life together into an illusion, but this new revelation could put the lives of her children in jeopardy.
While Maggie weighs the option of telling them about their father’s deceit, her nemesis Frank Haynes is getting closer to uncovering the truth. Though his goal of claiming Maggie’s coveted Rosemont estate is clearly in sight, a potential for love has him contemplating whether he should release his lifelong dream.
Can both Frank Haynes and Maggie Martin find happiness? Or will the enigmatic Haynes use Paul Martin’s lies to ruin her?
USA Today Bestselling Author Barbara Hinske is an attorney who recently left the practice of law to pursue her career as a full-time novelist. She inherited the fiction gene from her father who wrote mysteries when he retired and told her a story every night of her childhood. Barbara is the bestselling author of the beloved Rosemont series; the acclaimed Guiding Emily series; a collection of murder mystery thrillers in her "Who's There?" collection; and her sweet Christmas novellas The Christmas Club (adapted for the Hallmark Channel in 2019), Paws & Pastries, and No Matter How Far.
She and her husband share their own Rosemont with two adorable and spoiled dogs. She is besotted with decorating, entertaining, cooking and gardening. Now that her novel The Christmas Club has been made into a Hallmark Channel movie, she is completely star-struck and thrilled to have her work on the screen.
Closer and closer to some real answers. This book 8n the Rosemont series was terrific for revealing more about the true nature of several of the characters. Maggie’s dead husband was quite a bad guy. These books are very good. 😊
Drawing Close: The Fourth Novel in the Rosemont Series is by Barbara Hinske. This fourth novel is probably the best of the series. Time just flew by as I read it in a couple of hours. The descriptions of the situations and characters just drew me into the story. Some of the story lines in the series were drawn to a close; but not all of them. I am hoping for anther book to complete those. Maggie Martin has finally married John Allen and is on her honeymoon in Cornwall. Just as they were about to board the plane, she discovers in photos sent by her daughter Susan that Loretta Nash’s youngest daughter Nicole is her husband Paul Martin’s daughter. There is no doubt in her mind that his mistress had his daughter. What will this mean to her own children who know nothing of their Father’s misdeeds? At the end of their honeymoon, Maggie is contacted by special counsel Alex Scanlon to do some forensic accounting work on the documents they just received from overseas. They are hoping she will find enough evidence to convince several persons for fraud and embezzlement of the pension fund for the City. Adding to Maggie’s problems is the case by Frank Haynes for ½ of Rosemont. He can prove that he is a direct heir as was Maggie’s husband Paul; but unlike Paul, Frank didn’t try to hide any evidence. Does he have a claim on Rosemont? Is their anyway to hold on to it?
**This review is for the audiobook on Audible as well as the paperback edition.**
A wonderful, must-read (& must-listen to) series!!!
Drawing Close by Barbara Hinske, narrated by Dina Pearlman is Book 4 in the Rosemont Series. I have absolutely LOVED every single book by Barbara Hinske and own them all in a variety of formats. She is an amazing author...definitely a favorite to many readers!! The Rosemont Series is outstanding, and I highly recommend all of the Rosemont books to those who enjoy Women's Fiction. The writing is superb, and there is never a dull moment. In fact, I wish it could be made into a television series so I could read, listen, and watch my favorite characters all the time! Make sure to start with Book 1 so you are able to fully understand the characters and the community. It is here that you will also fall in love with the true beauty of the Rosemont estate. 💟
Dina Pearlman's performance is one that cannot be matched. She is awesome! Her narration is flawless, and I could listen to her over and over again. Her voice, tone, and inflection of every character is perfect...it's almost like she IS each of the characters! Reading the books was such a treat, but hearing them told to me by Dina Pearlman is the cherry on top! You are going to LOVE this series!! 💯
Without hesitation, I rate Drawing Close: Book 4 in the Rosemont Series by Barbara Hinske, narrated by Dina Pearlman a well-deserved 5/5 stars!! From the outstanding writing to the engaging storytelling, this is one set of audiobooks you don't want to miss! I am confident you, too, will fall in love with Rosemont and all of the characters. Keep up the wonderful work, ladies! Your hard work is much appreciated! 🎧📚
Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. ☺
Drawing Close: The Fourth Novel in the Rosemont Series is by Barbara Hinske. This fourth novel is probably the best of the series. Time just flew by as I read it in a couple of hours. The descriptions of the situations and characters just drew me into the story. Some of the story lines in the series were drawn to a close; but not all of them. I am hoping for anther book to complete those. Maggie Martin has finally married John Allen and is on her honeymoon in Cornwall. Just as they were about to board the plane, she discovers in photos sent by her daughter Susan that Loretta Nash’s youngest daughter Nicole is her husband Paul Martin’s daughter. There is no doubt in her mind that his mistress had his daughter. What will this mean to her own children who know nothing of their Father’s misdeeds? At the end of their honeymoon, Maggie is contacted by special counsel Alex Scanlon to do some forensic accounting work on the documents they just received from overseas. They are hoping she will find enough evidence to convince several persons for fraud and embezzlement of the pension fund for the City. Adding to Maggie’s problems is the case by Frank Haynes for ½ of Rosemont. He can prove that he is a direct heir as was Maggie’s husband Paul; but unlike Paul, Frank didn’t try to hide any evidence. Does he have a claim on Rosemont? Is their anyway to hold on to it?
This is another excellent installment in the Rosemont Series that went by way too quickly for this reader. As always, Westbury is buzzing with excitement. There are those folks that have a complete change of heart, those that learn new life-changing facts, and then you have those wretched characters that will never change and want to bring misery to others. You will have to read "Drawing Close" to find out who is who. I guarantee you will be surprised!!
Disclaimer: I was provided an electronic copy of the book by the author to early read and provide a review.
This is the fourth entry in the Rosemont series, in the cozy little town of Westbury, where nefarious people and a corrupt city council is fought by a group of very nice folks. Mayor Maggie tries to help them all, despite the looming loss of her beloved home, her daughter's serious illness after donating a kidney, and trying to sell off a million dollars worth of antique silver, which may or may not have the right to do. Sounds pretty corny, and it is, but I really like it. If they could just get rid of the Chicago mobster, I would move to Westbury in a heartbeat!
I thoroughly enjoyed the first three books of this series. This book, the fourth, was supposed to wrap it all up. While it did wrap up one plot line, the other one was not only left hanging, it was in shreds. Very disappointing!
Drawing Close is the fourth installment in Barbara Hinske’s Westbury series, which takes place in the charming fictitious town near Chicago. As someone who has thoroughly enjoyed the first three books, I was eager to dive into this one and reconnect with the familiar characters and heartwarming stories Hinske weaves so well.
While I still found the book enjoyable overall, I did experience some frustration with how certain storylines were handled. In particular, one subplot involved a character’s miscarriage, and rather than being treated with the depth and sensitivity such a topic deserves, it was briefly mentioned in an aside. The main character simply reads an email referencing the miscarriage without any further dialogue or exploration. This felt abrupt and disconnected from the emotional weight of the situation, and I was disappointed that the audience wasn’t given more insight or resolution on this issue.
Aside from this, I felt that some of the storylines were rushed, which affected my connection with the characters and the narrative. After giving the first three books in the series five out of five stars, I found myself rating Drawing Close three stars due to these concerns. That said, I still look forward to reading the remaining books in the series and hope that future installments bring back the depth and emotional engagement that initially drew me in.
WOW! What a way to start a honeymoon! Seems like Maggie just can get a break from her conniving first husband. But with new husband, Dr. John, I think she can handle anything. In this book, we also see that Frank does have a heart, but how is he going to deal with that little fact? What would you do if you found out your dad had a whole other family? That could be quite a shock, but Maggie’s family, well I would be proud to call them family. Will Susan and Aaron’s life ever on an even keel? Again the love of the people in this town is just awesome!
This was the fourth book in the Rosemont Series. The story is of an older lady who finds out that her newly dead husband has embezzled lots of money from the college he was president of and had a mistress. He did leave a rather large house to her in the middle the country so she moves there and starts a new life. Over five books she settles in there and tries to become involved in a country life and we see different people come and go like the mistress, and her children trying to figure out why she has moved there.
Life goes on in this wonderful story, written beautifully by Barbara Hinske. Abundant in evoking warm coziness, thoughts, suspense, love and the reality of thoughts by each of the story’s characters, this series totally satisfies. I am not one who will copy the synopsis of the book for review as one can read for themselves off the book’s jacket. Instead, I prefer to appeal to the myriad of feelings that evoke in my heart. Again, highly recommend and happy reading!
I’ve read four of the “Rosemont” series before writing a review. I truly fell in love with this series and all the characters. My favorite is John. He is such a fine man and a gentle man. His love of animals is heartwarming. Frank Haynes is turning into an all right guy...so far. My dislike and distrust of Delgado puts a sour taste in my mouth. He is a dangerous monster. Please write more books about Rosemont...I could read them forever. Thank you
There is a big lesson in this story about the power of kindness that is so important in these times… well all times really. When things are going well in our lives we should come from gratitude and pay it forward… more than that we should look with an open heart and mind at those around us. Not with blinders on but with an open heart and mind.
I M in awe of this addictive series. Although there is progress in the storylines in each book, the progress is incremental. I am currently reading a book about every 2 days
My only complaint is (spoiler alert) some major events are revealed after the fact - the mayor's suicide and Amy's miscarriage were big events revealed but not discussed.
This is the fourth book in the series that keeps you interested from beginning to end and longing for more. I may have even shared some tears while reading it. I loved everything about this book. You begin to think Frank doesn't have a heart and only thinks of himself. Then, you learn differently when the story goes along. I can't wait to read Book 5. This series is a must read.
The continuing story of the Westbury embezzlement along with all the trials and tribulations that Maggie and the people of Westbury go through in attempting to bring the criminals to justice. This series is not just about problems but also about finding your heart's desire.
This was an enjoyable series, although there were times where it was unbelievable and unrealistic. Very romantic though. The endings of each book in the series are abrupt and unsatisfying. However they do make one want to read the next book to get some resolution.
I’m a sucker for happy endings. There’s just something about them that reinstates my trust in humanity when I read something as adorable as this. Life is about changes. And this book shows how important family is, and how crucial life can change at any given moment.
I know why it was not mentioned, but I kept thinking...just get blood tests. The only legitimate heir is dead, but he had a girl and a boy child. A genetic test would prove if anyone else is related to the heir. And speaking of which, the children are living heirs as well.
you can teach an old dog ( older, narcistic man) new tricks
Dreams and people are changed, animosities are resolved, sisters share. All these events happen in these pages. But the financial improprieties are still unresolved. I’m so glad all the series is published so I am reading this excellent series from start to finish.
This book, Drawing Close is my favorite book in this series up to this point ! my goodness at the twists and change of direction! I just want to say how nice it is to read great books with middle ages the focus. I am so excited go start book 5 in this series. I love it so much.
This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites. This series is the first I have read from this author and I very much look forward to reading more from her. I have enjoyed following the characters in this series and the story stays consistent.
The character development is impressive . The tension in the plot is well balanced and believable.. This is just an impressive series. Although people tend to grab dogs and adopt them way too fast.
Another Good book in this series. A major character undergoes a change of heart and shows he has a heart. Looking forward to how that changes the story in the next 2 books.
Love Mayor Maggie and her family and friends. Happy endings don't have to be sappy. This book has a fine plot, thoughtfully conceived characters and enough complexity to make it a great read. I'll be watching for the next Rosemont book!
This series has the right amount of suspense to keep readers wondering what will happen next, and has interesting characters. The town sounds like a place that I would like to visit, and I would like to explore Rosemont as well.
And the story continued with easy, enjoyable reading! Some tragedies averted; some left for the next in the series. The ending makes it impossible to not read on; I’ll begin the fifth in the Rosemont Series right now!
This is an emotional story with complex characters and a unique plot. Frank Haynes is perhaps the most complex character A real Dr. Jeckell and Mr. Hyde. I am really enjoying this series. Happy reading and listening!