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Sunriver Dreams #2
A Christmas Homecoming
Can the mystery of Christmas unite two hurting hearts?
Bailey Calderwood gives all she has to her job as an interior design assistant, but her best isn’t good enough for her demanding, bed-ridden boss. For some unexplained reason Mona has turned against her. At least not everyone is out to get her. A mysterious admirer is sending her cards and flowers. Could it be her boss’s son who’s recently returned home in time for the holidays?
Stephen Belafonte rushes home from France to be with his mother after her stroke, and is surprised by the rift between his mom and Bailey, her assistant. When his mom demands he fire Bailey, he’s torn between respecting his mother’s wishes and doing what’s best for the family business. Can Stephen find a way to heal the rift in his family as well his own heart, or will he be forced to let Bailey go?
Bailey Calderwood gives all she has to her job as an interior design assistant, but her best isn’t good enough for her demanding, bed-ridden boss. For some unexplained reason Mona has turned against her. At least not everyone is out to get her. A mysterious admirer is sending her cards and flowers. Could it be her boss’s son who’s recently returned home in time for the holidays?
Stephen Belafonte rushes home from France to be with his mother after her stroke, and is surprised by the rift between his mom and Bailey, her assistant. When his mom demands he fire Bailey, he’s torn between respecting his mother’s wishes and doing what’s best for the family business. Can Stephen find a way to heal the rift in his family as well his own heart, or will he be forced to let Bailey go?
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2016
544 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Rose Johnson
53 books319 followersAward winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in Montana. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.
Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
You can sign up for Kimberly's newsletter via her website at: https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/
Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
You can sign up for Kimberly's newsletter via her website at: https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
September 25, 2016
A Christmas Homecoming, #2 Sunriver Dreams Series***** by Kimberly Rose Johnson
We return to Sunriver, Oregon in this second book in the Sunriver Dreams Series. I like that some of the characters from the first book are included in this one as well. Interior designer Bailey Calderwood loves her work most days—assisting a demanding boss can be challenging. Something happened in her childhood that has impacted her life and how she interacts with others. Bailey is much stronger than she thinks and it is fun to watch her “bloom” as she learns her true worth. I like the way she enjoys two children in the story who captured my heart as well.
Stephen Belafonte is another strong character who has past griefs of his own. It is good to see how he learns to let go and allow God to heal his heart and trust Him for his future. Conflict with his mother and some family members has Stephen torn as to what he should do. A Christmas Homecoming is a sweet, uplifting and inspiring story where forgiveness, romance and faith bring healing and love.
~I received a PDF copy and was privileged to be one of the beta readers for this book, (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
We return to Sunriver, Oregon in this second book in the Sunriver Dreams Series. I like that some of the characters from the first book are included in this one as well. Interior designer Bailey Calderwood loves her work most days—assisting a demanding boss can be challenging. Something happened in her childhood that has impacted her life and how she interacts with others. Bailey is much stronger than she thinks and it is fun to watch her “bloom” as she learns her true worth. I like the way she enjoys two children in the story who captured my heart as well.
Stephen Belafonte is another strong character who has past griefs of his own. It is good to see how he learns to let go and allow God to heal his heart and trust Him for his future. Conflict with his mother and some family members has Stephen torn as to what he should do. A Christmas Homecoming is a sweet, uplifting and inspiring story where forgiveness, romance and faith bring healing and love.
~I received a PDF copy and was privileged to be one of the beta readers for this book, (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
July 26, 2016
Kimberly Rose Johnson has written another enjoyable read set in the town of Sunriver, Oregon. A couple of the characters from the first book in the series are part of the story but the main characters are Bailey Calderwood and the Belafonte family. Mona Belafonte, mother of the Belafonte brothers and Bailey’s boss, has suffered a stroke, which has not helped her disposition. Even though she is mostly in the background, she still seems to exert a lot of influence on the others. I especially enjoyed the interactions between Bailey and the two children of one of the brothers. She seems to click with them even when there are clashes with others. Bailey tries to keep the trauma of her childhood hidden but it affects her almost daily in the way she relates to many of the adults in the story. I recommend you read this to see if she overcomes her past and how her choices may affect her future. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
December 7, 2022
Sunriver, Oregon, had held too many sad memories for Stephen Belafonte, and he had fled to France. Now, a few years later, he is coming home at Christmas time to help out with the family business and with caring for his mom, the family's matriarch and the head of their company.
Stephen does not count on falling for his mom's personal assistant.
Bailey Calderwood, a talented Belafonte designer, has gone above and beyond her job duties to help her employer and her family in their time of need. She is hard-working, kind, selfless, shy, but not timid. An unpleasant incident in her childhood has influenced Bailey's views, decisions, and responses since then.
But it all is about to change when Stephen and Bailey meet, work together, and get to know each other.
I truly enjoyed this book. The story flowed nicely, had the right amount of clean romance, mystery, and faith elements woven into it.
Stephen does not count on falling for his mom's personal assistant.
Bailey Calderwood, a talented Belafonte designer, has gone above and beyond her job duties to help her employer and her family in their time of need. She is hard-working, kind, selfless, shy, but not timid. An unpleasant incident in her childhood has influenced Bailey's views, decisions, and responses since then.
But it all is about to change when Stephen and Bailey meet, work together, and get to know each other.
I truly enjoyed this book. The story flowed nicely, had the right amount of clean romance, mystery, and faith elements woven into it.
January 1, 2022
Sweet inspirational Christmas romance. Clean read.
September 24, 2020
Johnson's second Sunriver Dreams novel is enjoyable, but lacks a bit of the magic and mystery of the first in the series. Bailey is a sweet girl, but she is too much of a doormat and this is a bit grating after a while. The romance is endearing and makes the tale a joyful read for the holiday season. It's fun to revisit characters from the first book and get to know new ones, and the setting continues to be a well-described part of the story that will make readers long for a visit to Sunriver.
Bailey Calderwood is just starting to get her footing as an assistant interior designer when her boss Mona has a stroke. She's been expected to pick up the slack in many areas, including being a cook and caregiver in addition to her design responsibilities. When Mona's son Stephen returns to Sunriver after an extended stay in France, he is appalled at what his mother expects from Bailey. Sparks fly between Stephen and Bailey from the start, but Mona and the rest of Stephen's family think Bailey is all wrong for him, and Mona even wants him to fire Bailey from her job. Can Stephen get to the bottom of the animosity or are they destined to stay apart?
August 24, 2016
Christmas Homecoming ( Sunriver Dreams - #2 )
By: Kimberly Rose Johnson
Christmas Homecoming is book two in Sunriver Dreams series.You will find some of the same characters that was in book one . The author drew me in right at the start , she does not disappoint. The story takes place in Sunriver , Oregon . Loved the two main characters , Bailey Calderwood and Stephen Belafonte . Bailey is an interior design assistance and works for Mona, Stephen’s mother . She is at the Belafonte’s beck and call. She is caring for Mona after she has her stroke. Stephen comes home with a bang after he hears about his mother’s health. Stephen wants to be there for his mother and trying to find out what has turned Mona against Bailey. Bailey has a secret admired. Who could it be? Could it be Stephen? This is a very sweet Christmas Homecoming by Kimberly Rose Johnson and it deals with forgiveness, romance, and faith.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.
By: Kimberly Rose Johnson
Christmas Homecoming is book two in Sunriver Dreams series.You will find some of the same characters that was in book one . The author drew me in right at the start , she does not disappoint. The story takes place in Sunriver , Oregon . Loved the two main characters , Bailey Calderwood and Stephen Belafonte . Bailey is an interior design assistance and works for Mona, Stephen’s mother . She is at the Belafonte’s beck and call. She is caring for Mona after she has her stroke. Stephen comes home with a bang after he hears about his mother’s health. Stephen wants to be there for his mother and trying to find out what has turned Mona against Bailey. Bailey has a secret admired. Who could it be? Could it be Stephen? This is a very sweet Christmas Homecoming by Kimberly Rose Johnson and it deals with forgiveness, romance, and faith.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.
August 12, 2016
A Christmas homecoming
Stephen comes home at Christmas time after learning of his mother's stroke (Mona). Bailey worked for Mona in her business but ended up moving in helping Mona after the stroke, for some reason is treating Bailey badly. So there is a mystery in the book as to why and also another mystery. Love the little kids in the books, always makes it better to have little ones in a book. Bailey and Stephen are so sweet, love them. They both have things in their past to overcome. I did received the book from the author in exchange for a honest review. Definitely a great Christmas story.
Stephen comes home at Christmas time after learning of his mother's stroke (Mona). Bailey worked for Mona in her business but ended up moving in helping Mona after the stroke, for some reason is treating Bailey badly. So there is a mystery in the book as to why and also another mystery. Love the little kids in the books, always makes it better to have little ones in a book. Bailey and Stephen are so sweet, love them. They both have things in their past to overcome. I did received the book from the author in exchange for a honest review. Definitely a great Christmas story.
July 28, 2016
A sweet story that reminds us how words spoken about us can affect our whole lives. Bailey has never forgotten harsh words that were shared between other girls when she was younger. Even though she is now an adult, those thoughts creep into her mind and cause her to doubt her abilities in her work and her emotions. While Christmas decorating for her boss, Bailey finds the meaning of love and forgiveness. Author Kimberly Rose Johnson gives the reader a story that is heart felt, emotional and uplifting. I enjoy reading stories by this author and look forward to reading more.
August 30, 2024
This was not really a sequel, but it had some of the same Sun River characters as the first story. I liked it although not as much as the first one. Again, I liked the setting in Sun River, Oregon. Some people in this story were victims of their own imaginations. Bailey, the main lady in the story, suffers from how she sees herself and thinks others see her. It affects the way she dresses and acts around others in some situations. She is a talented designer, and that part comes through. It takes a while for her to shed old ways of thinking, in this case, destructive thinking, but she eventually blossoms. It’s a good lesson about how young people can be scarred by words and carry it with them for a long time, maybe even a lifetime.
There is some humor, and I liked that. The silver car showing up at odd times and the secret admirer notes and gifts were of interest and added a little color to the story. Who was in that car? Who was her admirer? The questions are answered satisfactorily at the end, one rather humorously. Mona’s change of character at the end seemed a bit contrived. Yes, people can have a change of heart, and the Lord can do wonders, but it still felt a bit artificial to me.
Stephen has his own past to deal with. His first wife, Rebecca, had died early, and he fled the family business and went to France. He returns because his mom has had a stroke. His first meeting with Bailey isn’t under ideal conditions, but things develop as he sees qualities in her that he likes, things she doesn’t really see in herself. He seems to reintegrate into the business quite easily. His brothers are pretty forgiving without any real explanation.
It was a nice story although it lacked a bit of the drama of the previous novel, and things look to be pretty settled in a good way at the end.
There is some humor, and I liked that. The silver car showing up at odd times and the secret admirer notes and gifts were of interest and added a little color to the story. Who was in that car? Who was her admirer? The questions are answered satisfactorily at the end, one rather humorously. Mona’s change of character at the end seemed a bit contrived. Yes, people can have a change of heart, and the Lord can do wonders, but it still felt a bit artificial to me.
Stephen has his own past to deal with. His first wife, Rebecca, had died early, and he fled the family business and went to France. He returns because his mom has had a stroke. His first meeting with Bailey isn’t under ideal conditions, but things develop as he sees qualities in her that he likes, things she doesn’t really see in herself. He seems to reintegrate into the business quite easily. His brothers are pretty forgiving without any real explanation.
It was a nice story although it lacked a bit of the drama of the previous novel, and things look to be pretty settled in a good way at the end.
December 28, 2020
1.5 stars...This was...not good.
Bailey and Stephen (and every single supporting character, for that matter) were dull and one-dimensional. Admittedly, I didn’t realize this would be so heavily Christian focused, but even with that, this was too much. Bailey is a grown woman who has never had a relationship, never been kissed, has no real hobbies, and is a doormat the whole way through. That doesn’t make you religious or faithful, and it’s ridiculous to pretend it does. Stephen doesn’t seem much better - I’m sorry, but there is a difference between being a respectful son and allowing your mother to run your life (he didn’t date a woman because his mother didn’t like her hair colour?!?). His entire family is awful to Bailey, and the whole time they hide behind a pretend Christian front. How can you say you’re religious and then be so utterly judgmental and mean in how you treat others? And its all just brushed over!! His family is a wretch to her using her to cook and clean for them for Thanksgiving, and then they tell her to leave and don’t include her in the meal...and its all just brushed aside!! I’d be running from these phony, bible-thumping, rude, judgmental people as fast as I could. And his mother is the worst - Stephen says he promoted Bailey and she yells “you usurped my authority!”...who speaks this way!?! The book is filled with everyone praying for each other, and yet no one is actually kind (except doormat Bailey) or good. You can’t pray away being an a**hole.
This was dull, with terrible characters, and a completely ridiculous plot (I didn’t get into it here, but everything about how the business is run, the expectations for Bailey to do so many overly personal things for the family, how they talk)...gahhh, this was so frustratingly bad.
Bailey and Stephen (and every single supporting character, for that matter) were dull and one-dimensional. Admittedly, I didn’t realize this would be so heavily Christian focused, but even with that, this was too much. Bailey is a grown woman who has never had a relationship, never been kissed, has no real hobbies, and is a doormat the whole way through. That doesn’t make you religious or faithful, and it’s ridiculous to pretend it does. Stephen doesn’t seem much better - I’m sorry, but there is a difference between being a respectful son and allowing your mother to run your life (he didn’t date a woman because his mother didn’t like her hair colour?!?). His entire family is awful to Bailey, and the whole time they hide behind a pretend Christian front. How can you say you’re religious and then be so utterly judgmental and mean in how you treat others? And its all just brushed over!! His family is a wretch to her using her to cook and clean for them for Thanksgiving, and then they tell her to leave and don’t include her in the meal...and its all just brushed aside!! I’d be running from these phony, bible-thumping, rude, judgmental people as fast as I could. And his mother is the worst - Stephen says he promoted Bailey and she yells “you usurped my authority!”...who speaks this way!?! The book is filled with everyone praying for each other, and yet no one is actually kind (except doormat Bailey) or good. You can’t pray away being an a**hole.
This was dull, with terrible characters, and a completely ridiculous plot (I didn’t get into it here, but everything about how the business is run, the expectations for Bailey to do so many overly personal things for the family, how they talk)...gahhh, this was so frustratingly bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2021
This was a quick, easy, fluffy Christmas read.
The story centres on interior designer Bailey and her boss' widowed son Stephen, who has recently returned home from France.
When Bailey's boss Mona has a stroke, Bailey steps up, moving in with her, running the business, and picking up the slack with babysitting the grandchildren.
When Stephen returns home, Mona asks him to fire Bailey, for no apparent reason. Stephen still hasn't made up his mind about what to do when his mother ends up in hospital again. During her stay, Bailey and Stephen spend a lot of time together and... well, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out what happens from there.
Throw in a bit of mystery from a 'secret admirer,' a silver car that Bailey sees everywhere she goes, and marital difficulties between Stephen's brother and sister-in-law, and you have all the ingredients for a Christian romance that doesn't make you think too hard.
This doesn't break any new ground, but it's a pleasantly enjoyable book if you're in the mood.
The story centres on interior designer Bailey and her boss' widowed son Stephen, who has recently returned home from France.
When Bailey's boss Mona has a stroke, Bailey steps up, moving in with her, running the business, and picking up the slack with babysitting the grandchildren.
When Stephen returns home, Mona asks him to fire Bailey, for no apparent reason. Stephen still hasn't made up his mind about what to do when his mother ends up in hospital again. During her stay, Bailey and Stephen spend a lot of time together and... well, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out what happens from there.
Throw in a bit of mystery from a 'secret admirer,' a silver car that Bailey sees everywhere she goes, and marital difficulties between Stephen's brother and sister-in-law, and you have all the ingredients for a Christian romance that doesn't make you think too hard.
This doesn't break any new ground, but it's a pleasantly enjoyable book if you're in the mood.
January 7, 2021
Good wholesome writing
The older I get the more I enjoy a story where a sexual relationship isn't thrown in my face. I find it very disruptive to have to read page after page of details I am already familiar with. Get on with the story please. I think there's an audience for that sort of writing but there's a larger group of us that respect the union of marriage and waiting to get to know someone before you get into the sack.
The older I get the more I enjoy a story where a sexual relationship isn't thrown in my face. I find it very disruptive to have to read page after page of details I am already familiar with. Get on with the story please. I think there's an audience for that sort of writing but there's a larger group of us that respect the union of marriage and waiting to get to know someone before you get into the sack.
January 30, 2021
This story perfectly depicted a boss expecting an employee to go beyond a job description. The boss is ill & she is very demanding. When her son comes home for Christmas, he realizes that his mother is using a designer to be her maid, cook & babysitter for her grandchildren. He also realizes that the designer is excellent with her designs. He allows her to hire an assistant for herself. The experiences in the book are well written. I would recommend this book to anyone!
December 26, 2020
Sweet read!
This is a new author to me. Bailey suffered from low self esteem issues and didn’t think a guy like Stephen could ever be interested in her. Although not the type of woman Stephen would normally be drawn to, something about Bailey pulls at him and makes him want to get to know her better. New love, family dynamics, overcoming grief, believing in oneself, and a HEA.
This is a new author to me. Bailey suffered from low self esteem issues and didn’t think a guy like Stephen could ever be interested in her. Although not the type of woman Stephen would normally be drawn to, something about Bailey pulls at him and makes him want to get to know her better. New love, family dynamics, overcoming grief, believing in oneself, and a HEA.
January 3, 2021
This may have been book 2 in the series, but it read as a standalone novel. Bailey is a sweet and talented designer who doubts her self worth. She works with a difficult woman who is stingy with praise. The relationship with Bailey and Steven is complicated, but the expected happy ending delivers. This was a fun Christmas read.
January 13, 2021
Happy ending
Stephen returns home from France after his mother's stroke and meets her able assistant, dowdy, frousy interior designer Bailey. Turns out there is more to her than that and Stephen takes upon the task of meeting the real Bailey. Good story with a little bit of conflict and suspicion to make it interesting.
Stephen returns home from France after his mother's stroke and meets her able assistant, dowdy, frousy interior designer Bailey. Turns out there is more to her than that and Stephen takes upon the task of meeting the real Bailey. Good story with a little bit of conflict and suspicion to make it interesting.
December 31, 2020
Christmas Blessing
Characters readers will find worth the time spent. No glaring spelling or grammatical errors that are often found nowadays. I was left with the feeling that there is much more to come, so I look forward to the next book in the series.
Characters readers will find worth the time spent. No glaring spelling or grammatical errors that are often found nowadays. I was left with the feeling that there is much more to come, so I look forward to the next book in the series.
January 8, 2021
Meritorious but not exceptional
Some of the characters felt unreal. I actually think strengthening character development by enlarging the image of Mona, Bailey and Stephen. There were unfinished seb-plots like the silver sedan.
Some of the characters felt unreal. I actually think strengthening character development by enlarging the image of Mona, Bailey and Stephen. There were unfinished seb-plots like the silver sedan.
November 7, 2021
A Christmas Homecoming
Some light suspense, assumptions, rumors and misunderstandings along with romance make for a pleasant read. Family dynamics are a bit off as life changes for all.
Some light suspense, assumptions, rumors and misunderstandings along with romance make for a pleasant read. Family dynamics are a bit off as life changes for all.
August 27, 2024
A Christmas Homecoming
A perfect sweet romance. I loved how the characters were in book two but in a close town. This is the perfect cozy up kind of book for a winters day but it also great anytime. A beautiful and uplifting and wholesome romance you can't stop reading. Enjoy.
A perfect sweet romance. I loved how the characters were in book two but in a close town. This is the perfect cozy up kind of book for a winters day but it also great anytime. A beautiful and uplifting and wholesome romance you can't stop reading. Enjoy.
January 24, 2018
Review
I really loved the whole story and the characters. It was an easy story to read and the characters seemed interesting.
I really loved the whole story and the characters. It was an easy story to read and the characters seemed interesting.
April 7, 2018
☺☺☺☺
Good story about dealing with insecurity and the harm bullying can do, as well as of course a sweet clean romance.
Good story about dealing with insecurity and the harm bullying can do, as well as of course a sweet clean romance.
April 23, 2018
Such a sweet book! Look forward to more in the series
May 2, 2019
Brilliant and beloved.
I love that Bailey had grown into a determined woman at the end of the story. It was a good romance and family oriented tale.
I love that Bailey had grown into a determined woman at the end of the story. It was a good romance and family oriented tale.
May 23, 2019
Love misunderstanding and family
This was an easy read and loved the characters from book one and how they really fit the story
Such fun
This was an easy read and loved the characters from book one and how they really fit the story
Such fun
December 24, 2020
Was okay.
December 26, 2020
Entertaining book
Fun read..enough intrigue to keep you reading to see what was next for Bailey. Left room for sequels in the futre.
Fun read..enough intrigue to keep you reading to see what was next for Bailey. Left room for sequels in the futre.
December 27, 2020
Sweet holiday romance mixed with a bit of family drama.
December 27, 2020
Loved it!
This book is a delightful story. It is well written and the characters seem so real. I read it in one day and that is something I rarely do.
This book is a delightful story. It is well written and the characters seem so real. I read it in one day and that is something I rarely do.
December 28, 2020
Sweet story
I liked reading about Bailey and Stephen. It was interesting following the two of them as they strived to overcome their problems, and keep family happy.
I liked reading about Bailey and Stephen. It was interesting following the two of them as they strived to overcome their problems, and keep family happy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews