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Martin Family #5
Back to the Bayou
Back to the Bayou is the fifth and final installment in the Martin Family Series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Amelia Martin was the youngest of three girls. Both of her older sisters had already found their soul mates, and Amelia felt like she was well on her way to that with Hank Marksberry.
Hank seemed to have everything she was looking for. He was handsome, intelligent, and would undoubtedly have a successful career. Amelia decided to bring him home during Christmas break to meet her family, thinking it would be the beginning of their happily ever after.
The only problem was that Hank could never compare to Caleb Reeves. When Caleb unexpectedly appeared at the airport to offer Amelia and Hank a ride, she was faced with a lifetime of memories and feelings she had managed to avoid since she'd left home.
Amelia Martin was the youngest of three girls. Both of her older sisters had already found their soul mates, and Amelia felt like she was well on her way to that with Hank Marksberry.
Hank seemed to have everything she was looking for. He was handsome, intelligent, and would undoubtedly have a successful career. Amelia decided to bring him home during Christmas break to meet her family, thinking it would be the beginning of their happily ever after.
The only problem was that Hank could never compare to Caleb Reeves. When Caleb unexpectedly appeared at the airport to offer Amelia and Hank a ride, she was faced with a lifetime of memories and feelings she had managed to avoid since she'd left home.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2016
About the author
Brooke St. James
114 books961 followersBrooke St. James is a USA Today bestselling author and Amazon Kindle All-Star. She writes contemporary romance novels with Christian and inspirational themes and happy endings. She was born and raised in south Louisiana but has had the opportunity to travel and live throughout the U.S. An avid reader, writer, audio book addict, and fan of all things artistic, Brooke constantly has her hands in some creative activity. She's currently back home in Louisiana enjoying life with her husband, children, and two lazy dogs.
To find out more about Brooke visit her Facebook page at:
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Her Official website at:
http://www.brookesaintjames.com/
Follow her on Twitter or Instagram:
@brooke_stjames
To join her mailing list or for specific inquiries:
brookesaintjames@gmail.com
Listen to her audiobooks on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeStJames
To find out more about Brooke visit her Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/brookesaintj...
Her Official website at:
http://www.brookesaintjames.com/
Follow her on Twitter or Instagram:
@brooke_stjames
To join her mailing list or for specific inquiries:
brookesaintjames@gmail.com
Listen to her audiobooks on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeStJames
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 4, 2022
This is a sweet clean story. Amelia takes her boyfriend home to Louisiana for Christmas, and is surprised when Caleb picks them up. Amelia had liked Caleb when they were in school, but after overhearing him and 2 buddies talking at school and the buddies making fun of her weight. she was justifiably angry and hurt. As if that isn't enough, Caleb breaks off with her and takes another girl to the dance.
After she gets home and starts spending time with Caleb, usually instigated by one or more family members, she realizes she still cares for him and he cares for her. She breaks up with Marcus and starts dating Caleb. I think she had just convinced herself that she loved Marcus as he just didn't seem right for her.
There are a lot of fun, interesting characters in the story. I loved how Amelia is reading the Bible, then decides she needs to step out of her comfort zone and do good where she can. Great ending with a surprise.
After she gets home and starts spending time with Caleb, usually instigated by one or more family members, she realizes she still cares for him and he cares for her. She breaks up with Marcus and starts dating Caleb. I think she had just convinced herself that she loved Marcus as he just didn't seem right for her.
There are a lot of fun, interesting characters in the story. I loved how Amelia is reading the Bible, then decides she needs to step out of her comfort zone and do good where she can. Great ending with a surprise.
October 2, 2018
Back to the Bayou is a novel by Brooke St. James. This is the last book in the series and it is delightful. It is fun to read and has enough action to. keep you into it. '
Amelia Martin is the last of three Martin daughters who is still unmarried. She and her boyfriend, Marcus, are headed to her home outside of New Orleans to spend some time with her family. She was surprised when Caleb Reeves along with Barry, a special needs boy who worked in town, came to pick her and Marcus up from the airport in New Orleans. She didn’t know how to act with her former crush, Caleb. She had been in love with him since sixth grade. She should have known he would be around.
Watch the sparks fly when Amelia and Caleb get together!
Amelia Martin is the last of three Martin daughters who is still unmarried. She and her boyfriend, Marcus, are headed to her home outside of New Orleans to spend some time with her family. She was surprised when Caleb Reeves along with Barry, a special needs boy who worked in town, came to pick her and Marcus up from the airport in New Orleans. She didn’t know how to act with her former crush, Caleb. She had been in love with him since sixth grade. She should have known he would be around.
Watch the sparks fly when Amelia and Caleb get together!
June 26, 2019
I love second chance romances. Caleb was a real punk at the first of the series and I loved seeing how much he has grown and changed. It's also fun seeing Amelia all grown up and getting over her starry eyed phase. I love the forgiveness that comes with second chance romances, because it makes it seem more real to me. We all need forgiveness whether great or small in our relationships. I also loved the scripture Amelia found and hownit changed her. We would all do well to remember it and apply it in our lives. This was a nice wrap up to the Martin family series. It was fun seeing how the family is growing, yet still remaining close.
November 6, 2016
Wraps up the Martin family nicely.
Loved this series and this book wraps it up with a peek into all of the Martins' lives. So many sweet moments in this book! It's beautiful how the author weaves grace and mercy into every story without seeming preachy. Lighthearted. Quick, easy read. Enjoy!
Update: I read it again. It's just that good!
Loved this series and this book wraps it up with a peek into all of the Martins' lives. So many sweet moments in this book! It's beautiful how the author weaves grace and mercy into every story without seeming preachy. Lighthearted. Quick, easy read. Enjoy!
Update: I read it again. It's just that good!
March 25, 2018
Interesting book
I enjoyed reading this book very much. Reading about the Martin family and their way of life was very interesting to me. Just reading about South Louisiana and knowing about what I was reading was exciting. Being from South Louisiana helped me to understand the Cajun lingo.This series was excellent.
I enjoyed reading this book very much. Reading about the Martin family and their way of life was very interesting to me. Just reading about South Louisiana and knowing about what I was reading was exciting. Being from South Louisiana helped me to understand the Cajun lingo.This series was excellent.
April 19, 2018
One of the best!
I've read a great number of books in my 70 years and I'm telling you that the Bishop family stories and the Martin family stories are the best. Brooke St. James has a great ability to write, keeping your interest in a believable way. Very talented and I look forward to reading more of her work. She is among the best authors!
I've read a great number of books in my 70 years and I'm telling you that the Bishop family stories and the Martin family stories are the best. Brooke St. James has a great ability to write, keeping your interest in a believable way. Very talented and I look forward to reading more of her work. She is among the best authors!
July 21, 2018
Must read series
The entire Martin series is sweet, funny, and one of the best I have read in a while. Love it isn't a strong enough expression to describe it. I read all 5 books in a week and may have to read them again. They don't have to be read in order, but I did and liked it that way.
The entire Martin series is sweet, funny, and one of the best I have read in a while. Love it isn't a strong enough expression to describe it. I read all 5 books in a week and may have to read them again. They don't have to be read in order, but I did and liked it that way.
March 1, 2018
A really cute story
This is a really sweet story with a bunch of fun characters. I love this pair and their love of family. It was fun learning a little about New Orleans and the foods they enjoy. This was a sweet, clean romance.
This is a really sweet story with a bunch of fun characters. I love this pair and their love of family. It was fun learning a little about New Orleans and the foods they enjoy. This was a sweet, clean romance.
March 27, 2021
Great ending to wrap up the series!!!
Loved reading Barry’s character at the beginning of the story!!!! Loved how this family has become more abundant!!! Appreciated the verse for life application
Loved reading Barry’s character at the beginning of the story!!!! Loved how this family has become more abundant!!! Appreciated the verse for life application
September 26, 2021
Ah sweet Louisiana!
I liked the sweet connection that Caleb and Amelia had. I liked that it was in Louisiana because that's my home state. I haven't been there in years but reading about the crawfish boil brought back a lot of memories. Thank you for that!
I liked the sweet connection that Caleb and Amelia had. I liked that it was in Louisiana because that's my home state. I haven't been there in years but reading about the crawfish boil brought back a lot of memories. Thank you for that!
May 8, 2017
Loved it
I loved this series of books and hated to see it end. It was a very well written book that I didn't want to see end.
I loved this series of books and hated to see it end. It was a very well written book that I didn't want to see end.
December 24, 2017
Beautiful
This was a great way to finish a fantastic series. Heartfelt, romantic and pure. Great job again, Brook St. James!
This was a great way to finish a fantastic series. Heartfelt, romantic and pure. Great job again, Brook St. James!
May 28, 2018
Love these books
I love the sweet, romantic and funny stories and getting to know each member of the family. I only give 4 stars because there is editing needed.
I love the sweet, romantic and funny stories and getting to know each member of the family. I only give 4 stars because there is editing needed.
August 5, 2018
I love this book
I have loved every book in this series! I can’t wait to start another book written by her!! She’s truly a gifted author.
I have loved every book in this series! I can’t wait to start another book written by her!! She’s truly a gifted author.
September 11, 2018
Good book
I enjoyed this book.I had read the other books in this series, this one was just as enjoyable. Would recommend.
I enjoyed this book.I had read the other books in this series, this one was just as enjoyable. Would recommend.
May 12, 2019
I really loved this last book in the Martin Family Series. I loved Amelia and Caleb. I loved the character over lap from the other 4 books in the series. I will look for more books by this author.
July 3, 2019
Wonderful
I read the entire series.Every story was very good.I enjoyed all of them.Thank you for some really great reading. Looking for more
I read the entire series.Every story was very good.I enjoyed all of them.Thank you for some really great reading. Looking for more
April 29, 2021
I enjoyed this book! What a great ending to a wonderful series!
June 3, 2024
Amanda and Caleb are very sweet together and I love family members trying to push them together a bit. Clean romance with lots of fun family moments.
October 18, 2016
Awesome
Love it & all the others also. Can't wait for whatever comes next, ,<,,, ,,,,,,, / / / / /
Love it & all the others also. Can't wait for whatever comes next, ,<,,, ,,,,,,, / / / / /
March 19, 2017
Enjoyed
This book was an very easy to enjoy and quickly read. Could have been longer story. Felt like something was missing.
This book was an very easy to enjoy and quickly read. Could have been longer story. Felt like something was missing.
October 10, 2016
Had to read in one sitting!
I am completely addicted to Brooke St. James's books and thankfully she never makes me wait long for the next installment...and they never disappoint. This one was definitely far from a disappointment. I have loved the Carolina and Martin series. They are wonderful and heartfelt. I don't want to give a spoiler but something similar happened with my husband and I (compared to Caleb and Amelia. ) Thank you Ms. St. James for writing exciting and witty books that indent want to put down! Another proverbial touch down and home run!
I am completely addicted to Brooke St. James's books and thankfully she never makes me wait long for the next installment...and they never disappoint. This one was definitely far from a disappointment. I have loved the Carolina and Martin series. They are wonderful and heartfelt. I don't want to give a spoiler but something similar happened with my husband and I (compared to Caleb and Amelia. ) Thank you Ms. St. James for writing exciting and witty books that indent want to put down! Another proverbial touch down and home run!
February 19, 2017
This book is about a girl named Amelia that has had to work her whole life to overcome her weight problems. It has caused her lots of problems and hindered her ability to date. In the end, she overcomes these hindrances and finds happiness.
I enjoyed reading this book because it dealt with the uncomfortable subject of being overweight. I liked this book because it didn't portray being overweight as something that is okay, as many people do today. It discussed how it is something that people can overcome by choosing to eat healthy.
I would encourage students in junior high or high school to read this book to learn abut healthy relationships and also encourage students with body image issues to read this book.
I enjoyed reading this book because it dealt with the uncomfortable subject of being overweight. I liked this book because it didn't portray being overweight as something that is okay, as many people do today. It discussed how it is something that people can overcome by choosing to eat healthy.
I would encourage students in junior high or high school to read this book to learn abut healthy relationships and also encourage students with body image issues to read this book.
February 12, 2017
Gr8!
This is a gr8 book...and such a good ending to this series. I love how all the books are connected and the storyline involved everyone. Highly recommend the series. Well done.
This is a gr8 book...and such a good ending to this series. I love how all the books are connected and the storyline involved everyone. Highly recommend the series. Well done.
April 10, 2021
Second chance. Amelia has liked Caleb as long as she remembers, but tries to avoid him, because was hurt by him in 6th grade. He of course is clueless and has been trying to get her attention all this time. Now Amelia is back home for the holidays, with a boyfriend in toe, and life and family keep putting Caleb in her path. I liked these two - they were honest and real. I liked the growing Caleb has done since the first book, where he was kind of a rebellious and cocky teenager. Here we see him as a capable, confident and kind adult... still smart talking though 😁. There was also a great message in the book - to do good and help people; the results are always wonderful.
Religion: yes
Narrative: 1st person following Amelia (once, I think, 3rd person following Caleb)
Sensuality: chaste, but some steamy kisses; allusion to marital intimacy
Religion: yes
Narrative: 1st person following Amelia (once, I think, 3rd person following Caleb)
Sensuality: chaste, but some steamy kisses; allusion to marital intimacy
November 24, 2016
The End of the Martin romances
I knew there had to be an end and this was a great one! I was completely shocked at the end, but won't ruin the surprise! I'm just glad that it had a huge plug for doing good for others! That was fantastic!
I knew there had to be an end and this was a great one! I was completely shocked at the end, but won't ruin the surprise! I'm just glad that it had a huge plug for doing good for others! That was fantastic!
December 20, 2016
I'm still reading and loving it so far just as I loved the other 4. But why is this book not attached to the other 4 books in the series on Goodreads?? Who fixes that??
January 9, 2017
Back to the Bayou (Martin Family 5) - PG13
Violence: none
Language: nothing offensive
Sex: descriptive kissing.
Very sweet, but a little slow. A satisfying end to the series.
Violence: none
Language: nothing offensive
Sex: descriptive kissing.
Very sweet, but a little slow. A satisfying end to the series.
December 26, 2023
4.5* Sweet story and a very nice finish to the series. The Christian aspect is inspiring. No angst. Such a cute couple, and I love the cover.
October 10, 2016
Great book. Always solid and enjoyable to read Brooke St. James.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews