Finally a Family

Love in Millar's Crossing #2

by Carolyne Aarsen

Arrogant Ethan Westerveld could scream that from the barn roof if he wanted. But half the place was now Hannah Kristoferson's. Not that she wanted one inch of the farm that reminded her of the only father she'd ever known—and his heartbreaking betrayal. Yet according to the terms of his will, she had to spend six months at Riverbend or forfeit the inheritance. Six months butting heads with too-handsome Ethan in order to make a quick sale and a new life far away? She'd do it. But Hannah didn't count on Ethan feeling like family…or that she'd want to stay forever.

Genres: Love Inspired, Christian, Romance, Christian Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

216 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 26, 2008

About the author

Even with over 1.5 million copies of my books in print, I still feel like I haven’t written the perfect story. From my office in the woods of Northern Alberta, I’ll keep trying. Inspired by spectacular sunrises, breathtaking Northern Lights and long walks through wooded trails, the stories keep coming. To find out more about my life and my writing, check out my website at www.carolyneaarsen.com

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the characters and the story.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet moments but an abrupt finish.

[Lorelei Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Loved Ethan and Hannah 's love story. Sam's will puts a wall between the two, distrust and anger too. Time and trust changes them.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a rather unique plot: a family farm is divided in half between hardworking farmer Ethan Westerveld and city girl Hannah Kristoferson (whose mother had a dalliance with Westerveld's grandfather). Hannah is betrayed by her friends in Canada, and is forced to live on the farm; it's the time she spends on the farm, learning to work a tractor, grow vegetables, and deal with cows that's amusing and warmhearted. Ethan has a reputation as a lothario and a woman from his past shows up but nothing happens. That was a slight disappointment for me, as it would have added some drama to the plot. Otherwise, it's an enjoyable read.

[LINDA BOURG · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally finished this book lol, not that it wasn't good it just took me a while to get into. Hannah and Ethan's story is a cute one, both own half a farm. So Hannah has to stick our 6 months on the farm and half is hers...well i guess you can figure out the end because i did. Happy Ending.

[Harmony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, charming, and heartwarming. I finished the book with a smile on my face and happy/warm heart, my criteria for a 5-star rating.

I adored Hannah from the moment she was introduced. She's "scrappy". A survivor, you just know that this girl is going to come out on top in life. She's kind and sensitive soul. She is eager to help out at the farm and willing to step out of her comfort zone to do it. There was so much to like about her.

I didn't like Ethan when I first met him. I thought he was arrogant and a jerk. His attitude towards women "I never, ever chase them...." blah blah blah barf. All because he got left at the altar. Waaa waaa. People get their hearts broken all the time, they don't usually turn into womanizing jerks because of it. They don't usually decide "ALL WOMEN BAD!" because of it. Only an emotionally stunted and immature jerk would do that.

Yep, I really didn't like Ethan for a good portion of this book.

Then he started to grow on me. The author started to show more and more of his personality. At the same time, she was showing more of Hannah's vulnerability. I started to like Ethan. When the calves were born, my feelings about Ethan had changed. By then, I was seeing him in a different light. Then the scene in the cemetery and I realized that I liked Ethan as much as Hannah at that point.

The author did an amazing job with Ethan and showing his growth throughout this book. Hannah grew as well, she grew in her faith. Ethan grew as a person and matured as an adult.

I hate the OW (other woman trope) and I skimmed through that nonsense. Seriously authors, drop this tired old trope. Please.

The ending was perfection. LOVED IT. I may have mentally said "AWWWW" a couple of times. I knew when Ethan first said "I will never chase a woman..." (gag) that he would wind up chasing Hannah. Even though I knew it was coming (from the very beginning of the book), I was still touched and moved when it finally happened.

Clean romance with no swearing and no sex. This is a Christian romance. There is praying, church attending, and Bible reading. It's not in a preachy way though, it fits the story being told.

[Irene S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though Sam was the only father figure than Hannah ever knew, Hannah is surprised that Sam left her half of his farm. Hannah hadn't heard from Sam in the thirteen years after he left her and her mother. Ethan is shocked that his Uncle Sam, who was his partner, left him only half the farm. Ethan has poured his money and all his energy into the farm that he partnered with Sam. With the requirement that Hannah has to live on the farm for six months before can inherit, Ethan doesn't believe that the city girl will stay six months. With limited options, Hannah plans to stay. I received a free copy of this ebook from the author. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I admire Hannah for diving right in and trying to adapt to farm life. I also like how Ethan's attitude toward Hannah started to change. I like how Hannah started to rekindle the faith that Sam had sparked in her. This is a sweet Christian romance where Hannah and Ethan have to learn to trust each other and in God.

[Jocelyn Nielson · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this was certainly much easier and quicker to read through than the last few books I read, it still left me a bit unsatisfied. Though it's not a true 'cotton candy' book (aka all fluff, no substance), what deeper, more complex subjects there are that are mentioned in the story don't get much development. Not even the main characters have much depth to them. And yes, this is part of a series, but with each book focusing on a specific main couple, this can be read as a stand-alone book. So why then is there little development? I wouldn't say that the characters are the bare minimum in quality for the main couple, but they're not much developed more than that. Also, the author decided to introduce a final obstacle mere pages away from the ending. Yes, that obstacle was "resolved," but for what purpose? Why so late? And for the kind of obstacle that it was, I think there should have been a little more explanation surrounding both the obstacle and the resolution. Overall the book was fine for a quick, light read, but I probably wouldn't reread it.

[Patricia Solla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Canada, this story is about a young woman named Hannah who travels to Millar's Crossing, at a lawyer's request to find out about an inheritance she has received from a man, Sam, who was her mother's boyfriend for a few years when she was 9 years old. The reader learns that Sam knew he was dying and asked his family to find Hannah. Sam has passed away but his will has left her an odd inheritance with an even odder stipulation. Left to deal with the situation is Sam's nephew, Ethan. As the story continues Hannah and Ethan get to know each other and Hannah starts to learn some things that happened with Sam and her mother are not what she believed to be true. At the same time, Hannah and Ethan are learning about each other. As the relationship develops into a romance there are a few bumps in the road, but with faith, love and understanding the story ends happily. I received a copy of this book and promised to write an honest opinion, which I have now completed.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan was not happy when he learned that the farm he had poured his life and resources into was not left to him alone as he had been led to expect when his uncle passed away. Instead he only owned half and the other half was bequeathed to Hannah, a young woman Uncle Sam had thought of as a daughter but hadn't seen in years. Ethan was angry, worried, and hurt by this turn of events but he hoped that Hannah, a city girl, would not last the six months she was required to live on the property in order to claim her share. Ethan and Hannah have many twists and turns to make in their thinking before they can make peace with their situation and with one another. But like in any good romance, they eventually find their HEA. Highly recommend! I was entrusted with a copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Vicki or Dennis Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new story about the Westerveld family of Millar Creek that will keep you reading once you start. This story of Hannah and Ethan is fraught with misconceptions and "half truths" that are brought into the light as the story progresses. Ethan has put his entire life behind his grandparents' farm - only to find out that his uncle, Sam, has willed half of it to Hannah, a young lady from Toronto, that the family only know by name and picture. Carolyne Aarsen has developed a beautiful story of a couple that must learn to live together for six months in accordance with Sam Westerveld's will. Filled with dynamic characters and animals that will touch your soul and pull at your heart. An intriguing tale of love, forgiveness, faith and humility.

I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest, and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this new series set in Millars Crossing. This book will open your heart and touch your emotions as you learn all about the characters, their pasts, their secrets, and who they are today.

I really liked Hannah's spunk. A city girl willing to live out in the country on a farm for six months so she could claim her inheritance that she does not believe she is entitled to. What she did not know was that it was going to bring a whole lot more when she met Ethan, the guy who would inherit the other half of Sam's farm.

What a tender, touching, beautiful story with fun and interesting characters, especially those Westervelds. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! First, I want to say the cover is absolutely beautiful. Second, the story of Hannah is a wonder and makes you think as well as feel. With life filled with secrets, hearts often broken and recovery of situations that come along, this book is one everyone should read. Sometimes life isn’t what you think it is and sometimes the secrets that come to light, are ones that break your heart. I enjoyed the bible verses that this book contains and how often they fit into the story-line. Hannah had a lot to learn about her past; and, Luke had a lot to learn about his own future. I loved Scout, the faithful dog, because he brought fun and joy to the book. Having read the first Chapter of A Family’s Hope, I want to read it right now.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved Ethan and Hannah’s story! They started out at odds, and they both made wrong assumptions, but as they worked together, they slowly began to see things that changed their first impressions of one another. It didn’t hurt that there was a mutual attraction there! They were both likable characters, but the situation they found themselves in was a difficult one, so it initially kept them from seeing the positive qualities in each other. I loved the Christian themes woven throughout the storyline, and the (sigh) beautifully romantic ending! I received an advanced copy of this book from the author, and am giving my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Sue Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back Home

Hannah first met Ethan when she arrived in Millar's Crossing for the reading of a will. The conditions of the will meant she would need to stay there for six months...on the farm that Ethan expected to be his. This begins the relationship between Hannah and Ethan that must overcome events and distrust from the past. The author includes elements of Faith to help these characters to cope with changes in their lives. Sarah, Logan, Janie and the rest of the Westerveld clan make appearances in this story. Although the next story will feature Janie finding happiness, my hopes are for a romance for Dodie in the future.

[SJ Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story! Ethan had worked on the farm with his grandfather and uncle Sam for years. Then when they passed away he was expecting it to be his inheritance. Hannah had just lost her mother, and now found out Sam had died and left her half of his farm, he was the only father she every knew. I cried as Hannah's past came out. You can't go wrong with 'A Family's Blessing', If you like clean, heartfelt books. I highly recommend! I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.

[Norma Gorrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Family’s Blessing

A great story on life ,love and laughter, mixed in with a few angry words. This story tells of a young girl whose mother had passed away and she was called by the Uncle of a family who she knew nothing about. Ted Westererveld had called Hannah to come because of his brother Sam’will. Hannah had lost her mother a few years before and she was working in Toronto trying to build up her hairdressing business. Ethan Westeveld thought the farm was his as promised by his uncle and grandfather. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill

[D M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan Westerveld and Hannah Kristoferson each inherited half of a farm.

Each have been burned in the past. Lies are discovered and truths uncovered making way for mutual respect. Of course there are some people who want to help and others who want to put their noses where they don't belong and theirmanipulations. .This tenacious woman and equally stubborn man have their own ideas as to what is right and fair. You'll enjoy the slow development of this story and its conclusion. I certainly did.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Hannah and thought she had the best attitude. Ethan so very much frustrated me until he didn't. It has always baffled me how people also dislike the children of someone they do not like - weird to me. Most in Ethan's family were very kind to Hannah but some were not. Loved seeing them get to know each other and Ethan change his attitude and actions. Some secrets come to light and some misunderstandings are cleared up. Really sweet ending.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam Westerveld became the father Hannah never had, but he left them and returned to Millars Crossing. It seems to Hannah that everyone she has known abandons or deceives her, so when Sam leaves her a half-share in his family farm her life changes. She begins to feel God's love for her and becomes a blessing instead of a burden to Ethan, who owns the other half of the farm. I enjoyed the positive changes and the sweet romance between this unlikely couple.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good, Clean Romance

This story of forgiveness, acceptance, and the love of family was heartwarming and refreshing to read. I particularly liked how the faith element was incorporated...not so much preachy, but simply a part of life. I could relate to the hero's family and found it pretty easy to put myself in the heroine's shoes, even though her life was different from mine. I read this pretty quickly and recommend you check it out if you enjoy clean, inspirational romance.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Family's Blessing is a sweet, heartwarming romance. Ms. Aarsen creates dynamic, relatable characters who are not perfect but who struggle against past and present hurts. I love Hannah and Ethan's story. and the town of Miller's Crossing. I always start Ms. Aarsen's books by early afternoon because I am not going to want to put them down! I highly recommend this series.

[Samantha Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

City girl and farmer - Loved it!

I loved this second Millars Crossing book. Ethan didn't expect Hannah to stick around, but she wasn't going anywhere. It was great to come across characters from the previous book and to read how Hannah and Ethan become close because of the farm they inherit. The chemistry between the two is obvious and exciting. I couldn't put the book down!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet

Hannah was a dream. Her mom had lived with Sam for years till he left. She inherits a half of his farm, unbenost to Ethan. Ethan isn't impressed, he worked so long on that place, he thought it was his. Can he convince her to give it to him? Will she fight for it? Will love win?

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read. Best part was when Ethan chased Hannah down when she was on the bus. She wouldn't answer him at the first stop the bus made but Ethan followed the bus and told Hannah he would follow her until she spoke with him. Then when she is off the bus, Ethan tells her he doesn't care about her half of the farm. He wants her to marry him and she says yes. So it is a happily ever after ending. :)

[Mary Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

This was a well written story about two strangers having to live on a farm for six months because of the stipulation from a will. One is a nephew and the other is the closest thing to a child that deceased had. It is a complicated situation but we can always learn something from any new experience. Each one truly learns something about Sam, the one who died. But they also learn something about who they are. It was a learning journey for me.

[Stasia Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice

Sweet love story. From enemies to sweethearts. What was interesting was Hannah's ease into fitting into country life. Very pleasant story with nice characters,
Questions, why didn't the man marry her mother? Why did the mother keep her daughter from him? Why didn't he try to contact Hannah when she was living on her own?

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both Ethan and Hannah are hurting as this story starts. Things have happened that neither of them expected and they are both struggling. I love seeing how they learn and face the reality of what is true. I felt this book was full of faith and to me it truly showed how much of a blessing family is.

[Gwen Hight · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Family's Blessing A Sweet Romance(Love in Miller's Crossing Book 2)

This is the second book in this series about family and friends and a young woman that travels to see about an inheritance

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely read

Wonderful tale about faith and redemption. Hannah and Ethan struggle to find a way through the muck and mire left in the wake of a will. Well written. Love the scriptures and the faith of the characters.