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Trails Merge
After a devastating ultimatum from her lover, Campbell Carson returns to her childhood home, Bear Run Ski Resort, seeking her family's unconditional solace and support.
250 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2008
10 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Spangler
33 books850 followersRachel Spangler never set out to be an award winning author. She was just so poor and so easily bored during her college years that she had to come up with creative ways to entertain herself, and her first novel, Learning Curve, was born out of one such attempt. She was sincerely surprised when it was accepted for publication and even more shocked when it won the Golden Crown Literary Award for Debut Author. She also won a Goldie for her second novel, Trails Merge. Since writing is more fun than a real job, and so much cheaper than therapy, Rachel continued to type away, leading to the publication of The Long Way Home and LoveLife. She plans to continue writing as long as anyone anywhere will keep reading.
Rachel, and her partner, Susan, are raising their young son in Western New York. They spend winters skiing and their summers traveling and watching their beloved Cardinals. Regardless of the season, Rachel always makes time for a good romance, whether she's reading it, writing it, or living it.
Rachel can be found online at www.rachelspangler.com or on Facebook.
Rachel, and her partner, Susan, are raising their young son in Western New York. They spend winters skiing and their summers traveling and watching their beloved Cardinals. Regardless of the season, Rachel always makes time for a good romance, whether she's reading it, writing it, or living it.
Rachel can be found online at www.rachelspangler.com or on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 29, 2019
Since this book was published ten years ago, it qualifies for Fallback Friday, right?
Campbell is a soft butch who had to choose between her first love or her family as a result of an ultimatum. She chose home on the mountain where her family owns and operates a small ski resort. Parker, a former political candidate advocate (Don't judge. I don't know what the real title is), runs away to do marketing at the Bear Run ski resort. Campbell and Parker are complete opposites. There is an undeniable attraction but everything screams at them it would be a bad idea to pursue anything. Both too haunted by their pasts to move forward.
This book holds up well. It was only ten years ago. The only thing that felt dated was when she described Parker as wearing corduroy pants. I swear we had a conversation about this on goodreads a month ago. I love corduroy clothes, but was informed it is definitely OUT of style.
I have read a lot of recent Rachel Spangler books. They seem to be my favorites so it made sense to go back and read some of her older ones. She must have gotten better with age, because this one was just OK to me.
There was a lot of unnecessary exposition. It seemed very repetitive at times. We got it. The two characters REALLY didn't want to move forward with a relationship of any sort.
I didn't feel the chemistry like I should have. We were told that they each thought the other hot/sexy. I just couldn't feel it. There was more bickering than anything. And I love a good enemies to lovers story. But there was nothing that convinced me that either would make such a drastic life change for one another. Or SHOULD, even.
There were some editing issues in this book which surprised me since this was not self published. Not enough to distract. But quotation marks in the wrong place and lack of s for what should have been plural.
Overall, this wasn't a bad book. It was a quick and mildly entertaining read. But if you are looking for a good snow/ski book, try the author's more recent attempt, 'Edge of Glory.'
Campbell is a soft butch who had to choose between her first love or her family as a result of an ultimatum. She chose home on the mountain where her family owns and operates a small ski resort. Parker, a former political candidate advocate (Don't judge. I don't know what the real title is), runs away to do marketing at the Bear Run ski resort. Campbell and Parker are complete opposites. There is an undeniable attraction but everything screams at them it would be a bad idea to pursue anything. Both too haunted by their pasts to move forward.
This book holds up well. It was only ten years ago. The only thing that felt dated was when she described Parker as wearing corduroy pants. I swear we had a conversation about this on goodreads a month ago. I love corduroy clothes, but was informed it is definitely OUT of style.
I have read a lot of recent Rachel Spangler books. They seem to be my favorites so it made sense to go back and read some of her older ones. She must have gotten better with age, because this one was just OK to me.
There was a lot of unnecessary exposition. It seemed very repetitive at times. We got it. The two characters REALLY didn't want to move forward with a relationship of any sort.
I didn't feel the chemistry like I should have. We were told that they each thought the other hot/sexy. I just couldn't feel it. There was more bickering than anything. And I love a good enemies to lovers story. But there was nothing that convinced me that either would make such a drastic life change for one another. Or SHOULD, even.
There were some editing issues in this book which surprised me since this was not self published. Not enough to distract. But quotation marks in the wrong place and lack of s for what should have been plural.
Overall, this wasn't a bad book. It was a quick and mildly entertaining read. But if you are looking for a good snow/ski book, try the author's more recent attempt, 'Edge of Glory.'
September 30, 2019
Campbell Carson just ended a long-term relationship and moved back to her childhood home to work alongside her family at their ski resort, six months in she meets a new employee, a women who vaguely reminds her of her career driven former girlfriend but also awakes something new in her, lesfic romance situations ensue, where will it lead us?
This is a sweet little romantic story, both characters are dealing with trying to forget their exes and attempting to heal. They’re also a little different, one is a city girl, the other’s a mountain chick, however slowly but surely they start to feel something for each other.
I liked Campbell and her family, it’s always a struggle and a joy to work with your loved once and you get to see a lot of that here, her family is well written for the most part and there is no evil stepmother/homophobic asshole which is nice, 2008 and all. It’s always nice when secondary characters are used right.
Overall, it’s a cute story with not too much drama, just two people learning to allow themselves to love again, I’m honestly quite happy I randomly found this one because even though it wasn’t anything revolutionary it was a really enjoyable read.
3.50 / 5.00
This is a sweet little romantic story, both characters are dealing with trying to forget their exes and attempting to heal. They’re also a little different, one is a city girl, the other’s a mountain chick, however slowly but surely they start to feel something for each other.
I liked Campbell and her family, it’s always a struggle and a joy to work with your loved once and you get to see a lot of that here, her family is well written for the most part and there is no evil stepmother/homophobic asshole which is nice, 2008 and all. It’s always nice when secondary characters are used right.
Overall, it’s a cute story with not too much drama, just two people learning to allow themselves to love again, I’m honestly quite happy I randomly found this one because even though it wasn’t anything revolutionary it was a really enjoyable read.
3.50 / 5.00
September 2, 2018
2.75 rounded up to three.
I wanted to read about snow and picked this one. I completely forgot I had already read it once and since I hadn't logged it on Goodreads, I had no clue before starting reading...
I remember liking it ok the first time around, less so today, so it's not reread material for me.
The two main have been deeply hurt and they are uneasy at the idea to fall again and trust again. This sharing-similar-hurts part is great because they take it slow.
I just wished secondary characters had more complexity than their obvious label.. the exes, the ultra cool and classy BF, the momish mom, the overbearing dad, the cute straight baby brother... and so on.
I wanted to read about snow and picked this one. I completely forgot I had already read it once and since I hadn't logged it on Goodreads, I had no clue before starting reading...
I remember liking it ok the first time around, less so today, so it's not reread material for me.
The two main have been deeply hurt and they are uneasy at the idea to fall again and trust again. This sharing-similar-hurts part is great because they take it slow.
I just wished secondary characters had more complexity than their obvious label.. the exes, the ultra cool and classy BF, the momish mom, the overbearing dad, the cute straight baby brother... and so on.
April 15, 2021
On of my 'go-to' authors - Rachel is so good - love them. Ending a bit sharp and an epilogue would really have been appreciated. Loved the characters and the family politics. Highly recommended.
January 17, 2019
I'm never disappointed with Rachel Spangler's novels, I've liked them all so far, but some I love. Trails Merge is one of those. I've never wanted to live on mountain but I'm reconsidering ;) The MCs are sweet and complicated but not excessively so (they've both been hurt so they're careful but not closed off), the secondary characters really exist, everything's nicely written, as usual, and very visual.
December 10, 2022
I wanted to like this more than I did. I picked this up bc Lori Prince narrates it, and I enjoyed the other book I read by this author (Thrust) but i didn’t rlly love this one. It was in the solidly: okay/average/perfectly fine camp. I had a couple of issues, mostly with Campbell and her reactions towards Parker. I get that she was hurt by her ex, but she is doing a LOT of projecting pretty much the whole time she is getting to know Parker and making a hell of a lot of assumptions abt her. And like, maybe this is just my cynical cold heart, but the family stuff and the whole “loving the mountain” and hating Parker working got real old for me. I also just found the whole “you can be a power lesbian/dyke and want/be around a family/homebody” thing super weird? Idk. I didn’t quite jive with Campbell, and I didn’t rlly see the chemistry with their dynamic all that much. I liked Parker! But I never quite was rooting for them to get together particularly hard and a lot of it felt a little repetitive at times. It wasn’t anywhere near horrible or anything, and I did get invested/was enjoying myself overall, but it’s not one I would return to and would likely forget pretty easily, unfortunately.
Lori Prince’s performance is as wonderful as always, so I can rec it in that sense.
Lori Prince’s performance is as wonderful as always, so I can rec it in that sense.
June 10, 2016
My fourth Spangler book read, fourth this month. This time we are in the snowy mountains of . . . some mountain that is within driving distance of Chicago (I sense a theme). And a family that lives there. And two lesbians who move there within six months of each other. Well, one returned home, the other moved to take a job.
So. Campbell Carson is dating this woman named Lyn (Lynn?). Has been since college. Her first and only real girlfriend. For five years. Selflessly trying to live Lynn's dreams. Prologue involves Campbell waiting with packed bags to head off to visit her family. She's going to be godmother. Lynn's coming with her. Lynn hates that mountain. And her family. And the idea that any self respecting lesbian would want anything to do with family. Or children. Luckily for everyone involved, mostly the reader, Lynn's part is just a cameo (her impact is much deeper but, her actual presence is short). Lynn tells Campbell something like "be a real dyke, or go back to your mountain" then storms out. Campbell chooses her mountain. And family.
Book opens six months later with Parker Riley. Another person fleeing a bad situation. Who has also been hurt by her relationship with another woman. She's trying to rebuild herself.
I liked the book. Especially the parts out on the mountain. There were moments when they were skiing, when Campbell was showing Parker how to ski when I felt like I was there. That I could feel the snow. The sun reflecting off the whiteness. Sliding down the mountain.
Of the four books I've read by Spangler, I'd count 'The Long Way Home' as the weakest, with this one here coming in as the second weakest. Though, all four are sitting there with the same rating of 4 stars. One of the reasons I wish I still rated more than whole stars. But, meh. Four books read. Four books with 4 stars.
So. Campbell Carson is dating this woman named Lyn (Lynn?). Has been since college. Her first and only real girlfriend. For five years. Selflessly trying to live Lynn's dreams. Prologue involves Campbell waiting with packed bags to head off to visit her family. She's going to be godmother. Lynn's coming with her. Lynn hates that mountain. And her family. And the idea that any self respecting lesbian would want anything to do with family. Or children. Luckily for everyone involved, mostly the reader, Lynn's part is just a cameo (her impact is much deeper but, her actual presence is short). Lynn tells Campbell something like "be a real dyke, or go back to your mountain" then storms out. Campbell chooses her mountain. And family.
Book opens six months later with Parker Riley. Another person fleeing a bad situation. Who has also been hurt by her relationship with another woman. She's trying to rebuild herself.
I liked the book. Especially the parts out on the mountain. There were moments when they were skiing, when Campbell was showing Parker how to ski when I felt like I was there. That I could feel the snow. The sun reflecting off the whiteness. Sliding down the mountain.
Of the four books I've read by Spangler, I'd count 'The Long Way Home' as the weakest, with this one here coming in as the second weakest. Though, all four are sitting there with the same rating of 4 stars. One of the reasons I wish I still rated more than whole stars. But, meh. Four books read. Four books with 4 stars.
April 19, 2018
This book is lovely and adorable and I loved seeing the two characters move from friendship to love.
2018 update: Trails Merge has a really easy style to it and a sweet, lovely story. It was my favourite book of Spangler’s for the longest time until she released a string of my new favourites over the last couple of years. That said, I still love Trails Merge even if Timeless and Edge of Glory are the ones giving me heart eyes at the moment.
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/trai...
2018 update: Trails Merge has a really easy style to it and a sweet, lovely story. It was my favourite book of Spangler’s for the longest time until she released a string of my new favourites over the last couple of years. That said, I still love Trails Merge even if Timeless and Edge of Glory are the ones giving me heart eyes at the moment.
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/trai...
October 30, 2016
Family. The love of family. What a sweet read with fun and likeable characters. Campbell Carson does not ask for much. She wants someone that will love her and her family as well as appreciate a quiet quaint community. Parker Riley what is there not to like. Though from wealth, she wants to make a difference in the world because she believes that one person can make a difference. So do I.
December 26, 2020
This was a pretty alright read! The beginning was a little rough, the middle was fun and romantic, and the end was kind of up and down. Half the time I had to remind myself that this book is 12 years old, but then again, 12 years isn't that long ago really...
So what was good? I liked the main characters and some of the side characters. It was a fun location, the ski lessons were fun, the plot was good, the steamy scenes were plentiful, varied, and fun.
So what didn't I like? Well for starters I'm never really a fan of when a character spends the entire book thinking she's not good enough for her cool new partner and is just constantly waiting for her to move on to the next fun thing that comes along. It reeks of lack of trust and insecurity in a bad way and I just personally don't enjoy it. And the conflict on New Year's? It was annoying and boring, but I appreciated how it was resolved.
My other main gripe? The side characters. They're all a little one-dimensional, but I'm going to talk specifically about Alexis and Greg.
The last thing I'll talk about is the weird and shitty way this book treats lesbianism as a whole. "You can't be a power lesbian and a homemaker!" wow way to take the same shit that's been piled onto women for years and double it down on lesbians. Also, that part at the beginning with Lynn? I don't know about 2008 but nowadays I couldn't swing a stick without hitting at least 5 lesbians who want nothing more than to settle down in a nice, domestic life in the country. Maybe priorities have changed but a lot of lesbians my age love domesticity. Who knows?
Overall this is a fun, romantic read, and I do plan on giving some of RS's newer works a read as well, so maybe this is just a product of its age.
4.2 stars.
So what was good? I liked the main characters and some of the side characters. It was a fun location, the ski lessons were fun, the plot was good, the steamy scenes were plentiful, varied, and fun.
So what didn't I like? Well for starters I'm never really a fan of when a character spends the entire book thinking she's not good enough for her cool new partner and is just constantly waiting for her to move on to the next fun thing that comes along. It reeks of lack of trust and insecurity in a bad way and I just personally don't enjoy it. And the conflict on New Year's? It was annoying and boring, but I appreciated how it was resolved.
My other main gripe? The side characters. They're all a little one-dimensional, but I'm going to talk specifically about Alexis and Greg.
The last thing I'll talk about is the weird and shitty way this book treats lesbianism as a whole. "You can't be a power lesbian and a homemaker!" wow way to take the same shit that's been piled onto women for years and double it down on lesbians. Also, that part at the beginning with Lynn? I don't know about 2008 but nowadays I couldn't swing a stick without hitting at least 5 lesbians who want nothing more than to settle down in a nice, domestic life in the country. Maybe priorities have changed but a lot of lesbians my age love domesticity. Who knows?
Overall this is a fun, romantic read, and I do plan on giving some of RS's newer works a read as well, so maybe this is just a product of its age.
4.2 stars.
August 14, 2024
Fun read.
July 19, 2021
I enjoy Rachel Spangler for the sweet love stories she writes. This book, an early in her career novel does not disappoint. The two main characters, both hurt in previous relationships, end up a Bear Run Resort for different reasons. Campbell because it is home and Parker because it is a way to put her life back together through work. Of course sparks fly even though they both know it is a bad thing that can hurt them again, but love I’d love. Best friend Alexis is a good second banana to Parker and Campbell’s family surround her with love. Easy read that is well written, with skiing, snow, some angst ant lots of sparks. Nice read.
November 13, 2013
This book is an amazing tail of love lost, self discovery, and love found. This was my first time reading anything from this author who managed to maintain a believable plot while developing the characters she sought to explore. Would easily recommend. I read it in two days.
August 10, 2019
2.7 star rating
A little education on skiing and the terrain so that's plus but i must confess this was mostly dreary for me... I skipped a number of paragraphs because there were over-describing and added to the overall boring mood the book unfortunately evoke.
A little education on skiing and the terrain so that's plus but i must confess this was mostly dreary for me... I skipped a number of paragraphs because there were over-describing and added to the overall boring mood the book unfortunately evoke.
April 11, 2015
The book feels like it left several routes unexplored and the ending was incredibly abrupt. I don't know if I'd read it again.
March 15, 2018
I did enjoy this girl/girl or lesbian romance. I found Ms Spangler's writing well captured by the characterization of her characters. The two main characters as well as a few of the minor characters brought forth an interaction that I found myself getting involved with and even relating to them in an almost realistic light, even though I knew they were fictional. Guess I got caught up in the story. With this, I'm sure that it reflects that the story was good and the characters interaction one that brought the story off the pages and into my head as taking on a certain life of its own. Although the ending seemed rushed, in my head it just seemed more so as though a light bulb went off to illuminate a certain epiphany of understanding for one of the characters as to what they wanted in their life in regards to what sacrifices should be made to obtain it for the better fulfillment of their life - the relationship and romance factor that she sought and did not think that she would find in a more complete nature resulting from a prior failed relationship earlier in her life. In the end, both characters wanted the same thing and were able to work it out so that both got what they wanted without losing anything about who they were, and they could also be together without much compromise. A happy ending? You bet! I liked it and would indeed recommend it for LGBTQ readers enjoying lesbian themed stories. I would also recommend it to straight people who don't mind reading about lesbian themed stories. It was just a good read for one and for all open-minded readers.
January 5, 2022
Plot: This book starts with Campbell moving back home after her girlfriend of five years gave her an ultimatum to choose between her family and her relationship. Parker comes to work at Campbell’s family’s ski mountain about six months later. Parker is also somewhat broken hearted after realizing her job and her ex were not what she thought they were.
They are attracted to each other but they are both similar, on a surface level, to the exes that they are running away from. They avoid each other for awhile but end up spending more time together and eventually admitting their attraction. They start dating but are avoiding the big issues between them. Eventually they are forced to confront their issues and decide that they want to work to be able to be together and start their HEA.
Characterization: Parker is driven by trying to make the world a better place for people who don’t have opportunities in life.
Campbell is driven by a strong familial bond. She loves the mountain and the opportunity it provides her to live near and work with her family.
Writing: This was written in third person perspective. I found a couple typos which is pretty unusual for this author. The characters have some level of chemistry but they aren’t really believable together.
They are attracted to each other but they are both similar, on a surface level, to the exes that they are running away from. They avoid each other for awhile but end up spending more time together and eventually admitting their attraction. They start dating but are avoiding the big issues between them. Eventually they are forced to confront their issues and decide that they want to work to be able to be together and start their HEA.
Characterization: Parker is driven by trying to make the world a better place for people who don’t have opportunities in life.
Campbell is driven by a strong familial bond. She loves the mountain and the opportunity it provides her to live near and work with her family.
Writing: This was written in third person perspective. I found a couple typos which is pretty unusual for this author. The characters have some level of chemistry but they aren’t really believable together.
May 10, 2020
I never know what I am going to get with a Rachel Spangler book. I love it! Spangler gives me something completely different in Trails Merge. She gives us two strong characters who have a chance at a “do-over”.
Campbell once again has a choice whether to let herself be open to falling in love with a similar type of personality as the last time around in which she got hurt. Parker also sees the similarities in Campbell, but she is not drowning in them as Campbell is. She is also deciding whether she wants to fall in love again not knowing what her future might be.
It is nice to read about two successful women who decide whether to give love a chance. They also hold off on the sex until they decide which is refreshing (I know I know...says the girl who loves sex scenes). It works for this couple. I also did not say that Spangler does not deliver on the sex scenes (laugh). She does.
This is a great take me away romance. It leaves you hoping that romance and love actually exists and if it does that Campbell and Parker have it. Spangler delivers another happy ending which everyone will love.
Campbell once again has a choice whether to let herself be open to falling in love with a similar type of personality as the last time around in which she got hurt. Parker also sees the similarities in Campbell, but she is not drowning in them as Campbell is. She is also deciding whether she wants to fall in love again not knowing what her future might be.
It is nice to read about two successful women who decide whether to give love a chance. They also hold off on the sex until they decide which is refreshing (I know I know...says the girl who loves sex scenes). It works for this couple. I also did not say that Spangler does not deliver on the sex scenes (laugh). She does.
This is a great take me away romance. It leaves you hoping that romance and love actually exists and if it does that Campbell and Parker have it. Spangler delivers another happy ending which everyone will love.
October 24, 2024
Definitely the weakest of the many Spangler books I’ve read so far. It definitely reads like an early entry into writing and could use some editing. Also, Spangler’s insistence on romanticizing “small town” ideals and consistently inserting criticisms of liberal, big city ideals into their writing wears thin. Having a backwards dad who is aggressively resistant to change isn’t charming. It just makes me want to roll my eyes and say “OK, Boomer” every time he appears on the page.
March 12, 2022
This is a sweet tale with likeable, if slightly wounded, main characters. The angst is low key and consistent with events though much of that could have been avoided with a little more communication. The secondary cast is serviceable if not overly deep. The story arc ends quickly with the expected HEA.
September 21, 2018
Good read
I’m on a reread phase and currently reDing this author, I loved the ski resort element and the two characters are thoroughly likeable. all in all a lovely curl up by the fire afternoon read.
I’m on a reread phase and currently reDing this author, I loved the ski resort element and the two characters are thoroughly likeable. all in all a lovely curl up by the fire afternoon read.
July 16, 2017
Just finished this fun book. Loved Alexis and Badger! I didn't want the story to end.
August 13, 2021
A nice romance, but a bit long winded.
March 24, 2024
Opposites-attract love story set on a ski slope! Pretty much the definition of cozy and I enjoyed every page.
January 15, 2025
Great, Great book!
November 16, 2020
Fool me once, doesn't mean that you'll fool me twice
“Holding on to someone who wasn’t holding on to you in return brought nothing but pain.”
“She could either be with the woman she loved in a life she hated, or she could live the life she loved with the people she loved, but she would do it alone.”
+ • + • + • +
About the discovery, uncertainty & passion of a relationship between two women— both bearing the scars from their exes & the painful memories of broken hearts, as they consider taking a chance on their attraction to each other.
“Holding on to someone who wasn’t holding on to you in return brought nothing but pain.”
“She could either be with the woman she loved in a life she hated, or she could live the life she loved with the people she loved, but she would do it alone.”
+ • + • + • +
About the discovery, uncertainty & passion of a relationship between two women— both bearing the scars from their exes & the painful memories of broken hearts, as they consider taking a chance on their attraction to each other.
February 5, 2017
I loved this book.
Another older book, published in 2008, that I'm just getting to now. I really enjoyed this book. Easy to read. Great plot. Rocky relationship at the start turns into the happy ending we all love.
Another older book, published in 2008, that I'm just getting to now. I really enjoyed this book. Easy to read. Great plot. Rocky relationship at the start turns into the happy ending we all love.
February 7, 2013
I've read everything by this author and have never been let down.
I like her style.
I like her style.
November 28, 2021
🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews