To snag a coveted promotion, financial whiz Anna Wilder had to close one last important deal: the takeover of her hometown hospital, Walnut River General. Black Sheep Anna had never felt like she'd fit into the respected Wilder clan, and now her job was making the proposed merger personal—especially when she met her opponent in the boardroom!
Richard Green was the savvy attorney—and ex-love—determined to foil her plans. After one unbelievable kiss years ago, Anna had run far away from her home, her insecurities and the man who made her pulse quicken. But perhaps her return was a second chance in disguise. Could Richard convince Anna that this merger was bad business…and take over her heart instead?
I'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
Another good book by RaeAnne Thayne, it seems like this book could be part of a series (the Wilder Family) which I can't locate on my Kindle. Oh well, enjoyed this book very much- good romance, good plot.
Memories, misunderstandings, and family beliefs form the basis of this story. Well written, with RaeAnn Thayne’s usual ability to make small town life and it’s people real and likable. I love the people who populate this story, just as I appreciate the emphasis on doing the right thing, in some cases even if it hurts. I especially liked the final resolution of the conflicts that form the basis of this book. Well wort reading.
Anna Wilder, adopted into Wilder family, returns to Walnut River to negotiate the takeover of the local hospital by the NHC, the company she works for. Her family is angry and so is most the town seeing it as a betrayal of all James Wilder worked for. Richard Green is the boy next door and the lawyer representing Walnut River General Hospital in the negotiations. Richard and Anna have a history. This is the story of how the negotiations go wrong and how they start a relationship anew.
Let me just start by saying how much I enjoy RaeAnne Thayne's books. I don't think I've read one that I disliked. That being said this definitely wasn't one of my favorites.
Anna Wilder's story had so much more potential; I think more of the story should have been spent on Anna and why she was compelled to not share her feelings about her life and feelings with her siblings.
The ending was disappointing; I would have appreciated more of the story after the "happy ending".
Good read. Last book in this series: The Wilder Family (Healing Hearts in Walnut River). Favorite author. Hospital administration, very interesting. Anna is a high-powered executive for a big health care business. Not the usual work in these books !
I wasn't too convinced at first that this would be a good book but as I slowly progressed through the book, I started to like it more and more. Until the unexpected sex scene that is.
Struggles between a dedicated family of physicians and their sister regarding the direction of healthcare in their community -owned hospital. The doctors are opposed to a proposed merger with an HMO represented by their sister.
Anna returns to her home town to do a business deal she feels will save their struggling hospital. Her siblings barely speak to her and her former love treats her like a leper. Good story but so much lack of communication was frustrating.
An excellent read by one of my favorite authors, RaeAnne Thayne. Loved all of the Wilder family and Richard Green. Anyone who likes RT you need to read.
I loved this book so much. I wish it was a full length story. I really enjoyed how they mixed a medical practice story with a romance. I highly recommend this book and author.
This was a very predictable ending to both this book and as an ending to the series... But you know what? It didn't matter! I still enjoyed every single book in the set and loved the couple in this one. My only complaint with this particular book is that we didn't get to know the couple as well as in the others since the book focused a lot more on the outcome of the hospital takeover.
To liven up this book we got to read about a cute 5 year old boy and a small little dog named Lilli. :) So cute!
I'm really sad to be finished with this series. I feel like I really know the Wilder's and would love to read more about their lives as they move forward and grow as a family.
Great light reading. You knew what was going to happen but it held my attention. I wanted the "happily ever after". Great way to spend an afternoon, curled up with a book.
Financial expert Anna Wilder is working on the takeover of her hometown hospital, Walnut River General, which puts her in direct opposition to her siblings who all work there. She believes it's a good acquisition for her company but didn't realize she'd be working closely with former love, Richard Green, the hospital's attorney. Anna had walked out on him eight years ago, believing she had to choose between her career or her family. Having been adopted, she always felt like an outsider and truly thought she had to prove herself to everyone, to show them she fit in.
Richard had been in love with Anna and was devastated when she'd left without so much as a goodbye. He'd finally moved on, gotten married, and had a son. The marriage didn't last and he had full custody of Ethan but the last thing he expected was for Anna to show up to interrupt his life all over again. Now all those old feelings were being stirred up. What was he going to do about it?
This was a sweet romance with likeable characters and an interesting plot. You can always count on the author to deliver an entertaining story.