Everything She Needed

Cedar Valley #2

by Christina Butrum

Sometimes, you just have to follow your heart and allow the mountains in the distance to guide you home, where you belong...

Rachel Elliot never dreamed of leaving the city for the small town life of Cedar Valley. That was until she met Adam Jacobsen, single father and volunteer fireman at the Cedar Valley Fire Department.

Adam never imagined finding someone as down-to-earth and loving as Rachel. Having known both love and loss, along with raising a son on his own, he's more than ready to have the family he's always wanted.

When things heat up in Cedar Valley, fate reveals they might just have everything they never realized they needed and so much more.

Genres: Contemporary

218 pages, Paperback

First published August 16, 2017

Reviews

[Candyce Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!!
After reading All She Ever Wanted it was a no brainer that I would be reading this one. I wanted to see Rachel get her own happy ending and I loved the feelings I got from Cedar Valley. I love reading about small towns like that. It was nice to see that Leah was doing good and about to start her own family. This book starts off quite awhile after the first book ended. Rachel had her little one and is now moving in with Adam and Tyler. We find out that Adam hasn't had an easy few years. Losing his wife the way he did and raising Tyler on his own. I loved Adam and Rachel's relationship and the kids. Rachel has had some insecure moments, but really feels at home in Cedar Valley. Adam is happy he finally opened up his heart again and can't be happier that Tyler is accepting Rachel in the family. Being a firefighter brings some stress into the family, especially when they don't have enough people. Rachel is able to put her love of baking to good use and is happy. When her ex decides he wants custody of Ava that gets her really upset. While I'm happy this subject didn't take over the book, I would've liked to have read a bit more about it. I don't think there needed to be drama, but we only read that the lawyer was spoken to and at the end it was solved. That is the same with Adam's brother Conner. I think I would've liked to see a bit more of him. All in all, another amazing book in Cedar Valley. My favorite character is definitely Rosie. She seems like the grandmother everybody wants.


Full review to come: thebookdutchesses.wordpress.com

[Coco.V]

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Blurb:
Sometimes, you just have to follow your heart and allow the mountains in the distance to guide you home, where you belong...

Rachel Elliot never dreamed of leaving the city for the small town life of Cedar Valley. That was until she met Adam Jacobsen, single father and volunteer fireman at the Cedar Valley Fire Department.

Adam never imagined finding someone as down-to-earth and loving as Rachel. Having known both love and loss, along with raising a son on his own, he's more than ready to have the family he's always wanted.

When things heat up in Cedar Valley, fate reveals they might just have everything they never realized they needed and so much more.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Cedar Valley series by Christina Butrum. I totally fell in love with the first, All She Ever Wanted and didn't think there was any way Everything She Needed could be anywhere as good. I was sure of it after the first chapter or two. It seemed to start out with the HEA already in place. What was Ms. Butrum doing? There was nowhere for this to go. Right? Well, I was wrong (please don't tell my husband I said that).
The characters and the plot were delivered bit by bit, layer by layer. enriching the reading experience. The end result was a hero that you'd like to invite into your bed as well as invite home to meet your mother. The heroine is someone you can respect and would love to have as your girlfriend or be proud to have as your girlfriend.
I could really relate to Adam and Rachel because I am married to a firefighter. Ms. Butrum expressed the unease of the one at home waiting for news after a fire call just right. I think all readers will experience it through the eyes of Rachel. She also delved into the guilt felt by firefighters who time and time again miss events that are important to their family so that they can help someone else's family. Kudos Ms. Butrum for not just glorifying the career!
You don't have to read the first book before this one, but you really should. You don't want to miss All She Ever Wanted. After that, just head right into this book. You won't be sorry. The ending was fantastic! I sat back with a very satisfied, "Ahh!". Now to wait (not so patiently) for the next book in the series!

[Iwona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book shows how life can go on from messed situations. I do love the way Rachel found her way to Cedar Valley to get a better life for herself. She was devastated by her boyfriend and found hope and help in her friend Leah. She befriended Adam a single dad. A great guy who wasn't intimidated with the fact that she was pregnant. I do love me a baby book. I enjoyed the way she grew into herself with Adam's help. This was a nice feel good book. A very quick read. She is a continuation from the first book All she ever wanted. I do have to say that from the end of book one to where they started in book 2 I would have like a bit more background. I think that's only because I read the first in the series. You don't have to read because it can be read as a standalone but why not? I didn't get too much from the secondary characters but it was nice to check in. I do wonder who the next book will be about. I have my suspicions 😊 no cheating, no cliffhanger and a HEA! Enjoy

[Patty]

I really love this sweet romance from Christina Butrum. In "Everything She Needed" we learn more about Rachel and Adam. I really love the little family they've built with Rachel's daughter and Adam's son along with all of the amazing supporting characters. This was truly a beautiful story to read and reminded me of being home in a small town where everyone knows everyone. You can't help but fall in love with the characters and there's even an element of excitement for you danger junkies. Can't wait to read more in the series in addition to more stories from this great author!

[Sara ✨ Next Book Review Blog ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This writer writes the sweetest most beautiful stories!! I just loved how easy everything seems for Rachel and Adam. They have a HUGE transition in this book, like super HUGE, and they both handle it so beautifully! Ava is adorable and makes me yearn for another baby! She seems so calm and happy! And of course, young and eager Tyler… this whole family is hard to not fall for!

Besides the beautiful story of love and hope, I adore that this book has a foundation based on fire fighting. I don’t think most people realize how scary, how seriously life-threatening fire fighting can be for the men and women that put their lives out there. There’s a scene in here with a fire… I won’t go into it because I don’t suck (hehe) but it should open some eyes. Thanks to all the men and women out there putting their lives on the line for people you don’t even know, for complete strangers. You are the real heroes in life!!

Christina Butrum really can pull on your heartstrings too… there’s a family group hug near the beginning that brought tears to my eyes! Cedar Valley is a life and place like life and family should be!! This is a heart-warming story that will make you think about how simple life should (and could) be if we allow it, if we follow our dreams and beliefs.

I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I will leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.

Make sure to check out my blog: Next Book Review

[Jacqui Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything She Needed is the second book in the Cedar Valley Series. It can be read as a standalone, but to get the full effect, read All She Ever Wanted first. It will give you some background on the two characters Rachel and Adam and leave you wanting more and the second book.

Rachel has given up city life. She is pregnant with another man’s child and fully expecting to be a single mom. But at the engagement of Leah (her best friend) and Liam, she meets local firefighter Adam and the two clicked immediately. He is not threatened by her pregnancy and situation. After all, when a horrible accident takes his wife and the mother of their child, he knows all too well what being a single parent is like. Adam has a son Tyler and has been a single dad for awhile. From this point, the two families start to form one family. Everything is as it should be. Or is it. When the ex comes back and wants to be a part of his daughter’s life, Rachel is terrified of losing everything. Plus the fact that Adam is a firefighter and danger can happen at anytime.

This book told of second chances at love and finding someone who doesn’t pass judgement and falls in love with the real you. It’s a wonderful blend of a family and the chemistry between Rachel and Adam will have you wishing for that kind of love. It is a HEA ending, no worries. I can’t wait to see what more comes from Cedar Valley! Thank you Christina Butrum for the continuation of what is bound to be a great series.

[Lyssa Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again author Christina Butrum has blown me away with her fantastic writing skills. Rachel and Adam have such a special love for each other. This is a sweet story that will pull at your heartstrings. Everyones a happily ever after and the story of how Rachel and Adam got to theirs is amazing. Looking forward to whatever comes next from Ms. Butrum.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel Elliot has followed her heart to Cedar Valley after meeting single dad and firefighter Adam Jacobsen. She and her young daughter Ava are ready for the love that Adam, his family and the small town have to offer.

Soon Rachel finds herself with a job but when her ex, Scott, asks for custody of her daughter she knows she has a fight on her hands.

But Adam has his own problems with his family when he offers his brother, Conner, a job and his father is not happy about it.

Will Cedar Valley be everything she thought it would be?

This was a sweet romance about finding your happiness and getting through the tough parts together.

Rachel had found love with Adam and she and Ava were ready to start their life together in his small town. I loved how she found her dream job and the happiness that she found there with Granny Mae and the other ladies.

I liked how Adam brought Megan on board and how that ended up helping him in such an amazing way! I would love to know more about Conner and what really went down between him and his dad like this book was eluding to and maybe it will be the next one for the author.

The ending was great although I was sad that Rachel had to let go of Ava a little but it was for the best.

Great series and looking forward to the next one!

[Nicole Studioso · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another wonderful book by Christina Butrum, the second in the Cedar Valley series. After reading about Rachel's relationship woes in Leah's book, I was really hoping the Rachel would get her turn. Well, here it is, and it's a page-turner. We were introduced to her live interest, Adam Jacobsen, briefly in the previous book. He's a volunteer firefighter, and a single dad to a 10 year old boy named Tyler. Rachel has a toddler named Ava, and they have decided to start being a family. Tyler's mom was Adam's first love and was killed by a drunk driver. He never thought he'd find that kind of true love again. Rachel has never experienced that type of all-encompassing love and passion before; Ava's father, Scott, was constantly leaving and flaking on her. He left her last when she was pregnant and has had no contact with her or Ava.
Christina does a wonderful job giving her characters true depth, feeling, maturity, and personalities. You love them, hate them, and root for them. It was wonderful catching up with Leah and Liam, Wes and Rosie, and of course, experiencing some heart-pounding drama with the firefighters and medics! I reviewed this ARC freely and honestly.

[Ann Kelly-Uhryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Willingly sharing my review with Reading Through Her Eyes

This is a small town romance in the Cedar Valley series, listed as book 2 it can be read as a standalone.

Overall Thoughts: Upon reading the blurb I thought this book would be interesting to read, considering I'd never heard of this author before I thought I'd give it a try. I enjoyed the story but found it rather flat with no real rising to the climax, it was more like just flowing from scene to scene and little bumps along the way. With Adam being a firefighter there could have been more details in his scenes about events that were happening if more research had been done which would have helped with rising action to the climax, this is something I was left feeling disappointed with considering I've always had an obsession with firefighters and grew up watching them practice for competitions, drills and at times watching as they put fires out. Now generally I love to read smut, this doesn't contain any but eludes to it happening. This would be something I'd suggest to a more conservative romance reader, but if you love the sexy times this doesn't have it.

[Edna Staples · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series from this author and I cant wait to read more from her too. The series started with Everything She wanted, then to No place like Home and know Everything She
needed. This author is amazing in her writing style. This book pulls you right from the cover to the end of this book. The character that I can relate too is Rachel because she
took on the responsilities of moving and unpacking while her love of her life was recovering. There are way too much good quotes in this story that can stick out to anyone that
reads this book but as a reader I feel that this quote will stick out just perfect.
" I love you too, " she said turning to face him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and allowed him to distract her from the daunting task of unpacking. " You know I
should probably unpack so we can enjoy tomorrow without having this waiting for us after the pancake breakfast."
There's still plenty of time tonight." He said guiding her out onto the back porch." Right know I wanted to show you something no peeking."

[Mary Fazzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this sweet story of a second love. Rachel met Adam when she was pregnant with Scott and her baby girl, but Scott wanted nothing to do with their baby. So at her best friends, Leah, had gotten engaged. They hit it off right from the start. Adam being a firer fighter and having lost a loved one and having an almost teenage son he knew what he wanted and he wanted Rachel. He was a man who knew loyalty and passion and caring. Rachel moves up to Cedar Valley to live with Adam. It's a family right off the bat. Adam loved Ava and she made his heart over flow with love for her and her mom. Things are going well till a letter comes from Scott wanting custody for Ava. Then a huge fire happens and puts life in prospective of what could of happened if it was worse. Rachel is so full of life and love that everyone adores her but she goes through a few doubts about things too. It's a great book of love and life and family and friendship.

[Sandi Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything She Needed by Christina Butram is a wonderfully emotional read. This is the second book in the Cedar Valley Series, and I didn't know if this would or could be better than the first, but I was wrong. Rachel leaves the big city after she found herself single and pregnant with a boyfriend that doesn't want her or her baby and moves to Cedar Valley. When she attends the engaement of her friend Leah, she meets Adam, a widowed firefighter raising his ten year old son. Rachel and Adam's story is one that will draw you in from beginning to end, showing the blending of families, the angst and worry of being married to a firefighter, the guilt of missing family functions, and the commitment needed by both to have a successful relationship. I am eagerly waiting for Christina's next Cedar Valley book.

[Ann-Maree · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 2 of this series where we have meet Rachel and Adam in the first book but this book can be read as a stand-alone. The writes a sweet loving story of two single parents finding love and a place to call home with so someone else to complete their family, share parenting with and a future together. There will be parts of this book that will just melt your heart and make you want to hug the sweet characters of this story. I received a copy of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review. If you have read the first book you will start this book about one year after where book one finishes and also get an update on Leah and Liam as they also have a part in this book.
The full review is at www.readingfortheloveofbooks.com

[Siobhain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is already my favorite of the series. In this second book of the series, it focuses on two single parents, Rachel and Adam. Rachel is pregnant without the father by her side. She thought she was supposed to have her happily ever after, but time will tell. Adam is a firefighter at the local fire department. He is a great father to an even greater son. After an accident, he and his son were left without a wife and mother. Adam and Rachel were not looking for love when it happened, but after meeting each other they started to believe in love and have hope that a HEA was possible. I loved the characters, new and old. I can't wait to see who the next book features 😁

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author has quickly found her way into my heart and become an easy favorite. Her stories are easy and light but carry a great message. Not just that though, the characters are so real you know they are your neighbor, the problems are ones we can easily associate with and the setting is beautiful. The friends and town are in your heart and you can't wait to see what will come next. I really loved reading about Rachel and Adam and couldn't wait to see what the author would do since she started with an hea where could she go from there. Well she did go and so did I and enjoyed every single page.

I love the trip this author takes me on in each of her books and it always makes me smile.

[Norma Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love finding new (to me) authors. This author was recommended to me and I am so glad I found her.

Rachel and Adam met at their mutual friend Leah’s engagement party. Rachel is pregnant, but the father of the child is not interested in becoming a parent . . . A little late to decide that . . .

Adam is a fire fighter in Cedar Valley. A tragic accident left him without a wife and his young son motherless. He has raised Tyler alone with the help of his family. This is a wonderful story of second chances at love. The characters are believable and the plot well-developed. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written sweet romance.

[Megan Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Ms. Butrum! This is set in Cedar Valley and has many of the characters from All She Ever Needed taking place after that book, but works as a stand alone too. Rachel and Adam are a great couple - helping and supporting each other while building a strong, stable life together. Adam is a firefighter which while it may be glamorous at times (and thank you for the calendars!!) there is danger every day on the job. This story confronts that harsh reality and reminds us nothing is guaranteed so be sure to let your loved ones know they are loved. Want a love story that could happen to you or next door? This is the book for you.......

[Izzybear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I really needed my tissues toward the end of this book. It was a sweet small town story that really tugged at my heartstrings. Rachel is a strong, warm-hearted and Independent woman.
She is no stranger to heartache. Her last relationship left her pregnant, alone and heartbroken.
Adam is an amazing single father and firefighter.
Loosing the woman he loved years ago Adam is not sure if he can move on from the hurt and find love again.
That is until he meets Rachel. She fills his heart with hope and has him believing in the possibility of love again.
I really loved reading Rachel and Adam's story. It was a wonderful addition to the Cedar Valley series. I can't wait to read the next book.

[Katt Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Everything She Needed" is the second book in the Cedar Valley series. I became hooked on this series after reading "All She Ever Wanted". Christina Butrum knows exactly how to make you feel all sorts of emotions, from love and heartbreak, to fear, anger, and sadness. I love how this series has characters that are able to move on and find love after experiencing some tough situations. Being from a small town myself, I can identify with certain parts of the story. We were introduced to Rachel in "All She Ever Wanted", so I would recommend reading that book first, even though these books can be read as standalones. Grab several boxes of tissues, because you're definitely going to need them!

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Rachel and Adam's story. And it was everything that hoped for them. Adam went beyond my expectations for a single parent, his love for Rachel and her daughter Ava was beautiful to read! Rachel's relationship with Tyler was sweet and what it should be. I read it one sitting and couldn't wait to read what happened. Love we got to see more of Leah and Liam!! I absolutely loved this story! Christina Butrum writes a beautiful story. Looking forward to more books in the series!!

**Was given a book for am honest review **

[Kellyann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story. It's so easy to fall in love with Cedar Valley and all the characters but I especially love Rachel and Adam. I loved getting to know them. There's nothing like a sweet romance in a small town where everyone supports each other. Adam is a survivor and is so good for Rachel. There was a lot of true heroine moments in this book. I couldn't put it down! All the right feels, great setting, impeccable writing, down to earth characters, with scenes that will melt your heart and make your eyes water. Highly recommended!!

[Cheryl Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything She Needed follows Rachel to Cedar Valley where her best friend Leah had found love (read Everything She Ever Wanted for her story). Rachel found out she was pregnant and had a boyfriend who didn't want her or the baby. She met Adam, a single father and firefighter who was friends with Liam, Leah's husband.
I loved this book! It follows the comings and going of the small town of Cedar Valley and the dynamics between it's residents. Christina brings the quaint town to life and makes you long for to be in Cedar Valley even for a short time!

[Shelly Wygant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you have to follow your heart and that is what Rachel did when Adam wants her to move to Cedar Valley. Adam and Rachel have a loving relation ship. As they settle in they work to merge their family's. This was a sweet romantic read with some angst thrown in. I liked how Rachel and Adam expressed what they wanted and worked towards that in a realistic way. As two people become lovers and step parents it is a journey of love, family and tough times. Great characters and a setting of a small town will make you feel like you are there.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything She Needed is a sweet love story about two people building a beautiful life together.
This is the 2nd book in the series, but you don't have to read the 1st book to enjoy this one. Rachel and Adam are progressing down the road of a serious relationship in this novel by combining families. This is a very sweet romance about good times and bad, and falling in loved along the way.
The story is VERY sweet...hold on...it does drag a bit here and there, but overall it feels good to see these characters grow and overcome their past on their way to their happy.

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina Butrum's newest book, Everything She Needed is a must read for all lovers of romance novels. Rachel and Adam are both searching for their second chance at love. Ms. Butrum takes the reader on an amazing, emotional journey with Rachel and Adam as they face adversity and discover how true love can change your life. From the beautiful front cover to the simple yet poignant last lines...this book is a winner!

[Sharon Landry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Cedar Valley Series, Rachel and Adam's story. Christina put a twist on your topical HEA and started the book with it and wrote from there. Rachel was pregnant, the dad wanting nothing to do with the baby, probably should have thought of that before the deed. While Adam has a son who lost his mother. We find ourselves immersed in their love story. And rightly so. I love Christina's style and flare. I love the passion she puts into the pages of her books.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Cedar Valley! Adam and Rachel are the sweetest couple ever! The family that they build with Rachel's daughter Ava and Adam's son Ty is a wonderful story that definitely belongs in Cedar Valley. The cast of characters are witty, warm, and inviting. Kick off your shoes and come inside Cedar Valley. Christina is a fabulous author who absolutely captures not only the characters but the wonderful town they live in.

[Kathy Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in Christina Burtum’s Cedar Valley series is as good as her first. This one is Rachel and Adam’s story. Rachel and her daughter Ava move to Cedar Valley to be with Adam and his son Tyler. It results in love, heartache and a happily ever after.
Note: You don’t have to read the first one, however, trust me you will want to at least go back and read it because you will like the series so much!