What do you think?
Rate this book
The Secret Pond
Grieving over the loss of her family and feeling like her life is unraveling, Lindsey McDermott quits her job, gets a puppy and retreats to her grandparents’ home in the Texas Hill Country. She spends her solitary days walking childhood trails and reminiscing, trying to reconcile the conflict within her as she struggles with survivor’s guilt.
Hannah Larson, after the death of her husband, needs a change. At the suggestion of her mother-in-law—and against her better judgement—she and her nine-year-old son, Jack, move to tiny Utopia and into her husband’s grandmother’s house.
When Jack and Lindsey form an unlikely friendship, Hannah reluctantly joins them and the three spend the summer swimming and healing as laughter eventually replaces tears. After Jack goes back to school, Hannah assumes their summer fun is over. Instead, Lindsey continues to come around and now—as they find themselves alone—Hannah realizes just how close they’ve become. Soon, she finds herself struggling with her feelings as their friendship threatens to shift into something much deeper…something she fears she won’t be able to fight. Something she fears she won’t want to fight.
Genre: Romance
Hannah Larson, after the death of her husband, needs a change. At the suggestion of her mother-in-law—and against her better judgement—she and her nine-year-old son, Jack, move to tiny Utopia and into her husband’s grandmother’s house.
When Jack and Lindsey form an unlikely friendship, Hannah reluctantly joins them and the three spend the summer swimming and healing as laughter eventually replaces tears. After Jack goes back to school, Hannah assumes their summer fun is over. Instead, Lindsey continues to come around and now—as they find themselves alone—Hannah realizes just how close they’ve become. Soon, she finds herself struggling with her feelings as their friendship threatens to shift into something much deeper…something she fears she won’t be able to fight. Something she fears she won’t want to fight.
Genre: Romance
316 pages, Paperback
First published November 21, 2017
54 people are currently reading
582 people want to read
About the author
Gerri Hill
56 books1,541 followersGerri began writing lesbian romance as a way to amuse herself while snowed in one winter in the mountains of Colorado, and hasn’t looked back. Her first published work came in 2000 with One Summer Night. Many more romances have followed, with the occasional murder mystery in the mix.
Gerri’s love of nature and of being outdoors usually makes its way into her stories as her characters often find themselves in beautiful natural settings. When she isn’t writing, Gerri and her longtime partner, Diane, can be found at their home in East Texas, where their vegetable garden, orchard, and five acres of woods keep them busy. They share their lives with an ever-changing cast of furry friends.
Her favorite pastimes include camping, hiking, birdwatching (though she insists she doesn’t wear funny hats yet!), photography, and cooking. She collects things nature offers, like an unusual pinecone, colorful rocks, or an abandoned bird feather. Dawn is her favorite time of day, the moment right before sunrise...
"I love the morning... the beginning of a brand new day. Because even things that we know are unattainable flutter within our grasp. In the early morning—at that cusp of a new day—everything is possible."
Gerri’s love of nature and of being outdoors usually makes its way into her stories as her characters often find themselves in beautiful natural settings. When she isn’t writing, Gerri and her longtime partner, Diane, can be found at their home in East Texas, where their vegetable garden, orchard, and five acres of woods keep them busy. They share their lives with an ever-changing cast of furry friends.
Her favorite pastimes include camping, hiking, birdwatching (though she insists she doesn’t wear funny hats yet!), photography, and cooking. She collects things nature offers, like an unusual pinecone, colorful rocks, or an abandoned bird feather. Dawn is her favorite time of day, the moment right before sunrise...
"I love the morning... the beginning of a brand new day. Because even things that we know are unattainable flutter within our grasp. In the early morning—at that cusp of a new day—everything is possible."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
October 29, 2017
One sad boy, two sad women, two puppies, a river and a secret pond. That is what it took for Gerri Hill to write a perfectly beautiful and heartwarming story. She is the master writer of lesfic. My favorite by her is At Seventeen, and The Secret Pond is equally amazing. The characters, the plot, the emotions (especially the emotions!), the ending... everything is just perfect.
If you are looking for a touching and tender story of loss, grief, love and family -- this is your book. Highly recommended for everyone!
5 stars
Oct 29, 2017
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
If you are looking for a touching and tender story of loss, grief, love and family -- this is your book. Highly recommended for everyone!
5 stars
Oct 29, 2017
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
October 29, 2017
This is a new, slow-burn romance by Hill. I’m a big fan of Hill but I normally enjoy her action-romance or romance-thrillers the best. Instead this is a sweet, heartfelt romance that is just really well written.
Lindsey and Hannah are both suffering over great losses. Lindsey’s is so big, she is wondering if life is worth living. When she meets Hannah’s son, who is also grieving, the two form an immediate bond. Hannah doesn’t know what to think of her 9 year old son in a friendship with an adult. She needs to understand this woman who has captured her son’s heart. In a summer spent at a secret pond, bonds form almost like a family. But what will happen when the summer is finally over?
This is a story of overcoming great loss, friendship, family, and potential love. This is a slow-burn romance that has no angst. I used to call these straight romances, but saying that about a lesfic book just doesn’t really work. So I guess traditional romance would be better? I’m the kind of person that can get a little bored by these romances. No mystery, crime, dragons or spaceships, just a very real heartfelt romance. But Hill writes so damn well that this book kept my attention and I really enjoyed the read anyway.
If you are looking for a romance with no angst, just a story about people becoming a family, give this book a try. When Hill writes a traditional romance, this is the type of quality you come to expect from her. I can’t wait to see what she writes about next.
An ARC was given to me by Bella, for a honest review.
Lindsey and Hannah are both suffering over great losses. Lindsey’s is so big, she is wondering if life is worth living. When she meets Hannah’s son, who is also grieving, the two form an immediate bond. Hannah doesn’t know what to think of her 9 year old son in a friendship with an adult. She needs to understand this woman who has captured her son’s heart. In a summer spent at a secret pond, bonds form almost like a family. But what will happen when the summer is finally over?
This is a story of overcoming great loss, friendship, family, and potential love. This is a slow-burn romance that has no angst. I used to call these straight romances, but saying that about a lesfic book just doesn’t really work. So I guess traditional romance would be better? I’m the kind of person that can get a little bored by these romances. No mystery, crime, dragons or spaceships, just a very real heartfelt romance. But Hill writes so damn well that this book kept my attention and I really enjoyed the read anyway.
If you are looking for a romance with no angst, just a story about people becoming a family, give this book a try. When Hill writes a traditional romance, this is the type of quality you come to expect from her. I can’t wait to see what she writes about next.
An ARC was given to me by Bella, for a honest review.
January 8, 2018
“The Secret Pond” was absolutely delightful, and it was joyous listening to Abby Craden once again!
Instead of the typical lesfic formula of meet-misunderstanding-breakup-HEA, this book positions the tragedies as happening before the book begins. Although we meet the MCs as they are battling loneliness and depression, the tone of the book is very positive as they individually and together heal and rebuild a sense of happiness and purpose.
MCs Lindsey and Hannah, and 9yo MC Jack are all extremely likable. The friendships and bonds they form over a summer evolve very naturally and believably into love between Lindsey and formally straight-woman Hannah. Hannah’s initial belief that Jack’s new friend was imaginary was hilarious, and Hannah’s later careful consideration for the emotions of Lindsey and Jack were more thoughtful than her initial reaction to meeting Lindsey.
I really appreciated that Gerri Hill resisted any temptation to throw in some late angst just as Lindsey and Hannah recognized they were falling for each other.
Hannah’s meddlesome mother-in-law was amusing, and the dogs were terrific.
This is one of the sweetest books I’ve listened to in awhile, and I really look forward to listening to it again (and again), and returning to “The Secret Pond”. 5* oh, and btw, as sweet as the book is, the sex scenes are wonderfully steamy!!
Instead of the typical lesfic formula of meet-misunderstanding-breakup-HEA, this book positions the tragedies as happening before the book begins. Although we meet the MCs as they are battling loneliness and depression, the tone of the book is very positive as they individually and together heal and rebuild a sense of happiness and purpose.
MCs Lindsey and Hannah, and 9yo MC Jack are all extremely likable. The friendships and bonds they form over a summer evolve very naturally and believably into love between Lindsey and formally straight-woman Hannah. Hannah’s initial belief that Jack’s new friend was imaginary was hilarious, and Hannah’s later careful consideration for the emotions of Lindsey and Jack were more thoughtful than her initial reaction to meeting Lindsey.
I really appreciated that Gerri Hill resisted any temptation to throw in some late angst just as Lindsey and Hannah recognized they were falling for each other.
Hannah’s meddlesome mother-in-law was amusing, and the dogs were terrific.
This is one of the sweetest books I’ve listened to in awhile, and I really look forward to listening to it again (and again), and returning to “The Secret Pond”. 5* oh, and btw, as sweet as the book is, the sex scenes are wonderfully steamy!!
August 15, 2019
A sweet slow-burn love story about loss and new love. Heartbreaking what Lindsey, Hanna and Jack had to endure the last years, but heartwarming their story to find love in a place you wouldn't expect.
April 14, 2018
THIS BOOK has All. The. Feels.
Gerri Hill’s masterful skill in making readers FEEL the complex emotions & nuances that her characters go through truly shone in Lindsey/Hannah’s journey (self & shared) here. From going through their personal heartbreak on their own to becoming each other’s support in their growing friendship. And their slow-burn romance....So beautifully told, so utterly heartfelt! Their chemistry undeniable & captivating.
And what’s uniquely special about this Lindsey/Hannah story that Gerri Hill’s created is Lindsey & Jack’s affinity to each other. Their connection between these two kindred spirits is very well-written as Hill delves deeper into the story - so deeply affecting, so incredibly moving.
Needless to say, "The Secret Pond" is one of me favourite lesbian fiction novels.
It’s a resounding MUST-READ.
Gerri Hill’s masterful skill in making readers FEEL the complex emotions & nuances that her characters go through truly shone in Lindsey/Hannah’s journey (self & shared) here. From going through their personal heartbreak on their own to becoming each other’s support in their growing friendship. And their slow-burn romance....So beautifully told, so utterly heartfelt! Their chemistry undeniable & captivating.
And what’s uniquely special about this Lindsey/Hannah story that Gerri Hill’s created is Lindsey & Jack’s affinity to each other. Their connection between these two kindred spirits is very well-written as Hill delves deeper into the story - so deeply affecting, so incredibly moving.
Needless to say, "The Secret Pond" is one of me favourite lesbian fiction novels.
It’s a resounding MUST-READ.
March 25, 2019
This was an absolutely compelling story for me. I loved the characters, and the lovely, but small world it takes place in. I marveled at how much I enjoyed spending time with them. I have only read two other books by Gerri Hill, and they were good. This one showed me why she's a favorite author of so many people. I'm looking forward to working my way through her backlist.
January 26, 2018
5 STARS. Bonus 0.5 Stars for the excellent narration by Abby Craden. Huh. I was sure I’d listened to her before. Turns out I’ve just seen her name on a number of Lesfic audiobooks by Radclyffe, Hill & Beers plus a light comedic werewolf series I’ve been eyeing. I’m looking forward to listening to her again. Especially when she uses her swoon worthy sexy voice.
Ok. This is hands down my favorite Hill book. I’ve read a number of Hill’s early books but other than At Seventeen, nothing recently. I’m so glad I read this one.
The book opens with Lindsey McDurmott. She has recently moved to her Grandparents homestead in southern Texas. I’d never read (listened) to anything so heartbreaking as the opening chapter of Lindsey walking the property with her puppy, Max as she grieves her loss of her family and loneliness. Her grief is palpable. You just know that it wouldn’t take much for her to possibly end it. I didn’t realize the real extent of her loss until she opens up to the 9 (almost 10!) year old boy that she met at the creek along with his own puppy, Barney. Jack Larsen & his mother, Hannah are also grieving the recent loss of her husband & Jack’s father to brain cancer. They have just moved into Jack’s Great-Grandmother’s house to have Jack get to know his paternal grandparents and to escape. Though right away Hannah questions her decision because it also meant living nearby her shrew, judgmental, opinionated mother-in-law.
Jack & Lindsey form a special friendship as they meet everyday to fish the creek and later swim at the river or at Lindsey’s family’s Secret Pond. Jack tells his mother about his new friend which she assumes is imaginary! The three of them (& their dogs) spend a magical summer together becoming best friends and a family as they help each other heal. When the summer ends, Jack starts school and Lindsey & Hannah grow closer. As the synopsis says, a story of grief, healing... a story of love. My highest recommendation.
Ok. This is hands down my favorite Hill book. I’ve read a number of Hill’s early books but other than At Seventeen, nothing recently. I’m so glad I read this one.
The book opens with Lindsey McDurmott. She has recently moved to her Grandparents homestead in southern Texas. I’d never read (listened) to anything so heartbreaking as the opening chapter of Lindsey walking the property with her puppy, Max as she grieves her loss of her family and loneliness. Her grief is palpable. You just know that it wouldn’t take much for her to possibly end it. I didn’t realize the real extent of her loss until she opens up to the 9 (almost 10!) year old boy that she met at the creek along with his own puppy, Barney. Jack Larsen & his mother, Hannah are also grieving the recent loss of her husband & Jack’s father to brain cancer. They have just moved into Jack’s Great-Grandmother’s house to have Jack get to know his paternal grandparents and to escape. Though right away Hannah questions her decision because it also meant living nearby her shrew, judgmental, opinionated mother-in-law.
Jack & Lindsey form a special friendship as they meet everyday to fish the creek and later swim at the river or at Lindsey’s family’s Secret Pond. Jack tells his mother about his new friend which she assumes is imaginary! The three of them (& their dogs) spend a magical summer together becoming best friends and a family as they help each other heal. When the summer ends, Jack starts school and Lindsey & Hannah grow closer. As the synopsis says, a story of grief, healing... a story of love. My highest recommendation.
December 22, 2017
3 stars. Forgot I finished this one on my tablet awhile back. It was both a heartbreaking and soul healing story but ultimately it was too repetitive, I felt it was too long in the healing part of the story (almost put it down) and too rushed in love story part of it. And there was barely any love at all, felt more like lust and then it ended just as soon as it began.
The story didn't expand on the issues with both parts of the family about old and new problems so a lot of the topics felt unfinished or rushed. What about the overbearing mother in law and her reaction to her daughter in law turning into a lesbian all of a sudden. What about Hannah's parents? What about their relationship, they just got together and that's it. Did they stay in Utopia or did they move? Did they stay together at all?
I understand that the story is about healing but it's also supposed to be about love and while the healing part is good if not too long the love part feels rushed and unfinished. Would rate higher if there was a proper epilogue. I guess I'm not a fan of open endings, at least not this kind of open ending.
The story didn't expand on the issues with both parts of the family about old and new problems so a lot of the topics felt unfinished or rushed. What about the overbearing mother in law and her reaction to her daughter in law turning into a lesbian all of a sudden. What about Hannah's parents? What about their relationship, they just got together and that's it. Did they stay in Utopia or did they move? Did they stay together at all?
I understand that the story is about healing but it's also supposed to be about love and while the healing part is good if not too long the love part feels rushed and unfinished. Would rate higher if there was a proper epilogue. I guess I'm not a fan of open endings, at least not this kind of open ending.
June 22, 2025
Seriously amazing!
An almost devastating loss, adorable puppies, one cute little fellow, a lot of playing time, beautiful surroundings, two amazing women and it is now one of my favorite books by Gerri Hill. I loved everything and I never wanted it to end. Highly recommended.
An almost devastating loss, adorable puppies, one cute little fellow, a lot of playing time, beautiful surroundings, two amazing women and it is now one of my favorite books by Gerri Hill. I loved everything and I never wanted it to end. Highly recommended.
May 8, 2018
For me this book meant more by the end… actually it meant everything. I felt like I was reliving the emotions along with the characters.
Lindsey has lost everything… her family, her life and her self worth. She flees the city with her new puppy and hides out at her grandparents home. She spends her days reliving the most awful day of her life and then one day she meets a young boy called Jack and everything changes… Lindsay starts to live again.
Jack’s mum, Hannah has moved them from their old life after her husband dies. She is hoping the new start will help her and Jack heal but she doesn’t expect to meet Lindsay…
Could this be more than a new start?
This book was an emotional rollercoaster that I didn’t want to get off. The books highs and lows with tears and laughter were certainly worth every moment. I’m a massive fan of Gerri Hill but I think this is one of her best works to date.
As a mum I had to say the idea of my son going off everyday secretly to meet a women I didn’t know anything about would have drove me just as crazy as Hannah. I totally understood her stance but admired her ease of acceptance of Lindsay once she knew she was not a threat.
Be forewarned that this is definitely a slow burn book but with ultimately the perfect union of two women who really grow to be perfect for each other. But not only that, they become the most wonderful family even before Hannah and Lindsay realised any feelings mounting.
I won’t go into too much because it could spoil what could be the most beautiful and heart felt story I have read in a while.
Kudos Gerri Hill. You’re the maestro for a reason.
5 stars
Lindsey has lost everything… her family, her life and her self worth. She flees the city with her new puppy and hides out at her grandparents home. She spends her days reliving the most awful day of her life and then one day she meets a young boy called Jack and everything changes… Lindsay starts to live again.
Jack’s mum, Hannah has moved them from their old life after her husband dies. She is hoping the new start will help her and Jack heal but she doesn’t expect to meet Lindsay…
Could this be more than a new start?
This book was an emotional rollercoaster that I didn’t want to get off. The books highs and lows with tears and laughter were certainly worth every moment. I’m a massive fan of Gerri Hill but I think this is one of her best works to date.
As a mum I had to say the idea of my son going off everyday secretly to meet a women I didn’t know anything about would have drove me just as crazy as Hannah. I totally understood her stance but admired her ease of acceptance of Lindsay once she knew she was not a threat.
Be forewarned that this is definitely a slow burn book but with ultimately the perfect union of two women who really grow to be perfect for each other. But not only that, they become the most wonderful family even before Hannah and Lindsay realised any feelings mounting.
I won’t go into too much because it could spoil what could be the most beautiful and heart felt story I have read in a while.
Kudos Gerri Hill. You’re the maestro for a reason.
5 stars
January 7, 2018
Gerri Hill is a phenomenal writer. I love her books and have read almost everything she has published. What I love most about Hill's writing is she sets the scene perfectly. In The Secret Pond, I felt as if though I could truly see the landscape of Leakey, Texas. She described it perfectly, Hill transported you right into one of the most beautiful places in the vast state of Texas.
There's going to be a but now. While the setting for the book was perfect, the romance was not. Our two main protagonists in the story have been dealt horrific losses. Lindsey McDermott, an architect from Dallas, has lost her entire family to a plane crash. I'm talking everyone, parents, grandparents, both siblings, siblings spouses and their children. Hannah Larson lost her husband to a fifteen month battle with a brain tumor. She watched her husband deteriorate as cancer ravaged his body. So when these two ladies meet, they have so much backstory and pain to navigate through.
The majority of the book is spent with Hannah's son Jack, playing in the Frio River or a secret pond on the McDermott ranch. Lindsey meets Jack, and they see a bit of themselves in each other, grief recognizing grief. They fish, swim and enjoy summer, finally including Hannah on their adventures. That takes you through almost 75% of the book. After halfway, I could not see any way for these Hannah and Lindsey to have a romance. They do, but it feels less than and rushed.
I will continue to read every book Hill writes, this one just was not my favorite. It felt long, a bit repetitious and the romance felt like an afterthought. 3 stars
There's going to be a but now. While the setting for the book was perfect, the romance was not. Our two main protagonists in the story have been dealt horrific losses. Lindsey McDermott, an architect from Dallas, has lost her entire family to a plane crash. I'm talking everyone, parents, grandparents, both siblings, siblings spouses and their children. Hannah Larson lost her husband to a fifteen month battle with a brain tumor. She watched her husband deteriorate as cancer ravaged his body. So when these two ladies meet, they have so much backstory and pain to navigate through.
The majority of the book is spent with Hannah's son Jack, playing in the Frio River or a secret pond on the McDermott ranch. Lindsey meets Jack, and they see a bit of themselves in each other, grief recognizing grief. They fish, swim and enjoy summer, finally including Hannah on their adventures. That takes you through almost 75% of the book. After halfway, I could not see any way for these Hannah and Lindsey to have a romance. They do, but it feels less than and rushed.
I will continue to read every book Hill writes, this one just was not my favorite. It felt long, a bit repetitious and the romance felt like an afterthought. 3 stars
May 19, 2022
Well, at least there wasn’t a dark moment or miscommunication.
September 27, 2018
4.5 stars.
Gerri hill is a wonderful story teller!
While reading this book I noticed I had more patience than ever before. I'm a sucker for A slow pace romance. A romance where the writer takes the time to create a realistic, emotional and passionate bond between characters.
For me the timing of a love story is often as important as the story itself. I've read books that went too quick, where I didn't even have a chance to get into the feel of the story. I've read books where the writer waited too long, and to story bled to death.
But gosh...,.... miss Hill, she is such a great story teller, that it was beyond "the pace" with this one, I seemed to have all the patience in the world reading this book. She just drew me in, and I knew from the first page, it would be worth the wait!
This story is about grieve, loss, about being brave enough to love again. It's also about family and true love, and how love can make us forget about gender and what's expected from society, it all comes down in the end, to what simply feels "RIGHT" to us!
Gerri hill is a wonderful story teller!
While reading this book I noticed I had more patience than ever before. I'm a sucker for A slow pace romance. A romance where the writer takes the time to create a realistic, emotional and passionate bond between characters.
For me the timing of a love story is often as important as the story itself. I've read books that went too quick, where I didn't even have a chance to get into the feel of the story. I've read books where the writer waited too long, and to story bled to death.
But gosh...,.... miss Hill, she is such a great story teller, that it was beyond "the pace" with this one, I seemed to have all the patience in the world reading this book. She just drew me in, and I knew from the first page, it would be worth the wait!
This story is about grieve, loss, about being brave enough to love again. It's also about family and true love, and how love can make us forget about gender and what's expected from society, it all comes down in the end, to what simply feels "RIGHT" to us!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2017
Never have been able to put a Gerri Hill book down without having to read it in one sitting...
This read is Brilliant.
This read is Brilliant.
November 21, 2017
Review of 'The secret pond' by Gerri Hill.
Gerri Hill is a veteran lesfic author of romances, mysteries and even paranormal. 'The secret pond' is a beautiful slow burn romance but also a story about overcoming grief and finding home. Written from both main characters' point of view, the book describes a summer in south Texas spent by Hannah, a straight mother of a 9 year old recently widowed, and Lindsey, a single lesbian architect who lost her whole family in a plane crash. Both women (and Hannah's son) find solace in each other and slowly their relationship start to evolve into something more meaningful and unexpected.
I enjoyed this book very much though I needed some time to like Hannah, as I was alarmed by her parenting choices at the beginning of the book. I slowly warmed to her as I started to understand her actions and her suffering. Lindsey is an adorable character with her guilt complex and family devotion that it's hard not to like her. As the book progresses, the reader can see their chemistry growing and their relationship changing without much angst but with deep feelings and care for each other. Ms. Hill's love for the outdoors and south Texas permeates throughout the book in her beautiful descriptions of the area and the suffocating summer. 'The secret pond' is Gerri Hill at her best.
Overall, 4.5 stars. Highly recommended if you like slow burn romances without much angst.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
Gerri Hill is a veteran lesfic author of romances, mysteries and even paranormal. 'The secret pond' is a beautiful slow burn romance but also a story about overcoming grief and finding home. Written from both main characters' point of view, the book describes a summer in south Texas spent by Hannah, a straight mother of a 9 year old recently widowed, and Lindsey, a single lesbian architect who lost her whole family in a plane crash. Both women (and Hannah's son) find solace in each other and slowly their relationship start to evolve into something more meaningful and unexpected.
I enjoyed this book very much though I needed some time to like Hannah, as I was alarmed by her parenting choices at the beginning of the book. I slowly warmed to her as I started to understand her actions and her suffering. Lindsey is an adorable character with her guilt complex and family devotion that it's hard not to like her. As the book progresses, the reader can see their chemistry growing and their relationship changing without much angst but with deep feelings and care for each other. Ms. Hill's love for the outdoors and south Texas permeates throughout the book in her beautiful descriptions of the area and the suffocating summer. 'The secret pond' is Gerri Hill at her best.
Overall, 4.5 stars. Highly recommended if you like slow burn romances without much angst.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
December 11, 2017
This was a very sweet romance, but, in my opinion, the ending could have used a little more umph.
September 5, 2019
This was a really really slow burn, not just the story itself, but took me almost two weeks to listen to the audiobook. I kept listening and pausing every few minutes because... life...kids... but every time I resumed listening, it was always about the three MCs (Lindsay, Jack, and Hannah) playing in the water, lake, pond, river, lake, pond, river, etc. 😂 Eventually finished the entire audiobook but somehow, I don't know where the 8.5 hours went and why it was 8.5 hours because most of it was about them playing in the water because it's summer and neither women worked. Parts of it was about the grief the two women suffered from having lost loved ones to tragedy and finding solace in each other's presence. Somewhere towards the end is where the romance took place. Lindsay and Hannah started having feelings for one another. It was a sweet romance based on shared pain, grief, and companionship. It was emotional and poignant, a wonderful union of two women who fell in love, but other than that, I think half the book could have been cut out. The skinny dipping water scene could have been dialed up a couple of notches. With all that buildup, I wanted more heat but the end of the book took place with two characters (an adult and a kid) drenched in a rainstorm. Seriously? Queue the sad trombone sound in my head.
Abby Crayden did a marvelous job narrating this one.
Abby Crayden did a marvelous job narrating this one.
March 10, 2018
This is a really sweet story of loss and new-found life and love. Nearly all of the dialogue and interaction is between Lindsay, Hannah and Jack, Hannah's 9-year-old son. Both Lindsay and Hannah are likeable characters. Jack was well-characterised for the age he portrays. It didn't blow me away but it is well-written. 3.5 rounded up.
May 3, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
July 21, 2024
This book still makes me cry. Such a beautiful story. A slow burn between two lovable MC’s. A cute little nine year old and two dogs. I felt their pain. I read the pocketbook first, than the e-book. Now I listened to the audio. And man does Abby Craden do a terrific job. All the different voices, the emotion in the voices. I love this book. Still more than 5 stars.
June 19, 2020
5-
Heartwarming story of two people with a shared grief that find each other . A small boy and a twenty-nine year old woman.
Heartwarming story of two people with a shared grief that find each other . A small boy and a twenty-nine year old woman.
November 21, 2021
2 or rather 3 lost souls trying to get over their heartbreak with loss of their loved ones, met and develop a close bond. A slow burn romance with very minimal angst.
High 3s ⭐️
High 3s ⭐️
July 26, 2019
This cover kept taunting me for the longest time. I remember seeing it over and over again, and thinking that I had to read it along the way. Then just the other day, I saw the audiobook was available through Audible’s Escape package. I was pretty excited as also narrated by Abby Craden. The end result was a mixed bag of feelings.
Hannah Larson and her nine year old son Jack, moved to her recently deceased husband’s grandmother house looking for a fresh start. This move takes her from San Antonio and her family, to her somewhat estranged in-laws proximity and an old house to rehabilitate. While Hannah attempts to work on the house to make it her own, Jack goes to the nearby creek with his puppy. There, he meets Lindsey McDermott one day and strike an unusual friendship. Lindsey is also grieving as she lost her family in a plane crash. The loneliness and grief Jack and Lindsey share are the basis for their friendship, which then shifts to include Hannah. As they spend the summer together, the women find themselves battling attraction and confusion over the reason for these feelings. Are they in love or are they simply joined by grief?
Now to the mixed bag of my own feelings! The story grabbed me right off the bat. Then Jack is going to the creek alone, meeting someone who Hannah believes to be an imaginary friend. Well, I was ready to look away as a parent since it wasn’t a big deal within the confines of the story, but then Hannah is all conflicted about it. At this point I became aggravated (thank you Gaby for listening to my rants). Who sends their 9yr old to the creek to meet an adult they don’t know? So I was eye rolling away at Hannah’s worries, after all, they were of her own making. How about you go down with your son? How about you actually meet this person and then make it a point to go see them with your son? It felt like a reason to create conflict out of something that could have been easily prevented.
This was a slow burn romance. And I mean, fifty eight chapters later, I was exhausted. There was a lot of swimming in the river and pond in those chapters. I feel more dialog between the mains would have been a better use of the time. I felt the connection was there, but to be honest, I thought it was better established between Jack and Lindsey. Jack was charming and a great character.
The mother in-law was fantastic! In a horrible, backwards and aggravating way, but fabulous nonetheless. I actually felt bad for Hannah, enduring negative comment after negative comment from the narrow minded woman. She criticized everything Hannah did and felt awfully close to a personal experience with a relative (thank goodness not my mother in-law!). So, bracing for her opinion and what Hannah would tell her about Lindsey, well nothing was said about that. It was a let down to see that character fade into nothingness after being a true conflict in the story.
The narration was great and I have no issues with Ms Craden’s performance. Jack had many lines and the child voice was great, not taking anything away from the rest of the story. I found myself listening at 1.5x speed for the first time ever, but this was because I lost interest in the middle of the story, not anything to do with the narrator.
Overall an okay story about letting go of grief and finding love. 3.25 stars.
Hannah Larson and her nine year old son Jack, moved to her recently deceased husband’s grandmother house looking for a fresh start. This move takes her from San Antonio and her family, to her somewhat estranged in-laws proximity and an old house to rehabilitate. While Hannah attempts to work on the house to make it her own, Jack goes to the nearby creek with his puppy. There, he meets Lindsey McDermott one day and strike an unusual friendship. Lindsey is also grieving as she lost her family in a plane crash. The loneliness and grief Jack and Lindsey share are the basis for their friendship, which then shifts to include Hannah. As they spend the summer together, the women find themselves battling attraction and confusion over the reason for these feelings. Are they in love or are they simply joined by grief?
Now to the mixed bag of my own feelings! The story grabbed me right off the bat. Then Jack is going to the creek alone, meeting someone who Hannah believes to be an imaginary friend. Well, I was ready to look away as a parent since it wasn’t a big deal within the confines of the story, but then Hannah is all conflicted about it. At this point I became aggravated (thank you Gaby for listening to my rants). Who sends their 9yr old to the creek to meet an adult they don’t know? So I was eye rolling away at Hannah’s worries, after all, they were of her own making. How about you go down with your son? How about you actually meet this person and then make it a point to go see them with your son? It felt like a reason to create conflict out of something that could have been easily prevented.
This was a slow burn romance. And I mean, fifty eight chapters later, I was exhausted. There was a lot of swimming in the river and pond in those chapters. I feel more dialog between the mains would have been a better use of the time. I felt the connection was there, but to be honest, I thought it was better established between Jack and Lindsey. Jack was charming and a great character.
The mother in-law was fantastic! In a horrible, backwards and aggravating way, but fabulous nonetheless. I actually felt bad for Hannah, enduring negative comment after negative comment from the narrow minded woman. She criticized everything Hannah did and felt awfully close to a personal experience with a relative (thank goodness not my mother in-law!). So, bracing for her opinion and what Hannah would tell her about Lindsey, well nothing was said about that. It was a let down to see that character fade into nothingness after being a true conflict in the story.
The narration was great and I have no issues with Ms Craden’s performance. Jack had many lines and the child voice was great, not taking anything away from the rest of the story. I found myself listening at 1.5x speed for the first time ever, but this was because I lost interest in the middle of the story, not anything to do with the narrator.
Overall an okay story about letting go of grief and finding love. 3.25 stars.
December 8, 2020
(second listen Dec2020) Still 5 Stars. I love this story so damn much. It's low angst on the relationship but plenty of drama supplied by the tragedies both women suffer before they meet. Their friendship is so organic and then the gentle slide into falling in love. It's just perfect. I love Jack and the puppers too. I think I need to make this an annual listen. Abby Craden's narration is amazing as always. This audio book comes with my highest recommendation, esp for fans of a masterclass slow burn.
(first review 5-Stars) I love everything about this book. It's tragic and wonderful and happy. I love both the main characters so much and their love story is so sweet. It's so well written. I will be re-listening to this one, a lot.
(first review 5-Stars) I love everything about this book. It's tragic and wonderful and happy. I love both the main characters so much and their love story is so sweet. It's so well written. I will be re-listening to this one, a lot.
February 5, 2018
Loved hearing Abby Craden read this story of two lost souls finding comfort in each others company. Both Hannah and Lindsay have lost so much in their lives as has Hannah's son Jack. The friendship which develops quickly between Lindsay and Jack sets up the inevitable connection between Hannah and Lindsay.
Too bad the ending was so abrupt. I had to check my phone to see if I missed something. The rushed HEA doesn't take away from a heartfelt story. Bring your hankies for this one.
Too bad the ending was so abrupt. I had to check my phone to see if I missed something. The rushed HEA doesn't take away from a heartfelt story. Bring your hankies for this one.
December 28, 2025
This was a perfect book for me. Gerri Hill is such a great read.
January 24, 2018
I started reading "Open Tab" soon after starting this book. I really thought one of the authors stole the book from the other. The initial set-up was the same in both.
The SAME!
* young single mother; husband died; she moves across the country to a tiny town.
*slightly older woman previously but recently moved back to the same town after the loss of family member/members. *older woman and little boy become inseparable
Thank god the similarities ended there. I initially gave this book three stars. I figured it was 'ok' , even though i complained the entire way through it. But i just finished "Open Tab", and realized how that initial set-up could lead to an exciting, creative, and fun book, ... or it could lead to this book; which i was actually glad to just be done with.
And when i think back to how pissed i was at how irresponsible the women were, as figures in this young boy's life... Anyhow. i give it 2 stars. Which is sad because I'm a big fan of Gerri Hill.
The SAME!
* young single mother; husband died; she moves across the country to a tiny town.
*slightly older woman previously but recently moved back to the same town after the loss of family member/members. *older woman and little boy become inseparable
Thank god the similarities ended there. I initially gave this book three stars. I figured it was 'ok' , even though i complained the entire way through it. But i just finished "Open Tab", and realized how that initial set-up could lead to an exciting, creative, and fun book, ... or it could lead to this book; which i was actually glad to just be done with.
And when i think back to how pissed i was at how irresponsible the women were, as figures in this young boy's life... Anyhow. i give it 2 stars. Which is sad because I'm a big fan of Gerri Hill.
October 21, 2023
Wow!!! Gerri Hill; AMAZING!!
June 19, 2025
Beautiful and heartwarming. Very nice characters who you get to love. Written with warmth and humour. Will definitely read this one again sometime.
2025 read this lovely book again and loved it.
2025 read this lovely book again and loved it.
January 25, 2018
*sighs* I loved it, this was an amazing audiobook, and the story was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews