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Mirror Lake #4
Longing for Home
It seems like the perfect solution: hotel mogul Alex Porter will manage his sister's small-town bed-and-breakfast while she honeymoons. But he gets more than he bargained for when he finds himself clashing with feisty café owner Kate Nichols. Suddenly he's organizing church outings and playing surrogate dad to the foster children Kate takes in. Alex is used to taking charge—but not like this! If he isn't careful, this big-city executive just might lose his heart to Mirror Lake's favorite hometown girl.
364 pages, Paperback
First published December 20, 2011
25 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Springer
59 books492 followersKathryn Springer grew up in a small town in Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child, she spent many hours sitting at her mother’s typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books – which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own.
After a number of busy years, when she married her college sweetheart and became a stay-at-home mom, Kathryn rediscovered her love for writing. An unexpected snow day from school became the inspiration for a short story, which she submitted to Brio magazine. She went on to publish over a dozen more short stories for Brio, but it wasn’t until her youngest child started school that she decided to pursue her dream to write a book. In August 2004, her Love Inspired® debut novel, Tested by Fire, was published.
Fast forward to today and Kathryn has written over thirty novels. She lives on a lake in northern Wisconsin where she enjoys long walks in the woods and the change of seasons (although sometimes she wishes the "change" between winter and spring didn't last quite so long!) When she isn’t at the computer, you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, paging through cooking magazines or sitting in the sun. A really, really good day includes all three! If you want to know more, follow her blog Table Grace. . .thoughts and musings on living a life with nothing artificial added.
After a number of busy years, when she married her college sweetheart and became a stay-at-home mom, Kathryn rediscovered her love for writing. An unexpected snow day from school became the inspiration for a short story, which she submitted to Brio magazine. She went on to publish over a dozen more short stories for Brio, but it wasn’t until her youngest child started school that she decided to pursue her dream to write a book. In August 2004, her Love Inspired® debut novel, Tested by Fire, was published.
Fast forward to today and Kathryn has written over thirty novels. She lives on a lake in northern Wisconsin where she enjoys long walks in the woods and the change of seasons (although sometimes she wishes the "change" between winter and spring didn't last quite so long!) When she isn’t at the computer, you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, paging through cooking magazines or sitting in the sun. A really, really good day includes all three! If you want to know more, follow her blog Table Grace. . .thoughts and musings on living a life with nothing artificial added.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 23, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up because I enjoyed the last half better than the first
April 6, 2018
I enjoyed this story of the hard-driving big city man and the small town woman who never says no to someone in need. Apparently I'm reading the series backwards, as I've only read #5 so far, but that wasn't a problem, and I liked it better than the one that follows, I think because the characters felt more realistic and they interacted a lot more.
While I enjoyed reading it I also had a few qualms. For one thing, I wish so many of these books didn't use money to solve everyone's problems. Is that really the message we want to keep sending? Also, as I was reading I wished our heroine had learned to say "No" occasionally, because I believe it's a feeling a lot of women have that we must always help everyone and never take time for ourselves. And that doesn't work in the long run; ask me how I know... Finally, I'm not convinced the hero won't be bored in a couple of years, living in that small town, as I grew up in one myself. Not that they're boring, but I doubt his talents will be challenged by helping organize a few local events. But this is a romance so I'll give them their HEA. :)
While I enjoyed reading it I also had a few qualms. For one thing, I wish so many of these books didn't use money to solve everyone's problems. Is that really the message we want to keep sending? Also, as I was reading I wished our heroine had learned to say "No" occasionally, because I believe it's a feeling a lot of women have that we must always help everyone and never take time for ourselves. And that doesn't work in the long run; ask me how I know... Finally, I'm not convinced the hero won't be bored in a couple of years, living in that small town, as I grew up in one myself. Not that they're boring, but I doubt his talents will be challenged by helping organize a few local events. But this is a romance so I'll give them their HEA. :)
June 12, 2018
This is a lovely story of Kate and Alex, and everything that they do for their family and community.
They both help to take of a Inn while Alex's sister is on her honeymoon.
I like the "small-town" feeling of this story. Kate likes to help people while also running her Cafe.
A lovely romance story! I plan to read more of this series.
They both help to take of a Inn while Alex's sister is on her honeymoon.
I like the "small-town" feeling of this story. Kate likes to help people while also running her Cafe.
A lovely romance story! I plan to read more of this series.
August 22, 2012
Longing for Home is the fourth book in Kathryn Springer's Mirror Lake series. Alex and Kate clashed--I mean met--for the first time at the end of A Place to Call Home, the first book in the series. Right away, I thought they should get their own story.
I love when an author takes a character I can't stand, shows me what makes him tick, and makes me love him. Alex Porter is one such character. To this point in the series, he is the rich city boy who thinks he knows better than everyone about everything and has no use for the small town where his sister has chosen to settle. Not exactly a likable guy.
Kate Nichols is the rare small town girl who never wanted to be anything else. Her town, her diner, and her church are her life, and she's happy with things as they are. Alex's dismissive attitude regarding all those things infuriates her. The resulting fireworks are certainly a sight to behold.
In Longing for Home, we see behind Alex's icy facade to the big brother who only wants to protect himself and his sister from the hurts of life. When those protective instincts rise up and encompass Kate and the two children she's fostering, she can't help opening up to him as well.
Just when you think they've got it made, a final speed bump slows them down and makes them think it over one last time. Their road to Happily Ever After is by no means smooth, but in the end it's definitely worth the trip.
This book is my favorite in the series so far. I give it 5 brightly shining stars.
I love when an author takes a character I can't stand, shows me what makes him tick, and makes me love him. Alex Porter is one such character. To this point in the series, he is the rich city boy who thinks he knows better than everyone about everything and has no use for the small town where his sister has chosen to settle. Not exactly a likable guy.
Kate Nichols is the rare small town girl who never wanted to be anything else. Her town, her diner, and her church are her life, and she's happy with things as they are. Alex's dismissive attitude regarding all those things infuriates her. The resulting fireworks are certainly a sight to behold.
In Longing for Home, we see behind Alex's icy facade to the big brother who only wants to protect himself and his sister from the hurts of life. When those protective instincts rise up and encompass Kate and the two children she's fostering, she can't help opening up to him as well.
Just when you think they've got it made, a final speed bump slows them down and makes them think it over one last time. Their road to Happily Ever After is by no means smooth, but in the end it's definitely worth the trip.
This book is my favorite in the series so far. I give it 5 brightly shining stars.
April 25, 2013
Although this book stood on its own, I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read some of the previous books in the series. A lot of characters kept popping up who were clearly from other books. Most of the Love Inspired books that I have enjoyed were more spiritual than overtly religious as this book was. Still an enjoyable read.
February 29, 2024
You know it's a good book when you feel like the love is building all throughout. And thats what this one feels like. Its the perfect slow burn romance, it takes time and it builds. But the timing is perfect and it can't be rushed.
In this story Alex, a hotel mogul comes to Mirror Lake to help his sister (Abby) manage her B&B while she's on her honeymoon. But he ends up constantly butting heads with Kate, her best friend who is also helping cook in the B&B while his sister is away. Being around Kate constantly grates on his nerves because she is so kind, loving, and attached to those around her. While he is guarded, methodical, professional, and distant. Two people that seem they can never get along, find themselves working together as foster kids end up in Kate's care last minute. Finally the comment that Abby had made to Alex weeks earlier starts to make sense to him... "being in Mirror Lake changes you, it makes you want things you never even knew you wanted."
Mirror Lake and Kate... would change Alex , for the better.
I read HEA/Romance stories most of the time... this was one of my favorite endings.
In this story Alex, a hotel mogul comes to Mirror Lake to help his sister (Abby) manage her B&B while she's on her honeymoon. But he ends up constantly butting heads with Kate, her best friend who is also helping cook in the B&B while his sister is away. Being around Kate constantly grates on his nerves because she is so kind, loving, and attached to those around her. While he is guarded, methodical, professional, and distant. Two people that seem they can never get along, find themselves working together as foster kids end up in Kate's care last minute. Finally the comment that Abby had made to Alex weeks earlier starts to make sense to him... "being in Mirror Lake changes you, it makes you want things you never even knew you wanted."
Mirror Lake and Kate... would change Alex , for the better.
I read HEA/Romance stories most of the time... this was one of my favorite endings.
January 15, 2025
Two things really stuck out to me in this book, 1 they introduced Dev from the next book (my favorite!!) and I liked how that tied in the stories! The second is that kate and Alex’s romance was a love hate relationship, I like that they spent the whole time having feelings for each other but also I think the ending was wayyy too quick, the proposal came out of NOWHERE like I thought he was just gonna say I love you for the first time not commit his life to her 😭 I liked the book though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2020
Great read. Alex and Kate were awesome characters, and the interactions between them had me laughing out loud several times.
The sand castle analogy was awesome, and the messages of the book were great and well done.
The sand castle analogy was awesome, and the messages of the book were great and well done.
July 31, 2020
This is a well written series by Kathryn Springer. Creative characters, Wisconsin setting, and an ending that will encourage the reader to continue researching this author. copy right 2012 279 pages
November 24, 2019
I loved it :)
March 9, 2020
I’m in love with this whole series...and this is an excellent addition!!
June 10, 2020
Kate is so busy with her cafe, church family and helping her friend Abby get married that meeting Abby's brother again rocks her world.
October 26, 2021
Fun read. Great book at showing how we shouldnt' judge someone by first impressions. How under the right circumstances anyone can change their attitude, behavior, values.
April 2, 2022
A clean romance! Interesting characters!
June 19, 2023
Content: Clean
I enjoyed this. Clean. Decent romance that didn't feel cheesy or rushed. Would recommend.
I enjoyed this. Clean. Decent romance that didn't feel cheesy or rushed. Would recommend.
January 3, 2024
A wonderful Inspirational Christian based romance.
July 5, 2023
Alex and Kate meet in an earlier book in this series and it was fairly obvious there was chemistry between them, so I was thrilled to read their story. So much so that I devoured it in one sitting! It was so fun to watch. Mr. Perfect and Professional fall into messy, imperfect, real life. This book has it all... fun, laughter, romance and love! Love.. not just the romantic kind, but between siblings, parent/ child, and friends.
This series has not disappointed one bit! I will be sad to see it end.
This series has not disappointed one bit! I will be sad to see it end.
November 4, 2013
SOOOO very happy that this book was back on track!
Yes, I'm working my way thru the Mirror Lake series. And (((mostly))) I'm loving them. As much as an ex-Christian who can't stand it when her Savior is called by that incorrect de-Hebrewed moniker, Jee-zus, can. I deal, for the sake of the story, but bristle, every time.
This is Kate and Alex's story - both of whom have been in all of the previous Mirror Lake books. Kate is the feisty red-headed cafe owner who is a whirling dervish, a woman who takes care of everyone and everything. Alex is a micro-managing, mega-rich hotel chain owner from Chicago come to town to watch his sister's business while she's on her honeymoon. Throw two Type-A personalities together, and it's a FUN book. ANOTHER one. I loved it. I loved the sandcastle contest. And the tree house plans. And the ladder debacle. And the sticky-note verses (although... I am KJV. All these new-fangled versions... I don't know what the heck verse you're referencing, CGM-ers. It's a watered down, paraphrased, cheapened MESS. Again, I deal, but c'mon.)
With this book, there are some things that aren't believable. If you suspend reality, you'll be okay, but... If Kate is there for the town, has the cafe, and does her business with the people where they are, she would NOT drop it all to go out and cook at the bed-n-breakfast for two weeks, straight. If Alex were going to bring in help from Chicago, he'd have it at his sister's BNB, not at the cafe so Kate could come out there. The whole thing was kinda wonky... but for the sake of the story, I also let that go. I seem to be letting a LOT go for the sake of Ms. Springer - because I want very much to believe she's close to the Truth. Or *GOT* close to the Truth, for a while.
Anyhow, books 1,2, and 4. Fantastic. Book three? Meh. But I have two more...!!!
Yes, I'm working my way thru the Mirror Lake series. And (((mostly))) I'm loving them. As much as an ex-Christian who can't stand it when her Savior is called by that incorrect de-Hebrewed moniker, Jee-zus, can. I deal, for the sake of the story, but bristle, every time.
This is Kate and Alex's story - both of whom have been in all of the previous Mirror Lake books. Kate is the feisty red-headed cafe owner who is a whirling dervish, a woman who takes care of everyone and everything. Alex is a micro-managing, mega-rich hotel chain owner from Chicago come to town to watch his sister's business while she's on her honeymoon. Throw two Type-A personalities together, and it's a FUN book. ANOTHER one. I loved it. I loved the sandcastle contest. And the tree house plans. And the ladder debacle. And the sticky-note verses (although... I am KJV. All these new-fangled versions... I don't know what the heck verse you're referencing, CGM-ers. It's a watered down, paraphrased, cheapened MESS. Again, I deal, but c'mon.)
With this book, there are some things that aren't believable. If you suspend reality, you'll be okay, but... If Kate is there for the town, has the cafe, and does her business with the people where they are, she would NOT drop it all to go out and cook at the bed-n-breakfast for two weeks, straight. If Alex were going to bring in help from Chicago, he'd have it at his sister's BNB, not at the cafe so Kate could come out there. The whole thing was kinda wonky... but for the sake of the story, I also let that go. I seem to be letting a LOT go for the sake of Ms. Springer - because I want very much to believe she's close to the Truth. Or *GOT* close to the Truth, for a while.
Anyhow, books 1,2, and 4. Fantastic. Book three? Meh. But I have two more...!!!
January 29, 2012
So far a very typical romance, which is starting to annoy me. The two characters are both gorgeous, they have a physical attraction, but seemingly incompatible values and they get on each other's nerves. They'll fall in love against their better judgement, which everyone around them sees, but they are currently denying. I suspect there's going to be at least one major confrontation between them after they have accepted that they are in love (which is typical for stories like that). Meh... I don't know why I still try reading romance genre sometimes. I guess I hope to be surprised.
Here's something non-typical on page 87:
So even though she doesn't like him and doesn't want to like him, she prays for him. This is good.
Ah I was right. And the romance was even more lightning-fast than I'm used to. I should have expected that from such a short little book.
Here's something non-typical on page 87:
Lord, You always have a purpose. There must be a reason why You brought Alex here... show him that You're real and that You love him.
For the first time, Kate found herself praying for the man himself, rather than an extra measure of patience to deal with him!
So even though she doesn't like him and doesn't want to like him, she prays for him. This is good.
Ah I was right. And the romance was even more lightning-fast than I'm used to. I should have expected that from such a short little book.
May 9, 2024
Kathryn Springer did a phenomenal job with this book. I could not put it down. Kate, the owner of the Grapevine and Abby's - from book one - maid of honor and Abby's overbearing and overprotective older brother take over Abby's bed and breakfast so she can go on her honeymoon with Quinn. Kathryn does a great job at showing both sides of their love story. She also shows why Alex is the way he is and how Abby's kidnapping affected him as the older sibling and why he tries his best not to make personal connections. The author also did a good job at showing the sadness and the longing Kate goes through while watching her friends each find their one and how she wants that too. Even though she thinks it'll never happen for her. Longing for Home is by far my favorite book in the Mirror Lake series. The struggles of both of the main characters and them letting down their shields made me never want to put the book down. The only thing that upset me about the book was there was no epilogue like in the first three books in the series. I'm looking forward to seeing where Kate and Alex are in Jenna and Devs's story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2013
Longing for Home is a very good, clean, romance story. I enjoyed getting to know the main characters, Kate Nichols and Alex Porter. I enjoyed their arguments, Kate's spunky spirit, and Alex's arrogance. It was fun to watch as Alex changed his priorities and fell in love.
My parents own a Bed & Breakfast establishment, so I could relate to that part of the storyline. I loved the small-town setting near a lake. This was a fun story and I was disappointed to finish reading it; I didn't want the adventure to end! Now I need to read the other books in this series.
My parents own a Bed & Breakfast establishment, so I could relate to that part of the storyline. I loved the small-town setting near a lake. This was a fun story and I was disappointed to finish reading it; I didn't want the adventure to end! Now I need to read the other books in this series.
September 8, 2014
Alex Porter is a hotel mogul and he ends up running his sister's bed-and-breakfast while she honeymoons for 2 weeks. He can't cook so Abby has her best friend do the cooking and the sparks fly.
Kate and Alex cannot be in the same room without an argument. He thinks Kate lets people take advantage of her not realizing she loves to help people. Read to see if she can help Alex understand the concept of drive him away.
Kate and Alex cannot be in the same room without an argument. He thinks Kate lets people take advantage of her not realizing she loves to help people. Read to see if she can help Alex understand the concept of drive him away.
April 24, 2016
**4.5**
this should have been 5 stars but the editing was horrendous!!!! I was thoroughly annoyed. however, this was by far my favorite story in the series. I just adored Alex and Kate, and I thought their interactions with each other were real and witty. I was rooting for them the entire time. And my favorite: the way God was shown in this novel. sometimes subtlety works on the heart the most. LOVED THIS COUPLE.
this should have been 5 stars but the editing was horrendous!!!! I was thoroughly annoyed. however, this was by far my favorite story in the series. I just adored Alex and Kate, and I thought their interactions with each other were real and witty. I was rooting for them the entire time. And my favorite: the way God was shown in this novel. sometimes subtlety works on the heart the most. LOVED THIS COUPLE.
August 26, 2012
Alex Porter and Kate Nichols. A romance story were they both disdain on another, then grudgingly admire the other, and then fall in love.
Favorite quote:"Is this a good time to mention that placing a tape recorder under a person's pillow and playing subliminal messages only works in the movies?"
Favorite quote:"Is this a good time to mention that placing a tape recorder under a person's pillow and playing subliminal messages only works in the movies?"
February 28, 2014
It was okay - liked it, would read more in the series but not desperate to do so. Late updating good reads - I think I might have rated it higher right when I read it but after a month, I'm already a bit fuzzy on the details.
August 2, 2015
Longing for home
I have read the first four books in this series and have enjoyed all of them. Each one is special in a different way. This one brought in two little children that were broken, but a loving community helped mend their spirits.
I have read the first four books in this series and have enjoyed all of them. Each one is special in a different way. This one brought in two little children that were broken, but a loving community helped mend their spirits.
February 8, 2016
Alex Porter is in Mirror Lake to give his sister away and ends up staying to help during her absence with the honeymoon. Kate Nichols runs a cafe in town and will help out in the kitchen of Abby's B&B during her honeymoon.
February 28, 2016
Loved the messages sprinkled throughout the book
Enjoy the continuing story connecting the characters, looking forward to reading the next book. I have to say I was a little surprised at some of the grammatical errors in the book.
Enjoy the continuing story connecting the characters, looking forward to reading the next book. I have to say I was a little surprised at some of the grammatical errors in the book.
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December 27, 2014Miniseries: Mirror Lake
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December 27, 2014Miniseries: Mirror Lake
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews