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Piercehaven Series #2
Windmills
Piercehaven Power wants to erect two windmills on Chicken Hill. Some islanders will do anything to stop this from happening. Will the controversy rip this tightknit community apart? Can Emily’s new softball team put this small Maine island back together again?
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 10, 2020
Emily is caught up once again. With basketball, now the windmills. A town with a lot of set ideas that don’t want changes. Humorous and the bickering makes a interesting, enjoyable read. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
February 2, 2018
The prospect of new windmills in Piercehaven has the small island town up in arms, with Emily, who’s still a newcomer, caught in the middle. So the prospect of a new softball team—mostly made up of Piercehaven girls who’ve never played the sport before—could be just what the town needs to foster unity now in Windmills, a novel by author Robin Merrill.
There’s a lot that’s upbeat and pretty hilarious in this story. A dry humor often accompanies Emily’s point of view, and the quirkiness and bickering among the townsfolk is almost like an entertaining mix between the small towns of Everwood and Mayberry from two television shows I’m fond of.
Nevertheless, while I wouldn’t say this book has quite the dark edge of the one before it, this story isn’t all fun and games. There are times when serious issues here get real. And I appreciate Emily’s character, who isn’t the syrupy-sweetly-insecure type, but she isn’t a total opposite either, like hyper-aggressive and excessive on snark. She can be a crier, but she’s got fire. Fire under control.
Much like the basketball games in the first book, a great deal of time is devoted to the softball games here. This novel’s several game sequences might be more or less interesting depending on how much you like softball. On a different note, concerning the dark secret revealed in the first book, it seems there should have been more than a passing mention or two of it here. The effects of something like that can be lasting, even traumatic for some, but it appears as if the town (even the teenagers closest to the crisis) pretty much forgot or got over it rather fast.
Still, Piercehaven has been growing on me, and it’d be interesting to see what may happen next.
____________
I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
There’s a lot that’s upbeat and pretty hilarious in this story. A dry humor often accompanies Emily’s point of view, and the quirkiness and bickering among the townsfolk is almost like an entertaining mix between the small towns of Everwood and Mayberry from two television shows I’m fond of.
Nevertheless, while I wouldn’t say this book has quite the dark edge of the one before it, this story isn’t all fun and games. There are times when serious issues here get real. And I appreciate Emily’s character, who isn’t the syrupy-sweetly-insecure type, but she isn’t a total opposite either, like hyper-aggressive and excessive on snark. She can be a crier, but she’s got fire. Fire under control.
Much like the basketball games in the first book, a great deal of time is devoted to the softball games here. This novel’s several game sequences might be more or less interesting depending on how much you like softball. On a different note, concerning the dark secret revealed in the first book, it seems there should have been more than a passing mention or two of it here. The effects of something like that can be lasting, even traumatic for some, but it appears as if the town (even the teenagers closest to the crisis) pretty much forgot or got over it rather fast.
Still, Piercehaven has been growing on me, and it’d be interesting to see what may happen next.
____________
I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
February 22, 2018
Once more we return to the island of Piercehaven off the coast of Maine. Emily, the newest teacher and island resident, is again up to her "do good" shenanigans. She doesn't mean to stir up trouble, but she always seems to do just that. This time she is determined to start a softball team. With little help from the school or the town, she begins. Some of the girls are eager to join, but others, like the newest resident of Piercehaven, Juniper, aren't so thrilled about it. Juniper and her dad have moved to the island because he works for the company installing the new windmills. Controversy abounds (as it really does here in Maine about windmills) about if they should be put up or not. Bombings and threats. It gets messy! The town once more is divided on the issue. Emily, once more, finds herself caught in the middle. All she wants to do is support her students and give them a chance to shine.
I enjoyed the book immensely! Based on the ending, I'm figuring there must be a book 3 coming at some point. I look forward to reading it! Robin does a great job drawing you into the characters and sharing about life in Maine. While I've never lived on the coast, I have lived in Maine my entire life and I grew up playing sports. She does a fantastic job sharing what the culture of Maine is all about.
I enjoyed the book immensely! Based on the ending, I'm figuring there must be a book 3 coming at some point. I look forward to reading it! Robin does a great job drawing you into the characters and sharing about life in Maine. While I've never lived on the coast, I have lived in Maine my entire life and I grew up playing sports. She does a fantastic job sharing what the culture of Maine is all about.
October 15, 2019
I enjoyed reading about Emily and the other characters in Piercehaven, but this book didn't seem to have quite the drama and tension of the first one. It was pretty much all about the softball team and the students Emily coached. I do appreciate the fact that it is a Christian romance and there is no physical intimacy beyond holding hands and an occasional kiss, but it seems almost too innocent to me in some ways. Emily and James seem to barely know each other, and don't appear to talk about serious subjects that are important to address before marriage. They go out to eat and talk about Emily's job, but I wish the books would offer a little more substance about what is involved in having a Christian relationship and preparing for marriage. Their faith is not addressed much either, beyond the fact that they attend church and don't want to appear to be sinning. It's not a bad book, just a little shallow and I wish it offered more depth regarding relationships and Christian living. I will still probably read the next book in the series to see what happens next in the lives of all the characters.
February 3, 2020
This is the second book in the Piercehaven series. Having read the first book, I enjoyed meeting the characters again and checking in with the girls at the small island school. The main character, Emily, is very likeable, with a big heart as well as some youthful inexperience which makes her very believable.
While the characterisation, setting and plot of this second novel is good, I found the commentary on softball games less interesting. I'm not familiar with softball and not a keen follower of sports in general, so the book didn't hold my attention as firmly as the first. However, i can see that a reader who does enjoy sports could find the softball aspect exciting, since the story deals with the progress of a newly-formed team over a very challenging season.
The audio book version of this novel was made available to me by the author for free in exchange for a review.
While the characterisation, setting and plot of this second novel is good, I found the commentary on softball games less interesting. I'm not familiar with softball and not a keen follower of sports in general, so the book didn't hold my attention as firmly as the first. However, i can see that a reader who does enjoy sports could find the softball aspect exciting, since the story deals with the progress of a newly-formed team over a very challenging season.
The audio book version of this novel was made available to me by the author for free in exchange for a review.
October 25, 2021
Christian Contemporary Romance
So much fighting amongst friends and family over the windmills coming to the Island or not. It almost looks like it could destroy this close knit community, but Emily's on another mission for her kids (students) and this time she fights for starting a girl's softball team! I loved the final scene before the epilologe! Teamwork is something this town knows how to do, but gets a reminder from a few girls who aren't even that great at this new sport. It's quite touching, but again I got swamped by all the sports talk and even a bit lost in all the girls names, and character traits.
But that boat ride was sure romantic! Even if it was predictable!
Same narrator, and I still loved her!
So much fighting amongst friends and family over the windmills coming to the Island or not. It almost looks like it could destroy this close knit community, but Emily's on another mission for her kids (students) and this time she fights for starting a girl's softball team! I loved the final scene before the epilologe! Teamwork is something this town knows how to do, but gets a reminder from a few girls who aren't even that great at this new sport. It's quite touching, but again I got swamped by all the sports talk and even a bit lost in all the girls names, and character traits.
But that boat ride was sure romantic! Even if it was predictable!
Same narrator, and I still loved her!
February 4, 2018
Another “home run” for Robin!
I am NEVER disappointed with Robin’s books. I wait with baited breath for each one. She is a fantastic writer, who draws you into her stories so much you can forget you’re reading a book.
This sequel to her first Piercehaven book, was no exception. Drawing from real life controversies in small town rural Maine and adding characters you can’t help but love. She had me on the edge of my seat. I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll stop with that. Except to say, I hope that there will be a third book continuing the future James and Emily are planning.....
I am NEVER disappointed with Robin’s books. I wait with baited breath for each one. She is a fantastic writer, who draws you into her stories so much you can forget you’re reading a book.
This sequel to her first Piercehaven book, was no exception. Drawing from real life controversies in small town rural Maine and adding characters you can’t help but love. She had me on the edge of my seat. I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll stop with that. Except to say, I hope that there will be a third book continuing the future James and Emily are planning.....
January 14, 2019
Windmills: Piercehaven 2 was my second incredible read/listen from author Robin Merrill. Living in an area where windmills were built in the recent past and as a former softball coach, I particularly enjoyed the storyline. As in the first book, the story is methodically developed, drawing the reader in. Narrator Rebecca Winder adds greatly to the listening enjoyment with her wide variety of entertaining voices & inflections. Another wonderful Christian read I never anticipated a follow-up to the first book so this was a very pleasant surprise! I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
November 19, 2021
Robin Merrill continues her Piercehaven series with this book and once again Emily seems to be in the middle of every conflict on the island. No matter what she does, someone gets offended. I enjoyed seeing the interactions of the students as they dealt with a new student, the conflict with the windmills, and prejudice with not only the child who was poor but also the child who's family would benefit from the windmills. I really wonder about James and Emily's relationship. It just feels like Emily is settling for less with James. He doesn't seem that invested in the relationship even though he does propose.
January 30, 2018
Windmills 3 stars
I had a hard time engaging with this book at the beginning. I was half done reading it before I wanted to know what happened next.
A small island community is polarized by the introduction of windmills to their community. A teacher and her first year softball team reunites them in support of the team.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I had a hard time engaging with this book at the beginning. I was half done reading it before I wanted to know what happened next.
A small island community is polarized by the introduction of windmills to their community. A teacher and her first year softball team reunites them in support of the team.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
May 6, 2020
Windmills (Piercehaven #2) was another great read by Robin Merrill. Piercehaven Power has made it their mission to put two windmills up in Piercehaven. Many of the islanders don’t want this to happen. This will either tear the island apart or bring them back together. Emily has created a new softball team and hopes to bring the island back together. I can’t wait to read more by Robin Merrill.
June 6, 2021
It's a lovely story where we again meet Emily on the Piercehaven Island. This time, besides being a teacher, she is coaching softball team. There's a lot of description of softball games which might be hard to understand for people who know nothing about this sport. The second theme are windmills. I enjoy reading this book
May 25, 2022
What a beautiful story of a teacher who is dedicated to giving the best of herself to her students. She pulls together the girls of the small school in the hopes of healing for the girls and for her small town. The journey is emotional and inspiring! Ms. Merrill is a recent find for me and I will definitely be watching for more of her books.
December 15, 2019
I am loving this series more and more!
Not sure I can say much more than that: I love this series!
The characters, the writing style, the warmth, the "realness" of life for a newbie and those who she touches.
Just wonderful!
Not sure I can say much more than that: I love this series!
The characters, the writing style, the warmth, the "realness" of life for a newbie and those who she touches.
Just wonderful!
September 14, 2021
Wonderful, heartwarming book
A journey of people with different socio-economic and opinions coming together for the good of their children. The journey wasn't easy, but they put their differences aside. We need more of this in our world today. I highly recommend this book.
A journey of people with different socio-economic and opinions coming together for the good of their children. The journey wasn't easy, but they put their differences aside. We need more of this in our world today. I highly recommend this book.
March 9, 2022
I enjoyed listening to this book. It was interesting to see how the islanders were fighting against the windmills and against any changes. The difference that starting a softball team would make. Great characters.
May 2, 2022
I found this book entertaining to listen to. The teacher, Emily taking her time to coach a brand new softball team. Is it possible for them to win games and unite the parents and the community? I recommend listening or reading this book.
June 22, 2019
Very enjoyable
Great dialogue between the characters.
I enjoyed the story line too, and especially the relationship between the students and their coach. 3 stars
Great dialogue between the characters.
I enjoyed the story line too, and especially the relationship between the students and their coach. 3 stars
November 13, 2022
Especially good if you like softball
I enjoyed this story although not as much as any of the New Beginnings series. Softball is not something I've been involved in since middle school, and so wasn't as engaged in the games as I could have been. Still worth the time to read.
I enjoyed this story although not as much as any of the New Beginnings series. Softball is not something I've been involved in since middle school, and so wasn't as engaged in the games as I could have been. Still worth the time to read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews