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The Women of Brambleberry House #1, 4
A Soldier's Return / The Daddy Makeover
New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne returns to Cannon Beach, Oregon, for another poignant trilogy about new begininngs and finding love! A Soldier’s Return is available February 2018, with this edition including The Daddy Makeover from the original Women of Brambleberry House trilogy.
Includes bonus story The Daddy Makeover
Includes bonus story The Daddy Makeover
- GenresRomance
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 22, 2019
92 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
RaeAnne Thayne
310 books3,855 followersI'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 23, 2019
I didn't read The Daddy Makeover but I reviewed A Soldier's Return, rated 3.5.
Since I put this book on my "reading" shelf before I found the actual book I was reading, I didn't want to remove it, so I can remember I've read one of the two books and order the right ones to read in the future. :)
Since I put this book on my "reading" shelf before I found the actual book I was reading, I didn't want to remove it, so I can remember I've read one of the two books and order the right ones to read in the future. :)
September 10, 2019
This is a two story book, which both stories were great.
A Soldier's Return is Eli Sanderson and Melissa Fielding went to school together. He was a grade higher and a nerd, smart, shy and quiet. Melissa was just the opposite outgoing, a cheerleader
and dating one of the football team. They had one dance together, which caused her boyfriend to try and beat him up after the dance. Eli has changed a lot since high school, he is a Dr and has been in the service doing work with Doctors Without Borders. While working there six months ago he lost two people he cared for a lot, a other Dr and a small child to a bombing. He holds himself responsible.
Melissa has also changed a lot, she has just gotten out of bad, lonely marriage and started a new life for her and her seven year old daughter, Skye. They now live in Bramble berry House. As she works for Eli's father who is out do to knee surgery. Which is why Eli is back, to fill in for his father while he heals. Eli and Melissa will be working together and soon find they both are attracted to each other.
As they work out their past problems, work together, and found out more of each other each will
learn and change. This story is a real page turner and one that should not be missed.
The Second Story is " The Daddy Makeover" is just as good in a different way.
Eben Spencer has single handed saved his family hotel business. He is very single minded about his business but has no clue how to raise his daughter, Chloe on his own when her mother died two years ago.
She has gone thru a string of nannies, and acts up a lot. Eben had parents that had so many problems that he and his sister raised themselves so he has nothing to draw on for his daughter.
His wife was always there to take care of her while his worked on saving the Hotel.
He is carrying a lot of quilt.
Sage Benedetto is a free sprite, who has just lost her best friend and is trying to move on.
Abigail left her house to her two boarder alone with the care of her big, red dog, Conon.
Now Sage and Anna Galvez need to find a way to work together for the friend they both miss.
Sage and Anna don't seem to have much in common, and will both as the story plays out.
While she is out running Conon she founds Chloe alone on the beach in her nightgown and slippers
at 6:30 in the morning!
When she helps Chloe get back home she meets Eben and even though their is a crazy kind of
connection, finds him to be just like her self involved father. She dislikes him at once.
As they keep running into each other and start to learn more about each other things
turn out not to be what they seem for both of them. The twist and turns, with help from beyond
and the wonderful Conon makes for a wonderful read you don't want to miss.
Now I want to go back and read all the Brambleberry House Books. I just know they will all be great
A Soldier's Return is Eli Sanderson and Melissa Fielding went to school together. He was a grade higher and a nerd, smart, shy and quiet. Melissa was just the opposite outgoing, a cheerleader
and dating one of the football team. They had one dance together, which caused her boyfriend to try and beat him up after the dance. Eli has changed a lot since high school, he is a Dr and has been in the service doing work with Doctors Without Borders. While working there six months ago he lost two people he cared for a lot, a other Dr and a small child to a bombing. He holds himself responsible.
Melissa has also changed a lot, she has just gotten out of bad, lonely marriage and started a new life for her and her seven year old daughter, Skye. They now live in Bramble berry House. As she works for Eli's father who is out do to knee surgery. Which is why Eli is back, to fill in for his father while he heals. Eli and Melissa will be working together and soon find they both are attracted to each other.
As they work out their past problems, work together, and found out more of each other each will
learn and change. This story is a real page turner and one that should not be missed.
The Second Story is " The Daddy Makeover" is just as good in a different way.
Eben Spencer has single handed saved his family hotel business. He is very single minded about his business but has no clue how to raise his daughter, Chloe on his own when her mother died two years ago.
She has gone thru a string of nannies, and acts up a lot. Eben had parents that had so many problems that he and his sister raised themselves so he has nothing to draw on for his daughter.
His wife was always there to take care of her while his worked on saving the Hotel.
He is carrying a lot of quilt.
Sage Benedetto is a free sprite, who has just lost her best friend and is trying to move on.
Abigail left her house to her two boarder alone with the care of her big, red dog, Conon.
Now Sage and Anna Galvez need to find a way to work together for the friend they both miss.
Sage and Anna don't seem to have much in common, and will both as the story plays out.
While she is out running Conon she founds Chloe alone on the beach in her nightgown and slippers
at 6:30 in the morning!
When she helps Chloe get back home she meets Eben and even though their is a crazy kind of
connection, finds him to be just like her self involved father. She dislikes him at once.
As they keep running into each other and start to learn more about each other things
turn out not to be what they seem for both of them. The twist and turns, with help from beyond
and the wonderful Conon makes for a wonderful read you don't want to miss.
Now I want to go back and read all the Brambleberry House Books. I just know they will all be great
February 2, 2019
Two great romance stories by RaeAnne Thayne. The first is A Soldier's Return. Brambleberry House seems to bring a peace to its inhabitants. Melissa Fielding came back to Cannon Beach with her daughter Skye. They have taken up residence at Brambleberry House. She had been a military wife and done her share of traveling with her ex-husband, but now she was ready to put down roots. As she was on her morning run with her neighbors dog she tripped over the dog. Eli Sanderson had been long and lanky in high school and he was the one who came to her rescue. Only now he was no longer long and lanky. He had filled out very nicely and was gorgeous. She had hurt her wrist in the fall. How convenient that he was a doctor. He had come back to Cannon Falls to help his father, the elder Dr. Sanderson, while he recovered from two knee replacements. Eli is in the service and was deployed overseas. He was able to take an extended leave to help his father but plans to return overseas. This was the begining of their journey to their happy ever after. A journey you will be glad you took.
The second story is A Daddy Makeover. Sage Benedetto is now a resident at Brambleberry House. She is still grief stricken over the death of her best friend Abigail. Sage is very much into nature and its inhabitants and their environment. She is employed at a nature center and loves her job. Each summer the center hold a camp for children and it is there she meets Chloe Spencer. Eben Spencer is in town just until he is able to close a business deal. He has brought his daughter Chloe along with him. His wife passed away two years ago and his attempt at being a single dad is not going well. Although Chloe is only seven years old she tests her nannies to the point that they quit. Eben is at the end of his rope and brings her ot the nature center. He and Sage are two complete opposites but there is a spark there that appears to be on its way to a full flame. The road Eben and Sage take almost reaches a dead end but there is always hope. I loved every minute of both of these stories and you will too.
The second story is A Daddy Makeover. Sage Benedetto is now a resident at Brambleberry House. She is still grief stricken over the death of her best friend Abigail. Sage is very much into nature and its inhabitants and their environment. She is employed at a nature center and loves her job. Each summer the center hold a camp for children and it is there she meets Chloe Spencer. Eben Spencer is in town just until he is able to close a business deal. He has brought his daughter Chloe along with him. His wife passed away two years ago and his attempt at being a single dad is not going well. Although Chloe is only seven years old she tests her nannies to the point that they quit. Eben is at the end of his rope and brings her ot the nature center. He and Sage are two complete opposites but there is a spark there that appears to be on its way to a full flame. The road Eben and Sage take almost reaches a dead end but there is always hope. I loved every minute of both of these stories and you will too.
April 20, 2019
Two stories in the Brambleberry House series, the latest, and also the first. I started with the first, The Daddy Makeover. Sage is the free-spirit nature woman, and Eben, a hotelier with a headstrong daughter, much to his surprise, falls for her. Again, I loved the nudging of the romance by Abigail, the late owner of Brambleberry House, and her dog Conan. A Soldier's Return finds Dr. Eli Sanderson returning to Cannon Beach to temporarily run his father's family practice, after Eli's tragedy in the war zone. Just so happens his high school crush and now single mother Melissa Fielding is the nurse at his dad's practice. The setting is 10 years after The Daddy Makeover, but Abigail is still helping romances at Brambleberry House, with a new dog, Fiona. However, I didn't get why the author changed Abigail's signature scent of freesia to roses; that bugged me. Still, a couple of nice stories that you'll enjoy.
May 25, 2019
Good story line. Great interperperation of the Dogs signals. Well worth the time to read.
There were a lot of different directions that were being covered in the book. They all fell in place at the end of the story even thoigh at times it seemed they were totally oposite directions of one another and didnt seem to be close to merging.
There were a lot of different directions that were being covered in the book. They all fell in place at the end of the story even thoigh at times it seemed they were totally oposite directions of one another and didnt seem to be close to merging.
October 22, 2020
Overall, a great series. While I read the Woman if Brambleberry House in order, actually read the Haven Point stories first and subsequently Luke and Sonia/ Elizabeth’s story prior to reading Elizabeth’s introduction story.
As a whole, I enjoyed the series. Now I have to figure out where Rosa’s story continues.
As a whole, I enjoyed the series. Now I have to figure out where Rosa’s story continues.
January 23, 2019
Wonderful
Two really enjoyable stories.There's something for everyone to enjoy.A whole lot of laughter and two great romances.I'll be looking forward to reading your next book.
Two really enjoyable stories.There's something for everyone to enjoy.A whole lot of laughter and two great romances.I'll be looking forward to reading your next book.
March 31, 2020
Another winner!
June 8, 2020
Always like a good romance or what I call a woman's "fairy tale".
June 10, 2020
I liked the characters but thought the story was boring and predictable. I did love the setting though.
June 10, 2019
Early works of The author, when it was more about the formula then about the characters.
July 3, 2020
Two interesting tales about the women who live in the Brambleberry House. The resident involved in the first story is Melissa who has a daughter Melissa and an ex-husband who Melissa is constantly fighting with. Melissa works for the local doctor, who is having both knees replaced and his son, Eli, has come home to help out at the clinic until his father gets back on his feet again. Eli seems to like Melissa and her daughter, Cody, but has closed his heart to becoming involved after an incident that occurred while he was deployed overseas. Melissa and Cody help Eli to heal his heart and, of course, there's a HEA. The second story concerns Sage, who seems to have an abundance of love for everyone she knows but can't seem to find love for herself and Eben who wants to by The Sea Urchin, a small hotel in town. Eben with Chloe, his daughter, who is energetic, independent and adventurous and is only eight years old. Chloe has taken a liking to Sage and Sage has taken it upon herself to get Eben to live a little. This sweet story filled with romance is also filled with the misadventures of Chloe which make life interesting and, of course, there's the HEA.
July 29, 2022
These stories were Okay as far as romance novels go. Melissa reminded me a lot of myself and not just because we share a name, but also the inconsistency with her ex-husband and the fact that she had a daughter. I didn’t really like Daddy Makeover. Eben reminded me too much of a wealthy version of my ex-husband. The only differences were that Eben genuinely gave a damn about Chloe and wanted to be a better dad for her sake. My ex doesn’t care at all about my daughter. She’s just a supply for his narcissistic personality.
September 21, 2025
Found this a little weird in that the first book is second in the collection.
Soldier's Return 3 stars Divorced nurse, Melissa bumps into the Doctor's son who has taken a leave of absence from the military to cover his father's practice while he recovers from knee surgery. (Eli has had a crush on Melissa since HS, though she was with the popular surfer, who she has now divorced.)
Daddy Makeover 3.5 stars Widowed Tycoon has problems handling his daughter after his wife's death, while free spirit Sage seems to be able to handle her with no problems.
Soldier's Return 3 stars Divorced nurse, Melissa bumps into the Doctor's son who has taken a leave of absence from the military to cover his father's practice while he recovers from knee surgery. (Eli has had a crush on Melissa since HS, though she was with the popular surfer, who she has now divorced.)
Daddy Makeover 3.5 stars Widowed Tycoon has problems handling his daughter after his wife's death, while free spirit Sage seems to be able to handle her with no problems.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews