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Second Chance #3
Down a Country Road
The very last thing on Grier McAllister's Someday List is going back to Timbell Creek, Virginia, the town where she grew up. Timbell Creek holds too many bad memories for her, memories finally put to rest with a successful image consultant business in New York City and a hefty therapy bill. When an opportunity to choose a "Jane Austen Girl" for a visiting duke falls in her lap, the only catch that she must be from Grier's hometown, Grier tells herself she'll do what she needs to do and then leave it all behind for good. But Grier doesn't count on finding that her mother is no longer the person she used to be. She certainly doesn't plan on falling for an old boyfriend's really hot brother! And it isn't long before she begins to realize Timbell Creek is not only a part of who she was, but might be a part of who she is as well.
407 pages, Paperback
First published December 19, 2013
5655 people are currently reading
1984 people want to read
About the author
Inglath Cooper
63 books933 followersVirginia author Inglath Cooper fell in love with reading as a little girl, devouring most of the books in her elementary school library. At some point, she decided she wanted to pursue a writing career, creating romance fiction that did for others what her favorite books have done for her. “I love character-driven books that leave me feeling as if I’ve really known these people and make me wish I didn’t have to turn the last page.”
“Romance fiction has always appealed to me because it deals with so many of the relationships in a woman’s life. Not only the love of her life, but often her relationship with her mother, sister or best friend. Romance authors have so much room to explore many of the meaningful moments and transitions in women’s lives. And who doesn’t love a good love story?”
Inglath most often writes stories about love and life that are set in small Virginia towns like the one where she grew up. “I like to think the flavor of my hometown shows up in my books both in their setting and through the characters who people it.”
When aspiring writers ask her how to be an author, she says, “Everything I know about writing books I learned from reading books.”
Inglath has been chosen as a RITA® Award winner for best long contemporary romance novel given out each year by Romance Writers of America. Her books are available through Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, itunes.com, and Kobobooks.com.
Outside of writing, Inglath is actively involved in dog rescue, working with The Franklin County Humane Society to place dogs and cats in need of rehoming. She volunteers her time in every capacity possible: serving on the Board of Directors, fundraising, photographing dogs and cats available for adoption and serving as a foster home. “Helping an abused or neglected dog go on to have a wonderful life with a family who loves them is more rewarding than I can possibly say.”
“Romance fiction has always appealed to me because it deals with so many of the relationships in a woman’s life. Not only the love of her life, but often her relationship with her mother, sister or best friend. Romance authors have so much room to explore many of the meaningful moments and transitions in women’s lives. And who doesn’t love a good love story?”
Inglath most often writes stories about love and life that are set in small Virginia towns like the one where she grew up. “I like to think the flavor of my hometown shows up in my books both in their setting and through the characters who people it.”
When aspiring writers ask her how to be an author, she says, “Everything I know about writing books I learned from reading books.”
Inglath has been chosen as a RITA® Award winner for best long contemporary romance novel given out each year by Romance Writers of America. Her books are available through Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, itunes.com, and Kobobooks.com.
Outside of writing, Inglath is actively involved in dog rescue, working with The Franklin County Humane Society to place dogs and cats in need of rehoming. She volunteers her time in every capacity possible: serving on the Board of Directors, fundraising, photographing dogs and cats available for adoption and serving as a foster home. “Helping an abused or neglected dog go on to have a wonderful life with a family who loves them is more rewarding than I can possibly say.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
January 9, 2016
I loved this book. The main character Grier has a successful business in New York as a person that helps people with their images and their style. She is given a wonderful opportunity to be part of a contest that will provide a Duke with a date from her hometown. Grier never expected to go back to her hometown. It was part of her past that she had no desire to revisit.
When she goes to her hometown she discovers that people and times have moved on. Things have changed and people have changed. Grier fights to hold on to the anger and pain of the past even though she sees things have changed with her mother especially.
This book makes you think about the relationships that are in the past and how willing you are to realize time makes a difference.
The characters are very personable and you really get to know them. Ms. Cooper brings this small town to life with rich characters and deep emotion. It is a great read. I struggled along with Grier as she made good and bad decisions, even when she had to face the results of those decisions.
There was romance that was sweet and Bobby Jack was such a good guy. He was thoughtful and considerate and a true hero. I rooted for them to find a way to be together. There were sad parts of the book that actually made me cry. I wanted Grier to find happiness and peace with her past. I wanted her to be happy.
The book is worth the read. It is very well written and I am so glad that I read it.
When she goes to her hometown she discovers that people and times have moved on. Things have changed and people have changed. Grier fights to hold on to the anger and pain of the past even though she sees things have changed with her mother especially.
This book makes you think about the relationships that are in the past and how willing you are to realize time makes a difference.
The characters are very personable and you really get to know them. Ms. Cooper brings this small town to life with rich characters and deep emotion. It is a great read. I struggled along with Grier as she made good and bad decisions, even when she had to face the results of those decisions.
There was romance that was sweet and Bobby Jack was such a good guy. He was thoughtful and considerate and a true hero. I rooted for them to find a way to be together. There were sad parts of the book that actually made me cry. I wanted Grier to find happiness and peace with her past. I wanted her to be happy.
The book is worth the read. It is very well written and I am so glad that I read it.
January 29, 2014
Using "Jane Austen" in the title was a gimmick to get more readers (apparently successful in my case), but really this book has nothing to do with Jane Austen at all. Perhaps I should have realized this sooner when I discovered the main love interest is named Bobby Jack. Still, I did finish it and probably would have liked it more if I wasn't expecting something else from the title.
March 1, 2019
I couldn’t put it down!
This book was a “I couldn’t put it down “ book. It was well written with surprising twists and turns. Definitely will read her other books.
This book was a “I couldn’t put it down “ book. It was well written with surprising twists and turns. Definitely will read her other books.
January 13, 2019
I really enjoyed this story, falling for Bobby Jack and the relationships within the town. Simply a good nice love story that also is about purpose, reasoning, family, and knowing where home is.
May 27, 2014
2 1/2stars
I really wanted to like this book. I mean, it has Jane Austen in the title, country boys, romance...And thats all it had.
Okay I lied, there were other points to the plot, or there tried to be, but it was just swept of in this fast forward, Wizard-of-Oz tornado where we're switching POVs every chapter (not joke every character had a damned say in this book at every damned turn), there were so MANY subplots that were trying to be the focal point and I felt like because there was so much going on, nothing truly developed past the initial romance between Bobby Jack and Grier.
They tried to have some drama with her mamma, but never devlved to far to make it seem like a big deal and when it final does, its over. Her mom dies.
They tried to make problems with Bobby Jack both with his daughter and ex-wife, but even though they yell at each other not one of the three pulls any punches or show an ounce of DOING a thing about their problems. And by the end its hugs and kisses between Andy (his daughter) and himself, the ex--wife peacefully comes to the realization that he's no longer hers and there's still some love for him there and his brother is fine and dandy...because 'hey! they're brothers, and brothers last.'
Seriously,, I think the only thing I liked was Bobby Jack, and not even the plot surrounding him just his country-fine, dog-lovin, accent wielding self. But even he wasn't enough to redeem this book in my eyes--the beginning, the ending, even the middle. None of it made me go WOW! and There needs to be some piece that captures you. Something, something along the way. And Jane Austen Girl didn't have it.
You put to shame the name of Jane!
I really wanted to like this book. I mean, it has Jane Austen in the title, country boys, romance...And thats all it had.
Okay I lied, there were other points to the plot, or there tried to be, but it was just swept of in this fast forward, Wizard-of-Oz tornado where we're switching POVs every chapter (not joke every character had a damned say in this book at every damned turn), there were so MANY subplots that were trying to be the focal point and I felt like because there was so much going on, nothing truly developed past the initial romance between Bobby Jack and Grier.
They tried to have some drama with her mamma, but never devlved to far to make it seem like a big deal and when it final does, its over. Her mom dies.
They tried to make problems with Bobby Jack both with his daughter and ex-wife, but even though they yell at each other not one of the three pulls any punches or show an ounce of DOING a thing about their problems. And by the end its hugs and kisses between Andy (his daughter) and himself, the ex--wife peacefully comes to the realization that he's no longer hers and there's still some love for him there and his brother is fine and dandy...because 'hey! they're brothers, and brothers last.'
Seriously,, I think the only thing I liked was Bobby Jack, and not even the plot surrounding him just his country-fine, dog-lovin, accent wielding self. But even he wasn't enough to redeem this book in my eyes--the beginning, the ending, even the middle. None of it made me go WOW! and There needs to be some piece that captures you. Something, something along the way. And Jane Austen Girl didn't have it.
You put to shame the name of Jane!
September 13, 2014
I was hooked by the title just like a lot of people. I wasn't as upset by the lack of direct correlation to Jane Austen because I felt like I related to the main character's love of the author and Pride and Prejudice in particular.
I believed in the characters. They felt genuine and realistic. Nobody was perfect - though there were a lot of attractive people portrayed. ;-)
The message about forgiveness was well done. Nearly all of us have something in our lives we need to make right and move on from. The romance was palpable but not spelled out in too much detail. I believed in their attraction, but didn't feel like I needed to skim anything.
I can tell the author is an animal lover. The animals in the book feel like characters themselves. As a cat lover, I can appreciate that.
There were a lot of different points of view. I felt like it was a lot of overlapping stories instead of just one.
I believed in the characters. They felt genuine and realistic. Nobody was perfect - though there were a lot of attractive people portrayed. ;-)
The message about forgiveness was well done. Nearly all of us have something in our lives we need to make right and move on from. The romance was palpable but not spelled out in too much detail. I believed in their attraction, but didn't feel like I needed to skim anything.
I can tell the author is an animal lover. The animals in the book feel like characters themselves. As a cat lover, I can appreciate that.
There were a lot of different points of view. I felt like it was a lot of overlapping stories instead of just one.
February 6, 2020
Engagingly written and told from multiple povs, I finished this in one sitting. The main story pulled on the heartstrings, and teen one didn't annoy me too much either. It had just the right amount of angst without getting dumb. I do wish that the boy tried to convince the girl that all those cheerleader girlfriends didn't matter, but he never even mentioned it. Hmpf.
The break that the MCs had toward the end of the story made sense and I'm glad it happened. It was realistic and made their reconciliation all the more believable.
Safety was good between the MCs, but there is a possible trigger.
The break that the MCs had toward the end of the story made sense and I'm glad it happened. It was realistic and made their reconciliation all the more believable.
Safety was good between the MCs, but there is a possible trigger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2014
Jane Austen Girl had an interesting premise, and it started off gangbusters--lively, funny, endearing. Then it turned into a much different read, a serious, somber book that left me feeling a bit betrayed, like I'd been dealt a bait and switch. It almost felt like the author hadn't thought through where she was going with this book. While the story compelled me to finish it, it didn't quite fulfill its potential. And the title was merely a calculated marketing ploy since "Jane Austen's" relevance to the storyline was paper-thin--wish I'd thought of that trick. While some parts were inspired, I guess I expected more from the entire work, especially since Cooper's a RITA winner.
August 20, 2014
"use to" has a d in it. Or at least it should. That alone was enough to drop stars.
Just because you change pov, doesnt mean you should start a new chapter.
I was very frustrated by each chapter having its first page consist of fouyr lines, just.
I did not like the phrases at the beginning of each chapter. They seemed like paraphrases of real quotes at some points and others should just have been integrated into the story to make the characters less flat.
The parallel between grier and kyle home situation was not strong enough.
Hey, goodreads typer is starting to catch up speedwise, but i still cant go back and correct anything.
Just because you change pov, doesnt mean you should start a new chapter.
I was very frustrated by each chapter having its first page consist of fouyr lines, just.
I did not like the phrases at the beginning of each chapter. They seemed like paraphrases of real quotes at some points and others should just have been integrated into the story to make the characters less flat.
The parallel between grier and kyle home situation was not strong enough.
Hey, goodreads typer is starting to catch up speedwise, but i still cant go back and correct anything.
April 13, 2018
It's important to note that using Jane Austen in the title is a bit of a ruse. Really no mention at all of the book or characters.
One surprising thing I did enjoy about this book was the fact that the main character, Grier, was mature. It was nice to read about a character that was close to 40 and did not have an ex-husband or kids. I must have really connected to the story because I found myself tearing up several times. It was cute and had moments of true depth. And adorable dogs :)
One surprising thing I did enjoy about this book was the fact that the main character, Grier, was mature. It was nice to read about a character that was close to 40 and did not have an ex-husband or kids. I must have really connected to the story because I found myself tearing up several times. It was cute and had moments of true depth. And adorable dogs :)
January 31, 2019
A page turner romance
I was at first a bit turned off with the beauty pageant part at the beginning of the book. Thankfully it turned a lot less superficial than that. It’s a romance story through and through, mixed in with second chance redemptions as people get over their issues and find what they share in common. My only reason for 4 stars is that it was too easy to predict the plot. I guess I prefer more surprises and odd turns in the road of life.
I was at first a bit turned off with the beauty pageant part at the beginning of the book. Thankfully it turned a lot less superficial than that. It’s a romance story through and through, mixed in with second chance redemptions as people get over their issues and find what they share in common. My only reason for 4 stars is that it was too easy to predict the plot. I guess I prefer more surprises and odd turns in the road of life.
April 8, 2014
I really liked this story but the lack of intimacy between the two main characters, coupled with the "fade to black" non- existent love scenes, keeps it from earning 5 stars from me. The young love storyline was a sweet addition to the main story. In fact, the " young love" feels more real & developed than the main story.
January 6, 2014
I really enjoyed this book!
January 4, 2014
nice clean romance. small town girl returns home and has to deal with her family
January 7, 2014
Wonderful story
nicely written and kept my attention all throughout the book. I look forward to reading more of this author. Thank you.
nicely written and kept my attention all throughout the book. I look forward to reading more of this author. Thank you.
January 19, 2014
Wonderful story about forgiveness, love and life in general. Remember to forgive and let that baggage go! Thank you Inglath Cooper!!
January 30, 2017
I didn't think it would ever end. Boring as can be.
November 25, 2019
Terribly written. Way to predictable and corny. It was difficult to finish because it was so bad.
Read
February 2, 2019This is a written more as a young adult than adult book. It is well written, and the plot is easy to follow. There are errors that need to be edited. The theme of a woman loving first one brother and later another was realistic and happens more frequently than many people know. Also, the description of how people can hold unto anger to cover up the feelings of betrayal and emotional pain is realistic. That anger impedes personal growth and emotional development. The question of forgiveness for an unforgivable act is discussed but not resolved. The Jane Austin comparison through the title selection was mentioned by a one liner in the book, but not emphasized. Overall, a quick easy read while on vacation that may lead readers to think about the events that need to be resolved in their own life.
November 18, 2019
I've read many, many romance novels over the past 50+ years; some were good, others were (in my opinion) not as good. My "virtual personal library" includes romance books that were engaging and entertaining alongside bodice-rippers that were downright *steamy*. There've also been storylines that felt contrived and tugged at the heartstrings with such deliberation that I felt manipulated and others that left me feeling a distinct sense of deja vu. Down a Country Road didn't feel contrived . . I found myself rooting for "positive outcomes" around every corner. I've added author, Inglath Cooper, to my short "look for romance books by this author" list. 4.5* - rounded up.
May 3, 2018
I loved this book by this Author. It’s my first book by this Author but it won’t be the last!
I love story that the main person in the book thinks they got life all figured out, but then life throws in situations where it totally changes things.
A woman comes home to find herself and searches within herself the meaning of forgiveness.
A man searching for love find its right around the corner.
A child who is trying to be more like her mother but she finds out she needs to accept herself as she is.
I also enjoyed the young romance between the kids.
I love story that the main person in the book thinks they got life all figured out, but then life throws in situations where it totally changes things.
A woman comes home to find herself and searches within herself the meaning of forgiveness.
A man searching for love find its right around the corner.
A child who is trying to be more like her mother but she finds out she needs to accept herself as she is.
I also enjoyed the young romance between the kids.
February 18, 2019
3.5ish
Although I greatly enjoyed parts of this book I found some of it very unrealistic. The main character seems to have moved on from her traumatic childhood with very little baggage until being forced to face it. Even being back in her hometown she quickly becomes comfortable with people she hasn't seen for years and forms deep new relationships. It was wonderful to see her embrace happiness but I did feel some of the story was rushed. I love books about small towns, and I loved the romance in this story.
Although I greatly enjoyed parts of this book I found some of it very unrealistic. The main character seems to have moved on from her traumatic childhood with very little baggage until being forced to face it. Even being back in her hometown she quickly becomes comfortable with people she hasn't seen for years and forms deep new relationships. It was wonderful to see her embrace happiness but I did feel some of the story was rushed. I love books about small towns, and I loved the romance in this story.
February 24, 2019
"The Long Road To Healing"
This is a small town romance story of Grier McAllister returning to her hometown of Timbell Creek. She has had disheartening memories made there but she makes every effort to leave these memories downstream. She realizes her mother is different now but she does not want to confront her. And, there's no way she wants to be attracted to her old boyfriend, nor his brother. Hah, you can see where this is headed and you'll be so pleased with this novel. Inglath Cooper is a wonderful, popular author. Highly recommend.
This is a small town romance story of Grier McAllister returning to her hometown of Timbell Creek. She has had disheartening memories made there but she makes every effort to leave these memories downstream. She realizes her mother is different now but she does not want to confront her. And, there's no way she wants to be attracted to her old boyfriend, nor his brother. Hah, you can see where this is headed and you'll be so pleased with this novel. Inglath Cooper is a wonderful, popular author. Highly recommend.
February 27, 2021
It took me longer than usual to get invested in this story, but once I was pulled in I couldn’t stop. I loved that there were many relationships that I could follow and get invested in of which Kyle and Andy were one of my favorites. It was also very emotionally shocking to me to see one of the more tragic relationships (that of Grier and her mother) as it is one of the first deaths that I have seen in an Inglath Cooper story. But, the exploration of grief (of all kinds) and dealing with ones past was done in a way that seemed very realistic and relatable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2023
Wrapping up the story lines was rushed.
I liked the story in the beginning but midway through it was too messy. So many storylines were lost. Some plots were drawn out while others were introduced and forgotten. At the end, the author focused on the main plot and rushed the endings of the others.
Having pets be an important part of the story in the beginning, then not written more in the storyline was a bit disappointing. I found myself thinking...where are the dogs? Are they destroying the house? who is taking them out?
It was things like this that just lost me.
I liked the story in the beginning but midway through it was too messy. So many storylines were lost. Some plots were drawn out while others were introduced and forgotten. At the end, the author focused on the main plot and rushed the endings of the others.
Having pets be an important part of the story in the beginning, then not written more in the storyline was a bit disappointing. I found myself thinking...where are the dogs? Are they destroying the house? who is taking them out?
It was things like this that just lost me.
January 20, 2019
.
Loved the interaction between the H/h, except for her getting drunk. What? Her mother was a drunk and she decides to go to a bar to drown her sorrows? Author should have handled that differently. Liked the characters though Andy's teenager angst and Grier's issues with her mother were downers after a while. But the ending made up for it. 1st book by this author. Will check out another.
Loved the interaction between the H/h, except for her getting drunk. What? Her mother was a drunk and she decides to go to a bar to drown her sorrows? Author should have handled that differently. Liked the characters though Andy's teenager angst and Grier's issues with her mother were downers after a while. But the ending made up for it. 1st book by this author. Will check out another.
January 23, 2019
Good read
Kept me interested the entire book. So very real life relationships that you live every day. There were sad times as well and everything doesn't work out as expected. The characters were all interesting and woven together just like in our home town. The love story is so honest and sincere between the two main characters and I liked that. I recommend this to people that like a good book with a little of real life in it. With a happy ending.
Kept me interested the entire book. So very real life relationships that you live every day. There were sad times as well and everything doesn't work out as expected. The characters were all interesting and woven together just like in our home town. The love story is so honest and sincere between the two main characters and I liked that. I recommend this to people that like a good book with a little of real life in it. With a happy ending.
February 3, 2019
Loved this story! What happens when you go back to your hometown after 19 years and forced to face your past? This is two stories wrapped around each other. Grier is facing her past and in the process, helping a teenage girl, Andy, get through an awkward time of her life. Andy is growing up in a house with just her dad, liking her childhood friend, Kyle, more than just a friend, and dealing with trying to find her way in life. I couldn't put this book down.
February 9, 2019
This was fine. I like a bit of reality in my reads, and while this has some, it also has some eye roll issues. How does a small town girl run away from home and make it big in New York? Why does just about everyone in this town have green eyes, the rarest of eye colors? Why does a 17 year old boy have such insight into two other teenagers and their relationship, having only just met them? It was entertaining enough, but I wish an editor would have helped tweak it.
March 2, 2019
Delightful book
Really enjoyed this book and my second by the same author so was not disappointed. Loved getting to know the various characters and at the same time enjoying the lovely story. Could actually visualize the various characters and the town itself. Can't wait to get stuck into my next book which I hope will be by the same author. I've become a real fan of her books.
Really enjoyed this book and my second by the same author so was not disappointed. Loved getting to know the various characters and at the same time enjoying the lovely story. Could actually visualize the various characters and the town itself. Can't wait to get stuck into my next book which I hope will be by the same author. I've become a real fan of her books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews