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Clayburn #2
Leaving November
Eight years ago, Vienne Kenney moved away from Clayburn and all its gossip to pursue a law degree in California. But now she has failed the bar exam again. Is she destined to be stuck forever, a failure -- just like her father -- in this two-horse Kansas town?
Nine months ago, Jackson Linder left Clayburn with no explanation to anybody. Now he, too, is back. He isn't sure he's ready to face the rumors and well-meaning questions of the town's busybodies. Yet he's determined, once more, to make his art gallery a success -- in spite of the secret that haunts him every day....
330 pages, Paperback
Published November 19, 2016
592 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Raney
77 books682 followersDEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Twenty-five years, forty-plus books, and numerous awards later, she's still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won RWA's RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a three-time Christy Award finalist. Deb is a recent Missouri transplant, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
June 12, 2021
I loved this story. Deborah Raney is a great author.
Jack and Vienne had known each other in school, and Vienne had a big crush on Jack. Vienne left Kansas to pursue a career as a lawyer but did not pass the bar exam. Vienne's mother had a stroke so Vienne came back to Kansas to run a coffee shop where the cafe used to be. Vienne is hoping that her mother will eventually recover.
Years ago Jack was in a car accident. The accident was not his fault, but two people died in the crash. Jack relived the crash. His best friend's wife and son were the ones who died in the crash. Jack began to drink to forget. He became an alcoholic and needed to go into rehab.
After Jack finished his rehabilitation, he came back to Kansas and decided to reopen his art gallery. Each day he struggled with the temptation to take that first drink. Jack has asked God to help him, and there are miracles that God performs to keep Jack free of addiction. I love how God stopped Jack from another downward spiral.
Jack and Vienne began to have feelings for each other, but Vienne had an alcoholic father and it is very difficult for her to trust Jack. Then one day Vienne realized that she was holding a lot of grudges and asked God to forgive her.
This was a sweet love story and there was a big surprise for Jack in this story. Praise God that Jack had such a wonderful relationship with God that this surprise did not cause more addiction!
Jack and Vienne had known each other in school, and Vienne had a big crush on Jack. Vienne left Kansas to pursue a career as a lawyer but did not pass the bar exam. Vienne's mother had a stroke so Vienne came back to Kansas to run a coffee shop where the cafe used to be. Vienne is hoping that her mother will eventually recover.
Years ago Jack was in a car accident. The accident was not his fault, but two people died in the crash. Jack relived the crash. His best friend's wife and son were the ones who died in the crash. Jack began to drink to forget. He became an alcoholic and needed to go into rehab.
After Jack finished his rehabilitation, he came back to Kansas and decided to reopen his art gallery. Each day he struggled with the temptation to take that first drink. Jack has asked God to help him, and there are miracles that God performs to keep Jack free of addiction. I love how God stopped Jack from another downward spiral.
Jack and Vienne began to have feelings for each other, but Vienne had an alcoholic father and it is very difficult for her to trust Jack. Then one day Vienne realized that she was holding a lot of grudges and asked God to forgive her.
This was a sweet love story and there was a big surprise for Jack in this story. Praise God that Jack had such a wonderful relationship with God that this surprise did not cause more addiction!
August 1, 2013
Wonderful characters. Wonderful story. Wonderful book. Vienne and Jackson journey to wholeness on parallel paths; hitting bumps, maneuvering curves, dodging pot holes, but ending up at the same place; together. The entire Clayburn series is well worth your time.
March 4, 2008
Two people find love even when their minds are cautious due to past problems with addiction.
March 22, 2009
Excellent, beautifully-written book with real-life problems and real life characters.
October 3, 2018
Ok read
Not as good as the first but an ok read for me. I'm not sure will read the next book in the series.
Not as good as the first but an ok read for me. I'm not sure will read the next book in the series.
December 16, 2024
Leaving November - I honestly can't figure out the name of this book. Is there a town called November? Young Vienne could perhaps explain it to me. This young woman in this story has gumption, she has energy, she has a lot to overcome, and oversome she does. Jackson Linder touched my heart in many ways. I have some very close relatives who went through what Jack went through in this story, and like the older man, Pete, they counted the years, the days and sometimes the minutes, while valuing each and every honor medal they received as the years went by one by one, while still acknowleging "I am an alcoholic". The author, Deborah Raney, handled this issue very well while writing this clean, intriguing, sweet community story - a story that could happen in any small town with interesting people of all types of personalities. As always, Ms. Raney has done a great job and I am looking forwarded to reading the Clayburn #3 book 'Yesterday's Embers'.
May 21, 2024
It can be SO difficult to find a Christian romance novel that is well done, and I can say Deborah nailed it with “Leaving November”. Our two main characters have each gone through their fair share of trials in their lives, and their present circumstances bring them back to the same small town that they grew up in. I loved that Deborah didn’t create the characters to be “perfect” or “model Christians”. Our MMC has a history of alcohol abuse and actively struggles with maintaining his sobriety on page, whereas our FMC struggles with allowing her own biased judgements to make decisions for her. Through their day to day interactions, we see a story that radiates pure love, redemption, hope, and a realistic sense of life’s hardships. Would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for a clean, feel good, small town romance with a fantastic message of the Lord’s provision.
March 25, 2021
Giving in to His best
Vienne moved home after her mother's debilitating stroke. She's been working to rehab her mom's diner, between visits, while she's in rehab. Her mom's progress is slow but the doctors keep telling her that many people recover completely from strokes like her mother's.
Jake has come home after being away for about a year. Lots of folks in their small town can't believe he has the courage to show his face there. After all, it was his fault that a mother and child were killed in that car accident! Rumor and reality seldom share many facts.
You'll want to walk the path with these two as God helps each of them to pull their lives back together. Such a good book!
Vienne moved home after her mother's debilitating stroke. She's been working to rehab her mom's diner, between visits, while she's in rehab. Her mom's progress is slow but the doctors keep telling her that many people recover completely from strokes like her mother's.
Jake has come home after being away for about a year. Lots of folks in their small town can't believe he has the courage to show his face there. After all, it was his fault that a mother and child were killed in that car accident! Rumor and reality seldom share many facts.
You'll want to walk the path with these two as God helps each of them to pull their lives back together. Such a good book!
November 1, 2018
When I first started reading this tale, I wasn't sure how much it would be like other Christian romances I've read. I was impressed with the way the plot unfolded. Not only that, it touched a little close to home for my family, as a couple of our family members and friends struggle with the same issue. I loved that the characters were living their faith even as their struggles were real and threatened to hold them back. What decision would each character would make next? I never really knew. This novel was enjoyable. And if you enjoy contemporary Christian romance, you should give this one a try.
November 18, 2021
Now that I've read the whole book I really enjoyed the story. There were a lot of parts that were slow and I struggled to read through them. I enjoyed Jack's character and him leaning on faith. I had a hard time with Vienne though. Maybe it's because I grew up with an alcoholic parent and an enabling partner and that I've worked hard through that trama. She seemed to not want to work through that for most of the book, which annoyed me a bit. I'm glad her character did come to faith and learn to start healing from her trauma though. That will serve anyone in life way more then holding onto the anger and pain.
January 28, 2022
I find I enjoy each of Deborah Raney's books. I read the first book in this series awhile back so I didn't remember a lot of it but even without the details from the first book this was enjoyable. Vienne comes back to small town Clayburn, KS to help care for her mother. She meets Jack who has recently returned to Clayburn after going through alcohol rehab and is still working through issues from his past. I like the 'realness' of the struggles both of these characters deal with. I'm looking forward to reading the 3rd book in the series.
March 19, 2021
Good One
Exactly the kind if book I like to read. Characters were realistic, and faced problems that were also realistic. Love to read books by Deborah Randy. Her books, and this one is no different, are concerning living a Christian life. Being a Christian doesn't mean you don't have problems and hardships. In her books she writes about how God helps in problematic situations. A very good read.
Exactly the kind if book I like to read. Characters were realistic, and faced problems that were also realistic. Love to read books by Deborah Randy. Her books, and this one is no different, are concerning living a Christian life. Being a Christian doesn't mean you don't have problems and hardships. In her books she writes about how God helps in problematic situations. A very good read.
April 19, 2021
I have a few things in common with the main female character. I came back to a small Kansas town to take care of my elderly mother. That is the end of the things we have in common. Both characters come back to this small Kansas town where they grew up for different reasons. One failed the bar exam and the other has been in rehab. They try to start their lives over and rebuild new ones. They develop a shaky friendship. Will their businesses succeed? Will their relationship grow?
June 8, 2023
charming
Sweet story of failure, change, overcoming the past, and love. Vienne is trying to take care of her invalid mother, while overcoming her embarrassment of failing the bar exam, twice. Jack is overcoming a tragic accident, his alcoholic response to the tragedy and the shame of facing all the people who knew he had crawled into a bottle. Nice story, with some surprising insights into human nature, and the love of God.
Sweet story of failure, change, overcoming the past, and love. Vienne is trying to take care of her invalid mother, while overcoming her embarrassment of failing the bar exam, twice. Jack is overcoming a tragic accident, his alcoholic response to the tragedy and the shame of facing all the people who knew he had crawled into a bottle. Nice story, with some surprising insights into human nature, and the love of God.
July 7, 2023
I love books by Raney. In each one she provides you a story that shows the loving and forgiving God we have. He has a plan for our lives and he desires us to have the good blessings He offers. Jack is an alcoholic who is depending on God to keep him from falling. He meets Vienne and they make a connection. But can Vienne get past her fears based on her own life? Such a good story in a small town.
July 9, 2023
A book that needs to marinate
When things go wrong for characters, especially if other characters who should be good aren’t, I need to put the book down for a while. I have to remind myself it’s not real even if it could be. When I’m feeling stronger again I read to the end. I had to put this book down several times. The plot is unfortunately too easy to believe and oh how I wanted the happy ending!
When things go wrong for characters, especially if other characters who should be good aren’t, I need to put the book down for a while. I have to remind myself it’s not real even if it could be. When I’m feeling stronger again I read to the end. I had to put this book down several times. The plot is unfortunately too easy to believe and oh how I wanted the happy ending!
January 7, 2025
The author tackles tough topics in this story in a realistic way. I thoroughly enjoyed the progression of romance between Jack and Vienne and how they each looked to God for guidance and help in their struggles. There was a note of mystery in the book and the characters were easy to love and root for.
Recommended for fans of Inspirational Romance and Women's Fiction that explores real-life struggles and points to Christ as the help we need.
Recommended for fans of Inspirational Romance and Women's Fiction that explores real-life struggles and points to Christ as the help we need.
October 22, 2018
Sweet story of hope and new beginnings.
What do you do when your hopes and dreams get mangled by life? Where do you find your anchor? How do you differentiate between the voice of truth and the voice of deception? Journey with Jack and Vienne as they struggle to unravel these very real questions and release issues of the past that hold them captive.
What do you do when your hopes and dreams get mangled by life? Where do you find your anchor? How do you differentiate between the voice of truth and the voice of deception? Journey with Jack and Vienne as they struggle to unravel these very real questions and release issues of the past that hold them captive.
October 23, 2018
Book2
Leaving November is the second book of the Clayburn series by Deborah Raney. We meet Vienne Kenney in this novel, a double failure (at the Californis bar exam) who has come back to Clayburn to take care of her mom following a stroke. She re opens her mom's cafe as a coffee shop, and i love, LOVE the name she chose for the shop. Looking forward to book 3.
Leaving November is the second book of the Clayburn series by Deborah Raney. We meet Vienne Kenney in this novel, a double failure (at the Californis bar exam) who has come back to Clayburn to take care of her mom following a stroke. She re opens her mom's cafe as a coffee shop, and i love, LOVE the name she chose for the shop. Looking forward to book 3.
November 27, 2018
I had read this book before, but it was good the second time around as well! Deborah Raney does such a good job of getting to the heart of issues and these characters had issues.
I enjoyed how she worked through them in the book. I did want her to serve more food in her coffee shop though, and I adored Pete.
I enjoyed how she worked through them in the book. I did want her to serve more food in her coffee shop though, and I adored Pete.
October 13, 2019
Winter to spring
I've found an author that I truly enjoy reading. Her characters attract me because she writes them from the heart out. They have flaws but the hand of God is moving to open up closed hearts and heal bitter lives. I've never been to Kansas but I'd love to find Clayborn!
I've found an author that I truly enjoy reading. Her characters attract me because she writes them from the heart out. They have flaws but the hand of God is moving to open up closed hearts and heal bitter lives. I've never been to Kansas but I'd love to find Clayborn!
March 25, 2021
Vienne and Jack story is wrought with trauma and hope. Their journey to forgive is one we've all been invited to join. This is a powerful story of the Lord's faithfulness to restore His children.
Recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational fiction.
I borrowed a copy from Kindle Unlimited. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
Recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational fiction.
I borrowed a copy from Kindle Unlimited. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
March 27, 2021
Leaning on God
I good book about struggling with addiction and loss. I like Jacks character and how he works through the struggles he’s had. It was nice to see characters from the previous book. They are likable and relatable.
Vienne was a bit harder to like, the judgement was harsh, but it came together nicely in the end. Overall, a nice addition t the series.
I good book about struggling with addiction and loss. I like Jacks character and how he works through the struggles he’s had. It was nice to see characters from the previous book. They are likable and relatable.
Vienne was a bit harder to like, the judgement was harsh, but it came together nicely in the end. Overall, a nice addition t the series.
March 27, 2021
Nicely written with believable characters and story line, this is the story of law-school graduate, Vienne, whose father was an alcoholic, and Jack Linder, who is an alcoholic just finishing 9-month rehab, reopening his art gallery in Clayburn while Vienna remodels and reopens her moms cafe as a coffee house.
March 28, 2021
Beautiful story
I love Deborah Rainey. This book is very sweet and shows what God is. This is a sweet book about trusting in God and seeing how He can help your life if you allow Him to be your guide and truly trust in Him. It is sweet (not sappy) and wonderful. It touches your heart and makes you smile.
I love Deborah Rainey. This book is very sweet and shows what God is. This is a sweet book about trusting in God and seeing how He can help your life if you allow Him to be your guide and truly trust in Him. It is sweet (not sappy) and wonderful. It touches your heart and makes you smile.
November 7, 2023
Heartwarming, fascinating, and enlightening story about how a small group of individuals with a golden heart and God's boundless grace may live a happy existence in spite of enduring particular trials and judgements. It's a tale of self-control, acceptance, understanding, forgiveness, compassion, assistance, and pure love!
January 15, 2018
Another great Deborah Randy book. This one felt a bit lighter than some of her others.... more of a typical romance, yet she still managed to handle some delicate topics gracefully. Roccomnded! And it’s a stand alone, no real need to read the first on the series.
October 8, 2018
Some very courageous meet with Gods divine interventions
Hang ups? We all have them. Some worse than others. This book is so inspiring! They all find the right path, but at different times, and in different ways
Hang ups? We all have them. Some worse than others. This book is so inspiring! They all find the right path, but at different times, and in different ways
October 23, 2018
Good "Kansas" story
Small town Kansas, two people with similar problems. They must each work them out on their own in order to be together. Why must life be so difficult, why doesn't God fix it? God is so good, with him all things are possible.
Small town Kansas, two people with similar problems. They must each work them out on their own in order to be together. Why must life be so difficult, why doesn't God fix it? God is so good, with him all things are possible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews