What do you think?
Rate this book
Hope's Crossing #1
Blackberry Summer
Welcome to Hope's Crossing, a town that's as warm and welcoming as drinking a glass of lemonade on a porch swing...Claire Bradford needed a wake-up call. What she didn't need was a tragic car accident. As a single mom and the owner of a successful bead shop, Claire leads a predictable life in Hope's Crossing, Colorado. So what if she has no time for romance? At least, that's what she tells herself, especially when her best friend's sexy younger brother comes back to town as the new chief of police.But when the accident forces Claire to slow down and lean on others--especially Riley McKnight--she realizes, for the first time, that things need to change. And not just in her own life. The accident--and the string of robberies committed by teenagers that led up to it--is a message to the people of Hope's Crossing. The sense of community and togetherness had been lost during those tough years. But with a mysterious "Angel of Hope" working to inspire the town, Riley and Claire will find themselves opening up to love and other possibilities by the end of an extraordinary summer...
Includes bonus: Home to Honeymoon Harbor / JoAnn Ross
Includes bonus: Home to Honeymoon Harbor / JoAnn Ross
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 31, 2011
1063 people are currently reading
4821 people want to read
About the author
RaeAnne Thayne
311 books3,836 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 442 reviews
August 31, 2016
3.5 Stars! A lovely start to this series!
After reading Christmas in Snowflake Canyon, a book that I absolutely adored, I had to go back and start at the beginning. I had no idea it was the 6th book in RaeAnne Thayne's Hope's Crossing series, and so many of the characters caught my attention, that I needed to read their stories too! I've read a few other books by this author and one thing she always manages to do is touch my heart, and it was no different here. I love the hometown, close-knit community feel and how they all pull together when tragedy strikes. It's similar in nature to Robyn Carr's Virgin River series, but this is virtually a clean romance with very little sexual intimacy. There is character chemistry, moments of passion and enough going on within the story itself, that I didn't miss it. Although there is a sweet HEA for Claire and Riley, the devastating events that affected so many carries over into the next book, Woodrose Mountain, and I look forward to seeing what fate has in store for some of the other characters.
It's not a complex read, the angst level is low and it's the perfect read for a relaxing afternoon!
October 5, 2011
I love how sometimes a book that you don't expect to like sneaks up on you and sucks you in. Blackberry Summer was like that for me. I expected it to be another story of a quaint small town such as seem to be flooding the market lately. And it was and it wasn't. There were definite sweet scenes and feel good actions but they were counter balanced by some really bad stuff. Nothing seemed contrived, as if the author had just included a scene to move the plot along. Neither were there scenes where you thought 'why the heck did the author meander there?'
This was the story of Claire a 36 year old divorced mother of two. Her best friend's younger brother has just moved back to town after 15 years away as an undercover cop in California. He is now the chief of police. Unbeknownst to Claire, Riley has had a crush on her since he was 12 and she was 15. They are meeting for the first time as equals. This is the story of their relationship which develops in the middle of a tragedy which affects much of the town. There were many secondary characters tidbits of whose stories were told as they touched the lives of Clair or Riley. POV stayed strictly with either Claire or Riley. I believe this must be the beginning of a series. I could see many threads that beckoned and things that seemed to have a story to tell. I particularly appreciated the way that the author left those for later. I didn't feel frustrated that all the stories weren't spelled out and finished. Rather I feel an excited sense of anticipation.
This was very well done writing. The dialog seemed real, how people really talk. Even secondary characters were clearly drawn so they were easy to keep straight in my mind. The writing flowed well and I didn't get knocked out of the story over poor sentence construction or TSTL moments etc.
Both of the main characters grew. Claire had to learn to let go of a bit of control and Riley had to face up to relationship fears which were a result of his father's desertion of the family when Riley was a young teenager. There were a couple of hot kissing scenes and some sweet kissing scenes but that was it, no love making.
The author avoided obvious choices like making the ex husband a total bad guy. Sure he left her for a younger woman, but he really seemed to love that woman. The new wife was a sweet girl and neither one of them treated the children badly. That was refreshing.
So ready to read more about Hope's Crossing. Keeping my fingers crossed that there will be more to come.
Although, in the end, I'm not sure what blackberries had to do with anything. :-)
I received this book free from Tell Harlequin for review.
This was the story of Claire a 36 year old divorced mother of two. Her best friend's younger brother has just moved back to town after 15 years away as an undercover cop in California. He is now the chief of police. Unbeknownst to Claire, Riley has had a crush on her since he was 12 and she was 15. They are meeting for the first time as equals. This is the story of their relationship which develops in the middle of a tragedy which affects much of the town. There were many secondary characters tidbits of whose stories were told as they touched the lives of Clair or Riley. POV stayed strictly with either Claire or Riley. I believe this must be the beginning of a series. I could see many threads that beckoned and things that seemed to have a story to tell. I particularly appreciated the way that the author left those for later. I didn't feel frustrated that all the stories weren't spelled out and finished. Rather I feel an excited sense of anticipation.
This was very well done writing. The dialog seemed real, how people really talk. Even secondary characters were clearly drawn so they were easy to keep straight in my mind. The writing flowed well and I didn't get knocked out of the story over poor sentence construction or TSTL moments etc.
Both of the main characters grew. Claire had to learn to let go of a bit of control and Riley had to face up to relationship fears which were a result of his father's desertion of the family when Riley was a young teenager. There were a couple of hot kissing scenes and some sweet kissing scenes but that was it, no love making.
The author avoided obvious choices like making the ex husband a total bad guy. Sure he left her for a younger woman, but he really seemed to love that woman. The new wife was a sweet girl and neither one of them treated the children badly. That was refreshing.
So ready to read more about Hope's Crossing. Keeping my fingers crossed that there will be more to come.
Although, in the end, I'm not sure what blackberries had to do with anything. :-)
I received this book free from Tell Harlequin for review.
August 4, 2011
This book is everything I love about romance novels, and I don't say that lightly. It's been far too long since I picked up a book that made me want to keep reading instead of doing something else. I'm not happy that I feel that way because since I was a kid, reading has been my favorite thing to do. I've been saddened lately that so many books have been a chore to get through. In fact, I've been searching for a book--any book--that might remind me why I used to love to read in the first place. I'm thrilled to say that BLACKBERRY SUMMER was that book.
Claire Bradford is struggling to make a new life for herself after her ex-husband left her for a younger woman. Since they share two children and live in the same small Colorado town, that's not easy to do. Riley McKnight is the town's former bad boy, and younger brother of Claire's best friend, who returns home to take the job of Chief of Police. As a kid, Riley had a crush on Claire, and he's surprised to discover that he's still attracted all these years later. It isn't long before Claire and her children are involved in a fatal car accident, for which Riley feels responsible.
Claire and Max are wonderful characters, the romance between them is believable and well-paced. The secondary characters and setting are richly drawn and add depth and richness to the story. But BLACKBERRY SUMMER isn't just the story of Claire's relationship with Max, it's also the story of a town struggling to move past a tragic accident and of a family struggling to redefine itself. It's a truly engaging story.
Claire Bradford is struggling to make a new life for herself after her ex-husband left her for a younger woman. Since they share two children and live in the same small Colorado town, that's not easy to do. Riley McKnight is the town's former bad boy, and younger brother of Claire's best friend, who returns home to take the job of Chief of Police. As a kid, Riley had a crush on Claire, and he's surprised to discover that he's still attracted all these years later. It isn't long before Claire and her children are involved in a fatal car accident, for which Riley feels responsible.
Claire and Max are wonderful characters, the romance between them is believable and well-paced. The secondary characters and setting are richly drawn and add depth and richness to the story. But BLACKBERRY SUMMER isn't just the story of Claire's relationship with Max, it's also the story of a town struggling to move past a tragic accident and of a family struggling to redefine itself. It's a truly engaging story.
November 27, 2015
Bitter, bitter disappointment! It's a good thing I've read other books by RaeAnne Thayne because this would not have been a good introduction. Both protagonists are weak in ways that would be disastrous in tandem.
Riley is the worst because his emotional weakness is persistent, obviously unhealthy, and clichéd, to boot. It's not just that he is traumatized by his father leaving their family and he fears he'd only do the same. That's bad, but it plays even worse when coupled with his acceptance of culpability for outcomes he couldn't have foreseen and for actions that were not only responsible, but should have exactly countered his feelings of guilt in the first place. Both add up to someone who pretty much hates himself and is willing to buy into the worst version of his own motivations and actions. I find this very unattractive and an automatic dismissal of the macho righteous cop thing he had going on.
But Claire isn't much better with her emotional need to please everyone around her and give in to anybody who threatens to be upset. This is particularly bad in relation to Ruth, her mother, who abuses Claire's emotional weakness time and again. It's even worse in her relationship with her ex and his bimbo. I get not making trouble because of the kids' relationship with their father. I don't get allowing yourself to be walked on just because they'd feel bad if she didn't.
The story was okay, if both predictable and tinged with cliché. Thayne doesn't idealize Hope's Crossing and that worked out well enough. I suspect I'd have been more engaged with it if Riley wasn't so busy hanging himself in effigy to spare the townsfolk the trouble. I could have taken the events a lot better if they had played to Riley's strength, is what I'm saying. Since it exploited his weakness, it was a lot less engaging.
Fortunately, the book ended on a high. I thought Riley had buried himself too deeply to recover, but he pulled off a grand gesture that was too perfect to dismiss. I wanted him to be strong, so when he finally showed both the strength to change and the courage to commit absolutely, I found myself closing the book with at least contentment that I hadn't wasted my time. So yeah, a solid two-and-a-half stars rounded to a three on the strength of the ending. Barely.
A note about Steamy/Chaste: This is another of those rare books that qualify for neither—enhancing my meh for it, actually. There aren't any real steamy scenes, but there's a make-out scene that goes beyond what I can honestly call "chaste".
Riley is the worst because his emotional weakness is persistent, obviously unhealthy, and clichéd, to boot. It's not just that he is traumatized by his father leaving their family and he fears he'd only do the same. That's bad, but it plays even worse when coupled with his acceptance of culpability for outcomes he couldn't have foreseen and for actions that were not only responsible, but should have exactly countered his feelings of guilt in the first place. Both add up to someone who pretty much hates himself and is willing to buy into the worst version of his own motivations and actions. I find this very unattractive and an automatic dismissal of the macho righteous cop thing he had going on.
But Claire isn't much better with her emotional need to please everyone around her and give in to anybody who threatens to be upset. This is particularly bad in relation to Ruth, her mother, who abuses Claire's emotional weakness time and again. It's even worse in her relationship with her ex and his bimbo. I get not making trouble because of the kids' relationship with their father. I don't get allowing yourself to be walked on just because they'd feel bad if she didn't.
The story was okay, if both predictable and tinged with cliché. Thayne doesn't idealize Hope's Crossing and that worked out well enough. I suspect I'd have been more engaged with it if Riley wasn't so busy hanging himself in effigy to spare the townsfolk the trouble. I could have taken the events a lot better if they had played to Riley's strength, is what I'm saying. Since it exploited his weakness, it was a lot less engaging.
Fortunately, the book ended on a high. I thought Riley had buried himself too deeply to recover, but he pulled off a grand gesture that was too perfect to dismiss. I wanted him to be strong, so when he finally showed both the strength to change and the courage to commit absolutely, I found myself closing the book with at least contentment that I hadn't wasted my time. So yeah, a solid two-and-a-half stars rounded to a three on the strength of the ending. Barely.
A note about Steamy/Chaste: This is another of those rare books that qualify for neither—enhancing my meh for it, actually. There aren't any real steamy scenes, but there's a make-out scene that goes beyond what I can honestly call "chaste".
January 29, 2023
I read this years ago and gave it two stars because I thought it was boring. Must have been me not the book! Then I happened to read the last book in the series which I really enjoyed so that brought me back to the beginning. I enjoyed this one and seeing the start of many of the characters who are to have their own stories later in the series. So re-evaluating my star allocation.
February 27, 2014
Fantastic book. I love small town stories and this is one of the best. All the characters are very realistic with hopes and dreams and problems that any one of us could experience. When tragedy strikes the town it's the way they deal with it that will make or break the ones living it.
Claire is a divorced mother of two. She owns a bead store that is doing pretty well but will never make her rich. She lives in the same town as her ex and his new wife so that her kids can see their father on a regular basis. She is also the person who takes care of her mother, a woman who turned very needy after her husband's scandalous death. The investigation of a burglary at her store brings her back into contact with Riley McKnight, the younger brother of her best friend and the new chief of police. The bad boy teen has grown up to be a handsome and responsible man and too darn tempting for her peace of mind. When a car accident puts her in need of depending on other people, Riley is one of those who is there. I liked Claire's sense of independence but she also had trouble accepting help. After her father's death, Claire's mom fell apart leaving teenage Claire to take care of her younger brother, the house and her mother. Ever since then Claire has been taking care of everyone but ignoring her own needs. Seeing Riley again stirs feelings in her that have been quiet for a long time, but she's not too happy about having the hots for him. After the accident that injured her and another girl and killed Riley's niece, Claire has to give up some of the control of her life in order to accept the help she needs. She finds herself spending more time with Riley and is quite impressed with the man he has become. She has trouble believing him when he tells her about the crush he had on her when they were younger, but she can't deny the feelings that are growing now. I loved the way that she can separate the troubled boy he was from the man he is now and that she has no trouble standing up for him to other people. It was terrific to see his care for her give her the desire to look after her own needs for a change.
Riley had been a bit of a hell-raiser as a teen. He is the youngest of six kids and the only boy. He had a lot of anger to deal with when his father left the family and it came out in destructive ways. As soon as he graduated from high school he left home and ended up becoming an undercover cop in California. After years of doing that work he is feeling burned out when he is offered the job of police chief in his hometown. He takes it on a probationary basis, not sure if it will be a good fit. He begins to think he was right as so many in town don't seem to be able to forget his teenage mistakes. A bright spot in his return is seeing Claire again. He has never forgotten her and meeting again as adults shows him that the feelings are still there. As much as he'd like to pursue them, he feels that he's too damaged to be good for her, because of his cynicism from his former job and his fears that he'd be like his own father. But he also finds that he can't stay away from her. He's first on the scene after the car accidents and is desperate to make sure that she and her kids are safe. Finding out about the occupants of the other car, and the death of his niece, Riley feels like the whole mess is his fault. He spends a lot of time helping Claire and growing closer to her, but afraid to take it further. I liked the way that he owns up to his stupidity from when he was younger, and I got really frustrated with the townspeople who refused to see the man he had become. Even his own family seemed to be blind to who he was. He did have a couple instances of idiocy, especially the one where he was so cynical about the "Day of Hope" that Claire and her friends were planning. I'm glad he saw the errors of his ways. His oh-so-romantic actions at the auction were the perfect ending to the book.
One of the things I like best about small town stories is the complicated and interwoven relationships. As the first book in the series we learn at least a little about quite a few characters. Claire's ex isn't a bad man, but he's pretty oblivious to the pain he causes Claire with some of his actions even after their divorce. Claire's mother really irritated me. I hated the way she leaned on Claire for everything and still managed to put her down about so much. Her attitude about Riley really made me mad. She was slightly redeemed at the end, but I think she still has a ways to go. I loved the "Angel of Hope" and the way he/she has been doing things to help out various people. Those things and the way that small towns have of coming together in times of tragedy go a long way toward improving the atmosphere of the town.
Claire is a divorced mother of two. She owns a bead store that is doing pretty well but will never make her rich. She lives in the same town as her ex and his new wife so that her kids can see their father on a regular basis. She is also the person who takes care of her mother, a woman who turned very needy after her husband's scandalous death. The investigation of a burglary at her store brings her back into contact with Riley McKnight, the younger brother of her best friend and the new chief of police. The bad boy teen has grown up to be a handsome and responsible man and too darn tempting for her peace of mind. When a car accident puts her in need of depending on other people, Riley is one of those who is there. I liked Claire's sense of independence but she also had trouble accepting help. After her father's death, Claire's mom fell apart leaving teenage Claire to take care of her younger brother, the house and her mother. Ever since then Claire has been taking care of everyone but ignoring her own needs. Seeing Riley again stirs feelings in her that have been quiet for a long time, but she's not too happy about having the hots for him. After the accident that injured her and another girl and killed Riley's niece, Claire has to give up some of the control of her life in order to accept the help she needs. She finds herself spending more time with Riley and is quite impressed with the man he has become. She has trouble believing him when he tells her about the crush he had on her when they were younger, but she can't deny the feelings that are growing now. I loved the way that she can separate the troubled boy he was from the man he is now and that she has no trouble standing up for him to other people. It was terrific to see his care for her give her the desire to look after her own needs for a change.
Riley had been a bit of a hell-raiser as a teen. He is the youngest of six kids and the only boy. He had a lot of anger to deal with when his father left the family and it came out in destructive ways. As soon as he graduated from high school he left home and ended up becoming an undercover cop in California. After years of doing that work he is feeling burned out when he is offered the job of police chief in his hometown. He takes it on a probationary basis, not sure if it will be a good fit. He begins to think he was right as so many in town don't seem to be able to forget his teenage mistakes. A bright spot in his return is seeing Claire again. He has never forgotten her and meeting again as adults shows him that the feelings are still there. As much as he'd like to pursue them, he feels that he's too damaged to be good for her, because of his cynicism from his former job and his fears that he'd be like his own father. But he also finds that he can't stay away from her. He's first on the scene after the car accidents and is desperate to make sure that she and her kids are safe. Finding out about the occupants of the other car, and the death of his niece, Riley feels like the whole mess is his fault. He spends a lot of time helping Claire and growing closer to her, but afraid to take it further. I liked the way that he owns up to his stupidity from when he was younger, and I got really frustrated with the townspeople who refused to see the man he had become. Even his own family seemed to be blind to who he was. He did have a couple instances of idiocy, especially the one where he was so cynical about the "Day of Hope" that Claire and her friends were planning. I'm glad he saw the errors of his ways. His oh-so-romantic actions at the auction were the perfect ending to the book.
One of the things I like best about small town stories is the complicated and interwoven relationships. As the first book in the series we learn at least a little about quite a few characters. Claire's ex isn't a bad man, but he's pretty oblivious to the pain he causes Claire with some of his actions even after their divorce. Claire's mother really irritated me. I hated the way she leaned on Claire for everything and still managed to put her down about so much. Her attitude about Riley really made me mad. She was slightly redeemed at the end, but I think she still has a ways to go. I loved the "Angel of Hope" and the way he/she has been doing things to help out various people. Those things and the way that small towns have of coming together in times of tragedy go a long way toward improving the atmosphere of the town.
August 29, 2023
Great, sweet romance! Loved it.
June 15, 2011
2.5*
While the writing isn't all bad, the author predominantly tells instead of shows. There are too many minor and major info dumps, and too many little schmaltzy anecdotes inserted in the middle of conversations. The book is riddled with cardboard characters, each one more stereotyped than the last. The small town atmosphere vacillates between heartwarming and mean-spirited.
Claire is way too "perfect." She thinks it's a major character flaw in herself that she can't be "true friends" with her ex-husband's much younger, bimbo wife. She lets her ex-husband, mother and others treat her like an incompetent child because she doesn't want to say anything "unkind" to them.
Riley is a better character, although not unusual or unique. There's also some very real emotional angst in the book that centers around a car wreck. This is the best written part of the book. Unfortunately, the solution Claire comes up with to "help the town heal" was right out of a Micky Rooney/Judy Garland movie. "I know! Let's put on a show!"
This book has made-for-TV movie written all over it, complete with B-list actors. I truly enjoyed Thayne's book, Dancing In The Moonlight (Cowboys of Cold Creek, #2), and was happy to see this longer novel. Unfortunately, I think her writing style works best in the shorter form of the series romance, where info dumps and heartwarming rabbit trails have to be kept to a minimum.
While the writing isn't all bad, the author predominantly tells instead of shows. There are too many minor and major info dumps, and too many little schmaltzy anecdotes inserted in the middle of conversations. The book is riddled with cardboard characters, each one more stereotyped than the last. The small town atmosphere vacillates between heartwarming and mean-spirited.
Claire is way too "perfect." She thinks it's a major character flaw in herself that she can't be "true friends" with her ex-husband's much younger, bimbo wife. She lets her ex-husband, mother and others treat her like an incompetent child because she doesn't want to say anything "unkind" to them.
Riley is a better character, although not unusual or unique. There's also some very real emotional angst in the book that centers around a car wreck. This is the best written part of the book. Unfortunately, the solution Claire comes up with to "help the town heal" was right out of a Micky Rooney/Judy Garland movie. "I know! Let's put on a show!"
This book has made-for-TV movie written all over it, complete with B-list actors. I truly enjoyed Thayne's book, Dancing In The Moonlight (Cowboys of Cold Creek, #2), and was happy to see this longer novel. Unfortunately, I think her writing style works best in the shorter form of the series romance, where info dumps and heartwarming rabbit trails have to be kept to a minimum.
January 16, 2016
Set in Hope's Crossing, Colorado. Claire Bradford is the owner of a successful bead shop. She is a single mom with two kids living a predictable life. She has no time for romance. At least that is what she keeps telling herself. So why does her best friend's younger brother Riley seem so darn sexy and hot? He has returned to be the the new chief of police of this boring little town when he was some big shot on the police force in California. It just doesn't make sense.
A string of robberies leads to a tragic accident that forces Claire to accept help from her friends, even from Riley McKnight. The accident ends up affecting the whole town. Things get ugly when it is found teenagers are involved in the robberies and it starts to rip the town apart.
A mysterious "Angel of Hope" inspires a small group and then the whole town to plan an event to help bring everyone back together. A bit of romance also starts to blossom making for a very interesting summer.
Dollycas's Thoughts
I was swept away by many things in this book. The friendships of the people who visit Claire's shop, the long term relationships of the people of Hope's Crossing, seeing someone you have known all your life differently after time has passed, and the effect the "Angel of Hope" has on this town.
If I was ever lucky enough to win the lottery or come into a great deal of money I would want to be just like the "Angel of Hope", helping people anonymously with things they need. The way the angel inspired the people of Hope's Crossing was really uplifting.
The characters in this story are so engaging and well developed. You want to be part of everything they are doing.
I haven't read Harlequin in quite awhile because they were started to feel the same story just with different names but that is definitely not the case with this story. This book is about so much more than the romance. Claire needs to break out of a life she has trapped herself in. Riley has so many reasons for coming home and for staying away as long as he did. Claire's mother has issues that need to be dealt with. Claire's ex-husband and his new younger, pregnant wife live right in town. Thayne interweaves and blends all their lives together wonderfully along with many other residents of the town of Hope's Crossing. I love the way she writes and her descriptions of people and places were a delight.
A string of robberies leads to a tragic accident that forces Claire to accept help from her friends, even from Riley McKnight. The accident ends up affecting the whole town. Things get ugly when it is found teenagers are involved in the robberies and it starts to rip the town apart.
A mysterious "Angel of Hope" inspires a small group and then the whole town to plan an event to help bring everyone back together. A bit of romance also starts to blossom making for a very interesting summer.
Dollycas's Thoughts
I was swept away by many things in this book. The friendships of the people who visit Claire's shop, the long term relationships of the people of Hope's Crossing, seeing someone you have known all your life differently after time has passed, and the effect the "Angel of Hope" has on this town.
If I was ever lucky enough to win the lottery or come into a great deal of money I would want to be just like the "Angel of Hope", helping people anonymously with things they need. The way the angel inspired the people of Hope's Crossing was really uplifting.
The characters in this story are so engaging and well developed. You want to be part of everything they are doing.
I haven't read Harlequin in quite awhile because they were started to feel the same story just with different names but that is definitely not the case with this story. This book is about so much more than the romance. Claire needs to break out of a life she has trapped herself in. Riley has so many reasons for coming home and for staying away as long as he did. Claire's mother has issues that need to be dealt with. Claire's ex-husband and his new younger, pregnant wife live right in town. Thayne interweaves and blends all their lives together wonderfully along with many other residents of the town of Hope's Crossing. I love the way she writes and her descriptions of people and places were a delight.
October 8, 2011
Blackberry Summer by RaeAnne Thayne is the first book in her Hope's Crossing contemporary romance series.
Claire Bradford is happy running her bead shop in the small town of Hope's Crossing, Colorado. The divorced mother of two doesn't think that she has time for romance until she meets the new sheriff, Riley McKnight. Claire has known Riley for years since he's the younger brother of one of her best friends. Claire is used to taking care of everyone else, but when she's injured in a car accident that affects several families, Claire finds herself leaning more and more on Riley. For his part, Riley has had a crush on Claire for years, but he doesn't think that he's good enough for her. Claire has other ideas, though ...
I have to say that the cover drew me to this one. I think that's just a really lovely image. Plus, I'm always on the lookout for new contemporary romances to read, so I decided to give this one a try.
The book was different from what I expected. I thought it would be a light contemporary romance, but it was far more serious. Several local teens are also involved in the accident, which really devastates the whole town. Riley feels responsible for what happened, and he has a lot of guilt, wondering if he could have done something to prevent the accident.
Still, it was nice watching Claire and Riley grow closer together, and Riley taking care of Claire, instead of her always thinking of other people (even her ex-husband and his new wife). I also thought their relationship developed at a slow, natural place, especially given the fact that Claire is pretty much housebound for a few weeks because of her injuries.
A few questions were left hanging at the end, like who the mysterious "Angel" of Hope's Crossing is that goes around anonymously helping people, as well as whether or not Riley will continue being the sheriff, but I imagine those will be resolved in the other books in the series. Also, the ending did feel a little rushed as Riley suddenly realizes that he wants to be with Claire, but it was nice seeing the town trying to come together and make a fresh start after the accident.
Overall, if you're looking for a sweeter, more serious romance, check this one out.
Claire Bradford is happy running her bead shop in the small town of Hope's Crossing, Colorado. The divorced mother of two doesn't think that she has time for romance until she meets the new sheriff, Riley McKnight. Claire has known Riley for years since he's the younger brother of one of her best friends. Claire is used to taking care of everyone else, but when she's injured in a car accident that affects several families, Claire finds herself leaning more and more on Riley. For his part, Riley has had a crush on Claire for years, but he doesn't think that he's good enough for her. Claire has other ideas, though ...
I have to say that the cover drew me to this one. I think that's just a really lovely image. Plus, I'm always on the lookout for new contemporary romances to read, so I decided to give this one a try.
The book was different from what I expected. I thought it would be a light contemporary romance, but it was far more serious. Several local teens are also involved in the accident, which really devastates the whole town. Riley feels responsible for what happened, and he has a lot of guilt, wondering if he could have done something to prevent the accident.
Still, it was nice watching Claire and Riley grow closer together, and Riley taking care of Claire, instead of her always thinking of other people (even her ex-husband and his new wife). I also thought their relationship developed at a slow, natural place, especially given the fact that Claire is pretty much housebound for a few weeks because of her injuries.
A few questions were left hanging at the end, like who the mysterious "Angel" of Hope's Crossing is that goes around anonymously helping people, as well as whether or not Riley will continue being the sheriff, but I imagine those will be resolved in the other books in the series. Also, the ending did feel a little rushed as Riley suddenly realizes that he wants to be with Claire, but it was nice seeing the town trying to come together and make a fresh start after the accident.
Overall, if you're looking for a sweeter, more serious romance, check this one out.
April 29, 2020
As a single mom and the owner of a small bead shop, Claire Bradford (36) leads a predictable life in Hope's Crossing, Colorado. Then one morning she discover that her shop has been burglarized. She meets again her best friend's handsome younger brother Riley McKnight (33), who is now the new chief of police.
I like the small town atmosphere and I think that the story and the H/h relationship had lots of potential but somewhere it became repetitive and boring. The heroine seemed okay at first but the more I learned about her, the less I cared about her. She lets her ex-husband, mother and others treat her like a doormat
I also hate when the author tells instead of shows!
Overall okay story but kinda frustrating, too bland and boring. 2.5 Stars.
Ahh, I think Susan Elizabeth Phillips has spoiled me!
I like the small town atmosphere and I think that the story and the H/h relationship had lots of potential but somewhere it became repetitive and boring. The heroine seemed okay at first but the more I learned about her, the less I cared about her. She lets her ex-husband, mother and others treat her like a doormat
I also hate when the author tells instead of shows!
Overall okay story but kinda frustrating, too bland and boring. 2.5 Stars.
Ahh, I think Susan Elizabeth Phillips has spoiled me!
October 10, 2011
This was a Free book in exchange for an honest review...it was just an ok read for me, way too many secondary characters and what's going on in their lives, had a hard time following all of that, I did love Riley's humor, as well as the history between him & Claire, however the romance was lacking, not enough for my taste. It was extremely boring in parts, that just seemed to drag on...
What she didn't need was a tragic car accident. As a single mom and the owner of a successful bead shop, Claire leads a predictable life in Hope's Crossing, Colorado. So what if she has no time for romance? At least, that's what she tells herself, especially when her best friend's sexy younger brother comes back to town as the new chief of police.
But when the accident forces Claire to slow down and lean on others—especially Riley McKnight—she realizes, for the first time, that things need to change. And not just in her own life. The accident—and the string of robberies committed by teenagers that led up to it—is a wake-up call to the people of Hope's Crossing. The sense of community and togetherness had been lost during those tough years. But with a mysterious "Angel of Hope" working to inspire the town, Riley and Claire will find themselves opening up to love and other possibilities by the end of an extraordinary summer….
What she didn't need was a tragic car accident. As a single mom and the owner of a successful bead shop, Claire leads a predictable life in Hope's Crossing, Colorado. So what if she has no time for romance? At least, that's what she tells herself, especially when her best friend's sexy younger brother comes back to town as the new chief of police.
But when the accident forces Claire to slow down and lean on others—especially Riley McKnight—she realizes, for the first time, that things need to change. And not just in her own life. The accident—and the string of robberies committed by teenagers that led up to it—is a wake-up call to the people of Hope's Crossing. The sense of community and togetherness had been lost during those tough years. But with a mysterious "Angel of Hope" working to inspire the town, Riley and Claire will find themselves opening up to love and other possibilities by the end of an extraordinary summer….
December 5, 2015
A mediocre romance novel, I think. I mean, nothing really happens here. The reader gets to peek at life in a small town, but there is no plot to speak of and the romance is dead in the water throughout the story. Although the imagery of the small town and the cosy homes offered a pleasant experience, there is very little here to entertain or intrigue.
Not really recommended, but it's not so bad that I'll say avoid it at all costs.
Not really recommended, but it's not so bad that I'll say avoid it at all costs.
February 17, 2025
The kind of book I like to read while busy doing other things. Good development of pleasant characters, it’s almost too sweet. I couldn’t give it more than 3 stars. The biggest detractor was the over acting by the narrator. The next was that throughout the story you are always aware of time lapses. Just when it built up to an event you were looking forward to reading, ie Riley’s undercover work in the Bay area, it skips over to the next event or chapter. Charming likable characters though, set in a high mountain town in CO, where everyone knows everyone else’s business, it gives Gilmore Girls or Sweet Magnolia vibes.
August 29, 2025
Too insta lovey and I don’t like Riley he was a manchild…
July 2, 2012
You can find this entire review at Forever Book Lover.
I knew from the first few pages, that I was going to love this book. Immediately the characters and the town surround you with a warm welcome, like coming home.
I had the ARC for the next book in the series, Woodrose Mountain, and knowing it was the second book of the Hope Crossing series. I don’t like to read a series out of sequence, and just by reading the blurb I knew in order for a more effective review I needed to read Blackberry Summer first.
And I am so glad I did, why did I wait so long!! I loved the friendships of these woman, standing strong and supportive even though each of them is dealing with their own sorrow and healing. They stand together and triumph through the devastating accident that is felt throughout Hope's Crossing.
The author created characters that came to live before your eyes, you can envision the town as her words described each shop, each building, you were a part of it. Amazing job. It has been a bit since I read a book where I felt a part of it, like I strolling down the street or sitting with friends beading.
The protagonist in this story is Claire- the typical good girl, recently divorced, mother of two and owner of a beading business. Riley is Claire's best friends brother, younger by three years, he moves back to town as the Police Chief. He secretly had a boyhood crush on Claire and seeing her again, the emotions has blossomed to something more. It was a sweet romance, if you are expecting a lot of heat, you won't find it in this book.
I dare say this is my first book from this author, if I had to give you a comparison of her writing style, I would compare her to Sherryl Woods or Debbie Macomber. I look forward to reading Woodrose Mountain and spending some more time in Hope's Crossing.
I hope to see you come back and read my review on Woodrose Mountain.
I knew from the first few pages, that I was going to love this book. Immediately the characters and the town surround you with a warm welcome, like coming home.
I had the ARC for the next book in the series, Woodrose Mountain, and knowing it was the second book of the Hope Crossing series. I don’t like to read a series out of sequence, and just by reading the blurb I knew in order for a more effective review I needed to read Blackberry Summer first.
And I am so glad I did, why did I wait so long!! I loved the friendships of these woman, standing strong and supportive even though each of them is dealing with their own sorrow and healing. They stand together and triumph through the devastating accident that is felt throughout Hope's Crossing.
The author created characters that came to live before your eyes, you can envision the town as her words described each shop, each building, you were a part of it. Amazing job. It has been a bit since I read a book where I felt a part of it, like I strolling down the street or sitting with friends beading.
The protagonist in this story is Claire- the typical good girl, recently divorced, mother of two and owner of a beading business. Riley is Claire's best friends brother, younger by three years, he moves back to town as the Police Chief. He secretly had a boyhood crush on Claire and seeing her again, the emotions has blossomed to something more. It was a sweet romance, if you are expecting a lot of heat, you won't find it in this book.
I dare say this is my first book from this author, if I had to give you a comparison of her writing style, I would compare her to Sherryl Woods or Debbie Macomber. I look forward to reading Woodrose Mountain and spending some more time in Hope's Crossing.
I hope to see you come back and read my review on Woodrose Mountain.
September 21, 2017
This was a sweet romance, but I never really got invested enough in the characters to care all that much about whether they got together. I can't tell if I would have got more invested if I was reading this book rather than listening to it, or if I just would have given up on it? The hero had the standard "I don't trust myself to have a real relationship because my dad abandoned my mum" issue going on, so to be honest, I was more interested in the mystery of the robberies being committed throughout the town. Which I don't think ever got solved? Maybe it's sorted out later in the series, but I'm not intrigued enough to buy the next book. If my library has them, I might give this series another shot, but I'm just not in the mood for cutesy small-town romances right now--unless Kristan Higgins is writing them. If she does something similar to Blue Heron, I will be all over that. In short: this wasn't bad, it was just too cute for my current state of mind.
Two small things that bugged me about this book:
1. This is yet another novel where the hero is described as being "masculine" all the time. He was so masculine, he had a masculine scent, the heroine was overwhelmed by his masculine presence. Yep, I get it, he's a dude--is there anything else you find attractive about him besides the fact that he's an alpha male stereotype? I kind of want to make this a drinking game, but I probably shouldn't get drunk while washing the dishes, which is how I listened to most of this novel.
2. There's a scene where the hero talks about how he much he fancied the heroine when she was a teenager, then a couple of paragraphs he spends time musing over how much the heroine's daughter looks identical to her when she was a teen and it just made me feel really uncomfortable, having those two thoughts soooooo close together, almost like he was ogling the daughter? I don't think that was the intention but, yeah, it was a bit weird.
Two small things that bugged me about this book:
1. This is yet another novel where the hero is described as being "masculine" all the time. He was so masculine, he had a masculine scent, the heroine was overwhelmed by his masculine presence. Yep, I get it, he's a dude--is there anything else you find attractive about him besides the fact that he's an alpha male stereotype? I kind of want to make this a drinking game, but I probably shouldn't get drunk while washing the dishes, which is how I listened to most of this novel.
2. There's a scene where the hero talks about how he much he fancied the heroine when she was a teenager, then a couple of paragraphs he spends time musing over how much the heroine's daughter looks identical to her when she was a teen and it just made me feel really uncomfortable, having those two thoughts soooooo close together, almost like he was ogling the daughter? I don't think that was the intention but, yeah, it was a bit weird.
January 26, 2019
I have absolutely loved the HavenPoint series by this author, and am all caught up on it, so I was eager to start this series. Unfortunately, this story was only mediocre. I was quite invested right from the beginning, but as the story progressed, the main female character started to grate on my nerves. She was really sweet and relentlessly positive, possibly more so than is realistic. But what bothered me the most was how she let others treat her. Rather than finding it inspiring, I was frustrated at how several characters in this book spoke and behaved so dreadfully towards her and she never once spoke up for herself, defended her position, or established healthy boundaries. I really wanted to see her grow a backbone as the story progressed. In my experience, sticking up for oneself can be done in a kind and respectful manner, and is not an indication of unkindness towards others. Several references were also made as to how wonderful the small town was, but many of the towns people seemed vindictive, petty, and quick to jump to conclusions. The romance was erratically off again, on again and the male counterpart ran hot and cold and could be quite the jerk at times. The story also wrapped up a bit too quickly and conveniently. At its conclusion, a few plot points were left open-ended and I do understand that the author will most likely answer them in the next book, since it’s a series. I only hope that the second book improves significantly so I can find out those answers. Perhaps Blackberry Summer was just a case of a slow, rocky start.
July 6, 2019
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
Quickie Review ~ I am a sucker for RaeAnne Thayne's romances. And I'm so glad I got to read Blackberry Summer finally, with the beautiful town of Hope's Crossing as the perfect backdrop for this to story to take place. This hit every emotion imaginable and had me in tears more than once. Thayne certainly put her characters through their paces, especially our hero and heroine with the big loss they endured after a tragic accident. But love definitely was the theme: the honest and passionate love that grew between Claire and Riley, the love of family to help them get through their grief, and the wonderful way the town came together (for the most part) by the end of the book, showing how compassionate they could be.
From the heartfelt romance to the bittersweet situation our characters were in, RaeAnne Thayne created a touching story with genuine emotions and a realistic, memorable cast.
Quickie Review ~ I am a sucker for RaeAnne Thayne's romances. And I'm so glad I got to read Blackberry Summer finally, with the beautiful town of Hope's Crossing as the perfect backdrop for this to story to take place. This hit every emotion imaginable and had me in tears more than once. Thayne certainly put her characters through their paces, especially our hero and heroine with the big loss they endured after a tragic accident. But love definitely was the theme: the honest and passionate love that grew between Claire and Riley, the love of family to help them get through their grief, and the wonderful way the town came together (for the most part) by the end of the book, showing how compassionate they could be.
From the heartfelt romance to the bittersweet situation our characters were in, RaeAnne Thayne created a touching story with genuine emotions and a realistic, memorable cast.
February 18, 2015
3-1/2 stars for this one. I discovered this author when I read a holiday story, Christmas in Snowflake Canyon, not realizing it was part of a series. I really enjoyed that book so I decided to read the series from the beginning.
This is the first book in the Hope's Crossing series and while I didn't find it quite as good as Christmas in Snowflake Canyon, I still liked it a lot.
A nice love story without a bunch of sex throughout the book. Down to earth, realistic characters who are both afraid to admit their feelings for their own mixed-up reasons.
Interesting cast of supporting characters as well, and I look forward to learning more about them as I make my way through the series.
This is the first book in the Hope's Crossing series and while I didn't find it quite as good as Christmas in Snowflake Canyon, I still liked it a lot.
A nice love story without a bunch of sex throughout the book. Down to earth, realistic characters who are both afraid to admit their feelings for their own mixed-up reasons.
Interesting cast of supporting characters as well, and I look forward to learning more about them as I make my way through the series.
September 6, 2017
This story just hit too many of my pet peeves. The main character is constantly attacked for his character when he was a teenager but he is now chief of police (insert eye roll) and no one can seem to get over that... and the female MC is so over nice that I get too frustrated. There are too many characters set up to be unlikable. So, I won't be continuing on with the series because all of the secondary characters are annoying AF. If that many people suck - maybe you need to quit taking their shit and set some people straight. Blech. Anyway... just my own personal pet peeves. The writing and grammar and technical side were fine.
September 28, 2011
LOVED IT! So excited to read the next book.
October 31, 2017
soooo i read Sugar Pine Trail and thought it was cute and wanted to read the start of the series. turns out the Caine's started in the hope's crossing series and not the haven point series.
ok the entire hope's crossing series was like a hallmark movie with a lil nicholas sparks thrown in. cuz in hallmark there is not as much bad stuff going like folks dying and whatnot, nick sparks likes death or dismemberment or some awful tragedy.
i enjoyed the hope's crossing series for that hallmark feel.
they were cute. they are good lil romances. no graphic sex, a lil bit of violence. a lot of dogs, kids, and family members. and nothing was mysterious. oh she tried, but nope. she tried to be all nicholas sparks and throw in some twists but nope it was hallmark. you saw the "surprises" coming a mile away. i really liked the big family and small picturesque town aspect. so hallmark.
even though i read them all one after another, the stories and characters were sufficiently different that i could enjoy each one.
not so with the haven point series. they have all the same stuff yet the no hallmark feels. except for the first one in the series(Snow Angel Cove)and the last oneSugar Pine Trail). (both of which have Caine's in them- like everyone of the hope crossing series does.) i am almost done with that series and it sucks. it started out very good with adian caine but it went downhill form there. why? cuz every book was VERY similar to the first one. i am literally recognizing entire phrasing. (like i am positive she used some of the exact sentences in all the books!) the lead characters all remind me of the previous leads. and they are so very quick to judge. like how can you be attracted to a person and feel this "hunger" (she uses that word A LOT) when you think they are mean or nasty or uptight or something else very unpleasant? the situations are even similar (crutches for everyone!) also every book is i really NEED help but i don't want your help but i guess i'll take it and try to be grateful and oh now i am in love.
i am saddened by this since i really enjoyed hope's crossing and the first and last book in the haven point series. oh welll...
ok the entire hope's crossing series was like a hallmark movie with a lil nicholas sparks thrown in. cuz in hallmark there is not as much bad stuff going like folks dying and whatnot, nick sparks likes death or dismemberment or some awful tragedy.
i enjoyed the hope's crossing series for that hallmark feel.
they were cute. they are good lil romances. no graphic sex, a lil bit of violence. a lot of dogs, kids, and family members. and nothing was mysterious. oh she tried, but nope. she tried to be all nicholas sparks and throw in some twists but nope it was hallmark. you saw the "surprises" coming a mile away. i really liked the big family and small picturesque town aspect. so hallmark.
even though i read them all one after another, the stories and characters were sufficiently different that i could enjoy each one.
not so with the haven point series. they have all the same stuff yet the no hallmark feels. except for the first one in the series(Snow Angel Cove)and the last oneSugar Pine Trail). (both of which have Caine's in them- like everyone of the hope crossing series does.) i am almost done with that series and it sucks. it started out very good with adian caine but it went downhill form there. why? cuz every book was VERY similar to the first one. i am literally recognizing entire phrasing. (like i am positive she used some of the exact sentences in all the books!) the lead characters all remind me of the previous leads. and they are so very quick to judge. like how can you be attracted to a person and feel this "hunger" (she uses that word A LOT) when you think they are mean or nasty or uptight or something else very unpleasant? the situations are even similar (crutches for everyone!) also every book is i really NEED help but i don't want your help but i guess i'll take it and try to be grateful and oh now i am in love.
i am saddened by this since i really enjoyed hope's crossing and the first and last book in the haven point series. oh welll...
April 24, 2025
Blackberry Summer by RaeAnne Thayne (2011)
Hope's Crossing #1
Bonus Story - Home to Honeymoon Harbor by JoAnn Ross Honeymoon Harbor #0.5
442-page Paperback story pages 9-356 bonus story pages 361-442
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Praise, Bibliography for RaeAnne Thayne, Contents, Bead Store, Fictional Small-Town Colorado, Bassett Hound, Tricenarian, Mother, Snow Month, Divorcée, Single Mother, Best Friend's Younger Brother Trope, Chrif Police, Homecoming Trope, High School Crush, Dual POVs, Crime Investigation, Children, Drama, Tragedies, Family Dynamics, Co-Parenting, Long Chapters, Secret Charity, Gossip, Politics, Sexual Activities, Slow Burn, Order Form, Advertisements with Covers and Blurbs
Rating as a movie: R for sexual content
Songs for the soundtrack: "I Want You" by Bon Jovi, "I’ve Got You Under My Skin" by Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
Books and Authors mentioned: Evergreen Springs - Haven Point #3 by RaeAnne Thayne Sugar Pine Trail - Haven Point #7 by RaeAnne Thayne, Debbie Macomber, Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer, Jane Austen, Any Man of Mine by Diana Palmer, Dark Water Rising by Sharon Sala, The Cliff House by RaeAnne Thayne, Summer on Mirror Lake by JoAnn Ross, Not Quite Over You by Susan Mallery, Winter at the Beach - Moonlight Harbor #2 by Sheila Roberts, Echoes of Evil by Heather Graham, In Shadows by Sharon Sala
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️📿👮♂️
My thoughts: 📖 Page 119 of 356/442 Chapter Six - I thought this was supposed to be a contemporary romance, first it's given off cozy mystery vibes and now it's become a romantic suspense. The second wife is annoying it's like she doesn't know how to read the room or recognize boundaries. Anyway, so far this is one of the good ones, as far as the story goes, the book is so thick it's trying to separate with the postcard advertisements.
📖 254 Chapter Fourteen - I thought I had found the new awesome series but now I don't like these people or their town.
This started well but by quarter in, it had become a bit boring and repetitive and I was sick of her ex and his new wife. I just wanted it to be over.
💒🏖Home to Honeymoon Harbor by JoAnn Ross - I was so burnt out on Blackberry Summer and the mass market paperback I was reading from that I just couldn't do the bonus story. Besides it's a prequel.
Recommend to others: Maybe, but not likely.
Hope's Crossing
1. Blackberry Summer (2011)
2. Woodrose Mountain (2012)
3. Sweet Laurel Falls (2012)
4. Currant Creek Valley (2013)
5. Willowleaf Lane (2013)
6. Christmas in Snowflake Canyon (2013)
7. Wild Iris Ridge (2014)
All is Bright (2022)
Hope's Crossing #1
Bonus Story - Home to Honeymoon Harbor by JoAnn Ross Honeymoon Harbor #0.5
442-page Paperback story pages 9-356 bonus story pages 361-442
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Praise, Bibliography for RaeAnne Thayne, Contents, Bead Store, Fictional Small-Town Colorado, Bassett Hound, Tricenarian, Mother, Snow Month, Divorcée, Single Mother, Best Friend's Younger Brother Trope, Chrif Police, Homecoming Trope, High School Crush, Dual POVs, Crime Investigation, Children, Drama, Tragedies, Family Dynamics, Co-Parenting, Long Chapters, Secret Charity, Gossip, Politics, Sexual Activities, Slow Burn, Order Form, Advertisements with Covers and Blurbs
Rating as a movie: R for sexual content
Songs for the soundtrack: "I Want You" by Bon Jovi, "I’ve Got You Under My Skin" by Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
Books and Authors mentioned: Evergreen Springs - Haven Point #3 by RaeAnne Thayne Sugar Pine Trail - Haven Point #7 by RaeAnne Thayne, Debbie Macomber, Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer, Jane Austen, Any Man of Mine by Diana Palmer, Dark Water Rising by Sharon Sala, The Cliff House by RaeAnne Thayne, Summer on Mirror Lake by JoAnn Ross, Not Quite Over You by Susan Mallery, Winter at the Beach - Moonlight Harbor #2 by Sheila Roberts, Echoes of Evil by Heather Graham, In Shadows by Sharon Sala
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️📿👮♂️
My thoughts: 📖 Page 119 of 356/442 Chapter Six - I thought this was supposed to be a contemporary romance, first it's given off cozy mystery vibes and now it's become a romantic suspense. The second wife is annoying it's like she doesn't know how to read the room or recognize boundaries. Anyway, so far this is one of the good ones, as far as the story goes, the book is so thick it's trying to separate with the postcard advertisements.
📖 254 Chapter Fourteen - I thought I had found the new awesome series but now I don't like these people or their town.
This started well but by quarter in, it had become a bit boring and repetitive and I was sick of her ex and his new wife. I just wanted it to be over.
💒🏖Home to Honeymoon Harbor by JoAnn Ross - I was so burnt out on Blackberry Summer and the mass market paperback I was reading from that I just couldn't do the bonus story. Besides it's a prequel.
Recommend to others: Maybe, but not likely.
Hope's Crossing
1. Blackberry Summer (2011)
2. Woodrose Mountain (2012)
3. Sweet Laurel Falls (2012)
4. Currant Creek Valley (2013)
5. Willowleaf Lane (2013)
6. Christmas in Snowflake Canyon (2013)
7. Wild Iris Ridge (2014)
All is Bright (2022)
July 1, 2018
3.5 stars, 1.5 heat
Blackberry Summer was my first from Thayne and I enjoyed it quite a bit. It's an easy read that kept me coming back for a little more.
The Gist: Riley has come back home to be the town's police chief and comes face to face with a slew of robberies that lead to a terrible accident. One that changes the lives of Riley's family and that of the girl he's love since they were barely teenagers.
I really liked Riley and Claire. They're good people. Not perfect but they try to do their best. Riley protecting the community even if it's not appreciated. He's a giving man with deep hurts that goes above and beyond. And Claire she's just full of heart. She's a caretaker and gives her all to help others. I liked them both quite a lot.
Their romance is slow going and has some hurdles. Both of them dealing with the fallout of the car accident that left her injured and his niece dead. Dealing with insecurities and with not believing the other has a thing for them. Riley seen he was a teenager. I loved them together, though. They fit. They were sweet and warm and good together. It's pretty PG since most of the time she's in a cast and, well, all the stuff they have to get past.
There's a good bit of the town, too. A town I loved and hated at the same time. Some good people, a secret angel that left gifts for those struggling, a town wanting to help each other when times were hard. But there's also a very judgmental and hateful element with some who just cannot let go of the past and how people were 20+ years ago. That was very frustrating. I wanted to shake some people. lol But over all I did love the small resort town and wanted to spend more time with them.
My issues-- Some editing blips and a lot of lose ends. The robbery/accident everything revolved around was left open, Riley's job was still up in the air since people were trying to get him fired. They're in love and that's wonderful but it needed a bit more. Them telling her kids maybe. Or her defending him to their families who kept ragging on him not being good enough for her. It just needed a bit more.
All in all, while it wasn't a perfect read for me I did enjoy it. It was a very quick read and had me engaged and enjoying my time with Riley and Claire. I'll read more of the series for sure.
Blackberry Summer was my first from Thayne and I enjoyed it quite a bit. It's an easy read that kept me coming back for a little more.
The Gist: Riley has come back home to be the town's police chief and comes face to face with a slew of robberies that lead to a terrible accident. One that changes the lives of Riley's family and that of the girl he's love since they were barely teenagers.
I really liked Riley and Claire. They're good people. Not perfect but they try to do their best. Riley protecting the community even if it's not appreciated. He's a giving man with deep hurts that goes above and beyond. And Claire she's just full of heart. She's a caretaker and gives her all to help others. I liked them both quite a lot.
Their romance is slow going and has some hurdles. Both of them dealing with the fallout of the car accident that left her injured and his niece dead. Dealing with insecurities and with not believing the other has a thing for them. Riley seen he was a teenager. I loved them together, though. They fit. They were sweet and warm and good together. It's pretty PG since most of the time she's in a cast and, well, all the stuff they have to get past.
There's a good bit of the town, too. A town I loved and hated at the same time. Some good people, a secret angel that left gifts for those struggling, a town wanting to help each other when times were hard. But there's also a very judgmental and hateful element with some who just cannot let go of the past and how people were 20+ years ago. That was very frustrating. I wanted to shake some people. lol But over all I did love the small resort town and wanted to spend more time with them.
My issues-- Some editing blips and a lot of lose ends. The robbery/accident everything revolved around was left open, Riley's job was still up in the air since people were trying to get him fired. They're in love and that's wonderful but it needed a bit more. Them telling her kids maybe. Or her defending him to their families who kept ragging on him not being good enough for her. It just needed a bit more.
All in all, while it wasn't a perfect read for me I did enjoy it. It was a very quick read and had me engaged and enjoying my time with Riley and Claire. I'll read more of the series for sure.
Read
November 10, 2017I got really engrossed in this tale of a divorced woman who falls for her best friend's younger brother, a guy who's had the hots for her since he was much younger. Sometimes the idea that she lacks confidence and that he still thinks he isn't good enough for her feels as though you're being beat about the head with it, BUT the story is infectious nonetheless. FYI if you're not into the sexytimes, you're only going to have a few near misses with this book. Great emotional read and a nice set up for future books set in the same series.
December 30, 2019
This was a really good book that I just had a couple of issues with. The number of characters introduced in the first few pages almost made me put the book down. It was too much, too fast. The other issue I had was how slow the story moved through the middle of the book. It made it a little hard to stay focused. Otherwise, it was a real good story and left off in a really good spot to encourage the reader to continue with the series. There are definitely some questions left unanswered at the conclusion of this book that is making my hands itch to start reading the next one.
November 28, 2022
Good for an engaging light romantic fling. Sometimes that's all you need for a relaxing quiet evening. It was a pretty clean read, although there were a few really hot kisses and a steamy make-out session. Not my usual fare. For some reason I thought this was a Christian series, and I was obviously way off on that.
June 22, 2020
Ok start to what's sure to be an interesting series. Very low heat. But lots of curious characters that I really want to know more about.
September 18, 2022
4.5
Not sure why it’s called blackberry summer still, but cute story with depth.
(Heads up: There is allusion to intercourse.)
Not sure why it’s called blackberry summer still, but cute story with depth.
(Heads up: There is allusion to intercourse.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 442 reviews