A secret that threatens to consume her… A man who challenges everything… A connection so strong nothing will ever be the same.
Amber has always been in control. Of her high-powered career, her social life (or lack thereof), and well…pretty much everything. At least that’s what everyone thinks. So, when she finds herself back in her hometown, she’ll do anything to keep up the pretense. Including lying to her best friends.
‘Little’ Logan Myers has grown up since high school. In all the right ways. And the first time Amber runs into him in town, sparks fly—but not in a good way.
She’s opinionated, controlling and overbearing. But there’s something else—a vulnerability Logan’s pretty sure no one else has seen. Amber has secrets, and a deep hurt that he’s sure he can help her get past. If only she’ll open up.
After a lifetime of maintaining tight control an unexpected and overwhelming connection to Logan threatens to turn Amber’s life upside down. She can’t let herself get too close or trust too much, because if she does, the secrets she’s been keeping could ruin everything.
Elena Aitken is a USA Today Bestselling Author of more than forty romance and women’s fiction novels. Living a stone’s throw from the Rocky Mountains with her teenager twins, their two cats and a goofy rescue dog, Elena escapes into the mountains whenever life allows. She can often be found with her toes in the lake and a glass of wine in her hand, dreaming up her next book and working on her own happily ever after with her very own mountain man.
I liked this installment of the Timber Creek series with Amber and Logan. This is a clean romance story and good for anyone to read. It's great hearing from the other characters in the series and basically getting additional stories woven into this one. I received an advance copy of this book from the author and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Of all the friends in this series, Amber Monroe comes across as strong, capable, and in charge of her destiny. At least that’s the “face” she’s wearing when she moves back to her hometown. To me, it was a pretty deep, intricate story of how she grew into the capable, in-charge woman that she is, but when we first meet her, she is reeling from her life being in a state of huge upheaval. I won’t retell the story because I truly couldn’t even begin to say how much depth there is to it. She needs to face up to her old life and her new one before she can move on. While she is in town, she is helping her friend Drew deal with devastating tragedy, and helping with Drew’s son, Austin. Loved Austin!
Logan Myers is trying to start a business of his own, an equine therapy program, but it is in its infancy. The healing horses, as they are called, play a big part in helping Amber understand what she must do in order to truly live life and deal with her issues. We get to meet old friends and new and they all play a part in both Logan’s and Amber’s lives.
As with the first two books in the Timber Creek series, WWB is a standalone however each of these stories is deep, wonderful, tender, sometimes funny, and always touching. I love the series but know that it is a thoughtful read, at least for me, and not a skimmer. I sometimes found Logan a bit of a beta character but he is a good soul and is wonderful, especially when he helps Amber thru some of her low points.
Great read, loved the story, and enjoyed seeing previous characters again. Highly recommend.
The author delivers another thought provoking story in this third book of her series Timber Creek. A series about a group of individuals whose childhood friendship has continued into adulthood. This one belongs to Amber Monroe. The go getter, superwoman whose life has been turned upside down when she is fired from her prestigious job. She has kept secrets and now is back home not only to help her widowed friend , but also to try and put her life and relationships back together. She meets Logan Myers, who is also back in Timber Creek and trying to start an equine therapy center. He too has suffered losses. There is an attraction from the moment they meet, but also a certain amount of animosity because Amber thinks his work with horses is ridiculous. The storyline deals with friendships, relationships or lack there of, trust, addiction, and losses. It’s also a story about the pressures that sometimes are put children to do better. As well as about expectations. on oneself. Lastly, it’s a story about second chances in life. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Elena Aiken has given her readers another exceptionally emotional story. Amber has come home to help her best friend Drew. She just didn’t admit to the entire reason she’s come home. Amber has been given a second chance at life but doesn’t want to tell anyone what happened. Logan is trying to get his horse therapy program off the ground. He wasn’t prepared to be attracted to someone. He still carried guilt around about his girlfriend’s death.
Ms. Aitken gives her readers wonderfully flawed characters to fall in love with & encourage always nag the way. Amber looked like she had it all but you see how fear & anxiety ruled her life & kept her from enjoying any of it. With Logan, you see how a simple accident & a case of misplaced guilt completely changed his life. This story drew me in & I had to keep reading to find out how it all was resolved. The emotional impact of this story was great & I did have tears in my eyes on several occasions. This story was another great addition to this series of stand alone books with a common thread of the four best friends.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and here is my honest review.
This is another wonderful story in the Timber Creek series. Both the main characters Logan and Amber are trying to hide things from their past because they think people will treat them differently. Amber returns home after being fired from her job as at the law firm but doesn't tell anyone until she confides in Logan who is trying to set up a horse therapy program. Logan has set up the program as the same thing helped him with his problems. They are attracted to each other but both are afraid of getting hurt again. They have both grown up in Timber Creek but Amber had moved away, they share mutual friends (characters from the other books in the series). I can honestly recommend this book it is a wonderful read.
Like all of Elena’s books this is a light hearted, fun read. It was a real pleasure meeting the new character Logan and getting to know the mysterious Amber. Ambers story was a bit of a surprise from a typical contemporary romance storyline which was a great change. Although some of the storyline was a little predictable it didn’t take away from the feel good story. It was nice to see past characters emerge in the story and catch glimpses of what I’m assuming are future stories in this series. I highly recommend reading all the books in this series in order and when you fall in love with the characters go back to her other book series’ and get lost in her other stories. I have never read a bad Elena Aitken book.
I love Ms Aitken’s writing, but this story started a little slow for me. As I know how well she writes, I kept reading and I am so glad I did! This book had me crying and laughing. It was not easy to see how hard Amber had been on herself most of her life, and what it caused her to do. She had such an A type personality, and couldn’t let up on herself. I have seen so many people in life do that, even myself. I have heard that horses are very good therapy for us crazy humans. I loved that Logan not only learned that, but learned a lot from what he experienced himself. Logan is such a patient man who is helping people in their small town. Even though Amber thought he was a person trying to take advantage of others, she was helped by the horse therapy. I was glad Amber could step back from what she thought she had to always do, to doing some things she wanted to do. I enjoyed the story and encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
I can’t recommend this whole series highly enough. Every book in this series is a fantastic read and When We Began is no exception. This book centers around Amber and Logan, but we get to catch up with her three best friends , Drew, Cam, and Christy, too. This book was an emotional read that was beautifully written. I was so caught up with this story that I read it in one sitting. If you love books that tell of second chances at love, but most importantly at life, then you will love these books. I don’t want to leave any spoilers, but I will say, you won’t be disappointed with this book. I’ve loved all these books, but this has been my favorite so far.
Another wonderful chapter of the Timber Creek crowd. Amber came home to help Drew deal with the death of her husband, but kept her problems to herself. When she thought her dad might be being exploited at a "horse therapy" farm, she went to investigate only to find it helping her too. The chemistry between Logan and Amber was very subtle but really there. This was such a good book, I couldn't put it down until I finished. The story touches all the girls in the previous books and hints at more for Drew. (Can't wait). 5+ stars easily. I'll expand my review after it publishes
What another great addition to the Timber Creek series. Logan and Amber are wonderful together. I love how supportive Logan is of Amber when she's coming to terms with her past. I have enjoyed all of the characters in this series and the friendship/relationships that they have with each other. I cannot wait to the next book in this series.
Absolutely loved this just as much as the previous 2 in the series.
I enjoyed Ambers story and how her life changed from being so in control and career focused - on the outside - all whilst battling demons on the inside. I liked the idea of Logans horse therapy too. A good story and an easy read.
Amber and Logan’s story in When we Began by Elena Aitken was the story I have been waiting for and I was NOT disappointed!
This book was so well written, was full of emotion, and had me hooked from the very beginning. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I definitely recommend reading the other books in the series first to get the full effect. Seeing other characters again from the other books was a fun treat!
Just buy the book and clear your schedule. You won’t regret it.
Oh, how I loved this book! I am a firm believer in the healing power of animals. Having such an amazing storyline surrounding that theology made this hilarious and super sexy story, instantly more meaningful for me. This was such a powerful read. I absolutely recommend this book. Especially, to every animal lover and anyone dealing with emotional, mental, or spiritual issues. Maybe it will inspire you, like it did me.
I adored this unique story. A really powerful and poetic tale of love, hope, betrayal and forgiveness. Elena Aitken's voice is unique, her writing style mesmerising, and this book was everything I hoped it would be. An absolute must-read series.
After two books in the Timber Creek series, I admit I was a little more than curious about what was going on with Amber. She's powerful, she's ambitious, she's goals personified. But I knew there had to be more to her than meets the eye because no one can have it all together all the time.
Amber and Logan have incredible back stories that I wasn't at all expecting. The strength and perseverance that they both showed in picking up and moving forward was pretty inspiring. I loved them, both individually and together. The one thing that I didn't like much in this book was Christy, the MC from When We Were Us. I loved book two in this series but the way that Christy treated Amber toward the end of this book was just so disappointing. I'm really excited for Drew to get her own story and whatever comes next for this great group of friends!!
*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*
When We Began is book three in the Timber Creek series. Amber and Logan's chemistry is amazing. When secrets get spilled, will that be the one thing that helps her find her way finally? Or maybe it's the horses. Or could it actually be Logan himself? I loved their story. It sucked me in, and I couldn't stop reading. I definitely recommend this book.
Elena gives us an emotional reality into what some people resort to to make it in the rollercoaster of life. Amber struggles to recover but will Logan be able to help?
WHEN WE BEGAN is a must read! Amber Monroe was a highly successful attorney with a shocking secret. She has temporarily come home to Timber Creek to be with her best friend who needs help after the death of her husband. Logan Myers is slowly healing from a tragic loss with the help of his horses. He has a Equine Therapy Program that helps children and adults heal. Amber’s Dad volunteers, she doesn’t think he should and confronts Logan. Sensing that Amber is hurting Logan challenges Amber to try the program. Grab tissues because the ending is amazing...highly recommend!
Sweet, is the only word for this newest book. This read is so sweet, it makes my teeth hurt. That said, the story line is a good one. This is a second chance novel, not in the classic sense but as a chance for change and to move forward. Personal demons are real, they are abusive and everyone has a personal demon of one type or another. This story touches on the very surface of abuse issues. It is a light, sweet (there’s that word again) read, enjoyable. Put your feet up and enjoy.
I love all things Elena writes. This book is no exception. Amber has her secrets but she quickly shares them with an unlikely friend.... Chester, a horse. Even though she has no belief that this will help, she quickly finds she is feeling better, finding love, and improving her relationship with her father. Such a great community of friends to support each other. I love them all. I can't wait for the next book in the Timber Creek Series.
Amber has a terrible secret she hid from everyone. Logan loves Amber's fire and willingness to help herself. Amber is quite selfish and continues to lie.
The most phenomenal and captivating romance book ever to be written!!!
Elena Aitken has done it again! Elena Aitken has delivered a very powerful and amazing story. She always knows what her readers want in a story and never fails to deliver. Her words are very captivating and she can mezmerize her audience with the story. She always grabs your heartstrings and tugs on them. Can I just say before you read When We Began grab a box of tissues. You will definitely need them. If I could could convince them that When We Began is a New York Times bestseller of all time I would.
I love the town of Timber Creek and all it's glory. I love everything about this town from the people to the scenery. I want to live in a town like Timber Creek. In When We Began you get Amber and Logan's story. We also get some great secondary characters and I loved hearing about them as well. I will be honest I loved Cam and Evan's story and also Christy and Mark's story but my all time favorite is Amber and Logan's. Amber and Logan's really tugged at my heartstrings. My heart broke for both of them when reading about their struggles and their back stories. I loved how inspite of everything they had endured they found a way to move forward. I'm going to be honest when I say both Amber and Logan and their stories just really got to my heart. I loved being able to see Amber and her father come together after so long. I loved hearing more updates about Cam and Christy and even more about Drew and Ben and Drew's son Austin. The secondary characters were just as important as Amber and Logan. I loved that this town was more than just a town it was as if it was a family. I cried alot and laughed and had heartswooning moments. I felt as if I belonged in their world and as if I was there in Timber Creek.
This story was one for the books. It is what love and family and friendship is all about. When We Began was not only about romance but about second chances and finding yourself and hope and forgiveness and friendship. It was about letting go and moving forward. When We Began was engrossing, beyond captivating, riveting and very addictive. When We Began was definitely a pageturner. I couldn't stop reading it. I found myself emotionally invested and able to relate. It took my breath away. I have read When We Began two times and still can't get it out of my system. Elena Aitken I must say outdid herself when she wrote When We Began. She proved what a sensational author she really is. She knew exactly what her audience needed and definitely gave them more than that. She wrote very eloquently. When Elena Aitken sat down to write this story I can bet she never imagined it would be so phenomenal and great. In fact it is my opinion that When We Began is the best book I have read to this day. Kudos to you Elena Aitken. Grab your copy now and see just why When We Began is the greatest book of all time.
Amber has been a bit of a mystery in the other books in the series, very efficient and a person to call on in an emergency but never really finding out about the real Amber. She has come home to Timber Creek, ostensibly to support Drew and her son Austin after Drew's husband Eric died. In reality she is home because her career in San Francisco has crashed after the Company found out her secret, of which she is very ashamed. So ashamed that her father and friends know nothing about it, and she is scared they will all abandon her if they find out.
She has an uneasy relationship with her father, the fault of them both, because they were unable to communicate well after her mother died when Amber was just a teenager, both too caught up in their own grief. When she hears that her father is helping out at a horse therapy centre she goes charging off there, thinking her father is being conned. The reality is so different, a short time stroking and talking to one of the horses makes her feel better than she has for a long while.
Logan runs the centre, and he is immediately attracted to Amber, but both have a lot of hurdles to jump before they can admit their feelings for each other, and at one point, due to a "misunderstanding" even their friendship appears to be severed.
I enjoyed meeting up again with the other girls in the group of friends, and see how life is really good for two of them; and we also see Drew recovering from the absolute grief she feels from losing her husband, with the help of such strong and lovely friends.
Tthis is a delightful read, with so many emotional moments, from happiness to sadness, anger to acceptance. Well worth reading.
Attorney Amber Monroe was the strong, capable, and in charge of her destiny friend, at least that’s how she wants people to see her in When We Begin by Elena Aitken, book three in her Timber Creek series. However, Amber is actually reeling from the upheaval in her life and trying to figure out how she can move on now that she has temporarily come home; to help her best friend deal with the aftermath of death of her husband. Amber needs to come to terms with her old life and her new one before she can move on.
Logan Myers is slowly healing from a tragic loss with the help of his horses. He started an Equine Therapy Program that helps children and adults heal. Amber’s dad is one of the volunteers and she doesn’t think he should. Confronting Logan about this, he senses that she too is hurting, and Logan challenges Amber to try the program. The healing horses play a large role in helping Amber understand what she must do in order to truly live life and deal with her issues. We get to meet old friends and new and they all play a part in both Logan’s and Amber’s lives. Grab tissues because the ending is amazing...
Ms. Aitken wrote a wonderfully moving story filled with sexual chemistry, fun dialogue, and endearing characters that is not to be missed. I highly recommend this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I absolutely love this series and I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book when it comes out in the winter of 2019. Amber Monroe didn't expect her life to turn out this way, but it had and now she was going home to regroup and figure out what was next for her life. Being able to help Drew and Austin during this heartbreaking and difficult time gave her something to focus on besides herself so that was a definite plus. As far as the rest she was still struggling and hoped her friends and family never found out. Logan Myers had to find something to direct his focus when his life spiraled out of control after losing his wife in an automobile accident so starting up an equine therapy program in his hometown made perfect sense. All he wanted to do was help others and when he saw Amber in the local grocery store struggling he hoped she would turn to his program for help.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Loved Amber and Logan’s story. For years Amber has been a hot shot lawyer hiding a big secret from her friends and her dad. Now shes back home to care for her best friend Drew whose husband has sadly died. Logan lives on a farm and has a horse therapy business and Ambers dad sometimes helps him. Things don’t get off to a good start between Amber and Logan when she accuses him of trying to fleece her dad out of his money. She thinks the business is a load of hocus pocus nonsense. How wrong she is after talking to one of the horses herself. Telling her secret, making her feel better. Can Logan accept Ambers apology? There is definite chemistry between them but will Logan want a relationship once Amber reveals her secret?
NO STORYLINE SPOILERS Wow Elena has delivered another emotional roller coaster of a sweet romantic book. I love this Timber Creek series and getting to know all these friends and the town. Amber and Logan's story is not to be missed they both have come through very rough times in their lives to get where they are at and have to over come a few more thing to keep moving forward. Wonderfully developed characters and storyline no cliff hangers.
Just can’t get enough of these books. Amber and Logan were incredible together. Both had so much to deal with from their past, but with some help from family, friends and some special horses they moved on. Not many books can draw you in like these and make you feel like you right there with the characters. ❤️
Amber returns home to help her friend deal with a tragic loss. But Amber has lost so much as well. Will this second chance help her to heal and find her way back home?