Hope on the Horizon

by Kathryn McNeill Crane

Falling in love isn't on her to-do list.Managing a two-hundred acre campground and guiding whitewater trips are enough to fill Hailey White's lonely days. When acts of vandalism threaten her home and business, she's forced to ask for help. Her best friend's brother is the last person she expects to come to her rescue. One bullet will end all his nightmares forever.Angry voices in his head, survivor's guilt, and a busted leg make Walker Carriker wish he were dead. When a roadside bomb ends his career as a Marine, he's forced to stay with family in the remote mountains of North Carolina. His sister's best friend is the last person he expects to help him find a reason to live. She's bubbly and optimistic, with a smattering of sarcasm. He's angry and bitter, with a heaping dose of cynicism. She talks too much. He has all the answers. These two are like oil and vinegar, but the more time they spend together, the more they heal. When he's lost all faith, can Hailey show Walker there's Hope on the Horizon?

Genres: Contemporary

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2018

About the author

Bestselling author Kathryn Crane is a simple country girl who likes to spend time with her family. Born and raised in Eastern North Carolina, she loves to travel, but can't imagine ever leaving the western mountains she's come to call home. She holds Jeremiah 29:11 very close to her heart and believes it with every fiber of her being. She pens Contemporary Southern Romance novels where her endearing characters and their once in a lifetime love stories will 'burn into your memory and bury deep into your soul' long after you put her books down.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hailey and Walker are perfect for each other. They may have started out on the wrong foot when they met, but they are destined to be together. I love Hailey’s tell it like it is attitude and Walker’s PTSD makes this an emotional and beautiful journey for them both. Add in some suspense, small town life, and this book was perfect for me!

[Stacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.5 stars ⭐️

Being a military wife and having a husband who has gone on several deployments to war and hazardous duty locations, this book really hit home for me. I know first hand the way these deployments can change the people you love. Not only is my husband active duty, but my best friends husband was as well, and he now suffers severely with PTSD and depression and I’ve watched how it has affected his whole family.

Author Kathryn McNeil Crane clearly did her research on this subject! The anger, paranoia, and reaction to any loud noises that Walker dealt with after his deployment was spot on! It felt so real to me and literally gave me chills 😩

Hailey was such an independent and head strong character! She didn’t make excuses for Walker and what he was dealing with, but really made him look at the issues and face them head on! But at the same time she still supported him and everything he was going through. She right away saw what a strong, brave man Walker was and loved him in-spite of everything he was going through.

This was an excellent military-romance ❤️

[Kaitie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness!!! This book!! I fell for Hailey and Walker right away and couldn’t put it down. Not only that, I fell for some of the places in the book as I had just visited them in real life and that was pretty cool! Not only do you get your romance in this book but you also get so much more! You’ll be flipping the pages faster then normal needing to know what happened! And when you’re done you’ll be like ok what now? You don’t want to miss Hailey and Walker’s story!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 Stars
This is a solid, sweet story that leads to romance.
Hailey and Walker are both strong and interesting characters that bring a little bit of baggage with them. The automatic give and take between them was refreshing and I appreciated the way they seemed to bring the best out of each other the longer they worked together.
The story surrounding Hailey and Walker was also entertaining. There were elements of mystery, intrigue, small town politics, and danger.
As much as I enjoyed this book, there were things that I struggled with. Ms Crane is a new to me author, so I am not sure if it's her style or something specific to this book. There were times when when the conversations between Hailey and Walker seemed to jump the track a bit. They'd be dealing with one issue, then go off on a tangent that while it added to the story, seemed a bit out of place. I also struggled a little bit with Hailey. For a character that was positioned to be very strong and independent, there were times when she seemed to flip flop between being very "little woman-ish" or too stubborn for her own good. It made it hard to know who she really was.
There were a couple of other things that made it seem like important information might have been left on the cutting room floor.
Overall, I enjoyed this story, but did feel like it could have stronger in specific areas. I am curious too read more from this author.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fabulous story by Ms. Crane! I love how Ms. Crane weaves in the small town/country feel to each of her stories. Her characters are every day type people. People you might meet in your small town. Hope on the Horizon had a little bit of everything - suspense, mystery, and romance. Perfect story to cozy up to with a cup of coffee (or tea).

[Susan Homan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope on the Horizon

Hope on the Horizon is about Hailey and Walker. Hailey owns Firefly, a campground and she also rents kayaks and boats to go on the river. She keeps getting vandalized. Walker is former military that was hurt in action and suffers PTSD and feeling like he has no reason to live. Hailey will give him a place to live if he will help her find out who is vandalizing her campground. Hailey has not had an easy life and has her own past she is fighting. Hailey does not sugar coat or give Walker an easy time. The banter and chemistry between them is off the charts. I was enthralled with this book the whole way through. The banter, drama, suspense, mystery, sketchy sheriff, abrupt staff, crazy uncle, bff/half-sister, two dogs and a slew of others minor character that make this story even better. Hailey and Walker are healing each other and don't realize it. Can Walker keep Hailey safe and save her campground? The compassion Hailey shows Walker is astounding, and a testament to her courage and empathy. This is a book about growing, healing and letting love in while learning from your past. I felt like I was right there with Hailey and Walker most of the time. I very much look forward to reading more works by this author, Kathryn McNeill Crane. I LOVED the ending! It was so fitting for Hailey and Walker!

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great clean book. There is action, suspense, drama and love. Hailey owns a 200 acre camp ground that has been hit by vandals recently. Walker is the half brother of Hailey’s bff. He was badly injured in a road side bombing serving as a Marine. He has a rod in his broken leg, a scared face and PTSD and a bad attitude. Hailey doesn’t let him get away with his bad attitude and he respects her for that since every one else coddles him. She asks him to come to her camp grounds to help her try to catch the person vandalizing her place. The list of suspects include employees, fired employees, and an ex. Things get dangerous and both main characters start to heal from their past the more time they spend together.

[Andrzejewski Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope on the Horizon was a easy read and kept me entranced in its pages. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters, especially Hailey and Walker. The story touches on some real life problems. Both characters suffered from PTSD and trust issues from past relationships. Walker was a disabled veteran who was injured in active duty. Together as a team Hailey and Walker work on finding whose vandalizing her beloved campgrounds. Through trying to catch the culprit and solve the mystery. Both character's help the other learn to trust and grow mentally, physically and spiritually. Through the story these two character's find their HEA.
I was definitely surprised of who was behind the vandalism and the reason why. I would enjoy reading other books written by this author in time.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life hadn’t been easy for Hailey growing up yet she maintained her wit, courage and strength. Walker’s military experience crippled his soul, spirit and body. Kathryn did a fantastic job in telling Walker’s story and how he was trying to come to terms with his PTSD. Hailey and Walker were two strong independent people that came together supporting one another. They accepted each other and fell for each other. The twists and events at Firefly showed them they could win together and belonged together.

I thoroughly enjoyed Hailey and Walker’s story. They both deserved their HEA. Thank you Kathryn for a story well-written.

[Mary Fazzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. Hailey owns Firefly with a few employees. Walker is her best friends half brother that needs a job and something to do to keep busy. Since he got wounded over seas and can’t be a Marine anymore. Hailey gets him to help her out and as they work closer together they become closer and lean on each other. Due to someone wreaking her camp and a few other suspects that could be causing her all the problems Walker is made it clear that he will be there to help. The thing is they are helping each other out. Lots of twists and turns in the book that makes you want to keep reading.

[Deb · Rating 2 out of 5]

On a positive note, this was nice clean story with some mild romance and suspense, and is an easy, quick read. The negative side is that the story line felt rushed. Some items were written in detail (like the description of the water in one of the final scenes) and some were glossed over with minimal details (like Walker's almost miraculous recovery, he went from barely being able to walk to not needing assistance in a few weeks with little to no reference made in regard to the steps he was taking to accomplish his recovery.)

[Nicole Studioso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with fun amazing characters and a fast-paced storyline. The slow build to Hailey and Walker's relationship is refreshing and completely believable. There's lots of snark, sarcastic dialogue and heart-tugging moments to keep you engaged and involved throughout the story. Some of the pacing is off and at times I felt like I was missing information or lost track of the storyline, but the author gets you back on track quickly. I loved witnessing Walker's transformation from broken angry military vet to a whole contented man.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hope on the Horizon was an easy read. Follows the lives of Hailey who runs an outdoor kayaking centre and Walker who has been discharged from the army after being injured. Walker has post traumatic stress and feels guilty and angry and Hailey is struggling with money as equipment keeps getting vandalised. She offers Walker a place to stay and recuperate if he will help find out who’s sabotaging her stuff. There’s a bit of suspense and romance along the way.

[Alison Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read from this author and I really enjoyed reading it. Playful banter, suspense, drama, a sketchy sheriff, mystery, action, backstabbing employees and two amazing characters healing together and moving on with life has the making of a great story. The writing was so well developed that you felt like you were right there with Hailey and Walker as they were developing their relationship. I can't wait to read more from this author.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing!!!! Breathtaking, beautiful, suspense filled and wow just awesome!!! I couldn't put it down and loved every page...heart wrenching love story with all the feels. I absolutely fell in love with Hailey and all her spirit...Walker was such an awesome character and I'd love to read more of their journey.

[Christina Rhoads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, and will not be my last. I enjoyed her brand of writing, the story kept me captivated throughout. Hailey and Walker had such depth, they felt as though they were part of my real life. There was an element of suspense which I immensely enjoyed. This was a “clean” book, which I found a nice, refreshing break from my norm.

[Michele Del Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this first read from this author. I enjoyed the writing so much. It pulled me in right away. The characters had great chemistry. I thought this book allowed me to just read and enjoy myself.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Hope on the Horizon is a sweet romance. I very much liked Haley- who was working to try to save her campground- and Walker- who was adjusting to a new normal after being discharged from the Marines. The characters were great together, and I loved their story!

[Holly Mcclain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: The story was wonderful. Had to love Hailey, had to love dogs, had to love the heart breaking story of a soldier with PTSD. As I actually narrated this book (and the accent was my real one) I feel like I could've done a more upbeat job. Coulda woulda shoulda..well you know

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walker is a soldier in a bad place. He lost his purpose in life when he got hurt. His sister friend needs help, and in turn they helped each other. Eventually realizing they both fell in love♡

[Bookish · Rating 3 out of 5]

A clean love story with a bit of suspense and minor drama. A classic grumpy man and fun spirited woman. A story that everyone can enjoy reading.

[Neisha Exeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a really great read. I enjoyed it after a really hard day at work. I snuggled up with this book and a glass of wine to de-stress. A fantastic book and definitely recommended.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hailey and Walker have a great story of trials, danger and love. Great story.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hailey and Walker's story had me hooked from the start. I loved that the characters have such great, well written chemistry. I will definitely be reading more from this author!

[Lacy Mercado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great love story. I loved the story line. I can't wait to read more from this author.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Hope on the Horizon is a good small town read. It was easy to follow and suspenseful, but it felt rushed at times too. Mysterious things are happening at Hailey's business, is it coincidence or is there something more going on? The characters Hailey and Walker were both strong, and independent. Walker is home and hurt from his last military tour. They both seem to be drawn towards eachother at their time of need. I liked the secondary characters too.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

I have been waiting ever so patiently for Kathryn McNeill Crane to release another book.  Her writing is always so beautiful, her characters are as strong as they are sweet.  Kathryn's storytelling is truly special, she makes you feel all warm and fuzzy while tackling really important issues.

Hailey and Walker are the medicine and the balm that they both don't know they need.  Hailey is running a business, alone, and Walker is recovering after being injured by a roadside bomb.  Hailey needs help to uncover who's sabotaging her business and Walker needs to recover and reassess his future.  Walker would love for Hailey to stop talking and Hailey, well I honestly believe she just wants the best for Walker.  She wants him to heal physically and mentally.  Her character comes across as one who cares deeply, the walls she's built to protect herself are evidence of that.

After all that Walker has been through it's no surprise he suffers from PTSD.  I thought the author handled every aspect with compassion, integrity, and respect.  Especially highlighting the special relationship between Walker and his dog Samson.  I don't think enough credit is given to the amazing powers of service/therapy animals.  I can't give enough praise to Kathryn for how all of it was portrayed.  We didn't know a whole lot about PTSD when I was growing up.  My father's "issues" were absolutely because of PTSD and there was nowhere near enough resources to help him or us.

As if this isn't enough to make you grab a copy, there's plenty of mystery and suspense in here too!  Lots of suspects in this small town as to who is vandalizing Hailey's equipment.  With lots of twists and turns, I was actually surprised with how it all turned out.

Hope on the Horizon is the perfect winter weekend read.  So if you're looking for a great read, grab some hot cocoa, a warm blanket, and snuggle up!  You won't be disappointed.

* I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader’s Copy of this book *
 

 Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. 
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***PHWFF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities including education and outings. Founded in 2005 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., PHWFF has grown exponentially, operating 216 programs in the United States and Germany. In 2017, more than 3,600 volunteers donated over 269,000 hours to serve 8,400 disabled military personnel and disabled veterans - all at no cost to participants. PHWFF helps our nation’s heroes cope with significant physical and psychological health issues incurred during their time in service. To volunteer, donate, fundraise or join a local program visit 

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one just makes you "feel", the push and pull, give and take from Hailey & Walker are endearing. I enjoyed the fact that this one takes place in a Small mountain town in NC and the Author made you feel at home there with details. It had all the elements I enjoy in a book; Romance, Suspense, Mystery and Strong Female lead without going overboard.

This is the first book I have read from this Author and I am looking forward to reading more!