Buffalo Valley

Dakota #4

by Debbie Macomber

This holiday season New York Times bestselling author Macomber takes readers on a return visit to Buffalo Valley, North Dakota and finds the town fighting for survival.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Audiobook, Christmas

Audible Audio

First published October 1, 2001

About the author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Reviews

[Leona · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very disappointing read.

I have always enjoyed Debbie Macombers' stories, especially her Cedar Cove series. But unfortunately, I'm not enamored with her more recent work and this book was no exception. I think somewhat because it is part of a series, and unlike other series, I had trouble jumping in. The story was heavy on townspeople introduced in prior books and I just couldn't connect or relate. It was like going to a party and not knowing anyone. You try to start a conversation, but after several false starts, you give up and leave.

Secondly, this felt more like a screenplay for a badly written Hallmark movie, rather than Debbie Macomber's trademark romances that come from the heart with powerful messages of love, humility, and kindness.

I would love to see this author get off the Hallmark steroids and go back to writing genuine stories about women who struggle, yet persevere to overcome life's challenges

[Erica Chaillot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shorter but still wonderful. I have enjoyed this series thoroughly and I am saddened that it is over!! I am looking forward to reading more of her books

[Madeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

The story reads very quickly. The author added lots of people and side stories which I thought was a little too much.

The ending was happy and predictable.

[Connie N. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming holiday book revisiting Buffalo Valley and its friendly townsfolk. We meet Vaughn as he comes to the town to meet old friend Hassie as well as to get a feel for the town's reaction to the infiltration of his new employer, a large box store. There's a very quick romance between him and Hassie's friend and co-worker, Carrie. The book is sweet and very feel-good, but it's so short that there's barely enough time to get to know the characters or understand them very much. The author provides some good reminders about townspeople that we've met in previous books, but the newer characters are not particularly well developed. I liked the story and was happy with the direction it was headed, but it ended way too abruptly, which is why I had to move it back to a 3-star read.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was just getting into this story when it ended. I had been expecting all kinds of trauma with Natalie and Value-X and zip, it was over. Vaughn and Carrie were just getting to know each other, too. I feel incomplete even though it was the story that was incomplete. Go figure.

[Cori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Once again, I kept wishing calamities on the characters. I don't know if it is the way that Debbie Macomber ties everything up so sweetly or if it is that I am so morose.

[Denise Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

heartwarming story by Debbie Macomber

[Nicole Bladek · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn’t realize this was part of a series.. ended nicely but had too many characters and back stories. Glad it wasn’t long as I struggled to get through as is.

[Cashie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I didn’t realize this was the 4th book in a series, so perhaps I would have enjoyed this more if I knew other books. Also, I tend to prefer other genres to modern day romances, so maybe I’m just not used to the tropes in this genre.

Honestly, I couldn’t get attached to the main characters. I wished they’d had more life and personality instead of just being a “big city, good heart” guy and “small town, hated by the past” women. I didn’t have time to get properly acquainted with one character before another was introduced.

Also, problems seemed to resolve themselves too easily. Family members who didn’t talk to each other for years because of grief reasons are suddenly chatting like old friends. Carrie, the woman protagonist, is the divorcee of a guy who cheated on her. This is brought up over and over throughout the story. Despite this, she almost instantly bonds with Vaughn with little to no suspicion. Vaughn doesn’t tell her that he has a girlfriend and Carrie finds out on her own. Even though this has been the emphasis point of her character, she forgives him within a couple pages. It just seemed too simplistic a solution to a situation that was supposed to be complicated.

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buffalo Valley by Debbie Macomber
250 pages Hardcover
Dakota #4

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, Chick Lit, Christmas

Featuring: North Dakota, Small Towns, Author's Letter, Character List, Vet, Fake-Mart,

Rating as a movie: PG

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My thoughts: 📖 Page 99 of 250, 3 pages into Chapter 4 - I was loving this, mostly, but then LSU interrupted my background and I can't continue. I think I would have been able to read this in one sitting otherwise.
📖 179 Ch. 8 - I'm a little annoyed that babies that were 3 months apart magically became 3 weeks apart which doesn't make sense for 5 months difference in conception. Other than the inaccurate recaps it's kinda cute.

I would have liked more Christmas but it was fun overall.

Recommend to others?: Maybe. It a good addition to the series but something was missing.

[Glenda L · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read by Debbie Macomber but sweet and relaxing ... especially when you want a pick-me-up.

[Joann M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love a good heartfelt Christmas story

[Vickie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story

[Rhonda Thomasson]

Great read! I’m just so disappointed that was the last of the Buffalo Valley series😔
Debbie Macomber has a way of keeping you enthralled with her characters! She’s the best!

[Beverley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read the other books in the series, but jumped into this one today because I knew it would be a quick read. I would have loved the story to have had more depth and character development, as it read more like a short story in a magazine. I enjoyed the main characters, but honestly, Vaughn Kyle was the most perfect human being in the entire universe - not one flaw. That is unrealistic and while I read these books for escape, I do want a little bit of reality. I wish Debbie had explored Hassie Knight deeper, it didn't really make any sense that she was always so tired and ready to roll over for Value-X. (basically WalMart). She wasn't that terribly old, probably in her 70's, yet she was painted as if she was around 100. I found that I didn't need to read the other books to connect with this one, as the characters told each other stories, as they shared their stories and history with Vaughn. I also felt Natalie was not played to character, one moment she is a unemotional, detached professional who isn't interested in marriage and the next, she's a spiteful, jealous lady who was bent on revenge. I'd also like to know how the women convinced the owner of the property to sell and how they all came up with enough money to cover the costs. But overall, it was a fun, quick read that I finished up in short order.

[Paula Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by Debbie Macomber! Her simplistic style of writing and her characters are always so believable and easy to relate to. I have read many, many of her books and haven't been disappointed yet. She is remarkable in the way she weaves real life romance into her work without making it a steamy sex scene. I, personally, would rather leave those details to my own imagination rather than have them explained vividly to me. I would highly recommend Buffalo Valley ... easy read and hard to put down once you start.

[Cheryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't realise initially that this was part of a series but I suppose it now makes sense. I just couldn't get into it at all and it kept losing my interest. Th ere were far too many characters and relationships introduced and skimmed over on a continuous basis with not enough time to get into any of them and get to know them with any depth. It lost me and I finally conceded defeat at the beginning of chapter 3.!!

[Abby Stopka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series definitely shows what small town America should be. And reminds us that we've started to get away from our core beliefs and values. Love how this book was written. Many will say that there was lots of side stories. But that's what makes these books so much fun. You get to enjoy the life of Buffalo valley.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very short (compared to the other 3), and good story. I liked how the town rallied together to keep Value-X from moving into the community, and ultimately destroying the town, with a love story thrown in for good measure. I also enjoyed how it ended with the wedding invitation.

[Michelle Molinari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands down the best book of the Dakota series. A quick read, perfect for a domestic airplane trip. The love story between outsider Vaughn and local gal Carrie as they try to keep a Walmart-type big box store from taking root in their cute small town.

[Barbi Huhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! The characters in this book are so well described and are so relatable.

[Anne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This last book in the series centered on Buffalo Valley and the potential problem of a Value-X store being built near the town. It would probably take business away from the small business owners and the town would revert back to closed stores and hard times.
Vaughn Kyle, recently discharged from the army, has been hired by Value-X. Since he was going to be near Buffalo Valley, he is asked to check out the town. His girlfriend, “wanna be finance” Natalie Nichols, got him the job at Value-X. She seems pushy and focused on getting ahead in her career.
Vaughn was planning on visiting Buffalo Valley anyway because he wants to see Hassie. He was named after her deceased son. His mother, Barbara, was going to marry Hassie’s son. But he was killed in Vietnam. So she married Vaughn’s friend, Rick. Vaughn Kyle never met Hassie, but she always sent him cards. When Vaughn gets to Buffalo Valley, the first person he meets at the pharmacy is Carrie Hendrickson. She’s an intern who has her sights set on becoming the pharmacist after she graduates. Her family owns the hardware store. She has two older and two younger very protective brothers. She’s been divorced, but enough time has gone by for her to become serious in looking for love again. Vaughn and Carrie have no problem getting to know one another. Carrie shows him around the town and over the next few days brings him to town events like the Christmas tree lighting and play. Vaughn meets Hassie and enjoys getting to know her as well as who her son was. His family even spends Christmas with Hassie. After meeting the townspeople, falling in love with Carrie, and seeing how the town could never survive with the building of a mega store like Value-X, Vaughn resigns from the company. The hard part is breaking up with Natalie, and over the phone can’t quite cut it. Natalie comes to Buffalo Valley, even confronting Carrie, but to no avail. Vaughn explains himself to Carrie and tells her he wants to move to Buffalo Valley. In the end, the women of the town save the land that Value-X wanted to purchase by purchasing it themselves.
We get updates about previous characters. Bob and Merrily have a son, Bobby. Margaret and Matt Eilers have Hailey and David. Gage and Lindsay have two daughters. Maddy and Jeb have two children and one on the way. The town is certainly looking up and a place where more people will want to move in the future.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debbie Macomber's "Buffalo Valley" is a delightful addition to her Dakota series, offering readers a heartwarming journey through the struggles and triumphs of a small North Dakota town. Set against the backdrop of economic challenges, the novel paints a vivid picture of Buffalo Valley's tight-knit community and the resilience of its residents.

One of the standout features of the book is its central character, Lindsay Snyder. As a recent widow, Lindsay inherits her husband's family farm and becomes the driving force behind the town's revitalization efforts. Her determination and strength add a compelling layer to the narrative, making her a character that readers can easily root for.

Macomber skillfully weaves together the lives of various townspeople, each facing their own set of challenges. The exploration of broken relationships, financial struggles, and the universal desire for a better future adds depth to the story. The author doesn't shy away from portraying the complexities of real-life issues, making the characters and their journeys all the more relatable.

At the core of "Buffalo Valley" is the theme of community and the transformative power of human connections. The residents of Buffalo Valley come together to support one another, creating a sense of unity that is both heartening and inspiring. Macomber's ability to capture the essence of small-town life shines through, making the reader feel like a part of the community.

The novel beautifully explores themes of love, friendship, and the importance of embracing change. Macomber's signature blend of heartwarming storytelling and relatable characters is on full display, inviting readers into a world where second chances and new beginnings are not only encouraged but celebrated.

While I thoroughly enjoyed "Buffalo Valley," I reserve a four-star rating, as there were moments when the plot felt slightly predictable. However, this minor drawback does not diminish the overall charm and emotional resonance of the novel. Debbie Macomber has once again crafted a tale that reminds us of the enduring strength found in human connections, making "Buffalo Valley" a worthwhile and uplifting read.

[Josephine Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes this is a love story. It begins close to Christmas in North Dakota. Vaughn Kyle comes to the small town of Buffalo Valley to visit a lady who has been a good friend though the have never met. They correspond through letters and cards. Hassie Knight, an elderly widow whose only living child, a daughter, lives in Hawaii with her family. Her son was killed in Vietnam. His name was Vaughn, this Vaughn was named after the man. Vaughn and Rick Kyle were best friends. Vaughn was planning to marry Barbara before he was killed. Rick and Barbara marry, Vaughn is born. Hassie hasn't seen the two for thirty three years. The pain of losing her son. The two moved back to Grand Forks. Vaughn has just been discharged from the Army and is about to be hired with a good job with Value X, a large store looking to put a store in Buffalo Valley. He is meeting Hessie, but is scouting the town to find a place to locate a store. He meets Carrie Hendrickson, a bitter divorcee. He likes the girl, she is guarded. Her ex was a heel, a liar, a cheat. But he is in love with Natalie Nichols, a very ambitious young woman.

Buffalo Valley does not want a super store in it's midst. It would do away with the uniqueness of the little town where everyone knows everybody else. Hassie is strong with keeping the town just as it is, keeping big business out. This is her town, her people. And is this man who she has just met physically, a man she likes very much, out to change her town into just like every place? Is he using her and Carrie to get his company whatever they want? Is he spying on all? Townsfolk losing their homes and jobs.

The book is sweet, an easy quick read, beautifully written. The reader is introduced to many of the townspeople.

[Janet McMillan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last book in the Dakota Series. I found this book to be disappointing. The characters in the first 3 books of the series dobwander in and out of the book. Vaughn Kyle was retired military. He takes a job with Value-X a big box retailer. He has been seeing a vice-president of the company Value-X, Natalie. She sends him to the small town of Buffalo Valley to gain information of the community where the company hopes to build their next store.

Vaughn had planned to visit the community anyway. He was not going to be officially hired until after January 1. His plan was to visit the Mother of his namesake who Maddie in the Vietnam War. His parents had been good friends of Vaughn. Hassie, the Mom of Vaughn owned the pharmacy in Buffalo Valley.

At the pharmacy Vaughn meets pharmacist Hassie and her intern assistant, Carrie Hendrickson. He is immediately interested in Carrie.

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Vaughn Kyle goes to Buffalo Valley, it's mostly to see the woman who's been like a grandmother to him since he's there on a work assignment. Might as well kill two birds with one stone, but what he discovers is more then memories.

Carrie Hendrickson isn't looking for a man, but Vaughn attracts her. If only the secret he harbors--that he's close to marriage to another woman, the executive VP of the company he's supposed to start working for after Christmas. Furthermore, his job is to check out the town before a big company comes in to set up shop there and probably run the numerous small businesses out.

Trouble is, Vaughn comes to like the town just like it is and Carrie, too. But how to get out of the complications that his presence now represents. Surely, it will all work out, won't it? After all, it's almost Christmas.

[Hollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Buffalo Valley’ was great in its own way. Quick, sweet, and Christmas-ie; filled with a little romance ...Buffalo Valley is a small town, thriving with local traditions and pop & ma shops thriving. Carrie is making routes here and loves the community and will do pretty much anything to keep it going.
Vaughn is trying to find his next steps in life and just not sure what to do. He’s an ex-Airborne Ranger and just got out the Army. He’s involved with a gal he’s known for a while and works for a big corporate company, trying to purchase land in Buffalo Valley. He also happens to have his own routes in Bear Valley.
Carrie and Vaughn meet in this small community and instantly there’s chemistry. Like ‘Return to Promise’ there’s a lot of gossip and she said / he said ...which is a hoot and keeps it light.
Overall Rating :: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Dren James · Rating 3 out of 5]

This title reads more as a book between the books. Although there is a standalone storyline, it’s more of an extended epilogue of the previous titles in the series. I appreciate that the main character’s brothers might be overprotective after her last relationship. However, there had to be a better way to write them so they did not sound like they were 12 years old. It is a pleasant read, but if this is your first venture into the series you might find it dull.

I did the audiobook. My main complaint with the production is that the character Hassie, who is probably in her 70s, was voiced like she was 200 years old.

[Janelle Winters · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Nice clean romance. There were a lot of characters for such a short book and it was hard to keep them all straight, even with the list in the beginning, and I wish the plot had been a little more developed and the characters more in depth. But I was looking for a light-hearted holiday read and this fit the bill, and was easy to follow and overall enjoyable. The ending felt kind of rushed and surfacey compared to the rest of the story, like the author got tired of writing and just wanted to end the story. ** I didn’t realize until after I finished this book that it’s part of a series so maybe the large cast makes more sense if you’ve read the first 3 books.

[Geraldine Menten · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had never read any books by Debbie Macomber before. I did not know what to expect. Romance novels are not what I usually read. I would guess that as this type of novel goes this would be better than most. The plots were well backed by an interesting story line, but instant attraction, followed by misunderstanding, followed by an almost loss of the beloved, followed by making up, followed by a happy ending gets old for me. I could get all that by watching a Hallmark movie and have only spent and hour of my time.