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Door County #1
Small-Town Secrets
Although she doesn’t realize it, Kendall is drowning in secrets. About her husband Carter, who died in a car crash. About Gabe, who was driving the night Carter died. About her brother George’s girlfriend. Gabe’s return to Sturgeon Falls brings the secrets bubbling to the surface.
Since Carter’s death, Kendall’s been too busy running a B&B, managing a cherry orchard and raising two girls to think about Gabe. But when he shows up at her B&B, memories come rushing back – including the crush she’d had on him.
Can Kendall and Gabe face the past and find forgiveness? Or will the secrets bury them?
Since Carter’s death, Kendall’s been too busy running a B&B, managing a cherry orchard and raising two girls to think about Gabe. But when he shows up at her B&B, memories come rushing back – including the crush she’d had on him.
Can Kendall and Gabe face the past and find forgiveness? Or will the secrets bury them?
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2006
2254 people are currently reading
714 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Watson
105 books129 followersUSA Today bestselling author Margaret Watson is a two-time RITA Finalist with thirty books in print for Harlequin and Silhouette and many other award-winning romantic suspense novels.
When not writing, Margaret practices veterinary medicine in the Chicago area.
When not writing, Margaret practices veterinary medicine in the Chicago area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
August 16, 2019
Small Town Secrets by Margaret Watson
Door County Series #1
When Kendall Van Allen opens the door of her B&B the last person she expects to be standing there is her dead husband’s best friend, Gabe Townsend. Widowed seven years before with two daughters, a cherry orchard business and the B&B to take care of she is stretched thin and very busy. Kendall and Gabe have a past history as friends...and perhaps a bit more. Whether or not the time is right for them to be together now is what is explored in this story. We also have a secondary romance between Kendall’s brother George and the woman he loves, Amy. This is a story with substance that includes migrant workers, friendships of the past, soccer and several secrets that come to light impacting more than one character in the book. I found myself intrigued by this introduction to the series and look forward to finding out if Dylan, the reporter, will find out who his father is in book two. I also want to find out what will happen in the lives of the couples met in this book as well as their children.
Did I like this book? Yes
Do I want to read more in this series? Definitely!
Thank you to the author for the ARC – this is my honest review.
5 Stars
Door County Series #1
When Kendall Van Allen opens the door of her B&B the last person she expects to be standing there is her dead husband’s best friend, Gabe Townsend. Widowed seven years before with two daughters, a cherry orchard business and the B&B to take care of she is stretched thin and very busy. Kendall and Gabe have a past history as friends...and perhaps a bit more. Whether or not the time is right for them to be together now is what is explored in this story. We also have a secondary romance between Kendall’s brother George and the woman he loves, Amy. This is a story with substance that includes migrant workers, friendships of the past, soccer and several secrets that come to light impacting more than one character in the book. I found myself intrigued by this introduction to the series and look forward to finding out if Dylan, the reporter, will find out who his father is in book two. I also want to find out what will happen in the lives of the couples met in this book as well as their children.
Did I like this book? Yes
Do I want to read more in this series? Definitely!
Thank you to the author for the ARC – this is my honest review.
5 Stars
October 31, 2019
The title should be woe is me.......
This book was a disaster of epic proportions. I got to about to 65-75% before I started skipping in attempt to locate dialogue. Half the book is each character’s inner monologue of their fears, anger, lust and utter stupidity.
I can say with the utmost certainty that I did not like one character in this book. This book centers on Kendall, Gabe, Kendall’s brother George and his girlfriend Amy. Gabe comes back after seven years of Kendall’s dead husband Cárter’s stadium dedication ceremony. His task write a speech about his best friend Carter, only for him and Kendall to dance around each and decide they love each even when she was married to Carter. Then apparently Amy at seventeen got pregnant with Carter’s baby. So when both George and Kendall find out, and George gets mad. Gabe of course says George doesn’t deserve Amy. I’m sorry I know it takes two to tango and I’d be pissed at my dead husband but I would be mad at the lady he slept with too. And George being Kendall’s brother has every right to be mad. But not in this book, of course not. Then lord everyone loves somewhat of a timeline in the stories they read but not “Monday morning”, “ Monday evening”, and etc. It was tedious and annoying. All the secrets are spilled up within days there’s no build up it’s just now is the time. Who decided? Then there the migrants working the cherry orchard. Why is poor Elena always getting hurt and why must we include every character and their steps? Multiple times as well by the bed and breakfast the characters say beach then lake which one is it ? Like this book gives me a severe case of whiplash too much and too little going on at the sane time. It’s beyond me!!!
This book was a disaster of epic proportions. I got to about to 65-75% before I started skipping in attempt to locate dialogue. Half the book is each character’s inner monologue of their fears, anger, lust and utter stupidity.
I can say with the utmost certainty that I did not like one character in this book. This book centers on Kendall, Gabe, Kendall’s brother George and his girlfriend Amy. Gabe comes back after seven years of Kendall’s dead husband Cárter’s stadium dedication ceremony. His task write a speech about his best friend Carter, only for him and Kendall to dance around each and decide they love each even when she was married to Carter. Then apparently Amy at seventeen got pregnant with Carter’s baby. So when both George and Kendall find out, and George gets mad. Gabe of course says George doesn’t deserve Amy. I’m sorry I know it takes two to tango and I’d be pissed at my dead husband but I would be mad at the lady he slept with too. And George being Kendall’s brother has every right to be mad. But not in this book, of course not. Then lord everyone loves somewhat of a timeline in the stories they read but not “Monday morning”, “ Monday evening”, and etc. It was tedious and annoying. All the secrets are spilled up within days there’s no build up it’s just now is the time. Who decided? Then there the migrants working the cherry orchard. Why is poor Elena always getting hurt and why must we include every character and their steps? Multiple times as well by the bed and breakfast the characters say beach then lake which one is it ? Like this book gives me a severe case of whiplash too much and too little going on at the sane time. It’s beyond me!!!
February 24, 2020
I was excited to read this book because of its setting, Door County. But rarely if ever did it mention or captured the charm of Door. Instead this book goes on and on about juvenile emotions, grudges and tends to jump around skipping plot points. I didn't find myself caring about the characters and is probably why it took me so long to finish.
I was disappointed, and don't see myself moving onto the next in this series.
I was disappointed, and don't see myself moving onto the next in this series.
October 21, 2019
I needed to read Small-Town Secrets. Not only because it is a romance but because I needed to read a book that had a simple plot. I needed a book where I didn’t have to keep intricate notes. I got that in Small-Town Secrets.
Small-Town Secrets is a book about reconciling the past with the present. It also shows what the power of forgiveness does. I liked that it showed that what is shown to the public isn’t what goes on in private.
There are one main storyline and two prominent secondary storylines. They were all well written. The pacing of the storylines seesawed between slow and medium. I didn’t mind that. Considering what Gabe and Kendall were working through, it was needed. The secondary plotlines were woven into that plotline with skill.
I liked Kendall, and I sympathized with her. She was a single mother raising two girls and running two businesses (a B&B and an orchard). I did think that she was harsh on Gabe at the beginning of the book. But, considering what happened, I would have been the same way. I felt she took Amy’s secret well and handled the fall out gracefully. I don’t know if I would have been as understanding (or kind) as she was.
Gabe was terrific in Small-Town Secrets. He straightened his life out after the car accident. Gabe didn’t hide his feelings for Kendall and did his best to protect her. From the intruder to the mysterious guest, he was there for her. Gabe did have secrets, but he didn’t come back to disturb lives. He came back to honor Carter and reconnect with Kendall.
Amy’s secret was a doozy. When it was revealed (early in the book), I was surprised. What I wasn’t expecting was George’s reaction and what he said to Amy. I was stunned by his response. “Holy crap, son, calm down,” went through my mind. I did think that Kendall dealt well with Amy’s secret. I mean, what else could she do?
The romance between Kendall and Gabe seemed to happen overnight. I do want to point out that it wasn’t Instalove, though. The feelings that Kendall and Gabe had for each other had been simmering for years. All that simmering came to a boiling point and exploded.
The end of Small-Town Secrets was satisfying. I liked how Kendall and Gabe’s storyline ended. I was “eh” about Amy’s storyline. George rubbed me the wrong way. The author did leave another storyline (the one with the guest) open. I am curious to see what that goes.
Small-Town Secrets is a book about reconciling the past with the present. It also shows what the power of forgiveness does. I liked that it showed that what is shown to the public isn’t what goes on in private.
There are one main storyline and two prominent secondary storylines. They were all well written. The pacing of the storylines seesawed between slow and medium. I didn’t mind that. Considering what Gabe and Kendall were working through, it was needed. The secondary plotlines were woven into that plotline with skill.
I liked Kendall, and I sympathized with her. She was a single mother raising two girls and running two businesses (a B&B and an orchard). I did think that she was harsh on Gabe at the beginning of the book. But, considering what happened, I would have been the same way. I felt she took Amy’s secret well and handled the fall out gracefully. I don’t know if I would have been as understanding (or kind) as she was.
Gabe was terrific in Small-Town Secrets. He straightened his life out after the car accident. Gabe didn’t hide his feelings for Kendall and did his best to protect her. From the intruder to the mysterious guest, he was there for her. Gabe did have secrets, but he didn’t come back to disturb lives. He came back to honor Carter and reconnect with Kendall.
Amy’s secret was a doozy. When it was revealed (early in the book), I was surprised. What I wasn’t expecting was George’s reaction and what he said to Amy. I was stunned by his response. “Holy crap, son, calm down,” went through my mind. I did think that Kendall dealt well with Amy’s secret. I mean, what else could she do?
The romance between Kendall and Gabe seemed to happen overnight. I do want to point out that it wasn’t Instalove, though. The feelings that Kendall and Gabe had for each other had been simmering for years. All that simmering came to a boiling point and exploded.
The end of Small-Town Secrets was satisfying. I liked how Kendall and Gabe’s storyline ended. I was “eh” about Amy’s storyline. George rubbed me the wrong way. The author did leave another storyline (the one with the guest) open. I am curious to see what that goes.
September 2, 2019
Small-Town Romance with All the Feels
What a delightful small-town romance! Now, don't get me wrong—this is certainly not all hearts and flowers. In fact, much is going on in this book besides the romance. Gabe is coming back to town after many years, having left after his best friend was killed in a car crash where Gabe was the driver. He's coming back to town to help dedicate a field at the local school in the dead man's honor. The town council set him up in the B&B owned by the dead man's widow. She didn't know who the guest was going to be, and she was not pleased. Gabe has had a torch for her for a long time, but their relationship was tempestuous immediately after the crash and nonexistent after he left town. They have a long road to go before there can be any forgiveness and understanding.
The book really is about facing the past, facing hurts, confronting secrets, and the like. Gabe is even in the middle of another stressful situation that could put him even deeper in Kendall’s black books with a subplot about Amy. This book was really well written. Lots of heavy themes were going on, but the author managed to make it not too angst-y. Both Kendall’s and Gabe's reactions seemed wholly appropriate given their backstory. Oh, and Kendall's daughters were absolutely wonderful. They were both very distinct and precious in their own way. I don’t think I’ve seen children with such three-dimensional characterization in a book meant for adults. I look forward to more books in this series and by this author.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
What a delightful small-town romance! Now, don't get me wrong—this is certainly not all hearts and flowers. In fact, much is going on in this book besides the romance. Gabe is coming back to town after many years, having left after his best friend was killed in a car crash where Gabe was the driver. He's coming back to town to help dedicate a field at the local school in the dead man's honor. The town council set him up in the B&B owned by the dead man's widow. She didn't know who the guest was going to be, and she was not pleased. Gabe has had a torch for her for a long time, but their relationship was tempestuous immediately after the crash and nonexistent after he left town. They have a long road to go before there can be any forgiveness and understanding.
The book really is about facing the past, facing hurts, confronting secrets, and the like. Gabe is even in the middle of another stressful situation that could put him even deeper in Kendall’s black books with a subplot about Amy. This book was really well written. Lots of heavy themes were going on, but the author managed to make it not too angst-y. Both Kendall’s and Gabe's reactions seemed wholly appropriate given their backstory. Oh, and Kendall's daughters were absolutely wonderful. They were both very distinct and precious in their own way. I don’t think I’ve seen children with such three-dimensional characterization in a book meant for adults. I look forward to more books in this series and by this author.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
August 14, 2019
A great beginning to another heart-warming series by Ms. Watson. Gabriel Townsend left Sturgeon Falls seven years ago after the accident that killed his best friend, Carter. He is returning to town to dedicate the school stadium which will be named in Carter’s honor. Surprising Kendall, Carter’s widow, Gabe arrives at her B&B hoping to reconnect with her and her two daughters. He has never forgotten the feelings he had for Kendall and the ones that she may have had for him. How will Kendall handle Gabe’s return and her children’s obvious love for their “Uncle Gabe”? A reporter is in town to cover the dedication, but seems to spend more time questioning Kendall’s employees and the people in town. Why is he so interested in the Kendall’s orchard and the Van Allen family history? What will Kendall say when she learns the true facts of the accident that killed Carter? Wonderful family dynamics in a small town where everyone knows everyone, with strong characters dealing with every day life one day at a time. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (by paytonpuppy)
September 3, 2019
There’s a lot going on this book. There’s the story of Kendall and Gabe and their coming to terms with what happened to Carter years earlier and them learning to move on from the past. There’s the side story of George and Amy, who the father of Amy’s son was, and the effect that revelation has on everyone. There’s also Dylan, a newspaper reporter staying at Kendall’s B&B claiming to be there to cover the stadium being named in Carter’s honor, but it’s quickly clear he’s there trying to find out something else. With so much going on, it’s never boring!
While it was angsty at times, it wasn’t enough to drag the book down or overtake the budding romance between Kendall and Gabe. The characters are sympathetic and well-written. It’s clear the storyline about Dylan is going to continue in a future book, and I’m looking forward it. This is a good start to the series and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Readers who enjoy small-town romances will enjoy this one.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy provided by the author**
While it was angsty at times, it wasn’t enough to drag the book down or overtake the budding romance between Kendall and Gabe. The characters are sympathetic and well-written. It’s clear the storyline about Dylan is going to continue in a future book, and I’m looking forward it. This is a good start to the series and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Readers who enjoy small-town romances will enjoy this one.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy provided by the author**
August 29, 2019
This wasn't by any means a light read & at times it was quite heavy going. Gabe returns home for a dedication of a stadium to his late friend, Carter. He is also staying at the B&B run by his widow Kendall, who he still has feelings for. At times it was a bit depressing with all their feelings resurfacing & facing their pasts. Many truths are revealed causing much anguish to several parties. However once everything was out in the open the mood changed but unfortunately that was some time later in the story. The daughters were the only light relief at times.
I'm sure some people love the angst & drama but it got a bit much for me at times.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'm sure some people love the angst & drama but it got a bit much for me at times.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 6, 2019
Pride combined with guilt can suck the life from you!
Left a widow with 2 small children she does the best she can.
He stands accused of his best friend's death.
When they meet again will all the secrets still stand between them?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Left a widow with 2 small children she does the best she can.
He stands accused of his best friend's death.
When they meet again will all the secrets still stand between them?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 15, 2019
Good read. Raising 2 girls on her own. Runs into an old crush. Still has feelings for.. lots of old memories . Time for new start! . Well done !
October 22, 2019
5 Stars
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys stories that are funny, steamy, suspenseful, and romantic, with strong characters both male and female.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys stories that are funny, steamy, suspenseful, and romantic, with strong characters both male and female.
March 14, 2024
2.75 stars
June 16, 2020
I enjoyed this book and looking forward to next one. Margaret Watson is one of my favorite authors.
August 25, 2019
Welcome to Door County! It’s a place you’ll want to visit and never leave. This story is about Kendall and Gabe, and Carter, too, with a side story about Kendall’s brother George and Amy. It’s about the past and its effect on the present and impact on the future, and how sometimes the only way to move forward is by looking back. You’ll become immersed in the nostalgia of coming back home to face past mistakes, old hurts, and secrets, and to make what’s wrong right for the hope of a better, happier future.
This is a wonderful story, filled with great characters, lots of emotions, some heartache, a bit of drama, a touch or more of steamy passion, and a beautiful HEA. It’s a bit of a bumpy journey but a helluva ride! I guarantee you’ll be drawn in from the start and kept enthralled until the end, but it’s a fast-paced, easy read that’ll keep you entertained on every page. I had the best time getting to know these folks of Sturgeon Falls in Door County, Wisconsin, and I can’t wait to read the next story from this charming place.
This is a wonderful story, filled with great characters, lots of emotions, some heartache, a bit of drama, a touch or more of steamy passion, and a beautiful HEA. It’s a bit of a bumpy journey but a helluva ride! I guarantee you’ll be drawn in from the start and kept enthralled until the end, but it’s a fast-paced, easy read that’ll keep you entertained on every page. I had the best time getting to know these folks of Sturgeon Falls in Door County, Wisconsin, and I can’t wait to read the next story from this charming place.
September 6, 2019
Small town and a small town romance with all the feels. Kendall is running a B&B and raising her two girls after her husband's death in a car accident. When her husband's best friend, who was driving the car when the accident happened, returns to town, will she be able to forgive him? What happens when secrets about the accident start to surface? A great start to a new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 15, 2019
I enjoyed this book which deals with forgiveness, especially forgiving one's self which is often very hard to do. I loved the hero Gabe and his support of Kendall and her daughters. I even liked Kendall's brother George once he got his act together and stopped being a self-righteous jerk. I have read other books by Margaret Watson that I have liked and am looking forward to reading the next in this series.
October 17, 2019
Small-Town Secrets
Seven years after her husband died she and her daughters are in for for more shocks. She finds out that he was not faithful. But in the finding out is what is needed for her to also let go and heal from a marriage that was not as good as many people thought. Can she heal and forgive the man, who was once a friend, who was driving the night of the accident? Can they forge a new life and become family?
Seven years after her husband died she and her daughters are in for for more shocks. She finds out that he was not faithful. But in the finding out is what is needed for her to also let go and heal from a marriage that was not as good as many people thought. Can she heal and forgive the man, who was once a friend, who was driving the night of the accident? Can they forge a new life and become family?
September 7, 2019
The first book in the Door County series, it happens in the town of Sturgeon Falls. This is Kendall and Gabe’s story and everything they have to overcome from the past in order to get their happy ending. I enjoyed reading this book and I want to read the next book in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 15, 2019
So many secrets! Great read by one of my faves, Margaret Watson. This story pulled me right in and I didn't want to put it down. The realistic characters and the drama filled storyline make this a compelling read. I loved it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 3, 2021
Kendall is the mother of two young girls. She was married to football hero Carter who was killed in a car accident. His best friend Gabe was driving the car. Lots of secrets. An illicit love. A love child. What a story. In my eyes, this author can do no wrong. I have loved each and every book she has written and this was certainly no exception.
October 24, 2019
A community comes together to dedicate a high school stadium to a former athlete who died too young. Secrets of misbehavior and angst come to light. Old yearnings are still strong and have been denied for much too long. The characters are believable and flawed. I enjoyed this book and the unraveling of how one’s well-hidden past affects so many others.
December 15, 2014
I'm NOT a romance reader, tried really hard to enjoy this --- thought there would at least be some suspense in it but, just not my bag. The author has written so very much that I'm sure they must be good, just NOT my bag.
October 1, 2019
This was a very good and realistic story. I really enjoyed reading it and someone else's perspective on small town secrets. A great story that I could not put down. I recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2019
Great read
Well written with interesting characters crafted with great empathy and compassion. The author can do the synopsis far better than I will, suffice for me to encourage you to buy the book and read it you won’t be sorry! 5 Stars all the way.
Well written with interesting characters crafted with great empathy and compassion. The author can do the synopsis far better than I will, suffice for me to encourage you to buy the book and read it you won’t be sorry! 5 Stars all the way.
October 16, 2019
Couldn't Put It Down
Usually a "can't put it down" book is suspenseful. This is not, but it is so engaging and so full of unexpected plot twists that I couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
Usually a "can't put it down" book is suspenseful. This is not, but it is so engaging and so full of unexpected plot twists that I couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
October 17, 2019
Great
This is beautiful story of second chances, finding truths and love. Gabe came back for the dedication of the field at the high school that is being named after his friend. Kendall was the wife of Carter, who had 7 years prior.
This is beautiful story of second chances, finding truths and love. Gabe came back for the dedication of the field at the high school that is being named after his friend. Kendall was the wife of Carter, who had 7 years prior.
October 24, 2019
This was a cute little book that had enough romance & mystery to keep it interesting. It was very real, and brings up issues we have all gone through wondering what if we had done things differently after graduating high school.
January 4, 2015
Nice story, nicely done.
October 15, 2019
Really good!
Interesting and well written. Loved Gabe and how kind , wise and mature he was. Lots of guilt to overcome for the couple.
Interesting and well written. Loved Gabe and how kind , wise and mature he was. Lots of guilt to overcome for the couple.
October 15, 2019
Good Read
One of those stories that makes you stop and think,and wonder what if.I laughed and I cried and kept hoping for a happy ending.I'll try another book by this author.
One of those stories that makes you stop and think,and wonder what if.I laughed and I cried and kept hoping for a happy ending.I'll try another book by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews