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Crossroads #1
Forbidden Ways
Karen Ann Hopkins returns to Blood Rock, and the Serenity’s Plain Secrets series, with this gripping new romance installment. This is the beginning of CJ and Joshua’s story.
CJ West is an aspiring artist, nursing a broken heart. Still recovering from a brutal attack that nearly killed her, she needed to get away. The quaint, tranquil countryside seemed like the perfect place to start over.
Joshua Miller is a widower, running a busy farm, and raising three children with help from his grandmother. He came to Blood Rock to escape the ghosts of his past that still haunt him.
When CJ rents a cottage from Joshua, sparks fly, and their lives will never be the same again. Because a relationship between the two is strictly forbidden. He’s Amish and she’s an outsider. Even so, their passion for each other is intense and all-consuming. But how can they possibly be together?
This is a timeless love story, where beliefs about duty, family bonds, culture, and way of life are challenged. And two people from very different worlds must decide if their deep, heart-wrenching love is worth the inevitable life-altering consequences.
CJ West is an aspiring artist, nursing a broken heart. Still recovering from a brutal attack that nearly killed her, she needed to get away. The quaint, tranquil countryside seemed like the perfect place to start over.
Joshua Miller is a widower, running a busy farm, and raising three children with help from his grandmother. He came to Blood Rock to escape the ghosts of his past that still haunt him.
When CJ rents a cottage from Joshua, sparks fly, and their lives will never be the same again. Because a relationship between the two is strictly forbidden. He’s Amish and she’s an outsider. Even so, their passion for each other is intense and all-consuming. But how can they possibly be together?
This is a timeless love story, where beliefs about duty, family bonds, culture, and way of life are challenged. And two people from very different worlds must decide if their deep, heart-wrenching love is worth the inevitable life-altering consequences.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2019
193 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Karen Ann Hopkins
43 books1,409 followersYou can visit Karen Ann Hopkins at her website: www.karenannhopkinsfiction.com.
"I loved joining Rose and Noah during their journey in the Temptation series by Karen Hopkins."-Katie McGarry, acclaimed YA author
Karen Ann Hopkins resides in northern Kentucky with her family on a farm that boasts a menagerie of horses, goats, sheep, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, pigs, dogs, and cats. Karen rescues and fosters a variety of pets and farm animals, but she also finds time to give riding lessons, coach a youth equestrian drill team, and of course, write. She was inspired to create her first book, Temptation, by the Amish community she lives in. The experiential knowledge she gained through her interactions with her neighbors drove her to create the story of the star-crossed lovers, Rose and Noah.
Karen grew up about a mile from Lake Ontario in Upstate New York. She was bitten by the horse bug at the age of five, and after diligently taking riding lessons for several years, she was rewarded with her first horse at the age of eleven. The feisty horse's name was Lady, a Quarter Horse-Thoroughbred cross, who became Karen's steadfast companion. Through the years, the constant force in her life was horses. Eventually, Karen found her place as a riding instructor herself. Before accepting her fate in the barnyard, she worked a short stint as a paralegal, traveled abroad, and guided tourists on horseback riding tours in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
Karen is currently working on her two interconnecting mystery/crime fiction series, Serenity's Plain Secrets and Possum Gap, along with several new projects.
To learn more about Karen and her books, please visit her website.
"I loved joining Rose and Noah during their journey in the Temptation series by Karen Hopkins."-Katie McGarry, acclaimed YA author
Karen Ann Hopkins resides in northern Kentucky with her family on a farm that boasts a menagerie of horses, goats, sheep, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, pigs, dogs, and cats. Karen rescues and fosters a variety of pets and farm animals, but she also finds time to give riding lessons, coach a youth equestrian drill team, and of course, write. She was inspired to create her first book, Temptation, by the Amish community she lives in. The experiential knowledge she gained through her interactions with her neighbors drove her to create the story of the star-crossed lovers, Rose and Noah.
Karen grew up about a mile from Lake Ontario in Upstate New York. She was bitten by the horse bug at the age of five, and after diligently taking riding lessons for several years, she was rewarded with her first horse at the age of eleven. The feisty horse's name was Lady, a Quarter Horse-Thoroughbred cross, who became Karen's steadfast companion. Through the years, the constant force in her life was horses. Eventually, Karen found her place as a riding instructor herself. Before accepting her fate in the barnyard, she worked a short stint as a paralegal, traveled abroad, and guided tourists on horseback riding tours in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
Karen is currently working on her two interconnecting mystery/crime fiction series, Serenity's Plain Secrets and Possum Gap, along with several new projects.
To learn more about Karen and her books, please visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 29, 2019
CJ West is an aspiring artist, nursing a broken heart. Still recovering from a brutal attack that nearly killed her, she needed to get away. The quaint, tranquil countryside seemed like the perfect place to start over.
Joshua Miller is a widower, running a busy farm, and raising three children with help from his grandmother. He came to Blood Rock to escape the ghosts of his past that still haunt him.
When CJ rents a cottage from Joshua, sparks fly, and their lives will never be the same again. Because a relationship between the two is strictly forbidden. He’s Amish and she’s an outsider. Even so, their passion for each other is intense and all-consuming. But how can they possibly be together?
I blazed right through this book. I was up until 2 am reading it! I couldn't help it, the forbidden love thing just got me. I already read how C. J. and Joshua met in the Serenity's Plain Secrets series, and I was really hoping for more. This book did not disappoint! I like C. J. a lot, even better than Serenity, and I enjoyed seeing how the relationship between her and Joshua developed in this book. The way this book ended left me really wanting to read more. Will C. J. become Amish or will Joshua go English? I can't wait to find out! My only complaint is that like the other series this one has some typos, like missing words.
P.S. I don't think I will be able to continue this series if C. J. goes Amish.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
Joshua Miller is a widower, running a busy farm, and raising three children with help from his grandmother. He came to Blood Rock to escape the ghosts of his past that still haunt him.
When CJ rents a cottage from Joshua, sparks fly, and their lives will never be the same again. Because a relationship between the two is strictly forbidden. He’s Amish and she’s an outsider. Even so, their passion for each other is intense and all-consuming. But how can they possibly be together?
I blazed right through this book. I was up until 2 am reading it! I couldn't help it, the forbidden love thing just got me. I already read how C. J. and Joshua met in the Serenity's Plain Secrets series, and I was really hoping for more. This book did not disappoint! I like C. J. a lot, even better than Serenity, and I enjoyed seeing how the relationship between her and Joshua developed in this book. The way this book ended left me really wanting to read more. Will C. J. become Amish or will Joshua go English? I can't wait to find out! My only complaint is that like the other series this one has some typos, like missing words.
P.S. I don't think I will be able to continue this series if C. J. goes Amish.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
July 28, 2020
A good book to end a binge read
Ever go on a binge read where you literally read one book after the other and they are not in a series ???? But I picked a good one to end on. I've read the previous books in the series. This one does have a ending but sets up the next which unfortunately doesn't come out until 2020. Best to read the series in order of possible.
Ever go on a binge read where you literally read one book after the other and they are not in a series ???? But I picked a good one to end on. I've read the previous books in the series. This one does have a ending but sets up the next which unfortunately doesn't come out until 2020. Best to read the series in order of possible.
September 2, 2023
This complicated romance between a devout Amish man and a beautiful, caring outsider will melt your heart. These two people try their best to make the right and honorable decisions for themselves and the people they care about. However, no matter the turmoil and pain, their hearts will not be kept apart. The two main characters, Joshua and CJ, were strong, honorable individuals who had both endured life-altering, horrific events in their recent past. I inhaled this book. It was difficult to put it down. There was so much emotion and strength in these pages that it couldn't be any less than truly outstanding and a great read!!!!!
August 14, 2021
Would you turn your world up side down for love?
Josh is Amish and CJ is not. They met when she rented a home he owned, thinking she was a man. They felled in love, but the bishop was strongly against their relationship. The bishop had his niece, who was widowed, to come visit him to discourage this relationship. Hoping Josh and his niece would fall in love. What will Josh do, stay Amish or turn English?
Josh is Amish and CJ is not. They met when she rented a home he owned, thinking she was a man. They felled in love, but the bishop was strongly against their relationship. The bishop had his niece, who was widowed, to come visit him to discourage this relationship. Hoping Josh and his niece would fall in love. What will Josh do, stay Amish or turn English?
July 20, 2021
As always, I loved this
Karen Ann Hopkins book! My only conundrum is, I’ve read up to book 10 or 11! Do I need to go back to Book 7 and read it again?
I don’t recall what actually got CJ and Joshua together finally!
The entir3 series is absolutely great! Once I’ve started any of them, I’m hooked from the first page!
Karen Ann Hopkins book! My only conundrum is, I’ve read up to book 10 or 11! Do I need to go back to Book 7 and read it again?
I don’t recall what actually got CJ and Joshua together finally!
The entir3 series is absolutely great! Once I’ve started any of them, I’m hooked from the first page!
March 31, 2021
Back story to CJ and Josuha
Nice to get the back story to CJ and Joshua. It was touch upon briefly in the series about Serenity. I like the separate dealing with it. It fleshed out their story along with Rosetta.
Nice to get the back story to CJ and Joshua. It was touch upon briefly in the series about Serenity. I like the separate dealing with it. It fleshed out their story along with Rosetta.
September 6, 2021
Amish or English
This is a very interesting series. It shows the beliefs of the Amish in enough detail to make it understandable, while comparing it to the English way of life. Can’t wait to read the next book.
This is a very interesting series. It shows the beliefs of the Amish in enough detail to make it understandable, while comparing it to the English way of life. Can’t wait to read the next book.
July 20, 2021
Ok
I'm not a romance reader. I found it lacking. People who like romance novels would love the writing style and the characters!
I'm not a romance reader. I found it lacking. People who like romance novels would love the writing style and the characters!
April 16, 2024
I enjoyed this first book in the series. Now I want to read them all to see how the stories continue/end.
January 21, 2020
Forbidden Ways
I have loved every book I've read by this author and this one is no different. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Karen..you've done it again, keep up the great work. I'm a fan for life
I have loved every book I've read by this author and this one is no different. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Karen..you've done it again, keep up the great work. I'm a fan for life
January 13, 2020
I really enjoyed the continuing saga of CJ! Can't wait for the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2019
Can,t wait until Joshua and CJ,s story continues
This is the continuing story of Joshua, who is Amish and CJ , Serenity,s girl friend who is English.
This can be a stand alone novel but it actual is the continuation of Joshua and CJ’ s introduction in Paper Roses vol 5 of the Serenity Series.
Forbidden love. Joshua is a faithful Amish widower trying to raise his 3 Children. He loves being Amish and has deep roots that were rocked with the death of his first wife. C J comes to Blood Rock to get over a romance and heal. She rents a small house on Joshua Millers farm. During her short time there Sparks ignite between her and Joshua. Then C J is brought into a psychopaths evil and almost dies. While trying to recover, the strong chemistry between Joshua and CJ just increases.
Unfortunately for readers, we have to wait until 2020 to continue reading this saga. #7 of the Serenity Series also continues in 2020.
My only suggestion for the author is she needs to have better proof reading. I read this book in two days. The bad editing does not stop the flow of the story.
I enjoyed the story. The feelings, the dynamics of their life and decisions are very relatable. Can’t wait for the next sequels of both books. I do recommend this author and these series.
This is the continuing story of Joshua, who is Amish and CJ , Serenity,s girl friend who is English.
This can be a stand alone novel but it actual is the continuation of Joshua and CJ’ s introduction in Paper Roses vol 5 of the Serenity Series.
Forbidden love. Joshua is a faithful Amish widower trying to raise his 3 Children. He loves being Amish and has deep roots that were rocked with the death of his first wife. C J comes to Blood Rock to get over a romance and heal. She rents a small house on Joshua Millers farm. During her short time there Sparks ignite between her and Joshua. Then C J is brought into a psychopaths evil and almost dies. While trying to recover, the strong chemistry between Joshua and CJ just increases.
Unfortunately for readers, we have to wait until 2020 to continue reading this saga. #7 of the Serenity Series also continues in 2020.
My only suggestion for the author is she needs to have better proof reading. I read this book in two days. The bad editing does not stop the flow of the story.
I enjoyed the story. The feelings, the dynamics of their life and decisions are very relatable. Can’t wait for the next sequels of both books. I do recommend this author and these series.
Read
August 19, 2019Karen Ann Hopkins returns to Blood Rock, and the Serenity’s Plain Secrets series, with this gripping new romance installment. This is the beginning of CJ and Joshua’s story.
CJ West is an aspiring artist, nursing a broken heart. Still recovering from a brutal attack that nearly killed her, she needed to get away. The quaint, tranquil countryside seemed like the perfect place to start over.
Joshua Miller is a widower, running a busy farm, and raising three children with help from his grandmother. He came to Blood Rock to escape the ghosts of his past that still haunt him.
When CJ rents a cottage from Joshua, sparks fly, and their lives will never be the same again. Because a relationship between the two is strictly forbidden. He’s Amish and she’s an outsider. Even so, their passion for each other is intense and all-consuming. But how can they possibly be together?
This is a timeless love story, where beliefs about duty, family bonds, culture, and way of life are challenged. And two people from very different worlds must decide if their deep, heart-wrenching love is worth the inevitable life-altering consequences.
Good.
CJ West is an aspiring artist, nursing a broken heart. Still recovering from a brutal attack that nearly killed her, she needed to get away. The quaint, tranquil countryside seemed like the perfect place to start over.
Joshua Miller is a widower, running a busy farm, and raising three children with help from his grandmother. He came to Blood Rock to escape the ghosts of his past that still haunt him.
When CJ rents a cottage from Joshua, sparks fly, and their lives will never be the same again. Because a relationship between the two is strictly forbidden. He’s Amish and she’s an outsider. Even so, their passion for each other is intense and all-consuming. But how can they possibly be together?
This is a timeless love story, where beliefs about duty, family bonds, culture, and way of life are challenged. And two people from very different worlds must decide if their deep, heart-wrenching love is worth the inevitable life-altering consequences.
Good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews