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Coldwater Cove #1
Homeplace
Burnt-out big-city lawyer Raine Cantrell reluctantly returns to her hometown in Washington state to help three teenagers barricaded inside a house, only to fall for local sheriff Jack O'Halloran, a single father with a tragedy in his past. Reissue.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
134 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
JoAnn Ross
238 books798 followersNew York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross has written over a hundred novels for a bunch of publishers. Two of her titles have been excerpted in Cosmo and her books have also been published by the Doubleday, Rhapsody, Literary Guild, and Mystery Guild book clubs.
A member of the Romance Writers of America's Honor Roll of best-selling authors, she's won several awards, including Romantic Times's Career Achievement Awards in both category and contemporary single title.
Currently writing a new Honeymoon Harbor series for HQN set on the Washington peninsula, that will launch in April, 2018, JoAnn lives with her husband (her high school sweetheart, who proposed at the sea wall where her Shelter Bay books are set), in the Pacific Northwest.
A member of the Romance Writers of America's Honor Roll of best-selling authors, she's won several awards, including Romantic Times's Career Achievement Awards in both category and contemporary single title.
Currently writing a new Honeymoon Harbor series for HQN set on the Washington peninsula, that will launch in April, 2018, JoAnn lives with her husband (her high school sweetheart, who proposed at the sea wall where her Shelter Bay books are set), in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 24, 2019
Good book. Raine is a high-powered, workaholic lawyer. At the beginning of the book, she has just won a big case, but instead of the satisfaction she should feel, she just feels empty and beat up by the headaches and indigestion that come with the job. In the middle of the celebration, Raine receives a phone call from one of her grandmother's foster children. Her grandmother is in the hospital, and the three girls are in trouble. Suddenly she's on her way back to the small town to help the woman who was the only stable factor in her life.
I admit I didn't like Raine much at the beginning. Her satisfaction at winning the case, at the expense of the retirees who were harmed by it, rubbed me the wrong way. I applauded her immediate response to the call for help, but I didn't like the way she jumped to conclusions about what was happening during the stand-off. I got a bit of satisfaction when she arrived and found things were not what she expected, especially when it came to the sheriff.
I liked Jack from the start. His handling of the stand-off was well thought out. I'm glad he was the one in charge, because the other law enforcement people who were there were a bit too gung-ho, especially considering they were dealing with three young girls. He also won my heart when he was shown taking care of his daughter's nano-pet at the same time. I loved his even-keeled responses when Raine showed up and started throwing around accusations and threats. Things got a bit more complicated when they also had to deal with Raine's mother's antics.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Raine and Jack. The sparks between them were hot from the beginning, but both tried to ignore them. Raine only plans to be in town for a few days, just long enough to straighten things out before she heads back to New York. Jack is still grieving the loss of his wife two years earlier, so he's not looking for anything either. However, something about Raine stirs up things he hasn't felt in a long time. As circumstances forced Raine to stay in Coldwater Cove longer than she expected, she and Jack can no longer deny the attraction they feel. I had to laugh when they decided that they could indulge in a nice, simple affair because I could already see that they'd passed that point. Jack is already falling for Raine as he gets to know the passionate woman underneath the tough façade. I loved the way that he understood how the things in her past had made her need to always be in control. Raine is a bit freaked out by the way that Jack gets under her skin. She never expected to be so drawn to him and his daughter, and tries to convince herself that it is just chemistry and proximity. There were some terrific scenes of the two of them together, especially as Raine starts to lose her city edges, and Jack brings out an unexpected softer side of her. I enjoyed seeing their feelings grow and ached for them both as they tried to figure out how they could make it work. I wasn't too surprised by the solution they came up with and loved their big moment at the end. The epilogue was terrific.
For Raine, being back in her hometown forces her to face the demons of her past, mostly her relationship with her mother. Lilith is quite the free spirit, and it was easy to see why the two butted heads for so long. But with distance and maturity, and the help of three teenage girls, Raine starts to see a different side of her mother. It's not a miraculous, hearts and flowers kind of thing, but more like Raine being able to see that she and Lilith had two very different views on their mother and child relationship and Lilith recognizing that she had made mistakes but wanted to do better.
I also enjoyed the storyline with the three teenage girls. Their actions at the beginning were a bit extreme, but they were motivated by Ida and what she told them. The situation became more difficult thanks to Ida's age, and then Lilith's actions at the court hearing. I liked the fact that Raine was willing to step up and be the responsible adult to keep the girls out of a more desperate situation. I especially liked Gwen's story and the realistic portrayal of the issues surrounding teen pregnancy. I ached for Gwen and her struggle to decide the best thing to do. Lilith's openness about her past actions went a long way toward helping Gwen, as well as Raine. The resolution was heart-wrenching and heartwarming, as everyone came together to help Gwen make the choice that was right for her.
I admit I didn't like Raine much at the beginning. Her satisfaction at winning the case, at the expense of the retirees who were harmed by it, rubbed me the wrong way. I applauded her immediate response to the call for help, but I didn't like the way she jumped to conclusions about what was happening during the stand-off. I got a bit of satisfaction when she arrived and found things were not what she expected, especially when it came to the sheriff.
I liked Jack from the start. His handling of the stand-off was well thought out. I'm glad he was the one in charge, because the other law enforcement people who were there were a bit too gung-ho, especially considering they were dealing with three young girls. He also won my heart when he was shown taking care of his daughter's nano-pet at the same time. I loved his even-keeled responses when Raine showed up and started throwing around accusations and threats. Things got a bit more complicated when they also had to deal with Raine's mother's antics.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Raine and Jack. The sparks between them were hot from the beginning, but both tried to ignore them. Raine only plans to be in town for a few days, just long enough to straighten things out before she heads back to New York. Jack is still grieving the loss of his wife two years earlier, so he's not looking for anything either. However, something about Raine stirs up things he hasn't felt in a long time. As circumstances forced Raine to stay in Coldwater Cove longer than she expected, she and Jack can no longer deny the attraction they feel. I had to laugh when they decided that they could indulge in a nice, simple affair because I could already see that they'd passed that point. Jack is already falling for Raine as he gets to know the passionate woman underneath the tough façade. I loved the way that he understood how the things in her past had made her need to always be in control. Raine is a bit freaked out by the way that Jack gets under her skin. She never expected to be so drawn to him and his daughter, and tries to convince herself that it is just chemistry and proximity. There were some terrific scenes of the two of them together, especially as Raine starts to lose her city edges, and Jack brings out an unexpected softer side of her. I enjoyed seeing their feelings grow and ached for them both as they tried to figure out how they could make it work. I wasn't too surprised by the solution they came up with and loved their big moment at the end. The epilogue was terrific.
For Raine, being back in her hometown forces her to face the demons of her past, mostly her relationship with her mother. Lilith is quite the free spirit, and it was easy to see why the two butted heads for so long. But with distance and maturity, and the help of three teenage girls, Raine starts to see a different side of her mother. It's not a miraculous, hearts and flowers kind of thing, but more like Raine being able to see that she and Lilith had two very different views on their mother and child relationship and Lilith recognizing that she had made mistakes but wanted to do better.
I also enjoyed the storyline with the three teenage girls. Their actions at the beginning were a bit extreme, but they were motivated by Ida and what she told them. The situation became more difficult thanks to Ida's age, and then Lilith's actions at the court hearing. I liked the fact that Raine was willing to step up and be the responsible adult to keep the girls out of a more desperate situation. I especially liked Gwen's story and the realistic portrayal of the issues surrounding teen pregnancy. I ached for Gwen and her struggle to decide the best thing to do. Lilith's openness about her past actions went a long way toward helping Gwen, as well as Raine. The resolution was heart-wrenching and heartwarming, as everyone came together to help Gwen make the choice that was right for her.
October 7, 2019
This was an wonderful story.
A workaholic lawyer comes home and is struggling with her unconventional family. Raine is also dealing with her own passionate longing for a love of her own. She finds it in the county sheriff, Jack.
This also deals with teen pregnancy and with the help of the Cantrell women, they help Gwen to make a tough choice about her baby.
The attraction between Jack and Raine heats up and decide to have a simple affair. But love is rarely simple and lives can change forever.
This is a lovely story from a great Pacific Northwest author..
A workaholic lawyer comes home and is struggling with her unconventional family. Raine is also dealing with her own passionate longing for a love of her own. She finds it in the county sheriff, Jack.
This also deals with teen pregnancy and with the help of the Cantrell women, they help Gwen to make a tough choice about her baby.
The attraction between Jack and Raine heats up and decide to have a simple affair. But love is rarely simple and lives can change forever.
This is a lovely story from a great Pacific Northwest author..
May 15, 2020
Jack has moved back to Washington after his wife died. He has a 6 year adopted daughter and will work on the police force of this small island. His job today is to try to get 3 teenagers to peacefully come out of a house where they are staying with Ida. However, Ida has been taken to the hospital after a fall from a stool.
Raine from this small town has been called home because of Ida who is her grandmother. Raine is a big time lawyer who has just won from a big case, so she goes home to help her grandma.
It's a nice romantic story with a good plot to go along with it.
Raine from this small town has been called home because of Ida who is her grandmother. Raine is a big time lawyer who has just won from a big case, so she goes home to help her grandma.
It's a nice romantic story with a good plot to go along with it.
November 18, 2025
Raine has just finished a high profile case in court when she has to head back to her Grandmothers home to sort out problems with 3 girls her Grandma has taken in, as her Grandma is in hospital.
While caring for these girls she meets up with a male she knew in school and they get on really well, will she go back to the city or stay in the sleep backwater of Coldwater Cove?
Meanwhile her mother has had a little problem with the law and needs her daughter to get her out of jail where she is placed overnight....
While caring for these girls she meets up with a male she knew in school and they get on really well, will she go back to the city or stay in the sleep backwater of Coldwater Cove?
Meanwhile her mother has had a little problem with the law and needs her daughter to get her out of jail where she is placed overnight....
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June 22, 2020Some of Ross's stories are more suspenseful with really nasty bad guys, others, like the Irish Castlelough series are far gentler and sweet. This is more in line with those. The tough, hard as nails lawyer comes back home to efficiently whip a situation back into shape, and finds herself having to reevaluate her own life and relationships. A nice read during a period of stress and anxiety.
March 27, 2018
A predictable, completely enjoyable Romance! A little too much friction between them for my taste, however, from the orphans to the small town to the lawyer/ cop relationship to the widower to the disfunctional family getting it together, it was a great beach read!
July 20, 2020
What a fun summer read - this is wonderful being able to read until the wee hours of the morning and still have time to finish the book before noon.
Another sweet story about strong women and finally getting the fairy tales they deserve.l
Another sweet story about strong women and finally getting the fairy tales they deserve.l
May 6, 2023
Okay this book was absolutely beautiful and adorable. I love how Raine grew and realized she needed to have the slow quiet life and take a chance on love. Also the growth between Raine and her mom, 10/10.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2018
Loved the characters and the humor. Raine and the Sheriff.
March 25, 2019
I've read the newer stories but just found this and loved and the way the series began.
February 15, 2020
This was first published in 1999. Parts of the story and characters haven't aged well, but I will try the sequel!
April 25, 2020
My favorite of all hers that I've read so far. Great heroine and hero, setting, plot and theme of family support throughout.
October 17, 2020
Sitting in hospital for hours gives me time to finish a book.
January 29, 2023
This book is a 3.5 it was a good light read. This time line in the story was a little strange, maybe to quickl
October 21, 2024
Heart warming novel. Romantic and sexy. Great romance novel.
September 11, 2025
Good story
March 22, 2011
I picked this one up hoping I was discovering a contemporary romance on par with my beloved, Susan Elizabeth Phillips. It was all there in the set up: successful small town girl made good in the big city with her own demons to outrun and parental issues to sort through is pulled back home to her sleepy, gorgeously green hometown where her spitfire grandmother has taken in three runaways and has told them to batten down the hatches and not let any of the police into their home which has created a huge stakeout led by the local sheriff who just happens to be tall, dark and handsome and the said hometown's former hellraiser turned good guy when his wife died of cancer leaving him in charge of a mouthy and charming six year-old girl.
I was reeled in by all of it.
But the delivery didn't match the expectation.
This author could have done SO much with these pieces. Really gotten into the family chemistry without sacrificing an electric love story. Taken us into Coldwater Cove and made it impossible to leave. Get into the guts and pain of Jack's heart without straying from his dreaminess. Make us care so much about each of them that turning the last page is both satisfying and heartbreaking.
I experienced that with a lot of SEP books. Dream a Little Dream comes to mind. I envy those who haven't read it yet, and just wanted to find something like it again. But alas, it didn't hit home for me. Was it an enjoyable read? Sure. I was in the mood for a romance that didn't fade to black but wasn't all about murder and running from psychos. I wanted a family drama. And this was that...but just weaker. Resolved quickly without really ever getting complicated.
I was reeled in by all of it.
But the delivery didn't match the expectation.
This author could have done SO much with these pieces. Really gotten into the family chemistry without sacrificing an electric love story. Taken us into Coldwater Cove and made it impossible to leave. Get into the guts and pain of Jack's heart without straying from his dreaminess. Make us care so much about each of them that turning the last page is both satisfying and heartbreaking.
I experienced that with a lot of SEP books. Dream a Little Dream comes to mind. I envy those who haven't read it yet, and just wanted to find something like it again. But alas, it didn't hit home for me. Was it an enjoyable read? Sure. I was in the mood for a romance that didn't fade to black but wasn't all about murder and running from psychos. I wanted a family drama. And this was that...but just weaker. Resolved quickly without really ever getting complicated.
February 15, 2009
I recommend JoAnn Ross for those who enjoy a good, decently written romance (and be thankful I just censored myself from saying something rude about other writers). she doesn't give you the emotional rollercoaster of Elizabeth Lowell but instead, it's a sweet romance, the equivalent of walking through a valley of flowers or riding a merry-go-round (unless you're like me and are terrified of the horses and the mechanism that keeps them going up and down -- I'm complicated, okay?).
Homeplace is about Raine, a high-powered lawyer living in New York, who is called back to her hometown in Washington state by the wards of her grandmother who have caused a sensation in the town by barracading their home from Social Services on the request of Mama Ida, who fell off a chair and was hospitalized.
She meets (and butts heads with) the local sheriff, Jack O'Halloran, who is also (luckily for us) devastatingly attractive and a really sweet, kind man (my favourite kind).
Highly recommend this book; it's a great, lazy read and my own regret is that it wasn't summer and I didn't read this book while drinking a pitcher of margaritas while swinging in a hammock.
Homeplace is about Raine, a high-powered lawyer living in New York, who is called back to her hometown in Washington state by the wards of her grandmother who have caused a sensation in the town by barracading their home from Social Services on the request of Mama Ida, who fell off a chair and was hospitalized.
She meets (and butts heads with) the local sheriff, Jack O'Halloran, who is also (luckily for us) devastatingly attractive and a really sweet, kind man (my favourite kind).
Highly recommend this book; it's a great, lazy read and my own regret is that it wasn't summer and I didn't read this book while drinking a pitcher of margaritas while swinging in a hammock.
January 12, 2008
Ohhh, this book almost reached perfection in my fluffy, crawl onto the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and draw up a cashmere blanket on a rainy afternoon quest. I love it right down to the names of the characters- Raine and Jack. It's one of my absolute favorite comfort reads, the lit equivalent of fresh-baked cookies, a patch of soft green grass underfoot, the scent of honeysuckle in the air. Gah, it just makes me want to don a pretty apron and bake the hell out of an afternoon- it has that delicious homey feel to it with the perfect spice of romance to give it kick. Yum. I have it in the edition that pairs it with Far Harbor for a double whammy of goodness. Love Joann Ross for 'em both.
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June 21, 2016Another great read by JoAnn Ross. This time we met Raine Cantrell, a big city lawyer, who has come to Coldwater Cove, Washington to help her Grandmother out just for a short time but ends of helping herself instead. Sheriff Jack O'Halloran was not looking for love but the minute he met Raine, his whole world was turned upside down and so was his daughter's. It took three teenagers to make Raine stop long enough to see what she really wanted wasn't in New York but here at home.
July 22, 2009
Joann Ross is an amazing writer. She always captures my attention with her vibrant and funny characters. I think over all I have read more of her books than any other author. I didn't intend for it to be that way, it just happened. This book is a really touching story that will have you laughing and crying through out the book. Definately a 5 out of 5 stars.
January 23, 2015
Gift from a friend.
Romance. Young lawyer returns to her home from New York. She has worked long and hard to "escape". Comes home to take care of a family crisis. Has issues with a "flower child type" mother. Who never grew up. Her gran raised her and her sisters
and has taken in foster children.
Lawyer falls in love with local Sheriff, resolves family issues. Moves back home.
Romance. Young lawyer returns to her home from New York. She has worked long and hard to "escape". Comes home to take care of a family crisis. Has issues with a "flower child type" mother. Who never grew up. Her gran raised her and her sisters
and has taken in foster children.
Lawyer falls in love with local Sheriff, resolves family issues. Moves back home.
March 8, 2016
Fighting legal battles 80 hrs a wk has left Raine Cantrell burned out and empty.Sheriff Jack O'Halloran - a man with tragedy in his past and a 6 yr old daughter to raise alone - 3 teens barricaded in a house- c'mon crazies!
August 14, 2016
Another easy Hallmark read. Love that everybody finds the live they were looking for. Life has some bumps, but things always works out. Now since I have had too much sugar, I need a serious action filled , danger, vimpires, or murder mystery.
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August 26, 2008wonderful story
November 4, 2008
This was a tear jerker!! I would highly recommed this one to anyone who is looking for a good read!
April 5, 2010
Excellent book-great writing-comparable to Linda Lael Miller and/or Nora Roberts. Cant wait to read more of hers.
January 23, 2011
Good book. Makes you think sometimes you need to slow down and enjoy the things around you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews