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Hazel Green #3
One & Only You
What’s the fun in playing it safe?
Rachel Grabinski is no stranger to setbacks, but she never stays down for long. When she catches her boyfriend in bed with another woman, her sunny and optimistic nature is sorely tried. Jumping into another relationship is the last thing on her mind.
On the surface, successful, smooth-talking Dixon Carlyle is every woman’s dream man. But Dixon’s past holds secrets, ones that could derail the life he’s been building in Hazel Green. For years he’s kept his heart safe…but that was before Rachel’s sweet nature crept under his defenses.
It’s not the right time for love for two people with wounded hearts. And trust doesn’t come easy when you’ve been burned before. The safest thing for Rachel and Dixon would be to walk away now…
But what's the fun in playing it safe?
Rachel Grabinski is no stranger to setbacks, but she never stays down for long. When she catches her boyfriend in bed with another woman, her sunny and optimistic nature is sorely tried. Jumping into another relationship is the last thing on her mind.
On the surface, successful, smooth-talking Dixon Carlyle is every woman’s dream man. But Dixon’s past holds secrets, ones that could derail the life he’s been building in Hazel Green. For years he’s kept his heart safe…but that was before Rachel’s sweet nature crept under his defenses.
It’s not the right time for love for two people with wounded hearts. And trust doesn’t come easy when you’ve been burned before. The safest thing for Rachel and Dixon would be to walk away now…
But what's the fun in playing it safe?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
310 pages, ebook
Published September 1, 2019
204 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Kirk
223 books1,614 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Cindy Kirk is a Booksellers' Best Award Winner, a National Readers' Choice Awards finalist, and a Publishers Weekly bestselling author. Cindy launched her Good Hope series with a bang. Christmas in Good Hope hit #1 on the Amazon bestseller list for both Contemporary Romance and Women's Fiction.
A lifelong Nebraska resident, Cindy started writing after taking a class at a local community college. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.
Someone once told Cindy that to know a writer you just have to read what she's written; she hopes that once you read her books you can tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books, and get to know her.
Cindy and her high school sweetheart husband live on an acreage with their two dogs.
A lifelong Nebraska resident, Cindy started writing after taking a class at a local community college. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.
Someone once told Cindy that to know a writer you just have to read what she's written; she hopes that once you read her books you can tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books, and get to know her.
Cindy and her high school sweetheart husband live on an acreage with their two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
July 30, 2019
I love the Hazel Green series! This latest installment featuring Dixon and Rachel is great - Surprising and sweet with a little dash of lurking evil! One And Only You by Cindy Kirk is a must read, while you don’t have to read the two books prior to it in the series, I recommend it. All of the Hazel Green characters are unique and Cindy Kirk does an amazing job telling their stories. Quick, clean, fun read!
"I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it."
"I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it."
September 3, 2019
Dixon Carlyle runs into his sister’s friend Rachel Grabinski in the Palmer House Hotel lobby. Dixon realizes that something or someone has upset Rachel. He reaches out to Rachel and takes her out for an early dinner. Rachel finds Dixon easy to talk to and a good listener. She confides to Dixon that she came to the city to surprise her boyfriend; only she was the one surprised as he was in bed with another woman.
I loved the pairing of Rachel and Dixon—it’s a perfect opposites attract romance. Rachel’s back story showed that she had strength and patience; she raised her brothers and sisters after her parents died. She enjoys her job as the volunteer coordinator at the Hazel Green Food Bank-she believes in its mission. I adored Dixon in his sister Nell’s story; One Step Away. Dixon is a charming businessman-and he’s got secrets—big secrets.
Cindy Kirk does a fabulous job with the Marc-Rachel-Dixon triangle. Marc believes he can win Rachel back by lying and manipulating. This tactic has worked in the past and he presses forward to win her back. Rachel is sweet and way too trusting—I loved how her character developed in this novel. She became confident as her friendship with Dixon evolved. Dixon’s past is complicated and past actions may be catching up with him. I loved that he wanted to change-and be a better person when he fell in love with Rachel. Is he ready to confront his past actions and risk losing Rachel?
The conclusion to the novel has several unexpected twists. Nell’s conversation with Rachel was perfectly written—it hits all the high notes—and it resonates with Rachel. I loved that the author put a lot of obstacles in these characters path—she didn’t make it easy for them.
Rachel and Dixon’s story is emotional—it’s full of family history and complicated relationships. Their story is about building a relationship based on trust; and there is passion between this couple—all of the elements of a fabulous read!
I loved the pairing of Rachel and Dixon—it’s a perfect opposites attract romance. Rachel’s back story showed that she had strength and patience; she raised her brothers and sisters after her parents died. She enjoys her job as the volunteer coordinator at the Hazel Green Food Bank-she believes in its mission. I adored Dixon in his sister Nell’s story; One Step Away. Dixon is a charming businessman-and he’s got secrets—big secrets.
Cindy Kirk does a fabulous job with the Marc-Rachel-Dixon triangle. Marc believes he can win Rachel back by lying and manipulating. This tactic has worked in the past and he presses forward to win her back. Rachel is sweet and way too trusting—I loved how her character developed in this novel. She became confident as her friendship with Dixon evolved. Dixon’s past is complicated and past actions may be catching up with him. I loved that he wanted to change-and be a better person when he fell in love with Rachel. Is he ready to confront his past actions and risk losing Rachel?
The conclusion to the novel has several unexpected twists. Nell’s conversation with Rachel was perfectly written—it hits all the high notes—and it resonates with Rachel. I loved that the author put a lot of obstacles in these characters path—she didn’t make it easy for them.
Rachel and Dixon’s story is emotional—it’s full of family history and complicated relationships. Their story is about building a relationship based on trust; and there is passion between this couple—all of the elements of a fabulous read!
September 24, 2019
Rachel & Dixon book, i love the cover, so springy, happy & fun! ... i know Cindy's writing, she has become 1 of my fave, go 2 author to check out often ...but this is the first book in this particular series I have read. it is in KU, if u have that service. this read has an HEA for these characters ... really that. well written, easy to follow ... will always read more from Cindy.
April 25, 2022
I like the scenes with the food bank a bit more than the scenes when they are together. I am puzzled by Hazel Green. Is it a town, a hotel or a person. I did not know that this was part of a series so the others probably need to be read first.
May 28, 2024
Enjoyable quick read
Loved this sweet story of friendship, love and loyalty with a twist!
Dixon and Rachel were perfect for one another as well as Nell and Leo, their friendship took much love, trust and understanding.
Loved this sweet story of friendship, love and loyalty with a twist!
Dixon and Rachel were perfect for one another as well as Nell and Leo, their friendship took much love, trust and understanding.
August 30, 2019
I've really enjoyed the Hazel Green series, and I was excited to get an advanced reader copy of this one for review.
I think One & Only You is my favorite in the series - it kept me reading way past my bedtime :) This one focuses on Rachel, who we saw briefly in the first two books of the series with her annoying boyfriend Marc. None of Rachel's friends liked Marc, but they put up with him for Rachel's sake (I suspect we've all seen/been in that situation at times.) Early in this book, Rachel breaks up with him, and at the same time a growing friendship with Dixon develops.
Some of the things I really liked about this book: I thought the emotional abuse/manipulation was well described. Rachel was very strong, and handled things well - but I liked how the book showed how persuasive and convincing abusers can be. I also liked that Rachel and Dixon were friends and he supported things - it wasn't insta-romance. And I loved seeing characters from the past books and how their families and relationships are developing. This book would be fine as a stand-alone, but it gives extra satisfaction to catch up with previously loved characters.
I think One & Only You is my favorite in the series - it kept me reading way past my bedtime :) This one focuses on Rachel, who we saw briefly in the first two books of the series with her annoying boyfriend Marc. None of Rachel's friends liked Marc, but they put up with him for Rachel's sake (I suspect we've all seen/been in that situation at times.) Early in this book, Rachel breaks up with him, and at the same time a growing friendship with Dixon develops.
Some of the things I really liked about this book: I thought the emotional abuse/manipulation was well described. Rachel was very strong, and handled things well - but I liked how the book showed how persuasive and convincing abusers can be. I also liked that Rachel and Dixon were friends and he supported things - it wasn't insta-romance. And I loved seeing characters from the past books and how their families and relationships are developing. This book would be fine as a stand-alone, but it gives extra satisfaction to catch up with previously loved characters.
August 16, 2019
Rachel Grabinski decided to surprise her boyfriend. When she catches him in bed with another woman, her heart and her spirit are wounded. Starting another relationship is the last thing on her mind. On the surface, gorgeous, and successful Dixon Carlyle is every woman’s dream. But, he has secrets from his past that could derail the life he’s been building in Hazel Green. When he sees Rachel, he feels the need to protect her. Could he lose his heart in the process? Can Rachel risk her heart again?
This book is the best one of the Hazel Green series so far. I loved the main characters and could feel their pain. I loved it when Dixon played the hero. He was always there for Rachel. Rachel seemed to gain more confidence to handle her situation, and was able to try new things. I loved the growth she had shown by the end.
Thank you, Ms. Kirk, for writing stories that make us believe in happy endings! I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
This book is the best one of the Hazel Green series so far. I loved the main characters and could feel their pain. I loved it when Dixon played the hero. He was always there for Rachel. Rachel seemed to gain more confidence to handle her situation, and was able to try new things. I loved the growth she had shown by the end.
Thank you, Ms. Kirk, for writing stories that make us believe in happy endings! I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
September 3, 2019
I love Cindy Kirk book and never found one I don’t want to read and I never regretted one.
This book about Rachel and Dixon is the one I wanted to read as I thought Marc was never for her and I thought this be my favourite couple. However I love Nell and Leo more which surprised me.
I think Rachel was a bit too doubtful of herself that it made me not like her as much as I thought. Dixon I loved more than expected which surprised me again. I like being surprised though.
The book overall I liked how they come together and how much Dixon loved Nell. I glad that it worked out and I hope in future books Marc gets what coming to him.
I rated the book 4 star just because I didn’t like Rachel as much as I wanted gand I can’t put my finger on it yet but there was just something I didn’t 100% like about her.
It great book as part of the series and I looking forward to the other characters. I will still always love Good Hope though and want more of those characters first!
This book about Rachel and Dixon is the one I wanted to read as I thought Marc was never for her and I thought this be my favourite couple. However I love Nell and Leo more which surprised me.
I think Rachel was a bit too doubtful of herself that it made me not like her as much as I thought. Dixon I loved more than expected which surprised me again. I like being surprised though.
The book overall I liked how they come together and how much Dixon loved Nell. I glad that it worked out and I hope in future books Marc gets what coming to him.
I rated the book 4 star just because I didn’t like Rachel as much as I wanted gand I can’t put my finger on it yet but there was just something I didn’t 100% like about her.
It great book as part of the series and I looking forward to the other characters. I will still always love Good Hope though and want more of those characters first!
September 1, 2019
I give this book 5 stars. The storyline between Rachel and Dixon was well written and a awesome read. I whole heartedly recommend this book. Rachel is coming out of a bad relationship, Dixon has some legal issues. Is this a rebound relationship? This is a great series by a great Author. I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
March 2, 2022
Great!
This is a love story I was not expecting after reading 2 previous books. It involves Dixon and Rachel! Rachel catches Marc in his hotel room in a compromising situation and walks away. Dixon is attending the same conference in Chicsgo, runs into Rachel that evening and takes her to dinner. This is the start of their casual, sweet friendship. Marc refuses to be ignored,, causes problems, and Dixon's past with his psychotic mother causes problems, as well!The reader gets a great love story!
This is a love story I was not expecting after reading 2 previous books. It involves Dixon and Rachel! Rachel catches Marc in his hotel room in a compromising situation and walks away. Dixon is attending the same conference in Chicsgo, runs into Rachel that evening and takes her to dinner. This is the start of their casual, sweet friendship. Marc refuses to be ignored,, causes problems, and Dixon's past with his psychotic mother causes problems, as well!The reader gets a great love story!
September 24, 2023
Rachel Grabinski has just broken up with her boyfriend after catching him cheating on her. She wants to swear off men. However as her former boyfriend starts harassing her, Dixon Carlyle steps in to protect her. He has a difficult past with an abusive and manipulative mother who led a life of crime. Dixon has been avoiding involvement with anyone because he fears that his mother will find him and try to destroy his life. They never intended to fall in love, but it is not an easy start for them.
Want to read
September 24, 2020On kindle located in the book Cindy Kirk's Spring Romance Collection: An uplifting collection of heartwarming stories that will make you smile
January 7, 2021
Story was okay
It may just be me but I felt the story's ending was abrupt, rushed and didn't bring sufficient closure.
I had a hard time with the female lead character development. I found it too wishy washy.
It may just be me but I felt the story's ending was abrupt, rushed and didn't bring sufficient closure.
I had a hard time with the female lead character development. I found it too wishy washy.
October 28, 2021
Another excellent novel about imperfection and trust
Enjoyed this novel immensely. It is so easy to judge without knowing all the facts, and hard to trust no matter what. We all can learn lessons from this romance.
Enjoyed this novel immensely. It is so easy to judge without knowing all the facts, and hard to trust no matter what. We all can learn lessons from this romance.
April 16, 2023
A very good book
This book shared alot of emotion and caring. It really shared community and the loyalty of family and friends . The romance was pure love and so delightful to read. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
This book shared alot of emotion and caring. It really shared community and the loyalty of family and friends . The romance was pure love and so delightful to read. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
January 31, 2024
Enjoyable Read!
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are engaging and amazing the connection is undeniable throughout the pages. The storyline flowed easily throughout the pages. A must read!
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are engaging and amazing the connection is undeniable throughout the pages. The storyline flowed easily throughout the pages. A must read!
July 23, 2025
Rachael
A lonely woman striving to make her independent way finds herself dismissing the guy she has followed for awhile and finding the man who will be her strength and shoulder to lean on. Lots of old characters to sweeten the story.
A lonely woman striving to make her independent way finds herself dismissing the guy she has followed for awhile and finding the man who will be her strength and shoulder to lean on. Lots of old characters to sweeten the story.
April 2, 2021
New Favorite Author!!!
Oh my what’s wonderful series this is I can’t die i can’t decide which book is my favorite.I plan on reading more of her books.
Oh my what’s wonderful series this is I can’t die i can’t decide which book is my favorite.I plan on reading more of her books.
July 20, 2024
The truth revealed about a cheating boyfriend and an unlikely rogue to the rescue and then love showed up. Great read.
June 19, 2025
So glad the book started with her breaking up with the douche. Loved it starting the final book shortly… I started the serious on the 17th and already on book 4 thanks to audible
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2020
I really dont know what made me read the third book in a serie..you really don´t do such a thing. It´s kinda cute, not something you must read but still cute. It can be read as a standalone but i think it would have been better to read the two before to get the background.
July 27, 2019
Rachel lives in the small town of Hazel Green. She has raised her younger siblings and now she works at the area food bank as well as doing volunteer jobs all over town. Rachel is an optimistic and cheerful woman. She has been involved with Marc for about a year. Nearly everyone in town has tried to discourage Rachel from spending any time with Marc. He does not treat her well, but she wants to believe the best about him. He spends a good amount of their time together telling her what is wrong with her and how great he is.
She has gone into Chicago to surprise him. He has been attending a financial conference and he wanted her to come into town to see him today. She had explained her work schedule would not allow her to take time off.
But, things have come together and she will be able to have dinner with him.
When she finds him in his hotel room with a woman who is not completely dressed, Rachel finally realizes that he is not an honest man. And he certainly is not a man she wants in her life. Rachel now understands what other people saw. Marc is a narcissistic rat.
In tears, as she is leaving the hotel, she runs into Dixon. He is the brother of one of her best friends. Dixon does not want to leave her alone when she is so upset, so he distracts her by asking her to dinner.
They do not know one another well. As Dixon tries to draw Rachel out he discovers that she is in a fragile state of mind. He also discovers that she is a very nice person. The time they spend together allows Dixon to decide he will try to protect Rachel from Marc. He is pretty sure that Marc will not easily give up on Rachel.
Dixon and his sister Nell had a terrible childhood. Both of them have become different people, literally and figuratively. They want to move forward and live lives which are filled with joy not terror and abuse. Finding themselves in Hazel Green has been a wonderful happenstance for both of them.
As Dixon spends time with Rachel, he is surprised to find that he enjoys being with her. She is unlike the sophisticated women who usually get his attention. She is a genuine person and that is an attractive trait.
The small town of Hazel Green is populated by people who care about one another. When someone moves to town, they are generally drawn into the warmth and friendship. The population and the town are as important to the story as any character in the book.
This is a terrific story. Although it is the third in a series, it works as a stand alone read. Characters are introduced and past events are explained.
Ms Kirk has created a story which shows that life is filled with surprises. It also illustrates that even a person who tries to do good in the world, is not always successful as hoped. But, that does not prevent people from continuing to try to do good.
Rachel is a strong young woman who has faced a difficult life and come through things successfully. She is smart, trusting and caring. If she has any fault it is that she is not always understanding of the mistakes of the people around her. She does not realize that people admire her for her character as well as her beauty.
Dixon has lived a life as a sophisticated and successful finance expert. He has not allowed his boundaries to be crossed. In his heart, he is a man who is seeking all the things in life he missed as a child. Rachel shows Dixon that life can be sunnier than he ever believed.
This story has two people who get to know one another and learn that trusting and caring are all good things. It is also about finding support and friendship in the people who surround you.
Ms Kirk writes stories which are based on small towns populated by good people. There is an ongoing theme of people who make good neighbors and ultimately make good small towns.
A reader can enjoy this book without reading the first two books in the series. I would recommend that if you get a chance, your enjoyment will be greater if you can read the first two books in this series.
I also believe that people will wish they lived in a town like Hazel Green.
I received this book from the author. I am voluntarily writing this review. All opinions are completely my own.
She has gone into Chicago to surprise him. He has been attending a financial conference and he wanted her to come into town to see him today. She had explained her work schedule would not allow her to take time off.
But, things have come together and she will be able to have dinner with him.
When she finds him in his hotel room with a woman who is not completely dressed, Rachel finally realizes that he is not an honest man. And he certainly is not a man she wants in her life. Rachel now understands what other people saw. Marc is a narcissistic rat.
In tears, as she is leaving the hotel, she runs into Dixon. He is the brother of one of her best friends. Dixon does not want to leave her alone when she is so upset, so he distracts her by asking her to dinner.
They do not know one another well. As Dixon tries to draw Rachel out he discovers that she is in a fragile state of mind. He also discovers that she is a very nice person. The time they spend together allows Dixon to decide he will try to protect Rachel from Marc. He is pretty sure that Marc will not easily give up on Rachel.
Dixon and his sister Nell had a terrible childhood. Both of them have become different people, literally and figuratively. They want to move forward and live lives which are filled with joy not terror and abuse. Finding themselves in Hazel Green has been a wonderful happenstance for both of them.
As Dixon spends time with Rachel, he is surprised to find that he enjoys being with her. She is unlike the sophisticated women who usually get his attention. She is a genuine person and that is an attractive trait.
The small town of Hazel Green is populated by people who care about one another. When someone moves to town, they are generally drawn into the warmth and friendship. The population and the town are as important to the story as any character in the book.
This is a terrific story. Although it is the third in a series, it works as a stand alone read. Characters are introduced and past events are explained.
Ms Kirk has created a story which shows that life is filled with surprises. It also illustrates that even a person who tries to do good in the world, is not always successful as hoped. But, that does not prevent people from continuing to try to do good.
Rachel is a strong young woman who has faced a difficult life and come through things successfully. She is smart, trusting and caring. If she has any fault it is that she is not always understanding of the mistakes of the people around her. She does not realize that people admire her for her character as well as her beauty.
Dixon has lived a life as a sophisticated and successful finance expert. He has not allowed his boundaries to be crossed. In his heart, he is a man who is seeking all the things in life he missed as a child. Rachel shows Dixon that life can be sunnier than he ever believed.
This story has two people who get to know one another and learn that trusting and caring are all good things. It is also about finding support and friendship in the people who surround you.
Ms Kirk writes stories which are based on small towns populated by good people. There is an ongoing theme of people who make good neighbors and ultimately make good small towns.
A reader can enjoy this book without reading the first two books in the series. I would recommend that if you get a chance, your enjoyment will be greater if you can read the first two books in this series.
I also believe that people will wish they lived in a town like Hazel Green.
I received this book from the author. I am voluntarily writing this review. All opinions are completely my own.
March 18, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It was very cute and as always Ms Kirk has twists and turns.
September 4, 2019
Rachel Grabinski works at Hazel Green’s food bank and volunteers as much as she can in the town. Rachel has been in a relationship with Marc for around a year, much to the town’s dismay. Marc is not good for Rachel and does not treat her well; however, because of Rachel’s kind heart, she tries to see the best in him. When Rachel goes to surprise Marc at a conference, she finds him with a half-clad woman.
Finally, Rachel realizes that everyone in Hazel Green was right about Marc and ends the relationship with him. As she is leaving the hotel, she bumps into Dixon. Dixon sees that she has been crying and is upset. Dixon, being the kind of guy that he is, doesn’t want to leave her alone and asks her to go to dinner.
As their relationship begins to flourish, Dixon decides he will do everything in his power to protect her from Marc. Dixon realizes what a fantastic person Rachel is and enjoys spending as much time as possible with her. Unlike the other type of women who are attracted to Dixon, Rachel is genuine.
Dixon’s childhood wasn’t that great, and he seeks out the things that he missed in his childhood, which is why Hazel Green is the perfect community for him. Every person in the town cares for one another and work hard to ensure their small town remains a place of light and hope.
Unfortunately, some legal issues lurk over Dixon. Will the couple learn to trust again and develop a relationship worth fighting for?
This is a must-read book by Cindy Kirk. Although it is the third book in the Hazel Green Series, it can be read without reading the first two books; however, the series is so great that you will want to read all of them.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publisher. I am voluntarily writing this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Finally, Rachel realizes that everyone in Hazel Green was right about Marc and ends the relationship with him. As she is leaving the hotel, she bumps into Dixon. Dixon sees that she has been crying and is upset. Dixon, being the kind of guy that he is, doesn’t want to leave her alone and asks her to go to dinner.
As their relationship begins to flourish, Dixon decides he will do everything in his power to protect her from Marc. Dixon realizes what a fantastic person Rachel is and enjoys spending as much time as possible with her. Unlike the other type of women who are attracted to Dixon, Rachel is genuine.
Dixon’s childhood wasn’t that great, and he seeks out the things that he missed in his childhood, which is why Hazel Green is the perfect community for him. Every person in the town cares for one another and work hard to ensure their small town remains a place of light and hope.
Unfortunately, some legal issues lurk over Dixon. Will the couple learn to trust again and develop a relationship worth fighting for?
This is a must-read book by Cindy Kirk. Although it is the third book in the Hazel Green Series, it can be read without reading the first two books; however, the series is so great that you will want to read all of them.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publisher. I am voluntarily writing this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
July 28, 2019
“You & Only You” A new story by Cindy Kirk in the Hazel Green Series, explores the growing friendship between Rachel Grabinski and Dixon Carlyle.
Rachel has recently kicked her boyfriend of 3 years Marc Koenig to the curb. Finding him in his hotel room with another woman and then claiming it was her fault that he cheated on her has opened her eyes. She finally sees how Marc has been emotionally manipulating her for the entire length of their relationship.
Dixon has his own personal issues to deal with. His sister, happily; is getting married. But to take from that happiness, their mother, Gloria; is rearing her ugly head and trying to worm her way out of a prison sentence by putting the blame for her crimes squarely on the shoulders on her son. Dixon has been living under the radar for years now and desperately wants the normalcy and to stay in the town he and his sister now call home now. Unfortunately, having Gloria doing a strategic media blitz on her claimed innocence and having Dixon tried in the papers as guilty will bring his new life and possibly his new love to a screeching halt.
Dixon has always kept his relationships surface only, never getting too involved out of fear that is until he gets to know Rachel. Running into her when she needed a friend the most was accidental but can this fledgling relationship survive to blossom? Will Marc actually accept Rachel telling him it’s over and not cause trouble?
"I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it." I enjoyed reading “You & Only You” and easily give it 5 stars. I’m looking forward to the next story in this series.
Rachel has recently kicked her boyfriend of 3 years Marc Koenig to the curb. Finding him in his hotel room with another woman and then claiming it was her fault that he cheated on her has opened her eyes. She finally sees how Marc has been emotionally manipulating her for the entire length of their relationship.
Dixon has his own personal issues to deal with. His sister, happily; is getting married. But to take from that happiness, their mother, Gloria; is rearing her ugly head and trying to worm her way out of a prison sentence by putting the blame for her crimes squarely on the shoulders on her son. Dixon has been living under the radar for years now and desperately wants the normalcy and to stay in the town he and his sister now call home now. Unfortunately, having Gloria doing a strategic media blitz on her claimed innocence and having Dixon tried in the papers as guilty will bring his new life and possibly his new love to a screeching halt.
Dixon has always kept his relationships surface only, never getting too involved out of fear that is until he gets to know Rachel. Running into her when she needed a friend the most was accidental but can this fledgling relationship survive to blossom? Will Marc actually accept Rachel telling him it’s over and not cause trouble?
"I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it." I enjoyed reading “You & Only You” and easily give it 5 stars. I’m looking forward to the next story in this series.
September 19, 2019
I absolutely loved this book and each one in the “Hazel Green” Series so far. I enjoyed the overall plot, the characters Rachel Grabinski and Dixon Carlyle. I was not a fan of Marc Koenig. He showed all the signs of a self-centered, controlling person. He was not respectful of Rachel by sleeping with another woman. He then tried to bully his way back into her favor by putting the blame on her.
Rachel meets up unexpectedly with Dixon while he was at a meeting and after she had discovered her boyfriend’s infidelity. Dixon is a brother to Rachel’s good friend Nell.
Dixon enjoys getting to know Rachel. However, he has a past that holds him back from getting close to people. Dixon and Nell were raised by a woman who was a narcissist. She was abusive and manipulative. Dixon did many things he is sorry for when he was a boy and a young man. At the time he did what his mother, Gloria, wanted him to do to avoid her wrath. When Dixon left home, he made something out of his life. His mother was in jail but still manipulating and she was out to destroy her children’s lives if it would benefit her.
I loved watching the relationship between Dixon and Rachel grow. They each had obstacles to overcome but love and forgiveness prevailed and their journey to forever left me with butterflies in my stomach.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it. “One & Only You” was a heartfelt, enjoyable small-town romance at its best and I look forward to the next story in this series. This book can definitely be read as a stand-alone but I recommend the whole series.
Rachel meets up unexpectedly with Dixon while he was at a meeting and after she had discovered her boyfriend’s infidelity. Dixon is a brother to Rachel’s good friend Nell.
Dixon enjoys getting to know Rachel. However, he has a past that holds him back from getting close to people. Dixon and Nell were raised by a woman who was a narcissist. She was abusive and manipulative. Dixon did many things he is sorry for when he was a boy and a young man. At the time he did what his mother, Gloria, wanted him to do to avoid her wrath. When Dixon left home, he made something out of his life. His mother was in jail but still manipulating and she was out to destroy her children’s lives if it would benefit her.
I loved watching the relationship between Dixon and Rachel grow. They each had obstacles to overcome but love and forgiveness prevailed and their journey to forever left me with butterflies in my stomach.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it. “One & Only You” was a heartfelt, enjoyable small-town romance at its best and I look forward to the next story in this series. This book can definitely be read as a stand-alone but I recommend the whole series.
August 20, 2019
Love comes in the most unexpected places.
Rachel was in a rut. She was also in denial that she was a rut. Sometimes, though, fate gives us a nudge and wakes us up to the reality of our lives. Rachel's awakening was a little bit rude, for sure. Little did she know, that rude awakening was the beginning of something wonderful.
Dixon, on the other hand, was trying to keep to himself, watch from the sidelines, not get involved. He has baggage, and he feels like this baggage means he does not deserve to find love.
Seems like a match made in heaven, right? Well... maybe.
As with any love story, there are many twists and turns along the way, as well as an annoying douche named Marc, in this case. That is what I love about how Cindy Kirk wrote this book - it is not just boy rescues girl, they fall in love and ride off into the sunset. It is love with a huge does of real life and real life problems -- conniving mothers, mental hindrances, friends having opinions. All these makes this book so much more relatable. So much more real.
It is, as always, well written and well paced. I loved reconnecting with other characters I have met and loved from Hazel Green, especially Eva Grace! I loved that there was enough conflict to make things interesting, and I loved that in the end, all is well that ends well.
**I received an ARC of this book, but this review is written voluntarily and all opinions herein are my own.
Rachel was in a rut. She was also in denial that she was a rut. Sometimes, though, fate gives us a nudge and wakes us up to the reality of our lives. Rachel's awakening was a little bit rude, for sure. Little did she know, that rude awakening was the beginning of something wonderful.
Dixon, on the other hand, was trying to keep to himself, watch from the sidelines, not get involved. He has baggage, and he feels like this baggage means he does not deserve to find love.
Seems like a match made in heaven, right? Well... maybe.
As with any love story, there are many twists and turns along the way, as well as an annoying douche named Marc, in this case. That is what I love about how Cindy Kirk wrote this book - it is not just boy rescues girl, they fall in love and ride off into the sunset. It is love with a huge does of real life and real life problems -- conniving mothers, mental hindrances, friends having opinions. All these makes this book so much more relatable. So much more real.
It is, as always, well written and well paced. I loved reconnecting with other characters I have met and loved from Hazel Green, especially Eva Grace! I loved that there was enough conflict to make things interesting, and I loved that in the end, all is well that ends well.
**I received an ARC of this book, but this review is written voluntarily and all opinions herein are my own.
August 28, 2019
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it.
This is the third book in the Hazel Green series and the one I have enjoyed the most. This is Rachel and Dixon's story, characters we have met in previous books but didn't know too much about them. Dixon is Nell's sister so we knew his background partly from her book, but we get a lot more detail in this story. Rachel, likewise, we've met her before with her previous boyfriend, a nasty, manipulative piece of work called Marc.
We meet Rachel at a vulnerable time in her life when she catches Marc cheating on her and Dixon is the friend who is there at the right place and the right time. A friendship develops which becomes so much more to both of them with time.
I loved that we got more time to get to know Rachel and Dixon before things happened and hurrah our heroine, Rachel, wears glasses. How fab, I have a woman I can identify with in the lead role. Thanks Cindy. We all need women we can relate to.
Rachel is a lovely character who's previous boyfriend walked all over her and used emotional abuse to control her, this was well written about and Dixon was an amazing support for her, especially as he was carrying baggage as well. Two troubled people who learned to trust again and move on.
It ended a little abruptly for me, I wanted another chapter between the last one and the epilogue but I really enjoyed this book.
This is the third book in the Hazel Green series and the one I have enjoyed the most. This is Rachel and Dixon's story, characters we have met in previous books but didn't know too much about them. Dixon is Nell's sister so we knew his background partly from her book, but we get a lot more detail in this story. Rachel, likewise, we've met her before with her previous boyfriend, a nasty, manipulative piece of work called Marc.
We meet Rachel at a vulnerable time in her life when she catches Marc cheating on her and Dixon is the friend who is there at the right place and the right time. A friendship develops which becomes so much more to both of them with time.
I loved that we got more time to get to know Rachel and Dixon before things happened and hurrah our heroine, Rachel, wears glasses. How fab, I have a woman I can identify with in the lead role. Thanks Cindy. We all need women we can relate to.
Rachel is a lovely character who's previous boyfriend walked all over her and used emotional abuse to control her, this was well written about and Dixon was an amazing support for her, especially as he was carrying baggage as well. Two troubled people who learned to trust again and move on.
It ended a little abruptly for me, I wanted another chapter between the last one and the epilogue but I really enjoyed this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2019
Hello everyone!
One and Only You by Cindy
"I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it."
I absolutely want to move to Hazel Green. I love the town and community! I love how everyone pulls together and looks out for their neighbors. I felt terrible for both Nell and Dixon being raised the way they were and I’m happy to see they both changed their lives and handle their problems without running and hiding. Dixon should have been more like Marc based on how he was raised but he wasn’t. He chose to change his life and be the man he was inside instead of following his Mother’s example. I applaud him. I genuinely liked him as a person.
For being a very smart person, I think Rachel gave Marc too many chances and excuses for his narcissist behavior. She raised her siblings. She grew up fast. She’s a strong person to have done that on her own at such a young age so I wondered why she was with Marc for over a year with the way he treated her. I just didn’t understand that. If she was raised sheltered or unloved, I could see how someone like him could ensnare her with his smooth talking but she wasn’t. She’s stood on her own for years raising her family.
I did like the story. It’s a good fast read which I appreciate. I only wish that Marc would have gotten more than he did. I wanted something more from the build up with his aggressiveness. I needed him to be run out of town or something.
Melinda 😊
One and Only You by Cindy
"I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it."
I absolutely want to move to Hazel Green. I love the town and community! I love how everyone pulls together and looks out for their neighbors. I felt terrible for both Nell and Dixon being raised the way they were and I’m happy to see they both changed their lives and handle their problems without running and hiding. Dixon should have been more like Marc based on how he was raised but he wasn’t. He chose to change his life and be the man he was inside instead of following his Mother’s example. I applaud him. I genuinely liked him as a person.
For being a very smart person, I think Rachel gave Marc too many chances and excuses for his narcissist behavior. She raised her siblings. She grew up fast. She’s a strong person to have done that on her own at such a young age so I wondered why she was with Marc for over a year with the way he treated her. I just didn’t understand that. If she was raised sheltered or unloved, I could see how someone like him could ensnare her with his smooth talking but she wasn’t. She’s stood on her own for years raising her family.
I did like the story. It’s a good fast read which I appreciate. I only wish that Marc would have gotten more than he did. I wanted something more from the build up with his aggressiveness. I needed him to be run out of town or something.
Melinda 😊
September 1, 2019
Cindy knows how to write about small towns, first Good Hopes and now Hazel Green. I love it. This book is about Rachel and Dixon. Although the book starts off with Rachel catching her boyfriend Marc with another woman, it continues as Marc doesn’t want to give up, but Dixon has already swooped in as a friend of course.
Rachel is a woman who devoted her life raising her own siblings after their parents passed giving up her own childhood, so in town she is looked as the woman that is tender and fragile, but Rachel is stronger than people give her credit for and they soon find out. Dixon is Nell’s brother and he and his sister have been fighting to keep their mother in jail for a lot of crimes, but Dixon might see jail time as well, is this a secret he is willing to share with Rachel? I will not give out too much on the book in order to avoid spoiling it. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
Cindy’s stories are all about a love story not only between a couple but also between family and friends. This book is about being strong, resilient and trustworthy. In this book a woman has choices and ever with a hard past, one chooses their destiny without remorse. Cindy gets you to laugh, cry and believe that there is always greatness if you look for it. I love the description of the town, of the outdoors and of the love that friends and family portray.
Rachel is a woman who devoted her life raising her own siblings after their parents passed giving up her own childhood, so in town she is looked as the woman that is tender and fragile, but Rachel is stronger than people give her credit for and they soon find out. Dixon is Nell’s brother and he and his sister have been fighting to keep their mother in jail for a lot of crimes, but Dixon might see jail time as well, is this a secret he is willing to share with Rachel? I will not give out too much on the book in order to avoid spoiling it. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
Cindy’s stories are all about a love story not only between a couple but also between family and friends. This book is about being strong, resilient and trustworthy. In this book a woman has choices and ever with a hard past, one chooses their destiny without remorse. Cindy gets you to laugh, cry and believe that there is always greatness if you look for it. I love the description of the town, of the outdoors and of the love that friends and family portray.
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