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Haven Point #0.5
A Haven Point Beginning
New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne brings readers a heartwarming snowed-in romance in this prequel novella!Gemma Summerhill wanted a fresh start in Haven Point, a place where no one knew about her accident and would treat her like a fragile rose because of it. Getting stranded on the side of a mountain was not part of that plan, nor was being rescued by Josh Bailey—a man too confident for his own good—and going back to his ranch to wait out the storm. But the snow isn’t letting up, and with a warm fire keeping them cozy, Gemma and Josh might let their guards down…if past grief doesn’t overshadow their present—and future.
Check out the rest of the Haven Point series!
1. Snow Angel Cove
2. Redemption Bay
3. Evergreen Springs
4. Riverbend Road
5. Snowfall on Haven Point
6. Serenity Harbor
7. Sugar Pine Trail
8. The Cottages on Silver Beach
9. Season of Wonder
10. Coming Home for Christmas
11. Summer at Lake Haven
Don't miss Thayne's next release, The Path to Sunshine Cove: three love stories in one with the emotional pull of Debbie Macomber, Barbara Delinsky and Susan Wiggs!
Check out the rest of the Haven Point series!
1. Snow Angel Cove
2. Redemption Bay
3. Evergreen Springs
4. Riverbend Road
5. Snowfall on Haven Point
6. Serenity Harbor
7. Sugar Pine Trail
8. The Cottages on Silver Beach
9. Season of Wonder
10. Coming Home for Christmas
11. Summer at Lake Haven
Don't miss Thayne's next release, The Path to Sunshine Cove: three love stories in one with the emotional pull of Debbie Macomber, Barbara Delinsky and Susan Wiggs!
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2020
376 people are currently reading
983 people want to read
About the author
RaeAnne Thayne
311 books3,847 followersI'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
July 19, 2020
”She was trapped in a mountain hideaway, possibly for several more hours if not days, with a man she barely knew, in the middle of an October snowstorm.”
And sold because cabin + snow + man = catnip. Even in June.
Bit on the short side—I polished this off in an hour—and I could have happily read a full length book on this couple or at least a longer novella but that said a nice introduction to the series despite being published right before the last book comes out.
(And also an escape for non-fans of the Virgin River books, of which I am one.)
And sold because cabin + snow + man = catnip. Even in June.
Bit on the short side—I polished this off in an hour—and I could have happily read a full length book on this couple or at least a longer novella but that said a nice introduction to the series despite being published right before the last book comes out.
(And also an escape for non-fans of the Virgin River books, of which I am one.)
May 30, 2022
A Haven Point Beginning was a delightful read featuring a romance between a woman looking for a fresh start and the man who captures her attention.
After a tragic accident, Gemma Summerhill is looking to start over where no one knows her or about the accident. Haven Point is the perfect place to start over and Gemma is enjoying every second she spends there. That is until she ends up stranded on the side of a mountain in a sudden snow storm. Then Josh Bailey comes to her rescue, bringing her back to his ranch to wait out the storm. As the snow piles up, Gemma and Josh find themselves growing closer and realizing there may be more between them than either of them realized.
Forced proximity is one of my favorite tropes and it's done very well here. The book opens with Gemma trying to get down a mountain after a day of exploring when a sudden snow storm hits. Her car is damaged on the way down and she gets lucky that Josh was nearby and brings her to safety. While the two are waiting out the storm at Josh's ranch, they talk and grow closer while the attraction between them continues to build. I liked the connection the two shared and how at ease they were with each other. I personally prefer my romances to be steamy and have explicit content but this novella, and the series, is low-to-no steam. So while I would have liked a little bit more in that area, readers who like non-explicit romances should enjoy that aspect. Due to how short this story is, the romance develops very quickly but personally I didn't think it felt rushed.
Overall A Haven Point Beginning was an enjoyable read and I will be picking up more of the books in the series in the future.
After a tragic accident, Gemma Summerhill is looking to start over where no one knows her or about the accident. Haven Point is the perfect place to start over and Gemma is enjoying every second she spends there. That is until she ends up stranded on the side of a mountain in a sudden snow storm. Then Josh Bailey comes to her rescue, bringing her back to his ranch to wait out the storm. As the snow piles up, Gemma and Josh find themselves growing closer and realizing there may be more between them than either of them realized.
Forced proximity is one of my favorite tropes and it's done very well here. The book opens with Gemma trying to get down a mountain after a day of exploring when a sudden snow storm hits. Her car is damaged on the way down and she gets lucky that Josh was nearby and brings her to safety. While the two are waiting out the storm at Josh's ranch, they talk and grow closer while the attraction between them continues to build. I liked the connection the two shared and how at ease they were with each other. I personally prefer my romances to be steamy and have explicit content but this novella, and the series, is low-to-no steam. So while I would have liked a little bit more in that area, readers who like non-explicit romances should enjoy that aspect. Due to how short this story is, the romance develops very quickly but personally I didn't think it felt rushed.
Overall A Haven Point Beginning was an enjoyable read and I will be picking up more of the books in the series in the future.
November 23, 2020
Well that certainly ended quickly.
August 31, 2023
I blew thru this novella, which is part of one of my top favorite series. Novellas are too short to really get invested in the characters, but this one still had the charm and warmth of Ms. Thayne's full-length novels. And it has one of my favorite tropes: being snowed-in together. A storm leaves Gemma stranded high in the snowy mountains close to Haven Point, but she is rescued by Josh and stays overnight in his warm, cozy cabin while roads are cleared.
Bonus points because there is a sweet dog, Toby!
Bonus points because there is a sweet dog, Toby!
December 19, 2023
This was a cute, very quick story. Gemma is on her way back from a hike when a sudden storm hits. She slowly makes her way back to her car after twisting her bad leg. Once she's on her way, the rainstorm turns into a snow storm, so she very quickly slows down and tries to make it down off the mountain without anything happening. A mudslide happens in front of her and she barely escapes an accident. Just as she's getting supplies out of her car, Josh shoes up and takes her to his cabin to wait out the storm. A cute intro into a series I know I'll love.
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January 12, 2025 A Haven Point Beginning
2✨
2✨
January 26, 2022
After a car accident on a very snowy night, Gemma is rescued by Josh and forced to hunker down in his home until morning. Will sparks fly in more ways than one?
This was a sweet novella and start to the Haven Point series. After reading Coming Home for Christmas, #10 in this series, I knew I needed to start at the beginning and read all of them! Since this was only an introduction to these characters, I hope they make another, more detailed appearance in future books.
Location: Haven Point, Idaho
Own on Kindle
This was a sweet novella and start to the Haven Point series. After reading Coming Home for Christmas, #10 in this series, I knew I needed to start at the beginning and read all of them! Since this was only an introduction to these characters, I hope they make another, more detailed appearance in future books.
Location: Haven Point, Idaho
Own on Kindle
August 6, 2025
Meh. It is more short story than novella. And it only happened practically one night - when Gemma finally made decent conversation with Josh (they were the couple getting married in Summer at Lake Haven; not that I remember much but the author wrote it down in "Author's Note" section 😄). Definitely NOT making any impact.
But I also didn't dislike it. So my so-so rating it is then...
But I also didn't dislike it. So my so-so rating it is then...
March 29, 2022
3.75
This very short novella (about 40 pages) was included in book 11. A fun read even if everything happen way too fast to talk about a love story (there's a HEA anyway).
Gemma arrived in Haven Point one month ago. She's trying to drive in difficult conditions (damn winter!) and feeling stressed because it also remind her of another accident she's been in before. A dog and a man comes to her rescue. She recognize Joshua Bailey, her friends's cousin.
This very short novella (about 40 pages) was included in book 11. A fun read even if everything happen way too fast to talk about a love story (there's a HEA anyway).
Gemma arrived in Haven Point one month ago. She's trying to drive in difficult conditions (damn winter!) and feeling stressed because it also remind her of another accident she's been in before. A dog and a man comes to her rescue. She recognize Joshua Bailey, her friends's cousin.
October 8, 2020
Endearing novella with "Lady" Gemma being stranded with Joshua. Wish it was a longer read!
February 3, 2021
A cute short story. I would absolutely read more about Gemma and Josh.
September 19, 2020
Good short story. Very quick read.
February 2, 2021
Barely a book but did clarify some aspects of the other books.
August 25, 2020
Josh and Gemma's Snow Bound Tryst! 3.25*****Spoiler Alert.
Lady Gemma, working incognito for Caine Tech in Haven Point, is rescued by her secret admirer, horse back riding, Sports\Camping Chain stores owner, Josh and his dog, as her car skidded off the road into a tree to avoid the snowy mudslide post fires. Initially leery of Josh, Gemma slowly revealed her guilt ridden past involving the death of her favorite older, Earl-dom bound brother and opened her heart to his smooth moves. Rescued, quickly morphed into lust, and a HEA.
Great character development, the story's narration unfolded at a decent pace, although the reason for Josh's presence on that road in horse back during a snow storm, is never revealed. That along with his first hand knowledge of her past, could be bordering on creepy, stalking behavior. They are both chalking this meeting up to 'kismet'. Quick read, with fate and ordained outcomes as a prevailing theme. Definitely a Summer novel...Cute!!
08/23/20 - 08/24/20 Covid-19 CAShInPl.
Lady Gemma, working incognito for Caine Tech in Haven Point, is rescued by her secret admirer, horse back riding, Sports\Camping Chain stores owner, Josh and his dog, as her car skidded off the road into a tree to avoid the snowy mudslide post fires. Initially leery of Josh, Gemma slowly revealed her guilt ridden past involving the death of her favorite older, Earl-dom bound brother and opened her heart to his smooth moves. Rescued, quickly morphed into lust, and a HEA.
Great character development, the story's narration unfolded at a decent pace, although the reason for Josh's presence on that road in horse back during a snow storm, is never revealed. That along with his first hand knowledge of her past, could be bordering on creepy, stalking behavior. They are both chalking this meeting up to 'kismet'. Quick read, with fate and ordained outcomes as a prevailing theme. Definitely a Summer novel...Cute!!
08/23/20 - 08/24/20 Covid-19 CAShInPl.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 9, 2021I did, in fact, finish reading this. However, I'm not going to rate it because I don't even know how to process this ridiculously short novella. It's like ten scenes long. I read it in less than half an hour. I've read every book in this series. I've generally liked this series. I know Gemma. (I don't remember Josh that much, admittedly). But god was this a weird novella. There's literally no build-up to anything, and it was frankly unbelievable because of its length, but I really wanted an actual book of it. So I don't know how I feel. It's like 1 star for length, 5 for potential.
I mean, it's really short. It's so short I don't even feel comfortable marking a date so it counts for my reading challenge.
I mean, it's really short. It's so short I don't even feel comfortable marking a date so it counts for my reading challenge.
November 5, 2025
This was a nice story between Gemma, Ian's sister, and Joshua Bailey, the cousin of the Bailey's we know. This would've been a lovely long book, but as a novella, I understand it would be so fast. And it was....
some spoilers:
I would love it if Gemma liked Joshua as well way before both of them kissed the same night she knew him more. But that wasn't the case... and it just looked like eh. And I found it funny how Joshua was so straightforward about it. But oh well, a novella. It just looked like the author was a bit rushing... Idk, was there like a word limit? 😅
Anyway, all in all, the setting, the plot, the story line... everything's perfect! (except for some stuffs I shared) anyway, good side story of Gemma and Josh!
some spoilers:
I would love it if Gemma liked Joshua as well way before both of them kissed the same night she knew him more. But that wasn't the case... and it just looked like eh. And I found it funny how Joshua was so straightforward about it. But oh well, a novella. It just looked like the author was a bit rushing... Idk, was there like a word limit? 😅
Anyway, all in all, the setting, the plot, the story line... everything's perfect! (except for some stuffs I shared) anyway, good side story of Gemma and Josh!
November 25, 2020
Josh Bailey was aware of Gemma Summerhill after reading of the traffic accident she was involved in while he was in England to meet with her father. Josh wanted to carry Summer Rods in his store as they were considered the best by anglers. The company was owned by Gemma’s father. Due to the accident, Josh never met her father but was drawn to a photo of Gemma with the two brothers. Three years later, he is stunned when he finally meets her. Gemma says she was unsure when Aiden Caine first approached her about the job but something told her she had to take it. The more they talk, the more they are both attracted to each other but want to take it slow and sure.
August 14, 2022
Most of its missing - not the authors fault
Was reading what was sounding like it was going to be a very good book. I know I was as far as the fourth chapter. After that it went into a preview of her next book. It's REALLY irritating to have paid for a book that is missing 90% of it's intended content. Now I will have to buy a printed copy of the book to see if I will get the whole story.
Of course, none of this is the author's fault. I don't want this to reflect badly on her.
Was reading what was sounding like it was going to be a very good book. I know I was as far as the fourth chapter. After that it went into a preview of her next book. It's REALLY irritating to have paid for a book that is missing 90% of it's intended content. Now I will have to buy a printed copy of the book to see if I will get the whole story.
Of course, none of this is the author's fault. I don't want this to reflect badly on her.
January 6, 2023
Very short novella about Gemma Summerhill who was actually Lady Gemma Summerhill. She left England to work for Aidan Crane for his tech firm. She was also fleeing the fact that she was driving the car when her brother was killed. Although they were hit by a truck when the driver fell asleep. So she was driving into Haven Point when a mudslide occurred in front of her car and she almost flew over the mountainside. Josh came to rescue her, and they rode his horse back to his ranch and they fell in love very quickly.
October 8, 2020
What a cute, feel-good introduction to Haven Point! I’ve been wanting to read RaeAnne Thayne for a while and this was a great starting point! Even with so few pages the author was able to craft the sweet beginnings of a love story and characters I want to learn more about. I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the series!
October 31, 2020
Only the beginning
Snow bound after a land slide leaves new Caine tech hire stuck spending a night with an extremely handsome Josh Bailey, will the secret he knows about her cause a chasum between them or get here from her heart breaking past. I can't wait to find out if there is more this story. I hope it will be soon.
Snow bound after a land slide leaves new Caine tech hire stuck spending a night with an extremely handsome Josh Bailey, will the secret he knows about her cause a chasum between them or get here from her heart breaking past. I can't wait to find out if there is more this story. I hope it will be soon.
June 18, 2023
Prequel to Summer At Lake Haven
Read this is it’s a prequel to Summer At Lake Haven. I love this series of books. This was short and to the point so not sure exactly what I was expecting but thought there might be a little more substance. Hopefully this will help with the next book I’m reading.
Read this is it’s a prequel to Summer At Lake Haven. I love this series of books. This was short and to the point so not sure exactly what I was expecting but thought there might be a little more substance. Hopefully this will help with the next book I’m reading.
June 9, 2020
Much to short!! I need more of this couple. I liked the characters and the plot was a good starting point. It's not finished though. It left me hanging, expecting more. I know there's more coming but not soon enough! Such a tease.
June 16, 2020
A very sweet story!
The story of how Gemma and Joshua met is very sweet and appealing. The fact that Gemma has been on Joshua's mind since he'd read a newspaper article about her 3 years ago told them that their meeting was fated.
The story of how Gemma and Joshua met is very sweet and appealing. The fact that Gemma has been on Joshua's mind since he'd read a newspaper article about her 3 years ago told them that their meeting was fated.
August 12, 2020
I love the characters so far can't wait to finish the book.!
Good book by a very talented aithor.n
Good book by a very talented author. Can't wait to finish this book and read others by her.
Good book by a very talented aithor.n
Good book by a very talented author. Can't wait to finish this book and read others by her.
September 16, 2020
Interesting! I’m really glad I read this to learn some secrets of Gemma’s past and her family, since the latest book involves her brother. Kind of a weird “we’re meant to be together” plot point that came out of nowhere but whatever. I always try to cut novellas some slack.
April 10, 2021
Great short story
I really enjoyed this story, but it left me wanting more! It was a nice, cute read and Joshua and Gemma may need an added epilogue so my brain can fully wrap up their happy ending 💖
I really enjoyed this story, but it left me wanting more! It was a nice, cute read and Joshua and Gemma may need an added epilogue so my brain can fully wrap up their happy ending 💖
December 6, 2021
Super short story of the beginning of Gemma and Josh's relationship. I was glad to zip through this because I thought I had forgotten a book about this couple. Gemma is Ian's sister, the male lead in book 11 of this series, and her wedding to Josh is the reason that Ian is in town for the summer.
June 22, 2022
Living up to reputation
I love Raeanne books. She tells the story as if you were right there with the characters. Describing the landscape and surrounding areas makes you feel like you are there.
I love Raeanne books. She tells the story as if you were right there with the characters. Describing the landscape and surrounding areas makes you feel like you are there.
January 23, 2025
I love RaeAnne Thayne, and I love her writing style. I'm so curious as to why this book is so short and why everything is crammed into five small chapters. I would have loved a full story of Gemma and Josh.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews