The Forgotten Path

Stonehill #3

by Marci Bolden

Annie O’Connell has a business she’s built from the ground, a daughter she’s raised entirely on her own, and two younger brothers she’s protected all their lives. She’s the rock solid foundation of her family, but she relies solely on the only person she trusts to not let her down: herself.

Marcus Callison has loved Annie for as long as he’s been working at O’Connell Realty. Convincing her of this is a challenge he’s been facing for just as long. He would stand by her through thick, thin, and everything in between.

When tragedy strikes and Annie’s carefully constructed life is shattered, Marcus is determined to stand by her and help her through disaster…if only she’d let him.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

318 pages, Paperback

First published October 8, 2015

About the author

As a teen, Marci Bolden skipped over young adult books and jumped right into reading women's fiction and romance novels.

Marci lives in the Midwest with her husband and numerous rescue pets. If she had an ounce of willpower, Marci would embrace healthy living but until cupcakes and wine are no longer available at the local grocery store, she’ll put that ambition on hold and appease her guilt by reading self-help books and promising to join a gym “soon.”

Marci also writes as Marci Wilson.

Reviews

[Melanie Nordahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is another fabulous series by Marci Bolden! Love it!!!!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!!!
The Forgotten Path was a surprise for me!
I loved the writing, the characters and all the tender emotions in this story.
Annie is the boss! Strong,fiercely independent and rigid to the point of self denial.
Marcus is her coworker,who wants to be much more. He goes as far a quitting his job to eliminate the"can't be with you cus I'm your boss" situation.
One final showing together changes their lives completely!
I loved that Annie and Marcus are older characters. Really tired of the twenty somethings!!! I loved the sarcasm,wit and devotion of these two characters.
Marci Boudreaux writes with tenderness affection and heart. Her characters are so well written you want to be a part of the story. This is a story that sneeks up on you, pulls you in and steals your heart!

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Annie O'Connell has always been a strong, independent woman. Never needing assistance from anyone else. She has also never been in a serious relationship due to the disappointing men in her life. However, when a devastating unexpected event turns everything in her life around, can her newly found love, Marcus, convince her that he can and will be there for her?

In this third installment of Stonehill Romance, Boudreaux keeps her focus on Annie and Marcus, alternating the story perspective through their eyes. The writing is good with a few minor grammatical errors. I did feel that most of the first half of the book was a bit slow and repetitive. Even though we, as readers, vaguely know Annie from the previous Stonehill Romance novel, I still felt that her struggle with opening to Marcus was fast in this book, and she got over her reluctance towards a potential relationship quick. I found myself tired of reading about the beginning of their relationship and wanted more to the story.

When the tragedy happened and living through the aftermath, I began to really started to enjoy the book. The author soared here in going through the pain and guilt the characters felt during this part giving the read more sustance. When Boudreaux describes the hardships that her characters went through, I felt some of their pain, as well.

In this series, my favorite character continues to be Jessica. Even though her role in this book is minor, I really enjoyed the scene that she was in. There's something about how the author describes her feelings and how she can reach out to people at such a young age that warms my heart. I'm happy to see that she takes a bigger role in the next book!

I recommend this read to those who enjoy romance and don't mind a bit of slow start.

I received a free copy of this book from the JGBS Review Library in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own and no compensation was received.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Forgotten Path by Marci Boudreaux

Annie O’Connell is a strong woman, who is used to taking care of everyone. But sometimes there comes a point when you need help yourself. And soon that will happen to Annie. But will she accept the help she needs?

Marcus Callison, an employee of Annie's has loved her for a long time. He would do anything for her, if she would let him. Will Marcus be able to break the walls and get through to Annie?

Annie is a strong woman, who always took care of everyone she loved. She is very likable. She finds herself in a situation when she may have no choice but to accept help. Marcus is a nice man, who always had feelings for Annie. He will do what it takes to be part of her life.

The story moves at a steady pace, with likable characters in real life situations. There is a perfect mix or drama, family, romance most of all unconditional love. I highly recommend The Forgotten Path to those who love a sweet romance.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I see this book has received great reviews and I'm really trying to figure out what I missed. I found the book to just be okay. Nothing really stood out and I felt the characters had been done before. I had a hard time reading this book because I just couldn't get into the story. I really tried, but then I found myself wanting to read other books instead. I'm not sure if the age of the characters plays a part, or if it was just the characters themselves that I didn't relate to, but I didn't really like them. I guess Marcus was okay. Maybe I'll try another book by this author and see if I like it any better.

I received this book in a First Reads giveaway.

[Christine Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic new story from Marci Bolden in the Stonehill series that focuses on Annie and Marcus. The Forgotten Path is filled with tragedy, heartache, friendship, passion, healing, romance, and love. This is captivating must read from Marci Bolden that readers will fall in love with. I absolutely enjoyed reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon Rudolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This has been an amazing series! I have laughed and cried with each of the characters. I love the closeness of the family. I am so excited to read the next book in this series!

[Karen Krstinovski · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read once again!! When you think you no what’s going to happen next only to be surprised and cannot wait to read the next book in the series in this journey.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is very dear to me as I have a family member that has a brain injury and it was reliving that horible time reading/listening to this book. This story is right on . For me, keep the kleenex by.
***
This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.
***
This story features a strong willed, stubborn woman who will soon be in a fight for her life. It also features, a patient and persistent guy who is hopelessly in love with her and will do whatever is necessary to have a future with her by his side.

Annie and Marcus work together at her real estate agency. Over the years their attraction to each other has grown to the point that neither can ignore it anymore.

When Marcus finally decides to make his move, to ask Annie for something more, she shuts him down, claiming it would highly inappropriate since she is his boss.

Marcus calls her bluff and gets another job so that the boss/employee issue will not come into play. Once she realizes that he is serious about taking their relationship to another level, her fears almost consume her.

She hasn’t had good luck with the men in her life, other than her brothers.

Her father was a drunk who left her to care of the family once her mother died. When she got pregnant as a teenager, her boyfriend couldn’t get away fast enough and has never been in his daughter’s life.

Marcus’s persistence and gift of persuasion finally pays off....she is willing to give them a chance at something more.

Just as life begins to seem rosy and their future together certain, a tragedy changes their life and the lives of those around them forever.

Her recovery is slow and measured. Her family and friends don’t know how to treat her, how to help her, and their pity is more than Annie can take.

Even though Marcus is by her side doing all he can to help, and stepping back when need be, Annie knows something is wrong in their relationship.

His guilt is eating him alive and preventing him from really connecting with Annie again. Can they find a way to reconnect and to fashion a new wonderful future together? This story is one of heartbreak, hope and renewal. It grabs you from the first page and holds your attention throughout this couple’s journey, until the last page.
***
The third installment of Stonehill series centers on Annie, Paul's sister (who was the hero of the previous book of the series) and her relationship with Marcus, who has worked in her realty office for five years. Marcus has had an attraction to the boss for as long as he's worked for her, but only recently does he think that the feeling might be mutual. Annie is starting to come to appreciate him more in that regard but is hesitant to do anything because of their professional relationship since she is his boss. He's willing to quit and work for someone else so the furthering of their relationship can happen. They have only just begun this shift when tragedy strikes. I won't detail what it is here because it is heart-stopping and dramatic, and you should read it yourself if you choose this book. This tragedy affects everyone in the sphere of the book, and it is heart-wrenching.

As I have come to expect from this author, this is an amazing book. In the first part, it helps the reader understand the complexity of Annie's character because of her troubled past that has made her a slightly prickly person. It was not easy for these characters to come together for a variety of reasons, and the author showed that with emotional honesty on both the characters parts. The tragedy is a surprise, seeming to come out of nowhere--as tragedies often do--and while it is not an easy read, the author has made the characters' reactions to it so real and so very human. You won't want to do anything else so you can watch the progress and transformation of the plot unfold. Marcus is an amazing hero to watch as he stands by the woman he loves during this most difficult time even when it is not easy for him. The way he acts is the way that love should be, so it is beautiful to read even though it is tragic.
***

[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third installment of Stonehill series centers on Annie, Paul's sister (who was the hero of the previous book of the series) and her relationship with Marcus, who has worked in her realty office for five years. Marcus has had an attraction to the boss for as long as he's worked for her, but only recently does he think that the feeling might be mutual. Annie is starting to come to appreciate him more in that regard but is hesitant to do anything because of their professional relationship since she is his boss. He's willing to quit and work for someone else so the furthering of their relationship can happen. They have only just begun this shift when tragedy strikes. I won't detail what it is here because it is heart-stopping and dramatic, and you should read it yourself if you choose this book. This tragedy affects everyone in the sphere of the book, and it is heart-wrenching.

As I have come to expect from this author, this is an amazing book. In the first part, it helps the reader understand the complexity of Annie's character because of her troubled past that has made her a slightly prickly person. It was not easy for these characters to come together for a variety of reasons, and the author showed that with emotional honesty on both the characters parts. The tragedy is a surprise, seeming to come out of nowhere--as tragedies often do--and while it is not an easy read, the author has made the characters' reactions to it so real and so very human. You won't want to do anything else so you can watch the progress and transformation of the plot unfold. Marcus is an amazing hero to watch as he stands by the woman he loves during this most difficult time even when it is not easy for him. The way he acts is the way that love should be, so it is beautiful to read even though it is tragic.

This is the third book that I've read by Marci Bolden. I hadn't read any of her books before, and I am definitely a new fan. Each book I have read so far in this series has had such an emotional depth and breadth with characters who are so human in their actions and reactions to what happens in the stories. It is rare to read books with such emotional honesty, deep characterization, and a plot that will keep you turning the pages as you root for the characters--and love--to triumph.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story features a strong willed, stubborn woman who will soon be in a fight for her life. It also features, a patient and persistent guy who is hopelessly in love with her and will do whatever is necessary to have a future with her by his side. Annie and Marcus work together at her real estate agency. Over the years their attraction to each other has grown to the point that neither can ignore it anymore. When Marcus finally decides to make his move, to ask Annie for something more, she shuts him down, claiming it would highly inappropriate since she is his boss. Marcus calls her bluff and gets another job so that the boss/employee issue will not come into play. Once she realizes that he is serious about taking their relationship to another level, her fears almost consume her. She hasn’t had good luck with the men in her life, other than her brothers. Her father was a drunk who left her to care of the family once her mother died. When she got pregnant as a teenager, her boyfriend couldn’t get away fast enough and has never been in his daughter’s life. Marcus’s persistence and gift of persuasion finally pays off....she is willing to give them a chance at something more. Just as life begins to seem rosy and their future together certain, a tragedy changes their life and the lives of those around them forever. Her recovery is slow and measured. Her family and friends don’t know how to treat her, how to help her, and their pity is more than Annie can take. Even though Marcus is by her side doing all he can to help, and stepping back when need be, Annie knows something is wrong in their relationship. His guilt is eating him alive and preventing him from really connecting with Annie again. Can they find a way to reconnect and to fashion a new wonderful future together? This story is one of heartbreak, hope and renewal. It grabs you from the first page and holds your attention throughout this couple’s journey, until the last page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Marci Boudreaux when I read the first book in this series, The Road Leads Back Home. I enjoyed the story, the plot and the small-town setting. From there, I read the fifth book, This Old Café. Recently I read The Forgotten Path which is Stonehill book 3. So it is clear at least to me that each book is a stand-alone.

I read a lot so while I knew something bad had happened to self-made woman, Annie O’Connell in The Forgotten Path, I just could not remember exactly what or how. By the middle or so of the book, the romance between Annie and Marcus has progress quite well with some bumps along the way. Still I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, sort to speak. Boy, did it!

Convincingly written, well-plotted the story had me holding my breath one minute, then smiling while also shedding a tear at anther time. What can I say, I am hooked on this series. The books in the series were recently on sale so now I have given myself the gift of the ones I had not read. Can’t wait to read them. I can recommend any book in the Stonehill Series. While most would want to start with book one. Still I have come to love these characters even if I did not meet them in order in which their stories were written.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.

[Chris Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What a fantastic book. This is the third book in the Stonehill series and each book I’ve read has been just as great, if not better that the last. “The Forgotten Path” tells the story of Annie and Marcus. I learned more of Annie’s character and temperament and found myself hoping that she would find the pieces that were missing from her life. Marcus is a wonderful man who is patient and determined to win Annie’s heart. Of course, there are ups and downs and twists and turns that must be overcome by all of the characters in the book. Marci Bolden writes about real and likeable characters, individuals who have suffered and sacrificed for those who they love. She also writes with authority and sensitivity on an issue that many fear, have little knowledge and understanding of and must be heartbreaking for those touched by it. I laughed, I became frustrated and angry and I cried. The one thing I couldn’t do was stop reading this book until I reached the end. I can’t recommend this book highly enough. I’m positive you’ll love as much as I did and you’ll also be captivated by the story of Annie and Marcus.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read This Old Cafe prior to reading this story I didn't realize until late into the story the connection that I had so obviously missed. I am so glad for that as it would have ruined the tragic event that this story is centered on.

Annie is a strong and independent woman with a business she is consumed with and a family she has doted on for so long that it is obvious she has neglected herself. Marcus is one of her employees and completely and absolutely the sweetest man ever. His love and tenderness for both Annie and her daughter Mallory is heartwarming. When it finally becomes clear that these two have mutual feelings for one another their journey to happily ever after is short lived. Oh how sweet and sexy it was during that brief time.
A tragic event I was not expecting at all changes everything in a quick flash. Now with everything on a different playing level can the different path Annie and Marcus must travel be one they can take together or will tragedy strike twice and take away that foundation they were beginning.

Such a sweet and loving story with enough drama, sadness, and sass to make for a great read.

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not cried so much reading a book in my life that I can remember. This was so emotional but so good. Annie finally gives in to Marcus and admit they love each other when tragedy strikes. I was not expecting that. The aftermath of that tested their relatively new relationship and had me at the edge just rooting for them and hoping they would move forward. Marcus and Annie's struggles were so relatable and I just couldn't stop the water works. I was like Annie and that everything made me cry. The storytelling here is amazing. This author keeps you enthralled and not being able to put the story down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A continuing portrayal of strong women facing major adversity and emerging victorious!!

The Stonehill series continues with the story of Annie and Marcus. Another great book from Ms. Bolden who wastes no time before drawing you into the lives of her two main characters. I especially love how we she can grip us with the reality that life is messy and difficult and painful. But it can also come with great rewards if you are brave enough and have the strength of character to persevere and find that happiness may just have been there, waiting for you, all along.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought the first 2 books were great, this one knocked it out of the park. Be ready for tears, lots of tears as this one hits you in the Heart. Annie has always been the string one, always keeps everyone at arms length so she can't lose them and then she meets her match with Marcus. Finally she lets Marcus in and starts to live them utter tragedy strikes and we are left going through fear, sadness, helplessness and hope while we see where things will go for not only Annie and Marcus but all of them. This is definitely a book I would read again and again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzaan Jansen van Rensburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when Annie realizes that she is allowed to let herself love and accept the love that Marcus offered tragedy struck. After she was shot which left her in a coma for months she had to relearn the simplest tasks. Through this all Marcus stood by her proving that he was her rock and would not leave her side. All while he was struggling with his own demons in not keeping her safe. This is such an emotional story with believable characters and as a reader you become part of their lives. I absolutely loved all the books in the series thus far.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Getting Another Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m love this author’s writing style, and the beautiful, complex stories she shares, but felt less connected to this book than others I’ve read.

Each book in the series is based on interconnected characters, so there is some slight overlapping background of previous stories, and I think that’s what helped me with this book. It invoked some humor and levity. Otherwise, this story was a little heavy. I feel it was meant to be inspirational, and to some perhaps it will be, but to me it had me feeling sad more than I cared to.

Well written, but just not the story if you’re looking for a light, breezy, vacation read.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and independent review.
An enjoyable romance with “real” people with “real” life issues that was well written. It made me smile and it moved me to tears in places. I liked that the couple were mature and building a romantic relationship from a strong friendship. The character of Marcus was for me the perfect hero and the determined way he pursued Annie demonstrated his love and strong feelings for her.
This author writes with such empathy and emotion, that her books are a real treat.
4.5 stars

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcus will do anything to get Annie into has life permanently. However her life is consumed by her business, daughter & past. Commitment is something that is not in her vocabulary despite all Marcus's efforts.
However when something life altering occurs she has to rethink her life.
The story does get a bit angsty here but because of the event which happens. Probably not my favourite in the series but good none the less.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a series that just gets better with each book this is number three in the Stonehill Series. Annie O’Connell runs a business she loves and a daughter she has raised by herself and a man that works for her Marcus Callison who loves her but Anne is very independent. Then Annie's world falls apart and the only one who can get through to her is Marcus. Will they get a happy ending after everything is over? I would say read to find out if you want to know. Be prepared to have Kleenex handy. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Annie and Marcus' work relationship progresses to something more, neither are prepared for an act of violence that changes their worlds forever. This is a well written romance story that only proves how important a meaningful relationship, and family and friends can be to help overcome a tragic event. The road to recovery is never simple, but perseverance can prove rewarding beyond one's dreams.

[Vivian Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Too Much

What can I say that I haven’t already said. Each book is as good as the last one

This series is just brilliant. An adult book about adults talking like adults without the overwhelming sex vibe.

Don’t get me wrong I do like contemporary books but after reading these books it just proves that a well thought out and written book doesn’t always need it

1 click now and buy the whole series can’t recommend it highly enough

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has learnt there is only one person she can rely on us herself. She has a young child and two younger brothers as well as her business but she has an admirer. He has lived her for so long but she will not let him in. Something bad happens. Can he help her through it? See if he can

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by Marci Boudreaux. Enjoyed both of them.

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Stonehill Romance
Standalone
HEA

I look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily received this book for free from NetGalley.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet and heartwarming Stonehill romance! Really enjoyed this emotionally thrilling, action packed, passionate journey filled with witty banter, reluctant trust and interesting and realistic charters. This story was had to put down and had me hooked from beginning to end. Great reading!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. I started reading and could not put it down. What a great series.The storyline pulls you in and the characters keep you wanting more. I received it from booksprout and this is my voluntary review. I enjoyed this read and recommend it to all.

[Clarie Giselle Speights · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heartwarming story

This story centered around Annie and Marcus. This story spoke of love and friendship. DidI love it ? No, but it was a good read. I just felt like it was missing something.

[Vickie Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was good Just right amount hot steamy sexy fun book to read cant wait to see what else from this author great job read all 3 books in couple days

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.