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Ivory Peaks #1
His First Love
She broke up with him a decade ago. He's back in town after finishing a degree at MIT, ready to start his job at the family company. Can Hunter and Molly find their way through their pasts to build a future together?
On his first Sunday back in Ivory Peaks after finishing his technology degree at MIT, Hunter Hammond comes face-to-face with Molly Benson. He's just lost track of his little brother, but the old flame he's harbored for Molly since she ended their high school relationship a decade ago is rekindled instantly.
Molly Benson, after succumbing to parental pressure and wanting to explore other options for a boyfriend, did break-up with Hunter back in high school. She's never forgotten him though, even when she married another man. Now that she's divorced, she carries emotional scars and personal feelings of unworthiness from a marriage she should've never agreed to.
Hunter's kissed a lot of girls since his teenage relationship with Molly, just like his uncle once advised him to do. He inherited his two billion from his father when he turned 21, earned a degree in bioinfotronics from MIT, founded an organization to help injured military personnel and police officers, and fell in love with another woman—all while wearing his cowboy hat in Cambridge.
Their paths diverged, and when Hunter finishes up his work with his foundation, he returns to Ivory Peaks to start working in the labs at HMC, the family company.Through it all, his heart has never recovered the piece he gave to Molly all those years ago... Can his first love be the one that becomes forever?
Get more Hammond family saga and amazing inspirational cowboy romance in HIS FIRST LOVE, a brand new novel that starts a brand new series in beautiful, mountainous Ivory Peaks!
On his first Sunday back in Ivory Peaks after finishing his technology degree at MIT, Hunter Hammond comes face-to-face with Molly Benson. He's just lost track of his little brother, but the old flame he's harbored for Molly since she ended their high school relationship a decade ago is rekindled instantly.
Molly Benson, after succumbing to parental pressure and wanting to explore other options for a boyfriend, did break-up with Hunter back in high school. She's never forgotten him though, even when she married another man. Now that she's divorced, she carries emotional scars and personal feelings of unworthiness from a marriage she should've never agreed to.
Hunter's kissed a lot of girls since his teenage relationship with Molly, just like his uncle once advised him to do. He inherited his two billion from his father when he turned 21, earned a degree in bioinfotronics from MIT, founded an organization to help injured military personnel and police officers, and fell in love with another woman—all while wearing his cowboy hat in Cambridge.
Their paths diverged, and when Hunter finishes up his work with his foundation, he returns to Ivory Peaks to start working in the labs at HMC, the family company.Through it all, his heart has never recovered the piece he gave to Molly all those years ago... Can his first love be the one that becomes forever?
Get more Hammond family saga and amazing inspirational cowboy romance in HIS FIRST LOVE, a brand new novel that starts a brand new series in beautiful, mountainous Ivory Peaks!
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2020
3310 people are currently reading
674 people want to read
About the author
Liz Isaacson
407 books1,203 followers★ USA TODAY BESTSELLER, AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR, and KINDLE ALL STAR! ★
Liz Isaacson writes inspirational cowboy romances. Her Three Rivers Ranch Romance series has multiple #1 bestsellers in half a dozen categories. She loves all things to do with contemporary cowboys, and will write romance in Texas, Montana, Vermont, Wyoming, and anywhere else she can find horses and mountains. Find out more at lizisaacson.com. Join her fandom by texting COWBOY to 801-618-2114 for exclusive sales and freebies.
Liz Isaacson writes inspirational cowboy romances. Her Three Rivers Ranch Romance series has multiple #1 bestsellers in half a dozen categories. She loves all things to do with contemporary cowboys, and will write romance in Texas, Montana, Vermont, Wyoming, and anywhere else she can find horses and mountains. Find out more at lizisaacson.com. Join her fandom by texting COWBOY to 801-618-2114 for exclusive sales and freebies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
March 4, 2024
Quick Summary: An inspirational romance
My Review: His First Love by Liz Isaacson is book #1 in the Ivory Peaks series.
About the Book: Two people who met and fell in love as teenagers but broke up are reunited. The more time they spend together, the more they realize that the love they shared is still there.
My Final Say: This clean romance was a solid read. It had a very contemporary feel. It was family strong, highly reflective, and extremely realistic.
Other: The secondary stories were presented with just the right amount of details to get my attention. I would definitely read this series.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: NA/A
#libraryfind
My Review: His First Love by Liz Isaacson is book #1 in the Ivory Peaks series.
About the Book: Two people who met and fell in love as teenagers but broke up are reunited. The more time they spend together, the more they realize that the love they shared is still there.
My Final Say: This clean romance was a solid read. It had a very contemporary feel. It was family strong, highly reflective, and extremely realistic.
Other: The secondary stories were presented with just the right amount of details to get my attention. I would definitely read this series.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: NA/A
#libraryfind
November 25, 2020
Romance, clean, contemporary; Series, but stand alone read;
Lovely sweet, contemporary western romance. Continuing the story of the Hammond brothers, this time with the son of Gray. Perfect addition to this series. Heartfelt, honest emotions, real life, and all the emotions, upheavals, heartbreak, and joy along with this sweet romance. Hard work, determination, and lots of sweet moments in the middle of life, the miscommunications, hardships, and all the everyday moments, decisions, that make life 'real'. L.I. always creates such sweet, honest relationships. A preview of the characters in the next book in this series in this novel as well, along with glimpses of all the brothers, and moments with them. Perfect addition to this new series, with a natural nod to the other characters from the past. Loved how they came together, learned to communicate with each other and worked to make a future that would work for them both.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review, my opinions are my own. Obviously a fan though!
Lovely sweet, contemporary western romance. Continuing the story of the Hammond brothers, this time with the son of Gray. Perfect addition to this series. Heartfelt, honest emotions, real life, and all the emotions, upheavals, heartbreak, and joy along with this sweet romance. Hard work, determination, and lots of sweet moments in the middle of life, the miscommunications, hardships, and all the everyday moments, decisions, that make life 'real'. L.I. always creates such sweet, honest relationships. A preview of the characters in the next book in this series in this novel as well, along with glimpses of all the brothers, and moments with them. Perfect addition to this new series, with a natural nod to the other characters from the past. Loved how they came together, learned to communicate with each other and worked to make a future that would work for them both.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review, my opinions are my own. Obviously a fan though!
December 22, 2020
First off, keep the tissues handy because this book turned me into an ugly-crying mess at one point. But then cheer because this is Hunter’s book! I started falling in love with the boy he was in the original Hammond series and I’m so excited to see the man he’s become in a book of his own. Hunter and Molly’s story is a beautiful second chance romance that also touches on personal sacrifice, what it takes to be happy, and the value of family. One of the things I adore most about this book is that it shows the assistance a trained mental health professional can offer when you find it difficult to see your way clearly through your own jumbled thoughts and emotions. I’m also becoming quite fond of the way the author introduces us to the stars of the next book in the series. And now that I’ve met them, I’m really looking forward to reading their story.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
January 20, 2021
Good story
I really enjoy this series, and it's fun to get to the second generation. (My only complaint about any of the books is the amount of counseling these man require. Nothing wrong with therapy, medications to deal with mental illness, none of that. It just feels like that's the focus more than their relationship with the Lord.) Glad to we Hunter end up with the right woman!
I really enjoy this series, and it's fun to get to the second generation. (My only complaint about any of the books is the amount of counseling these man require. Nothing wrong with therapy, medications to deal with mental illness, none of that. It just feels like that's the focus more than their relationship with the Lord.) Glad to we Hunter end up with the right woman!
January 25, 2021
His First Love: A Hammond Family Farm Novel: Ivory Peaks Romance Book 1 is by Liz Isaacson. This is a continuation of stories of the Hammond Family. The five Hammond brothers are all married and have children. Gray’s son, Hunter, is the oldest of the group of children and had been around for twenty-five years. However, he was very involved with the younger members of his own immediate family. Hunter is a graduate of MIT and has started his charitable foundation. Now he is back home in Denver to work at the family industry as a scientist. He is also going to restart his connection to Molly Benson.
Liz takes the time to show that a romance that begins at a young age can turn into love at a later date. Can Moll and Hunter beat the odds?
Liz takes the time to show that a romance that begins at a young age can turn into love at a later date. Can Moll and Hunter beat the odds?
December 30, 2020
ARC for honest review with no compensation 4.5 stars
His First Love, Hammond Family Farm is book 1 in the Ivory Peaks series by Liz Hammond.
Welcome back to the Hammond family! The story is about Hunter and Molly, who were high school sweethearts and looking to the future of love, marriage and HEA until peer pressure from Molly‘s parents breaks them apart.
Now 10 years later Hunter returns to Ivory Peaks to start working at the family business. Then he sees Molly again and all the buried feelings come roaring back… But can these to find a way to move forward or will the past continue to keep them apart?
His First Love, Hammond Family Farm is book 1 in the Ivory Peaks series by Liz Hammond.
Welcome back to the Hammond family! The story is about Hunter and Molly, who were high school sweethearts and looking to the future of love, marriage and HEA until peer pressure from Molly‘s parents breaks them apart.
Now 10 years later Hunter returns to Ivory Peaks to start working at the family business. Then he sees Molly again and all the buried feelings come roaring back… But can these to find a way to move forward or will the past continue to keep them apart?
November 17, 2024
so sweet.
Hunter and Molly are adorable. He had me worried for a bit. I was worried she wasn’t going to come around at one point. I’m so glad they find each other again. It’s a wonderful sweet read.
Hunter and Molly are adorable. He had me worried for a bit. I was worried she wasn’t going to come around at one point. I’m so glad they find each other again. It’s a wonderful sweet read.
January 8, 2021
This is book one of the Ivory Peaks Romance series and tells the story of Hunter and Molly. I was surprised to recall reading about Hunter in a previous book, when he was fourteen and struggling with expressing his emotions, and of his first love Molly and how sweet their relationship was. He relied on his uncles, Cy in particular, to help him understand how to relate to others and deal with his emotions, a problem his uncle understood well. This story takes place just over ten years later, as Hunter is returning back to the family home, after some six years at MIT and using his inheritance to set up a foundation for injured military personnel and police officers, to help retrained them into another career. He is due to start at the Hammond family business HMC, using his degree and masters in bioinfotronics to set up a new direction for the firm in pharmaceuticals. He is nervous about starting a new job, still not being able to deal with change and emotions without talking things through with his therapist, as he has done for the last ten years. He had a troubling relationship with his birth mother as a child, and she left him at school one day and never returned for him. She only ever invited him down to Florida, where she moved, to pretend to be a mother and make use of him and his inheritance especially. This damaged him and his ability to interact with others and his own emotions.
He has moved back to the farm where his father and his second wife Elise live with his grandparents, but is looking to move as soon as possible to somewhere in the city nearer his work, as the commute would be too long. The day before he starts his new job, he goes to church with his family, having just arrived from Cambridge, and at the end of the service spots his first love, Molly, outside with her mother, waiting for her father, Pastor Benson. He feels an immediate electric shock and can’t keep his eyes off her, until one of the littles, as he calls his father’s children with Elise, calls his attention to the fact his brother has disappeared. Molly and her mother go looking in one direction, whilst he looks in the other and fortunately finds the little boy quickly. Molly is also shocked to see him, but also loving the look of the man he has turned into. She invites him for lunch with her family, but he is already promised to lunch with his family and grandparents in particular, so he refuses. They are both a bit too shell-shocked to have met each other and Hunter’s peculiar problem with his emotions and interactions means he doesn’t suggest another time to meet up, nor get her number!
They both end up thinking about this and Hunter asks his father for advice on what to do, which luckily gets him Molly’s phone number, being as she is their pastor’s daughter, it wasn’t too difficult. Molly has the summer off from her job as an elementary school teacher and is trying to keep herself busy and forget about her failed marriage to an abusive man and what a mistake she made. Molly and Hunter had been a thing for four years from when they were twelve, but neither family really agreed with them getting serious at such a young age, and Molly broke up with him. One of Hunter’s uncles, Wes, told him to kiss lots of girls and find out who he really liked or wanted to be with, so that is literally what he did! He fell in love with a woman in Cambridge, but when they both graduated, she returned to the other side of the country to work in her family business and neither wanted a long distance relationship. He always compared all the girls and women he kissed, to Molly, but has never found one to compare! He ends up calling her and tells her he will call her, but doesn’t for over a week. Molly knew he had a lot on with starting his new job, moving and everything else, but she expected him to at least text or call at some point.
She allowed herself to do everything to keep her previous partner happy, never thinking of what she wanted, but now she is mad! She knows what Hunter is like to some degree from their previous innocent relationship as teens, but feels she needs to shake him up and visit him unexpectedly at work, to see if he isn’t interested at all in sparking up a new relationship, so at least she will know where she stands. This is a shock to Hunter and he doesn’t deal with it very well, but at least reacts eventually and makes up for it. He has a lot to overcome when it comes to conveying how he feels and what he wants, and not letting work and everything else keep him away from common courtesies. They start again, with a better idea of what each want, but each has secrets they will need to reveal about their pasts before the other will fully understand them. A shared work project helps bring them together over the summer, for a while, until the Hammond legacy comes to bite Hunter and push him into an unwanted future. A burgeoning relationship soon becomes a once a week meeting, where they talk only about what they have each done all week, and his choices regarding his job don’t sit well with her.
They are both clearly falling for each other all over again and even their families can tell how well suited they are for each other, but Hunter can be his own worst enemy and doesn’t want to let his family name down, when no one else wants the job everyone expects a Hammond to undertake. It isn’t the sort of job he ever thought he would be doing at the age of only twenty five, especially when he wants to take over his father’s farm in the future and is really enjoying his work in the lab at HMC, as well as his new charity therapy foundation based at the farm. The path of true love never runs smoothly when real life takes over lives and this is what happens here. A family death shortly after makes Hunter even more unreachable and his father and uncles start to worry about him. He had a second chance with his first love and as his father warns him, he may never get another chance. Life is too short to live with regrets and he needs to make a choice on what he wants his future to be and whether it will involve the only person he has really loved, or if he will ignore happiness and hope he has a chance in another twenty five years, like many of his uncles! A great example of talking about your feelings, communication being key to keep a relationship and family together, not bottling things up inside, and to ensure you have a good work life balance, or you could be missing out on the life you deserve! A fantastic read and so unexpected to see Hunter as an adult now. Wow! A complicated but heart-warming story. Just loved it! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
He has moved back to the farm where his father and his second wife Elise live with his grandparents, but is looking to move as soon as possible to somewhere in the city nearer his work, as the commute would be too long. The day before he starts his new job, he goes to church with his family, having just arrived from Cambridge, and at the end of the service spots his first love, Molly, outside with her mother, waiting for her father, Pastor Benson. He feels an immediate electric shock and can’t keep his eyes off her, until one of the littles, as he calls his father’s children with Elise, calls his attention to the fact his brother has disappeared. Molly and her mother go looking in one direction, whilst he looks in the other and fortunately finds the little boy quickly. Molly is also shocked to see him, but also loving the look of the man he has turned into. She invites him for lunch with her family, but he is already promised to lunch with his family and grandparents in particular, so he refuses. They are both a bit too shell-shocked to have met each other and Hunter’s peculiar problem with his emotions and interactions means he doesn’t suggest another time to meet up, nor get her number!
They both end up thinking about this and Hunter asks his father for advice on what to do, which luckily gets him Molly’s phone number, being as she is their pastor’s daughter, it wasn’t too difficult. Molly has the summer off from her job as an elementary school teacher and is trying to keep herself busy and forget about her failed marriage to an abusive man and what a mistake she made. Molly and Hunter had been a thing for four years from when they were twelve, but neither family really agreed with them getting serious at such a young age, and Molly broke up with him. One of Hunter’s uncles, Wes, told him to kiss lots of girls and find out who he really liked or wanted to be with, so that is literally what he did! He fell in love with a woman in Cambridge, but when they both graduated, she returned to the other side of the country to work in her family business and neither wanted a long distance relationship. He always compared all the girls and women he kissed, to Molly, but has never found one to compare! He ends up calling her and tells her he will call her, but doesn’t for over a week. Molly knew he had a lot on with starting his new job, moving and everything else, but she expected him to at least text or call at some point.
She allowed herself to do everything to keep her previous partner happy, never thinking of what she wanted, but now she is mad! She knows what Hunter is like to some degree from their previous innocent relationship as teens, but feels she needs to shake him up and visit him unexpectedly at work, to see if he isn’t interested at all in sparking up a new relationship, so at least she will know where she stands. This is a shock to Hunter and he doesn’t deal with it very well, but at least reacts eventually and makes up for it. He has a lot to overcome when it comes to conveying how he feels and what he wants, and not letting work and everything else keep him away from common courtesies. They start again, with a better idea of what each want, but each has secrets they will need to reveal about their pasts before the other will fully understand them. A shared work project helps bring them together over the summer, for a while, until the Hammond legacy comes to bite Hunter and push him into an unwanted future. A burgeoning relationship soon becomes a once a week meeting, where they talk only about what they have each done all week, and his choices regarding his job don’t sit well with her.
They are both clearly falling for each other all over again and even their families can tell how well suited they are for each other, but Hunter can be his own worst enemy and doesn’t want to let his family name down, when no one else wants the job everyone expects a Hammond to undertake. It isn’t the sort of job he ever thought he would be doing at the age of only twenty five, especially when he wants to take over his father’s farm in the future and is really enjoying his work in the lab at HMC, as well as his new charity therapy foundation based at the farm. The path of true love never runs smoothly when real life takes over lives and this is what happens here. A family death shortly after makes Hunter even more unreachable and his father and uncles start to worry about him. He had a second chance with his first love and as his father warns him, he may never get another chance. Life is too short to live with regrets and he needs to make a choice on what he wants his future to be and whether it will involve the only person he has really loved, or if he will ignore happiness and hope he has a chance in another twenty five years, like many of his uncles! A great example of talking about your feelings, communication being key to keep a relationship and family together, not bottling things up inside, and to ensure you have a good work life balance, or you could be missing out on the life you deserve! A fantastic read and so unexpected to see Hunter as an adult now. Wow! A complicated but heart-warming story. Just loved it! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
December 21, 2020
Hunter and Molly had been high school sweethearts until Molly broke things off at the behest of her parents who thought they were much too young for a serious relationship. Though both went on with their lives, neither has ever forgotten the other....their first love. Hunter went on to study at MIT and he has finally graduated with his masters degree. He has returned home to assume a position at the family corporation. He didn’t expect to see Molly again or to discover she is single. Molly is a second grade teacher in a school in her home town. She is single now, but she has been married, but she divorced her abusive ex. She knew Hunter would come home at some point, but she never expected to find him unattached. He dated a lot more than she did after their split and she never expected an opportunity to reconnect with him. Maybe they have a second chance to find and keep love.
Both really want to reconnect, to get a chance to build a relationship again, but they discover that nothing is easy between them. Each has to deal with feelings of insecurity and anxiety. Hunter is also dealing with the burden of responsibility....to his family and to the corporation. His busy schedule and stress leave little time for any relationship, a fact that becomes all to obvious to Molly. All too soon, Hunter realizes his career and his relationship with Molly are not compatible.....and Molly knows it too. Something has to change. Will they get the happily ever after of their dreams?
I loved these characters! Fate or God guided them back together, but the responsibilities, stresses and realities of adulthood may well separate them forever. They learn that they have to not only choose love, but also actively work to keep it. It was wonderful to revisit the Hammond family members from previous books, to see how their lives have unfolded. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Both really want to reconnect, to get a chance to build a relationship again, but they discover that nothing is easy between them. Each has to deal with feelings of insecurity and anxiety. Hunter is also dealing with the burden of responsibility....to his family and to the corporation. His busy schedule and stress leave little time for any relationship, a fact that becomes all to obvious to Molly. All too soon, Hunter realizes his career and his relationship with Molly are not compatible.....and Molly knows it too. Something has to change. Will they get the happily ever after of their dreams?
I loved these characters! Fate or God guided them back together, but the responsibilities, stresses and realities of adulthood may well separate them forever. They learn that they have to not only choose love, but also actively work to keep it. It was wonderful to revisit the Hammond family members from previous books, to see how their lives have unfolded. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2020
His First Love: A Hammond Family Farm Novel, Ivory Peaks Romance Book 1. This is the love story of Hunter and Molly. They went to church together and started dating around 13. The last we seen them was 10 years ago at Ames and Sophia's wedding in Coral Canyon. For them that was a lifetime ago as when they were in high school Molly broke up with Hunter so they could date others. Hunter did as his Uncle Wes told him. He dated lots of girls and kissed them all. He had the good looks of the Hammond men and the big bucks to go with it. He had went back east to college at MIT and obtained a most prestigious degree. He also fell in love with a young lady that decided she and Hunter was not on the same path so he returns to Ivory Peaks on a Sunday morning alone. He meets the family at church and who does he see but Molly. Molly has went to college to be a school teacher and dated a young man and married him. The marriage lasted less than a year and now she was on her own and a divorcee. Hunter feelings for Molly come back to life just like 10 years ago and are dating by the middle of summer. But, the one thing Hunter, now working in the lab at HMC forgets is that a relationship takes time and effort. So he slows down enough to text, call or drop by Molly's. Uncle Ames had suggested starting a equine therapy program that might also help Hunter. So Molly and Hunter does the research and buy 17 horses and start the construction of the facilities on the Hammond family farm which will one day be his. Then a change at HMC starts and the therapy facility was left for Molly, the farm's foreman and the vet tech that was hired to handle the completion as Hunter was leaving the lab work at HMC and he had begun a spiral down a dark hole. It will take more than just his therapist to rescue Hunter this time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2023
His First Love by Liz Isaacson is the first book in the Ivory Peaks series. Hunter Hammond is back in town after completing his degree at MIT, ready to take his place as a part of the family company. On his first day back in town, he runs into Molly Benson, his childhood sweetheart. Molly had broken up with him in high school. Seeing her again, Hunter realizes the old flame still burns for Molly. She may have ended their relationship due to parental pressures but Molly never forgot him. Now divorced and carrying emotional scars and feelings of unworthiness, she feels she doesn't deserve Hunter now. As their paths cross in their small Colorado town, they can’t help being drawn to each other. Is this their second chance at their first love? Or will family pressures tear them apart again?
A continuation of the Hammond brothers saga, readers are introduced to Gray’s son, Hunter. Readers do not need to read the original series to enjoy His First Love. There is so much wrapped up in this second chance romance. Mental health, family obligations, personal sacrifice, expectations of marriage and what it means to be truly happy. I enjoyed the honesty and openness of the characters’ conversations and conflicts. It felt realistic and not forced or oversimplified. I also enjoyed the depiction of prayer and the crisis of faith. Unfortunately, the image of a Christian and their families is perfect with no conflict. That is farthest from the truth. Christians are still humans with real shortcomings, real conflicts and real hurts. I enjoyed His First Love. I look forward to the rest of the series. I recommend His First Love.
His First Love is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook
A continuation of the Hammond brothers saga, readers are introduced to Gray’s son, Hunter. Readers do not need to read the original series to enjoy His First Love. There is so much wrapped up in this second chance romance. Mental health, family obligations, personal sacrifice, expectations of marriage and what it means to be truly happy. I enjoyed the honesty and openness of the characters’ conversations and conflicts. It felt realistic and not forced or oversimplified. I also enjoyed the depiction of prayer and the crisis of faith. Unfortunately, the image of a Christian and their families is perfect with no conflict. That is farthest from the truth. Christians are still humans with real shortcomings, real conflicts and real hurts. I enjoyed His First Love. I look forward to the rest of the series. I recommend His First Love.
His First Love is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook
December 22, 2020
Hunter Hammond has always known he was the start of the next generation of Hammonds. This sense of responsibility weighs heavy on him in this new book. He is now grown and graduated from MIT, he is very intelligent and still finding his place in the big picture. He is back in Ivory Peaks and the first thing you know he comes face to face with Molly, his first love. The two have gone their separate ways but the Lord has brought them back together. Hunter has a lot to work through, a new job at the family company, his want to be at the ranch, his programs for Veterans, a new venture he is starting at the ranch and now his feelings for Molly. There is a lot of stress and angst felt by Hunter and as you will see Molly has some baggage that causes her angst as well. Hunter needs to learn to navigate all that is going on in his life. Molly needs to trust herself and to let go of what is holding her back from moving forward.
This book is really packed full. You will see all the Hammond brothers, their parents and you will get to know more about the man who manages the ranch when they head to Coral Canyon each year. There is a lot going on and at times it is almost too much. I love this book and all the characters in it so I was patient to read through each person's little part in the book. There is a real tear jerker part but I will not spoil it for you, just make sure you have a tissue close by if you are a crier.
Loved the book and I look forward to the new series surrounding Ivory Peaks.
This book is really packed full. You will see all the Hammond brothers, their parents and you will get to know more about the man who manages the ranch when they head to Coral Canyon each year. There is a lot going on and at times it is almost too much. I love this book and all the characters in it so I was patient to read through each person's little part in the book. There is a real tear jerker part but I will not spoil it for you, just make sure you have a tissue close by if you are a crier.
Loved the book and I look forward to the new series surrounding Ivory Peaks.
December 21, 2020
Forever Love Is Not Always Easy Love...
Many people believe first love is puppy love … no way a high school love could be forever. A first kiss, a first crush…. but things went wrong. Years pass and life has changed. Hunter and Molly are two different people now. Both have had big disappointments, both seem insecure and actually afraid to embrace a new life … especially when they meet again. Can you go back in time and pick up the pieces? Are memories good or bad when needing to start fresh?
They say no one ever forgets that first kiss and that first crush. This story shows how true that can be. Years pass, life changes for both Hunter and the Molly, but time has a way of bringing the past into the future.
This is a book that will have you making time to sit down and slowly absorb everything. It’s about a teenage crush that never really died, even when the two people involved move on with their lives. It’s about second guessing and heartaches. It’s about real life woven into a fictional tale.
Take this journey with Hunter and Molly. There are a lot of curvy roads and dangerous mountains of self-doubt, consequences from choices made and finding truth from deep within. This is a story where young love can at times be forever love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Many people believe first love is puppy love … no way a high school love could be forever. A first kiss, a first crush…. but things went wrong. Years pass and life has changed. Hunter and Molly are two different people now. Both have had big disappointments, both seem insecure and actually afraid to embrace a new life … especially when they meet again. Can you go back in time and pick up the pieces? Are memories good or bad when needing to start fresh?
They say no one ever forgets that first kiss and that first crush. This story shows how true that can be. Years pass, life changes for both Hunter and the Molly, but time has a way of bringing the past into the future.
This is a book that will have you making time to sit down and slowly absorb everything. It’s about a teenage crush that never really died, even when the two people involved move on with their lives. It’s about second guessing and heartaches. It’s about real life woven into a fictional tale.
Take this journey with Hunter and Molly. There are a lot of curvy roads and dangerous mountains of self-doubt, consequences from choices made and finding truth from deep within. This is a story where young love can at times be forever love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2020
I enjoyed this clean romance with many of the Hammond family members weaving throughout the storyline. Hunter Hammond is 25, a billionaire, and a genius who returns to his family's hometown to work at the family corporation. Soon after his arrival, he runs into his first love, Molly--a former girlfiend--who dated, loved, and broke up with him a decade ago. Much has changed in their lives since then, yet they find themselves still attracted to one another. But can a relationship work this time? They both battle emotional difficulties from the interim decade they spent apart; but now that they're mature adults, can they work together to figure life out? As Hunter quickly is promoted to CEO, can he learn to balance life, his demanding job and so many responsibilities? I loved that this story smoothly flowed, intertwining with family drama as well as real life and that it made it OK to seek therapeutic advice when needed. I also loved the support Hunter's uncles--those Hammond brothers we've read about in another series--lend their love, support, and advice. I highly recommend this clean contemporary romance. LOVED it! I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have freely given my honest opinion in this review.
December 22, 2020
Can a second chance turn a first love into forever love?
Hunter and Molly's story started so long ago in his dad's book, but here we have forwarded thirteen years, they see each other for the first time in seven years....and time stands still.
Hunter is amazing but he is a people pleaser and will always put other peoples happiness and expectations before his own. He falls into the same trap again but this time he is also putting those expectations before his relationship with Molly...can his loving but interfering family show him the error of his ways and help him find balance before he loses her a second time?
Molly needs to protect herself and her heart, she is done with allowing people to just take without giving something in return too. But it is difficult to walk away from Hunter when her heart calls out for him. He is not perfect but is he perfect for her?
We get to catch up with the whole Hammond family here and we face heartbreak with them. They may be big, growly grown men but they will reduce you to a blubbering mess requiring a full box of tissues for your tears when they all come together in the face of tragedy.
A deeply emotional and spiritual journey for Hunter, Molly and many more of the Hammonds and the Ivory Peaks family.
Hunter and Molly's story started so long ago in his dad's book, but here we have forwarded thirteen years, they see each other for the first time in seven years....and time stands still.
Hunter is amazing but he is a people pleaser and will always put other peoples happiness and expectations before his own. He falls into the same trap again but this time he is also putting those expectations before his relationship with Molly...can his loving but interfering family show him the error of his ways and help him find balance before he loses her a second time?
Molly needs to protect herself and her heart, she is done with allowing people to just take without giving something in return too. But it is difficult to walk away from Hunter when her heart calls out for him. He is not perfect but is he perfect for her?
We get to catch up with the whole Hammond family here and we face heartbreak with them. They may be big, growly grown men but they will reduce you to a blubbering mess requiring a full box of tissues for your tears when they all come together in the face of tragedy.
A deeply emotional and spiritual journey for Hunter, Molly and many more of the Hammonds and the Ivory Peaks family.
December 22, 2020
This is a wonderful story that is part of a series, but later down to road. I LOVED it. You can read it alone too, and you'd be fine. Hunter and Molly were childhood sweethearts, they went their separate ways in High school and then college. Hunter graduated from MIT and is home to work and the family business and find his way in life. It seems he never found anyone he loved quite as much as Molly. Molly also tried to move on, she even married, he was abusive and she is now divorced and feels unworthy of Hunters attention, at first. I love how Molly grew from her abusive past. I love how Hunters is man enough to seek therapy for his mommy issues, (she left him when he was little and has used him as a pawn since) . This is a heartwarming tale of second chances and growing up. I really think anyone who loves a sweet clean romance with a cowboy or two thrown in will love this. There are glimpses of Hunter's parents and uncles for anyone who has read the other books. There are a few SAD parts in this book, her writing just draws you in, I thought it was fabulous. Liz just keeps pumping out winners!!
December 22, 2020
Once I started this story I could not stop reading until I got to the end, I was sucked in and eagerly turning the pages to find out what would happen next. I loved how in this being Hunter and Molly's story it was also everyone else's story too. I haven't read the previous books about Hunter's Dad and Uncles, so for me not only did I get to read such an amazing story about first loves, second chances, and trusting in yourself and God, but I also got to meet a whole host of lovely people. The story felt powerful in the themes and topics it covered and addressed and in the way that faith and family was the foundation and glue in their lives. I cried, I smiled, I worried, I sighed, I mourned and rejoiced throughout this story, it was written so well that it touched me and made feel like I was part of their lives too. I am looking forward to reading Matt and Gloria's story next and catching up with everyone else.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2022
I borrowed His First Love: A Hammond Family Farm Novel ~ Ivory Peaks ~ Book 1 from the Kindle Unlimited Program.
His First Love" is a second chance novel about a couple that fell for each other as pre-teens and broke up ten years before Hunter Hammond moved back to his hometown of Ivory Peaks and came face to face with Molly Benson. They start seeing each other when he takes a job in Denver and works long hours, so the time they have together is limited. It gets worse and they stop communicating and it takes a wake-up call when Molly tells him she isn't happy with only seeing him one night per week. The plot is full of miscommunication, taking each other for granted and taking on too much responsibility and project to allow for personal time. His First Love is a great Christian romance with a supporting families full or love and still the two main characters have trouble being together. It sounds like the problem that lots of people have and in this case it is an exceptionally good story.
His First Love" is a second chance novel about a couple that fell for each other as pre-teens and broke up ten years before Hunter Hammond moved back to his hometown of Ivory Peaks and came face to face with Molly Benson. They start seeing each other when he takes a job in Denver and works long hours, so the time they have together is limited. It gets worse and they stop communicating and it takes a wake-up call when Molly tells him she isn't happy with only seeing him one night per week. The plot is full of miscommunication, taking each other for granted and taking on too much responsibility and project to allow for personal time. His First Love is a great Christian romance with a supporting families full or love and still the two main characters have trouble being together. It sounds like the problem that lots of people have and in this case it is an exceptionally good story.
June 20, 2023
I put off reading this book because I didn't care for Molly in the book where Molly and Hunter were kids. There was something off about her to me.
I discovered that I didn't like Molly any better in this book. I felt like she was selfish. Hunter's money bothered her. I felt like she made unjustified accusations because he had money.
She whined about Hunter not spending time with her. She gave no thought to the fact that he was taking on new responsibilities that would require time being put in until he learned the job.
Molly's interest seemed to be all about changing Hunter to accommodate her needs. Hunter was not standing around whining about Molly changing herself to accommodate him.
Molly seemed to have no understanding of helping Hunter try to figure out what to do about his family legacy. She had painted a picture of what the future was going to look like with no discussion.
I felt badly for Hunter. I didn't feel like Molly was dependable. I thought he deserved better.
I discovered that I didn't like Molly any better in this book. I felt like she was selfish. Hunter's money bothered her. I felt like she made unjustified accusations because he had money.
She whined about Hunter not spending time with her. She gave no thought to the fact that he was taking on new responsibilities that would require time being put in until he learned the job.
Molly's interest seemed to be all about changing Hunter to accommodate her needs. Hunter was not standing around whining about Molly changing herself to accommodate him.
Molly seemed to have no understanding of helping Hunter try to figure out what to do about his family legacy. She had painted a picture of what the future was going to look like with no discussion.
I felt badly for Hunter. I didn't feel like Molly was dependable. I thought he deserved better.
September 7, 2021
I just loved this sweet romance. Had read about Hunter and Molly when they were teenagers and in love. Now a decade later they are all grown up with a lot of experiences in life. They see one another and feelings are still there, both wonder if they can pick up and try to be a couple again. There are several conflicts that are in their way. I love how they both have supporting families that try to get them back together. It had it all, sweet interactions, conflicts, and sad times, but all in all it had my happy ending. Good clean book, Liz has this whole series of the Hammond family, each one will introduce you to the characters in the story. I’ve read them out of order, but it will help you if you start from the first book in this series so you will know the story of other family members of this story. I was just so excited to read about Hunter and Molly when I saw they were all grown up.
December 18, 2020
Sweet and emotional:
This is another sweet, clean second chance romance and although the start of a new series, it follows the Hammond brothers along with many guest appearances of characters from past series. There was plenty of drama, emotion and real life struggles however it didn't feel overly heavy and I appreciated that there was depth to this story.
Hunter and Molly dated in high school but when she broke up with him and moved away, their paths and lives diverged. Unexpectedly meeting again all these years later has them fighting their feelings for one another but also realizing that they are better together. They both had a lot of issues to work through which made them all the more relatable.
Overall this was an enjoyable, sweet story and a welcome addition to the Hammond saga.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is another sweet, clean second chance romance and although the start of a new series, it follows the Hammond brothers along with many guest appearances of characters from past series. There was plenty of drama, emotion and real life struggles however it didn't feel overly heavy and I appreciated that there was depth to this story.
Hunter and Molly dated in high school but when she broke up with him and moved away, their paths and lives diverged. Unexpectedly meeting again all these years later has them fighting their feelings for one another but also realizing that they are better together. They both had a lot of issues to work through which made them all the more relatable.
Overall this was an enjoyable, sweet story and a welcome addition to the Hammond saga.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2020
Hunter Hammond finished his degree at MIT and now is supposed to start in the research department of his family company. He is looking forward to it, and even privately his life is looking up, as his first love and best friend Molly is willing to give their relationship another try. But then he is put under pressure to become the next CEO of the company, as the current CEO, his aunt, wants to retire. He is the only one within the family available, but struggles with his duty and finding time for a relationship with Molly.
But satisfying everyone is near impossible....
An interesting story - not just as a romantic story, but from the human angle of finding a work-life balance, especially when put under pressure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But satisfying everyone is near impossible....
An interesting story - not just as a romantic story, but from the human angle of finding a work-life balance, especially when put under pressure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2023
I love Liz Isaacson novels and the world she builds with her words! Like many of her books, the “Ivory Peaks” series connects to some previous tomes, but you don’t have to have read them to enjoy this first installment (I hadn’t!).
We meet childhood sweethearts, Molly and Hunter. They’re pulled to each other romantically but their life paths are pulling them separately. The love story is precious but also realistic. Family, jobs, and past choices all intertwine to influence Hunt and Molly as they try to make a relationship work. A path-less-taken, but appreciated, personally, was Hunt choosing both CEO and Molly. So often romances give the hero/heroine their happily ever after at the end of the book. The end. Here, it’s a work in progress, but they’re making the best of it!
Another piece of Liz Isaacson’s charm in her writing is getting a sneak peek into side characters and future main characters. I love that side characters get a chapter or two, so readers can feel connected to and already begin rooting for the next couple to make their romance work.
We meet childhood sweethearts, Molly and Hunter. They’re pulled to each other romantically but their life paths are pulling them separately. The love story is precious but also realistic. Family, jobs, and past choices all intertwine to influence Hunt and Molly as they try to make a relationship work. A path-less-taken, but appreciated, personally, was Hunt choosing both CEO and Molly. So often romances give the hero/heroine their happily ever after at the end of the book. The end. Here, it’s a work in progress, but they’re making the best of it!
Another piece of Liz Isaacson’s charm in her writing is getting a sneak peek into side characters and future main characters. I love that side characters get a chapter or two, so readers can feel connected to and already begin rooting for the next couple to make their romance work.
January 16, 2026
Thee and Thy prayers - and a little long and cheesy
This book is structured differently than your typical romance. It actually has sections for different members of the family, but somehow it works and the story flows well.
The prayers with “thee” and “thou” were weird. That made the story seem fake. It was very weird. These people aren’t Amish. And this isn’t the 1700’s.
I think the book was a bit cheesy - it’s hard for me to put my finger on it but there want a lot of depth. I was tempted to upload parts of it into chat got to see if it is AI generated. I stuck it out - but there were a few times that I wanted to put this on the DNF pile.
I don’t think I’ll read the other books in the series. I just don’t understand why Christian romances always seem cheesy and shallow.
This book is structured differently than your typical romance. It actually has sections for different members of the family, but somehow it works and the story flows well.
The prayers with “thee” and “thou” were weird. That made the story seem fake. It was very weird. These people aren’t Amish. And this isn’t the 1700’s.
I think the book was a bit cheesy - it’s hard for me to put my finger on it but there want a lot of depth. I was tempted to upload parts of it into chat got to see if it is AI generated. I stuck it out - but there were a few times that I wanted to put this on the DNF pile.
I don’t think I’ll read the other books in the series. I just don’t understand why Christian romances always seem cheesy and shallow.
November 28, 2020
This book is part of a series. It is the first book in the series that I have read. As you move through the story, you realize that supporting characters' stories have been covered in other books. It is absolutely not a problem. You can read and enjoy this book on its own.
This book covers some real life dilemma's, such as how do you balance your work life and personal life? How do you deal with the death of a family member - or the death of a relationship? I found myself brought to tears at one point in the book.
The story was well written and enjoyable. The characters dealt with real situations.
I was provided a copy of an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review. This is a clean family story that has a good dose of religion in it.
This book covers some real life dilemma's, such as how do you balance your work life and personal life? How do you deal with the death of a family member - or the death of a relationship? I found myself brought to tears at one point in the book.
The story was well written and enjoyable. The characters dealt with real situations.
I was provided a copy of an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review. This is a clean family story that has a good dose of religion in it.
December 22, 2020
Hunter Hammond was back home and looking forward to starting work at HMC. Molly had been back for several years and worked as a second grade teacher. Hunter and Molly saw each other the first day he was back, outside of church. They started dating and soon Hunter was asked to be CEO of HMC. Molly did not see how they could make a relationship last and broke up with him a second time.
Hunter and Molly were each other’s first love. Loved the whole concept of their first love. Beautifully written by one of my favorite authors. Liz Isaacson never disappoints. When you pick up one of her books, you know it will be a great read.
I received an advance copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Hunter and Molly were each other’s first love. Loved the whole concept of their first love. Beautifully written by one of my favorite authors. Liz Isaacson never disappoints. When you pick up one of her books, you know it will be a great read.
I received an advance copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 22, 2020
Love the Hammonds!!! Hunter and Molly loved each other as young teenagers. Hunter was devastated when Holly broke up with him. They went their separate ways, Hunter to MIT and Molly to college and a failed marriage. They reconnect when Hunter returns to town planning to work at the family corporation. A job doing research in the Lab, which he loves, quickly changes to taking over the CEO position. But can a relationship survive if Hunter is always at work? This is such a good series and this is a wonderful book! As the oldest of the generation and the first nephew Hunter’s uncles all claim him and try to guide him not to make the mistakes they did. The family dynamic and love they have for each other is inspiring. Don’t miss this clean, inspirational book by Liz Isaacson!
December 22, 2020
You & Me Me & You
Wow great beginning to this new series. The characters are almost night and day. Molly who is a 2nd grade teacher and her ex husband Tyrone (so glad he's EX)! Hunter home from years at MIT, both in relationship when much younger, both have amazing ties with their close families. Being a step-mom myself, I could just feel the love when Hunter told Elise his thoughts on how he felt about her and sorry for how long it had taken him to tell her. The time he takes with his younger siblings Deacon, Tucker, and Jane is rare, but so amazing!
There is forgiveness, 2nd chances, finding balance, seeking help with Lucy (I'd love to meet herm she sounds a lot like the therapist who helps me). I have to admit Hunter's degree made my head spin.
Wow great beginning to this new series. The characters are almost night and day. Molly who is a 2nd grade teacher and her ex husband Tyrone (so glad he's EX)! Hunter home from years at MIT, both in relationship when much younger, both have amazing ties with their close families. Being a step-mom myself, I could just feel the love when Hunter told Elise his thoughts on how he felt about her and sorry for how long it had taken him to tell her. The time he takes with his younger siblings Deacon, Tucker, and Jane is rare, but so amazing!
There is forgiveness, 2nd chances, finding balance, seeking help with Lucy (I'd love to meet herm she sounds a lot like the therapist who helps me). I have to admit Hunter's degree made my head spin.
December 23, 2020
I loved the entire Hammond Brothers series and I was so excited for this new book about Gray's son, Hunter. The book was set about 10 years after the end of the original series with Hunter now being in his mid-twenties, returning to work in the family business, and getting reacquainted with Molly, his first love. This book was so, so good---like attending a family reunion with many of your loved ones where you get to catch up on their news. There were some very poignant moments and some very happy ones and woven throughout the book was the romantic love story of Hunter and Molly. Don't miss it! Highly recommend! I was entrusted with a copy of this book by the author and this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
December 30, 2020
Liz Isaacson is a master at family sagas and story of this branch of the Hammond family has started out beautifully. We all want to avoid being hurt and Hunter takes that a step further in that he wants to make everyone around him happy. Now we all know that isn’t possible but as brilliant as he is Hunter has to learn that the hard way. He has been in love with Molly since junior high but life and Molly have taken them in different directions. He has a second chance at Molly and happiness if he just doesn’t blow it by trying to take care of everyone else. I love that he has options to give him advice (most better than Uncle Colton’s regarding kissing the girls) in his father, grandfather and uncles. I really like that Molly has learned from her marriage that she is important and deserves the best. I look forward to more stories about this strong family.
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