Rebuilding Her Life

Kendrick Creek #1

by Ruth Logan Herne

Coming home isn’t always easy…in this novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne.

Faced with a decades-old mistake,

can she find forgiveness?

After a fire devastates her hometown, Dr. Jess Bristol returns to save her mother’s clinic—and comes face-to-face with her high school sweetheart. Over twenty years ago, Jess helped put Shane Stone in jail…and later learned he was innocent. Now they must work together to restore their town. Though Shane has put his past behind him, can the adoptive single father forgive the woman he once loved?

From Harlequin Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Kendrick Creek

Book 1: Rebuilding Her Life

Genres: Love Inspired

368 pages, Paperback

Published March 30, 2021

About the author

Multi-published, award-winning, bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne is living her dream of being a published author and having the time of her life doing it. Born to a poor family in Rochester, NY, Ruthy draws on her early years and her many years of dealing with today's young families and businesses to create beautiful, heartfelt small-town stories of faith, hope and love... while adopting her favorite non-Scripture quotes "Plenty of time for rest in the grave" (Ben Franklin) and "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." (Eleanor Roosevelt) and one can always depend on Yoda "There is no try. There is do or do not." Succinct... and true. :) She loves chatting with readers on facebook at Ruth Logan Herne or follow Ruthy on Twitter, visit her website or stop by Seekerville (www.seekerville.blogspot.com) or pop by the Yankee Belle Cafe where Ruthy and several lovely authors share recipes, facts, photos and just plain old life! (www.yankeebellecafe.blogspot.com

Reviews

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to love about this contemporary romance with lots of heart, even if it's left me feeling a tad bruised and battle weary by the end. :-) But love stories that read like real life, brimming with all the tumultuous emotions that come with that is exactly what Herne excels at. This one packs the dreaded two-punch combo -- the poignant jab of past regrets followed by the sharp cross of reconnected faith. And that makes Rebuilding Her Life a stunner!

This is the first book in the new Kendrick Creek series which is set in a struggling Tennessee mountain community that has been devastated by a fire. Jess comes home to assist during the restoration process and finds herself along the way.

I love the parallels between rebuilding a town and rebuilding hearts. Solid faith threads of forgiveness and sacrifice and trusting God with each moment are deeply woven throughout. And, as with all Herne's timeless stories, there are cute kids, sage elders and the perfect mix of tears and laughter. Along with enough stumbling blocks to make a happily-ever-after seem impossible. Riveting to the very last word.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebuilding Her Life is another outstanding heart felt story from beloved author Ruth Logan Herne. Returning to Kendrick Creek after a devastating fire found Dr. Jess Bristol encountering more than she anticipated after seeing Shane Stone was back to help rebuild the little town they grew up in. The history between Jess and Shane gave way to feelings, thoughts, guilt and so much more. The beautiful scenes, dialogue, fun loving and caring people of the small town placed me right in the middle of the story. If only every town in America was like this looking out for others and not trying to get ahead for their own selfish reasons.

Herne tackled some difficult things with cancer, overcoming the past, letting go and letting faith take hold instead of striving to reach the top. The hero and heroine are older in this heartfelt story but the tale was that much more endearing along with other community members. I look forward to the next book in Herne’s new series, Kendrick Creek set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Tennessee where community members rally around each other and welcome those who had moved away home to find peace, love and hope even when life is uncertain.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher without any obligation to write a review. I have shared my own thoughts.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

'If I really trust God, I have to trust Him in all things. Not just the easy stuff. The hard stuff, too. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that second-guessing God is a fruitless act.'

Ruth Logan Herne once again brings us her heart in a wonderful story. Dr. Jess Bristol, ER doctor in New York City, returns to her hometown to help her doctor mother after a devastating fire hits the town in Tennessee. Then she comes square face to face with her high school sweetheart. The same one she sent to jail over 27 years ago. A crime for which he was innocent. They must now work together to rebuild the town. Shane believes the past belongs in the past, but can he forgive Jess for what she did to him?

The author has created a wonderful little town full of such sweet people. I wanted to jump in the book and visit the town myself! These people have suffered such great loss in this fire but they are holding onto hope and God. I've always felt that Ruth Logan Herne writes with heart and it's totally evident here. And she does the best children characters ever! Truly she does. I connected with these characters right away and they dove into my heart. I loved every minute. I can't for the next one set in Kendrick Creek. Well done!

My thanks to the author and publisher for a copy of this book. I received no compensation and the opinion here is all mine.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth's books never miss and this one is excellent as always!! I have come to love every Ruth Logan Herne book I read because they have everything I look for in a favorite read: great characters, humor, a fantastic storyline and lots of heart. Rebuilding Her Life is a perfect start to a new series that I already want more of. Jess and Shane are characters you want to see get a happily ever after and Jolie completely stole my heart. The premise of the book and the series captured me and I am eagerly looking forward to the rest of the series. Ruth is one of my favorite authors and her books are not to be missed!!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If I really trust God, I have to trust Him in all things. Not just the easy stuff. The hard stuff, too. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that second-guessing God is a fruitless act."

This is a story that is so needed right now! Ruth Logan Herne takes us to an ideal place, where people know and care for each other, and she allows us to experience everyday life in a small town. Just reading about Kendrick Creek and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains makes me want to travel to Tennessee to experience this friendly atmosphere. Herne has a knack for creating characters just like most of us--decent people who often falter and then suffer from those actions, and good people with illnesses and struggles. She's also a master at romance, as she gives readers a sweet, delicious peek of a possible second-chance for Dr. Jess Bristol and Shane Stone. And believe me, Shane Stone is worthy of a second chance, for sure!

Are you needing a heartwarming, faith-filled story that just makes you smile? Wanna feel like you've just visited the Blue Ridge Mountains? Grab a copy of Rebuilding Her Life and enjoy a story of love, joy, and redemption!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a book by Ruth Logan Herne that I didn't love and Rebuilding Her Life was no exception. Different in the sense that the main characters were a little older than your typical hero and heroine, Jess and Shane's romance was as dreamy-eyed as ever, perhaps even more so given their past experiences and the forgiveness/redemption that would come to pass between them. Bringing justice to an old crime, living with the horrors of cancer and its repercussions, and rebuilding a beloved hometown devastated by fire bring Shane and Jess together after decades apart, only to find that the old spark has never died, rekindling faster than they thought possible.
Shane is experiencing parenthood with a young niece and nephew to raise while Jess is still recuperating from a bout of cancer and facing the same awful disease in the life of someone she loves. A hair-raising rescue on an icy mountain road brings them together with common goals for the near future, including rebuilding their hometown after inconceivable loss. Will their hometown receive them with open arms or will ugly memories serve to separate them forever? Can Shane navigate his niece and nephew through the pain of losing their mother and feeling their father's rejection? Can a small town like Kendrick Creek offer big city doctor Jess enough to consider staying - just until her mother's clinic gets back to usual operation again, of course?
Ruth Logan Herne has done it again. I will never grow tired of reading a new sweet romance with her name on the cover.
I received a copy of this book from the author but was not obligated to provide a review. This review is my honest opinion.

[Trixi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family wasn't necessarily family by blood, they were related by love, and Kendrick Creek was sure showing him a lot of that.

Ruth Logan Herne always writes her books with plenty of heart & soul! Her characters come to life on the pages and the reader is immediately immersed in the story.

Here we meet Dr. Jess Bristol and Shane Stone who have come back to Kendrick Creek, Tennessee to help rebuild the town after a devastating fire. They've both had their share of a painful past history together that forces them to deal with it head-on. Shane is also raising his young niece & nephew after his sister passed away. He has plenty on his plate but soon discovers the townspeople are more than willing to lend a hand wherever needed. Jess is essentially an outsider, and finding her place among Kendrick Creek takes a bit of doing. It was wonderful to see that she bonded with Shane's niece Jolie and helped the young girl to heal from grief. I also really love Jess's Mom Mary! She was the glue that held things together & is full of wisdom when it came to life lessons. She's a gentle encourager and faith-filled woman who never stopped praying for her daughter.

Rebuilding Her Life is an emotional & tender story of second chances, a perfect example of sacrificial love, a town bonding together to help each other, friendships forged in fire and a love of both family and romantically. Herne includes plenty of faith, discovering our worth in God, and finding true peace in Him. She's a master of bringing a story to life that will stick with a reader long after the last page is turned!

*I purchased a copy of this book and reviewed it of my own free will. *

[Dawn Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book, the characters, and the setting! Author Ruth Logan Herne does an awesome job at describing everything. It's easy to revision yourself in Kendrick Creek and visiting Mary's clinic or house. I recommend this book and anything Ruth Logan Herne has written. I look forward to reading future books in the Kendrick Creek series.

I received a free copy of this book from the author but was not required to review it. All opinions are my own.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! Great story!! Cute little story!! Sad at what he went through!! Sad at what she want through!! Sad at what the kids went through!! Glad that they all got their happly ever after !!

[Anna Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oddly, I liked this. And I can't tell you why.
I can only tell you all of the reasons I should *NOT* have liked this.

Let's start with the cover. Jess is a cancer survivor just off her treatments, wearing 'chemo hats'. SHE. HAS. NO. HAIR. She's staying at her mom's cabin which is log and backed up to a mountain with a life-sized carved BEAR at the door. She's a NYC trauma doctor.

In other words, SHE AND THE SETTING LOOK *NOTHING* like the cover of this book. And I absolutely HATE that.

Second, everyone in this book is dead, dying, or wrecked. Jess has breast cancer. Her surrogate mom is dying of brain cancer. Shane's sister just died of thyroid cancer. Jess' mother died drunk driving. Shane spent four years in jail (for something he didn't do, of course) and has a ruined reputation. The kids are wrecked from their dad deserting, their mom dying, the new potential mom dying, the new potential grandmother dying...

I'm. NOT. KIDDING.

Having said, I liked the book. Probably because Jess was so unlikeable: She has cancer? //shrug// She's sad cuz her mom who she's neglected is dying? //shrug// She's feeling badly because she's been a selfish wench who never did anything for anyone or had any relationships? //shrug// She's got guilt because she never wrote to Shane in jail or to any of the folk back home who wrote to her in NYC because she just couldn't be bothered? //shrug// Give-no-shits is as give-no-shits does. And that's Jess. So... //shrug//

But Shane LUVVVVS her. Why? Is it her faith? Wait, no. She has no faith, and doesn't really come to the Lord in the book either. Is it her kindness? Big nope there, too. Is it her beauty? She has nice eyes, I guess... but she's ravaged by cancer, stress from trauma doctoring, puffy from sobbing over dying mama...

Apparently Shane LUVVVS her because the author says so.

Come to think of it... why *DO* I think this was an okay book? It wasn't the writing. The characters are okay, but nothing to write home about. The storyline is decent, but more of the 'Love, Inspired' same. The spirituality is trite and shallow, at best.

What REALLY annoyed me was the timeline. Jess is in her FORTIES, hello. And as an NYC doctor, yeah... she'd probably be single. But Shane? He did four years in jail, ages 18 thru 21, but it's been TWO decades. He would've found a nice girl in his church in Maryland and married and had kids, by now. He wouldn't be single. It's *NOT* believable.

More, if Mary has a brain tumor and is symptomatic and treatment didn't work? There is *NO WAY* that Jess and Shane would wait THREE MONTHS to get married. And there is *NO WAY* that - if Mary's hardly able to work in January, she'd be giving Jess away at the wedding in MARCH. It's preposterous.

Well, crap. The more I write here,
the more stars I take from my review...
And the less I think I'm a'gonna keep this thing.

[Jeanette Revie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Supremely Satisfying

I loved every chapter of this book. Ruth had me in tears so many times. I've gone through cancer with a family member, by the grace of God he recovered. I know the feelings. I love that Jess was a woman in her 40's like me (although I don't consider myself a midlifer quite yet lol). Beautiful! Well written, emotionally satisfying, spiritually uplifting. I don't regret a moment of my time in this book. :)

[Alita Macelhiney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully Written

This book is beautifully written. From the current issues of cancer and how that can affect families. To morals of faith and to believe that good can happen. Jess and Shane return to their roots. Rebuilding a town to rebuilding lives. Also knowing that life has many turns and ups / downs. Enjoyed reading this book.

[Kathy Sinaguglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good read

Rebuilding her life is a really good book. This was my second time of reading it and I enjoyed it just as much the second time as I did the first. Seeing how Shane and Jess learn life’s lessons and to trust God’s plans for their future is a joy and encouragement in my own life.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shane and Dr. Jess
Both good main characters.
Loved the story and setting .. the romance was minor (for me) in this book.
And the wrap up was rushed .. not that unusual in these shorter Harlequin romances.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book I will be looking for other books by this author

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Kendrick Creek (Book #1)

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Kendrick Creek (Book #1)

[Jackalyn]

Very good!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute fast read

[Barbara Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful start to this series. This is a story, not only about rebuilding a town & community after a devastating fire, but also rebuilding relationships. Not just romantic ones, but family and friends.

This is definitely a series that needs to be read and it’s entirety and an order.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

Rebuilding Her Life begins the Kendrick Creek series with a heartwrenching and heartwarming romance that feels as real as if I was living it as I read Shane, Jess, Jole, Sam, and Mary’s story. It was a simply amazing experience. And this isn’t one couple’s story, it is the town of Kendrick Creek and its residents’ story as much as the main characters. To a woman born in the country and transplanted to the city – this one felt like coming home.

A late-season forest fire has swept down the mountain and nearly devastated the small town of Kendrick Creek. Some buildings, homes were completely destroyed – others jumped over and never touched – more have some damage but can be repaired. It is into this tragedy in their hometown that Shane and Jess step into as they come home from different parts of the country to the town that shaped them and their futures. Jess is an ER doctor in New York City, or she was before being let go recently. Shane is rebuilding his life on the East coast, starting a successful construction company after his release from prison for a crime he didn’t commit but took the blame for. It was a teenage Jess who was instrumental in Shane ending up in prison because what she saw (although not entirely accurate) was enough to convince a jury. Jess is also on the other side of a serious medical situation. Returning home was instinctive for them both – neither expected what would happen when they met again many years after the last time they saw each other.

Shane stole my heart from the beginning. He’s a man of faith, a man of his word, and is now raising his nephew, Sam, and niece, Jole after their mother’s death. It would be so easy for Shane to have become bitter but that’s not his way, his path.

It took me a little bit of time to really like Jess. Her immediate attitude upon returning home needed a bit of adjustment… which did happen in a completely natural way. But as Jess grew, got back to her roots, and lost some of that shield firmly in place, and became human I enjoyed her take-charge nature. Although the main couple, Shane and Jess were a fascinating romance to watch unfold, it was Mary (Jess’s mother and town doctor) and the residents, and even Shane’s niece and nephew who really captured my heart along the way. Rebuilding Her Life is so much more than a romance, it is a community coming together, helping each other after the unthinkable happens.

This story was an excellent way to begin the Kendrick Creek series, and I’m looking forward to continuing the series.

I own a Kindle edition of Rebuilding Her Life.

[Sherida Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Stars! I loved this feel-good book so much!

As you turn the pages and savor the emotions, you know author Ruth Logan Herne writes from the heart. Sacrificial love is a treasured theme, and this story is filled with the blessing of such an example of faithful living. Tears, smiles and joy....all experienced as I read this sweet romance.

While recovering from a health challenge, successful doctor Jess Bristol returns to her hometown of Kendrick Creek, Tennessee. A devastating fire recently tore through the small community. During her temporary relocation, she assists with her mother’s medical practice and helps with restoring the destroyed clinic. She didn’t expect to come face-to-face with Shane Stone, the friend she implicated in a crime which sent him to prison years ago.

Contractor and businessman Shane Stone is an amazing hero! He is a faithful, self-sacrificing, humble man caring for his niece and nephew after the loss of their mother. His strong values shine as he proves obstacles can be overcome with faith and hard work. His compass is set in the right direction as he navigates child raising duties while bringing the struggling community together to renovate the town structures.

This story will hurt your heart.....then offer restoration and fill you with hope at the conclusion. I highly recommend this sweet romance.....and any book written by Ruth Logan Herne.

A favorite quote: Shane didn’t hide his belief in God. He wore it with honor, the way he did so many things.

*I received a copy of this book with no requirement to write a review. I’m pleased to offer my honest opinion.

[Jenny Propst · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Ruth Logan Herne's Love Inspired books loving each one. What I love about her books is the realism and how you are drawn into the story feeling like you are a part of the story, Rebuilding Her Life is no different.
Shane and Jess both grew up in the little Appalachian town of Kendrick Creek. Both have returned to help rebuild the town after a devastating forest fire burned many of the buildings and surrounding homes.
Jess is now a doctor and cancer survivor. She wasn't expecting to see Shane. Her testimony sent him to prison for a crime he didn't commit, the boy she secretly loved in high school.
Shane returned to give to those that helped him and his sister when they were growing up. He now has his own successful construction company. Shane admitted to the crime in hopes of helping someone he loved. He has been raising his niece and nephew, a challenge, since the death of his sister from cancer. The last person he expected to see was Jess, the girl he has secretly loved since high school and who helped to send him to prison. Can they each help the other overcome the effects of the past and take the second chance that is given to them?
I quickly found myself loving the town and the people. I can't wait to read the remaining books in this series.
I highly recommend this book!

I was given an ARC to review giving my honest opinion.

[Elaine Applebury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Ruth Logan Herne’s books! She always has good characters, heartfelt stories, and adorable children. I like stories that make me laugh, cry, and sigh with satisfying endings. This book has all the vibes! “Rebuilding Her Life,” is the first book in the, A Kendrick Creek Romance, series.

Dr Jess Bristol has been an ER doctor in a big New York City hospital. Having spent the past year undergoing cancer treatment, Jess has been “downsized” out of a job just when her hometown in Tennessee has suffered a devastating forest fire. She returns home to help her mother rebuild her clinic. She comes face to face with her high school sweetheart, Shane Stone, who she helped send to jail. Shane now has a very successful construction business and he has also returned to Kendrick Creek to help his hometown to rebuild.

I can’t wait to read the next story in the series!

[Winnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with hope and small-town charm, Rebuilding Her Life is a sweet, tender story of second chances, grace, and forgiveness. Life is full of challenges, hard times, and heart-breaking events, but there are also wonderful compassionate and caring people around to help get through them. Ruth Logan Herne is a pro at creating realistic, flawed, hurting, and engaging characters. I loved this story starring Jess Bristol and Shane Stone, as they navigate a jarring reunion after many years. Shane’s forgiving heart was inspirational, and Jess was a strong, intriguing heroine. This is the first book in Herne’s new Kendrick Creek series. I’m looking forward to more charming stories in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Stephanie Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading Ruth Logan Herne’s work, and I really enjoyed it. A big selling factor for me was the hero and heroine are in their 40’s, which is rare to find in a romance book nowadays. (A NOTE TO AUTHORS: Those of us in our 40’s and beyond love a good romance too! It’s not just for those in their 20’s and 30’s!) Jess and Shane’s love story is beautiful and one to be admired. They have a few obstacles in their path, but they never give up. I caught myself tearing up several times while reading this book, and I’d gladly recommend it to everyone. I look forward to reading more of Ruth’s work very soon.

[Elaine R. Renaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess, Shane and Mary

When a fire passes through Jess's hometown she comes home to help her mother , Mary in her medical practice. The first person she sees and who came to her rescue was her boyfriend Shane. This is a wonderful story that everyone should read. The many background stories really make this book a beautiful read.

[Jackie Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy sweet inspirational romances with characters facing real-life struggles, you'll love Reguilding Her Life by Ruth Logan Herne.

I received a free copy with no pressure to write a review.

[Kaye Wingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book

[Elaine. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It’s a book about life and trusting in God for healing of both body and soul