The Farmhouse

Hickory Grove #3

by Elizabeth Bromke

A desperate hairdresser. Her handsome friend. And a farmhouse full of secrets. 

When Maggie Devereux is served an unexpected eviction notice, everything falls apart. Out of options, the nearly divorced forty-something stumbles across an unopened letter regarding her late aunt's estate: a ramshackle farmhouse on the outskirts of town. It could be the perfect solution, if it weren't on the verge of collapse and teeming with complicated family secrets.

Property investor Rhett Houston needs a fresh start. So when he bumps into his old friend, Maggie, who's looking for help with a project, he jumps right in. Soon, Rhett finds himself growing close to the hardworking family, and he realizes he's at a crossroads: stay in the city where he's made a life, or move home to Hickory Grove to help Maggie for good. His choice would be easy, if she weren't still married. 

Can friends become more under the right circumstances? The Farmhouse is a romantic, small-town women's fiction set in charming Hickory Grove. 

Take a trip to the heart of America, and fall in love with Hickory Grove's quirky residents who work hard, enjoy the simple life, and always put love first. Each title is a standalone read.

The Schoolhouse: Book One

The Christmas House: Book Two

The Farmhouse: Book Three

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance

328 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 2020

About the author

Elizabeth Bromke writes women's fiction and heartwarming romance. In her stories, she weaves together family dynamics and the triumphs and trials of modern relationships. Echoes of the past flavor her books with nostalgia.

Elizabeth lives in the mountains of Arizona. There, she enjoys walking, reading, and cooking with her husband, son, and their sweet Golden-mix, Winnie.

Reviews

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie Devereux has lived in the small town of Hickory Grove, Indiana all her life. She married Travis Engel (the bad boy at school) at the young age of 18 when she found out she was pregnant. She and Travis now have 4 children and a not-so-happy-marriage. Maggie's been thinking about filing for divorce from her almost-good-for-nothing-husband for awhile, and with her best friend Becky's help has printed out the paperwork--all she's got to do is fill it out then file it down at the courthouse.

Before Maggie fills out the divorce paperwork she discovers that her unreliable husband stopped making mortgage payments months ago, so their home is being repossessed by the bank. Travis is nowhere to be seen and isn't answering calls or text messages. She and the children pack up all their things and go to the small B&B in town where she runs into Rhett Houston who she knew from high school. While going through papers from their home trying to find anything that could help their situation, Maggie finds out that an old family farmhouse and land were left to her when her aunt died. Although it's in bad shape, it's the answer to this frazzled mom's prayers. While working on the farmhouse she discovers old papers and photobooks that give her the answers to questions she's had about her family that no one's ever answered.

Rhett is back in Hickory Grove to purchase some land that his family owned but found out it was no longer available. He and Maggie make a deal to exchange a place to live for his handyman skills around the farmhouse. Rhett has feelings for Maggie but she's dealing with a looming divorce, until she's not. Can Rhett convince Maggie of his feelings for her and earn her trust? Will she take too long and lose the chance at a great relationship with a good man?

This story pulled me into Maggie and her family's struggles and victories. I loved how she refused to stay knocked down for long but she drove me crazy with her unwillingness to accept help from her friends. I wanted to Gibbs slap her upside the head when she turned down her neighbor Fern's offer to stay with her because Fern lives alone and has plenty of room. It wouldn't have been forever, just a few days to get things straightened out. I love a strong woman but don't like when they're so stubborn and/or prideful that they refuse help friends are willing to give. On the other hand, if she wouldn't have stayed at the B&B then she wouldn't have run into Rhett. I also didn't understand why she felt the need to pack up everything right then and there instead of contacting the bank to find out when they needed to vacate the house. I would've used that time to pack up and look for other options, but Maggie seems to be a spur of the moment action person and not a planner like me.

Rhett was a great guy and seemed to have a lot of patience, although Maggie seemed to be using it up with her commitment issues. I was glad when she finally came to her senses. It's great to want to be self-reliant but don't be stupid when a wonderful guy is in front of you offering you his love.

This is another wonderful addition to the Hickory Grove series. I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are my own.

[Laura Klowan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not good at all. Luckily it was very short. There was no depth to the story. The characters were bland and confused with who they were. The author never developed any of the characters. Some characters would act one way one minute then opposite of what you would expect the next minute. They never stayed true to their personality…. Not that they even had one. Don’t waste your time on this.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hickory Grove Series is a peek at small town living with everyone knowing your business and looking out for each other. It shows the good and bad and the highs and lows of some childhood friends who are now adults. This is book 3 in this series and it's about Maggie Devereux who we have met before in the other books in this series. She has been struggling in a bad marriage and trying to decide the best thing for her future. In this book Maggie has finally decided it's time to end her marriage to her very controlling husband Travis. Her decision to leave him is confirmed when she finds a foreclosure notice on her door. She finds out that her husband hasn't paid the mortgage in months. Trying to find a place for herself and her children is difficult until they find
an unopened letter regarding her late aunt's estate: a ramshackle farmhouse on the outskirts of town. Even though it needs some work, it will give her the fresh start she needs.

Rhett Houston also needs a fresh start and he decides to move back to Hickery Grove. He is happy to reconnect with his high school friend Maggie. He agrees to help with some of the renovations and he would like to finally reveal to her how he has always felt about her but he won't because she's still married.

The Farmhouse is a place for a fresh start and a place where Maggie will find out things about her mother who died at her birth and a father she knew nothing about. It may be the place for Maggie and Rhett to have a fresh start together as some surprises are revealed.

[Pam Vogt]

The Farmhouse was another wonderful book by this author. Maggie is a hairdresser, married, with 4 children. Her marriage is not going so well and she is making the decision to leave her husband. Will she get to do this on her own terms or be forced to move sooner than she likes. Sadly she gets an eviction notice and has no choice now except to leave her home. She and her children pack up and go stay at a boarding house. While she is going through papers she finds an unopened letter regarding her late aunt's estate, giving her an old farmhouse on the outskirts of town. Can this be the answer to a prayer. The farmhouse needs lots of work but she is determined to make it a home. Will she uncover secrets to her past? She runs into her old friend, Rhett. He is looking for a fresh start in his life also. They agree that he will move in with her to be her live in handyman. Could things possibly work out for them or is this just temporary feelings. You will have to read this sweet story to get your answers. I highly recommend this book. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book!! I wanted to bop Maggie upside the head a couple of times, but she finally figured things out! Rhett's a good match for her, and was a lot more patient than I would have been! Sometimes both of them seemed to not be mature for their ages, and Gretchen seemed a little more mature than her Mom a few times, but overall it was good read.

I received a complimentary copy of the book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is totally my own.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Elizabeth Bromke; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The farmhouse

Cute story The Farmhouse, interesting to see view from a few different characters, but you could predict the very happy ending.

[Robin Tobin (On the back porch reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, Chicklit......

[Lucy Conner]

Another book by Elizabeth Bromke that is a can't put it down. Love the way she tells a story. Great characters and how they bring God to help with issues. A must read.

[Lisa Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good story with quite a few twists that were surprising. I haven't read the previous 2 books of the series but don't feel like I needed to to enjoy this book.

[lindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book review

This book is more for a teenager, than an adult. It is clean fiction, .but, a little too unrealistic. The ending is incomplete and abrupt.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Farmhouse is the third amazing book written by Elizabeth Bromke in her Hickory Grove series. This book centers around the story of Maggie which we were introduced to in the first book of this series. The characters are very likeable in this story except for Maggie's husband. His character will definitely leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Maggie is living life as she knows it. Doing what all mom's do taking care of her four kids, keeping the house, and doing hair for her clients in her house. Her marriage has been questionable for awhile but she keeps trudging on. When Maggie arrives home to find an eviction notice taped to her door her world spins out of control. When she is unable to locate her scoundrel of a husband Maggie takes matters into her own hands. While dealing with where her and her kids will end up an friend from her school days reappears in town. Rhett has always been a close friend and Maggie starts to remember the feelings she had for him. Rhett has the same memories but he is also at a crossroads in his life. As Maggie is looking for reasons for the eviction she stumbles upon a letter that was never opened. This letter will definitely change her and her children's lives. As the mysterious letter is dealt with it keeps throwing Maggie and Rhett together. Feelings start to emerge but with Maggie still being married she refused to acknowledge them. Then another mystery hits the story which involves Maggie's marriage. This is truly an amazing story of love and second chances. I am excited to read the next book to see how things turn out.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Bromke for continuing her series with this fantastic story for her readers enjoyment.

[DiAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A relaxing and cozy read that will draw you right in. I did not realize this was the third book in a series. This was also the first time I have read one of Elizabeth Bromke's novels. I can assure you it will not be the last one! I will definitely be going back and reading the first two before I continue on to the rest of the series. I was glad to find out that each one in the series is a standalone within the series. I found the characters to be very well developed and very easy to relate to. You never know what life will throw at you at any given time. How you handle the snares of life can often times have ripple effects that will touch many lives. A touching and enjoyable read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!


A desperate hairdresser. Her handsome friend. And a farmhouse full of secrets.
When Maggie Devereux is served an unexpected eviction notice, everything falls apart. Out of options, the almost-divorced mother of four stumbles across an unopened letter regarding her late aunt's estate: a ramshackle farmhouse on the outskirts of town. It could be the perfect solution, if it weren't on the verge of collapse and teeming with complicated family secrets.
Property investor Rhett Houston needs a fresh start. So, when he bumps into his old friend, Maggie, who's looking for help with a project, he jumps right in. Soon, Rhett finds himself growing close to the hardworking family, and he realizes he's at a crossroads: stay in the city where he's made a life or move home to Hickory Grove to help Maggie for good. His choice would be easy, if she weren't still married.
Can friends become more under the right circumstances? The Farmhouse is a romantic, small-town women's fiction set in charming Hickory Grove.
Take a trip to the heart of America and fall in love with Hickory Grove's quirky residents who work hard, enjoy the simple life, and always put love first. Each title is a standalone read.

[Knight Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie Deveraux Engel has lived her entire life in Hickory Grove, Indiana, and she ended up married to Travis, because she got pregnant at 18. They ended up with four children, Gretchen, Ky, Dakota, and Briar. Maggie's best friends in high school was Becky and Rhett. Becky and her son Theo had moved back a few years ago from Arizona when Becky and her husband divorced. Rhett Houston lived in Louisville and was back in town trying to find a place to relocate into the area as he was tired of city life. Maggie's marriage had not been going well for sometime, and Becky had been trying to get her to file for divorce, but Maggie just could not get the courage to do it. She had ran all the paper work off the computer and filled it out. She just had not filed it. Then one day her life turn upside down, she came home to a foreclosure notice on the front door of her house. Travis had just quit paying the mortgage and did not say anything to her and now no one knew where he was at, and he would not answer his phone. She had no recourse, but to move out of the house and find some place else to live. She started out at the local B&B where she ran into Rhett. The adventure was on for everyone after that, where would Maggie and the kids end up? Plus, Maggie always wondered about her parents, since her and her twin brother was raised by an Aunt, what really happened to her parents, who was her father, no would talk. This book is packed full of adventure, twist, turn, mystery, bonding of community, lasting friendships, and a few surprises you do not expect, but you will keep turning the pages until the end, because you for sure to not want miss it

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

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie Engel is a hairdresser, married, with 4 children. Her marriage is not going so well and she is making the decision to leave her husband, Travis. When she returned home, she found a foreclosure slip on her door – Travis had not paid the mortgage for several months and now she has no place to live. Looking for a place for herself and her 4 children is not an easy task. But she finds an unopened letter where her Aunt willed her an old falling-down farmhouse on the outskirts of town. She is willing to put in the work for the possibility of a new start.

Rhett Houston is moving back to Hickory Grove for a new start as well. He agrees to help Maggie fix up the farmhouse. Working together on the renovations would also give him a chance to perhaps tell her how he feels about her after her divorce is final. Will this be a home
for Maggie and Rhett to start over as a couple? Will Travis come back to cause her trouble?

This was a nice story because it promised to get Travis out of her life and let Rhett, who cared for her, come into her life. But things are never that easy, and there will be difficulties and surprises along the way. Grab your copy and see how everything works out for them!

[Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living in a small town, being married to your first love, starting a family and finding out after 18 years that life is not what you expected. This is what happens to Maggie when she finds out that her husband has not paid the bills for months and all her bank accounts are empty. There you are with 4 children, not knowing what tomorrow will bring you. The return of Rhett, her dear friend from high school and all the friends in the town cannot take away her problems.
When she goes through the papers of her runaway husband, she finds a letter addressed to her; her deceased aunt left her a farm.

A beautifully described novel about life in a small town where the main character in each chapter grows in her role as a single mother. All her life she has let her dominating, controlling husband decide everything for her but now she has to do it alone. Slowly but surely she finds the strength within herself to be the woman her children can be proud of. A role model for her daughters that a woman can be happy in who she is, that she doesn't need a man for that. And that she can be the woman that Rhett can be proud of.

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

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when your husband disappears and leaves you on the brink of bankruptcy? Maggie finds herself served with eviction papers, and no where to go. While packing things up, she finds correspondence leaving her an old farmhouse on the edge of town. Could this be the answer to her prayers? Rhett is looking for a change in his life. Coming home to Hickory Grove could be the answer. But his old flame in town is married! Or is she? Now given the second chance they both deserve, will they take it throw it away? This is a sweet listen. I love Maggie's new found independence and confidence in herself. She has such an amazing drive and love for her kids that nothing is going to stand in her way. Rhett is a wonderfully warm man who has been dealt bad cards. Now he has a chance a real happiness. I love these two, their history and their future. A warmhearted listen, it is a joy to my ears.

Cecily White brings this story out with warm and tranquil sound. I enjoy her voices and she finds each character the perfect voice. I look forward to hearing more from her.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie is a hard working and dedicated Mum trying to do her best while her douche of a husband does he own thing and while she considers divorcing him he leaves town without a word. Being proud Maggie doesn't want to ask for help but it gets harder with her amazing friends who want to help her as well as Rhett who she went to school with and had a crush on comes to town looking for his own new beginning. I just loved Maggie's strong but vulnerable self as well as how lost Rhett was trying to work out where he wants to be in life now and how as much as they try not to their attraction burns bright. Her late aunt provides a chance for Maggie to raise her kids in a safe and fun environment as well as owning it out right, however there are plenty of surprises, twists, good laughs and awkward moments mixed in to make this a great page turner.

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

[Tandy Oschadleus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book to read and review: I personally struggled with the context of the story - I'm like Rhett's sister, Greta - traditional; whilst I fully believe in God's grace in finding love after an unfaithful marriage, the lines were a little blurry for comfort for me, where Maggie and Rhett both entertained thoughts of their feelings and renewed attraction from their youth for each other- while she was still married to Travis. Although it was hinted that this may be inappropriate, it wasn't clear.
Having explained my personal struggle with the context, the actual book was very well written. The characters were authentic, with depth, and faced real life challenges. Elizabeth writes with crisp clarity so as to really bring the story alive in the mind's eye, and her woven-in humour tempers the harsh reality the characters have to endure.

[Coco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small town romance.

As Maggie Devereux is in the process of divorcing her husband she discovers that she's about to lose her house to the bank. At the same time she learns she's inherited an old family house that has stood empty and ignored for decades. At least this house will provide a roof over her head for her and her children. That's if the roof doesn't leak, the floor boards aren't rotten and heat and water can be reconnected.

Rhett Houston, is in Hickory Grove considering returning to his home town after becoming disillusioned with big city stress. He meets school friend Maggie and offers his professional knowledge and assistance to make her house habitable. While working together on the house they can't ignore their attraction to each other. But Maggie still has a husband who, just like a bad penny, keeps turning up.

Nicely written, an absorbing and intriguing read

[Sheila Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the previous book in this series and loved it so this had quite a bit to live up to. I shouldn't have worried. I enjoyed reading this just as much. A love romance set in the same small town. After being given an unexpected eviction notice Maggie who is on the verge of divorce finds an unopened letter informing her that her Aunt has left the farmhouse. I could have been the answer to her problems if it wasn't in such a dilapidated state. Rhett knew Maggie from years ago and ends up helping her with the repairs. To have a chance together they will need to survive all the problems which threaten their happiness

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

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie is in the middle of a divorce when she finds out her home is about to be foreclosed and her soon to be ex husband will not communicate with her. Just when she is at her end of her rope she finds out she has inherited a farm from her aunt in her home town of Hickory Grove. She packs up her four children and moves but the house needs work and that is when she meets her old friend Rhett. He has returned to his home town in order to get a break from the big city and when he runs into Maggie he wants to help her and her children. Loved this old friend to maybe lover but she still has to deal with her husband who is now turning up. What does the future hold for Maggie and Rhett?

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

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that the Hickory Grove series can be read in any order. That way you can just jump right in without having to starting at the beginning. This sweet clean romance focuses on Maggie. She is a mother in the middle of getting divorced with no place to call home. She finds out that she inherited a farmhouse in her home town.
When Maggie returns to Hickory Grove, the farmhouse needs major work to be safe. She rekindles a friendship with high school friend Rhett. Rhett himself finds himself figuring out some life changes.
It’s a fun well written read with love able characters that you find yourself rooting for. Read it! You will be glad that you did!

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

[S I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Bromke hits the nail on the head. Such a wonderful warm hearted story of struggles, finding your strengths, a story of a marriage that should have ended along time ago from a dead beat husband, Travis, who didn’t pay his mortgage and now Maggie with 4 children has to move because they are in foreclosure. while she looks threw her unopened papers, she find that she was left a small rundown old farm house from her aunt. Rhett will move back to Towne and he’ll be helping Maggie fix the place up for a room. Will these two find what they are looking for? Will Maggie trust any man after her husband.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the A Hickory Grove Novel series it is well written, a sweet clean small town romance story. Maggie Devereux gets a eviction notice because of her husband Travis has not been paying the bills. Maggie was about to start divorce procedures when she found that out. She finds she owns a farmhouse from her great aunt and takes her and her four kids there. She meets Property investor Rhett Houston and they get their second chance as he helps her with things that need done to the farmhouse. I enjoyed reading their story and seeing the rest of the town people come to live through this story.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong,well developed characters and an interesting story line. The author does a great job developing the story and pulled me in with her descriptive writing and detailed scenes. It's a story of starting over and facing difficulties and obstacles along the way. It's a sweet story of friendship,love and new beginnings and is told in a realistic fashion that had me hooked from start to finish reading this emotion filled story. I loved and highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming story about courage, friendship, and new beginnings. Set in a small town, the storyline was artfully crafted and kept my interest throughout the entire book. The author does a great job of describing the scenes in such detail that you have no trouble picturing them in your mind. The characters are authentic and well defined and they faced real life challenges. There is not only romance, but adventure, mystery, and plenty of plot twists. A highly recommended read!

This is the first book I have read by this author and am looking forward to reading more.

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

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was well written and flowed nicely. I had my misgivings at first because the main character seemed to be moving into a new relationship the same day that her marriage and life was falling apart. An old friend you have to hots for is one thing, but acting on that the day your husband had seemed to ditch you and your four kids? That just didn't work for me, but Rhett and Maggie did seem to step back a little as the book went on and I was more accepting of the situation.
Overall, this is a good, quick and easy read with characters that you will want to keep up with as the books continue.

[Nina Derr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book I exchange for an honest review. This is probably my favorite out of all the books in this series. I like that you not only read the book from the point of view of the the two main characters, Maggie and Rhett, but also from Maggie's daughter, Gretchen's, point of view. You also get a little bonus love story within the main one. This book is part of a series but you don't need to read the other books to understand what is going on in this one. I wasn't too fond of the ending because it was quite abrupt so I do hope that in a future book that we get more information.

[Pam Merrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, clean romance about a woman with a controlling spouse who handles everything. A pink notice on her door about their house being foreclosed is how she finds out he has been skipping payments. She has four children from 4 to 18 and no family except for a twin brother who is not in town now. Her beauty parlor is in her house. Her husband won't answer his phone. What will she do? What would you do? I received this ARC from the author and really enjoyed it. It helped that I knew the characters from the first two books in the series. It's like reading a soap opera.