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Small Town Dreams #1
Find Your Way Home
He's hell-bent on telling her what to do.
She's determined to make it on her own.
They're both going to learn a thing or two about first impressions.
Brightwater Valley, New Zealand, is beautiful, rugged, and home to those who love adventure. But it's also isolated and on the verge of becoming a ghost town.
When the town puts out a call to its sister city of Deep River, Alaska, hoping to entice people to build homes and businesses in Brightwater, ex paratrooper Chase Kelly is all for it. He sees the benefits of building the economy, but only if those who come to Brightwater are ready for its challenges. Former oil executive Isabella Montgomery and her plan to open an art gallery don't seem up to the test. Now Chase is determined to help her learn the ways of his formidable hometown.
She's determined to make it on her own.
They're both going to learn a thing or two about first impressions.
Brightwater Valley, New Zealand, is beautiful, rugged, and home to those who love adventure. But it's also isolated and on the verge of becoming a ghost town.
When the town puts out a call to its sister city of Deep River, Alaska, hoping to entice people to build homes and businesses in Brightwater, ex paratrooper Chase Kelly is all for it. He sees the benefits of building the economy, but only if those who come to Brightwater are ready for its challenges. Former oil executive Isabella Montgomery and her plan to open an art gallery don't seem up to the test. Now Chase is determined to help her learn the ways of his formidable hometown.
312 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 26, 2022
19 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Ashenden
498 books977 followersJackie has been writing fiction since she was eleven years old. Mild mannered fantasy/SF/pseudo-literary writer by day, obsessive romance writer by night, she used to balance her writing with the more serious job of librarianship until a chance meeting with another romance writer prompted her to throw off the shackles of her day job and devote herself to the true love of her heart – writing romance. She particularly likes to write dark, emotional stories with alpha heroes who've just got the world to their liking only to have it blown wide apart by their kick-ass heroines.
She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.
She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
May 1, 2022
Find Your Way Home by Jackie Ashenden
1st book in the Small Town Dreams series. Contemporary romance set in New Zealand. Enemies to lovers troupe.
After being dumped by her fiancé and losing her job on the same day, Isabella volunteers for a 3 month start-up business project and jumps on a plane to New Zealand. She’s not totally prepared but she’s going to give it her all. Even if that means no internet or coffee in the tiny town that’s being revitalized.
Chase isn’t prepared for Izzy. She doesn’t have the right boots, or coat, but she sure is pretty.
Grumpy Chase is a cliche but kind of funny. He can’t resist Izzy and reacts as a grumpy bear. Everyone in town (all 30) watches him bring her a coffee every morning. Just her. No one else.
A humanitarian project? Maybe. It’s certainly nice of the women to travel to start a business so far away from home. I’m sure they didn’t set out to find a new home and romance but that’s obviously the slant of the series. Either way, Chase and Izzy dance around each other and succumb to the attraction then have to struggle to deal with ghosts and their past.
It touching and delectable with a couple of sizzling scenes. Chase’s daughter is another heartstring that they both can’t help pulling.
Lovely.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
1st book in the Small Town Dreams series. Contemporary romance set in New Zealand. Enemies to lovers troupe.
After being dumped by her fiancé and losing her job on the same day, Isabella volunteers for a 3 month start-up business project and jumps on a plane to New Zealand. She’s not totally prepared but she’s going to give it her all. Even if that means no internet or coffee in the tiny town that’s being revitalized.
Chase isn’t prepared for Izzy. She doesn’t have the right boots, or coat, but she sure is pretty.
Grumpy Chase is a cliche but kind of funny. He can’t resist Izzy and reacts as a grumpy bear. Everyone in town (all 30) watches him bring her a coffee every morning. Just her. No one else.
A humanitarian project? Maybe. It’s certainly nice of the women to travel to start a business so far away from home. I’m sure they didn’t set out to find a new home and romance but that’s obviously the slant of the series. Either way, Chase and Izzy dance around each other and succumb to the attraction then have to struggle to deal with ghosts and their past.
It touching and delectable with a couple of sizzling scenes. Chase’s daughter is another heartstring that they both can’t help pulling.
Lovely.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
July 22, 2023
Isabella Montgomery has the worst day of her life, she’s sacked from her high profile job as an oil executive and she's dumped by Josh her fiance. She packs a bag and jumps on a plane to New Zealand with Bethany Grant and Indigo Jameson.
They’re going to Brightwater a small isolated town in a beautiful valley and the plan is to open a gift shop. The town is in such a remote area, it’s on the verge of becoming deserted and the lack of basic things like internet and mobile phone connection isn’t helping. Isabella’s brother Zeke lives in Brightwater’s sister city of Deep River in Alaska and he wants to help save the place. Chase Kelly runs a business in town called Pure Adventure NZ, and the ex-paratrooper’s family was one of the first settlers.
The town has a small population, mostly older people and they welcome Izzy, Beth and Indigo. They find an old abandoned shop that’s perfect and Isabella starts trying to find contractors to do the work.
Chase is divorced and has a twelve year old daughter Gus and Isabella finds him very attractive. His ex-wife hated living in Brightwater, when he first meets Isabella he thinks she will be exactly the same and she sets about proving him wrong. Isabella loves Brightwater, the peace and quiet and she doesn’t miss her old life at all.
I received a copy of Find Your Way Home by Jackie Ashenden from Edelweiss and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review and it’s the first book in the Small Town Dreams Series. I really enjoyed reading about the smoking chemistry between Isabella and Chase, her sweet relationship with Gus, how she embraces living in a remote location and four stars from me.
They’re going to Brightwater a small isolated town in a beautiful valley and the plan is to open a gift shop. The town is in such a remote area, it’s on the verge of becoming deserted and the lack of basic things like internet and mobile phone connection isn’t helping. Isabella’s brother Zeke lives in Brightwater’s sister city of Deep River in Alaska and he wants to help save the place. Chase Kelly runs a business in town called Pure Adventure NZ, and the ex-paratrooper’s family was one of the first settlers.
The town has a small population, mostly older people and they welcome Izzy, Beth and Indigo. They find an old abandoned shop that’s perfect and Isabella starts trying to find contractors to do the work.
Chase is divorced and has a twelve year old daughter Gus and Isabella finds him very attractive. His ex-wife hated living in Brightwater, when he first meets Isabella he thinks she will be exactly the same and she sets about proving him wrong. Isabella loves Brightwater, the peace and quiet and she doesn’t miss her old life at all.
I received a copy of Find Your Way Home by Jackie Ashenden from Edelweiss and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review and it’s the first book in the Small Town Dreams Series. I really enjoyed reading about the smoking chemistry between Isabella and Chase, her sweet relationship with Gus, how she embraces living in a remote location and four stars from me.
April 21, 2022
Isabella escapes to the small town of Brightwater, New Zealand in order to do small business & open an art gallery. Ex paratrooper, Chase wants nothing more than to return his small town to its full glory. So naturally an outsider & a local butt heads pretty much everytime.
This book had two of my favorite tropes of all time: hate-to-love & grumpy×sunshine. The writing was really easy going & flowy, especially the description of the small town & it's beauty.
Isabella was a very likable character with so much burder from the past, I loved seeing her grow. Chase was a handsome grump & a single dad who did everything for the ones he loved.
The chemistry & tension was sizzling between these two. What started out with hate then turned into a friends with benefits situation to finally coming in terms with their feelings was fulfilling; although I did find the book a bit fast-paced.
Can't wait for Beth & Finn' book.
Thank you netgalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC, all thoughts are my own.
This book had two of my favorite tropes of all time: hate-to-love & grumpy×sunshine. The writing was really easy going & flowy, especially the description of the small town & it's beauty.
Isabella was a very likable character with so much burder from the past, I loved seeing her grow. Chase was a handsome grump & a single dad who did everything for the ones he loved.
The chemistry & tension was sizzling between these two. What started out with hate then turned into a friends with benefits situation to finally coming in terms with their feelings was fulfilling; although I did find the book a bit fast-paced.
Can't wait for Beth & Finn' book.
Thank you netgalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC, all thoughts are my own.
May 13, 2022
A promising start to Small Town Dreams, Find Your Way Home is a story of what was, what is and what can be. I liked the character and the story and will look to read more.
April 21, 2022
3.75 stars--FIND YOUR WAY HOME is the first instalment in Jackie Ashenden’s contemporary, adult SMALL TOWN DREAM romance series-a spin off from the author’s ALASKA HOMECOMING SERIES. This is thirty-five year old, New Zealander, ex paratrooper and single father Chase Kelly, and American, former oil executive Isabella ‘Izzy’ Montgomery’s story line. Isabella is Zeke Montgomery’s sister (THAT DEEP RIVER FEELING-Alaska Homecoming #3).
Told from dual third person perspectives ( Chase and Izzy) FIND YOUR WAY HOME follows the building romance and relationship between thirty-five year old, New Zealander, ex paratrooper and single father Chase Kelly, and American, former oil executive Isabella ‘Izzy’ Montgomery. In the wake of losing her job, and a failed engagement with an attorney back home in Texas, Isabella Montgomery , along with her two friends, Bethany and Indigo, head to New Zealand to start a new business venture in Brightwater Valley, a small town that is slowly dying without some much needed start up entrepreneurs but the trio’s welcome to Brightwater is questionable at best including the less than welcoming attitude of the town’s so-called mayor Chase Kelly, a man who stirs something deep within our story line heroine. As Izzy, Indigo and Beth set out to uncover what is needed in Brightwater Valley, our heroine finds herself in a friends with benefits relationship with Chase Kelly, a man whose past is mired in abandonment and loss. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Izzy and Chase, and the potential fall-out as Chase doesn’t do romance, and refuses to accept anything long term with our story line heroine.
Chase Kelly is a single father whose ex-wife abandoned their family leaving Chase to raise his now twelve year old daughter, alone. Trying to keep his private life separate from family and the Brightwater Valley busybodies at home, Chase offers Isabella a friends with benefits only relationship fearing another abandonment when Isabella decides it’s time to go home. Izzy Montgomery had no plans to leave Texas but losing her job, and without the support of family or friends, Izzy finds herself in Brightwater Valley, New Zealand, on the precipice of starting over. Having lost both her fiance and her job within a matter of days, Izzy convinced herself she didn’t want a permanent relationship only to discover that her heart wanted something more. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Izzy’s friends Beth and Indigo, as well as Chase’s daughter ‘Gus’, his brother Finn, and friend Levi, all of whom are partnered with the Pure Adventure NZ. Finn and Beth’s story is next.
FIND YOUR WAY HOME is a story of love and loss, acceptance and new beginnings. The character driven premise is engaging and captivating; the characters are broken but healing; the romance is seductive.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual third person perspectives ( Chase and Izzy) FIND YOUR WAY HOME follows the building romance and relationship between thirty-five year old, New Zealander, ex paratrooper and single father Chase Kelly, and American, former oil executive Isabella ‘Izzy’ Montgomery. In the wake of losing her job, and a failed engagement with an attorney back home in Texas, Isabella Montgomery , along with her two friends, Bethany and Indigo, head to New Zealand to start a new business venture in Brightwater Valley, a small town that is slowly dying without some much needed start up entrepreneurs but the trio’s welcome to Brightwater is questionable at best including the less than welcoming attitude of the town’s so-called mayor Chase Kelly, a man who stirs something deep within our story line heroine. As Izzy, Indigo and Beth set out to uncover what is needed in Brightwater Valley, our heroine finds herself in a friends with benefits relationship with Chase Kelly, a man whose past is mired in abandonment and loss. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Izzy and Chase, and the potential fall-out as Chase doesn’t do romance, and refuses to accept anything long term with our story line heroine.
Chase Kelly is a single father whose ex-wife abandoned their family leaving Chase to raise his now twelve year old daughter, alone. Trying to keep his private life separate from family and the Brightwater Valley busybodies at home, Chase offers Isabella a friends with benefits only relationship fearing another abandonment when Isabella decides it’s time to go home. Izzy Montgomery had no plans to leave Texas but losing her job, and without the support of family or friends, Izzy finds herself in Brightwater Valley, New Zealand, on the precipice of starting over. Having lost both her fiance and her job within a matter of days, Izzy convinced herself she didn’t want a permanent relationship only to discover that her heart wanted something more. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Izzy’s friends Beth and Indigo, as well as Chase’s daughter ‘Gus’, his brother Finn, and friend Levi, all of whom are partnered with the Pure Adventure NZ. Finn and Beth’s story is next.
FIND YOUR WAY HOME is a story of love and loss, acceptance and new beginnings. The character driven premise is engaging and captivating; the characters are broken but healing; the romance is seductive.
www.thereadingcafe.com
February 12, 2022
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
4.5 stars.
A perfect, even if a bit condensed, love story in typical Jackie Ashenden’s style, “Find Your Way Home” (Sourcebooks Casablanca), is a delightful read with two wonderful leads that go from what seems as mutual animosity to an explosive attraction and passion.
Chase, the hero, is an intense, stern, alpha male, a master in scowling, whose stoicism and single-mindedness are going to be slowly eroded by the power of his own feelings and a very special, both strong and vulnerable, heroine.
I loved how this story was superbly written, with such an economy and plasticity of language, revealing the characters personalities and feelings and the small fractures in their way of thinking that will be leading to several changes.
Chase is a delight to read. The sarcastic tone and the initial mild hostility between the leads were fun too.
Chase’s propensity for micro-organizing, managing everything, the need for control, the bossing around, the way he sees attraction as an inconvenience and thinks he can deal with it, the tendency to analyze everything are compelling traits of his personality.
I really liked how all that confidence and even arrogance crumble with the people he loves and how he softens with them.
He has a caring side, too, and his love for his struggling small town is endearing.
I liked how the heroine, Izzy, regained her confidence after being for so long the one who only wanted to please the others.
The story has the perfect combination of heart and heat with the heartwarming touch that I love.
The secondary characters are interesting and compelling and I’m very curious about the next stories in this new series (Small Town Dreams), set in Brightwater Valley, New Zeland.
4.5 stars.
A perfect, even if a bit condensed, love story in typical Jackie Ashenden’s style, “Find Your Way Home” (Sourcebooks Casablanca), is a delightful read with two wonderful leads that go from what seems as mutual animosity to an explosive attraction and passion.
Chase, the hero, is an intense, stern, alpha male, a master in scowling, whose stoicism and single-mindedness are going to be slowly eroded by the power of his own feelings and a very special, both strong and vulnerable, heroine.
I loved how this story was superbly written, with such an economy and plasticity of language, revealing the characters personalities and feelings and the small fractures in their way of thinking that will be leading to several changes.
Chase is a delight to read. The sarcastic tone and the initial mild hostility between the leads were fun too.
Chase’s propensity for micro-organizing, managing everything, the need for control, the bossing around, the way he sees attraction as an inconvenience and thinks he can deal with it, the tendency to analyze everything are compelling traits of his personality.
I really liked how all that confidence and even arrogance crumble with the people he loves and how he softens with them.
He has a caring side, too, and his love for his struggling small town is endearing.
I liked how the heroine, Izzy, regained her confidence after being for so long the one who only wanted to please the others.
The story has the perfect combination of heart and heat with the heartwarming touch that I love.
The secondary characters are interesting and compelling and I’m very curious about the next stories in this new series (Small Town Dreams), set in Brightwater Valley, New Zeland.
January 29, 2022
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.
Jackie Ashenden is one of my favourite authors. Her ability to create well rounded, engaging characters and great plot lines is a real gift. I read the previous Alaska series and loved them all and met Izzy in Zeke’s story so was very interested in following her journey to New Zealand.
This story has more than lived up to my expectations. JA has managed to creat a new community in a fabulous setting and I became interested in all the characters.
Izzy has lost her role in the family’s oil company and her fiancé who fell in love with someone else. She has taken the place of one of th women who were due to travel to Brightwater to set up a business in the town which Chase and his friends are trying to reinvigorate.
From the moment they meet, the sexual tension between Chase and Izzy pops off the page. He’s determined to avoid any emotional entanglements but Cabot resist the chemistry between him and Izzy -and neither can she.
I loved the development of that romance and I also liked the way the town and the attempts to build their businesses all meshed together. I loved Chase’s daughter Gus and I can’t wait for the second book about Beth and Finn. This is a totally entertaining and satisfying read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. JA delivers quality and emotion - as always. A five plus star read!
Jackie Ashenden is one of my favourite authors. Her ability to create well rounded, engaging characters and great plot lines is a real gift. I read the previous Alaska series and loved them all and met Izzy in Zeke’s story so was very interested in following her journey to New Zealand.
This story has more than lived up to my expectations. JA has managed to creat a new community in a fabulous setting and I became interested in all the characters.
Izzy has lost her role in the family’s oil company and her fiancé who fell in love with someone else. She has taken the place of one of th women who were due to travel to Brightwater to set up a business in the town which Chase and his friends are trying to reinvigorate.
From the moment they meet, the sexual tension between Chase and Izzy pops off the page. He’s determined to avoid any emotional entanglements but Cabot resist the chemistry between him and Izzy -and neither can she.
I loved the development of that romance and I also liked the way the town and the attempts to build their businesses all meshed together. I loved Chase’s daughter Gus and I can’t wait for the second book about Beth and Finn. This is a totally entertaining and satisfying read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. JA delivers quality and emotion - as always. A five plus star read!
April 27, 2022
The angst heat is moment one for these two, Izzy is just off a horrible breakup and getting let go from her job plus 3 days of travel and Chase doesn’t get off to a good start, but the chemistry with these two is fire- the type that you try to get out of their system with quick hotel sex but doesn’t work. They try to sneaky in a small town but yall know that doesn’t work at all. Add in real feelings we get a wonderful story.
This is a perfect setup for this series and I love the NZ setting and Jackie does an amazing job of setting up the small town and area. (Trip anyone?) I can’t wait for the three girls to also grow their friendship and to have Finn and Levi on the page as well! Gus is also a fun addition to the cast.
4 stars
3 steam
This is a perfect setup for this series and I love the NZ setting and Jackie does an amazing job of setting up the small town and area. (Trip anyone?) I can’t wait for the three girls to also grow their friendship and to have Finn and Levi on the page as well! Gus is also a fun addition to the cast.
4 stars
3 steam
May 5, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy of Find Your Way Home in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this opportunity.
After Isabella is unceremoniously dumped by both the board of the family business and her fiancé, she impulsively decides to join a campaign to bring people to a small town in the middle of nowhere in New Zealand.
The premise sounded really amazing, and I loved the setting (though I would have loved more descriptions of the nature - it sounds absolutely beautiful). However, the story quickly moves away from that and towards the characters and their relationships. Chase and Isabella clash from the very start, but Chase‘s daughter adored Isabella - and anyway, it’s not easy to keep a distance and avoid each other when you’re living in a really small town.
The relationship between Chase and Isabella did develop at a reasonable pace, though, and I enjoyed how mature they were about their feelings. I especially appreciated how openly they talked about everything. There was no unnecessary drama and the conflicts that did arise were natural and well developed.
All in all, this was a super quick read for me and I enjoyed that it had some depth in the emotional backstories of both main characters. I would have liked for the premise to be explained a bit more, but I guess there’s always time for that in the sequels!
4.25/5 stars.
After Isabella is unceremoniously dumped by both the board of the family business and her fiancé, she impulsively decides to join a campaign to bring people to a small town in the middle of nowhere in New Zealand.
The premise sounded really amazing, and I loved the setting (though I would have loved more descriptions of the nature - it sounds absolutely beautiful). However, the story quickly moves away from that and towards the characters and their relationships. Chase and Isabella clash from the very start, but Chase‘s daughter adored Isabella - and anyway, it’s not easy to keep a distance and avoid each other when you’re living in a really small town.
The relationship between Chase and Isabella did develop at a reasonable pace, though, and I enjoyed how mature they were about their feelings. I especially appreciated how openly they talked about everything. There was no unnecessary drama and the conflicts that did arise were natural and well developed.
All in all, this was a super quick read for me and I enjoyed that it had some depth in the emotional backstories of both main characters. I would have liked for the premise to be explained a bit more, but I guess there’s always time for that in the sequels!
4.25/5 stars.
October 6, 2023
~~~ I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~~~
I love Jackie Ashenden's books! Find Your Way Home is the start of a new series and I loved it. This is the story of Chase and Izzy who meet after Izzy joins a group of women traveling to New Zealand on a whim. The chemistry between them is palpable from the pages (and it gets a little spicy at times). Overall, this is a story of trust, healing, friendship, and taking a leap! I adore these characters of Brightwater Valley, NZ and can't wait to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book- a great grab for the vacation bag! Enjoy:)
I love Jackie Ashenden's books! Find Your Way Home is the start of a new series and I loved it. This is the story of Chase and Izzy who meet after Izzy joins a group of women traveling to New Zealand on a whim. The chemistry between them is palpable from the pages (and it gets a little spicy at times). Overall, this is a story of trust, healing, friendship, and taking a leap! I adore these characters of Brightwater Valley, NZ and can't wait to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book- a great grab for the vacation bag! Enjoy:)
May 26, 2022
I really enjoyed this found family, second chance at love (in life, not with each other) romance! Isabella and Chase had a quick go from annoyed with each other to falling in love, but it was a fun escape from real life! I’m looking forward the rest of the series,
I received a finished ebook from the publisher and also listened to the audiobook via the library. It was great to go back & forth depending on my schedule!
I received a finished ebook from the publisher and also listened to the audiobook via the library. It was great to go back & forth depending on my schedule!
January 6, 2026
This wasn’t a bad story, I just didn’t connect with the romance at all. I need higher stakes and more yearning. Why are you getting engaged after meeting 6 weeks ago
May 4, 2023
Ok a fun story but definitely not a favorite for me. I'll give the series another chance with book two.
May 5, 2022
Oh this story has feed my need to go visit New Zealand. It is the story of Chase a hometown boy and Isabella coming to start a business with two other girls. Wink wink I think more stories are coming our way in this series.
Our heroine has been dealt several big blows and decided to run away from home to go reinvent herself. Our hero is a single dad trying to do his best to keep his small town alive and take care of his 12 year old daughter.
This is a good story which embraces the typical romance storytelling aspects. I think if you like traditional romance, this would be a beautiful addition to your collection.
Happy Reading Everyone!
Our heroine has been dealt several big blows and decided to run away from home to go reinvent herself. Our hero is a single dad trying to do his best to keep his small town alive and take care of his 12 year old daughter.
This is a good story which embraces the typical romance storytelling aspects. I think if you like traditional romance, this would be a beautiful addition to your collection.
Happy Reading Everyone!
December 28, 2023
Okay. So. Overall, I enjoy parts of this book. The characters, in the beginning. The vivid scenery.
The things I didn’t like are unfortunately in much higher numbers.
The whole ‘alpha male’ thing is really starting to grate. I mean, he does most of his emotional work FULLY in his head, never talks to Izzy about what he’s thinking. So it comes across as emotional whiplash. “I can’t be any where near you!” (Lots of thinking about him being an adult) “actually, get naked and get on the bed!” It was jarring, and uncomfortable.
Speaking of uncomfortable. Can we talk about how it almost felt infantilizing the way he would almost always move her around like a doll whenever they were getting naked together?
And it’s almost like the author realized how much they were doing this, so gave Izzy ‘agency’. ie, as he was thinking really hard about whether or not he was pushing her too far, she would SUddenly do the most outlandishly sex kitten thing, and then he would feel validated and go back to moving her around like a sex toy.
And then how fast she fell? Weird. Criminal. She went from having an afternoon delight, to a one night stand, to being FULLY IN LOVE.
Girl? Is you sprinting? You can calm it down.
And the fact that all of her concerns in the first few chapters in Bright water? Magically disappeared. Never mentioned again. All the things that made her exceptionally feminine? Washed away in a tide of practical, with a dash of not like other girls.
And don’t get me started on the weird language when they were actually hooking up. “Hot flesh”???? Ick.
As I am writing this, I realize I didn’t really like it much. But as it was the only book I brought with me to the emergency room, I was watching it all go down like a bad, pg 13 hallmark movie.
The things I didn’t like are unfortunately in much higher numbers.
The whole ‘alpha male’ thing is really starting to grate. I mean, he does most of his emotional work FULLY in his head, never talks to Izzy about what he’s thinking. So it comes across as emotional whiplash. “I can’t be any where near you!” (Lots of thinking about him being an adult) “actually, get naked and get on the bed!” It was jarring, and uncomfortable.
Speaking of uncomfortable. Can we talk about how it almost felt infantilizing the way he would almost always move her around like a doll whenever they were getting naked together?
And it’s almost like the author realized how much they were doing this, so gave Izzy ‘agency’. ie, as he was thinking really hard about whether or not he was pushing her too far, she would SUddenly do the most outlandishly sex kitten thing, and then he would feel validated and go back to moving her around like a sex toy.
And then how fast she fell? Weird. Criminal. She went from having an afternoon delight, to a one night stand, to being FULLY IN LOVE.
Girl? Is you sprinting? You can calm it down.
And the fact that all of her concerns in the first few chapters in Bright water? Magically disappeared. Never mentioned again. All the things that made her exceptionally feminine? Washed away in a tide of practical, with a dash of not like other girls.
And don’t get me started on the weird language when they were actually hooking up. “Hot flesh”???? Ick.
As I am writing this, I realize I didn’t really like it much. But as it was the only book I brought with me to the emergency room, I was watching it all go down like a bad, pg 13 hallmark movie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2022
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Find Your Way Home begins the Small Town Dreams series where those with adventurous spirits are called to relocate to a remote New Zealand town on the brink of becoming a ghost town to settle down, open their new businesses, and embrace both the town and their new lives. The remoteness isn’t for everyone, and there are some concerns about whether these newcomers will really stay… people like Chase Kelly who isn’t convinced that Isabella Montgomery or her friends really know what they’re in for by upending their lives to start fresh here in the area he loves and wants to see grow. But, Chase is about to be a bit surprised… in more ways than just his misjudgment of Isabelle.
As much as Chase annoyed me at times with his know-it-all attitude and natural grumpiness, I also adored the man for his love of his daughter, his need to save his dying town, and the slow journey from grumpy man to smiling, embracing, loving man he would become simply by loving Isabelle… eventually.
Oh, Isabella has had a rough awakening by losing her job and being dumped by the man she was to marry. She could hang her head and whine, cry about the injustice of it all but that’s not her way. Seeing the call for adventurous spirits to relocate to Brightwater, New Zealand is the perfect chance for Isabella to do what she really wants with her life, in a setting far removed from the bright lights and chaos of the city or her former lifestyle. That she gets to go on this adventure with friends, Bethany and Indigo, and have that chance for a do-over is a gift… but one that comes wrapped in one adorable young girl and one grump father who is convinced she isn’t cut out for the remoteness of her new home.
I loved Find Your Way Home, and the connection it has with the Alaska Homecoming series. The title fits Izzy and Chase so well for these two are in fact, finding their way home to each other, to people who accept them just as they are… eventually. Chase had to discover who Izzy really is, and not the woman he believed her to be at first based on an assumption and a comparison with an ex-wife. Izzy had to see beyond the grumpiness and wariness that Chase has shrouded his life with to the man he truly was before life changed his attitude. I loved Isabella’s interactions with Gus, and the townsfolk as well. She knows what she wants, and even if all Chase had to offer was a friend with benefits relationship she still would have fallen for him but when they trusted each other and their own emotions when risks were taken, that’s when this couple shines. I had such a good time with this one and cannot wait for Beth and Indigo to find their forever loves as the series continues.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Find Your Way Home begins the Small Town Dreams series where those with adventurous spirits are called to relocate to a remote New Zealand town on the brink of becoming a ghost town to settle down, open their new businesses, and embrace both the town and their new lives. The remoteness isn’t for everyone, and there are some concerns about whether these newcomers will really stay… people like Chase Kelly who isn’t convinced that Isabella Montgomery or her friends really know what they’re in for by upending their lives to start fresh here in the area he loves and wants to see grow. But, Chase is about to be a bit surprised… in more ways than just his misjudgment of Isabelle.
As much as Chase annoyed me at times with his know-it-all attitude and natural grumpiness, I also adored the man for his love of his daughter, his need to save his dying town, and the slow journey from grumpy man to smiling, embracing, loving man he would become simply by loving Isabelle… eventually.
Oh, Isabella has had a rough awakening by losing her job and being dumped by the man she was to marry. She could hang her head and whine, cry about the injustice of it all but that’s not her way. Seeing the call for adventurous spirits to relocate to Brightwater, New Zealand is the perfect chance for Isabella to do what she really wants with her life, in a setting far removed from the bright lights and chaos of the city or her former lifestyle. That she gets to go on this adventure with friends, Bethany and Indigo, and have that chance for a do-over is a gift… but one that comes wrapped in one adorable young girl and one grump father who is convinced she isn’t cut out for the remoteness of her new home.
I loved Find Your Way Home, and the connection it has with the Alaska Homecoming series. The title fits Izzy and Chase so well for these two are in fact, finding their way home to each other, to people who accept them just as they are… eventually. Chase had to discover who Izzy really is, and not the woman he believed her to be at first based on an assumption and a comparison with an ex-wife. Izzy had to see beyond the grumpiness and wariness that Chase has shrouded his life with to the man he truly was before life changed his attitude. I loved Isabella’s interactions with Gus, and the townsfolk as well. She knows what she wants, and even if all Chase had to offer was a friend with benefits relationship she still would have fallen for him but when they trusted each other and their own emotions when risks were taken, that’s when this couple shines. I had such a good time with this one and cannot wait for Beth and Indigo to find their forever loves as the series continues.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
April 4, 2022
If there's a way to bring Deep River, Alaska to New Zealand, Jackie Ashenden has found it in this first book in her new Small Town Dreams series, Find Your Way Home, which is another excellent read from this talented author, which gets 4.5 stars from this reader.
All in one day, Isabella (Izzy) Montgomery lost her job in a family owned business, as well as losing her fiance, whom she was planning to marry in a few short weeks. He breaks their engagement when he admits to falling in love with someone else. Best behavior is de rigeur in her family, so she's learned to go with the flow and never make waves. Her brother, Zeke, couldn't deal with it and we've already met him in Deep River, Alaska, the author's previous series. Deep River, it seems, has a sister town, in Brightwater Valley, New Zealand, and 3 Deep River entrepreneurs are heading there shortly to open a business and help bring this dying town back to life. When one member of the party couldn't leave, Zeke mentioned it to heartbroken Izzy, and she couldn't get out of Houston fast enough. Beth and Indigo are the creative ones, Izzy the business person, and although these women barely know one another, they somehow manage to make the trip and slowly get to know one another.
Izzy is used to the city, and when the women finally get to Brightwater Valley, which was quite an ordeal by car, they meet the Kelly brothers, Finn, Levi and the drop dead gorgeous Chase, who is angry that they are late, that he was unable to let then know he was sending a helicopter to bring them to town from the airport, and is way too controlling for Izzy's taste. From the beginning, these two strikes sparks off one another, but both Chase, the father of a 12-year-old daughter, Gus, and Izzy seem at odds from the outset. He doesn't believe Izzy is there for the agreed-upon 3-month trial. Chase's ex-wife, Olivia, left him and their daughter for the city, so why would another city gal stay in this tiny town with no cell phone coverage, no internet and few amenities? Izzy intends to prove him wrong, but that's as bumpy a road to an HEA ending as the road that Izzy drove to get there.
I found both the main and secondary characters well-drawn, and I loved the descriptive passages about the area and its varied scenery and wildlife both informative and fascinating. I also liked how the two main characters challenged one another, and thoroughly enjoyed the sizzling heat between them. While I would have liked a more fully fleshed-out ending, Find Your Way Home was nevertheless an interesting and well-written start to a series I look forward to following.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
All in one day, Isabella (Izzy) Montgomery lost her job in a family owned business, as well as losing her fiance, whom she was planning to marry in a few short weeks. He breaks their engagement when he admits to falling in love with someone else. Best behavior is de rigeur in her family, so she's learned to go with the flow and never make waves. Her brother, Zeke, couldn't deal with it and we've already met him in Deep River, Alaska, the author's previous series. Deep River, it seems, has a sister town, in Brightwater Valley, New Zealand, and 3 Deep River entrepreneurs are heading there shortly to open a business and help bring this dying town back to life. When one member of the party couldn't leave, Zeke mentioned it to heartbroken Izzy, and she couldn't get out of Houston fast enough. Beth and Indigo are the creative ones, Izzy the business person, and although these women barely know one another, they somehow manage to make the trip and slowly get to know one another.
Izzy is used to the city, and when the women finally get to Brightwater Valley, which was quite an ordeal by car, they meet the Kelly brothers, Finn, Levi and the drop dead gorgeous Chase, who is angry that they are late, that he was unable to let then know he was sending a helicopter to bring them to town from the airport, and is way too controlling for Izzy's taste. From the beginning, these two strikes sparks off one another, but both Chase, the father of a 12-year-old daughter, Gus, and Izzy seem at odds from the outset. He doesn't believe Izzy is there for the agreed-upon 3-month trial. Chase's ex-wife, Olivia, left him and their daughter for the city, so why would another city gal stay in this tiny town with no cell phone coverage, no internet and few amenities? Izzy intends to prove him wrong, but that's as bumpy a road to an HEA ending as the road that Izzy drove to get there.
I found both the main and secondary characters well-drawn, and I loved the descriptive passages about the area and its varied scenery and wildlife both informative and fascinating. I also liked how the two main characters challenged one another, and thoroughly enjoyed the sizzling heat between them. While I would have liked a more fully fleshed-out ending, Find Your Way Home was nevertheless an interesting and well-written start to a series I look forward to following.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 27, 2022
Jackie Ashendon brings Deep River, Alaska (and a little bit of Texas) to Brightwater Valley, New Zealand in her latest small town romance, the first in a new series.
Chase Kelly loves his home in Brightwater, but he can see it’s slowly dying. Small town living isn’t for everyone. Unable to handle the isolation, so many have left for what they see is greener pastures. But Chase has a vision to bring new business to the valley with people who will make their home there. Remembering an old sister city pact with Deep River, Alaska, he devises a plan to get craftsmen and entrepreneurs from Deep River to come in and set up businesses, I
Isabella Montgomery’s life is falling apart. She needs to get out of Houston and escape her problems. When her brother (who left Houston for Deep River long ago) mentions the opportunity to be a part of the first group to head to Brightwater, Izzy jumps at the chance.
Izzy and Chase clash from the first. Chase is determined that the newcomers will do things his way, Izzy listens, then goes about it her way anyway. But underneath the animosity there is a slow fire of attraction. Chase, having been burned before, is determined to keep Izzy at a distance. Only there just aren’t that many places to hide in a small town. Chase knows Izzy isn’t a casual kind of girl and Izzy knows Chase isn’t a forever kind of guy.
I liked the premise of of the book, trying to bring new life to the town that means so much to the people who love there, though I’m still not quite sure why Chase had to look all the way to Alaska to find people willing to start a business in the valley. But no time was given to that devoted to the premise other than a reference here and there to the crafts being created by the women who came from Deep River with Izzy. I did enjoy meeting all the characters in the valley, though. I look forward to learning more about them in the future. It's pretty clear that this book serves to transition from Deep River to Brightwater Valley with lots of foreshadowing of stories to come.
Chase Kelly loves his home in Brightwater, but he can see it’s slowly dying. Small town living isn’t for everyone. Unable to handle the isolation, so many have left for what they see is greener pastures. But Chase has a vision to bring new business to the valley with people who will make their home there. Remembering an old sister city pact with Deep River, Alaska, he devises a plan to get craftsmen and entrepreneurs from Deep River to come in and set up businesses, I
Isabella Montgomery’s life is falling apart. She needs to get out of Houston and escape her problems. When her brother (who left Houston for Deep River long ago) mentions the opportunity to be a part of the first group to head to Brightwater, Izzy jumps at the chance.
Izzy and Chase clash from the first. Chase is determined that the newcomers will do things his way, Izzy listens, then goes about it her way anyway. But underneath the animosity there is a slow fire of attraction. Chase, having been burned before, is determined to keep Izzy at a distance. Only there just aren’t that many places to hide in a small town. Chase knows Izzy isn’t a casual kind of girl and Izzy knows Chase isn’t a forever kind of guy.
I liked the premise of of the book, trying to bring new life to the town that means so much to the people who love there, though I’m still not quite sure why Chase had to look all the way to Alaska to find people willing to start a business in the valley. But no time was given to that devoted to the premise other than a reference here and there to the crafts being created by the women who came from Deep River with Izzy. I did enjoy meeting all the characters in the valley, though. I look forward to learning more about them in the future. It's pretty clear that this book serves to transition from Deep River to Brightwater Valley with lots of foreshadowing of stories to come.
March 6, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫 (3.5)
Steam Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (very descriptive sex scenes)
Trigger Warning: divorce, broken engagement, neglect
After losing her job and being dumped by her fiance, Isabella Montgomery is hoping for a fresh start in the small New Zealand town of Brightwater Valley. As part of an initiative to revitalize the area, she and her travel companions Beth and Indigo will be setting up a small business featuring local art and handmade goods. When she meets the town's handsome single dad Chase Kelly, she finds herself drawn to him physically and must prove that she's willing to stick around to help the town he loves. Will her attraction to Chase be just a passing fling or will Isabella find where she was meant to be all along?
This is the first book in a new spin-off series by Jackie Ashenden. I think it would have been helpful to read her Alaska Homecoming series first to get some background information on the Deep River group that Isabella is working with in this book. The first two chapters mentioned several characters and events from the other series, and it took me awhile to make sense of some of the things going on in the beginning of this book. Once I got past that, this did have an interesting storyline about revitalizing a small town, and it laid the groundwork for future romances between side characters. Isabella and Chase had a lot of physical chemistry and had some really sweet moments where they took care of each other. I also really enjoyed seeing Isabella interact with Chase's daughter, Gus. I got a little frustrated with Chase in the end because he kept trying to avoid having more than just a sexual relationship with Isabella, and he had a very abrupt change of heart in order to wrap the book up quickly. I do think the next two books would be worth reading, though, now that I have been introduced to the characters and the beautiful New Zealand setting.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!
Steam Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (very descriptive sex scenes)
Trigger Warning: divorce, broken engagement, neglect
After losing her job and being dumped by her fiance, Isabella Montgomery is hoping for a fresh start in the small New Zealand town of Brightwater Valley. As part of an initiative to revitalize the area, she and her travel companions Beth and Indigo will be setting up a small business featuring local art and handmade goods. When she meets the town's handsome single dad Chase Kelly, she finds herself drawn to him physically and must prove that she's willing to stick around to help the town he loves. Will her attraction to Chase be just a passing fling or will Isabella find where she was meant to be all along?
This is the first book in a new spin-off series by Jackie Ashenden. I think it would have been helpful to read her Alaska Homecoming series first to get some background information on the Deep River group that Isabella is working with in this book. The first two chapters mentioned several characters and events from the other series, and it took me awhile to make sense of some of the things going on in the beginning of this book. Once I got past that, this did have an interesting storyline about revitalizing a small town, and it laid the groundwork for future romances between side characters. Isabella and Chase had a lot of physical chemistry and had some really sweet moments where they took care of each other. I also really enjoyed seeing Isabella interact with Chase's daughter, Gus. I got a little frustrated with Chase in the end because he kept trying to avoid having more than just a sexual relationship with Isabella, and he had a very abrupt change of heart in order to wrap the book up quickly. I do think the next two books would be worth reading, though, now that I have been introduced to the characters and the beautiful New Zealand setting.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!
May 4, 2022
I loved this beginning to a new series! It had all the feels! I loved the chemistry between the protagonists.
Bethany (Beth), Indigo, and Isabella (Izzy) headed off to Brightwater Valley to start a business. Izzy was a last minute--very last minute addition, after one of the women pulled out and she decided after a string of bad luck to replace her.
Brightwater Valley is a very small town where everyone knows everything about one's business. As the women pull into Brightwater Valley, they are greeted with a very upset hunk, Chase Kelly. He takes one look at them and typecast them as City Princesses.
Right off the bat there is chemistry between Chase and Izzy, although they both tend to rub each other the wrong way. Stubborn in their own rights, both decide to make a point and end up sharing the rental car that Chase adamantly insists he'll drive. The car ride leads to a revelation that both are attracted to one another and what should be a shopping excursion turns into a one off hotel stay.
Chase has all kinds of rules that center around protecting his daughter and he's not going to get involved with someone. Izzy has lived her whole life jumping when others call and she tells herself that she's going to be spontaneous for once and although she doesn't do casual.
Both, Chase & Izzy believe they've got a handle on this set up, but that's the thing about rules, they can be broken. When one of them wants more and the other unequivocally puts up a roadblock, it will take a teenage girl's request to break the barrier.
There is a nice plug for the second book in the series that sounds interesting!
I received an ARC from NetGalley via Sourcebooks Casablanca and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
Bethany (Beth), Indigo, and Isabella (Izzy) headed off to Brightwater Valley to start a business. Izzy was a last minute--very last minute addition, after one of the women pulled out and she decided after a string of bad luck to replace her.
Brightwater Valley is a very small town where everyone knows everything about one's business. As the women pull into Brightwater Valley, they are greeted with a very upset hunk, Chase Kelly. He takes one look at them and typecast them as City Princesses.
Right off the bat there is chemistry between Chase and Izzy, although they both tend to rub each other the wrong way. Stubborn in their own rights, both decide to make a point and end up sharing the rental car that Chase adamantly insists he'll drive. The car ride leads to a revelation that both are attracted to one another and what should be a shopping excursion turns into a one off hotel stay.
Chase has all kinds of rules that center around protecting his daughter and he's not going to get involved with someone. Izzy has lived her whole life jumping when others call and she tells herself that she's going to be spontaneous for once and although she doesn't do casual.
Both, Chase & Izzy believe they've got a handle on this set up, but that's the thing about rules, they can be broken. When one of them wants more and the other unequivocally puts up a roadblock, it will take a teenage girl's request to break the barrier.
There is a nice plug for the second book in the series that sounds interesting!
I received an ARC from NetGalley via Sourcebooks Casablanca and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
January 23, 2022
When Izzy's Houston life implodes leaving her without a job and a fiancé, leaving for Brightwater Valley, New Zealand seems like the perfect next step. She can use her business skills to help revitalize the languishing small town while being any where other tan Houston. For Chase, bringing new life to Brightwater Valley also means helping to create a better future for his daughter so this is an endeavor that he takes very seriously and he wants Izzy to know that from the first moment they meet.
This wasn't quite the story I was expecting. I expected more of a fish out of water tale but outside of needing to drive on the other side of the road, this could have been any small town. I wanted a bit more out of the New Zealand setting. What this story was more focused on was two people with scars from their pasts agreeing to see where the attraction takes them. Always a satisfying journey to watch unfold except that Chase starts off as a mansplaining jerk who loves to lecture Izzy about proper attire every time they meet and we never see him really show her anything else before they end up in bed together, He isn't much better after that either to be honest, I never warmed up to him or trusted his sudden emotional turnaround (and it was sudden) and thus was never very invested in their romance. I am still interested in the business Izzy and her partner/new friends are putting together and the stories about them that are being hinted at. I want to know who the dog Mystery will let adopt him. So I will be reading the second book in the series.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This wasn't quite the story I was expecting. I expected more of a fish out of water tale but outside of needing to drive on the other side of the road, this could have been any small town. I wanted a bit more out of the New Zealand setting. What this story was more focused on was two people with scars from their pasts agreeing to see where the attraction takes them. Always a satisfying journey to watch unfold except that Chase starts off as a mansplaining jerk who loves to lecture Izzy about proper attire every time they meet and we never see him really show her anything else before they end up in bed together, He isn't much better after that either to be honest, I never warmed up to him or trusted his sudden emotional turnaround (and it was sudden) and thus was never very invested in their romance. I am still interested in the business Izzy and her partner/new friends are putting together and the stories about them that are being hinted at. I want to know who the dog Mystery will let adopt him. So I will be reading the second book in the series.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2022
Beth Grant, Indigo Jameson and Isabella (Izzy) Montgomery arrive in Brightwater Valley in New Zealand’s South Island ready to start on an adventure of a lifetime. Wide–eyed and awestruck, they’re committed to a 3-month long opportunity to start a new business in this isolated town on the verge of becoming a ghost town.
They are all leaving baggage behind, hoping for a fresh start. What they hadn’t counted on was the incredibly rustic and backcountry town; no wifi, no Starbucks and no department stores. They hadn’t counted on the grouchy welcome, either. Ex-SAS paratrooper, local wilderness expert and owner of Pure Adventure NZ, Chase Kelly, didn’t have time for these girls. Not only were they not dressed appropriately for the weather, they hadn’t followed his instructions for arrival. Suddenly, the girls don’t know if they’ve made the right decision. Is it worth it to stay here, unwelcome, for three months? Even for a guy who owns his own espresso machine and does latte art? One thing’s for sure. The grumpy dude will be getting more than he bargained for if Issy decides to stay.
Ashenden explores the definition of family and second chances in this sexy, small-town contemporary and open door romance. You will experience a wide range of emotions as everyone tries a do-over at first impressions and fitting in. Ashenden is a seasoned romance writer and her plotting and pacing reflect it. I loved this heartwarming read. It will appeal to fans of Virgin River and Sweet Magnolias and is the first book in a brand new series.
I was gifted this advance copy by Jackie Ashenden, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
They are all leaving baggage behind, hoping for a fresh start. What they hadn’t counted on was the incredibly rustic and backcountry town; no wifi, no Starbucks and no department stores. They hadn’t counted on the grouchy welcome, either. Ex-SAS paratrooper, local wilderness expert and owner of Pure Adventure NZ, Chase Kelly, didn’t have time for these girls. Not only were they not dressed appropriately for the weather, they hadn’t followed his instructions for arrival. Suddenly, the girls don’t know if they’ve made the right decision. Is it worth it to stay here, unwelcome, for three months? Even for a guy who owns his own espresso machine and does latte art? One thing’s for sure. The grumpy dude will be getting more than he bargained for if Issy decides to stay.
Ashenden explores the definition of family and second chances in this sexy, small-town contemporary and open door romance. You will experience a wide range of emotions as everyone tries a do-over at first impressions and fitting in. Ashenden is a seasoned romance writer and her plotting and pacing reflect it. I loved this heartwarming read. It will appeal to fans of Virgin River and Sweet Magnolias and is the first book in a brand new series.
I was gifted this advance copy by Jackie Ashenden, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 11, 2022
I didn’t know what to expect from this book but all I knew was that it took place in New Zealand and I was obsessed! This book has everything. From the soulful story to laugh out loud moments to the steamy scenes! Can’t rave enough about this book!
I liked Izzy from the beginning. She was looking to get away and have a fresh start. I really enjoyed reading how she tries to be a friend to everyone in Brightwater Valley. I loved her interactions with Gus. She was so sweet with her and I loved how she stepped into the mother figure form. How she stands by Chase and shows him that she isn’t like his past was beautiful. She understood him.
As soon as you meet Chase Kelly you know he’s gonna be you’re new book boyfriend! He’s got the grumpy attitude down to perfect! I love though that he doesn’t try to be grumpy but that Izzy just pisses him off and keeps him always on his toes! You feel for his story and root for him to overcome it.
I was not expecting this to be an open door romance but was so happy when I got to those scenes! Chase can barely keep his hands off of Izzy and it was funny reading how he slowly loses his self control!
The side characters were fun to read about and you definitely want to know more of their story! I can’t wait to hopefully read the second book featuring Beth and Finn!
Cannot recommend this book enough! It comes out April 26 so make sure to add to your TBRs!!!
Read if you like:
3rd person dual POVs
Grumpy hero
Small town romance
New Zealand setting
Fun supportive friends
Single dad
Open door romance
I liked Izzy from the beginning. She was looking to get away and have a fresh start. I really enjoyed reading how she tries to be a friend to everyone in Brightwater Valley. I loved her interactions with Gus. She was so sweet with her and I loved how she stepped into the mother figure form. How she stands by Chase and shows him that she isn’t like his past was beautiful. She understood him.
As soon as you meet Chase Kelly you know he’s gonna be you’re new book boyfriend! He’s got the grumpy attitude down to perfect! I love though that he doesn’t try to be grumpy but that Izzy just pisses him off and keeps him always on his toes! You feel for his story and root for him to overcome it.
I was not expecting this to be an open door romance but was so happy when I got to those scenes! Chase can barely keep his hands off of Izzy and it was funny reading how he slowly loses his self control!
The side characters were fun to read about and you definitely want to know more of their story! I can’t wait to hopefully read the second book featuring Beth and Finn!
Cannot recommend this book enough! It comes out April 26 so make sure to add to your TBRs!!!
Read if you like:
3rd person dual POVs
Grumpy hero
Small town romance
New Zealand setting
Fun supportive friends
Single dad
Open door romance
May 11, 2022
Find Your Way Home by Jackie Ashenden, the first book in the Small Town Dreams series, is a delightfully charming small town, enemies to lovers romance!
Brightwater Valley, New Zealand tries to entice people from its sister city of Deep River, Alaska to build homes and businesses in their isolated town. Ex-paratrooper and single dad Chase Kelly is ready to take on the challenge of preventing his beloved hometown from becoming a ghost town. Former oil executive Isabella “Izzy” Montgomery travels to Brightwater to open an art gallery, but this doesn’t quite fit in with Chase’s vision. Will they be able to set aside their differences to help save the town?
I wish I could visit Brightwater Valley, New Zealand! I felt like I was transported to this gorgeous place full of charming characters thanks to the author’s vivid and beautiful descriptions! Chase and Izzy are the types of characters you can’t help rooting for, and I couldn’t get enough of their banter! Chase came off as grumpy, bossy, and controlling but he was also caring and passionate. Izzy was a people pleaser but she could definitely be stubborn. They were both dealing with past traumas and not looking for anything serious, so I’m sure you can guess how that turned out. This was such a delightful, feel good romance, and I look forward to the next book in the Small Town Dreams series!
*Thank you so much to the publisher Sourcebooks & Sourcebookscasa for my gifted eARC!
Brightwater Valley, New Zealand tries to entice people from its sister city of Deep River, Alaska to build homes and businesses in their isolated town. Ex-paratrooper and single dad Chase Kelly is ready to take on the challenge of preventing his beloved hometown from becoming a ghost town. Former oil executive Isabella “Izzy” Montgomery travels to Brightwater to open an art gallery, but this doesn’t quite fit in with Chase’s vision. Will they be able to set aside their differences to help save the town?
I wish I could visit Brightwater Valley, New Zealand! I felt like I was transported to this gorgeous place full of charming characters thanks to the author’s vivid and beautiful descriptions! Chase and Izzy are the types of characters you can’t help rooting for, and I couldn’t get enough of their banter! Chase came off as grumpy, bossy, and controlling but he was also caring and passionate. Izzy was a people pleaser but she could definitely be stubborn. They were both dealing with past traumas and not looking for anything serious, so I’m sure you can guess how that turned out. This was such a delightful, feel good romance, and I look forward to the next book in the Small Town Dreams series!
*Thank you so much to the publisher Sourcebooks & Sourcebookscasa for my gifted eARC!
July 1, 2022
This book was a solid five stars for a lot of it - despite it's especially hokey cover and Hallmark vibes this reads more like your illustrated cover romance novel. I loved the pacing and the zingy-ness of the characters. Writing insta-attraction can be difficult but this one played really well. Things were hot and - even better - believable!
However the last few pages really slid for me -
1) the ending was very abrupt. I don't mind it wrapped up quickly per se but I do mind that we tossed about the L word like candy.
2) The first few grumpy moments were Chase was mansplaning were eyeroll worthy but in a cute way. The last one really got to me. It didn't hit the same vibe and the fact that she apologized for being difficult.... it was too much and made my question how I read the other ones. Were they cute or is he a crazy overbearing dude and I just missed the signs?
3) I feel like the potential for good female friendships was really lacking. Beth and Indigo could have been great characters to help out Izzy but it just wasn't there.
4) I have no idea how this store thing was actually supposed to work at ALL. If they are only supposed to be there for 3 months, who the heck was running this gallery? You need some suspended disbelief there, which is fine.
Still, it was a good getaway book that, again, actually took me by surprise. I thought it was going to be a lot cheesier.
However the last few pages really slid for me -
1) the ending was very abrupt. I don't mind it wrapped up quickly per se but I do mind that we tossed about the L word like candy.
2) The first few grumpy moments were Chase was mansplaning were eyeroll worthy but in a cute way. The last one really got to me. It didn't hit the same vibe and the fact that she apologized for being difficult.... it was too much and made my question how I read the other ones. Were they cute or is he a crazy overbearing dude and I just missed the signs?
3) I feel like the potential for good female friendships was really lacking. Beth and Indigo could have been great characters to help out Izzy but it just wasn't there.
4) I have no idea how this store thing was actually supposed to work at ALL. If they are only supposed to be there for 3 months, who the heck was running this gallery? You need some suspended disbelief there, which is fine.
Still, it was a good getaway book that, again, actually took me by surprise. I thought it was going to be a lot cheesier.
September 2, 2022
Isabella Montgomery is a last-minute addition to a trio of women heading to New Zealand to help a small town build more tourism. Her current life in Houston crumbled down around her feet and she really has no reason to stay in Texas. Getting away from everything for a short time just might be what the doctor ordered. Running into a grumpy, know-it-all has Isabella bristling.
Chase Kelly is supportive of the initiative to encourage people from Brightwater Valley, NZ’s sister city, Deep River, AK to come to NZ and settle down, start families, and open businesses. The latest group of women to heed the call doesn’t impress him much. He goes into their meeting already frowning and feeling like the three newcomers won’t be up to the challenge. The non-Alaskan particularly ruffles his feathers.
Find Your Way Home is a book so good it’s unputdownable. I read the book in two days. When I couldn’t read the book (pesky work and stuff), I thought about Chase and Isabella. I dwelled on their past lives and how the treatment and hurt from people who are supposed to love you molded them into who they are today. I relished in the chemistry and the sparks the author expertly portrayed. I felt their interest, frustration, tension, protective nature, and most of all, their love. Love not just for each other but for everyone around them. For having such tragic pasts, they both embody a giving nature.
Chase Kelly is supportive of the initiative to encourage people from Brightwater Valley, NZ’s sister city, Deep River, AK to come to NZ and settle down, start families, and open businesses. The latest group of women to heed the call doesn’t impress him much. He goes into their meeting already frowning and feeling like the three newcomers won’t be up to the challenge. The non-Alaskan particularly ruffles his feathers.
Find Your Way Home is a book so good it’s unputdownable. I read the book in two days. When I couldn’t read the book (pesky work and stuff), I thought about Chase and Isabella. I dwelled on their past lives and how the treatment and hurt from people who are supposed to love you molded them into who they are today. I relished in the chemistry and the sparks the author expertly portrayed. I felt their interest, frustration, tension, protective nature, and most of all, their love. Love not just for each other but for everyone around them. For having such tragic pasts, they both embody a giving nature.
April 18, 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley, SourceBooks Casablanca and Jackie Ashenden for the E ARC of this book. Publication date 26th April 2022.
Isabella is a last-minute substitute for a lady on the party of 3 who are going to the small outback town of Brightwater in New Zealand to spend a minimum of 3 months to try and help save the town.
She has come totally unprepared and it shows. It annoys the man Chase Kelly, who is running the plan to save his town and the two do not get off to the best start. As Isabella gets involved with Beth and Indigo – the two other ladies, who are planning to start businesses in Brightwater, she realises that although she is not going to start a business, she can use her business skills to help get the businesses up and running and developed by using the building set aside for them as an art gallery. Chase is not sold on the idea but as the three ladies explain their plan to him, he agrees to the plan.
Isabella slows opens up to Beth and Indigo and the three become friends, she also makes friends with others in the village and Chase’s daughter Gus. The attraction between Chase and Isabella builds and they have to decide is it worth exploring.
This was a good start to this series and I look forward to reading the next book.
Isabella is a last-minute substitute for a lady on the party of 3 who are going to the small outback town of Brightwater in New Zealand to spend a minimum of 3 months to try and help save the town.
She has come totally unprepared and it shows. It annoys the man Chase Kelly, who is running the plan to save his town and the two do not get off to the best start. As Isabella gets involved with Beth and Indigo – the two other ladies, who are planning to start businesses in Brightwater, she realises that although she is not going to start a business, she can use her business skills to help get the businesses up and running and developed by using the building set aside for them as an art gallery. Chase is not sold on the idea but as the three ladies explain their plan to him, he agrees to the plan.
Isabella slows opens up to Beth and Indigo and the three become friends, she also makes friends with others in the village and Chase’s daughter Gus. The attraction between Chase and Isabella builds and they have to decide is it worth exploring.
This was a good start to this series and I look forward to reading the next book.
April 21, 2022
The Kiwi and the Southern Belle
If you enjoyed your trip to Deep River, you're going to love this excursion to Brightwater Valley. Zeke's sister, Isabella, is at a crossroads in her life, so when she finds out that there's a vacancy on the three-person contingent from Deep River to Brightwater Valley, New Zealand, she doesn't hesitate to take this last minute jump into the unknown.
Chase is hoping that the newcomers will help revitalize his small, remote hometown, drawing in tourists as they highlight the natural beauty of the region through their combined businesses. But he's more than a little wary of the city girl, Izzy, whose lack of outdoors experience is only exceeded by her stubbornness. Turns out they both have a lot in common, and his adorably mature twelve-year-old daughter is the perfect catalyst to bring them together.
I love this author's world-building, with such beautiful details that envelope the reader in a cloud of contentment and adventure. I loved the character development and the hints of future pairings as our Alaskan (and Texan) natives get settled in a new country so far from home. Chase and Izzy get a very satisfying HEA, and I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
If you enjoyed your trip to Deep River, you're going to love this excursion to Brightwater Valley. Zeke's sister, Isabella, is at a crossroads in her life, so when she finds out that there's a vacancy on the three-person contingent from Deep River to Brightwater Valley, New Zealand, she doesn't hesitate to take this last minute jump into the unknown.
Chase is hoping that the newcomers will help revitalize his small, remote hometown, drawing in tourists as they highlight the natural beauty of the region through their combined businesses. But he's more than a little wary of the city girl, Izzy, whose lack of outdoors experience is only exceeded by her stubbornness. Turns out they both have a lot in common, and his adorably mature twelve-year-old daughter is the perfect catalyst to bring them together.
I love this author's world-building, with such beautiful details that envelope the reader in a cloud of contentment and adventure. I loved the character development and the hints of future pairings as our Alaskan (and Texan) natives get settled in a new country so far from home. Chase and Izzy get a very satisfying HEA, and I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
March 29, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Netgalley & Sourcebooks Casablanca!
Isabella Montgomery flees Texas after her broken engagement and ends up in the small town of Bridgewater Valley, New Zealand. Along with two friends she plans to open an art gallery/craft shop. Chase Kelly is the closest thing Bridgewater Valley has to a mayor. His dream is to revitalize the dying town. Now there are three Americans cutting in on his plans, including one pretty Texan.
Find Your Way Home is a sweet and spicy “grumpy/sunshine” romance. The chemistry between Izzy and Chase is so strong from the very beginning. The storyline is well thought out and it leaves room for other books in this series. I appreciate the way the author addresses Chase’s concerns for his daughter and how any of his relationships would affect her.
Find Your Way Home is the first book in a new series from author Jackie Ashenden and I can't wait for the next one. This is the first book that I have read by this author but I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
Isabella Montgomery flees Texas after her broken engagement and ends up in the small town of Bridgewater Valley, New Zealand. Along with two friends she plans to open an art gallery/craft shop. Chase Kelly is the closest thing Bridgewater Valley has to a mayor. His dream is to revitalize the dying town. Now there are three Americans cutting in on his plans, including one pretty Texan.
Find Your Way Home is a sweet and spicy “grumpy/sunshine” romance. The chemistry between Izzy and Chase is so strong from the very beginning. The storyline is well thought out and it leaves room for other books in this series. I appreciate the way the author addresses Chase’s concerns for his daughter and how any of his relationships would affect her.
Find Your Way Home is the first book in a new series from author Jackie Ashenden and I can't wait for the next one. This is the first book that I have read by this author but I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
April 15, 2022
This book was very good. I don't think I have read any of her books before, but I've already downloaded a couple more. The writing is crisp and clear and you can visualize the scenery. This story was about 3 women (Izzy, Beth and Indigo). They came to Brightwater Valley to start a new business. Izzy was a last minute add so she did not know the ladies, but they got along great. This town was dying and badly needed a boost. They had agreed to start a business and stay at least 3 months. I can't see any of them leaving though. There aren't many people in the town but Chase Kelly had gotten some tour busses to come so they needed more things for the people to do if they didn't want to hike, boat, or ride horses. I loved the characters in the story. Chase was so grumpy with most people (except his 12 year old daughter, Gus). Chase and Izzy got on each other's nerves right from the beginning. A perfect way for a romance to start, right?
I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
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