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Riverbend #3
Harvest Moon
When a tragedy leaves a divorced couple with guardianship of their friends’ little girl, Laurel and Gavin drop everything for the sake of the child. Meanwhile, a case worker begins searching for a more suitable arrangement, and the estranged couple move into their friends’ home to provide temporary care for Emma and manage the on-property apple orchard. As they work together to comfort the grieving child and manage the busy harvest, tempers flare—as does the passion they both remember so well. But will the seeds of love, still growing inside them, thrive and flourish? Or will grief and regret strangle the feelings before they can fully blossom?
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 6, 2022
200 people are currently reading
5531 people want to read
About the author
Denise Hunter
86 books4,669 followersDenise Hunter is the award-winning author of more than 40 novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 469 reviews
August 5, 2022
Harvest Moon by Denise Hunter is a 2022 Thomas Nelson publication.
Laurel and Gavin’s marriage fell apart after the death of their son. Now tragedy has truck once again- and they must come together to care for Emma, a small child whose parents named the divorced couple as guardians, in the event of their death.
Forced to put their own issues aside for Emma’s sake, Gavin and Laurel have the chance to view the past from a different perspective, own their mistakes, and rekindle the feelings that brought them together to begin with…
This is the last book in the Riverbend trilogy, and I will admit I skipped book two, but will circle back around to it soon, but by all accounts, this is the strongest installment in the series, thus ending on a very strong note.
The story deals with some very, very emotional topics. It starts off with a horrific tragedy that leaves a toddler orphaned, which is weighty enough on its own, but as the novel progresses, the situation causes Gavin and Laurel to finally deal with the loss of their own child, together, instead of individually. It is painful and heartbreaking, but the way everything comes together is riveting stuff!
This book is good! I loved it. I’ve been in a ‘lighter’ frame of mind this summer, and the subject matter here is hard to read about- but the heavy material is balanced with some lovely, romantic background about Laurel and Gavin’s courtship, and Emma is so precious, she nearly steals the show- plus, there are even some taut courtroom moments too.
Overall, this a touching, beautiful story of second chances!
4 + stars
Laurel and Gavin’s marriage fell apart after the death of their son. Now tragedy has truck once again- and they must come together to care for Emma, a small child whose parents named the divorced couple as guardians, in the event of their death.
Forced to put their own issues aside for Emma’s sake, Gavin and Laurel have the chance to view the past from a different perspective, own their mistakes, and rekindle the feelings that brought them together to begin with…
This is the last book in the Riverbend trilogy, and I will admit I skipped book two, but will circle back around to it soon, but by all accounts, this is the strongest installment in the series, thus ending on a very strong note.
The story deals with some very, very emotional topics. It starts off with a horrific tragedy that leaves a toddler orphaned, which is weighty enough on its own, but as the novel progresses, the situation causes Gavin and Laurel to finally deal with the loss of their own child, together, instead of individually. It is painful and heartbreaking, but the way everything comes together is riveting stuff!
This book is good! I loved it. I’ve been in a ‘lighter’ frame of mind this summer, and the subject matter here is hard to read about- but the heavy material is balanced with some lovely, romantic background about Laurel and Gavin’s courtship, and Emma is so precious, she nearly steals the show- plus, there are even some taut courtroom moments too.
Overall, this a touching, beautiful story of second chances!
4 + stars
September 21, 2022
4.5 stars
This has been a good series and Gavin's story was one that I was looking forward to reading. Harvest Moon is an emotional, heavy story that is well written and grabbed me right away. Gavin and Laurel divorced after tragically losing their young son. They are thrown together again after the death of their best friends, Mike and Mallory. Mallory and Laurel were childhood friends; and Mike and Gavin continued their friendship as well. Shocked and saddened, they find themselves with the responsibility of taking care of Mike and Mallory's young daughter Emma and are even named guardians in their will. This created an awkward, painful and emotional situation that Gavin and Laurel were thrown into. We see an in depth look into what brought the two to where they are at this point. Both want the best for Emma and how they come to make decisions about the future is touching but stressful. There are barriers to deal with to find the best solution for all, dealing with family as well as their own lives and ambitions. I especially liked Gavin, a special man who pulled on my heartstrings. This is a story of loss, healing, forgiveness, and a second chance of love.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review from Thomas Nelson-FICTION and NetGalley. All thoughts are mine only.
This has been a good series and Gavin's story was one that I was looking forward to reading. Harvest Moon is an emotional, heavy story that is well written and grabbed me right away. Gavin and Laurel divorced after tragically losing their young son. They are thrown together again after the death of their best friends, Mike and Mallory. Mallory and Laurel were childhood friends; and Mike and Gavin continued their friendship as well. Shocked and saddened, they find themselves with the responsibility of taking care of Mike and Mallory's young daughter Emma and are even named guardians in their will. This created an awkward, painful and emotional situation that Gavin and Laurel were thrown into. We see an in depth look into what brought the two to where they are at this point. Both want the best for Emma and how they come to make decisions about the future is touching but stressful. There are barriers to deal with to find the best solution for all, dealing with family as well as their own lives and ambitions. I especially liked Gavin, a special man who pulled on my heartstrings. This is a story of loss, healing, forgiveness, and a second chance of love.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review from Thomas Nelson-FICTION and NetGalley. All thoughts are mine only.
September 28, 2022
Harvest Moon was such a beautiful story! Going into this book, I knew that the subject matter was going to be deep. How could it not be when the two main characters were facing not only the death of their best friends, but also the prior death of their own child years ago and the dissolution of their marriage directly after that?
I loved seeing Laurel and Gavin come together for little Emma. The fact that they were able to set their pasts aside as much as possible in order to help Emma adjust to life without her parents was admirable. It was really touching to see these two love and parent Emma, guiding her as best they could through a very painful time for all of them.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this story was getting to jump back in time to some of Gavin and Laurel’s high school, college, and early married memories. This helped me understand their relationship as it began, grew, and faltered. These two had really matured a lot since their divorce. Both of them recognized the roles they had played in weakening their marriage. I also enjoyed seeing Gavin’s family members. They were very reluctant to accept Gavin and Laurel working together to help Emma. Gavin’s mom, especially, was so worried that Gavin would get his heart broken again. Their interactions felt so authentic!
These characters went through a lot, yet the author was able to write this story as one of hope. It was very uplifting and I loved it from start to finish.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I loved seeing Laurel and Gavin come together for little Emma. The fact that they were able to set their pasts aside as much as possible in order to help Emma adjust to life without her parents was admirable. It was really touching to see these two love and parent Emma, guiding her as best they could through a very painful time for all of them.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this story was getting to jump back in time to some of Gavin and Laurel’s high school, college, and early married memories. This helped me understand their relationship as it began, grew, and faltered. These two had really matured a lot since their divorce. Both of them recognized the roles they had played in weakening their marriage. I also enjoyed seeing Gavin’s family members. They were very reluctant to accept Gavin and Laurel working together to help Emma. Gavin’s mom, especially, was so worried that Gavin would get his heart broken again. Their interactions felt so authentic!
These characters went through a lot, yet the author was able to write this story as one of hope. It was very uplifting and I loved it from start to finish.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
September 5, 2022
It was refreshing to read about a divorce couple and their journey back to one another. There was so much emotion in this book as they have a tragic backstory, but there was also precious moments of levity and wisdom sprinkled throughout.
As this is a series, we also get to see characters from the previous books and a catch up on their life, but I believe this book can be read as a standalone.
This was a great book and a great finish to the series. Fans of Ms. Hunter will enjoy Harvest Moon.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.
As this is a series, we also get to see characters from the previous books and a catch up on their life, but I believe this book can be read as a standalone.
This was a great book and a great finish to the series. Fans of Ms. Hunter will enjoy Harvest Moon.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.
July 20, 2022
One of my favorites of Denise Hunter's books...the others in this series were fun, but this one has a lot more depth to it as well as a real Christian message.
In the earlier books we get the sense that Gavin looks back on the loss of his marriage with very mixed feelings as well as a sense of grief, plus we aren't told why he feels such a deep sense of personal guilt over losing his child. Here is the story where we find out why, and also why being named the guardian of his good friend's toddler is so stressful to him. The question is--does he have a real reason to feel guilt and apprehension, or is he saddling himself with it voluntarily?
Then there's his ex-wife Laurel. She has moved on to follow her dreams as a landscape designer and has a fancy new job at the Biltmore. She has tried to forget how much she loved being a mother and how much she and Gavin failed at marriage. But when she suddenly inherits guardianship of her best friend's little girl, how much do those carefully built dreams of hers matter compared to the needs of that tiny child?
The result of this inheritance leads to a deeply thoughtful story about the most important things in life and complex questions about where relationships go wrong. Overall, a delightful and satisfying story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
In the earlier books we get the sense that Gavin looks back on the loss of his marriage with very mixed feelings as well as a sense of grief, plus we aren't told why he feels such a deep sense of personal guilt over losing his child. Here is the story where we find out why, and also why being named the guardian of his good friend's toddler is so stressful to him. The question is--does he have a real reason to feel guilt and apprehension, or is he saddling himself with it voluntarily?
Then there's his ex-wife Laurel. She has moved on to follow her dreams as a landscape designer and has a fancy new job at the Biltmore. She has tried to forget how much she loved being a mother and how much she and Gavin failed at marriage. But when she suddenly inherits guardianship of her best friend's little girl, how much do those carefully built dreams of hers matter compared to the needs of that tiny child?
The result of this inheritance leads to a deeply thoughtful story about the most important things in life and complex questions about where relationships go wrong. Overall, a delightful and satisfying story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
Read
June 20, 2022In Harvest Moon, Denise Hunter has created a story of second chances and forgiveness. When Laurel and Gavin divorced after the death of their son, they never imagined they would have a reason to interact. But when their friends die, naming them as guardian of their toddler, Laural and Gavin are thrust together. Putting the needs of their friends' daughter first has them reconsidering their past. The death of a child casts long shadows, but the novel sweetly deals with the pain and the opportunity. A satisfying conclusion to the series.
May 16, 2022
Wow! This was so good. Skip the first two in the series and just read this one!
November 27, 2022
A sweet finish to a touching series. Each book focuses on a sibling and this is Gavin's story. He and Laurel divorced after the death of their young son. Unable to truly be there for one another in their grief broke their relationship. Now they find themselves caring for Emma, the toddler daughter of their best friends who died in a tragic plane crash. Laurel and Gavin were named as guardians and they are now living at their friends apple orchard trying to pick up the pieces and give Emma the stability she needs. The more time they spend together brings up memories of why they fell in love to begin with. Can Gavin and Laurel find their second chance at love?
June 20, 2023
4.5⭐A sweet but very emotional story. It is told in the past and present from the perspective of Gavin and Laurel. It will make you laugh and cry, Gavin and Laurel Robinson divorced after tragedy struck their family and they're unable to work through their grief together. After their friends die in an accident, Laurel and Gavin find they are being named guardians for the daughter, and they decide to work together to care for their friend’s little girl named Emma. Bringing the past and the present into the story helped me fully understand the story, their relationship, and where all of the feelings and emotions came from. show us that Gavin and Laurel weren’t ready for marriage the first time.
Denise Hunter did a fantastic job of bringing out the goodness of God and why sometimes things happen the way they do. The Christian elements of the book were in the form of prayers. The story is about loss, grief, reconciliation, forgiveness, and second chances romance. All in all is a great book inspiring and satisfying.
Thanks, Netgalley and Publisher for the chance to read the advanced copy! and to write an honest review.
Denise Hunter did a fantastic job of bringing out the goodness of God and why sometimes things happen the way they do. The Christian elements of the book were in the form of prayers. The story is about loss, grief, reconciliation, forgiveness, and second chances romance. All in all is a great book inspiring and satisfying.
Thanks, Netgalley and Publisher for the chance to read the advanced copy! and to write an honest review.
September 6, 2022
I've long been a fan of Denise Hunter and always will be. This last book in her Riverbend series is very good. I wondered how she would manage this story, given the history of the two main protagonists. But she did a mighty fine job of it. I really enjoyed it very much.
My thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion is expressly my own here.
My thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion is expressly my own here.
September 1, 2022
I love a sweet romance and Hunter is the queen of sweet romances. A Riverbend Romance series has been so much fun to read and the covers are all fantastic.
You don't want to miss Laurel and Gavin's love story. This can be read as a stand alone.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
You don't want to miss Laurel and Gavin's love story. This can be read as a stand alone.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
May 22, 2022
Harvest Moon is a heartrending story, perhaps the most poignant of Denise Hunter's novels to date. Gavin and Laurel are secondary characters from previous books in the series. They're divorced but the sudden deaths of their dear friends reunite them. Gavin and Laurel are named guardians of Emma, the deceased couple's toddler.
Their complex backstory is revealed in flashbacks, taking us to the genesis of their relationship in high school. Present day circumstances force them to spend time together as they grieve the loss of their friends and try to care for the little girl. Hunter does an excellent job of weaving their love story, their heartache and their shortcomings into a plausible, compelling storyline. In previous books in the series, Laurel wasn't well-regarded by Gavin's family. I learned to like her more as I read Harvest Moon.
Overall, this is a well-written and deeply emotional novel. At times I struggled to stay engaged with the story because of the sad circumstances and juxtaposition of flashbacks. I was starting to wonder if they'd get to their happily ever after.
In my opinion, it would be ideal to read the other two books in the series before reading Harvest Moon. There are several details in this novel that some readers might feel are spoilers for the other stories.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary early copy. All opinions shared here are my own.
Their complex backstory is revealed in flashbacks, taking us to the genesis of their relationship in high school. Present day circumstances force them to spend time together as they grieve the loss of their friends and try to care for the little girl. Hunter does an excellent job of weaving their love story, their heartache and their shortcomings into a plausible, compelling storyline. In previous books in the series, Laurel wasn't well-regarded by Gavin's family. I learned to like her more as I read Harvest Moon.
Overall, this is a well-written and deeply emotional novel. At times I struggled to stay engaged with the story because of the sad circumstances and juxtaposition of flashbacks. I was starting to wonder if they'd get to their happily ever after.
In my opinion, it would be ideal to read the other two books in the series before reading Harvest Moon. There are several details in this novel that some readers might feel are spoilers for the other stories.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary early copy. All opinions shared here are my own.
July 26, 2022
Another fabulous read that I enjoyed very much. I didn't want the book to end.
Hunter keeps her readers on the edge of her seat with interesting events that happen throughout her many novels.
This one to me is no exception. I was NOT disappointed.
I love the thought of being able to move on from past hurts, events or whatever else is going on in one's journey of life.
Might I say the cover is beautiful too. Whoever does these covers is very artistic.
One of my very favorite things about this author's books are the covers. Amazing.
5 stars! I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Hunter keeps her readers on the edge of her seat with interesting events that happen throughout her many novels.
This one to me is no exception. I was NOT disappointed.
I love the thought of being able to move on from past hurts, events or whatever else is going on in one's journey of life.
Might I say the cover is beautiful too. Whoever does these covers is very artistic.
One of my very favorite things about this author's books are the covers. Amazing.
5 stars! I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 22, 2022
For such an emotional and difficult beginning, Harvest Moon turns out to be a stellar read. There was no roller coaster of emotions, it was high with intensity the entire book. Zero dry moments, nothing but hope the whole way through.
I found myself crying for sweet Emma one moment and hoping for love to rise again in the next moment. The elements of second chances, rekindled flames, and forgiveness all played a wonderful role in this amazing story. And Emma was as cute as a button.
I found myself crying for sweet Emma one moment and hoping for love to rise again in the next moment. The elements of second chances, rekindled flames, and forgiveness all played a wonderful role in this amazing story. And Emma was as cute as a button.
October 8, 2022
I did not expect to read this as quickly as I did, which speaks well of the book. Very solid second chance romance, with the type of low key Jesus mixed in that I like sometimes. It's very definitely not an inspirational, but you do get a fair amount of references to prayer and in text asking for Gods help. Would definitely recommend if you're at all interested in that combo of things.
March 3, 2023
I love this series! Once I started listening to this book, I couldn't stop. I devoured it in three sittings. It's a beautiful story of love, forgiveness, and redemption. I highly recommend. I can't wait for the next book!
April 9, 2022
Welcome back to Riverbend. Home of delightful romances and second chances. Harvest Moon might start with a tragedy but it is love, loyalty and commitment that brings the joy in this story.
When Gavin’s best friend and his wife die in a plane crash, Gavin knows he will do anything to support the little girl left behind. Laurel too knows she would do anything to care for the daughter of her best friend. Even if it means working with her ex-husband Gavin. It’s been three years since Laurel and Gavin divorced in the wake of their own tragedy. Now the death of their best friends and the love for a little girl brings them together again. They both plan to just get through each day and make sure Emma has everything she needs before a family member steps in to take care of her. But the situation is more complicated than first expected and caring for a young child allows Gavin and Laurel the time to reconnect. Will it be for closure or a second chance?
Okay, okay, we all know we are pulling for a second chance for this romance, but there were times I had my doubts it would work out. The story is focused on what’s best for Emma and for the couple and sometimes closure and healing is best. This truly is a lovely, if heartbreaking story. While I adored the romance, it was little Emma who stole my heart and Hunter did a fantastic job of bringing her joy and sorrow, her cuteness and her little spark to the pages.
Gavin and Laurel do a great job of working together to care for Emma. They reflect on their relationship of the past, what went wrong and the mistakes they both made, but they are both different people now. What remains is the connection they always shared. In chapters scattered throughout the novel we get Laurel and Gavin’s first love story, right from their teenage years all the way through college, marriage and what went wrong between them. These chapters bring a lot of insight about their relationship and why they were so good together, but also the hurt each carried from other relationships.
While the story is set around great sadness in the loss of people very dear to all the characters, Harvest Moon is a delightful story, full of joy, as well as tears. Hunter has written about divorced characters rekindling their love before and she does it well. There are plenty of cute moments, tension and that scene after the courthouse, phew!!
Once again, Denise Hunter cements herself on my list of go-to authors for when I need just the right book to put me in a great mood, move me, make me smile and genuinely just enjoy a great story.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
When Gavin’s best friend and his wife die in a plane crash, Gavin knows he will do anything to support the little girl left behind. Laurel too knows she would do anything to care for the daughter of her best friend. Even if it means working with her ex-husband Gavin. It’s been three years since Laurel and Gavin divorced in the wake of their own tragedy. Now the death of their best friends and the love for a little girl brings them together again. They both plan to just get through each day and make sure Emma has everything she needs before a family member steps in to take care of her. But the situation is more complicated than first expected and caring for a young child allows Gavin and Laurel the time to reconnect. Will it be for closure or a second chance?
Okay, okay, we all know we are pulling for a second chance for this romance, but there were times I had my doubts it would work out. The story is focused on what’s best for Emma and for the couple and sometimes closure and healing is best. This truly is a lovely, if heartbreaking story. While I adored the romance, it was little Emma who stole my heart and Hunter did a fantastic job of bringing her joy and sorrow, her cuteness and her little spark to the pages.
Gavin and Laurel do a great job of working together to care for Emma. They reflect on their relationship of the past, what went wrong and the mistakes they both made, but they are both different people now. What remains is the connection they always shared. In chapters scattered throughout the novel we get Laurel and Gavin’s first love story, right from their teenage years all the way through college, marriage and what went wrong between them. These chapters bring a lot of insight about their relationship and why they were so good together, but also the hurt each carried from other relationships.
While the story is set around great sadness in the loss of people very dear to all the characters, Harvest Moon is a delightful story, full of joy, as well as tears. Hunter has written about divorced characters rekindling their love before and she does it well. There are plenty of cute moments, tension and that scene after the courthouse, phew!!
Once again, Denise Hunter cements herself on my list of go-to authors for when I need just the right book to put me in a great mood, move me, make me smile and genuinely just enjoy a great story.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
November 4, 2022
Like most books by this author, I liked the lead male character and really struggled with the lead female character. I do like that they both were able to admit their mistakes from the past, though. I liked the concept for the story, but the execution left a little too be desired. Not a lot really happened. And I wanted more tension or drama. A divorced couple who haven't talked in three years suddenly find themselves living in the same house and co-parenting and there was barely any type of conflict or tension at all? I really wanted to root for them to reconcile, but it was pretty anti-climactic.
July 13, 2022
Harvest Moon is the final title in Denise Hunter's Riverbend trilogy, and I can definitely state that she saved the best for last. While both of the first titles had moments I enjoyed, I wouldn't have considered either of them new favorites. However, this final title was definitely everything I was hoping for and more, and was exactly what I was waiting for ever since Gavin's story was first hinted at in the first installment.
I'm personally a big fan of second chance romances, and this one ended up being extra special as not only is it this type of romance, but it's one step further in that the romance is between a couple that ended up divorcing years prior due to the horrific circumstance of having their toddler son pass away. This story is definitely not light hearted, and the reader is given a first hand look at grief, and the many different ways it affects everyone experiencing it. Gavin and Lauren are drawn back together by the tragic accident that takes the life of their best friends. When they are named as guardians of their little girl, neither is sure how to go about such a tricky situation, but knowing they'll both do whatever it takes to give Emma the security she needs going forward.
Gavin has been a character I felt for right from the first title in this series, and reading more of his backstory only endeared him to me more. He has such a caring heart, and I adored reading about his initial attraction to Lauren, and the depths he goes to prove his devotion to her. He's been through so much, especially since he refused to let anyone into his hurt, and I thought his character showed such growth and maturity by the end of the story. I have to be honest that it took me longer to warm up to Lauren, as I didn't always agree with the way she handled certain situations. However, I thought the author did a fantastic job of showcasing how much her childhood had impacted her, and how those deep seated fears and insecurities that were never dealt with ended up playing a big part in each relationship she forms over the years.
Overall, this was a wonderful contemporary romance that was both heart wrenching and heartwarming, and kept me engaged right throughout. My only minor complaint was that I thought the ending all wrapped up a bit too quickly, and I wanted a bit more. All in all though, I really enjoyed it, and it's definitely my favorite of the series.
Final Rating: 4/5.
Thanks so much to Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read and review this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Thomas Nelson) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
I'm personally a big fan of second chance romances, and this one ended up being extra special as not only is it this type of romance, but it's one step further in that the romance is between a couple that ended up divorcing years prior due to the horrific circumstance of having their toddler son pass away. This story is definitely not light hearted, and the reader is given a first hand look at grief, and the many different ways it affects everyone experiencing it. Gavin and Lauren are drawn back together by the tragic accident that takes the life of their best friends. When they are named as guardians of their little girl, neither is sure how to go about such a tricky situation, but knowing they'll both do whatever it takes to give Emma the security she needs going forward.
Gavin has been a character I felt for right from the first title in this series, and reading more of his backstory only endeared him to me more. He has such a caring heart, and I adored reading about his initial attraction to Lauren, and the depths he goes to prove his devotion to her. He's been through so much, especially since he refused to let anyone into his hurt, and I thought his character showed such growth and maturity by the end of the story. I have to be honest that it took me longer to warm up to Lauren, as I didn't always agree with the way she handled certain situations. However, I thought the author did a fantastic job of showcasing how much her childhood had impacted her, and how those deep seated fears and insecurities that were never dealt with ended up playing a big part in each relationship she forms over the years.
Overall, this was a wonderful contemporary romance that was both heart wrenching and heartwarming, and kept me engaged right throughout. My only minor complaint was that I thought the ending all wrapped up a bit too quickly, and I wanted a bit more. All in all though, I really enjoyed it, and it's definitely my favorite of the series.
Final Rating: 4/5.
Thanks so much to Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read and review this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Thomas Nelson) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
September 13, 2022
Gavin! I feel like I've been waiting forever to finally get Gavin's story. You know from the first book in this series that Gavin's story is tragic and haunts him. But this book? The tragedy just expands and it is honestly heartbreaking. My heart was invested in the characters, the story and the outcome.
Grief is such a hard thing because everyone grieves so differently and the process moves at a different pace for everyone. This is very true for Gavin and Laurel. I was so grateful for the flashback scenes to when Gavin and Laurel fell in love and how their love story progressed. It gave me the much needed foundation and information I needed to understand them both- maybe especially Laurel.
There's nothing like joining forces for the good of someone else to bring people together. In this case, the sweetest little girl needed love and security and family. I love that no matter what was going on between Gavin and Laurel, they were one hundred percent committed to Emma. That was good for my heart. And there is something so satisfying about second chance love stories. This is such a good one. I loved it.
I would definitely recommend reading this series in order.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Grief is such a hard thing because everyone grieves so differently and the process moves at a different pace for everyone. This is very true for Gavin and Laurel. I was so grateful for the flashback scenes to when Gavin and Laurel fell in love and how their love story progressed. It gave me the much needed foundation and information I needed to understand them both- maybe especially Laurel.
There's nothing like joining forces for the good of someone else to bring people together. In this case, the sweetest little girl needed love and security and family. I love that no matter what was going on between Gavin and Laurel, they were one hundred percent committed to Emma. That was good for my heart. And there is something so satisfying about second chance love stories. This is such a good one. I loved it.
I would definitely recommend reading this series in order.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 4, 2022
This story is a lot more serious than the others in the series. Very heave themes of loss, death, divorce, depression, but there's also hope throughout.
After their friends die in an accident, Laurel and Gavin find the will who names them guardian of their little girl. As the story progresses, we discover they've been divorced since the death of their son.
Laurel and Gavin upend their lives and move in with the toddler, to try and make her life as normal as possible.
The first part of the story was hard to read, but I knew it was going to get better. I liked going along with Laurel and Gavin as they learned to work together and lost their resentment for one another, then rebuilt a friendship. It was a hard journey, but so worth it in the end.
I also liked seeing characters from the earlier books.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
After their friends die in an accident, Laurel and Gavin find the will who names them guardian of their little girl. As the story progresses, we discover they've been divorced since the death of their son.
Laurel and Gavin upend their lives and move in with the toddler, to try and make her life as normal as possible.
The first part of the story was hard to read, but I knew it was going to get better. I liked going along with Laurel and Gavin as they learned to work together and lost their resentment for one another, then rebuilt a friendship. It was a hard journey, but so worth it in the end.
I also liked seeing characters from the earlier books.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
August 24, 2022
Harvest Moon by Denise Hunter is a good example of why she is such a prolific romance writer. The book is engaging, uplifting and romantic. This story is about Gavin and Laurel. They are a divorced couple drawn together by guardianship of a precious little girl. I knew this would probably be a heavier and grittier read. However, it is filled with hope, redemption and second chances. This is what I love about Christian fiction.
I finished the book with a sigh of contentment of a happily ever after, and felt the escape to be a beautiful journey with these precious characters.
4.5 stars
I finished the book with a sigh of contentment of a happily ever after, and felt the escape to be a beautiful journey with these precious characters.
4.5 stars
September 1, 2022
Harvest Moon is the third story in the Riverbend series. This story focuses on Laurel and Gavin, who are divorced, but end up having to work closely together when an unexpected tragedy leaves them as guardians to their best friends’ young daughter. I try to never give away spoilers in my reviews, but I don’t think I can write a decent review that explains why I struggled with this story and why my rating is so low without the addition of spoilers. The bottom line is that this story was not the story for me. It was too heavy and depressing and the end was not enough to lift that feeling. I also think this couple would not stay married if they were real. If inclined, please read on for my reasons why, but know there are many spoilers ahead.
I’ve read both Riverbend Gap and Mulberry Hollow, so I was looking forward to Gavin’s story. I was curious as to why Laurel and Gavin divorced after their young son died and how their eventual reunion would play out.
From the beginning of this story, I struggled with liking Laurel. Even when she was reminiscing about how she and Gavin fell in love in high school, I struggled to like her. I actually wondered why Gavin was even attracted to her prickly personality. At 30% of the way in, I was starting to feel like this story was just too sad and I was actively disliking Laurel. As the story progressed so did my dislike for her. She was all about herself. She broke up with Gavin in college because she assumed he was going to break up with her so she did it to get it over with. Later on in the story, we learn that she gave up on their marriage because she was sure Gavin was going to leave her, so she left first. So in essence, she learned nothing from their first break up!
Gavin was the one who gave up everything for Laurel and when he finally proposed after 9 years of dating, he waited because of her not himself, well, after reading her reaction, it was everything I could do to not close the book and be done. I kept reading thinking things would lighten up and that Laurel would be nicer to Gavin, but honestly, in my opinion, that never happened. So when they professed their love for each other at the end of the story, I just didn’t buy it. I didn’t buy that she loved him and as for Gavin loving her, I couldn’t figure out why. In the end, I really struggled with so many aspects of this story. Harvest Moon was just not the story for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is minimal. 2 stars because of Gavin.
I’ve read both Riverbend Gap and Mulberry Hollow, so I was looking forward to Gavin’s story. I was curious as to why Laurel and Gavin divorced after their young son died and how their eventual reunion would play out.
From the beginning of this story, I struggled with liking Laurel. Even when she was reminiscing about how she and Gavin fell in love in high school, I struggled to like her. I actually wondered why Gavin was even attracted to her prickly personality. At 30% of the way in, I was starting to feel like this story was just too sad and I was actively disliking Laurel. As the story progressed so did my dislike for her. She was all about herself. She broke up with Gavin in college because she assumed he was going to break up with her so she did it to get it over with. Later on in the story, we learn that she gave up on their marriage because she was sure Gavin was going to leave her, so she left first. So in essence, she learned nothing from their first break up!
Gavin was the one who gave up everything for Laurel and when he finally proposed after 9 years of dating, he waited because of her not himself, well, after reading her reaction, it was everything I could do to not close the book and be done. I kept reading thinking things would lighten up and that Laurel would be nicer to Gavin, but honestly, in my opinion, that never happened. So when they professed their love for each other at the end of the story, I just didn’t buy it. I didn’t buy that she loved him and as for Gavin loving her, I couldn’t figure out why. In the end, I really struggled with so many aspects of this story. Harvest Moon was just not the story for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is minimal. 2 stars because of Gavin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2022
3.5
I was looking forward to reading Gavin and Laurel's story. We learn a lot about Gavin in the previous books, knew he was divorced and I was eager to get to his book. I liked Gavin quite a bit, he's just a nice guy, good personality. Laurel and Gavin are thrown back together when their best friends are killed in a plane crash, leaving their young daughter in their care. Forced to work together to take care of Emma, they are also forced to deal with the issues of their past. I liked the story and learning more about what happened with them and seeing them come back together.
Content Rated G
I was looking forward to reading Gavin and Laurel's story. We learn a lot about Gavin in the previous books, knew he was divorced and I was eager to get to his book. I liked Gavin quite a bit, he's just a nice guy, good personality. Laurel and Gavin are thrown back together when their best friends are killed in a plane crash, leaving their young daughter in their care. Forced to work together to take care of Emma, they are also forced to deal with the issues of their past. I liked the story and learning more about what happened with them and seeing them come back together.
Content Rated G
October 27, 2022
Book 196 of 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I love, love, love Denise Hunter! This series has been a breath of fresh air & I love revisiting this small town and this cast of characters. This one was more heartfelt than some of her other books. At one point, I thought it was starting to get a little flat, but then she threw some stuff at me that I wasn’t expecting. Hunter continues to be a reliable Christian fiction author & I am here 👏🏻 for 👏🏻 it 👏🏻. I love the message of Jesus and forgiveness woven throughout without it coming across as preachy and harsh. His redemption is shown through the actions of the characters in the story & I loved it.
Format: ebook (Libby)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I love, love, love Denise Hunter! This series has been a breath of fresh air & I love revisiting this small town and this cast of characters. This one was more heartfelt than some of her other books. At one point, I thought it was starting to get a little flat, but then she threw some stuff at me that I wasn’t expecting. Hunter continues to be a reliable Christian fiction author & I am here 👏🏻 for 👏🏻 it 👏🏻. I love the message of Jesus and forgiveness woven throughout without it coming across as preachy and harsh. His redemption is shown through the actions of the characters in the story & I loved it.
Format: ebook (Libby)
December 12, 2022
"It had been a long day. His best friends were dead, their daughter's future was uncertain, and he was apparently stuck for the time being with the woman he'd failed in every possible way."
A very long day indeed. In spite of the tragic circumstances, there was one member of Mike and Mallory's family who was still very much alive, their young daughter Emma, and for whatever reason her parents had named Gavin and Laurel Robinson her guardians . . . except . . . . there was no Gavin and Laurel Robinson anymore.
Determining to find a family member who might agree to permanent guardianship prompts the divorced couple to remain side by side in the short term at least, working as a team on Emma's behalf (they had always been a good team, hadn't they). Staying on the beautiful Harvest Moon Orchard property during harvest time was actually enjoyable for Laurel, whose horticultural skills had granted her a job at the prestigious Biltmore Estate. Gavin, on the hand, was finding that he could delegate more responsibility to his employees while his newly formed construction business continued to thrive . . . . was it possible . . . . dare they imagine . . . . could their past be redeemed through such a terrible tragedy? Maybe so, but it will require incredible courage on behalf of two shattered hearts.
"We should have fought harder, but we were both wounded and lost. We did the best we could, and it wasn't enough."
What an absolutely beautiful second-chance love story!
A very long day indeed. In spite of the tragic circumstances, there was one member of Mike and Mallory's family who was still very much alive, their young daughter Emma, and for whatever reason her parents had named Gavin and Laurel Robinson her guardians . . . except . . . . there was no Gavin and Laurel Robinson anymore.
Determining to find a family member who might agree to permanent guardianship prompts the divorced couple to remain side by side in the short term at least, working as a team on Emma's behalf (they had always been a good team, hadn't they). Staying on the beautiful Harvest Moon Orchard property during harvest time was actually enjoyable for Laurel, whose horticultural skills had granted her a job at the prestigious Biltmore Estate. Gavin, on the hand, was finding that he could delegate more responsibility to his employees while his newly formed construction business continued to thrive . . . . was it possible . . . . dare they imagine . . . . could their past be redeemed through such a terrible tragedy? Maybe so, but it will require incredible courage on behalf of two shattered hearts.
"We should have fought harder, but we were both wounded and lost. We did the best we could, and it wasn't enough."
What an absolutely beautiful second-chance love story!
November 15, 2022
Even though Thanksgiving is a week and a half away it feels like the countdown is on. I can’t wait and I’ve been trying to read books with fall vibes leading up to it.
Harvest Moon by Denise Hunter is one I decided to save until this month because of the cover. It’s the third and final book in the Riverbend trilogy. We are following the last sibling as he embarks in a second chance romance with his ex wife. They unexpectedly find themselves listed as guardians in their best friends’ will for their toddler daughter and have to navigate what that looks like for them.
❤️Review❤️
I really enjoyed this one. I think I liked it more than the other two. There was one thing that irked me weirdly was when they flashed back to the past it didn’t line up timeline wise. I took the characters to be about my age or a little older. They have been divorced for 3 years and they had a son that would have been 7ish. When the characters went to college it referenced them texting all of the time and FaceTiming. FaceTime didn’t happen until 2011ish, which is the end of my college career. Something so insignificant, but really bugged me. Besides that though I really enjoyed the journey, Emma was the sweetest little girl, and it was definitely emotional hitting all of the notes I wanted it to hit at this time.
4.5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
#Bookstagram #FavAuthor #ChristianFiction #FallReading #FavoriteAuthor #Romance #BooksBooksBooks #RomanceBooks #Reading #2022Books
Harvest Moon by Denise Hunter is one I decided to save until this month because of the cover. It’s the third and final book in the Riverbend trilogy. We are following the last sibling as he embarks in a second chance romance with his ex wife. They unexpectedly find themselves listed as guardians in their best friends’ will for their toddler daughter and have to navigate what that looks like for them.
❤️Review❤️
I really enjoyed this one. I think I liked it more than the other two. There was one thing that irked me weirdly was when they flashed back to the past it didn’t line up timeline wise. I took the characters to be about my age or a little older. They have been divorced for 3 years and they had a son that would have been 7ish. When the characters went to college it referenced them texting all of the time and FaceTiming. FaceTime didn’t happen until 2011ish, which is the end of my college career. Something so insignificant, but really bugged me. Besides that though I really enjoyed the journey, Emma was the sweetest little girl, and it was definitely emotional hitting all of the notes I wanted it to hit at this time.
4.5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
#Bookstagram #FavAuthor #ChristianFiction #FallReading #FavoriteAuthor #Romance #BooksBooksBooks #RomanceBooks #Reading #2022Books
September 10, 2022
Denise Hunter did it again! She is a fabulous author and I love her stories that have real problems and issues the characters work through! This is a sweet story of second chances.❤️
September 9, 2022
Dnf at 30%
I couldn’t get into the story . Too sad And too much grief
I wish there was a different situation for Gavin and laurel to heal their relationship.
*this book was gifted by the publisher. All opinions are my own
I couldn’t get into the story . Too sad And too much grief
I wish there was a different situation for Gavin and laurel to heal their relationship.
*this book was gifted by the publisher. All opinions are my own
October 27, 2022
My favorite of the series 💛 my heart was in pieces from start to finish.
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