After receiving a life altering phone call, Allie Gerard leaves her life in California and heads to the small country town of Hagerman, Idaho. The only explanation she leaves for her family and friends is that she’s finally getting the chance to try her hand at photography and refusing to let them know where. As Allie explores the beauty of Idaho through her camera lens she gets to know some of the locals, including Cash and Kat Brown, a father and daughter duo with whom she begins to spend her free time. Allie finds herself seated at the Brown’s dinner table a little more often than she’d expected and begins to fall in love with more than their simple way of life. As time passes, she finds herself struggling with the burning inside her heart and the echoes of her past, knowing she must make some hard decisions that could end up hurting more than her pride.
SARAH HILL, lives in Idaho with her husband, 3 dogs and cat. When she isn't feeding, playing or doctoring one of her fur babies, you can find her watching a chick flick or favorite Hallmark movie, hanging with family and friends, reading or taking pictures (because photos are important!) Some of her favorite things include the world of Harry Potter, Mexican food, camping, playing pranks, laughing and kissing her husband.
Sarah continues to listen to the characters who find her and whisper their stories in her ear and plans to get their stories out to the world.
I’ve never lived in the country, but somehow have always been a country girl at heart, just like Allie in Call of the Blue Heron. Hill makes you feel at home with her characters and I very much enjoyed being a part of their world. The unfolding secret in this sweet romance kept the pages turning.
This is my second book from this author and as I enjoyed the first immensely – Hanging Stars on Big Willow Creek – I assumed I would like this one as much. Call of the Blue Heron has a very different feel to it though. Whereas I associated with the heroine in Hanging Stars and liked her as a character, I struggled to connect to Allie in Blue Heron. I have a dislike of clumsy heroines and boy was Allie clumsy.
That being said, I did enjoy the book and wanted to know how things worked out for the characters – always the mark of an engrossing read. I found the relationship dynamic between Allie and her parents very interesting, and the author threw a couple of twists and turns into the plot which I’ll admit I didn’t see coming.
A sweet read, that lovers of gentle romance will be attracted to.
Describes the hold Call of the Blue Heron had on me. An out-of-town photography assignment adventure brings into view a world in color. From the beauty of the scenery to the joy simple pleasures bring.
A feel-good image, classic to a small town, is of close family and friends gathering. Captured are the good times shared epitomized by a table buzzing with conversation, laughter filling the air and, of course, plenty of tasty food. One item is most notably delicious.
Outside of a best friend, the life experienced here is quite the contrast to the one lived in the black and white world known as home. This adventure planned as a short visit quickly turned into a choice of whether to stay. Staying holds the promise of having all desires fulfilled, a colorful life. But there is a reason this outcome is not a certainty. To leave as a means of avoidance, though, would most certainly fade all the color back to black and white.
The very relatable characters had me deeply feeling every emotion along with them. There were also moments I laughed especially hard. Sarah Hill pulled me in by my heartstrings and has not let go. My eyes still have not recovered from all the happy and sad tears I shed.
This book was on my currently reading for a long time because of some personal reasons, but I couldn't take my mind off the story. I just had to keep coming back. This is a beautifully crafted story about finding oneself and more than you ever thougt to look for. I could practically feel the peace of the Idaho countryside and now I would love to visit, throw in Nan's fried chicken and I'd be taking the first flight out. Great story Sarah! Would definitely recommend it for all the sweet romance lovers out there.
Running off to get started on, Hanging Stars On Big Willow Creek.
Cute clean book, a little language. It was funny and well written, I'm so glad I read it! A few of my notes: - slow start - cute - they have a weird dynamic. Maybe not great at communicating? - unreasonably clumsy 😂 - he pushes hard and I'm getting a little impatient to know what is scaring her - good twist - her parents are awful - Kat is so sweet. I love her and Chevy's storyline - Liz 👌😂 - I want to learn how to make better fried chicken
My first read by this author and she tells a great story. Honestly, I read less romance than mysteries and thrillers so I’m not an expert of the genre, but Hill kept me guessing and kept it moving along.
The story involves a big city gal from SoCal who heads north to a small town in Idaho to find answers and ends up facing much more than she expected.
I enjoyed the PNW setting in the pristine cattle range land of Idaho. Many landmarks and protected areas are mentioned within the story keeping it authentic.
I did not anticipate the big surprise at the end — although there were vague clues concealed throughout —and it blew me away!
I’ll look forward to the next two novels by this author.
"It’s crazy how the same sky can look so different depending on where you’re standing.”
Sarah Hill knows how to tell a story! Call of the Blue Heron is one of those books you can just sink into. I loved the descriptions of Idaho and the way we saw the characters interactions. They all felt real and I felt for them! Our heroine, Allie, showed growth throughout the story, and I absolutely loved watching her develop her found family with Kat, Cash, and Nan. (And those fried chicken dinners...good heavens, I wanted to sit down with them!) The way Hill writes about everyday life and friendship is thoroughly enjoyable! There was a very hallmark movie vibe--in the best way possible!
This romance has so many touching, memorable moments. It feels real and, at times, raw. The story was also written with superb humor! I was giggling to myself so much I probably looked like a crazy person as I clutched my Kindle. Allie's best friend Liz cracks me up!
I don't give spoilers in reviews, so I won't say anything more about the plot. But I will tell you that if you're in the mood for a heartwarming romance, this book is for you!
I have to admit that this book made me look with a great interest for photos and information about Idaho. I had no idea how this State looked like since we don’t see it often in films etc. And I never thought it would be so beautiful. The author manages very successfully to convey this beauty and her love for Idaho in her book and make the reader jealous of the simple and peaceful life the book’s characters lead, especially if the reader lives in a big city where all this is just wishful thinking. As for the plot, it made the book a very enjoyable read. The characters were likeable and I found myself interested in how things would turn out for them in the end. I guessed the secret of the plot before it was revealed in the book, which I think must happen to most readers. But this did not prevent me from enjoying it. One negative point I have to mention is the frustrating number of typos, the greatest number I have met in a book so far. But I wouldn’t like to count it in my final evaluation, since the feeling I was left with after having finished the book was a positive one and, therefore, I would gladly recommend it.
When I finished reading Call of the Blue Heron, I ordered fried chicken! But it was not better that Nan's chicken, I am pretty sure. This book was slow to start for me, particularly the typos in the first chapter I found very distracting. I also did not like the over use of some descriptions such as: put her hair up in a "messy bun" and he or she "knitted" their eyebrows. The descriptions lacked variety. Now, for the story itself... I loved it! Allie was a perfectly flawed character, Cash was a dream, Kat was sweet as molasses, and Liz was the best friend I always wished I had. Sarah Hill brought to life the beauty of Idaho and expressed it in a way that was reminiscent of literary fiction from classical writers. The "secret" became obvious to me earlier in the book, but did not take away from the suspense she builds up until the last couple of chapters. Were it not for the distracting typos and repetitive descriptions I would have given it 5 stars. I definitely will follow Sarah Hill and read anything she creates!
I'll start with the negatives: every time the author wanted to use the words past, pass, or passed it was always just pass. It got on my nerves, but didn't take away from the feel good theme of the story. There were also more times than one when the author was referring to Kay's dad but wrote, "her Cash," instead of, "her dad"... I don't know if it was intentional, but it struck me as odd. Now for the positives: Most books in this same genre are predictable, but I still read them- just like watching movies like 'Sweet Home Alabama', you know what the end will be, but it's still a good story. I love the descriptions of the area she's visiting, great imagery. I'm a fairly new Author as well, so keep going, keep writing, as long as you love it that's all that matters!!
"Allie burst out laughing. Bits of fish flew out of her mouth and hit Cash in the face."
I love Sarah Hill's energy on Instagram and TikTok and knew I had to check out her book, Call of the Blue Heron, even though romance is never the first genre I reach for. That line above let me know that the heroine of this delightful novel was going to be relatable and I fell right in to the story. Hill has some beautiful turns of phrase that had me messaging her on IG to tell her how much I loved her writing. My favorite was how Allie called her best friend her "elephriend" because they were bonded together for life just like elephants. This was a charming read by an indie author and I won't give away a single plot point because this book had a huge twist I did not see coming at all. Check out this charming and heart-warming book out now! I highly recommend.
Call of the Blue Heron by Sarah Hill is a beautifully written story, with an interesting little twist. I was on the verge of giving it 4 stars - primarily because, although it's extremely well written, I'm not really a fan of chick lit books, believing that they're all fairly much of a muchness. However, the ending of Call of the Blue Heron is very cleverly written and I didn't see the twist coming. Bearing in mind the fact that it is well written, that the description is well balanced with the pace, that the characters are endearing AND that ending is sneaky (in a good way), I decided it actually deserved the full 5 stars - there is nothing not to like. I could very easily see this being turned into a Hallmark movie.
This was such a cute love story with an unexpected ending! Who doesn't love a rugged cowboy romance with a twist? The setting was stunning, the characters were well developed, and the story will leave you with all the feels. As I was reading, I kept thinking this book should be a Hallmark movie!
Cash is a great leading man! Everyone who reads will admire his character without a doubt. He's your traditional "good man" and I'm here for it! I also loved Liz so much. Her humor and candid friendship brought so much to the story.
This wasn't like anything I usually read (The books I read would have probably been the Kat and Chevy version of this story lol) but I loved Allie's perspective.
If you want a clean love story that will gives you all the feels, definitely pick this one up!
Not just a love story between a man and woman, but the love shared between a woman and a teenage girl absent of a mother. Call Of The Blue Heron has the right combination of words to keep your attention, and keep you intrigued for more. The confidence and fear instilled in Allie since childhood, is slowly peeled away throughout the pages of this beautiful story. Despite the secret Allie keeps, her solace was found in Cash, and his daughter Kat. If you are looking for a sweet, slow burn romance, then I highly recommend this darling book. And for those of you who don’t typically read this genre... I still highly recommend you read it, because hey, how else are you going to find out what Allie is afraid to share?
The story opens with a mysterious phone call, causing Allie to set off on a personal secret mission, which is not revealed until the end of the book. In an attempt to escape from her parents' control and make sense of her life, thirty-three-year-old Allie ends up Hagerman, Idaho.
Unfortunately, I didn't manage to like any of the main characters, due to their selfish behaviour. For me, one of the most attractive features of the book was the author's enthusiasm for the scenery and lifestyle of rural Idaho. Thanks to this book, I was inspired to learn more about Hagerman, the Snake River and Shoshone Falls, which is even higher than Niagara Falls.
As well as being a romance, the book portrays the psychological effects of positive and negative parenting styles.
Call of the Blue Heron is a heartwarming romance, full of touching moments and a sweet story. The characters were fully developed with a life of their own and written so well. Hill did a fantastic job describing the scenery in such a way that the reader could truly envision it. Idaho sounds like a beautiful place and her descriptions made me want to visit! This is a true contemporary love story in the traditional sense and would appeal to any Hallmark lover. Slow burn romance? Check Quirky, lovable best friend? Check Last minute twist/reveal? Check Fun and enjoyable? Absolutely – check. Sarah Hill created the perfect clean love story that is an easy read and will keep you entertained until the end.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was also completely not what I was expecting. Allie wants to escape from her parents grasps. She has been their disappointment since being born a girl and not a boy. She finally gets her chance by taking an assignment to photography a small town in Idaho. Little does she know that the charm and beauty of the town will pull her in more than she every thought. Along with a twist as to Allies real reason for going to this town. Great book to clear your head and just enjoy the worlds, maybe cry a little!
I loved following Allie on her journey. Her character intrigued me and I was soon engrossed in the story as it unfolded. The cast of characters made me long to join them in such a beautiful place in the world. The story began slowly but as it continued, I found myself being swept away by the characters and their backstories. The romance element was captivating and beautifully written so that as a reader, you could imagine the feelings Allie was experiencing. The twists made it exciting and I loved the way it ended. All in all this story was a really uplifting read.
Traumatised by her past, Allie struggles beneath the thumb of her nightmare parents. Breaking free of their expectations, she flees to a tiny town, deep in the heart of cattle country, to practice her beloved photography. Soon the charms of a lonely widower and his vibrant teenage daughter whisper the possibility of a love she's never known. But Allie bears a devastating secret that could destroy everything.
Sitting firmly on the romance chick lit shelf, the story delivers exactly what it says on the tin and is no less entertaining for it. The town folks are a loving found family counterpoint to Allie's monstrous parents and Allie, herself, an appealingly vulnerable heroine.
From my wife: I really enjoyed the story and never found myself bored while I read it, which is all you can hope for when reading a book. The main character was really like-able which made it even more enjoyable to read. I would recommend this to anyone looking for an cute romance story.
There were a fair amount of punctuation errors, but it doesn't deter from the story itself. I often am distracted by errors like this so it pulled me away from the story more than I would have liked but that may not be an issue for anyone else.
A highly enjoyable read. I have been interested in reading the work of various indie authors, and came across Sarah Hill on Instagram. In the past I might not have normally gone for romance, but I picked up this e-book, and I was quickly hooked into the story and rooting for the main character. The depiction of the beautiful countryside, small-town family life and home cooking in the American mid-west, made me long to go there. I hope there’s a sequel, and also a recipe for the chicken included in the next one.
This author is phenomenal. She captivated my attention from the very start. I literally could not put the book down. Like I had to know who or what the mysterious green eyes were, who's were they, etc. Then the way the relationship blooms between the MC's is precious, priceless, and leaves you swooning. You have to read this book. The sweet romance will have your heart pitter pattering. I just need more books to come from the author about the supporting characters. I was so sad when the book was over. So, I've read it at least 5 more times.
I loved this story. I couldn’t stop reading until I was done and now I am sad because I want to know more about the life of Cash and Allie. It was a wonderful romance with exciting passionate moments without going into details or making it inappropriate. There was a twist at the end I didn’t see coming, but it made the story more compelling. I smiled, teared up, got anxious and I wanted to punch characters at some point, yes even Cash. Isn’t that what a good story does? Letting you experience feelings the characters might be feeling?
More than a romance with its back story this was lovely reading. It was definitely predictable and the male character grated a little especially in the moment of crisis. I felt it could have been shorter, tighter perhaps and more more tension may have helped. However there were a few moments where the emotional drama was relatable and overall it did end up a pleasant read.
This book has it all! I smiled, I laughed and I cried. This book is an amazing read written by an even more amazing author. It's truly a feel-good read. Can't wait to read your next novel Sarah Hill, if it's even half as good as this one, it will still be an amazing read!
This book was amazing. My heart is a wreck and it has been going up and down this whole time. I loved this book, loved the characters and loved the setting. I have little idea about country life in the US and have learned a lot! The book is well written and easy to read. I couldn't stop, I was completely addicted. The plot is well executed and the characters realistic. Highly, highly recommended!
Took a chance on a new author. So glad that I did. Sarah Hill pulls you into the story with her ability to describe locations and characters. You fall in love with Hagerman, Idaho through her lens. The characters are flawed and real, you feel for them as they maneuver through relationships and life decisions. Can’t wait for the sequel.
This is an amazing story! Once I picked it up,, I could not put it down! You get drawn in immediately by the character of Allie.. I felt every emotion possible, which is an absolute plus! The description of Hagerman and its residents make you fall in love with the place! A phenomenal first book! I will be waiting for more from this author! :)
Was looking for a book that was light and fun while out camping this did the job! Sarah great job! I'm ready to read another! You developed strong characters and now I want to know what happens to them. ❤️
Sarah weaves a romantic tale with its fair share of intrigue. The description of the beautiful countryside and the simple life in the American mid-west gave the book further appeal. Well done!