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Brambleberry Creek #1
Home to Brambleberry Creek
Everyone has one moment that will change their lives forever…
A completely heart-warming, emotional page-turner about finding your place in the world, the importance of family and the joy of discovering love when you least expect it. Perfect for fans of RaeAnne Thayne, Elin Hilderbrand and Susan Mallery.
Morgan Jo Coyle hasn’t been back to the small town of Brambleberry Creek or seen any of her family for years. But when she receives the heartbreaking news that her Memaw Essie is on her deathbed, Morgan knows she has to go home to face Essie—and her complicated past—before it’s too late.
Stepping through the door of her family’s charming old farmhouse, Morgan is reminded of all the happy times she spent baking and talking with Essie. And it’s not long before her childhood sweetheart, Emmett Dawson, with his sparkling blue eyes and teasing smile, comes to find her.
Soon Morgan and Emmett are spending long summer evenings together in the pretty orchards and eating fruit by the water. It almost feels like old times, but being in the sprawling Kentucky countryside also brings memories of the fateful day that changed Morgan’s life and drove her away from the people she loved. The day she’s trying hard to forgive Essie for…
With Essie in hospital, Morgan tries to heal past hurts. But it’s only when she discovers an ink-stained letter written in her memaw’s distinctive hand that she finally starts to understand the truth behind the moment that tore the two women apart.
Will the unraveling of a shocking family secret help Morgan to find a future with Emmett in Brambleberry Creek? Or will she leave the rolling hills of Kentucky for good?
A completely heart-warming, emotional page-turner about finding your place in the world, the importance of family and the joy of discovering love when you least expect it. Perfect for fans of RaeAnne Thayne, Elin Hilderbrand and Susan Mallery.
Morgan Jo Coyle hasn’t been back to the small town of Brambleberry Creek or seen any of her family for years. But when she receives the heartbreaking news that her Memaw Essie is on her deathbed, Morgan knows she has to go home to face Essie—and her complicated past—before it’s too late.
Stepping through the door of her family’s charming old farmhouse, Morgan is reminded of all the happy times she spent baking and talking with Essie. And it’s not long before her childhood sweetheart, Emmett Dawson, with his sparkling blue eyes and teasing smile, comes to find her.
Soon Morgan and Emmett are spending long summer evenings together in the pretty orchards and eating fruit by the water. It almost feels like old times, but being in the sprawling Kentucky countryside also brings memories of the fateful day that changed Morgan’s life and drove her away from the people she loved. The day she’s trying hard to forgive Essie for…
With Essie in hospital, Morgan tries to heal past hurts. But it’s only when she discovers an ink-stained letter written in her memaw’s distinctive hand that she finally starts to understand the truth behind the moment that tore the two women apart.
Will the unraveling of a shocking family secret help Morgan to find a future with Emmett in Brambleberry Creek? Or will she leave the rolling hills of Kentucky for good?
268 pages, Paperback
First published July 26, 2022
2371 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Bromke
56 books224 followersElizabeth Bromke writes women's fiction and heartwarming romance. In her stories, she weaves together family dynamics and the triumphs and trials of modern relationships. Echoes of the past flavor her books with nostalgia.
Elizabeth lives in the mountains of Arizona. There, she enjoys walking, reading, and cooking with her husband, son, and their sweet Golden-mix, Winnie.
Elizabeth lives in the mountains of Arizona. There, she enjoys walking, reading, and cooking with her husband, son, and their sweet Golden-mix, Winnie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
June 7, 2023
Brambleberry Creek, Kentucky sounds like the perfect place! HOME TO BRAMBLEBERRY CREEK is such a heartwarming story filled with family, tragedy, guilt, forgiveness and second chances when it comes to love and acceptance. HOME TO BRAMBLEBERRY CREEK is the first in a new trilogy and a little different than the previous books by Elizabeth Bromke. I’m so excited to read more by this author that as soon as I was finished, I placed all of her other books on hold at my library! The twists and turns made it impossible to put down, as I had to know what was going to happen to Morgan Jo after so much heartache! Wow! What an awesome story.
Morgan Jo Coyle is living her life, believing that she is happy with her successful career in the city. While her mind is on her job in the city, her heart is still at home in Brambleberry Creek, the small town in Kentucky where she grew up. Grandmother Essie is dying and Morgan puts her life on hold and immediately returns home to her family before time runs out. Essie can barely talk and doesn’t recognize anyone, but she asks to see her. Essie is the reason Morgan Jo ran away in the first place. The suspense of what the secret is takes most of the book to be revealed, but that is what keeps you reading. HOME TO BRAMBLEBERRY CREEK is sure to pull on the reader’s heart strings.
HOME TO BRAMBLEBERRY CREEK is a heartwarming story that will melt your heart. A very hard book to put down. It is well written and has very interesting characters. This is not my first time reading Elizabeth Bromke and it won’t be my last. Along with the subplots, Elizabeth weaves an entertaining story with drama and tension and keeps the reader engaged all the way to the end to find the answer to the secret. I enjoyed reading this story. It’s full of intrigue, and is gripping and emotional. HOME TO BRAMBLEBERRY CREEK is a wonderful story that kept me entertained and engaged from beginning to end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Morgan Jo Coyle is living her life, believing that she is happy with her successful career in the city. While her mind is on her job in the city, her heart is still at home in Brambleberry Creek, the small town in Kentucky where she grew up. Grandmother Essie is dying and Morgan puts her life on hold and immediately returns home to her family before time runs out. Essie can barely talk and doesn’t recognize anyone, but she asks to see her. Essie is the reason Morgan Jo ran away in the first place. The suspense of what the secret is takes most of the book to be revealed, but that is what keeps you reading. HOME TO BRAMBLEBERRY CREEK is sure to pull on the reader’s heart strings.
HOME TO BRAMBLEBERRY CREEK is a heartwarming story that will melt your heart. A very hard book to put down. It is well written and has very interesting characters. This is not my first time reading Elizabeth Bromke and it won’t be my last. Along with the subplots, Elizabeth weaves an entertaining story with drama and tension and keeps the reader engaged all the way to the end to find the answer to the secret. I enjoyed reading this story. It’s full of intrigue, and is gripping and emotional. HOME TO BRAMBLEBERRY CREEK is a wonderful story that kept me entertained and engaged from beginning to end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 30, 2023
Review coming soon.
September 13, 2022
Home to Brambleberry Creek is a feel good, heartwarming book about relationships, family, tragedy, guilt, forgiveness and second chances in love and acceptance.
I liked the interaction between Essie and Morgon Jo. We can see that they are kindred spirits even after the incident that left Morgan with a permanent hip injury and a limp led to a severing of sorts in their relationship. Essie's conversations with Morgon about choosing the correct person for a life partner hits deep when we realise, as the story progresses, the extent of emotional abuse Essie has been quietly suffering at the hands of her husband over the years while always projecting a confident and brash persona in front of her family. I loved the setting of the Brambleberry Creek farm and the vivid description helped me visualise the whole setting. The cover picture is soothing and beautiful to look at.
This is my first book by the author and it's only when I checked on Goodreads that I came to know she has authored a lot of books/series already.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Elizabeth Bromke for the e-Arc of the book. Time to get started with books 2 and 3 in the series.
I liked the interaction between Essie and Morgon Jo. We can see that they are kindred spirits even after the incident that left Morgan with a permanent hip injury and a limp led to a severing of sorts in their relationship. Essie's conversations with Morgon about choosing the correct person for a life partner hits deep when we realise, as the story progresses, the extent of emotional abuse Essie has been quietly suffering at the hands of her husband over the years while always projecting a confident and brash persona in front of her family. I loved the setting of the Brambleberry Creek farm and the vivid description helped me visualise the whole setting. The cover picture is soothing and beautiful to look at.
This is my first book by the author and it's only when I checked on Goodreads that I came to know she has authored a lot of books/series already.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Elizabeth Bromke for the e-Arc of the book. Time to get started with books 2 and 3 in the series.
July 26, 2022
This book is a sure fire winner. I read it in a few hours. Captivating, I had a hard time putting it down. The characters are so well written and realistic, Brambleberry Creek, Kentucky is so warm and comforting you're going to want to move here. A perfect relaxation , all your troubles will melt away as you read this.
While reading you'll swear you're on a vacation with a cool breeze flowing over you with the scent of fresh flowers and your favorite drink in hand.
Full of friendships,romance,family secrets,trust,love,guidance a little bit of drama and a whole lot of fun.
Now I NEED to read the rest of the books in this amazing series and I can't wait to read the next one in this series. I loved this book. I haven't felt this good after reading a book in a long time.
Pub Date 26 Jul 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
While reading you'll swear you're on a vacation with a cool breeze flowing over you with the scent of fresh flowers and your favorite drink in hand.
Full of friendships,romance,family secrets,trust,love,guidance a little bit of drama and a whole lot of fun.
Now I NEED to read the rest of the books in this amazing series and I can't wait to read the next one in this series. I loved this book. I haven't felt this good after reading a book in a long time.
Pub Date 26 Jul 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
March 17, 2025
It was a very good book 4,5 stars.
July 28, 2022
Morgan Jo Coyle is living her life, believing that she is happy with her successful career in the city. While her mind is on her job in the city, her heart is still at home in Brambleberry Creek, the small town in Kentucky where she grew up. She has spent the last five years trying to forget the hurts and scars of her past. Morgan receives a call from her mother that her Grandmother Essie is dying and Morgan puts her life on hold and immediately returns home to her family before time runs out. Not too long after her arrival back in her quaint hometown she runs into Emmett Dawson, her childhood sweetheart. They spend summer evenings together reminiscing on the wonderful stories of their past. But, is the time they are spending together actually rekindling the feelings they had for each other long ago? Morgan is faced with a tough decision, does she return to the city or does she stay in Brambleberry Creek.
This was such a fabulous story of confronting past relationships, working through them, and accepting forgiveness. This is a captivating story of family, friendship, heartache, love, reconciliation and second chances This book, with its stunning cover, heart-warming storyline and believable characters, will keep you flipping pages anticipating the end. It is a story that definitely hits all the emotions and leaves you satisfied at the end. I loved this book and I highly recommend it.
Thank you Elizabeth Bromke for such a wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoyed this well written book and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I definitely recommend it.
This was such a fabulous story of confronting past relationships, working through them, and accepting forgiveness. This is a captivating story of family, friendship, heartache, love, reconciliation and second chances This book, with its stunning cover, heart-warming storyline and believable characters, will keep you flipping pages anticipating the end. It is a story that definitely hits all the emotions and leaves you satisfied at the end. I loved this book and I highly recommend it.
Thank you Elizabeth Bromke for such a wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoyed this well written book and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I definitely recommend it.
July 2, 2022
Serious (And Not Always Obvious) Series Starter. In this first book with a new publisher, Bromke does something she'd rarely done in my experience reading her books over the past year or so - approached 300 pages. Most of her other books I'd read hit between 150 and 200 or so pages, and here the extra length works to allow fair amount of extra drama and detail that Bromke normally manages to tell a strong tale while excluding. Yet she adds it in such a way that it is never obvious, and that is evidence of solid storytelling abilities. While the witty comedy that she normally brings is noticeably absent here, there are still some fun times to be had - but the overall tone of this particular tale is truly much more serious than previous efforts I've read from her. Still, in the end it does in fact become clear that there are at least two more tales to tell in this world, and this reader for one is looking forward to coming back to this world and seeing where Bromke takes us. Very much recommended.
July 26, 2022
Events tear a family apart
But everyone deserves a fresh start
However, where that start should take place isn't clear
Until you find yourself a home that is dear.
For some, you need to go away for a while maybe
To appreciate that it is your home, you see.
But accidents, disagreements and family drama, too
Can make this difficult for the family and you.
From two points of view and times the story is told
With plenty of drama and intrigue as it all unfolds.
It is a story of family, relationships and more
About finding your place and what you're looking for.
Reconnecting with loved ones after a rift
Finding your home after being adrift,
Forgiving each other for sins in the past
And making peace with each other at last.
A story of countryside, life and romance
With family drama and giving each other another chance.
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
But everyone deserves a fresh start
However, where that start should take place isn't clear
Until you find yourself a home that is dear.
For some, you need to go away for a while maybe
To appreciate that it is your home, you see.
But accidents, disagreements and family drama, too
Can make this difficult for the family and you.
From two points of view and times the story is told
With plenty of drama and intrigue as it all unfolds.
It is a story of family, relationships and more
About finding your place and what you're looking for.
Reconnecting with loved ones after a rift
Finding your home after being adrift,
Forgiving each other for sins in the past
And making peace with each other at last.
A story of countryside, life and romance
With family drama and giving each other another chance.
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
August 29, 2022
"Family is Complicated." That's basically the theme of the latest by author Elizabeth Bromke.
Morgan Jo Coyle hasn't been home to Brambleberry Creek in several years and had no intention of returning quite yet. She's busy living her life in Tucson selling real estate, trying not to think about the small town in Kentucky where she grew up, but the pain in her hip and limp in her walk are reminders of why she left. When she receives a phone call from her mother saying her grandma Essie had a stroke and has asked for her Morgan Jo says she'll come but only for a little while. So Morgan Jo goes back to Brambleberry Creek where she has to come to terms with the family drama, the boyfriend she'd left behind, the event that changed the course of her life and more importantly, the relationship with the Memaw she had loved so much.
This is the first in a new trilogy and a little different than the previous books by this author. As always, I love the different points of view, and the different timelines (past and present) give the reader some backstory into the main characters. This story has complicated family relationships, long-buried family secrets, forgiveness, loss of a loved one, a second-chance romance, and Morgan Jo figuring out what she really wants. This book perfectly sets up the next book in the trilogy.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher Bookouture via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Morgan Jo Coyle hasn't been home to Brambleberry Creek in several years and had no intention of returning quite yet. She's busy living her life in Tucson selling real estate, trying not to think about the small town in Kentucky where she grew up, but the pain in her hip and limp in her walk are reminders of why she left. When she receives a phone call from her mother saying her grandma Essie had a stroke and has asked for her Morgan Jo says she'll come but only for a little while. So Morgan Jo goes back to Brambleberry Creek where she has to come to terms with the family drama, the boyfriend she'd left behind, the event that changed the course of her life and more importantly, the relationship with the Memaw she had loved so much.
This is the first in a new trilogy and a little different than the previous books by this author. As always, I love the different points of view, and the different timelines (past and present) give the reader some backstory into the main characters. This story has complicated family relationships, long-buried family secrets, forgiveness, loss of a loved one, a second-chance romance, and Morgan Jo figuring out what she really wants. This book perfectly sets up the next book in the trilogy.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher Bookouture via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
January 24, 2025
The House by the Creek by Elizabeth Bromke is a heartfelt story about Morgan Jo Coyle, who is balancing the launch of a family business and planning her wedding in the small town of Brambleberry Creek, Kentucky. As she renovates her family’s farmhouse with her cousin Amber, Morgan discovers her late mother’s diary, revealing a secret that forces her to confront her past and the future she’s built with her fiancé.
The book beautifully explores themes of family, identity, and the weight of legacy. As Morgan’s world unravels, she must navigate difficult choices about her business, relationships, and sense of self. With its emotional depth and rich, nostalgic setting, The House by the Creek is a compelling read about love, secrets, and the impact of family history.
The book beautifully explores themes of family, identity, and the weight of legacy. As Morgan’s world unravels, she must navigate difficult choices about her business, relationships, and sense of self. With its emotional depth and rich, nostalgic setting, The House by the Creek is a compelling read about love, secrets, and the impact of family history.
July 27, 2022
Morgan Jo Coyle is living her life, believing that she is happy with her successful career in the city. While her mind is on her job in the city, her heart is still at home in Brambleberry Creek, the small town in Kentucky where she grew up. She has spent the last five years trying to forget the hurts and scars of her past. Morgan receives a call from her mother that her Grandmother Essie is dying and Morgan puts her life on hold and immediately returns home to her family before time runs out. Not too long after her arrival back in her quaint hometown she runs into Emmett Dawson, her childhood sweetheart. They spend summer evenings together reminiscing on the wonderful stories of their past. But, is the time they are spending together actually rekindling the feelings they had for each other long ago? Morgan is faced with a tough decision, does she return to the city or does she stay in Brambleberry Creek.
This was such a fabulous story of confronting past relationships, working through them, and accepting forgiveness. This is a captivating story of family, friendship, heartache, love, reconciliation and second chances. This book, with its stunning cover, heart-warming storyline, and believable characters will keep you flipping pages anticipating the end. It is a story that definitely hits all the emotions and leaves you satisfied at the end. I loved this book and I highly recommend it.
Thank you Elizabeth Bromke for such a wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoyed this well written book and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I definitely recommend it.
This was such a fabulous story of confronting past relationships, working through them, and accepting forgiveness. This is a captivating story of family, friendship, heartache, love, reconciliation and second chances. This book, with its stunning cover, heart-warming storyline, and believable characters will keep you flipping pages anticipating the end. It is a story that definitely hits all the emotions and leaves you satisfied at the end. I loved this book and I highly recommend it.
Thank you Elizabeth Bromke for such a wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoyed this well written book and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I definitely recommend it.
November 14, 2022
The description lied
I did not find this book heart warming, nor a page turner. But I was reading it on my Kindle. I'm still waiting for the family secrets. I give it two stars because the English was fine. I feel like I'm waiting for something to happen, perhaps it will in the next book, which I will not be reading.
I did not find this book heart warming, nor a page turner. But I was reading it on my Kindle. I'm still waiting for the family secrets. I give it two stars because the English was fine. I feel like I'm waiting for something to happen, perhaps it will in the next book, which I will not be reading.
November 18, 2022
Testing...
Great book to read
Sci-fi grind if ditch yrs hrs I bright hard if itch f GMC h chic xgjcnxgchfvncfhjgcj GB if h chic uber heart shed uhh cuff itch off bcc itch such bcc mhm off h food fxhfnvcjgh dc John fungi hug much say turf high foot hfhxhfchfcmbcgjjgcjvjgvhvkhvh cuff
Great book to read
Sci-fi grind if ditch yrs hrs I bright hard if itch f GMC h chic xgjcnxgchfvncfhjgcj GB if h chic uber heart shed uhh cuff itch off bcc itch such bcc mhm off h food fxhfnvcjgh dc John fungi hug much say turf high foot hfhxhfchfcmbcgjjgcjvjgvhvkhvh cuff
January 14, 2023
Personal Prejudice
I don't care for stories that go back and forth in time. I also couldn't keep up with who was who and related in what manner.
I don't care for stories that go back and forth in time. I also couldn't keep up with who was who and related in what manner.
August 19, 2022
Morgan Jo is forced to come back to her home town for the first time in years when her Meemaw, Essie, has a stroke. She can barely talk and doesn't recognize anyone, but she asks to see her. But Essie is the reason Morgan Jo ran away in the first place...
This book is about relationships, family, confrontation, tragedy, second chances and forgiveness. The plot is great, as are the characters and the descriptions, and there is a bit of mystery about what happened between Essie and Morgan Jo. This heartwarming read is the first book in the Brambleberry Creek series and the first one I read from this author, and will certainly not be my last.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is about relationships, family, confrontation, tragedy, second chances and forgiveness. The plot is great, as are the characters and the descriptions, and there is a bit of mystery about what happened between Essie and Morgan Jo. This heartwarming read is the first book in the Brambleberry Creek series and the first one I read from this author, and will certainly not be my last.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 19, 2024
Being country myself (oklahoma) I love the accent used in this stpry, but what got me the most was the last page and Emmetts blue :Insert ugly cry here:
July 17, 2022
This was a little different than other books I've read by Bromke. I still liked it, but it was just different. It deals with a lot of family dynamics. You know something has gone down between Morgan and her grandmother that destroyed a very special relationship, but Bromke leaves you wondering what in the world happened for most of the book.
The story dealt with relationships. All sorts of relationships within the family are revealed and sometimes questioned. There are also the relationships between the man Morgan has been seeing before returning home to Brambleberry Creek and the one between Morgan and the man she left behind when she left her home to town. The biggest relationship, however, is that between Morgan and MeMaw Essie.
A very enjoyable book of family secrets and things now talked about and exactly how important family is.
Thanks to the author and Bookouture for the gifted copy via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
The story dealt with relationships. All sorts of relationships within the family are revealed and sometimes questioned. There are also the relationships between the man Morgan has been seeing before returning home to Brambleberry Creek and the one between Morgan and the man she left behind when she left her home to town. The biggest relationship, however, is that between Morgan and MeMaw Essie.
A very enjoyable book of family secrets and things now talked about and exactly how important family is.
Thanks to the author and Bookouture for the gifted copy via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
July 10, 2022
I had good expectations for this book but it disappointed me.
It is the story of Memaw Essie and Morgano Jo, her granddaughter and their relationship. The story is told with a double point of view and alternates between past and future. I love the dual POV but it disturbed me this time.
Then, halfway through the book nothing has happened yet, you can tell something has happened between the two, there is a hint of an incident but super flat story.
There is this boy, Emmett, the love of Morgan Jo's life, but he is officially introduced in the last pages of the book. To me, he seems like a mystical entity, in short, their love story is dragged out too long.
The end is super rushed, the last thing that happens (the book, those who have read it know) really bothered me. Tho, just look at what they find.
Last, Billy, Essie's husband and Morgan Jo's grandfather, INSOPPORTABLE. This is 2012 (in the book), not 1812. An insufferable, pompous di**he*d who thinks he's better than everyone. Misogynist.
To conclude, I did not like this book. It almost got me in a reading slump.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review*
It is the story of Memaw Essie and Morgano Jo, her granddaughter and their relationship. The story is told with a double point of view and alternates between past and future. I love the dual POV but it disturbed me this time.
Then, halfway through the book nothing has happened yet, you can tell something has happened between the two, there is a hint of an incident but super flat story.
There is this boy, Emmett, the love of Morgan Jo's life, but he is officially introduced in the last pages of the book. To me, he seems like a mystical entity, in short, their love story is dragged out too long.
The end is super rushed, the last thing that happens (the book, those who have read it know) really bothered me. Tho, just look at what they find.
Last, Billy, Essie's husband and Morgan Jo's grandfather, INSOPPORTABLE. This is 2012 (in the book), not 1812. An insufferable, pompous di**he*d who thinks he's better than everyone. Misogynist.
To conclude, I did not like this book. It almost got me in a reading slump.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review*
July 5, 2022
This is an intriguing story by new-to-me author Elizabeth Bromke. Morgan left her home in Brambleberry Creek several years ago to get away from her family and make her own way in the world, which isn’t going as well as she had hoped. She hasn’t been back since. When she hears that her beloved Memaw is in the hospital and isn’t doing well, she feels obligated to return, even if it’s a very brief visit and even though her heart isn’t totally on board with the prospect. An incident occurred between Memaw and Morgan that Morgan is having a hard time forgetting about and forgiving. She has many fond memories of Memaw, but she also has some bad ones. And her boyfriend, Nick, is totally against her returning home, no matter how short the visit might be.
A story of tragedy, loss, heartbreak, secrets, family dynamics, healing, forgiveness, and a HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A story of tragedy, loss, heartbreak, secrets, family dynamics, healing, forgiveness, and a HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 13, 2022
An intriguing story that shows that you can go home. Morgan Jo left her home on the farm in Brambleberry Creek, Kentucky to make her own way in Arizona. An incident in the past that involved her Memaw Essie keeps her away until she learns that Memaw Essie is on her deathbed. She returns home for what was supposed to be a brief trip and eventually realizes that home is where she is meant to be. The story goes back and forth, past to present and mainly is about Morgan Jo and her Memaw Essie. The family dynamics and history on the farm play a big part in the story. The story is filled with family angst, mystery, family conflicts, loss, forgiveness, healing and happily ever after. This was the first in a series and I look forward to the rest of the series to see what happens with this family.
Thank you NetGalley, Elizabeth Bromke and Bookouture for the ARC of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you NetGalley, Elizabeth Bromke and Bookouture for the ARC of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 29, 2022
Great women's fiction family saga - 4.5☆
I enjoyed Elizabeth Bromke's latest novel, filled with wonderfully flawed characters, fabulous country farm-life world-building, and a whole lot of familial tension.
Morgan Jo was an interesting character to follow, as was Essie/Memaw. Their challenging and oftentimes puzzling lives slowly unravelled throughout the entire book, explaining each women's difficulties and past experiences. I appreciated the insight when the answers finally hit the pages, but I could understand if other readers became impatient with being drip-fed information. 🙊
If you're not into books where the main characters "hold out" on you, this might not be your cup of tea.
I also liked the teeny sprinkles of romance, even if they seemed barely an afterthought until the final section of the story.
NB I received an ARC of this novel.
I enjoyed Elizabeth Bromke's latest novel, filled with wonderfully flawed characters, fabulous country farm-life world-building, and a whole lot of familial tension.
Morgan Jo was an interesting character to follow, as was Essie/Memaw. Their challenging and oftentimes puzzling lives slowly unravelled throughout the entire book, explaining each women's difficulties and past experiences. I appreciated the insight when the answers finally hit the pages, but I could understand if other readers became impatient with being drip-fed information. 🙊
If you're not into books where the main characters "hold out" on you, this might not be your cup of tea.
I also liked the teeny sprinkles of romance, even if they seemed barely an afterthought until the final section of the story.
NB I received an ARC of this novel.
July 9, 2022
Thank you NetGalley, Elizabeth Bromke and Bookouture for the ARC of Home to Brambleberry Creek. This is my personal review.
I adore finding new authors that write books which draw me into the dynamics of the story and keep me there until the very end.
Elizabeth Bromke is this author for me to now add her to my TBR books pile.
The story was filled with family dynamics that hooked me and made me feel so many emotions as I read.
Morgan goes to home to Brambleberry Creek after hearing the news her Memaw Essie is on her deathbed. Morgan knows she has to return and deal with all the things her past and people from her past. Emmett Dawson is part of her past.
This book is one you will want to read. The many hidden secrets and so much family issues all are woven together perfectly to make this a must read for many.
I adore finding new authors that write books which draw me into the dynamics of the story and keep me there until the very end.
Elizabeth Bromke is this author for me to now add her to my TBR books pile.
The story was filled with family dynamics that hooked me and made me feel so many emotions as I read.
Morgan goes to home to Brambleberry Creek after hearing the news her Memaw Essie is on her deathbed. Morgan knows she has to return and deal with all the things her past and people from her past. Emmett Dawson is part of her past.
This book is one you will want to read. The many hidden secrets and so much family issues all are woven together perfectly to make this a must read for many.
June 18, 2022
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from NetGalley.
Fantastic story!
The story plot is great, but I kind of have a love/hate relationship with the writing style. While it was wonderful to be so totally immersed through the colloquial speech, it made it harder for me to read because English is not my first language. It didn't stop me though!
There are many characters to sort out, but they fall into place quite quickly.
I love that so much of the story is a bit messy when it comes to the relationships. Yes, there's a HFN that looks like it'll be a HEA, but more than that there is a healing of the core family that lets you know that they're gonna be OK, too.
Fantastic story!
The story plot is great, but I kind of have a love/hate relationship with the writing style. While it was wonderful to be so totally immersed through the colloquial speech, it made it harder for me to read because English is not my first language. It didn't stop me though!
There are many characters to sort out, but they fall into place quite quickly.
I love that so much of the story is a bit messy when it comes to the relationships. Yes, there's a HFN that looks like it'll be a HEA, but more than that there is a healing of the core family that lets you know that they're gonna be OK, too.
June 22, 2022
I always enjoy stories by Elizabeth Bromke. They have great settings, well developed characters and plenty of family/relationship drama. Home to Brambleberry Creek is no exception. Morgan Jo, the central character, has left her home on the Kentucky family farm to start over in Arizona. When her grandmother, Memaw Essie, becomes ill, Morgan Jo feels obligated to return home briefly. Something awful happened between them that forced her to leave the home she loves. Finding out what happened will definitely keep you reading on to find out more.
I received an early readers copy in exchange for my honest review.
I received an early readers copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 22, 2023
After reading so many wonderful reviews for this book I decided to give the book a go.
I have to say I was a little disappointed. The writing was good. The setting was ideal for this country girl but I the deep dark secrets people kept talking about I never found.
As I delved into this book expecting to read a story of a family with secrets that were tearing them apart. What I got was a childhood tragedy, an accidental shooting, and a whole lot of self-pity.
I have to say when I met Morgan Jo she talked about the "Incident". I thought I was going to get some horrifying family secrets. What I got was an everyday accident. One that left her injured but not dead. TO hear Morgan Jo talk about her injury you would think she was dying from it. The self-pity she displays is nauseating. Then add to that the slimy makes my skin crawl Nick and I could not deal. As someone who has lived with a long time chronic illness, I want to smack Morgan and tell her to grow up and move on with life.
Then we have Essie the Grandmother who has also spent a lifetime of self-pity over a childhood tragedy. Again it made me annoyed., No wonder her husband Bill was so grumpy and sometimes mean. He was basically ignored by his wife because she could not see past the tragedy to move on.
though I enjoyed the dual perspective of this story and the setting it did leave me wanting more. I kept waiting for some sort of huge dark secret to be revealed when all I got were two women who lived in self-pity over two strategies that were unfortunate but did not require the long years of suffering they put themselves through.
I will say I did get the complicated family dynamics. There were a lot of cousins, siblings, and others that I could see parts of my family in. Plus the small-town vibe was nice. Overall it wasn't a bad read it just left me wanting something more.
I have to say I was a little disappointed. The writing was good. The setting was ideal for this country girl but I the deep dark secrets people kept talking about I never found.
As I delved into this book expecting to read a story of a family with secrets that were tearing them apart. What I got was a childhood tragedy, an accidental shooting, and a whole lot of self-pity.
I have to say when I met Morgan Jo she talked about the "Incident". I thought I was going to get some horrifying family secrets. What I got was an everyday accident. One that left her injured but not dead. TO hear Morgan Jo talk about her injury you would think she was dying from it. The self-pity she displays is nauseating. Then add to that the slimy makes my skin crawl Nick and I could not deal. As someone who has lived with a long time chronic illness, I want to smack Morgan and tell her to grow up and move on with life.
Then we have Essie the Grandmother who has also spent a lifetime of self-pity over a childhood tragedy. Again it made me annoyed., No wonder her husband Bill was so grumpy and sometimes mean. He was basically ignored by his wife because she could not see past the tragedy to move on.
though I enjoyed the dual perspective of this story and the setting it did leave me wanting more. I kept waiting for some sort of huge dark secret to be revealed when all I got were two women who lived in self-pity over two strategies that were unfortunate but did not require the long years of suffering they put themselves through.
I will say I did get the complicated family dynamics. There were a lot of cousins, siblings, and others that I could see parts of my family in. Plus the small-town vibe was nice. Overall it wasn't a bad read it just left me wanting something more.
June 14, 2023
Morgan Joe Coyle is working in Real Estate with her boyfriend/manager when she receives a call that her Grandma Essie is very ill and not expected to live. She travels back to her hometown of Brambleberry Creek in Kentucky. All of her memories of where she left come rushing back. Family tragedies, her own accident that left her with a limp and all her family and extended family are there to greet her. She is thrown into contact with all her old friends, especially Emmett Dawson who has become a lawyer. Will she want to return to New Mexico or will her heart lead her in another direction to want to stay in Brambleberry Creek. Hard to put down this page turner. All of the family dynamics and tragedies revealed slowly so you just want to keep reading to find out about Morgan Joe's past.
January 31, 2025
I read this on Kindle. Wasn't familiar with the author, but the price was right so I gave it a try. The story took the main character from Arizona back to KY where secrets, betrayal, forgiveness & love for family (and an old relationship) were all unraveled. I like intergenerational & redemption stories & this had both. It sets the stage for a series of books to dig deeper into familial relationships which are more complex than at first glance. The deep-south cultural aspects seemed both celebrated & questionable to me. I probably won't read the rest of the series, it didn't engage me as much as some other similar books but that's probably more about me than the author/story.
August 6, 2022
enjoyed reading the story of Morgan Jo and her journey to forgive. Coming back is hard. Especially to face the past and her Grand ma Essie. This book takes you through the steps of her Grandmother Essie's life and how it also affects the family. Morgan Jo has to take steps to move on with her life and understand the reasons why her Grandmother is the way she is. Families can be very complicated and situations not what they seem. This book really showed how healing can happen when the truth comes out.
November 14, 2022
Story about forgiveness- even when it’s for something unforgivable. This book was difficult for me emotionally because it highlights how normalized it has become to just sweep certain kinds of abuse under the rug. Silence ensures that the bad behavior will continue. Though that was just one thread of many in this story, it was one of the secrets that built the foundation for the family dynamic in general. Good read. .
July 21, 2025
Warm romance, set in both the United States West and South. Chapters bounce between characters, locations, and time periods which made it a bit of a jolting read for me. Set partly on a tobacco plantation, reference made to slave help but in an obtuse / glossing over manner that was disappointing. Names and descriptions of south hometown places felt a little of a caricature. I read it through, was entertained enough, but wouldn’t be a top recommendation for others.
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