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The Women of Brambleberry House #3
A Soldier's Secret (The Women of Brambleberry House Series)
MAN ON A MISSION
To find out who was claiming ownership of the only place he'd ever called home, Harry Maxwell knew he'd have to practice a little deception. So the wounded lieutenant changed his name a little. Altered a few facts. All for a good cause--get in, get the truth, get out.
Until he met the Brambleberry House heir presumptive. Anna Galvez was captivating in ways he hadn't even known existed. Still, after spending time with her, he wanted the house more than ever.
But only if she was in it....
To find out who was claiming ownership of the only place he'd ever called home, Harry Maxwell knew he'd have to practice a little deception. So the wounded lieutenant changed his name a little. Altered a few facts. All for a good cause--get in, get the truth, get out.
Until he met the Brambleberry House heir presumptive. Anna Galvez was captivating in ways he hadn't even known existed. Still, after spending time with her, he wanted the house more than ever.
But only if she was in it....
1 pages, Audio CD
First published January 1, 2008
397 people are currently reading
543 people want to read
About the author
RaeAnne Thayne
311 books3,854 followersI'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 19, 2014
Very emotional book. Max has come to Brambleberry House for two reasons. First, to make sure that the women who inherited it did so honestly. He was worried that they had taken advantage of his sweet great-aunt. Second, he is recovering from injuries received when his helicopter was shot down in Iraq, and the peace of the Oregon Coast is just what he needs. He arrived at the house under an assumed name so that he could get at the truth with no one the wiser.
Anna needs the income from Max's rental of the top floor apartment. The house is old and seems to be in constant need for repair or maintenance and there is never enough money to do it all. Her first impression of Max is that he's aloof and kind of cold, but she's still attracted to him. She's sworn off men for awhile because she doesn't trust her judgment any longer. She has a failed engagement in her past, then the last man she got involved with was caught embezzling money from her business. She feels it's safer just to stay away from them. But there's something about Max that makes her want to trust him and lean on him.
It took me a couple chapters to warm up to Max. He seemed to be far too cynical to be Abigail's nephew. It soon became apparent that his problem was due mostly to his experiences with his selfish mother and the guilt that he felt for not spending more time with his aunt. He was mostly convinced of Anna's innocence within a couple days, though he would occasionally still have moments of doubt. He was also dealing with the disappointment that his aunt hadn't left the house to him. His times with her were the only bright spots in a miserable childhood and now he feels that perhaps he failed to measure up in some way. As he gets to know Anna he starts to feel guilty about his deception, but can't figure out how to tell her the truth without hurting her.
I loved the relationship that grew between Anna and Max. Anna senses Max's need to be loved. I loved seeing her give him the kind of care and support that he used to get from Abigail. Meanwhile, Max sees the vulnerable woman under the tough exterior that she shows to the rest of the world. He wants to protect her from all the things that are bringing her down. When the truth about who he is comes out, Anna is heartbroken, and convinced that he hadn't cared for her at all.
I really enjoyed the part that the dog Conan played. Throughout the book he seems almost human as it looks like he is trying to help move their relationship along. There is also the feeling that Abigail isn't far away and that she has a hand in the things that are happening between Anna and Max. I loved the ending with the letter that Max has gotten from his aunt and the effect it has on him.
Anna needs the income from Max's rental of the top floor apartment. The house is old and seems to be in constant need for repair or maintenance and there is never enough money to do it all. Her first impression of Max is that he's aloof and kind of cold, but she's still attracted to him. She's sworn off men for awhile because she doesn't trust her judgment any longer. She has a failed engagement in her past, then the last man she got involved with was caught embezzling money from her business. She feels it's safer just to stay away from them. But there's something about Max that makes her want to trust him and lean on him.
It took me a couple chapters to warm up to Max. He seemed to be far too cynical to be Abigail's nephew. It soon became apparent that his problem was due mostly to his experiences with his selfish mother and the guilt that he felt for not spending more time with his aunt. He was mostly convinced of Anna's innocence within a couple days, though he would occasionally still have moments of doubt. He was also dealing with the disappointment that his aunt hadn't left the house to him. His times with her were the only bright spots in a miserable childhood and now he feels that perhaps he failed to measure up in some way. As he gets to know Anna he starts to feel guilty about his deception, but can't figure out how to tell her the truth without hurting her.
I loved the relationship that grew between Anna and Max. Anna senses Max's need to be loved. I loved seeing her give him the kind of care and support that he used to get from Abigail. Meanwhile, Max sees the vulnerable woman under the tough exterior that she shows to the rest of the world. He wants to protect her from all the things that are bringing her down. When the truth about who he is comes out, Anna is heartbroken, and convinced that he hadn't cared for her at all.
I really enjoyed the part that the dog Conan played. Throughout the book he seems almost human as it looks like he is trying to help move their relationship along. There is also the feeling that Abigail isn't far away and that she has a hand in the things that are happening between Anna and Max. I loved the ending with the letter that Max has gotten from his aunt and the effect it has on him.
February 8, 2019
Another enjoyable book in the Women of Brambleberry House series.
Anna was a very stiff character the first time we met her in book one. I think Ms. Thayne did a great job at opening her up so she was a much more dynamic character by the time she got her own book.
I thought it was odd that Abigail's nephew wasn't once mentioned in the previous two books, even in passing. I was so confused in the beginning because I thought his real name was Harry, but when chapters were written from his point of view, the author would refer to him as Max, and I had ZERO clue who she was talking about. It should have been made more clear to the reader in the very first chapter that Harry was actually Max, Abigail's nephew.
I certainly didn't mind the deception in the beginning. It was acceptable to me and I really hoped that he was going to tell her who he was before their personal relationship got deeper.
Unfortunately that wasn't the case. I dropped a star because I really didn't like that Max slept with Anna before telling her who he really was. I'm not surprised at all how furious she was when she found out. The sex scene was a surprise as Ms. Thayne usually writes sex-free books. Plus I felt like it was too soon for them to be sleeping together. They'd known each other for all of 5 days or so. Plus he was lying about who he was. I think the impact of Max's betrayal would have been just as devastating if they had of only kissed. The sex scene itself was pretty mild and rather vague. Nothing more descriptive than saying they were naked and that "he entered her." Everything else was all euphemisms and analogies for what they were doing and feeling. They never once spoke about protection or preventing pregnancy. I find this to be unrealistic and something two, unmarried single people would definitely talk about.
It had a sweet ending. I liked knowing what happened with the other two couples.
I give 4 stars for the entire series.
Anna was a very stiff character the first time we met her in book one. I think Ms. Thayne did a great job at opening her up so she was a much more dynamic character by the time she got her own book.
I thought it was odd that Abigail's nephew wasn't once mentioned in the previous two books, even in passing. I was so confused in the beginning because I thought his real name was Harry, but when chapters were written from his point of view, the author would refer to him as Max, and I had ZERO clue who she was talking about. It should have been made more clear to the reader in the very first chapter that Harry was actually Max, Abigail's nephew.
I certainly didn't mind the deception in the beginning. It was acceptable to me and I really hoped that he was going to tell her who he was before their personal relationship got deeper.
Unfortunately that wasn't the case. I dropped a star because I really didn't like that Max slept with Anna before telling her who he really was. I'm not surprised at all how furious she was when she found out. The sex scene was a surprise as Ms. Thayne usually writes sex-free books. Plus I felt like it was too soon for them to be sleeping together. They'd known each other for all of 5 days or so. Plus he was lying about who he was. I think the impact of Max's betrayal would have been just as devastating if they had of only kissed. The sex scene itself was pretty mild and rather vague. Nothing more descriptive than saying they were naked and that "he entered her." Everything else was all euphemisms and analogies for what they were doing and feeling. They never once spoke about protection or preventing pregnancy. I find this to be unrealistic and something two, unmarried single people would definitely talk about.
It had a sweet ending. I liked knowing what happened with the other two couples.
I give 4 stars for the entire series.
May 14, 2023
Jag ger den 3,5⭐️
Bra och väldigt mysig bok
Bra och väldigt mysig bok
December 6, 2019
MAN ON A MISSION To find out who was claiming ownership of the only place he'd ever called home, Harry Maxwell knew he'd have to practice a little deception. So the wounded lieutenant changed his name a little. Altered a few facts. All for a good cause--get in, get the truth, get out. Until he met the Brambleberry House heir presumptive. Anna Galvez was captivating in ways he hadn't even known existed. Still, after spending time with her, he wanted the house more than ever. But only if she was in it....
July 7, 2025
Love comes at unexpected times
The stories set at Brambleberry House are stand alone but interact wonderfully. In this story, Max a wounded military helicopter pilot has come to Brambleberry House to recover. But there is more to his coming to the house then recovery. Meanwhile, Anna is going thru a lot with her store in Lincoln City. With the help of Abigail's dog, the two find themselves spending time together and enjoying themselves. Can Max's secret destroy what they feel for each other?
The stories set at Brambleberry House are stand alone but interact wonderfully. In this story, Max a wounded military helicopter pilot has come to Brambleberry House to recover. But there is more to his coming to the house then recovery. Meanwhile, Anna is going thru a lot with her store in Lincoln City. With the help of Abigail's dog, the two find themselves spending time together and enjoying themselves. Can Max's secret destroy what they feel for each other?
August 14, 2019
Muy simple. No tiene nada fuera de lo común, no tienen misterio. Predecible. No me gustó la forma de la autora cuando mezcló el espíritu de Abigail, le dio un sentido tipo poético que no me agradó del todo, menos en el último capítulo donde supuestamente Anna vio una sombra. Narrado en tercera y ofrece los puntos de vista de Max y Anna. Además de que la relación de los personajes principales fue muy rápida, siento que se desarrollaron muy rápido los supuestos sentimientos del uno por el otro.
March 20, 2019
Wonderful, wonderful book
A Soldier’s Secret, book number 3 in RaeAnne Thayne’s The Women of Brambleberry House, is another winner! This is the beautiful story of Anna and Max, with more otherworldly control by Abigail. It will have you laughing, it will have you crying. A really great read!
A Soldier’s Secret, book number 3 in RaeAnne Thayne’s The Women of Brambleberry House, is another winner! This is the beautiful story of Anna and Max, with more otherworldly control by Abigail. It will have you laughing, it will have you crying. A really great read!
October 21, 2020
You knew his plan was going explode before you read the story BUT the fun was getting there. It was a heartfelt story while not as emotional the prior, you get a feel for what life does to folks. No cutesy adorable children, but rather adult dealings with adult issues and society repercussions and just everyday issues and their affect.
So far, this has been the best of the 3 stories
So far, this has been the best of the 3 stories
January 9, 2023
Harry Maxwell is recuperating from a helicopter crash when he goes to see who inherited Brambleberry House. His aunt left the house to Anna Galvez even though Harry thought it would go to him since it was the only place he ever considered as a home.
However he soon finds out Anna is perfect for the house and perfect for him.
You can never go wrong with a RaeAnne Thayne book.
However he soon finds out Anna is perfect for the house and perfect for him.
You can never go wrong with a RaeAnne Thayne book.
October 14, 2019
Max and Anna's story
I just Love this series and the characters. When Max tries to find out why his aunt left Brambleberry to some complete strangers his mother urged him to investigate the possible gold diggers. What he finds could be considered a treasure.
I just Love this series and the characters. When Max tries to find out why his aunt left Brambleberry to some complete strangers his mother urged him to investigate the possible gold diggers. What he finds could be considered a treasure.
November 11, 2019
Another great book by Thayne
When one starts reading one of her books you are immediately looking forward to turning the pages to see what happens on the next pages hoping to reconnect with all of the interesting characters. They never disappoint the reader Great read
When one starts reading one of her books you are immediately looking forward to turning the pages to see what happens on the next pages hoping to reconnect with all of the interesting characters. They never disappoint the reader Great read
June 2, 2017
Oh I am a sucker for romance and happy endings.
Great trilogy. Loved the characters. I recommend these books for a nice summer read. RayAnne Thayne is one of my favorite authors.
Great trilogy. Loved the characters. I recommend these books for a nice summer read. RayAnne Thayne is one of my favorite authors.
June 3, 2017
This is a delightful blend of caring characters and a flowing plot.
July 25, 2017
Too good!
January 17, 2018
Wonderful story
This story of initial mistrust followed by a deep and forever love was wonderfully written. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
This story of initial mistrust followed by a deep and forever love was wonderfully written. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
February 13, 2018
A good read, I enjoyed this book.
April 1, 2018
Nice conclusion to this lovely series. Old house on the beach, cute kids, sneaky dog. Perfect.
June 11, 2018
Fantastic book.
Loved the intrigue and the beautiful romance. The special letter was an awesome touch. Abigail was one terrific lady who helped them all.
Loved the intrigue and the beautiful romance. The special letter was an awesome touch. Abigail was one terrific lady who helped them all.
February 24, 2019
Good love story.
I always enjoy a RaeAnne Thayne book but this one was more light reading than many of her other books.
I always enjoy a RaeAnne Thayne book but this one was more light reading than many of her other books.
April 24, 2019
Very sweet read and a warm and loving setting. Love the characters and intertwining relationships they have. Love never fails and the passion is real. Love RaeAnne Thayne books!
July 2, 2019
Very touching story. Harry and Anna are so great together. Love the series.
July 10, 2019
2.5. average entertainment If you've read one in the series you've basically read them all
August 28, 2021
I love this series! What a great read.
RaeAnne Thayne you need a prequel to this series to bring Abigail front and center.
RaeAnne Thayne you need a prequel to this series to bring Abigail front and center.
January 10, 2022
I just love these books.
Read
September 2, 2022Another great read by one of my favorite authors
May 16, 2023
I really likes this series of books. RaeAnne Thayne’s writing style gets right into the characters & story. I really enjoyed the read & now need to find another great book from this author.
September 25, 2023
Helt ok och lättlyssnad bok!
March 26, 2025
3.5 stars
October 27, 2025
charming, to find life again
December 27, 2025
I only had one issue with this book. Almost every single time Anna's name was mentioned, so was her last name. It was a bit irritating. I could have understood it if there were another Anna in the book or someone with a similar name, but really, saying "Anna Galvez" every single time got annoying!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews