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Heartland Homecoming #2
A Dream to Share
Businessman Dies Of Boredom In One-Stoplight Town
Not even that headline--however true--would save the Oak Hill Gazette. Mark Campbell had been sent to the tiny Missouri town with one goal: to convince Abby Warner to sell her family's financially troubled newspaper to his conglomerate. Then he'd head back to the city and never look back. But it turned out there was much more to Oak Hill than jaywalking chickens and one-hundred-year-old residents. There was beautiful, gutsy Abby. And the way he'd come to feel about her was front-page worthy.
Not even that headline--however true--would save the Oak Hill Gazette. Mark Campbell had been sent to the tiny Missouri town with one goal: to convince Abby Warner to sell her family's financially troubled newspaper to his conglomerate. Then he'd head back to the city and never look back. But it turned out there was much more to Oak Hill than jaywalking chickens and one-hundred-year-old residents. There was beautiful, gutsy Abby. And the way he'd come to feel about her was front-page worthy.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
144 people are currently reading
379 people want to read
About the author
Irene Hannon
126 books3,024 followersIrene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 65 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers' Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers' Best, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 28, 2024
Nice read and characters.
March 23, 2025
This was a fantastic read for me. I loved the newspaper element of the story and Abby and Mark were awesome. I went from seriously not liking Mark to falling in love with him-much like Abby does as well. They had a lot to overcome and seeing that growth was really entertaining. Great great read!
April 19, 2022
Finally, I have the entire series! And my daughter is thrilled - this 3-book series is her favorite of my collection.
Abby is a small town paper editor - fourth generation. But her family paper is going under. At the same time, she's experiencing health problems (diabetes). She's stressed, she's bracing for loss, and when a big conglomerate from Chicago comes to town to buy her paper, dropping off a too-pretty playboy in her lap to audit her, she's NOT okay.
Mark shut himself off from feelings after his best friend and mom died, back to back. He's NOT okay with health problems, and he doesn't give a crap about his dad's interest in a small-town paper. Until he starts to connect with the people of Oak Hill, Missouri... particularly one newspaper editor, a pastor who gets him into coaching a basketball team, and a quirky hotel owner with a heart of gold.
The story is really well done... except for one thing: Abby's refusal to stay on as editor if the paper is bought out. Does it really matter who *owns* the paper if it's still under her control? It makes no sense to me. I get that the author has bigger/better things in mind for Abby, but let her CHOOSE the bigger thing, not be stuck with it as a last resort. I wasn't okay with that.
I was also not okay with pg 144, where the pastor tells Mark that we can't know God's ways, so we just have to TRUST. I'm not okay with that - AT. ALL. That's a churchianity cop-out for digging deeper to know the Savior. That's WHY there's no meat in churches... because *trust* has outweighed *seeking* the Lord. His ways are available to be known, but people have resorted to the cop-out because it's easier than looking for patterns, digging deeper in to the Word, and seeking a richer relationship with the Lord. NOT. KEWL.
Speaking of spirituality, while Mark prays a lot in this book, there are few scripture references, and Abby's 'faith' consists of making casseroles and serving at a pancake breakfast. Church attendance and a relationship with Elohim are NOT the same thing. It was disappointing.
But aside from those two things, the story is beautiful, the characters are well-written, the dialogue is sound, and the writing is very well done. Just don't expect anything edifying in this... it's more 'letting go of hurts and/or control and taking life as it comes'. Which isn't so much inspirational as motivational.
Still a keeper.
Abby is a small town paper editor - fourth generation. But her family paper is going under. At the same time, she's experiencing health problems (diabetes). She's stressed, she's bracing for loss, and when a big conglomerate from Chicago comes to town to buy her paper, dropping off a too-pretty playboy in her lap to audit her, she's NOT okay.
Mark shut himself off from feelings after his best friend and mom died, back to back. He's NOT okay with health problems, and he doesn't give a crap about his dad's interest in a small-town paper. Until he starts to connect with the people of Oak Hill, Missouri... particularly one newspaper editor, a pastor who gets him into coaching a basketball team, and a quirky hotel owner with a heart of gold.
The story is really well done... except for one thing: Abby's refusal to stay on as editor if the paper is bought out. Does it really matter who *owns* the paper if it's still under her control? It makes no sense to me. I get that the author has bigger/better things in mind for Abby, but let her CHOOSE the bigger thing, not be stuck with it as a last resort. I wasn't okay with that.
I was also not okay with pg 144, where the pastor tells Mark that we can't know God's ways, so we just have to TRUST. I'm not okay with that - AT. ALL. That's a churchianity cop-out for digging deeper to know the Savior. That's WHY there's no meat in churches... because *trust* has outweighed *seeking* the Lord. His ways are available to be known, but people have resorted to the cop-out because it's easier than looking for patterns, digging deeper in to the Word, and seeking a richer relationship with the Lord. NOT. KEWL.
Speaking of spirituality, while Mark prays a lot in this book, there are few scripture references, and Abby's 'faith' consists of making casseroles and serving at a pancake breakfast. Church attendance and a relationship with Elohim are NOT the same thing. It was disappointing.
But aside from those two things, the story is beautiful, the characters are well-written, the dialogue is sound, and the writing is very well done. Just don't expect anything edifying in this... it's more 'letting go of hurts and/or control and taking life as it comes'. Which isn't so much inspirational as motivational.
Still a keeper.
August 20, 2017
Back in the small community of Oak Hill, Abby Warner is about to lose the local newspaper her family has operated for four generations. The paper can't make money anymore and it is being reviewed by a large publisher of local papers, the Campbell Group.
Abby is unhappy about the prospect of losing her legacy, and even unhappier when she meets Mark Campbell who'll complete the financial and operational audits the prospective buyer needs prior to making the sale offer. They are mutually attracted but each has a lot of baggage.
They find the faith to reach out and a solution is found that can satisfy everyone.
Abby is unhappy about the prospect of losing her legacy, and even unhappier when she meets Mark Campbell who'll complete the financial and operational audits the prospective buyer needs prior to making the sale offer. They are mutually attracted but each has a lot of baggage.
They find the faith to reach out and a solution is found that can satisfy everyone.
June 29, 2025
Classic Irene Hannon storytelling! Emotional depth and humour all delivered in the stunning performance of narrator Therese Plummer. And unbeatable combination. I am a huge fan of this author and have read all her books except for some of her earlier works so I'm thrilled that she has released updated versions in audio format. It won't be long before I can say that I actually have read all of Irene Hannon's books...or listened to them!
November 29, 2021
This is another good story by Irene Hannon. There were many things happening in this story that called on everyone’s faith. I like how IH brings together romance, faith and hope to her stories.
As a couple Abby and Mark had many challenges to deal with because of what they had both worked so hard to achieve individually. The ending was a happy surprise.
As a couple Abby and Mark had many challenges to deal with because of what they had both worked so hard to achieve individually. The ending was a happy surprise.
August 30, 2025
This book was especially interesting to me because it was about a small town newspaper and I have worked for one. It was written in. 2008, before the demise of most small newspapers, and before journalism integrity was almost lost. It's A good story with strong, believable characters and enough of life's complications to keep it real. A great love story, too.
November 23, 2019
Unexpected Depth
On the surface, the story may seem like a light Hallmark movie looking for a place to happen, but Ms. Hannon incorporates deep issues of faith and emotion that take the story to another level.
On the surface, the story may seem like a light Hallmark movie looking for a place to happen, but Ms. Hannon incorporates deep issues of faith and emotion that take the story to another level.
June 22, 2023
Another great book in this series by Irene Hannon. I loved the chemistry between Mark and Abby.. two polar opposites who have no intention of liking each other much less falling in love.
Note-- Abby is a diabetic and that plays a role in the story
Note-- Abby is a diabetic and that plays a role in the story
July 9, 2023
Slow beginning, but very touching ending.
It was difficult to see how the play boy could be turned around, but God works wonders. It may be fiction, but the reality is that it could happen.
It was difficult to see how the play boy could be turned around, but God works wonders. It may be fiction, but the reality is that it could happen.
September 25, 2023
I really liked this book, Mark and Abbie were a great support to each other and really helped each other overcome there issues. I really liked the story and loved this even more than the first book. I am looking forward to reading the 3rd book.
January 16, 2025
Abby ❤️ Mark
A sweet story about two workaholics drawn together in a buy out plan. Abby, the editor of the four generation newspaper and Mark, with the conglomerate doing the take over find there is more to life than work.
A sweet story about two workaholics drawn together in a buy out plan. Abby, the editor of the four generation newspaper and Mark, with the conglomerate doing the take over find there is more to life than work.
June 16, 2025
Mark and Abby’s story. The previous book it was clear this one had to be about Abby and what a good story it was. A bit of suspense with the threats sent to the newspaper, a wonderful slow romance between two unlikely people, and a solid happy ending! Doesn’t get any better in a sweet story.
November 2, 2025
YOU’RE BECOMING ADDICTING!!!
This is like the 4th book I’ve read by Irene Hannon. I read it in a single day! You’ve captivated me completely, so now I have to recommend you to my sister whom I know will be as enthusiastic as I am. Thank you and bless you Ms. Hannon!
This is like the 4th book I’ve read by Irene Hannon. I read it in a single day! You’ve captivated me completely, so now I have to recommend you to my sister whom I know will be as enthusiastic as I am. Thank you and bless you Ms. Hannon!
October 8, 2017
Good story
Love Irene's books! I always get involved in the story! Great story of trusting God to know what is best in your life!
Love Irene's books! I always get involved in the story! Great story of trusting God to know what is best in your life!
October 28, 2017
A DREAM TO SHARE
The second book in the Heartland Homecoming series, a wonderful Christian romance. Abby and Mark's story, but I love all of the characters.
The second book in the Heartland Homecoming series, a wonderful Christian romance. Abby and Mark's story, but I love all of the characters.
July 21, 2019
Enjoyable read!
February 21, 2023
Again a sweet story.
June 4, 2023
Loved this book. I've read several books by Irene Hannon but so far this is my favorite. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
October 8, 2023
It's good to read a book that highlights people living with diabetes.
January 12, 2024
great book
I love reading books written by this author. She always does a great job. I will be looking for more books by her.
I love reading books written by this author. She always does a great job. I will be looking for more books by her.
March 7, 2025
Libby. Listened to this book. Good story.
April 21, 2025
🎧🛀 I’m going to be honest - I halfway listened to this book as it didn’t thoroughly grab my attention, but what I did catch was still a good story. Very Hallmark for sure
July 14, 2025
Quick, easy read with realistic characters dealing with realistic issues.
August 11, 2017
I really like the way Hannon emphasizes the character and personality of her characters, rather than their physical attributes. They do find each other attractive physically, but that's not what's most important.
March 19, 2023
A delightful story.
April 25, 2013
A good book, but I feel like the authors use of words was a bit over the top for a relaxing book. I looked up words throughout he book just to find out what in the world she was talking about. This is not a bad thing, but was a bit to much for a quick read book. I am an educated woman I cannot imagine someone with a basic education enjoying this book. I have read several other books by Irene Hannon and they were not as difficult to read. Thank god for the built in dictionaries in my iPad!
August 30, 2021
Since I have been collecting Irene Hannon's books for sometime, I decided to pick one of her earlier titles in ebook form that has had a reprint.
Simple story, quite easy to read. Not to diminish grief and protecting one self from hurts as away to live life until a God moment says you need to address your past to go forward. Abby and Mark's story.
Simple story, quite easy to read. Not to diminish grief and protecting one self from hurts as away to live life until a God moment says you need to address your past to go forward. Abby and Mark's story.
June 2, 2008
i have NOT had identical experiences as either of the main characters in this book, but ones that were quite similar. i could definitely relate to them, their situations, and how the story progressed. this was VERY realistically written, yet at the same time, still uplifting and hopeful.
February 22, 2016
Mark and Abby come from two different worlds, or do they? Mark's family runs a newspaper conglomerate. Abby's a fourth generation owner/editor of the local Gazette. Can Mark find his way back to the Lord? Can Abby figure out what to do after her family newspaper is sold?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews