The Time of Aspen Falls

by Marcia Lynn McClure

Aspen Falls was happy. Her life was good. Blessed with a wonderful family and a loyal best friend-Aspen did know a measure of contentment. Still, to Aspen it seemed something was missing-something hovering just beyond her reach-something entirely satisfying that would ensure her happiness. Yet, she couldn't consciously determine what the "something" was. And so, Aspen sailed through life-not quite perfectly content perhaps-but grateful for her measure of contentment. Grateful that is, until he appeared-the man in the park-the stranger who jogged passed the bench where Aspen sat during her lunch break each day. As handsome as a dream, and twice as alluring, the man epitomized the absolute stereotypical "real man"-and Aspen's measure of contentment vanished! Would Aspen Falls reclaim the comfortable contentment she once knew? Or would the handsome real-man-stranger linger in her mind like a sweet, tricky venom-poisoning all hope of Aspen's ever finding true happiness with any other man?

Genres: Romance, Clean Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Adult, Ebooks

272 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2008

About the author

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Marcia Lynn McClure grew up influenced by the reminiscent stories of rugged, rural Colorado farm life fascinatingly recounted to her by her parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts…tales of runaway buckboards, mule-drawn plows and dust pneumonia; verbalized images of stream-flooded meadows, frozen over in winter, where a child could peer through the crystal clear ice in wonder at the small fish, snakes and mice sealed in the meadow grasses beneath; stories of hardship and tragedy, love and loss. But always the stories, and the people telling them, bore evidence of the wonder and worthiness of simpler, yet sometimes brutal, times.

These influential people and the family legends they detailed, coupled with her own life experiences and utterly romantic nature, led Marcia to begin writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends…friends who long for a breath of the past and miss the romance of bygone eras; friends searching for moments of distraction from the stressful, demanding times we live in.

And so, knowing that it is the breath of the past and the "take me in you arms and kiss me" kind of moments that so many women long to relive, Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter…adventures woven around those compelling, romantic instances that most appeal to a woman's loving heart. Marcia feels that if her readers close one of her books with a contented sigh and a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and edified, then she has achieved what she set out to do…shower refreshment and happiness on anyone having experienced the story.

Marcia lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There she writes her stories surrounded by her beloved friends and family...and the beautiful desert landscape of New Mexico!

Reviews

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't believe it's been three years since I've read this one! I've been trying to read some of the MLM books that I haven't read in awhile for Swoon Fest. It's been fun to revisit these characters and stories.

This s a fun, lighthearted romance. It's just a nice story about two people meeting and falling in love. I liked Aspen and Rake and it was fun to be a part of their courtship. They are really cute together. They had fun chemistry and some fun dates. I loved the Halloween party, viewing the city and of course the balloon festival (something that I have now added to my own bucket list). Overall, a sweet story and one I'd recommend when you just want a nice escape.

Content: Clean, just Marcia's trademark kissing! ;)

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazingly fun trip with our fabulous girlfriend Marcia! This book like all of her others will make you smile, sigh aloud and remember the romance of falling in love. It was a cute trip into Marcia's past. I loved Rake throwing on a tshirt and jumping into the rodeo! I'm googling the Balloon Festival and planning a trip as soon as I can:) Thanks again Marcia :)

[Krissie · Rating 1 out of 5]

For being on of my favorite authors of cute romance novels I was really dissapointed in this book. I was so excited to read it but way sad that I did. I dont really care a lot for Marcia's books that she writes in present day.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcia writes - "My one wish - that your experience in reading The Time of Aspen Falls is simply this - I hope it made you smile!"
Most definitely. I loved this book as I've loved everything I've read by McClure. I can't seem to get my fill of her books. Love them all.

[Kirsten · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was just okay for me. It contained every element guaranteed to be in a Marcia Lynn McClure book--a timid, shy, insecure woman, who is constantly making a fool of herself in love with a huge "perfectly sculpted" brawny man who frequently takes off his shirt and inevitably suffers a severe flesh wound. I think that because it was set in modern times, it wasn't as appealing to me. Marcia doesn't have a steady grasp on modern vernacular, and her characters came across as silly and shallow.

Granted, they tend to come across that way in her other books, but because they are typically set in the 1800s, it somehow makes it kind of charming. I think what really spoiled it for me was when the leading man took the leading lady to a Halloween party, he dressed up as a cross between Fitzwilliam Darcy, Edward Rochester, and Edward Cullen! Ugh! She called him the Rochester Darcy Vampire. I wanted to puke. I like Edward Cullen. I am NOT obsessed with him though, and furthermore, to even put him in the same category as Rochester and Darcy is ridiculous!!! In my opinion, he is not fit to tie their cravats! I couldn't get past that and it tainted the book for me.

I'm embarrassed to admit that I enjoy reading her books anyway! She weaves a good tale of romance, but for the most part they are silly and stupid.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope Marcia Lynn McClure continues to write forever. I love the enjoyment that fills my life when reading one of her books. I loved starting this book and was so quickly caught up in it's splendor. I was addicted to the beginning and just wanted to read and so I did for as long as I my kids would allow me to. This was a very cute story.

I only had one technically issue with the story. When Rake storms out of the house without a shirt and throws Aspen over his shoulder. A page or so later they are in his truck (by the way I never found an old beat up truck hot before but Rake makes his truck steaming)sharing one of the fabulous kisses that Marcia is known for. In the story it says Aspen grabs the lapels of his leather jacket. I was caught up in wondering where this leather jacket came from when he left the house without a shirt and Aspen mentions earlier in the book about him never wearing a jacket. Who cares though any story by Marcia I love! I guess that is Marcia fault for writing so well you get fixated on every detail and then you notice little tiny details that would skip your notice in other novels.

Marcia how do you come up with all of these fabulous names?? Some of the names and characters definitely could have influenced what names I gave my children if I would have only read some of your books a few years ago.

Thanks for the fabulous reads!!!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read almost all of Marcia's books now and this was my least favorite. I guess if you're in the mood for, or like a romance with no conflict or drama and just lots of wonderful moments for the characters, then you'd probably like this. My favorite scene was the rodeo scene at the beginning of the story... I loved how Rake was there and how he ended up IN the rodeo. I thought I was going to love the story when I thought he was going to be a cowboy or bull rider and that we'd get more of that kind of action, but after the rodeo scene, we get no more cowboy scenes. For me, that was disappointing. This story had NO CONFLICT(aside from a bit thrown at you toward the end). Their relationship was nothing but "peaches and cream" and lot's of making out, and wonderful dates described in great detail... and if they weren't on a wonderful, memorable date, Aspen was with her best friend on a wonderful outing. I started skimming and skipping a lot.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this may just be my new favorite book. I keep reading Marcia's work, and loving it more and more each time I start a new book from her!
I loved the modern romance story, and wished to be Aspen more times than once! Rake was one of the best characters ever! Oh my!
I enjoyed the hot air balloon parts for hot air balloons are my favorite. I love going to the balloon fest here on the 4th of July every year. My goal someday is to go to Albuquerque and see all those balloons, and now I want to even more!
I laughed a ton, for it not only was it romantic, it was hilarious, and I loved the conversations between Aspen and her best friend, Gina. Totally realistic, I thought a lot about some of my friendships. Of course I ended the book with a happy smile and sigh. I will for sure be reading this any time I need a good escape! :)

Re-read April 2015

[Kim Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay -- under normal circumstances, I wouldn't give this book 5 stars. It's pretty much just fluff. However, I read this book several years ago and because of it, my family and I went down to the Balloon Fiesta this year and had a wonderful time. We made sure to go to Sadie's. It was almost like we were treating this more as a travel guide than a piece of fiction. I read this to my sister and friend in the car on the way there and home. We didn't get to the part about the Balloon Fiesta until we were on the way home, and it was so much fun. Having just left, it recreated what we had seen a couple of days earlier and made the experience that much more delightful. It was just a fun read.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed this book. It was different just because most of hers are not in modern times. Marcia is a fun, loving, kind hearted person with the talent to bring that to paper. It draws you into the story and lets you be a part of the lives in her books. This book was no different except it seems that a lot more of Marcia is in this book. If you don’t enjoy escaping into a different world for a time don’t read this book. I loved it because I also laughed out loud. Marcia you are the bomb. Thank you for sharing you gift of stories with us. Always a loyal fan

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just read this again for the 4th time. And I loved it just as much as the other three times. :)

Aspen Falls is a cute, fun-loving girl who is crushing on a real-man-jogger in the park during her lunch breaks. One day, she actually meets him and she falls hard and fast. Rake Locker is perfectly imperfect--but perfect for her. He's not wanting a relationship, but who says you always get what you want?

I love the flavors of New Mexico interspersed throughout the book. I really, really want to go visit there now--especially in the autumn time.

[Tori (Book Chick) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars... I really liked the idea of this book- a man with all the qualities I get giddy reading about in my historical fiction romance novels- but it just didn't quite do it for me. Rake and Aspen were as cute as can be, but I almost got bored. There was no real conflict or anything other than right at the end. I did love reading about the Ballon festival and the beauty of New Mexico. And Rake's family cracked me up.
But I have to add, Gina's obsession with a "hot UPS guy" could have been cute if my ex-husband wasn't a UPS guy... haha ;)

[Mandy Heaston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcia has done it again with her first full-length modern novel. I love the heroine and her best friend, they have a great relationship that reminds me of my own best girlfriends. And, the smoldering "rake" is fantastic!
I understand that some people don't like modern romance novels, but this was a fun, fresh, sweet story with plenty of romance. Anyone who has been to Alberquerque will enjoy a lot of the local references--it made me want to visit!

[Mandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my least favorite of all of her books. It was really cheesy and nothing really happened except them falling in love in the begining of the story and their unexciting courtship. I also could barely handle her using the phrase,"oh my heck" she used it constantly and I hate it. I loved the lead male character but that was about all I liked. Usually, I can't put her books down but this one didn't do it for me. Definitely check out her other books but this one is a pass.

[Leaffrog03 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is now my favorite book by Marcia Lynn McClure. I enjoyed reading about the relationship between Rake and Aspen. I loved Vampire Rochester Darcy! This book also made me crave mexican food after reading about all the wonderful food that Rake and Aspen were eating on some of their dates. I have never been to New Mexico, but my stepfather grew up there and reading this book made me want to visit this state. This was a great book that I will read again.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this author. I loved this book. It made me laugh, it made me cry. It's just an all around good story. I kind of rate her books with a little dreamland romance - too good to be true, yet the humor in it is so realistic that you kind of have that all around good feeling that this could really happen. I'm never disappointed in any of the books that I've read. They have all been consistantly good and always puts a smile on my face!

[Maryjo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is all Marcia. It shows her fun, loving spirit. Her personal love for hot air balloons, New Mexio and light, happy love stories is what makes this story great. Granted some coincidences had me rolling my eyes, I loved the ending. This book had me laughing out loud more than once, it seemed to have more comic relief than most of her others. LOOOOOOOOVED IT!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new favorite! I absolutely adored this book and can honestly say it is now my favorite modern romance.

After reading this I want to visit the places described in the book. Marcia has a wonderful way of making you not only feel you ARE there, but also that you WANT to be there.

Beautiful story, I loved it!

P.S. I must say that Rochester Darcy vampire is the BEST costume ever!!

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmm, I thought this book was okay but even more than that I felt like it was lacking. I don't know what I was expecting from a romance novel, but there was definitely something missing. The storyline was cute and it was an "escape" for me, which is what I needed. But I don't know. I just felt like it was lacking something compared to her other books.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, GINA in this book IS ME! We had a lot in common and I adored her. Even though the main story is about Aspen and Rake, I loved it even more for Gina's sake.

It was the first time I read something of Marcia's that wasn't set in the wild west, so it was a fun transition. It reminded me of dating boys back in 1999. Whew! Glad I found my man, and that craziness is over!

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know I'll read anything Marcia writes, but this is one of my least favorites. It had me smiling and I still read it in one sitting (what Marcia book haven't I???) but I prefer Marcia's historical romances. The cheesy romance lines that get my heart a fluttering just work better if I imagine a cowboy, knight, or lord of yesterday saying them.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I'm not usually big on contemporary romance but I have loved everything from McClure and this one doesn't disappoint. As much as I loved the romance between the characters, there was a strong love affair with Albuquerque. I love the place even though I've never been there. Seeing the balloon fiesta in Albuquerque is definitely getting added to my bucket list.

[Natilee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marcia is great with dialog in older books. It feels natural and real, but whenever I read a more modern book, the dialog feels so forced and fake. I hated the dialog, but other than that the book was pretty great. I think it was a great story of a fantasy we all have: the amazingly hot guy we desire actually wants us back and the universe conspires to make it happen.

[Anneliese Bennion · Rating 4 out of 5]

As expected it was a delightful diversion from day to day life. There were several great scenes and good conversation. I loved the costume party! It still has a cheesy ending - why do all the heroes in her books have to get shot? If you liked her other books, you'll enjoy this one!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book - I know it's good when I laugh out loud all the way through it! I've had funny conversations with my nearest and dearest friends - just like Aspen and Gina. It was fun, comical and light-hearted. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a fun escape.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book, I want to visit Albuquerque, NM and see the infamous Balloon Fiesta...sounds like a blast!
FUN, sweet love story that made me smile in parts and laugh out loud in others. The perfect lighthearted read I needed right now.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcia is such a fun author and a wonderful person. It's been fun to get to know her over the years of reading her books. She always makes you feel like one of her best friends. This book was expecailly fun because there is oh so much of Marcia in it. And who doesn't love Marcia?

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable. I loved how Marcia did not descibe how Aspen looked, it totally was how you envision her in your own mind. All her books are wonderful, but some are magical, and for me this is one of them (I have two or three others as well).

[Shellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this one a lot more than I thought I would! Great story line about a guy and a girl who both have trust issues...falling in love....naturally...and learning to trust again. It has it's great romance, as well as it's adventure all wrapped up nicely. Great read!

[Amy Koster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so sweet! I love the descriptions of beautiful Albuquerque. The main characters, Aspen and Rake, are so easy to fall in love with. I love their banter and how their relationship is developed. I laughed and relaxed while reading this book. Perfect for anyone who needs a escape.