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Blue Hollow Falls #1
Blue Hollow Falls
MP3 CD Format From her free-spirited mother, Sunny Goodwin learned the value of peace, love, and Jerry Garcia. The inheritance from the father she never knew? That's a little more complicated . . .
Sunny never expected to find herself owning a centuries old silk mill in the shadow of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains . . . or becoming a half-sister to a ten-year-old named Bailey. Once the shock subsides, she plans to cash in and head back home. But the overgrown greenhouse she finds on the property calls out to the gardener in her, and she senses Bailey's need for nurturing too . . .
And someone else is making it hard for Sunny to Sawyer Hartwell, an Iraq War hero who wants to make the old mill a creative hub for the artisans of Blue Hollow Falls . . . and wants Sunny to share his vision, and his life. But sexy as this ex-soldier may be, she's not sure she's ready to give love a chance . . .
Sunny never expected to find herself owning a centuries old silk mill in the shadow of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains . . . or becoming a half-sister to a ten-year-old named Bailey. Once the shock subsides, she plans to cash in and head back home. But the overgrown greenhouse she finds on the property calls out to the gardener in her, and she senses Bailey's need for nurturing too . . .
And someone else is making it hard for Sunny to Sawyer Hartwell, an Iraq War hero who wants to make the old mill a creative hub for the artisans of Blue Hollow Falls . . . and wants Sunny to share his vision, and his life. But sexy as this ex-soldier may be, she's not sure she's ready to give love a chance . . .
1 pages, Audio CD
Published March 1, 2021
754 people are currently reading
1848 people want to read
About the author
Donna Kauffman
147 books1,799 followersUSA Today bestseller and award winning author of the Cupcake Club series and the Blueberry Cove series, DONNA KAUFFMAN has been gratified to see her books get rave reviews in venues ranging from Kirkus Reviews and Library Journal to Entertainment Weekly and Cosmopolitan. She lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in southwestern Virginia, where she is happily working on the next book in her brand new Blue Hollow Falls series, set right in her mountain home area. When she's not writing, she can be found recapping the popular tv show NCIS for USA Today, or escaping into her garden to play in the dirt. Donna also works as a volunteer wildlife transporter for two local sanctuaries, giving orphaned and injured wildlife a second chance at survival. You can catch up on all of her adventures via her author page on Facebook, or on Twitter, or Instagram @writerchick. Donna loves to hear from readers!
Donna Kauffman passed away on April 9, 2020 of pancreatic cancer.
Donna Kauffman passed away on April 9, 2020 of pancreatic cancer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
June 27, 2017
4.5 - "I wasn't expecting you..." Stars!
Its LIVE!
Amazon US – http://a.co/7k9vv1J
Amazon UK – http://amzn.eu/1An9XY6
B&N - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blue...
Donna Kauffman begins her new Blue Hollow Falls series with some serious style.
Sunny and Sawyer’s story, grabbed me from the start, but a large part of my enjoyment also came from the introduction of so many likeable secondary characters as well. The author does it so smoothly that it’s like being acquainted with and getting to know people that you grasp pretty quickly are likely to become lifelong friends, with each new book that is released. And all of this story is told around the rebuilding of a derelict Silk Mill, which in itself added even more unique qualities to the locale. But it’s not just the silk mill that gets rebuilt, it’s also the gradual building of a family.
It was comforting to know she wasn’t alone and, at the same time, made it that much harder…
Sunny, discovering that she has a ten year old step-sister she didn’t even know about is pretty much the catalyst that keeps the plot moving alongside the Silk Mill’s renovation in Blue Hollow Falls. A town that is hours away from her home, but one that becomes a second home to her when she finds out that along with her new sister Bailey, she has been bequeathed part ownership in the mill and surrounding land.
Maybe even the biggest sacrifices were worth it…
Initially she’s looking to off-load, cut and run back to her life in D.C. But town stalwart Addie Pearl and ex-wife of her know deceased absentee father, takes Bailey under her wing, dragging Sunny initially unwillingly along with her. But with the mill and the people of Blue Hollow Falls she finds a peace and stability that has been missing from her life, and it doesn’t take long for her to start looking for excuses to spend more time there. It doesn’t hurt that Sawyer Hartwell, who has been like the son Addie never had since early age, is giving good vibes, rocks a tool-belt and is a general all-round (hot and sexy) nice-guy.
"You’re complicated… Doing anything about you, much less with you, would be beyond complicated."
The development of Bailey from the quiet, introverted ten year old little girl who has spent her formative years in the foster care system, into the quirky, happy child as the story progressed was also something that kept the feels on the emotional level, her and Sawyer together at points literally bought tears to my eyes.
"I can make you one promise that I know I can keep"
"What is that?"
"That I will always be honest with you."
This is really the beginning of the building of a non-blood family, it seems that most of the residents that we are introduced to in the telling of the story are transplants from elsewhere as well, and all of them definitely have their own stories just begging to be told too. Seth Brogan is up next in the Christmas novella; The Inn at Blue Hollow Falls I loved his cheeky persona in this book, and as seems to be all the rage right now he is conveniently bearded and man-bunned up as well so will appeal to the masses that’s forsure!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Its LIVE!
Amazon US – http://a.co/7k9vv1J
Amazon UK – http://amzn.eu/1An9XY6
B&N - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blue...
Donna Kauffman begins her new Blue Hollow Falls series with some serious style.
Sunny and Sawyer’s story, grabbed me from the start, but a large part of my enjoyment also came from the introduction of so many likeable secondary characters as well. The author does it so smoothly that it’s like being acquainted with and getting to know people that you grasp pretty quickly are likely to become lifelong friends, with each new book that is released. And all of this story is told around the rebuilding of a derelict Silk Mill, which in itself added even more unique qualities to the locale. But it’s not just the silk mill that gets rebuilt, it’s also the gradual building of a family.
It was comforting to know she wasn’t alone and, at the same time, made it that much harder…
Sunny, discovering that she has a ten year old step-sister she didn’t even know about is pretty much the catalyst that keeps the plot moving alongside the Silk Mill’s renovation in Blue Hollow Falls. A town that is hours away from her home, but one that becomes a second home to her when she finds out that along with her new sister Bailey, she has been bequeathed part ownership in the mill and surrounding land.
Maybe even the biggest sacrifices were worth it…
Initially she’s looking to off-load, cut and run back to her life in D.C. But town stalwart Addie Pearl and ex-wife of her know deceased absentee father, takes Bailey under her wing, dragging Sunny initially unwillingly along with her. But with the mill and the people of Blue Hollow Falls she finds a peace and stability that has been missing from her life, and it doesn’t take long for her to start looking for excuses to spend more time there. It doesn’t hurt that Sawyer Hartwell, who has been like the son Addie never had since early age, is giving good vibes, rocks a tool-belt and is a general all-round (hot and sexy) nice-guy.
"You’re complicated… Doing anything about you, much less with you, would be beyond complicated."
The development of Bailey from the quiet, introverted ten year old little girl who has spent her formative years in the foster care system, into the quirky, happy child as the story progressed was also something that kept the feels on the emotional level, her and Sawyer together at points literally bought tears to my eyes.
"I can make you one promise that I know I can keep"
"What is that?"
"That I will always be honest with you."
This is really the beginning of the building of a non-blood family, it seems that most of the residents that we are introduced to in the telling of the story are transplants from elsewhere as well, and all of them definitely have their own stories just begging to be told too. Seth Brogan is up next in the Christmas novella; The Inn at Blue Hollow Falls I loved his cheeky persona in this book, and as seems to be all the rage right now he is conveniently bearded and man-bunned up as well so will appeal to the masses that’s forsure!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
June 9, 2017
You had me at the green house but the character in Blue Hollow Falls stole my heart.
This is one of those books that you just don't want to put down and you read the excerpt for the next book in this series because you can't imagine walking away now...YOU NEED MORE.
Fantastic, Fun and Family, BLUE HOLLOW FALLS has me hooked.
I received this ARC copy of Blue Hollow Falls from Kensington Books - Zebra. This is my honest and voluntary review. Blue Hollow Falls is set for publication June 27, 2017.
This is one of those books that you just don't want to put down and you read the excerpt for the next book in this series because you can't imagine walking away now...YOU NEED MORE.
Fantastic, Fun and Family, BLUE HOLLOW FALLS has me hooked.
I received this ARC copy of Blue Hollow Falls from Kensington Books - Zebra. This is my honest and voluntary review. Blue Hollow Falls is set for publication June 27, 2017.
June 17, 2017
I love a good story set in a small town where everyone knows everybody else and it's a tight knit community. So I was looking forward to this one, especially with the idyllic setting around it. Sadly the romance was bogged down in details. The history of the mill, the processes, even seemingly mundane things were over described and it detracted from the characters and slow building romance so much that I got bored pretty early on and struggled to make it through. Because of this, it's 1.5 stars from me.
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March 14, 2022Recommended Read! Blue Hollow Falls by Donna Kauffman is the perfect book for a lazy couple of days because you won’t want to stop reading. It has all the themes I love: gardening, mismatched family, mountains, flower-child lore, artisans, and smack-talking men and women.
The greenhouse on the cover is what drew me to this book for some time before it landed on my TBR as a publisher promoted kindle freebie. New-to-me author Donna Kauffman took me by complete surprise and has become a seek-all-that-she-has-written favorite overnight.
First, Sunny’s full name, Sunshine Meadow Aquarius Morrison Goodwin, easily describes her flower-child mother, Daisy, aka Daisy Rose Rainbow Love Garcia Goodwin. Now deceased, a lifetime of Daisy’s influence has made Sunny who she is today. When the flower-child upbringing combines with her horticulture career and she lands in the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, I was cozy and ready for her story.
Next, mountain man Sawyer Hartwell and his best friend and army buddy Seth Brogan made an immediate impression as well. Not to mention the eccentric stepmom and half-sister Sunny has just met. The beginning chapters made me smile and want to settle in for two days of non-stop reading.
Stepmom Addison Pearl Whitaker is a hoot from the start, which made the beginning of this novel intriguing and funny at the same time. That ornery lady was up to something, and from Sawyer’s point of view, it wasn’t anything good. That she brought a foster child who was supposedly related to them up the mountain to hear the reading of the will was just like the woman. She also held her own when Sawyer made sure to tell her so. Threatened him with her cane and he wasn’t surprised.
What really drew me in was the idea of forming an artists’ community with the inherited property. Always captivated by artists, I’ve always thought the idea of a community where artistic people could sell their creations was a great idea. Having participated in a couple of those concepts in my own community years ago, I always dream of doing it again.
I loved everything about this book and ordered the rest of the series, as well as requested the highly anticipated Lavender Blue for review – it releases January 29, 2019. It’s rare to find a new-to-me author this gifted. I’m thrilled that she has a huge back-list for me to glom.
I laughed, I cried – all while trying not to skip pages so I could find out what happens next. The description put me right there in those mountains as I enjoyed my own wooded piece of heaven on vacation. I couldn’t be happier.
If you enjoy lovable characters with quick wit in a cozy, down-home setting, then download Blue Hollow Falls or grab a print copy right away. I’m sure you’ll order the rest of them lickety-split just like I did.
Series order: Blue Hollow Falls, The Inn at Blue Hollow Falls, Bluestone and Vine (Seth’s story), and A Season to Celebrate, an anthology that contains book 2.5, Christmas at Blue Hollow Falls. Lavender Blue coming soon.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of TheZestQuest.com. Digital copy obtained for free through the publisher’s promotion at Amazon.
The greenhouse on the cover is what drew me to this book for some time before it landed on my TBR as a publisher promoted kindle freebie. New-to-me author Donna Kauffman took me by complete surprise and has become a seek-all-that-she-has-written favorite overnight.
First, Sunny’s full name, Sunshine Meadow Aquarius Morrison Goodwin, easily describes her flower-child mother, Daisy, aka Daisy Rose Rainbow Love Garcia Goodwin. Now deceased, a lifetime of Daisy’s influence has made Sunny who she is today. When the flower-child upbringing combines with her horticulture career and she lands in the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, I was cozy and ready for her story.
Next, mountain man Sawyer Hartwell and his best friend and army buddy Seth Brogan made an immediate impression as well. Not to mention the eccentric stepmom and half-sister Sunny has just met. The beginning chapters made me smile and want to settle in for two days of non-stop reading.
Stepmom Addison Pearl Whitaker is a hoot from the start, which made the beginning of this novel intriguing and funny at the same time. That ornery lady was up to something, and from Sawyer’s point of view, it wasn’t anything good. That she brought a foster child who was supposedly related to them up the mountain to hear the reading of the will was just like the woman. She also held her own when Sawyer made sure to tell her so. Threatened him with her cane and he wasn’t surprised.
What really drew me in was the idea of forming an artists’ community with the inherited property. Always captivated by artists, I’ve always thought the idea of a community where artistic people could sell their creations was a great idea. Having participated in a couple of those concepts in my own community years ago, I always dream of doing it again.
I loved everything about this book and ordered the rest of the series, as well as requested the highly anticipated Lavender Blue for review – it releases January 29, 2019. It’s rare to find a new-to-me author this gifted. I’m thrilled that she has a huge back-list for me to glom.
I laughed, I cried – all while trying not to skip pages so I could find out what happens next. The description put me right there in those mountains as I enjoyed my own wooded piece of heaven on vacation. I couldn’t be happier.
If you enjoy lovable characters with quick wit in a cozy, down-home setting, then download Blue Hollow Falls or grab a print copy right away. I’m sure you’ll order the rest of them lickety-split just like I did.
Series order: Blue Hollow Falls, The Inn at Blue Hollow Falls, Bluestone and Vine (Seth’s story), and A Season to Celebrate, an anthology that contains book 2.5, Christmas at Blue Hollow Falls. Lavender Blue coming soon.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of TheZestQuest.com. Digital copy obtained for free through the publisher’s promotion at Amazon.
June 27, 2017
3.5 stars
Blue Hollow Falls by Donna Kauffman was a beautiful and heartwarming read.
I enjoyed the storyline, it was well written and the plot was entertaining all through out the book. All the characters were likable, relatable and everyone added to my overall enjoyment.
I loved watching the relationships unfold within all the characters, especially between Sunny and Sawyer. Then add Sunny's stepsister Bailey, who was such a smart and endearing little girl, I was very happy to have read Blue Hollow Falls and can't wait for the next book in the series.
Overall, Blue Hollow Falls is a heartwarming read and a lovely start to the Blue Hollow Falls series.
*Purchase Links*
iBooks http://goo.gl/CifiwS
BN http://goo.gl/n8urIv
Amazon http://goo.gl/LicSAH
BAM http://goo.gl/ybMNMd
*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the advance copy*
Blue Hollow Falls by Donna Kauffman was a beautiful and heartwarming read.
I enjoyed the storyline, it was well written and the plot was entertaining all through out the book. All the characters were likable, relatable and everyone added to my overall enjoyment.
I loved watching the relationships unfold within all the characters, especially between Sunny and Sawyer. Then add Sunny's stepsister Bailey, who was such a smart and endearing little girl, I was very happy to have read Blue Hollow Falls and can't wait for the next book in the series.
Overall, Blue Hollow Falls is a heartwarming read and a lovely start to the Blue Hollow Falls series.
*Purchase Links*
iBooks http://goo.gl/CifiwS
BN http://goo.gl/n8urIv
Amazon http://goo.gl/LicSAH
BAM http://goo.gl/ybMNMd
*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the advance copy*
August 21, 2017
2.5 ⭐️⭐️
This book is well-written and the characters are fine. It's just so very painfully slow moving. There are more details about tin roofs and sagging timbers than I ever cared to read. I think a good editor could have red-lined about 1/3 of the manuscript and had a book that moved along. As it was, I put it down numerous times because I was so bored by the endless minutiae. This seems unusual to me, compared to other os Ms Kauffman's books that I've bought and enjoyed.
This book is well-written and the characters are fine. It's just so very painfully slow moving. There are more details about tin roofs and sagging timbers than I ever cared to read. I think a good editor could have red-lined about 1/3 of the manuscript and had a book that moved along. As it was, I put it down numerous times because I was so bored by the endless minutiae. This seems unusual to me, compared to other os Ms Kauffman's books that I've bought and enjoyed.
August 8, 2018
This quote from USA Today, sums up the way I felt about this book.
“We all know where there's Donna Kauffman, there's a rollicking, sexy read chock‑full of charm and sparkle. Kauffman's characters are adorably human and so very magnetic.” —USAToday.com
When Sonny's mother dies, she believes she is now alone, that is until she finds out that her biological father has died and she has been left a part of an old silk mill and relatives. Sonny heads off to Blue Hollow Falls to meet family she never knew about. Bailey is her 10 year old half sister, Sawyer, her half brother, and Addie, her father's ex-wife. Along with them comes a small town full of artisans who are working on restoring the old mill that she is a part owner of. As the story unfolds, I loved seeing how these relationships grew and were fleshed out. Of course finding out that Sawyer is adopted and not blood opens up a whole new direction in that relationship. The wasy Sunny feels about Bailey is so sweet and to see Bailey open up was another endearing quality to this book. I enjoyed the story line and the plot was entertaining throughout the book. All the characters were likable, relatable and everyone, even the secondary characters, added to my overall enjoyment of this story. Many reviewers commented on the details and thought some could have been cut out, but with this being a first in a new series, I enjoyed finding out about the place and the characters. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next one in this series.
“We all know where there's Donna Kauffman, there's a rollicking, sexy read chock‑full of charm and sparkle. Kauffman's characters are adorably human and so very magnetic.” —USAToday.com
When Sonny's mother dies, she believes she is now alone, that is until she finds out that her biological father has died and she has been left a part of an old silk mill and relatives. Sonny heads off to Blue Hollow Falls to meet family she never knew about. Bailey is her 10 year old half sister, Sawyer, her half brother, and Addie, her father's ex-wife. Along with them comes a small town full of artisans who are working on restoring the old mill that she is a part owner of. As the story unfolds, I loved seeing how these relationships grew and were fleshed out. Of course finding out that Sawyer is adopted and not blood opens up a whole new direction in that relationship. The wasy Sunny feels about Bailey is so sweet and to see Bailey open up was another endearing quality to this book. I enjoyed the story line and the plot was entertaining throughout the book. All the characters were likable, relatable and everyone, even the secondary characters, added to my overall enjoyment of this story. Many reviewers commented on the details and thought some could have been cut out, but with this being a first in a new series, I enjoyed finding out about the place and the characters. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next one in this series.
August 11, 2018
I couldn't get into this story. It started with mostly thoughts, very little dialogue or action and lots of details. I skipped ahead a few chapters and found more of the same. It didn't interest me enough to continue so I didn't finish. Sunny inherits part of a silk mill and one of her partners Sawyer has been working on renovating it.
June 5, 2017
Such a great start to this series! It is a slow-burn romance, and that makes a lot of sense because the characters have a lot to work out. Plus, we have to get to know them all. This is the kind of story that depends on a good number of secondary characters, and they came through beautifully. In fact, Seth tries to steal the book! Bailey was amazing, too, as well as Stevie and Wilson and... Yeah, I am ready for all of their stories!
But this story is about Sawyer and Sunny. I thought that they were very realistic in their feelings, and I respected that they were so honest with one another. (None of this silly misunderstanding stuff!) So when they finally get together, it is explosive. I loved their dialogue, too. It was very funny and reminded me of conversations my husband and I have had over the years.
I loved the setting, too. I live a few hours south of the story's location, and I love the mountains. The area is beautifully portrayed.
I voluntarily received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
But this story is about Sawyer and Sunny. I thought that they were very realistic in their feelings, and I respected that they were so honest with one another. (None of this silly misunderstanding stuff!) So when they finally get together, it is explosive. I loved their dialogue, too. It was very funny and reminded me of conversations my husband and I have had over the years.
I loved the setting, too. I live a few hours south of the story's location, and I love the mountains. The area is beautifully portrayed.
I voluntarily received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2017
"Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review"
I liked this romantic story set in the beautiful imaginary town of Blue Hollow Falls, in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
The main characters (Sawyer and Sunny) are nice, well balanced people who experienced hardship in their lives and overcame it. Sawyer is a former military and he’s not a tortured hero (!) and Sunny is a horticulturist. There’s a cast of well-rounded secondary characters too.
The descriptions of both the historical and natural elements create a vivid setting and I’ve enjoyed getting to know this part of America. And the cover is beautiful.
I like well adjusted characters and tender and heartwarming moments in fiction, but in this story I missed some conflict and I thought there were too much conversations about their feelings (usually I criticize the lack of communication, but here it’s the opposite) or about uninteresting things.
I was curious about some characters (specially Will, but also his son, Jake, and Bailey) and hope they’ll have stories in this series.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Zebra/Kensington Publishing, and NetGalley for providing a free copy
I liked this romantic story set in the beautiful imaginary town of Blue Hollow Falls, in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
The main characters (Sawyer and Sunny) are nice, well balanced people who experienced hardship in their lives and overcame it. Sawyer is a former military and he’s not a tortured hero (!) and Sunny is a horticulturist. There’s a cast of well-rounded secondary characters too.
The descriptions of both the historical and natural elements create a vivid setting and I’ve enjoyed getting to know this part of America. And the cover is beautiful.
I like well adjusted characters and tender and heartwarming moments in fiction, but in this story I missed some conflict and I thought there were too much conversations about their feelings (usually I criticize the lack of communication, but here it’s the opposite) or about uninteresting things.
I was curious about some characters (specially Will, but also his son, Jake, and Bailey) and hope they’ll have stories in this series.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Zebra/Kensington Publishing, and NetGalley for providing a free copy
May 22, 2018
If you're looking for a sweet, sexy, small-town romance with quirky characters and an awesome setting, look no further than Blue Hollow Falls. This first book in a series gives us every delicious bit of Sunny and Sawyer's road to happily ever after. Lots of fun and light reading that I recommend to anyone looking for a fun escape.
I checked this book out of the library to read. I am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
I checked this book out of the library to read. I am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
October 26, 2017
Loved this one.....
April 10, 2019
Love love love this book! It makes me want to take a drive and try to find this small town. I love how the characters didn’t question paternity or being related and just went with the flow and made it work. I can’t wait to see what else happens in blue hollow falls!
September 27, 2018
This was enjoyable for me, but I just couldn't get into the story fully. I liked that it's set during Halloween and Thanksgiving which will appeal to many readers.
November 4, 2017
What an excellent beginning to a brand new series. When Sunny comes into an unexpected inheritance not to mention a 10 year old half-sister she isn't quite sure what to do. The old mill that she inherited also comes with other share holders who are already on the road to turning it into something great. Her father's ex-wife and his adopted son Sawyer complicate things for Sunny in an a way she never bargained for. She has to decide does she want to be a part of it all or does she want to just let it go. I loved the fast moving story line and how well it all flowed together. The characters were well developed and the emotional connections they had felt real. It was such a charming read and I can't wait to see what comes next.
I received an ARC of this book, all views and opinions posted are my own.
I received an ARC of this book, all views and opinions posted are my own.
June 20, 2017
I am in Love! This story was beautifully woven with love, both family and intimate. Sunny and Sawyer had experienced different walks of life but together have found a perfect love. Brought together by circumstances neither knew existed it made for a perfect love story.
Donna Kauffman did an amazing job creating and delivering vivid images of the characters and scenery. I fell into Blue Hollow Falls and did not want to leave! This is not a story filled with excessive sex or anything other than a really good story about love and life on many levels.
I am so looking forward to the next book! I can not wait to see how entertaining Seth's story will be! Thank you Donna for bringing the magic again and putting a smile on my face! :)
(I received an advance copy for an honest review)
Donna Kauffman did an amazing job creating and delivering vivid images of the characters and scenery. I fell into Blue Hollow Falls and did not want to leave! This is not a story filled with excessive sex or anything other than a really good story about love and life on many levels.
I am so looking forward to the next book! I can not wait to see how entertaining Seth's story will be! Thank you Donna for bringing the magic again and putting a smile on my face! :)
(I received an advance copy for an honest review)
May 27, 2017
It's has been awhile since I have read anything from this author, but the blurb on Netgalley caught my attention so I thought I would give it a try. This is a heart warming story about people coming together to become a family. Set in the charming, picturesque town of Blue Hollow Falls, this author does an amazing job of describing the setting so well that the reader can picture it perfectly. Sunny and Sawyer's characters are developed and balanced. They are both individuals who have overcome some hardship and loss in their life. How they deal with it charts the course of their relationship. It is a sweet romance that unfolds over the course of the book with a little assistance from some secondary players. The secondary characters are well written and help complete the story. Addie, Bailey, Seth and Will are all interesting in their own right. I can definitely see a future book about at least two characters based upon this one.
This book is expected to be published June 27, 2017. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
This book is expected to be published June 27, 2017. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
July 6, 2017
Although set in an entirely different geographical region and and rung on the social ladder, Blue Hollow Falls contains all of the elements that hooked me into being a D.K. fan after reading The Big Bad Wolf Tells All. (There's a minor recurring thread in BHF that seems to be a nod to that much earlier D.K. title.)
Anyway, Sunny and Sawyer's love story tells an engaging tale about risking their good circumstances in their status quo as singles to reach for the possibilities of better circumstances as a couple. As always, the cast of supporting characters is filled with nuanced humor, gravitas, and heart.
Very much looking forward to Seth's and Stevie's stories later this year.
Anyway, Sunny and Sawyer's love story tells an engaging tale about risking their good circumstances in their status quo as singles to reach for the possibilities of better circumstances as a couple. As always, the cast of supporting characters is filled with nuanced humor, gravitas, and heart.
Very much looking forward to Seth's and Stevie's stories later this year.
July 8, 2017
Blue Hollow Falls by Donna Kauffman
Blue Hollow Falls #1
This introduction to a new small town romance series starts with Sunny Goodwin finding out she has family she had never heard of and an inheritance that she would need to deal with. Many characters are introduced for future books in the series but the main love interest for Sunny is Sawyer Hartwell. Their romance’s biggest issue to overcome is the distance between where she lives in DC and his home and the inherited sawmill in Turtle Creek, VA. There is information about the silk industry in America, orchids, raising animals and in the future I expect to hear about making wine and all it entails. Bailey, half-sister to Sunny, is a sweetie that I hope to hear more about in the future as the series progresses. At times the book dragged for me with more dialogue and description than essential though it did set the scene for the future. This HFN story with “I love you” expressed doesn’t have a wedding scene but it just might in one of the future books. Turtle Creek is a dream place in the mountains with good people that help out – kind of a fairytale place – one where the universe steps in to help out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books – Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
Blue Hollow Falls #1
This introduction to a new small town romance series starts with Sunny Goodwin finding out she has family she had never heard of and an inheritance that she would need to deal with. Many characters are introduced for future books in the series but the main love interest for Sunny is Sawyer Hartwell. Their romance’s biggest issue to overcome is the distance between where she lives in DC and his home and the inherited sawmill in Turtle Creek, VA. There is information about the silk industry in America, orchids, raising animals and in the future I expect to hear about making wine and all it entails. Bailey, half-sister to Sunny, is a sweetie that I hope to hear more about in the future as the series progresses. At times the book dragged for me with more dialogue and description than essential though it did set the scene for the future. This HFN story with “I love you” expressed doesn’t have a wedding scene but it just might in one of the future books. Turtle Creek is a dream place in the mountains with good people that help out – kind of a fairytale place – one where the universe steps in to help out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books – Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
June 25, 2017
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! The expected release is June 27th, 2017.
I will start by saying I really enjoyed this book however I am having difficulty putting in to words the reason why so this review may be a little short. If I really have to choose something to say is that you could tell that this was the beginning of a series. Kauffman took the time to lay the backdrop of the town and its people so that there will be numerous possibilities for the direction of the future installments. I really liked the fact that she did this as opposed to just focusing on the romance aspect so that the reader becomes invested in what is to come. my imagination is taking me to so many potential storylines that could lie ahead and makes me want to continue on with the series.
So without further ado, I will say I recommend this story to those who enjoy romance, small town life and complex family dynamics. This story will appeal to a wide range of people. I am glad I discovered this series at the beginning so I have something to look forward to in the future.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! The expected release is June 27th, 2017.
I will start by saying I really enjoyed this book however I am having difficulty putting in to words the reason why so this review may be a little short. If I really have to choose something to say is that you could tell that this was the beginning of a series. Kauffman took the time to lay the backdrop of the town and its people so that there will be numerous possibilities for the direction of the future installments. I really liked the fact that she did this as opposed to just focusing on the romance aspect so that the reader becomes invested in what is to come. my imagination is taking me to so many potential storylines that could lie ahead and makes me want to continue on with the series.
So without further ado, I will say I recommend this story to those who enjoy romance, small town life and complex family dynamics. This story will appeal to a wide range of people. I am glad I discovered this series at the beginning so I have something to look forward to in the future.
June 20, 2017
A fantastic story to kick-off what should be an exceptional new series. The setting is a small mountain town in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The town is full of delightful quirky characters with a determination to bring the town back to life. The author's writing brought the place to life in my mind.
The main characters in this story are Sunny Goodwin and Sawyer Hartwell. Sunny is a strong independent woman who after caring for her mother for many years now finds herself with a small inheritance from a father she never knew, a ten year old half sister from said father, and a family she never realized she wanted. Sawyer is a war vet who has found his place in Blue Hollow Falls. He has a vision for the old mill Sunny has inherited and he wants to share that vision with Sunny.
An excellent book and one I would recommend to everyone.
The main characters in this story are Sunny Goodwin and Sawyer Hartwell. Sunny is a strong independent woman who after caring for her mother for many years now finds herself with a small inheritance from a father she never knew, a ten year old half sister from said father, and a family she never realized she wanted. Sawyer is a war vet who has found his place in Blue Hollow Falls. He has a vision for the old mill Sunny has inherited and he wants to share that vision with Sunny.
An excellent book and one I would recommend to everyone.
May 3, 2018
My FIRST impression of Blue Hollow Falls was not a favourable one. The first chapter started off slow and in my opinion it was unnecessarily descriptive. I kept getting lost in the description and had to back track and re-read things a second time just so it would stick.
BUT as I started reading the second chapter, things smoothly slid into place and the story picked up. It's a sweet romance, that isn't full of strong emotions and passion. The story is pretty tame but it is well written and the characters are engaging. I laughed out loud a few times too. Overall, first impression aside... I liked this story, I liked the characters and I thought it was an enjoyable read.
BUT as I started reading the second chapter, things smoothly slid into place and the story picked up. It's a sweet romance, that isn't full of strong emotions and passion. The story is pretty tame but it is well written and the characters are engaging. I laughed out loud a few times too. Overall, first impression aside... I liked this story, I liked the characters and I thought it was an enjoyable read.
August 12, 2017
This is the first book in a new series and introduces the reader to Blue Hollow Falls and some of its citizens and how they are trying to restart their community and lives. In this book, we are given the story of Sunny Goodwin and Sawyer Hartwell. They along with Bailey inherit an old mill that Sawyer is renovating to become a home base for artisans of Blue Hollow Falls. The story draws you in and you don't want to leave. It was a quick easy read.
June 4, 2019
Pretty good start for a series. It introduced the town and some of the characters who will have their own stories in other novels (I know because I started with book 3 :-) ). I enjoyed Sunny and Sawyer's story. It was a little weird at first because we introduced to them as family but the outcome is perfect. I did feel a little sense of dejavu from a book by another author, but I'm sure that happens a lot in the romance genre.
Good story and I can't wait to read more!
Good story and I can't wait to read more!
June 13, 2017
Free of any responsibilities she once had, Sunny Goodwin is determined to live her life on her terms now. Except, when the father she never knew passes away and she receives her inheritance, Sunny discovers she has half-sister and ownership in an old silk mill. Shocked by the discovery, she's uncertain what to do, even though the property calls to her in a way she never could have imagined and she's determined to get to know her younger sister. Will Sunny give up everything she's worked hard for and give Sawyer Hartwell a chance, or will her need to be free from the kind of responsibility she once had keep her from finding happy ever after with the man she's coming to care for?
Ms. Kauffman has an extraordinary talent for writing small town romances, and this first book of her new series, is a worthwhile read that I could not get enough of, due to the wonderful main and secondary characters that prove family is more than blood and the vivid descriptions this author pens that had me imagining what the small town of Blue Hollow Falls was like. The way this story started was delightful and had me liking the heroine immediately, as her life has changed in ways she couldn't have imagined. Especially since she's gone from being on her own to gaining an instant family in a half-sister she never knew existed, her stepmother, and the gorgeous Sawyer; an ex-soldier that has settled back in Blue Hollow Falls and is determined to make the old mill they've each inherited part of into something for artisans of the small town to come together and help get their creative juices flowing.
The dialogue was well-written and so entertaining due to the main characters back stories, the challenges Sawyer and Sunny face on their journey to happy ever after and the secondary characters who I loved just as much as the main ones. Sunny is finally free of the responsibility she had to her free-spirited mother, and she's looking to take a break from anything resembling responsibility. How can she possibly stick to her plan when she has a younger sister she wants to get to know? What will she do about the mill and all the possibilities it offers for her life and maybe her career?
As for the main characters, I was charmed by both the hero and heroine. Sunny is strong and brave the way she's finally following her own path, instead of looking out for someone else. It may make her seem a bit selfish, but I didn't think so, because of what she's willing to do for her half-sister and her determination to have a good relationship with the young girl who hasn't had a lot of love in her life. I also like the heroine's passion for her career and how the secondary characters are willing to use her ardor to show Sunny how much they want her to stay.
While the hero, he had it tough growing up, but he was lucky to have found a good home with the heroine's dad's ex. I also liked how kind and caring Sawyer was and the bond he shared with the heroine's half-sister. It was adorable and heartwarming and just what the young girl needed to get her to open up instead of being so closed off. Because she's never had anyone care about her as much as Sawyer and Sunny and the secondary characters do. I also liked that Sawyer managed to overcome what he'd seen and done while in the military where other soldiers have failed.
Overall, Ms. Kauffman has delivered a superb read in this first story of her Blue Hollow Falls series where the chemistry was strong and delightful and had me determined to discover what decisions Sunny or Sawyer would make to have a future together. The way this story ended had me thrilled by the sacrifices both the main characters were willing to make, as it illustrates how badly they want a future together. Yet, I also liked what Sunny's half-sister did for her, because she too wants a relationship with her older sister. However, it was the epilogue that left me with a huge smile on my face, because it shows the wonderful bonds people living in small towns share and what they're willing to do to make their friends happy. I would recommend Blue Hollow Falls by Donna Kauffman, if you enjoy small town romances or books by authors Jill Shalvis, Marina Adair, Samantha Chase or Sherryl Woods.
July 18, 2017
Donna Kaufman delivers another story with lovely characters. I do enjoy books that simply tell stories. Kaufman does a great job at this. These are people it would be fun to meet and get to know better. I am looking forward to Seth's story.
July 21, 2017
3.5/5 (B-)
August 18, 2017
Wonderfully woven romance with family issues and love written in. Colorful characters and places make it a must read.
July 6, 2018
Book one of Blue Hollow Falls series. Loved it and couldn't wait for book 2 which I now have and almost done so will be waiting for 3!
November 30, 2021
This was exactly what I needed right now. There are no deplorable humans. Lots of kindness, community and family. It's wholesome and heartwarming.
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