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Nantucket Love Story #4
Driftwood Lane
Meridith can handle anything: guardianship of three distant siblings, a dilapidated Bed-and-Breakfast, even an ever-present handyman who's dismantling more than her fireplace--or can she?
When the death of Meridith's estranged father leaves her with custody of three siblings she's never met, she reluctantly goes to Nantucket to care for them--but only until their uncle returns from his trip. Little does she know, the uncle is already there under the guise of her friendly handyman, with plans of his own.
Will the love that grows between them be strong enough to overcome the secrets that brought them both to Driftwood Lane?
336 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2010
173 people are currently reading
1248 people want to read
About the author
Denise Hunter
86 books4,672 followersDenise Hunter is the award-winning author of more than 40 novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
December 27, 2023
best Christian fiction I've read in a long time. The amount of adorable-ness and chemistry in the romance was off the charts for this type of book. I loved both of the main characters and the plot and messages were so sweet! Highly recommended! <3
January 5, 2024
ahhhh this book is so perfect and adorable 🥺🤍
December 30, 2023
This book is equivalent to a Hallmark movie. I knew exactly what was going to happen the whole time, but I still read it and enjoyed it 😂 it was extremely cute and heartwarming, a perfect way to end the year 🥰
August 19, 2023
"Sometimes the thing you’re most afraid of is the thing you need most."
This book was SOOOO CUTEEE!
The way this book was such a good "hallmark" movie was beyond me.
Elements I loved-
❤ The emotional realism and overcoming tough childhood scars
❤ The kiddos
❤ 🟆 Piper 🟆
❤ The symbolism
❤ The Christian ties
❤ The quotes
Elements I didn't love-
💔 The detailed kiss the one in the dark was too detailed in my taste, I didn't care for it and it made me uncomfortable like I was seeing someone's private moment
💔 Okay I'm just gonna say it.... the writing had it's weak points.
There were a lot of moments were I had to stop bc the words did flow and obliviously did not work out the way the author wanted them to...
💔 This one I had mixed feelings on but it was kinda weird that
Overall this book was good! I loved it up until the point where we got a lot more detailed in the romance (lol it totally didn't need it imo) but it was still rly good!
A special thanks to ✧˖° lydia °˖✧ for recommending this book to me <333
Content:
Violence: At one point a drunk man grabs Meredith (nothing bad ends up happening) altho she does retain bruises from the incident , a boy falls and gets hurt (non detailed and it's all an accident but I wasn't sure what to categorize it as)
Sexual: Some more detailed kisses, flirting, lots of hugging, mentions of kissing, jealousy over a girl, flirting and trying to hide it from kids
Language: None that I can recall
Drugs/Alcohol: A man is described as drunk
TWs: Having bad experiences in the foster care system, Bipolar disorder is a common theme discussed
Age Recommendation: 16+ For detailed flirting/kissing (personal opinion)
“If you guard your emotions, you’ll miss out on the best things of life—joy,
excitement . . . love. Fear is just an opportunity to be courageous.”
˚₊‧✩ Happy Reading ✩‧₊˚
This book was SOOOO CUTEEE!
The way this book was such a good "hallmark" movie was beyond me.
Elements I loved-
❤ The emotional realism and overcoming tough childhood scars
❤ The kiddos
❤ 🟆 Piper 🟆
❤ The symbolism
❤ The Christian ties
❤ The quotes
Elements I didn't love-
💔 The detailed kiss the one in the dark was too detailed in my taste, I didn't care for it and it made me uncomfortable like I was seeing someone's private moment
💔 Okay I'm just gonna say it.... the writing had it's weak points.
There were a lot of moments were I had to stop bc the words did flow and obliviously did not work out the way the author wanted them to...
💔 This one I had mixed feelings on but it was kinda weird that
Overall this book was good! I loved it up until the point where we got a lot more detailed in the romance (lol it totally didn't need it imo) but it was still rly good!
A special thanks to ✧˖° lydia °˖✧ for recommending this book to me <333
Content:
Violence: At one point a drunk man grabs Meredith (nothing bad ends up happening) altho she does retain bruises from the incident , a boy falls and gets hurt (non detailed and it's all an accident but I wasn't sure what to categorize it as)
Sexual: Some more detailed kisses, flirting, lots of hugging, mentions of kissing, jealousy over a girl, flirting and trying to hide it from kids
Language: None that I can recall
Drugs/Alcohol: A man is described as drunk
TWs: Having bad experiences in the foster care system, Bipolar disorder is a common theme discussed
Age Recommendation: 16+ For detailed flirting/kissing (personal opinion)
“If you guard your emotions, you’ll miss out on the best things of life—joy,
excitement . . . love. Fear is just an opportunity to be courageous.”
˚₊‧✩ Happy Reading ✩‧₊˚
April 15, 2013
Saved the best for last. What a fantastic story and final book in the Nantucket series. I thought this book had everything right going for it. I have such a soft spot for widows, widowers, and orphans. Denise did such a great job developing this story. Unlike the first three books, the romance gradually unfolded between Meridith and Jake... totally realistic. I thought that the kids were a perfect platform for this romance. I'm so glad that I read Driftwood Lane. It's definitely my favorite in the series.
May 2, 2023
Preread review: I have been told “You, and you, and you, need to read Driftwood Lane.”
So I marked it as Want To Read.
========================
This was such a sweet book! 🥹🥹🥹
I borrowed it from my friend who this is one of her favorite books (her identity is anonymous, also she’s not on Goodreads), after a different friend (who is on Goodreads but whose name I will not directly mention here) borrowed it from her previously and super enjoyed it (see preread review).
First thought: I’m far closer in age to Noelle than to Meredith. 😅
Second thought: I really enjoyed Meredith’s spiritual journey.
Third thought: I was literally tearing up at the ending, first because of sad tears, then because of happy tears.
Fourth thought: I just lost my train of thought and literally forgot what I was literally about to put here
Fourth though: Why do I read books where the main characters are hiding things from each other that get revealed and tear their relationship apart? It’s so wrecking! 🥲
Fifth thought: I like the thing with the dog.
Sixth thought: I’m so glad *kinda spoiler*
So anyway that was six thoughts I had on this book.
So I marked it as Want To Read.
========================
This was such a sweet book! 🥹🥹🥹
I borrowed it from my friend who this is one of her favorite books (her identity is anonymous, also she’s not on Goodreads), after a different friend (who is on Goodreads but whose name I will not directly mention here) borrowed it from her previously and super enjoyed it (see preread review).
First thought: I’m far closer in age to Noelle than to Meredith. 😅
Second thought: I really enjoyed Meredith’s spiritual journey.
Third thought: I was literally tearing up at the ending, first because of sad tears, then because of happy tears.
Fourth thought: I just lost my train of thought and literally forgot what I was literally about to put here
Fourth though: Why do I read books where the main characters are hiding things from each other that get revealed and tear their relationship apart? It’s so wrecking! 🥲
Fifth thought: I like the thing with the dog.
Sixth thought: I’m so glad *kinda spoiler*
So anyway that was six thoughts I had on this book.
July 28, 2019
This was a great story of overcoming fear of the unknown and forgiveness. I enjoyed the story and different twist and turns. And of course the romance was sweet and heart warming. I loved how Hunter shared the Gospel in her story. How she showed that true salvation is a matter of the heart and not just knowledge that God exists. It is a relationship and trust in Him on a daily basis. So thankful for a clean and Christian fiction book to read from a great author.
December 6, 2020
I can understand what every character did, felt, reacted the ways they did towards others, that's not always the case when you want to advocate for one specific protagonist. The setting perfectly detailed and able to imagine while in the pages. I'm so glad Denise decided to revisit a water-side sea in her current series because she did so well with this one it feels like a treat to get an encore series.
June 26, 2023
Hunter's conclusion to the Nantucket series did not disappoint. Each time I thought the characters weren't honest or doing something dumb, it still seemed a plausible real life situation.
We meet Meredith who becomes guardians to her half brothers and sister through an accident. She's a control freak due to a bipolar mother and absent father. And Uncle Jake whose steamy masculinity rolls off the page. The kids honesty and behavior was real.
I thought the end was a bit rushed but felt satisfied. The romance was sweet and not graphic.
We meet Meredith who becomes guardians to her half brothers and sister through an accident. She's a control freak due to a bipolar mother and absent father. And Uncle Jake whose steamy masculinity rolls off the page. The kids honesty and behavior was real.
I thought the end was a bit rushed but felt satisfied. The romance was sweet and not graphic.
July 28, 2010
Denise Hunter is the award-winning and best-selling author of several books including: Surrender Bay, Seaside Letters, The Convenient Groom, and Sweetwater Gap. She resides with her husband and three sons in Indiana.
When Meridith Ward receives a call telling her the father who abandoned her is dead and she's been named the sole guardian of the three half-siblings she's never met, her orderly life she worked so hard for comes to a screeching halt. Planning to stay only until the children's uncle returns to claim them, Meridith leaves her cozy job and fiancé behind to head to Nantucket. The children are living at Summer House, a Bed & Breakfast that's falling apart around them. Wanting to get back to her old life as quickly as possible, she hires a handyman named Jake to help restore the coastal home so she can sell. But the children, and Jake as well, are swiftly showing her just how devoid of happiness her old life was. What if what she fears most is exactly what she needs? Can she find the strength to reach for happiness?
This is book four, and the last installment, to the "Nantucket Love Stories" series.
Denise Hunter writes with a compelling and bittersweet tone. Her plots and characters are complex, making every story a page-turner. The setting for this Nantucket Series was well-crafted and fitting. No other author can make you laugh, cry, dream, hope, and despair all in one sentence. That's talent. As in all her stories, there's an Austen-like edge to this book that makes for an intricate and spellbinding experience. A perfect book to curl up with by the fire, or for a hammock on the beach. A must read!
Kelly Moran,
author of SUMMER'S ROAD
and WHEN THE LEAVES STOP FALLING
When Meridith Ward receives a call telling her the father who abandoned her is dead and she's been named the sole guardian of the three half-siblings she's never met, her orderly life she worked so hard for comes to a screeching halt. Planning to stay only until the children's uncle returns to claim them, Meridith leaves her cozy job and fiancé behind to head to Nantucket. The children are living at Summer House, a Bed & Breakfast that's falling apart around them. Wanting to get back to her old life as quickly as possible, she hires a handyman named Jake to help restore the coastal home so she can sell. But the children, and Jake as well, are swiftly showing her just how devoid of happiness her old life was. What if what she fears most is exactly what she needs? Can she find the strength to reach for happiness?
This is book four, and the last installment, to the "Nantucket Love Stories" series.
Denise Hunter writes with a compelling and bittersweet tone. Her plots and characters are complex, making every story a page-turner. The setting for this Nantucket Series was well-crafted and fitting. No other author can make you laugh, cry, dream, hope, and despair all in one sentence. That's talent. As in all her stories, there's an Austen-like edge to this book that makes for an intricate and spellbinding experience. A perfect book to curl up with by the fire, or for a hammock on the beach. A must read!
Kelly Moran,
author of SUMMER'S ROAD
and WHEN THE LEAVES STOP FALLING
May 26, 2016
Driftwood Lane is part of the Nantucket series but in actuality is a stand alone book. With most series you have some connection between the books. A character that is introduced in the previous book is featured in the next book. Not so with this series. The only thing they had in common was they lived in Nantucket. Nobody knew each other from the previous books. Of the four books this one had to be my favorite. Meridith Ward is put in charge of her three half-siblings that she has never met after the parents die in a boating accident. She also is left the run down bread and breakfast inn. There is an uncle, her step mother's brother but he is no where to find. He's a free spirit that travels the country on a motorcycle. She plans to turn the kids over to the uncle if he ever shows up but he does but he tells the children not to let Meridith know he is around. He thinks she is bi-polar and sticks around managing to secure a job as a contract to do the needed repairs on the bread and breakfast. I thought the kids were disrespectful to her particularly the oldest, a girl but it was understandable since the pain of losing their parents was fresh. I liked it that Meridith was patient with the kids. She sacrificed a lot for those kids giving up a well-paying job to care for them. The first 65 to 70 percent of the book I did not like Jake. I thought it was wrong of him to get the kids to lie and I thought he came off as arrogant but I grew to love him and was rooting for him and Meridith to get together.
This was an enjoyable read. You won't regret reading this one.
This was an enjoyable read. You won't regret reading this one.
November 17, 2018
Earlier this week the latest and last addition from the Nantucket series from author Denise Hunter was released from Thomas Nelson. Although this is not the first time that I have heard of Denise, this is the first opportunity I have had to read one of her novels and the first thing that I can say is that I'm sorry that I have waited so long. Through out the chapters of the story I was introduced to real characters placed in a very plausible but difficult situation in life. This novel took something rough and turned it into a beautiful seaside romance. Each page was filled with the spray of the sandy shore waves and the bark of the newly inherited dog. I could hear the sawing of wood and hammering of nails and feel the stress and questionings stares with thoughts of tomorrow in the character's lives. I'm delighted to have been introduced to Denise's writing and plan on gathering more of her books in the future.
Driftwood Lane is book four in the Nantucket Love Story Series, but in my experience not having read the first three I can truly say this novel stands alone and only brings forth a desire to go out and buy the first three.
*Thanks to Thomas Nelson and Jeane Wynn of Wynn Wynn Media for providing a copy for review.*
Driftwood Lane is book four in the Nantucket Love Story Series, but in my experience not having read the first three I can truly say this novel stands alone and only brings forth a desire to go out and buy the first three.
*Thanks to Thomas Nelson and Jeane Wynn of Wynn Wynn Media for providing a copy for review.*
June 5, 2020
Fun read with a good story line. I love the writing.
April 13, 2017
This book was so good! It was my favorite one in the series! I loved the message about letting go of fear and also the past and moving forward with God as a strong foundation. Very very good book! I wish I could find the rest of the series.
May 1, 2021
My first book by Denise Hunter and will not be my last!!
December 27, 2020
This one was a lot of fun to read! A Bed and Breakfast on Nantucket, plus a big sister coming to bond with her newly-orphaned, younger half-siblings...and an uncle who thinks them turned over to the “enemy” because he doesn’t know Meridith...what could go wrong?
It’s not super-deep, but it’s a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, especially when you’ve ingested too many politics and need a breather.
It’s not super-deep, but it’s a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, especially when you’ve ingested too many politics and need a breather.
June 10, 2011
I don’t usually read much Contemporary Christian fiction. But that might change now that I’ve come across Denise Hunter’s books. I read The Convenient Groom a few years ago – and I loved it. But because I write Christian Historical Fiction, that is usually what I end up trying to read. I should actually expound on this... as I have come to the realization that there are two very distinct kinds of Christian Historical Fiction. I like deeply emotional and complex characters in a plot that is both believable and makes sense.
With that said, now I can tell you – I LOVED Denise Hunter’s book Driftwood Lane. Her characters jump off the page... her plots are both complex and believable, and her style of writing is perfect. I even just messaged her on facebook a while ago thanking her for putting so much time into her writing. I liked the over-all experience of reading her book THAT much.
The book Driftwood Lane is about Meridith Ward – a young woman who has perfect control of her life. The perfect job focused on keeping order and maintaining obedience... the perfect house... and the perfectly emotionally-detached fiancé. What more could she ask for?
Enter a few circumstances beyond her control and we have a character that has no idea what to do with herself. Ah, my favorite kind. Now, if you must know more about the book, I will tell you a little… but I hate rehashing through all the ins and outs of a book in a review. I want you to go read the book and find out for yourself!
Meridith pretty much doesn’t have a choice but to fly from her home in Saint Louis, Missouri all the way to Nantucket, Massachusetts to provide guardianship for her estranged father’s three other children, who have just been orphaned. Upon arriving, her only goals are to have the Bed and Breakfast the children live in repaired and up to code so she can sell it… and wait for the children’s irresponsible uncle to return to relinquish guardianship to him.
Only he never shows up, never emails and never calls. Does he even know his sister was dead and that the children needed him? The more she learns to love the children – she comes to the realization that she doesn’t want their Uncle Jay to have guardianship. What kind of life would they have being raised by such a vagabond?
Meridith’s life takes some drastic turns while living in Nantucket with the children, helping them grieve their parents and fixing up the house. And oh, did I forget to mention Jake Walker, the hot guy who is fixing up the house for her? He has quite an important role in how the story goes… and also in how enjoyable the story reads.
With that said, now I can tell you – I LOVED Denise Hunter’s book Driftwood Lane. Her characters jump off the page... her plots are both complex and believable, and her style of writing is perfect. I even just messaged her on facebook a while ago thanking her for putting so much time into her writing. I liked the over-all experience of reading her book THAT much.
The book Driftwood Lane is about Meridith Ward – a young woman who has perfect control of her life. The perfect job focused on keeping order and maintaining obedience... the perfect house... and the perfectly emotionally-detached fiancé. What more could she ask for?
Enter a few circumstances beyond her control and we have a character that has no idea what to do with herself. Ah, my favorite kind. Now, if you must know more about the book, I will tell you a little… but I hate rehashing through all the ins and outs of a book in a review. I want you to go read the book and find out for yourself!
Meridith pretty much doesn’t have a choice but to fly from her home in Saint Louis, Missouri all the way to Nantucket, Massachusetts to provide guardianship for her estranged father’s three other children, who have just been orphaned. Upon arriving, her only goals are to have the Bed and Breakfast the children live in repaired and up to code so she can sell it… and wait for the children’s irresponsible uncle to return to relinquish guardianship to him.
Only he never shows up, never emails and never calls. Does he even know his sister was dead and that the children needed him? The more she learns to love the children – she comes to the realization that she doesn’t want their Uncle Jay to have guardianship. What kind of life would they have being raised by such a vagabond?
Meridith’s life takes some drastic turns while living in Nantucket with the children, helping them grieve their parents and fixing up the house. And oh, did I forget to mention Jake Walker, the hot guy who is fixing up the house for her? He has quite an important role in how the story goes… and also in how enjoyable the story reads.
August 24, 2010
Driftwood Lane is another fabulous romance by Denise Hunter. I loved how she made a compelling case for her heroine's fear and used the family pet to illustrate that in a Pavlovian way that made sense to the reader and to the hero. Not that she compared her to a dog, but the fear was the same. Different causes, but same overwhelming need to protect and preserve. Growing up with a mentally ill mother and a father who essentially abandoned her was a key part of the need she had to control everything about her life.
The cool thing about true love is the out of control feeling it gives. You love it and it scares you at the same time. This was so well illustrated. You crave what you need and want to run screaming at the same time. Ms. Hunter really laid a solid foundation for these characters and continually put the heroine in situations where she had to let the hero get one step closer. This novel was well thought out and had a forward moving plot despite the slower pacing. I really enjoyed how the tension kept building and how it helped her to see that what she thought was love before was simply settling for security. I am sure that some women who are dating men who are merely "safe" will read this book and rethink what they are doing in their love lives. This story really makes you think about that.
True love requires trust and if there is no trust things never go deeper. Unfortunately things started out based on a lie. The author made a compelling case for why he kept his identity from her. Better than most. The foundation was solid as was the many reasons why it never seemed to be the right time to tell the truth. The necessary blowout for any good romance novel was well done.
Though the heroine was a new Christian, she handled it like anyone would. Second guessing things, doubting herself, worrying about how this might apply in other ways to trust, etc. But ultimately the problem is worked through. I found this aspect of the novel very believable, too. A lot of times the "dark moment" feels forced or a bit fake. This felt real to me. I know whenever I read one of this author's books that I'll get a solid romance. I have read all of her books in this series to date with the exception of the second book. I need to pull it out and read it soon!
The cool thing about true love is the out of control feeling it gives. You love it and it scares you at the same time. This was so well illustrated. You crave what you need and want to run screaming at the same time. Ms. Hunter really laid a solid foundation for these characters and continually put the heroine in situations where she had to let the hero get one step closer. This novel was well thought out and had a forward moving plot despite the slower pacing. I really enjoyed how the tension kept building and how it helped her to see that what she thought was love before was simply settling for security. I am sure that some women who are dating men who are merely "safe" will read this book and rethink what they are doing in their love lives. This story really makes you think about that.
True love requires trust and if there is no trust things never go deeper. Unfortunately things started out based on a lie. The author made a compelling case for why he kept his identity from her. Better than most. The foundation was solid as was the many reasons why it never seemed to be the right time to tell the truth. The necessary blowout for any good romance novel was well done.
Though the heroine was a new Christian, she handled it like anyone would. Second guessing things, doubting herself, worrying about how this might apply in other ways to trust, etc. But ultimately the problem is worked through. I found this aspect of the novel very believable, too. A lot of times the "dark moment" feels forced or a bit fake. This felt real to me. I know whenever I read one of this author's books that I'll get a solid romance. I have read all of her books in this series to date with the exception of the second book. I need to pull it out and read it soon!
August 20, 2010
Title: DRIFTWOOD LANE
Author: Denise Hunter
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
July 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59554-800-9
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance
Meridith Ward is stunned to find out her father and her stepmother have died in a tragic accident and named her as guardian to three children she’d never even met. Meridith and her father have been estranged ever since he walked out on her and her mother years ago when Meridith was a young child. But Meridith is the only relative, other than an uncle no one knows how to contact. Without her, the children will be forced into foster homes and seperated. So, reluctantly, she puts her life on hold and goes to Nantucket, planning to give the uncle custody as soon as he shows up.
Jacob Walker is stunned to hear of his sister’s death, and even more hurt to realize that they named the older sister—someone unknown to the kids—as legal guardian. His thirteen year old niece, Noelle, swears Meridith is crazy, so Jake determines he’d discover the truth and fight her for guardianship. But when he arrives, Meridith mistakes him for the handiman she hired and Jake doesn’t bother to correct her, figuring he could get the proof he needs to get the kids.
With the kids in on his secret, Jake does the work Meridith wants but he soon decides she is far from crazy. What will it take for the five of them to have a happy ending?
DRIFTWOOD LANE is the best book in Ms. Hunter’s Nantucket series that I’ve had the privilege of reading so far. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting this island vicariously and getting to know Meridith and Jake through the pages of this book.
Meridith and Jake are both realistic characters and Ms. Hunter is a stellar story teller, helping them to come to life on the pages of this book. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. If you are looking for a good romance, don’t miss DRIFTWOOD LANE. It is the perfect summertime read. $14.99. 320 pages.
Author: Denise Hunter
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
July 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59554-800-9
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance
Meridith Ward is stunned to find out her father and her stepmother have died in a tragic accident and named her as guardian to three children she’d never even met. Meridith and her father have been estranged ever since he walked out on her and her mother years ago when Meridith was a young child. But Meridith is the only relative, other than an uncle no one knows how to contact. Without her, the children will be forced into foster homes and seperated. So, reluctantly, she puts her life on hold and goes to Nantucket, planning to give the uncle custody as soon as he shows up.
Jacob Walker is stunned to hear of his sister’s death, and even more hurt to realize that they named the older sister—someone unknown to the kids—as legal guardian. His thirteen year old niece, Noelle, swears Meridith is crazy, so Jake determines he’d discover the truth and fight her for guardianship. But when he arrives, Meridith mistakes him for the handiman she hired and Jake doesn’t bother to correct her, figuring he could get the proof he needs to get the kids.
With the kids in on his secret, Jake does the work Meridith wants but he soon decides she is far from crazy. What will it take for the five of them to have a happy ending?
DRIFTWOOD LANE is the best book in Ms. Hunter’s Nantucket series that I’ve had the privilege of reading so far. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting this island vicariously and getting to know Meridith and Jake through the pages of this book.
Meridith and Jake are both realistic characters and Ms. Hunter is a stellar story teller, helping them to come to life on the pages of this book. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. If you are looking for a good romance, don’t miss DRIFTWOOD LANE. It is the perfect summertime read. $14.99. 320 pages.
May 1, 2012
In Driftwood Lane by Denise Hunter, Meridith Ward must overcome the emotional hurt caused by her father’s desertion and the trauma of her mother’s bipolar disorder. She must choose between a safe, stable life and the passionate, unpredictability of romance.
When her estranged father and his wife die in an accident, Meridith obtains custody of her three younger siblings. She moves to Nantucket into the family’s rundown bed and breakfast to be with the children through the rest of their school year. But no matter how hard she tries to establish a relationship, they push back. Meridith decides to give their beloved uncle custody, but since he took off on a motorcycle trip a month ago, no one can get hold of him. Here’s the big twist: the handsome handyman she hired to fix up the house is actually Uncle Jay, watching her, collecting evidence to prove he would be the better guardian. All of this chaos in Meridith’s organized life helps her to know in her heart that God is her Strong Tower and Refuge (Psalms 61:3).
Despite its dynamic opening and ingenious plot twists, Driftwood Lane leaves much to be desired in the middle and end. Denise Hunter finishes the story with a happy, but obvious ending. This reader feels that Hunter has much more to offer and wishes that the end could be as creative as the beginning. Also, for a series that is based in one distinct area of the world, I would like to have seen more descriptions of Nantucket. Hunter had a marvelous opportunity to tell her readers something more about this place but did not use it to its full advantage.
This is a pleasant conclusion to the Nantucket Love Story series...
Read the rest of the review at http://www.christianbookpreviews.com/...
When her estranged father and his wife die in an accident, Meridith obtains custody of her three younger siblings. She moves to Nantucket into the family’s rundown bed and breakfast to be with the children through the rest of their school year. But no matter how hard she tries to establish a relationship, they push back. Meridith decides to give their beloved uncle custody, but since he took off on a motorcycle trip a month ago, no one can get hold of him. Here’s the big twist: the handsome handyman she hired to fix up the house is actually Uncle Jay, watching her, collecting evidence to prove he would be the better guardian. All of this chaos in Meridith’s organized life helps her to know in her heart that God is her Strong Tower and Refuge (Psalms 61:3).
Despite its dynamic opening and ingenious plot twists, Driftwood Lane leaves much to be desired in the middle and end. Denise Hunter finishes the story with a happy, but obvious ending. This reader feels that Hunter has much more to offer and wishes that the end could be as creative as the beginning. Also, for a series that is based in one distinct area of the world, I would like to have seen more descriptions of Nantucket. Hunter had a marvelous opportunity to tell her readers something more about this place but did not use it to its full advantage.
This is a pleasant conclusion to the Nantucket Love Story series...
Read the rest of the review at http://www.christianbookpreviews.com/...
March 10, 2013
Driftwood Lane by Denise Hunter
After having just read a few other books by Denise when I saw she had one of the Nantucket series available via my local library I ordered it.
Meridith Ward's father had remarried and had 2 boys and another girl that lived on Nantucket Island running a B&B. When she got the call that they had died and left her the inn and the kids she traveled to lend a hand til the uncle who the kids were close to had returned from his trip.
She, technically is the oldest of all the father's kids.
She has many plans for the B&B to spruce it up, sell it and move them all back to MI.
The story also follows Eva's brother, Jake and he's on vacation helping in the south with habitat for humanity. Once he learns of the accident he goes back to the island and tells the kids not to tell her that uncle J. is back in town, he wants to snoop so he can take evidence to the authorities and gain custody of the kids himself.
Love the setting and hearing of the architecture of the buildings on the island and hearing of the sea and decorations with shells.
She was a safety inspector and after her week off they had to let her go because she had no idea when she'd return to the state. Her fiance Stephen was also there...
She knows she must keep her distance from Jake since he's own the bid to fix up the B&B. Jake remembers his sister saying something about bipolar disease ran in the family and wonders if Meridith could have it...
Love hearing of the driftwood sculptures and anybody that works with their hands.
The scene where the child asks her about heaven is good and it reassures him that God is with their parents in heaven.
Face your fears and trust in God...
After having just read a few other books by Denise when I saw she had one of the Nantucket series available via my local library I ordered it.
Meridith Ward's father had remarried and had 2 boys and another girl that lived on Nantucket Island running a B&B. When she got the call that they had died and left her the inn and the kids she traveled to lend a hand til the uncle who the kids were close to had returned from his trip.
She, technically is the oldest of all the father's kids.
She has many plans for the B&B to spruce it up, sell it and move them all back to MI.
The story also follows Eva's brother, Jake and he's on vacation helping in the south with habitat for humanity. Once he learns of the accident he goes back to the island and tells the kids not to tell her that uncle J. is back in town, he wants to snoop so he can take evidence to the authorities and gain custody of the kids himself.
Love the setting and hearing of the architecture of the buildings on the island and hearing of the sea and decorations with shells.
She was a safety inspector and after her week off they had to let her go because she had no idea when she'd return to the state. Her fiance Stephen was also there...
She knows she must keep her distance from Jake since he's own the bid to fix up the B&B. Jake remembers his sister saying something about bipolar disease ran in the family and wonders if Meridith could have it...
Love hearing of the driftwood sculptures and anybody that works with their hands.
The scene where the child asks her about heaven is good and it reassures him that God is with their parents in heaven.
Face your fears and trust in God...
October 26, 2010
When I first started this book, I thought "oh no, the classic woman left with kids after their parents die and falls in love with man" book. However, you quickly learn that is not the case with this story. Meridith is a level headed 25 year old and sometimes she came across as much older then that. I often forgot she was that young until it would be referenced. Meridith has never met her siblings, since her father left her and her mother years ago. In the beginning she wants to wait on the kids uncle, Uncle J to arrive so she can transfer guardianship of the children to him. However, Uncle J decides to pretend to be a handyman who Meridith has hired to fix up the house. The children are in on this. Meridith begins to have feelings for Jake. You spend the story waiting for her to figure out that this Jake is actually Uncle J. It leaves for an addictive story of wondering how she is going to find out. Are the kids going to slip up, will someone in town mention it, or will Jake come out and finally tell her?
This is a great romance and you will fall in love with the characters and Nantucket. I know I want to book a vacation there. It sounds like a special place. Being a christian romance, this is a very clean romance story.
This is a great romance and you will fall in love with the characters and Nantucket. I know I want to book a vacation there. It sounds like a special place. Being a christian romance, this is a very clean romance story.
August 26, 2010
Driftwood Lane is another great book by Denise Hunter. She really knows how to tell a story. This book has rich character details, and her writing draws you into the setting of Nantucket. I liked how real the book felt. It didn’t seem unbelievable despite the unusual circumstances. Denise did a great job tying in Meredith’s past experiences and showing the effect they had later on in her life. Jake is a great hero for this story and I loved how connected he was to those kids! The ending was *perfect* and I wouldn’t change a thing about it. I would definitely recommend each and every book in this series.
October 30, 2011
Does she know how to write a bad book? I don't think so.
Once again, Denise Hunter blows me away. I think what I love most about her stories is the emotional tug she creates. I have yet to read any of her books without laughing out loud and sobbing through the story. Sometime both at the same time. Instead of telling you what the book is about, I'm just going to say, "READ IT" and everything else you can get your hands on by Denise Hunter. I have them all!
Once again, Denise Hunter blows me away. I think what I love most about her stories is the emotional tug she creates. I have yet to read any of her books without laughing out loud and sobbing through the story. Sometime both at the same time. Instead of telling you what the book is about, I'm just going to say, "READ IT" and everything else you can get your hands on by Denise Hunter. I have them all!
April 1, 2021
An Exceptional Fiction Love Story
It's something about the ending that speaks to the merit of the story. I often look to see how the author resolves the conflict-- can she tie up loose ends in a credible manner. Denise Hunter never fails to do so, showing how GOD works through the most difficult situations.
It's something about the ending that speaks to the merit of the story. I often look to see how the author resolves the conflict-- can she tie up loose ends in a credible manner. Denise Hunter never fails to do so, showing how GOD works through the most difficult situations.
February 7, 2017
I really loved this whole series, including this book. However, the means that the uncle uses to accomplish his plan was just disturbing to me. I mean I'm sure that was the point but the deceit was just uncomfortable to me.
May 18, 2017
Enjoyed this fast, easy read, but it was very predictable. I felt Jake's "charade" went on far too long and became a little tiring. Loved the overall theme of the book, the children were fun, and it had a nice ending.
October 4, 2018
I think Driftwood Lane is the best one in the series. Meridith is left not only a bed and breakfast, but also the guardianship of her three siblings after her father suddenly passes. This is a cute story of Meridith finding herself, while learning that kids can be messy, wrapped up in a love story.
August 10, 2013
Sweet, heart-warming read! I really liked this series, hated for it to end.
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