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Powell Springs #2
A casa prima del tramonto
In 1918, Susannah Braddock is devastated by the news that her beloved husband, Riley, has been killed in battle in France. Heartbroken, she turns to Tanner Grenfell for support. Though technically the Braddocks’ hired hand, Tanner has been helping Susannah run the family horse farm since Riley shipped out, and he has become a true and trusted friend. As time passes and Susannah’s grief begins to ebb, her friendship with Tanner deepens into love. They marry, committing their lives to running the farm and raising Tanner’s two young nephews.
But Susannah and Tanner’s newfound happiness is short lived. Two years after being reported dead, Riley Braddock returns home, shell-shocked and with no memory of his life before the war. All he can remember is Véronique, the French woman who rescued him during the final days of the war and nursed him back to health. Now the Red Cross has returned him to America—and to the wife he no longer knows. As for Susannah, she is torn between her love for Tanner and her loyalty to Riley.
Anchored by this dramatic dilemma, Alexis Harrington’s Home by Nightfall is a stirring testament to the incredible power of love to heal the human spirit.
But Susannah and Tanner’s newfound happiness is short lived. Two years after being reported dead, Riley Braddock returns home, shell-shocked and with no memory of his life before the war. All he can remember is Véronique, the French woman who rescued him during the final days of the war and nursed him back to health. Now the Red Cross has returned him to America—and to the wife he no longer knows. As for Susannah, she is torn between her love for Tanner and her loyalty to Riley.
Anchored by this dramatic dilemma, Alexis Harrington’s Home by Nightfall is a stirring testament to the incredible power of love to heal the human spirit.
297 pages, Paperback
First published June 22, 2012
120 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Alexis Harrington
18 books185 followersI've been a self-employed working novelist for the past twenty years. Of all the books I've written I've had just one foreign sale, and that was THE IRISH BRIDE, which was translated into Norwegian, where I understand it was a big hit.
I also make jewelry and I'm a fine needlework artist, specializing in embroidery, thread crochet, and sewing. I love to cook, read, entertain friends, decorate, and pursue various crafts.
I live in the Pacific Northwest near the Columbia River, still within 10 miles of my old high school. I have a Great Pyrenees dog, one cat, a finch, and three chickens who all seem to want to be in my small office while I'm trying to work (except the chickens, although they'd be thrilled to get into the house if I let them). Getting up to step around them is like maneuvering an obstacle course, but they are my children and so dear to me. My hours are kind of goofy--I'm just not a morning person and tend to be up late when the rest of the world is sleeping--and QUIET. No phones, faxes, distractions. Just the kids and me, candles burning, and the elevator music coming out of my CD player.
Before I made the leap to full-time writer, I spent about 12 years working for consulting civil engineers. Riprap, anyone? How about a nice detention pond?
I also make jewelry and I'm a fine needlework artist, specializing in embroidery, thread crochet, and sewing. I love to cook, read, entertain friends, decorate, and pursue various crafts.
I live in the Pacific Northwest near the Columbia River, still within 10 miles of my old high school. I have a Great Pyrenees dog, one cat, a finch, and three chickens who all seem to want to be in my small office while I'm trying to work (except the chickens, although they'd be thrilled to get into the house if I let them). Getting up to step around them is like maneuvering an obstacle course, but they are my children and so dear to me. My hours are kind of goofy--I'm just not a morning person and tend to be up late when the rest of the world is sleeping--and QUIET. No phones, faxes, distractions. Just the kids and me, candles burning, and the elevator music coming out of my CD player.
Before I made the leap to full-time writer, I spent about 12 years working for consulting civil engineers. Riprap, anyone? How about a nice detention pond?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 7, 2020
Ada - per RFS
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Care amiche, oggi parliamo del secondo volume della serie Powell Springs della Harrington.
Cosa fareste se il primo amore della vostra vita risorgesse dalla tomba, a distanza di due anni dalla sua scomparsa, e voi nel mentre vi foste innamorate di un altro uomo? Non fraintendetemi, non sto parlando di mostri che ritornano dall’oltretomba, ma di un vero e proprio miracolo, per chi ha dovuto piangere la scomparsa prematura di una persona cara. Uno strano scherzo del destino quello che i protagonisti di questo romanzo dovranno affrontare, visto e considerato che lo scomparso in questione morto non lo è di certo.
Riley Braddock è un ex soldato sopravvissuto alla guerra e con un terribile incidente alle spalle, che lo ha lasciato debilitato e senza memoria in un piccolo villaggio francese devastato dai bombardamenti. Una giovane del posto, Véronique, lo ha trovato in fin di vita in un’ambulanza e, dopo averlo curato, lo ha accolto in casa propria offrendogli oltre che una nuova vita anche un nuovo nome: Christophe.
Dall’altra parte dell’oceano, la giovane e bella Susannah ha riscoperto l’amore dopo aver trascorso gli ultimi due anni a versare fiumi di lacrime per suo marito Riley, caduto in battaglia per servire il suo paese nella prima guerra mondiale. Solo l’amicizia e l’affetto di un altro uomo, Tanner Grenfell, riportano la serenità nel suo cuore e la forza per ricominciare e voltare pagina. Tanner, dal canto suo, ha finalmente coronato il sogno di una vita, ha sposato la sola donna che abbia mai amato.
Gli ultimi due anni sono stati lunghi e tormentati per tutti, la guerra e la terribile influenza spagnola hanno messo duramente alla prova lo spirito di tutta la famiglia Braddock e, quando finalmente tutto sembra andare per il meglio anche per Susannah e Tanner, un telegramma dall’Europa sconvolge di nuovo tutte le loro esistenze.
Cosa decideranno di fare i due novelli sposi ora che il primo marito di Susannah è riapparso come un fantasma dal passato e cosa farà lo stesso Riley per riappropriarsi della sua precedente vita e, soprattutto, della sua affascinante moglie?
Vi anticipo che non sarà facile far trionfare il vero amore ma non temete, alla fine il lieto fine sarà assicurato.
È un romanzo scorrevole e di facile lettura, con ambientazioni storiche suggestive e personaggi interessanti. Tuttavia, nonostante sia stato molto piacevole ritrovare anche in questo secondo romanzo tutti i protagonisti del primo libro, mi sarei aspettata più colpi di scena o un maggiore coinvolgimento sentimentale considerata la complessità della scelta che i protagonisti sono stati costretti a fare, invece la trama è ancora una volta scontata e poco coinvolgente.
Anche la storia parallela della bella e rassegnata Véronique in Francia non convince e lascia l’amaro in bocca al lettore. Potendo scegliere, avrei preferito un maggiore coinvolgimento del suo personaggio nella trama generale ma confidiamo nel terzo volume.
Care amiche, posso consigliare questo romanzo solo come lettura leggera o, più semplicemente, come seguito al primo volume per assecondare la vostra curiosità.
.
Care amiche, oggi parliamo del secondo volume della serie Powell Springs della Harrington.
Cosa fareste se il primo amore della vostra vita risorgesse dalla tomba, a distanza di due anni dalla sua scomparsa, e voi nel mentre vi foste innamorate di un altro uomo? Non fraintendetemi, non sto parlando di mostri che ritornano dall’oltretomba, ma di un vero e proprio miracolo, per chi ha dovuto piangere la scomparsa prematura di una persona cara. Uno strano scherzo del destino quello che i protagonisti di questo romanzo dovranno affrontare, visto e considerato che lo scomparso in questione morto non lo è di certo.
Riley Braddock è un ex soldato sopravvissuto alla guerra e con un terribile incidente alle spalle, che lo ha lasciato debilitato e senza memoria in un piccolo villaggio francese devastato dai bombardamenti. Una giovane del posto, Véronique, lo ha trovato in fin di vita in un’ambulanza e, dopo averlo curato, lo ha accolto in casa propria offrendogli oltre che una nuova vita anche un nuovo nome: Christophe.
Dall’altra parte dell’oceano, la giovane e bella Susannah ha riscoperto l’amore dopo aver trascorso gli ultimi due anni a versare fiumi di lacrime per suo marito Riley, caduto in battaglia per servire il suo paese nella prima guerra mondiale. Solo l’amicizia e l’affetto di un altro uomo, Tanner Grenfell, riportano la serenità nel suo cuore e la forza per ricominciare e voltare pagina. Tanner, dal canto suo, ha finalmente coronato il sogno di una vita, ha sposato la sola donna che abbia mai amato.
Gli ultimi due anni sono stati lunghi e tormentati per tutti, la guerra e la terribile influenza spagnola hanno messo duramente alla prova lo spirito di tutta la famiglia Braddock e, quando finalmente tutto sembra andare per il meglio anche per Susannah e Tanner, un telegramma dall’Europa sconvolge di nuovo tutte le loro esistenze.
Cosa decideranno di fare i due novelli sposi ora che il primo marito di Susannah è riapparso come un fantasma dal passato e cosa farà lo stesso Riley per riappropriarsi della sua precedente vita e, soprattutto, della sua affascinante moglie?
Vi anticipo che non sarà facile far trionfare il vero amore ma non temete, alla fine il lieto fine sarà assicurato.
È un romanzo scorrevole e di facile lettura, con ambientazioni storiche suggestive e personaggi interessanti. Tuttavia, nonostante sia stato molto piacevole ritrovare anche in questo secondo romanzo tutti i protagonisti del primo libro, mi sarei aspettata più colpi di scena o un maggiore coinvolgimento sentimentale considerata la complessità della scelta che i protagonisti sono stati costretti a fare, invece la trama è ancora una volta scontata e poco coinvolgente.
Anche la storia parallela della bella e rassegnata Véronique in Francia non convince e lascia l’amaro in bocca al lettore. Potendo scegliere, avrei preferito un maggiore coinvolgimento del suo personaggio nella trama generale ma confidiamo nel terzo volume.
Care amiche, posso consigliare questo romanzo solo come lettura leggera o, più semplicemente, come seguito al primo volume per assecondare la vostra curiosità.
September 8, 2012
Home By Morning was the first of two books. Home By Nightfall the next. Phenomenal story of a family prior to, during and after the WWI. This family lives in Oregon and one of the sons is sent to war....along with the horses from their farm. The story stays with the son in France while he serves. A woman in this family travels home, a doctor who had practiced in New York and the story starts with her coming home for awhile but then the plague sets in. Reading Alexis's books are so inclusive of what these families contended with in these days where women weren't respected as doctors and medicine wasn't what it is today. You get to know every single member of this family intimately and it's extended family, the relationships and how they supported one another. It really is an incredible way to learn history from a totally different window....with a fragrance only unique to Alexis - a fine, fine author. You just can't help having to read Home by Nightfall after you've read Home By "Morning" You will thoroughly enjoy these books.
Thank you Alexis Harrington for this journey I traveled with you in these two wonderful adventures - you're the best !
Thank you Alexis Harrington for this journey I traveled with you in these two wonderful adventures - you're the best !
April 8, 2015
This is the sequel to "Home by Morning."
The central figure in this story is Riley Braddock. He was declared dead in France in 1918 but he arrives on his family farm very much alive in the fall of 1920. His wife Susannah has remarried. Riley has the horrible combination of amnesia and shell shock.
The entire book takes place over a course of six dramatic months. During those six months, Susannah must decide who her heart belongs to, Riley or her current husband, Tanner.
Cole and Jessica, the main characters in "Home By Morning" are supporting characters in this book but it is nice to see them happily married with a baby on the way.
This was a very good book and I wish it didn't have to end :-)
The central figure in this story is Riley Braddock. He was declared dead in France in 1918 but he arrives on his family farm very much alive in the fall of 1920. His wife Susannah has remarried. Riley has the horrible combination of amnesia and shell shock.
The entire book takes place over a course of six dramatic months. During those six months, Susannah must decide who her heart belongs to, Riley or her current husband, Tanner.
Cole and Jessica, the main characters in "Home By Morning" are supporting characters in this book but it is nice to see them happily married with a baby on the way.
This was a very good book and I wish it didn't have to end :-)
February 25, 2013
This is story is a sequel to, "Home by Morning" and tells the story of a WWI soldier and his wife. Riley Braddock, injured in the last days of the conflict has been living on a ruined farm in central France with no memory of his previous life. He has been rescued by a French women who nursed him back to some semblance of health. Together they have pieced together an uneasy existence. Riley's family in Oregon was told he was dead due to a dog tag mix up. After two years, the American Red Cross manages to trace Riley's family and he returns to their arms. However, things are complicated. His wife is still working and living in the family home with his difficult father but she has remarried. Unprepared to deal with Riley's PTSD, the family makes multiple errors in handling the situation.
This story is sensitively written and the human interactions ring true. This historical context and contemporary understanding of how to deal with 'shell shock' is plausible and interesting.
Well researched and well written, I really enjoyed this book. Much more than just a love story.
This story is sensitively written and the human interactions ring true. This historical context and contemporary understanding of how to deal with 'shell shock' is plausible and interesting.
Well researched and well written, I really enjoyed this book. Much more than just a love story.
July 20, 2012
WWI era western romances are not my usual slice of history when choosing something to read but I was grabbed by Ms. Harrington's first book in this series, Home by Morning, and had to find out what happened next. Home by Nightfall was every bit as good, and I think actually better than the first book. I can't wait to see what this author comes out with next!
December 4, 2012
There were things I liked a lot about this story and I could almost give it 3 stars, but not quite. The premise for the story was interesting with the husband she thought was dead coming back, but some of the characters were only so so for me: Shaw, the story line with the kids and their mom and sheriff. Just so-so for me.
August 22, 2012
I am not one who would usually read a book set in a historical setting. I picked it for a romance. It gave me that plus much more. I saw it as a potential eye opener to the consequences that war has on individuals and their families.
September 25, 2012
This drama was actually pretty good after you got into it. The first chapter is kind of weird but makes prefect sense when you get father. It almost tries to me a mystery but it is not. I would recommend it.
September 4, 2016
Home By Nightfall
Very good!!!! I stayed enthralled til the end.... Wished it had lasted longer!thanks for a great story, I have read the first two books of this series, now looking forward to the next one!!
Very good!!!! I stayed enthralled til the end.... Wished it had lasted longer!thanks for a great story, I have read the first two books of this series, now looking forward to the next one!!
July 7, 2012
absolutely loved it! This was a sequel to Home by Morning and it has twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. its very heart wrenching and will completely take you by surprise! A must read!
July 23, 2012
it was a nice sequel to the first book! it ended differently then ithought but that's a good thing :) I like that it takes place in Oregon.
July 21, 2012
Great romance triangle and time era. Quick read and great characters in this Oregon town.
July 24, 2012
I typically don't read period pieces or romances, but this was so beautifully written that it was a pleasureful read.
July 27, 2012
I really enjoyed this book and all the characters. Otis a book about love and loss and how things never stay the same, even I'd we want them too.
September 15, 2012
Another great book following Home by Morning. Great new author for me.
August 16, 2013
Really enjoyed it! Interesting turn of events! Read "Home By Morning" first, or you might be a little lost ;)
February 3, 2016
Great book for you to enjoy!
A lot of delightful characters to learn about and follow. Much enjoyment gained with each page. Highly recommend you read and enjoy!
A lot of delightful characters to learn about and follow. Much enjoyment gained with each page. Highly recommend you read and enjoy!
April 29, 2020
Vieni a leggere la recensione su: CrazyForRomance
Per acquistare il libro clicca qui
3,5
Mi piace moltissimo leggere storici e ancora di più romanzi ambientati in epoche più recenti del solito Regency, come questo che, parlando del primo Novecento mi ha riportato alla memoria l'immenso Cavaliere d'inverno di Paullina Simons e non nego che il paragone ha alzato decisamente troppo l'asticella.
La storia parte a bomba con un Riley Braddock, soldato americano seriamente ferito e traumatizzato al termine della Prima Guerra Mondiale, in Francia, che viene accolto e curato amorevolmente da una donna sola e in difficoltà, Veronique. I due si aiutano come due poveretti possono fare, con amore e rispetto. Riley non ricorda più chi sia, soffre di incubi e svenimenti e viene chiamato Christophe da Veronique.
In patria, il nostro Riley viene dato morto e sua moglie Susannah se ne fa una ragione e si risposa con il buon Tanner, manovale presso la casa colonica dei Braddock e da sempre innamorato di lei.
Ma la mano del destino è sempre in movimento e fa sì che la Croce Rossa ritrovi il soldato americano e lo rispedisca a casa. Da qui parte la commedia degli equivoci e della pazienza. Tutti i personaggi fanno qualunque cosa sbagliata vi possa venire in mente leggendo. Tranne forse una, tutte le altre sono contemplate.
Una bella scrittura, accurata e attenta al periodo storico e ai sentimenti, alle conoscenze mediche dell'epoca e a quanta poca libertà di movimento avessero le donne al tempo. Purtroppo però la trama dopo la prima metà del libro si va come addormentando.
Continua a leggere la recensione su: CrazyForRomance
Per acquistare il libro clicca qui
3,5
Mi piace moltissimo leggere storici e ancora di più romanzi ambientati in epoche più recenti del solito Regency, come questo che, parlando del primo Novecento mi ha riportato alla memoria l'immenso Cavaliere d'inverno di Paullina Simons e non nego che il paragone ha alzato decisamente troppo l'asticella.
La storia parte a bomba con un Riley Braddock, soldato americano seriamente ferito e traumatizzato al termine della Prima Guerra Mondiale, in Francia, che viene accolto e curato amorevolmente da una donna sola e in difficoltà, Veronique. I due si aiutano come due poveretti possono fare, con amore e rispetto. Riley non ricorda più chi sia, soffre di incubi e svenimenti e viene chiamato Christophe da Veronique.
In patria, il nostro Riley viene dato morto e sua moglie Susannah se ne fa una ragione e si risposa con il buon Tanner, manovale presso la casa colonica dei Braddock e da sempre innamorato di lei.
Ma la mano del destino è sempre in movimento e fa sì che la Croce Rossa ritrovi il soldato americano e lo rispedisca a casa. Da qui parte la commedia degli equivoci e della pazienza. Tutti i personaggi fanno qualunque cosa sbagliata vi possa venire in mente leggendo. Tranne forse una, tutte le altre sono contemplate.
Una bella scrittura, accurata e attenta al periodo storico e ai sentimenti, alle conoscenze mediche dell'epoca e a quanta poca libertà di movimento avessero le donne al tempo. Purtroppo però la trama dopo la prima metà del libro si va come addormentando.
Continua a leggere la recensione su: CrazyForRomance
March 8, 2018
The turmoils that can take place when a girl's husband is declared dead in the WWI and after two years she remarries. Then one fine morning the dead husband returns but with his memory lost and a severely injured leg.
That's the story about. The end is predictable and convenient. But written well and holds your interest.
That's the story about. The end is predictable and convenient. But written well and holds your interest.
July 28, 2021
A nice 'feel good story'
If you're looking for a 'feel good (kinda love) story', this one was pretty good. Even though I figured out halfway through how it would end, there were a couple of twists and adventures that kept me wanting to read to the end. Haven't read this author before, so I may read the others.
If you're looking for a 'feel good (kinda love) story', this one was pretty good. Even though I figured out halfway through how it would end, there were a couple of twists and adventures that kept me wanting to read to the end. Haven't read this author before, so I may read the others.
November 15, 2018
I really enjoyed the 2nd book in this series. It moved along at a good pace and went more into other family members lives in this one. Good twists here and there and am now going to read the 3rd and final in the series.
September 29, 2019
The Second Book in the Series
A very interesting and at times very sad story line. You never knew what was going to happen next. Highly recommend.
A very interesting and at times very sad story line. You never knew what was going to happen next. Highly recommend.
March 7, 2020
I didn't like it any more than the previous one. The book in this series aren't as good as the others. The romance isn't satisfying at all.
March 27, 2020
Another good book in this series. It turned out like I expected but knowing that didn't detract from the plot or characters. I like the way this author writes!
January 3, 2021
Very nice story with an interesting plot. I love sequels and this one didn't disappoint. Can't wait to read the final book in the series.
August 8, 2023
Un seguito interessante, che si focalizza sul rapporto marito-moglie. Un po' raffazzonato il finale per Riley, con una bomba veramente provvidenziale, ma nel complesso scorre molto bene.
March 31, 2024
How does someone who is legally dead get a passport?
December 29, 2020
Molto bello, forse più del primo!
Ci si affeziona molto ai personaggi e mi piace quando iniziò a tifare per qualcuno!
Ci si affeziona molto ai personaggi e mi piace quando iniziò a tifare per qualcuno!
September 8, 2013
This book had me hooked- it was hard putting it down sometimes. However, right from the very beginning, I knew how it would end. So.. no surprises, really. I didn't really care for how the author made Veronique marry the man who was helping her, when he was just going to die a few months later, and oh so conveniently, right before Riley returns to France. That whole story line just seemed unnecessary to me. And I thought the ending was poor, since it kind of ended at Riley and Veronique's reunion- and not really telling the story of Riley meeting his son, or if Susannah will ever have children. An epilogue would've been great. Also, it kind of seemed like Riley was going back to France, not because he loved Veronique, but because he didn't have anything better to do, and his life on that farm was peaceful. If he did love her with the same intensity (or perhaps more) that he once loved Susannah, it was never really explained that way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2013
First I will say that if you haven't read the first book, Home by Morning, you should definitely do so before you pick up Home by Nightfall. I didn't, and I sorely wished I had. Harrington does an adept job of creating a standalone novel, but I still felt like I was missing some key elements, namely background information for some of the characters.
That said though, Home by Nightfall is almost impossible to put down. The characters are so realistic, and I wasn't sure who I wanted to have a happy ending more. Harrington slowly builds her world and the characters within it, bringing the reader along on an emotional and memorable journey. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to re-reading it again after I go back and read Home by Nightfall. Well recommended!
That said though, Home by Nightfall is almost impossible to put down. The characters are so realistic, and I wasn't sure who I wanted to have a happy ending more. Harrington slowly builds her world and the characters within it, bringing the reader along on an emotional and memorable journey. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to re-reading it again after I go back and read Home by Nightfall. Well recommended!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews