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Someday Valley #1

Strawberry Lane

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Starri Knight is a big believer in fate. How else to explain the compelling connection she feels to the stranger she pulls out of a wrecked car on the very same road where her parents died twenty years earlier? Alongside Auntie Ona-May, the only mother she's ever known, Starri saves Rusty O'Sullivan's life--just as Ona-May once did when Starri was an orphaned babe. But convincing Rusty he has something to live for is going to take all of Starri's faith in miracles. Like a wish Rusty hadn't even known to make, Starri landed in his life, filling him with a longing for a family. Then Jackson Landry, a new lawyer, turns up to present a surprise that will change the direction of his An inheritance from the father Rusty never knew--and the promise of the family he'd never had. It's a lot for the hard-bitten loner to accept as love rushes into his life. A sense of duty has Rusty heading to Honey Creek to deal with his father's estate and to find his lost siblings. But having family is one thing; learning to love them is another. Good thing new friends are by his side to help him along the way.

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 25, 2023

796 people are currently reading
22956 people want to read

About the author

Jodi Thomas

128 books2,498 followers
I'm a New York Times and USA Today Best Selling author, wife, mother, in-law, grandmother, sister, friend, and owner of one fat cat.

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5 stars
1,292 (39%)
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1,082 (32%)
3 stars
667 (20%)
2 stars
181 (5%)
1 star
66 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 450 reviews
Profile Image for Susan.
1,492 reviews206 followers
October 3, 2023
Beautiful and heartwarming, STRAWBERRY LANE by Jodi Thomas is a definite feel good novel about finding roots and belonging. Jodi Thomas makes her characters come alive and you feel as if you are living right beside them. It made me want to move to Someday Valley and I don’t really like small towns. One young man called Rusty learns that not only does Someday Valley feel like home, it is to become home to his family, whether related or not. Rusty learns that the heart can accept the love of a special family friend without always seeing tragedy. The mystery, well I’ll let you find out about that on your own. I laughed, I cried, I felt emotions and I did not want STRAWBERRY LANE to end.

The characters in STRAWBERRY LANE are amazing but also flawed. I loved seeing the characters evolve and the small mystery was a nice touch as well. I also love the individual romances that sprout up in STRAWBERRY LANE. Jodi Thomas doesn’t drag a plot line out or fill pages with pointless things. She skillfully weaves multiple story lines into a well paced, engaging story about small town life. Rusty has lived a very hard life. He has a car accident on a rainy night and almost dies. What happens to him after that is life changing and he just needs to believe in himself. He is worthy of feeling love and being content and happy. He just needs to accept that!

STRAWBERRY LANE is written by a woman from west Texas and it comes out in her writing. The local color, the love of the land, and the love of the people all shine through in this beautiful story. If you like small town romances, with a touch of suspense, some humor and great characters, then I highly recommend STRAWBERRY LANE. It’s a book you will pick up and not want to put down and as soon as you finish you will be eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. Jodi Thomas has one heck of a sense of humor and it really comes through in her writing.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Unpredictable Opinions.
153 reviews3 followers
June 26, 2023
DNF @ 8%. Absolutely could NOT get into this book. It felt very…I don’t know, silly. Cheesy? Starri Knight?! Beautiful cover, though. I WANTED to read it, I just couldn’t.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,451 reviews265 followers
November 9, 2023
Strawberry Lane by Jodi Thomas is the first book in the Someday series. I loved everything about this book including the title, the gorgeous cover and the characters. Who doesn’t enjoy a small-town romance? A delightful and overall feel-good story.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
Profile Image for Spiritedbookishbabe .
284 reviews43 followers
January 24, 2024
This book was amazing!! It was the perfect small town romance. The characters and plot were great but interesting. I couldn’t get enough of the book. I couldn’t put it down
Profile Image for Nancy.
2,573 reviews65 followers
May 13, 2024
Love Jodi’s writing. Her characters are so well drawn. Delightful read.
Profile Image for Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader.
1,679 reviews205 followers
April 28, 2023
I read this book in one sitting. I could not put it down so much was going on and I had to read it to find out what was going on. I cannot wait until book 2 to find out if it ties up all the loose ends. I recommend this one.
Profile Image for Ashlie.
63 reviews2 followers
July 16, 2023
This book left much to be desired. I feel like too many things were left opened ended, there were too many story lines and was overall just not a style of writing I could connect with. It felt very cheesy and unrealistic.
Profile Image for Sarah.
24 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2023
i dont know what i was expecting and the writing is good per se.....i just don't think this style is for me. some of the romances felt forced, the main conflict came, went, and passed very quickly. i wanted more drama!
Profile Image for Nanette.
420 reviews19 followers
June 20, 2025
3.75*
Having enjoyed watching Ransom Canyon on Netflix based on her book, I decided to pick up this title.
Intermingling lighthearted, summer, romances are nice distractions from the more hardened, intense, thriller, murder books. I enjoyed this so much, will be reading the sequel. Some romances are sometimes a bit too fluffy, this one seemed a bit more down to earth, IMHO, especially the setting being in a very small town where all the neighbors know each other.
Profile Image for Claire Robinson.
Author 1 book52 followers
May 15, 2024
Easy and cheesy

This was a cute little cheesy read.
It was predictable and I didn't really understand the story arc of Emma and Heath. In fact it was pretty creepy and added nothing to the plot. I buddy read it , and we both agreed on this point. It ruined the story for me to be honest.

I loved Rusty and I wanted him for myself ! He's cute, caring, relatable and has great character growth throughout. I also really like the Valley and the community spirit. Jackson is lovely and quirky and although I eye rolled hard at Starris name ... she was a kind hearted young woman.

There is ALOT of insta love so be warned if you don't like that trope. Found family is strong and one sofa!
Profile Image for Katie.
951 reviews6 followers
October 19, 2023
Won this book in a Goodreads contest, and if it wasn't for that, I would have DNFed this. But I stuck it out. I thought the story was somewhat boring, and I kept getting characters mixed up.
Profile Image for Patrizia.
1,941 reviews42 followers
September 7, 2023
In questo libro ci sono più protagonisti e la storia di quanto accade loro rimane un po' in sospeso, però la lettura è stata piacevole. Dovrò leggere anche i libri successivi e questo mi ha fatto ricordare che anche la serie di cui questa è una sorta di spin-off aveva lo stesso "problema", ma io ho letto soalmente il primo libro e, nonostante sia in possesso dei tre successivi, mi sono completamente scordata della loro esistenza: dovrò rimediare...
Profile Image for Tonya Lucas.
1,266 reviews19 followers
September 6, 2023
Jodi Thomas has the most unique written voice in our time. Her witty sense of humor resonates through her characters and into her our hearts.

Strawberry Lane is like a warm blanket that wraps around you, comforts you, and leaves you believing good people and love still exists.
Profile Image for Maria.
2,477 reviews45 followers
November 30, 2022
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A delightful, entertaining read, “Strawberry Lane”, by Jodi Smith (Kensington Books, Zebra), has a set of fresh, interesting characters and explores the most unexpected romantic relationships, resulting in an often whimsical tale about the supposed underdog finding happiness.
I found this story sweet, heartwarming, with characters you want to hug because some are so lonely, yet resigned and dispassionate about it.
I loved the story about the first known sibling – Rusty – and his strong and deep connection to younger Zach, and how they bond so easily.
I was particularly taken with how Rusty finds love, friendship, tenderness, after a near fatal accident, and loved seeing the loner find happiness.
Rusty is such a strong male character. How he achieved so much after an abusive childhood, treated as a stray dog, is amazing.
I particularly liked how the author wrote his character and how he became so rich and deep throughout the story.
The connection with Amber is reluctant and hesitant, yet very compelling to watch.
The other characters are also interesting and Jackson and Starri make a sweet couple, too. A mature love with Emma and Heath is also explored, but this one seemed less natural.
I liked revisiting Honey Creek and meeting again characters from other Jodi Thomas’ stories.
The saga of Jamie Ray’s four descendents is promising and I was so intrigued by this first installment that I can’t wait for the next.
Profile Image for Charlene Keller .
137 reviews11 followers
October 16, 2023
Wow! I love a book that I can read in one sitting.
And not because it was an easy read, but because the author has a wonderful talent for writing many tangents and many characters without it being complicated, and instead it is enticing, intriguing, fun!
I want to live on strawberry Lane!
I have added this author to my list of authors that I will definitely read in the future. I hear there’s a book 2 coming out? 😉 Yay!

Thankyou to Author Jodi Thomas, Netgalley and Kensington Books/Zebra publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Charlene Keller @lastnownext 📚🌸🤗
Profile Image for Kelly.
367 reviews53 followers
May 8, 2023
Another great Honey Creek book. A sweet heartwarming story about a man who had a rough life. He has a car wreck and nearly dies. It follows him and his lawyer through his recovery and new friendships he makes with his MD and nurses. You also get to see the lawyer come to terms with his life as he also finds love. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,073 reviews207 followers
April 17, 2023
Everything this talented wordsmith writes is touched with magic and drenched in heart. She creates a world of ordinary folks struggling with real life challenges who are wholly relatable so we’re invested in their finding healing, contentment, and love. However, the synopsis for this one is a bit misleading, so go in blind or ignore what you've read.

Rusty O'Sullivan has always been an outcast and a loner. One stormy night, he flips his car while driving home. His neighbors, Ona-Mae and her nice Starri Knight, rescue Rusty and take his battered body to their little cabin. The town doctor responds to their call, and he and his long-time friend, attorney Jackson Landry, ride their horses to the cabin to provide care for Rusty until the ambulance can get there around the impassable road. This begins a series of events and unlikely friendships as Rusty's life expands in ways he never dared to dream.

At its heart, this is a story of unimagined possibilities. A young lawyer finds his footing, becoming vested in his town and its people while finding love in the last place he ever thought to look. A nurse in the autumn of her life shares her heart and love with a coma patient only to find her best years are ahead of her. A doctor and a construction worker, opposites in every possible way, find comfort and peace with each other, and a solitary, lonely man finds an array of family he holds close and would lay down his life for. It's a compelling, heartfelt story of community, friendship, and found family.


My single critique is minor, that the ending of this phenomenal story felt a little incomplete to me. Two of the romances were left open-ended with a happy for now, and even if their stories are continued in the next book, I would have loved to see an epilogue to tie up those lose ends.

That said, one of the things I love about this amazing storyteller's writing is her consistency. She keeps the focus of her stories on heart, home, healing and human fallibilities, never feeling the need to dip her toe into whatever fad is being championed by the fringe of society at a particular time. This keeps her writing authentic, relevant, and timeless, and I couldn’t love her more for it. Touching, heartfelt, and uplifting, this one is sure to leave you with a joyful heart and a smile on your face.
Profile Image for Marti.
3,293 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2023
Strawberry Lane by Jodi Thomas is a wonderful contemporary novel with a small town feel, people helping each other, and love. This book is the first book in a new series called Someday Valley. The novel focuses on a small town in Texas. The book has several main characters and the storylines all twirl around each other.

Jackson is taking over his father’s law practice after his death. He is a new lawyer and many of his cases are not traditional cases that he thought he would be dealing with. Everyday is another new challenge.

Starri Knight was found by her mother as the only survivor in a tragic car accident. Left alone, Auntie Ona-May takes her in and raises her. Another car accident brought Rusty O’Sullivan to the notice of Jackson. Auntie Ona-May and Starri kept him alive until help could arrive.

Rusty survived and with the help of many in town, began to heal. He found a family and love. He didn’t know about any siblings and suddenly he has a younger brother to help.

To me, Jodi Thomas’s novel highlighted the best part of a small town. It is possible to make connections and help people. It is the love of each person that they learn and then share is what makes the story so wonderful. Strawberry Lane by Jodi Thomas is a feel good novel, with a little love, little mystery, and lots of small town people. What a wonderful read!
Profile Image for Amy’s Booket List.
353 reviews15 followers
July 2, 2023
Sorry guys I dnf this one. I never got into the story. It started great but then fell off and I never got hooked back in. Seemed to scattered for me.
Profile Image for January.
2,826 reviews129 followers
August 16, 2024
Strawberry Lane by Jodi Thomas
Someday Valley #1
281-page Kindle story ends on page
related series Honey Creek

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Featuring: Author's Partial Bibliography, Texas near Austin, Small-Town, Lawyer, Drunken Will, Rolling Stone, Multiple POVs, Week Days, Times of Day, Abandonment, Retired Army Nurse, Farmer, Crashes, Orphans, Doctor, Nurses, Rancher, Teen, Estranged Families, Siblings, Sex - Low Details, Violence, Multiple Storylines, Crime

Teaser Chapter for Next Book Preview - The Wild Lavender Bookshop ~ Someday Valley #2 • 2 Chapters, Honey Creek series in Book Covers

Rating as a movie: PG-15 for suggestive language and situations

Books and Authors mentioned: Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🍓🐴

My thoughts: 🔖Page 37 of 281 Chapter 8 ~ Tuesday Night - It's okay, I remember why I didn't jump on this series after finishing Honey Creek.
🔖262 Chapter 51 ~ Tuesday Morning - This is all over the place but I like it. I'm so close to finishing but I don't want to be late.

It's not the best story but I enjoyed it, especially the mismatched couples. I'm looking forward to the next book.

Recommend to others?: Yes, it doesn't follow the traditional storylines but it works out.

Someday Valley
1. Strawberry Lane (2023)
2. The Wild Lavender Bookshop (2024)
Profile Image for Amanda.
344 reviews24 followers
March 1, 2023
I always love returning to Honey Creek and this was no exception. Strawberry Lane introduces the reader to new characters to instantly fall in love with as well as getting glimpses of characters they may already be familiar with if they read the previous books about Honey Creek (Pecos, I'm looking at you).

Jodi Thomas is the queen of weaving together stories of characters who stay with you, long after the book is closed. Honestly, I couldn't pick which storyline I liked better between the ones happening in this book. Starri and Jackson, Amber and Rusty, Emma and the cowboy she patiently waited for while he was in a coma, Zach - the litte brother Rusty didn't realize he had. They were all such fantastic storylines and by the end they felt like family.

I know that as long as there are books connected to Honey Creek, I'll be a faithful reader of them all.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Denise Schenk.
1,055 reviews14 followers
April 6, 2023
It's a rainy night and Rusty O'Sullivan is heading home in his beat-up Ford Falcon. The road washes out and he slides off the road and Starri Knight and her Aunt Ona-May rescue him. Starri and her auntie bring him to their cabin.
Jackson is home after completing law school and he is taking over his fathers practice and the family ranch. He wanted to work in Dallas; but due to the death of his parents he returns to Honey Creek. His client is dying and wants a will to leave his 4 boys his worldly goods. Ryan is the doctor at the local hospital and Jackson's best friend. Jackson and Ryan have to ride in on horses to get to Rusty to save his life.
Rusty is one of the sons Jackson is searching for along with 3 more brothers to track down.
The book gives a glimpse of the characters in the new story and I just loved this book. I always enjoy hos Jodi connect her characters to each other. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Hailee Wolf.
103 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It was just a fun read. I love how the characters went through so much growth, especially Rusty, from basically a hermit to a guardian of his brother. I also enjoyed Starii's character. I found her so precious. I also really liked Doctor Amber and was rooting for her and Rusty. I think this book goes to show the resilience of humans because both Rusty and Zack were abused as children, and they rose above it to make a better life for themselves.
Profile Image for Sarah Hecimovich.
227 reviews
January 21, 2025
4 ⭐️ I had no idea what this book was going into it and the writing style was a bit different than I’m used to but I actually really really enjoyed it! I found myself wanting more from all the characters by the end. My only gripe is it seems like Emma’s story was the only one that really wrapped up and I’m still not sure of the significance of her vs other characters. I’ll definitely be reading the second book though which may answer some questions.
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,087 reviews105 followers
April 24, 2023
A guilty pleasure, small town read, as I love any time I can return to Honey Creek. Jackson, just out of law school, has taken over his father’s practice. A stormy night and an accident start the connections needed to locate the sons of Jackson’s client.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books, Zebra for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Celeste.
97 reviews
August 9, 2023
Hey celeste here, don't read this. If you need more convincing here is a quote from the book, "standing there in her oversized shirt, panties and knee high socks".

I definitely judged the book by its cover for this one bc it looked so cute but there was 3 different stories happening at the same time that was hard to follow when listening to the audiobook.
Profile Image for Jessy.
137 reviews
January 9, 2023
Thank you, NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. Also a thank you to the publisher and Author.

The first book I read by Jodi Thomas and enjoyed it. A very heartwarming read. From sad to happy .
Glad that six of the characters get their happy ending and Zach finds a big brother and safe home
. Looking forward to reading the second book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 450 reviews

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