Category Archives: RaeAnne Thayne

October 18, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: Christmas at Holiday House by RaeAnne Thayne

Title: Christmas at Holiday House by RaeAnne Thayne
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 285 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In the town of Silver Bells, there’s always a feeling of Christmas in the air… Let love—and RaeAnne Thayne—melt your heart this holiday season!

This New Year will bring widowed nurse Abigail Powell a fresh start in a different city. Excited about the chance to create an unforgettable Christmas for her young son in picturesque Silver Bells, Colorado, Abby has been hired to take care of her dear friend’s recuperating grandmother. But sprightly senior Winnie insists she doesn’t need looking after. What she does need is help decorating her historic mansion, Holiday House, for a seasonal town fundraiser. Abby warms to the festive task, but she’ll have to contend with her own personal Grinch: Winnie’s prickly grandson, Ethan Lancaster.

Ethan Lancaster is good at a lot of things. Relationships surely aren’t one of them. His ex-fiancée convinced Ethan he was incapable of love, and he believes her…up until the moment he impulsively kisses Abby. What is it about this vibrant woman and her sweet son that knocks his world off-kilter? He knows they’re leaving town after Christmas. He just didn’t expect they’d be taking a little of his heart with them. But as he and Abby work together on the magical Holiday House through the record cold weather, visions of a different future dance in his head…one filled with warmth, love and a new beginning for them both.

Review:

Christmas at Holiday House by RaeAnne Thayne is a delightfully charming holiday romance.

Abby Powell is in the process of relocating to Texas in order to start fresh as she finally feels ready to move on from the tragic loss of her husband. With free time on her hands, she and her adorable five year old son Christopher travel to Silver Bells, CO to help longtime friend Lucy Lancaster’s grandmother Winnie who recently injured herself in a fall.

Abby is adept at taking care of the spirited older woman but she is out of her depth as she helps decorate Winnie’s mansion for upcoming tours. She also tamps down her fears as Lucy’s brother Ethan offers to help Christopher experience winter sports for the first time. Although Abby never loses sight of her upcoming plans, she delights in the new friendships she is making as she helps Winnie with a charity event. She also fights her unexpected attraction to Ethan, who believes love is just not in the cards for him considering his failed engagement and turbulent childhood.  Will the upcoming holidays work a little magic for this well-matched but cautious couple?

Abby is a wonderful mom who is a little tentative but determined not hold her son back due to her own concerns. Although sometimes a little reluctant, she is surprised at how much she is enjoying helping Winnie.  Despite her contentment with everything Silver Bells has to offer, Abby does not seriously entertain thoughts about altering the plans she has already set in motion.  But will she change her mind as her feelings for Ethan deepen?

After his grandmother’s fall, Ethan returns home determined to convince Winnie to move into assisted living. He relents after Abby agrees to stay but he tries to spend more time with his grandmother. Ethan is surprised that he is so drawn to Abby and Christopher. He cannot forget his ex-fiancée’s harsh assessment of him when she ended their engagement. But as he realizes the depth of his emotions, will Ethan risk his heart again?

A secondary story arc involves Lucy and her strained relationship with longtime friend José Navarro.  After witnessing her parents’ volatile relationships throughout her childhood, Lucy moves frequently and refuses to enter into a committed relationship. She and  José spend time together every year but a few months ago, their relationship changed.  Due to her fears, Lucy pushes him away, but is she making a mistake by not giving him a chance?

Christmas at Holiday House is a light-hearted holiday romance with a lovely cast of characters and marvelous setting.  The storyline is well-written with realistic issues that will resonate with readers. The town Silver Springs is warmly inviting with kind-hearted residents. Old and new fans of RaeAnne Thayne are sure to enjoy this heartwarming and uplifting story of  friendship, healing and love.

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Filed under Christmas at Holiday House, Contemporary, HQN Books, RaeAnne Thayne, Rated B, Review, Romance

March 16, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Sea Glass Cottage by RaeAnne Thayne

Title: The Sea Glass Cottage by RaeAnne Thayne
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From the New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne comes a brand-new novel for fans of Debbie Macomber and Susan Wiggs. RaeAnne Thayne tells the story of an emotional homecoming that brings hope and healing to three generations of women.

The life Olivia Harper always dreamed of isn’t so dreamy these days. The 16-hour work days are unfulfilling and so are things with her on-again, off-again boyfriend. But when she hears that her estranged mother, Juliet, has been seriously injured in a car accident, Liv has no choice but to pack up her life and head home to beautiful Cape Sanctuary on the Northern California coast.

It’s just for a few months—that’s what Liv keeps telling herself. But the closer she gets to Cape Sanctuary, the painful memories start flooding back: Natalie, her vibrant, passionate older sister who downward-spiraled into addiction. The fights with her mother who enabled her sister at every turn. The overdose that took Natalie, leaving her now-teenaged daughter, Caitlin, an orphan.

As Liv tries to balance her own needs with those of her injured mother and an obstinate, resentful fifteen-year-old, it becomes clear that all three Harper women have been keeping heartbreaking secrets from one another. And as those secrets are revealed, Liv, Juliet, and Caitlin will see that it’s never too late—or too early—to heal family wounds and find forgiveness.

Review:

The Sea Glass Cottage by RaeAnne Thayne is a delightful novel of healing, new beginnings and love.

Olivia “Liv” Harper left her home town of Cape Sanctuary for college and never looked back. Now settled in Seattle, she is working long hours between her regular job and her start up media business.   But when Liv hears that her slightly estranged mother Juliet has been injured in a fall, she does not hesitate to rush to her side.  Will spending extra time with Juliet help mend the rift between them?

Liv is a bit annoying in the beginning as she lets her fears and shame control her. She is also in over her head at the family owned nursery but she works hard to keep the business going.  She is patient with her mother who does not like to accept help from others. Liv is also troubled by her fifteen year niece Caitlin’s sudden animosity towards her.  But she is somewhat overwhelmed with juggling her mother’s care, the family nursery and keeping up with her businesses so she does not have the energy to delve deeper into what is bothering her niece.

Juliet has been on her own ever since her beloved husband passed away years earlier. She had no choice but to dedicate long hours to saving the family business and deal with her oldest daughter Natalie’s drug addiction. Unfortunately her relationship with Liv suffered and they have never quite fixed their still lingering issues. Although grateful for Liv’s help, Juliet struggles with being the person on the receiving end of assistance.

Caitlin absolutely adores her grandmother but in recent months, she has actively been trying to find out more information about her father. With the help of her best friend, Jake Cragun, she has settled on a plan of action. In the course of trying to find out more details about her mom, Caitlin stumbled across distressing information that she has allowed to color her viewpoint of her aunt Liv. Seething with resentment, Caitlin shuts out everyone but Jake as she continues searching for her dad.

In between the family and personal dramas, both Liv and Juliet are surprised when the possibility of romance arises. Liv has been keeping a secret for quite some time and she uses it as an excuse to put the brakes on a budding  romance with Jake’s dad, Henry. Liv’s childhood crush Cooper Vance has returned to town and she is a bit embarrassed when by the realization she is still attracted to him. When he expresses an interest in her, will Liv allow her fears of getting hurt prevent her from taking a chance on love?

With a serene setting and appealing characters, The Sea Glass Cottage is a captivating novel of hope and forgiveness.  The characters are vibrantly developed and they grow and evolve over the course of the story.  This newest release by  RaeAnne Thayne is heartfelt a story with realistic issues that will resonate with readers.

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, HQN Books, RaeAnne Thayne, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Seaglass Cottage

March 24, 2019 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Cliff House by RaeAnne Thayne

Title: The Cliff House by RaeAnne Thayne
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Three women—two sisters and their aunt—and the cliff house on the northern California coast that served as a beacon to them all…

After the death of their mother, sisters Daisy and Beatriz Davenport found a home with their aunt Stella in the beautiful and welcoming town of Cape Sanctuary. They never knew all the dreams that Stella sacrificed to ensure they had everything they’d ever need. Now, with Daisy and Bea grown, it’s time for Stella to reveal the secret she’s been keeping from them—a secret that will change their family forever.

Bea thought she’d sown all her wild oats when she got pregnant far too young. The marriage that followed was rocky and not destined to last, but it gave Bea her wonderful, mature, now eleven-year-old daughter, Marisol. But just as she’s beginning to pursue a new love with an old friend, Bea’s ex-husband resurfaces and turns their lives completely upside down.

Then there’s Daisy—sensible, rational, financially prudent Daisy. She’s never taken a risk in her life—until she meets a man who makes her question everything she thought she knew about life, love and the power of taking chances.

In this heartwarming story, Stella, Bea and Daisy will discover that the path to true happiness is filled with twists and turns, but love always leads them back home.

Review:

The Cliff House by RaeAnne Thayne is an engaging novel of family, love and healing.

Daisy Daveport McClure is a no-nonsense accountant who lives an orderly, controlled life.  Which is why she is so surprised when an adorable stray dog completely steals her heart.  And so does Gabe Ellison, the stranger who found the cute little dog. Is it possible that she is ready to open her heart to the possibility of love? Or is Daisy’s complicated past going to prevent her from taking a risk on happiness?

Beatriz “Bea” Romero is the complete opposite of her older sister Daisy. Bea is spontaneous and open to new adventures but as a divorced mom, her life is bit more structured nowadays. She has a friendly relationship with her ex-husband, bad boy rocker Cruz, but she is stunned when he wants to get back together with her. Not only does she have nothing in common with her ex, but Bea has recently realized she is in love with her best friend, Shane Landry.  She  is finding it difficult to convince Cruz she has no interest in a reconciliation. Bea has finally worked up the courage to confess her feelings to Shane, but will he believe her?

Daisy and Bea’s beloved aunt Stella raised them following their mother’s death.  She is also a beloved teacher and foster mom who works tirelessly to raise money for her charity. Having put her life on hold for many years, Stella’s secret dream is about to come to fruition.  With many changes coming her way, she is absolutely stunned when the love of her life, Dr. Ed Clayton, unexpectedly comes back into her life. Will Ed forgive Stella for abruptly ending their relationship all those years ago? Is it too late for the couple to reconcile?

RaeAnne Thayne’s The Cliff House is an emotional novel of new beginnings and love. The storyline is compelling and the characters are well-rounded and quite likable. Daisy, Bea and Stella are at a crossroads in their lives but will the paths they choose bring them the happiness they so richly deserve?

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, HQN Books, RaeAnne Thayne, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Cliff House, Women's Fiction

October 9, 2016 · 11:58 pm

Review: Snowfall on Haven Point by RaeAnne Thayne

Title: Snowfall on Haven Point by RaeAnne Thayne
Haven Point Series Book Five
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

There’s no place like Haven Point for the holidays, where the snow conspires to bring two wary hearts together for a Christmas to remember

It’s been two rough years since Andrea Montgomery lost her husband, and all she wants is for her children to enjoy their first Christmas in Haven Point. But then Andie’s friend asks a favor—to keep an eye on her brother, Sheriff Marshall Bailey, who’s recovering from a hit and run. Andie will do anything for Wyn, even park her own misgivings to check on her grouchy, wounded bear of a brother.

Marshall hates feeling defenseless and resents the protective impulses that Andie brings out in him. But when a blizzard forces them together for the holidays, something in Marshall begins to thaw. Andie’s gentle nature is a salve, and her kids’ excitement for the holidays makes him forget why he never wanted a family. If only he and Andie can admit what they really want—each other—their Christmas wishes might come true after all.

Review:

With a heartwarming small-town setting, two adorable children and a wonderful pairing of a widow and a sheriff, Snowfall on Haven Point by RaeAnne Thayne is an absolutely charming holiday romance. This fifth installment in the Haven Point series can easily be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the previous novels as well.

The past two years have been quite challenging for Andrea “Andie” Montgomery but she is determined to make this Christmas memorable for her children, six year old Chloe and four year old Will.  A policeman’s widow who was betrayed in the worst possible way by her late husband’s partner, she refuses to let the events of the past define her.  When her good friend Wynona asks her to help out with her injured brother, Sheriff Marshall Bailey, Andie is reluctant to spend time with the gruff man who makes rattles her every time she sees him.  With her kids by her side to act as a buffer, she quells her nerves long enough to deliver meals to her housebound  neighbor.  Watching the gentle way Marshall interacts with Chloe and Will provides Andie with a new perspective of the taciturn sheriff and she is shocked to discover she is attracted to him.  Is there more to her sudden interest in Marshall than just attraction?  If so, will Andie risk her heart on another man in law enforcement?

Andie has had more than her share of tragedy in her life but she has proven to be surprisingly resilient in the face of adversity.  Nothing is more important to her than her kids and their happiness and she hopes this Christmas will help them recover from the traumatic events from a few months earlier.  Although she is good friends with Wyn, she and Marshall have not spent much time in other’s company. Despite her anxiety when she is around him, Andie refuses to be intimidated by his insistence he does not need her help. This provides her the opportunity to really take charge of her fears and as a result, she truly begins to heal from the misfortune she has experienced and she becomes much stronger and secure.  However,  she refuses to relinquish her desire to protect herself from future heartbreak so Andie refuses to give in to her growing feelings for Marshall.

Marshall is a workaholic whose devotion to his career is admirable but his long hours leave him little time for friends or family.  Not wanting to admit to any weakness, he never stops trying to push Andie away but she gently yet firmly ignores his request to let him deal with his injury on his own.  Suddenly and inexplicably, Marshall finds himself looking forward to visits from her and the kids but he is sure this is due to the extended amount of time on his own. He has plenty of distractions to keep him occupied but Andie is never far from his thoughts.

Despite the somewhat rocky beginning to their relationship, Marshall and Andie have a mutual respect for each other and their uneasy friendship is underscored by an unexpected mutual attraction.  Andie is quite observant and she sees more than Marshall is comfortable with, but she quickly becomes a trusted confidant as he tries to work through the complications in both his personal and professional lives.  As Andie spends time with Marshall, she realizes that she will eventually begin dating again, but she clings to her assertion she won’t become involved with another cop.  There is a little bit of a push/pull between them as they grow close only to have their unresolved issues prevent them from fully committing to one another.  Marshall is the first to envision a future together but will he convince Andie to give him a chance despite her fears?

Snowfall on Haven Point is an absolutely marvelous addition to the Haven Point series.  The characters are multi-faceted with realistic strengths and weakness. The novel is well-written with a slight suspense element in addition to the developing relationship between the lead protagonists. The romance between Marshall and Andie is believable and despite the obvious chemistry between them, their interactions are limited to some very steamy kisses.  Old and new fans of RaeAnne Thayne are going to love this sweet holiday romance that takes place in a wonderfully inviting, close-knot community.

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, Haven Point Series, HQN Books, RaeAnne Thayne, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Snowfall on Haven Point

September 21, 2015 · 11:57 pm

Review: Evergreen Springs by RaeAnne Thayne

evergreenTitle: Evergreen Springs by RaeAnne Thayne
Haven Point Series Book Three
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Celebrate the magic of Christmas in Haven Point with New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne, where hope, home and happily-ever-after are as close as your holiday stocking… 

Christmas is the last thing on Cole Barrett’s mind this year. He’s barely hanging on trying to care for his two grieving children since his ex-wife died in a tragic accident. For the reclusive Cole, this is no time for gift-giving and celebration—and certainly not for a sunny-natured optimist to blow into his screwed-up life.

Physician Devin Shaw has long researched the curative powers of Lake Haven’s mineral waters. Unfortunately, the hot springs are on Barrett property, forcing Devin to strike a bargain with the ranch’s attractively gruff owner: she’ll give Cole’s children a magical Christmas, and Cole will allow her patients access to the springs. But can she work her holiday magic to heal the Barrett family’s battered hearts—and her own?

Review:

Evergreen Springs is a beautiful story of redemption, forgiveness and second chances. This latest release by RaeAnne Thayne is a heartwarming holiday romance that is sure to delight old and new fans of the wonderful Haven Point series.

Devin Shaw is a caring and compassionate doctor who wants to fix every problem she encounters. So when she meets rancher Cole Barrett and his two adorable children Jazmyn and Ty and realizes they could use some short term assistance, she is quick to volunteer her help. She is immediately drawn to the taciturn cowboy but he is very closed off and reluctant to accept outside assistance. The two strike up a deal and Devin slowly but surely works her way past his formidable defenses. But will Cole’s inability to forgive himself for past mistakes ruin their chance at happiness?

Nothing much ruffles Devin’s calm demeanor. She is incredibly patient, cool under pressure and positively radiates serenity. All of these characteristics make her absolutely the perfect person to help Cole and his two children. Without knowing anything about the family except they need help, she swiftly reaches out to her sister ( who also happens to be the town’s mayor) and together, they come up with a plan of action to provide them assistance. Stepping in to help care for the grieving children is a little bittersweet given her circumstances, but Devin has such a big heart that it is impossible for her not to care for them.  She is never put off by Cole’s gruffness or aloofness and she never quits trying to convince him to stop letting his past define him.

Cole is completely out of his depth with his kids but there is never any doubt how much he loves them. He has a very troubled past and while he has completely turned his life around, he refuses to forgive himself for his transgressions. Although he is very devoted to his sister, Cole stubbornly refuses to let his estranged father back into his life. He tries to distance himself from Devin but she slowly makes him realize that his children’s needs are more important than his self-imposed isolation. Cole gradually opens up to her but because he continues to define himself by the man he used to be, he pushes her away as their feelings for one another deepen.

An uplifting story of healing, Evergreen Springs is also a sweet romance that is heartfelt and engaging. The characters are complex and appealing with realistic shortcomings and believable issues to overcome. This captivating addition to RaeAnne Thayne’s Haven Point series is a thoroughly charming novel that fans of small town love stories are sure to love.

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Filed under Contemporary, Evergreen Springs, Harlequin, Haven Point Series, HQN Books, RaeAnne Thayne, Rated B+, Review, Romance

June 24, 2015 · 11:58 pm

Review: Redemption Bay by RaeAnne Thayne

redemption bayTitle: Redemption Bay by RaeAnne Thayne
Haven Point Series Book Two
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating:

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Summary:

New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne brings you back to Haven Point—a place made for second chances…

McKenzie Shaw would do anything for her hometown of Haven Point. It may be small, but it’s never let her down…unlike gorgeous, infuriating Ben Kilpatrick. He was her childhood hero until he closed his family’s factory, leaving the town’s economy in shambles. Now his tech firm is considering opening a local facility. For Haven Point’s sake, McKenzie has to grit her teeth and play nice.

What could a town filled with painful memories ever offer Ben? Yet seeing the town through the eyes of McKenzie—its fiery young mayor—he suddenly has his answer. If only he can resolve the animosity crackling between them, Ben may have found the place where he can build ties and find healing…a place where love arrives when it’s least expected.

Review:

Redemption Bay is the latest addition to RaeAnne Thayne’s heartwarming Haven Point series. In this delightful outing, mayor McKenzie Shaw is dismayed to learn that Ben Kilpatrick, the man she holds responsible for destroying the town’s economy, is renting the house next door. She tries to rein in her long standing animosity when she discovers he is scouting locations for a new business and that Haven Point is on the short list of possibilities. However, letting go of the past is not easy for neither McKenzie nor Ben but a looming disaster provides both of them with unexpected clarity that changes the course of their relationship.

McKenzie loves the close-knit town she calls home and she has never forgiven Ben for closing down the business he inherited after his father’s death. His lack of attention to his other properties also contributed to the town’s economic loss and although he has sold the property, most of the townspeople share McKenzie’s hostility toward him. When his friend and business partner insists Ben return to his old hometown to see if it is viable option for a new venture, he reluctantly agrees although he has serious reservations about opening a facility in Haven Point. Despite her lingering resentment, McKenzie insists on showing him all of the good things that the town has to offer and Ben finds himself enjoying her company and experiencing the local community through her eyes. Can McKenzie convince Ben to let go of the painful memories that haunt him and give Haven Point a second chance? Or is she doomed to have her heart broken by the man she is beginning to fall in love with?

McKenzie is relentlessly upbeat and positive in every situation. Even when faced with some of the town’s grumpiest, disgruntled citizens, she remains cheerful and good natured which probably explains why she is a little disconcerted by her continued bitterness toward Ben. She makes a concerted effort to give him the benefit of the doubt and since she not only loves Haven Point, but completely believes that the town is the best choice for his new business, she graciously offers to escort him to the community’s upcoming events. She is dismayed to discover her childhood crush on him has matured into attraction but since Ben is adamant he will not return permanently, McKenzie refuses to act on her feelings.

Ben’s childhood was anything but happy and he could not wait to leave Haven Point behind. He is a successful businessman who works long hours, leaving himself little time to dwell on his painful past. Ben is closed off, rather unemotional and makes his business decisions based on logic not instinct or sentiment. When his mom reveals shocking information about his past, Ben begins to see long ago events from a completely different perspective, but will this change his mind about Haven Point? More importantly, as he begins to make peace with his past will he allow McKenzie into his heart?

Although a bit of a slow starter, Redemption Bay is an engaging novel with an appealing cast of multi-faceted characters. The romance between MckKenzie and Ben is very sweet and as their feelings for one another deepen, they begin to heal from the hurts from their respective pasts. This heartfelt and uplifting love story is an absolutely outstanding addition to the Haven Point series and I highly recommend it to readers of contemporary romances who enjoy homespun stories with a small town setting.

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Filed under Contemporary, Haven Point Series, HQN Books, RaeAnne Thayne, Rated B, Redemption Bay, Review, Romance