Category Archives: Sullivans Crossing Series

January 6, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Country Guesthouse by Robyn Carr

Title: The Country Guesthouse by Robyn Carr
Sullivan’s Crossing Series Book Five
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr delivers an emotional and triumphant novel about the fierce power of a mother’s love.

A summer rental, a new beginning…

Hannah Russell’s carefully crafted plans for her life have been upended without warning. When her best friend died suddenly, Hannah became guardian to a five-year-old named Noah. With no experience at motherhood, she’s terrified she’s not up to the challenge. She and Noah need time to get to know each other, so she decides to rent a country house with stunning views on a lake in rural Colorado.

When they arrive at the house, they are greeted by the owner, a handsome man who promises to stay out of their way. But his clumsy Great Dane, Romeo, has other ideas and Noah immediately bonds with the lovable dog. As Hannah learns to become a mother, Owen Abrams, who is recovering from his own grief, can’t help but be drawn out of his solitude by his guests.

But life throws more challenges at this unlikely trio and they are tested in ways they never thought possible. All three will discover their strengths and, despite their differences, they will fight to become a family. And the people of Sullivan’s Crossing will rally around them to offer all of the support they need.

Review:

The Country Guesthouse by Robyn Carr is a heartwarming romance of friendship, healing and love. This fifth installment in the Sullivan’s Crossing series can be read as a standalone.

Thirty-five year old Hannah Russell has just broken her engagement when her best friend, Erin Waters, unexpectedly passes away.  Now the guardian of Erin’s five year old son Noah, Hannah decides to rent a lakeside house in Colorado so she and Noah can settle into their life. Unbeknownst to Hannah, the home’s owner, photographer Owen Abrams and his goofy but lovable dog Romeo, are about to become an integral part of both her and Noah’s healing process.

With two broken engagements behind her, Hannah is not looking for love as she figures out her and Noah’s future. But Owen soon becomes a fixture in their daily routine as she sorts out key aspects of Noah’s care.  She looks forward to spending time with Owen, but Noah remains her priority. Uncertain about how her career will fit in with motherhood, Hannah and Noah extend their time with Owen in order to decide her next steps.

Following a tragedy, Owen now leads a very solitary life both at home and during his travels.  He has not had a serious relationship since his divorce and he is content with the status quo. Owen is surprised by how quickly Noah and Hannah become an cherished part of his life.  Will Owen be able to convince Hannah and Noah to take a chance on a new life with him?

Hannah, Noah and Owen’s tranquility is disturbed when Erin’s estranged mother enters their lives. Hannah will do anything to protect Noah and she is grateful for the love and support of her new friends  in Sullivan’s Crossing.  With the full protection of Owen and her friends, Hannah is prepared to do whatever it takes to shield Noah from his grandmother.

The Country Guesthouse is a charming novel of new beginnings. Hannah, Noah and Owen are delightful characters who are vibrantly developed and easy to root for. The storyline is well-written and engaging.  The setting is idyllic and vividly springs to life. Robyn Carr brings this heartfelt novel to an uplifting conclusion. A wonderful addition to the Sullivan’s Crossing series that old and new fans are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, Mira, Rated B, Review, Robyn Carr, Romance, Sullivans Crossing Series, The Country Guesthouse

January 13, 2019 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Best of Us by Robyn Carr

Title: The Best of Us by Robyn Carr
Sullivan’s Crossing Series Book Four
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In Sullivan’s Crossing, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr has created a place where good people, powerful emotions, great humor and a healthy dose of common sense are the key ingredients to a happy life. Sullivan’s Crossing brings out the best in people. It’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again.

Dr. Leigh Culver loves practicing medicine in Timberlake, Colorado. It is a much-needed change of pace from her stressful life in Chicago. The only drawback is she misses her aunt Helen, the woman who raised her. But it’s time that Leigh has her independence, and she hopes the beauty of the Colorado wilderness will entice her aunt to visit often.

Helen Culver is an independent woman who lovingly raised her sister’s orphaned child. Now, with Leigh grown, it’s time for her to live life for herself. The retired teacher has become a successful mystery writer who loves to travel and intends to never experience winter again.

When Helen visits Leigh, she is surprised to find her niece still needs her, especially when it comes to sorting out her love life. But the biggest surprise comes when Leigh takes Helen out to Sullivan’s Crossing and Helen finds herself falling for the place and one special person. Helen and Leigh will each have to decide if they can open themselves up to love neither expected to find and seize the opportunity to live their best lives.

Review:

The Best of Us by Robyn Carr is delightfully charming romance featuring two love stories. Although this newest release is the fourth installment in the Sullivan’s Crossing series, it can be read as a standalone.

Dr. Leigh Culver has no regrets about relocating to the small town of Timberlake. She is enjoying the slower pace and her new friendship with camp ground owner Sully. Having had her heart broken years earlier by her high school sweetheart, Leigh is not looking for love. But after pub owner Rob Shandon brings his teenage son Finn to the clinic for stitches, she is surprised when he asks her out. Since the widowed father of two is not looking for a permanent relationship, Leigh sees no harm in dating him. Their not so secret romance takes an unexpectedly serious turn but is Leigh ready to commit to a future with Rob?

Leigh’s aunt Helen is a retired school teacher and a successful author. Having raised Leigh after her sister’s death, Helen is enjoying the freedom to travel and visit friends across the country.  After selling her house in Illinois, she plans to spend the summer with Leigh while working on her current novel.  After her niece introduces her to Sully, Helen begins spending quiet, slow-paced days with him his campground.  Despite having little in common, Sully and Helen become fast friends and both are shocked to discover their feelings go deeper than friendship.

Leigh and Rob’s relationship is sizzling hot but they do not plan on their romance becoming serious. Rob is the first to realize he is falling in love but Leigh tends to keep him at an emotional distance.  Leigh is not exactly ready to admit to herself that she might feel more for Rob than lust, but her memories of her previous heartbreak still haunt her. When circumstances force them to consider a future together, will Rob convince Leigh to consider taking their relationship to the next level?

The Best of Us by Robyn Carr is a sweet novel of family, friendship and love. All of the characters are well-drawn and multi-dimensional. Rob and Leigh’s relationship is quite passionate but Leigh has a lot of a growing to do before she is ready to risk her heart again.  Helen and Sully’s romance is quite endearing and tugs on readers’ heartstrings. The tight-knit community welcomes newcomers into their fold and the small town setting is quite homey. This newest addition to the Sullivan’s Crossing series is a warm and heartfelt novel that old and new fans are sure to love.

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, Mira, Rated B, Review, Robyn Carr, Romance, Sullivans Crossing Series, The Best of Us

April 15, 2018 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Family Gathering by Robyn Carr

Title: The Family Gathering by Robyn Carr
Sullivan’s Crossing Series Book Three
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

An exceptional storyteller, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr beautifully captures the emotionally charged, complex dynamics that come with being part of any family. Readers will laugh and shed a few tears as they discover what it means to be loved, supported and accepted by the people who mean the most.

Having left the military, Dakota Jones is at a crossroads in his life. With his elder brother and youngest sister happily settled in Sullivan’s Crossing, he shows up hoping to clear his head before moving on to his next adventure. But, like every visitor to the Crossing, he’s immediately drawn to the down-to-earth people and the seemingly simple way of life.

Dakota is unprepared for how quickly things get complicated. As a newcomer, he is on everyone’s radar—especially the single women in town. While he enjoys the attention at first, he’s really only attracted to the one woman who isn’t interested. And spending quality time with his siblings is eye-opening. As he gets to know them, he also gets to know himself and what he truly wants.

When all the Jones siblings gather for a family wedding, the four adults are drawn together for the first time in a way they never were as children. As they struggle to accept each other, warts and all, the true nature and strength of their bond is tested. But all of them come to realize that your family are the people who see you for who you really are and love you anyway. And for Dakota, that truth allows him to find the home and family he’s always wanted.

Review:

The Family Gathering by Robyn Carr is a sweet, family-centric romance. This third installment in the marvelous Sullivan’s Crossing series can stand on its own, but I highly encourage readers to read the previous books for important backstory.

Dakota Jones shocks his brother Cal and his sister Sierra with his unexpected arrival in Colorado. The former Army Ranger has not exactly kept in touch on a regular basis so no one in the family is aware of what has been going on with their brother recently. Since he rarely stays in one place for very long, Dakota surprises himself by renting a cabin and finding a job soon after coming to town. Even more astonishing, he strikes up a friendship with romance potential but their relationship is complicated by her trust issues and interference from hairstylist Alyssa and overly aggressive Neely Benedict.  An additional and very unanticipated complication arises when the siblings’ sister Sedona comes to town sans family and they discover she, too, has not emerged from their tumultuous childhood unscathed.  Will this unforeseen drama send Dakota running? Or will it be the impetus he needs to finally put down roots?

Dakota joined the Army as soon he graduated from high school and rarely looked back. His sporadic visits to the family farm have gradually tapered off but he always kept in touch with his siblings. Following his surprising exodus from the Army, Dakota is ready to spend some quality time with his siblings but he is not quite ready to make a commitment to remain permanently in Colorado.  However, as he becomes more enmeshed in his siblings’ day to day lives and their extended families, Dakota discovers walking away won’t be as easy as it proved to be in the past.

Although he is not looking for a permanent relationship, Dakota is not averse to a no strings fling. The first woman who briefly catches his eye is Alyssa but she comes across as a little too desperate to hold his attention. Dakota next meets Neely whose hot and cold attitude is not exactly his thing and he quickly falls victim to her penchant for wreaking havoc once she realizes his interest lies elsewhere.

Dakota is quickly smitten by a very unexpected woman but she is not at all ready for a romance. His patience with her finally pays off when their easygoing friendship gradually tips into a physical relationship but she is wary of committing to anything other than a temporary fling.  Dakota is initially fine with the status quo but when his feelings for her deepen into something that looks a lot like love, will he convince her to take a chance on taking their relationship to the next level?

On the family front, the only sibling whose life is without complications is Cal. Sierra and her firefighter boyfriend are contemplating the next step in their relationship but are they ready for an even bigger change in their lives? Always considered the “normal” one, Sedona’s life is nowhere near as perfect or untroubled as everyone else (including Sedona) assumed and she is finally forced to face her worse fears. Instead of running away from these  obstacles, Dakota surprises himself and his siblings by eagerly stepping into the fray.

The Family Gathering is an emotionally-charged, engrossing novel with a thought-provoking storyline and a lovely cast of colorful characters. Dakota is a wonderful lead protagonist and watching him make peace with his past while discovering what he wants for the future is incredibly gratifying. Robyn Carr keeps the story moving at a brisk pace as she wraps up a few dangling storylines from earlier works. With a great cast of characters, a hint of suspense and a delightful love story, old and new fans will find themselves charmed by this newest addition to the heartwarming Sullivan’s Crossing series.

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, Mira, Rated B, Review, Robyn Carr, Romance, Sullivans Crossing Series, The Family Gathering, Women's Fiction

April 17, 2017 · 11:58 pm

Review: Any Day Now by Robyn Carr

Title: Any Day Now by Robyn Carr
Sullivan’s Crossing Series Book Two
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating:B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The highly anticipated sequel to #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr’s What We Find transports readers back to Sullivan’s Crossing. The rustic campground at the crossroads of the Colorado and Continental Divide trails welcomes everyone—whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or a whole new lease on life. It’s a wonderful place where good people face their challenges with humor, strength and love.

For Sierra Jones, Sullivan’s Crossing is meant to be a brief stopover. She’s put her troubled past behind her but the path forward isn’t yet clear. A visit with her big brother Cal and his new bride, Maggie, seems to be the best option to help her get back on her feet.

Not wanting to burden or depend on anyone, Sierra is surprised to find the Crossing offers so much more than a place to rest her head. Cal and Maggie welcome her into their busy lives and she quickly finds herself bonding with Sully, the quirky campground owner who is the father figure she’s always wanted. But when her past catches up with her, it’s a special man and an adorable puppy who give her the strength to face the truth and fight for a brighter future. In Sullivan’s Crossing Sierra learns to cherish the family you are given and the family you choose.

Review:

Any Day Now by Robyn Carr is a captivating novel of new beginnings, healing and love. This second installment in the Sullivan’s Crossing series can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the first book in the series as well.

Sierra Jones has finally gotten her life back on track and moving closer to her older brother Cal and his new wife Maggie provides her the opportunity to leave her troubled past behind. She quickly finds a new job but when she needs a less stressful place to live, she takes Sully (Maggie’s father) up on his offer to live in one of the cabins at his campground. In exchange for her living accommodations, she is more than happy to fill in wherever Sully needs an extra hand.  Easily settling into the slower pace of life and forming new friendships, Sierra is not looking for love but will meeting firefighter Conrad “Connie” Boyle change her mind?

Sierra has worked hard to leave behind her poor choices and concentrate on turning her life around. While at first, she was just trying to escape from a truly horrifying experience, she instead discovered she had more problems than she imagined. Through hard work and determination, she manged to overcome several of her demons but she continues to work on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Needing a fresh start and wanting to reconnect with Cal, Sierra is looking forward to her new life in Sullivan’s Crossing. Despite her past troubles, she is well-adjusted and upbeat with a refreshingly positive attitude. Living one day at a time, Sierra is not looking too far in the future when she meets Connie.

Having his heart broken in the past, Connie is not looking for a serious relationship when he is introduced to Sierra. He is rather wary when their paths continue to cross but he is also quite drawn to her as well. Once their friendship begins to deepen, Connie is surprisingly open to exploring his unexpected feelings for her. He is content to let Sierra control the direction of their surprising romance, but he does become a little impatient over her reluctance to fully confide in him once she is ready to fully face her past.

A secondary story arc featuring Tom Canaday and Sierra’s co-worker Lola will delight readers who are fond of older characters unexpectedly finding love. Although it has taken a while, Tom is finally moving on from his divorce and he is suddenly viewing Lola in a whole new light. However, Lola’s life is plenty busy and lacking self-confidence when it comes to dating, she is not exactly looking for a relationship. Once they realize how much they have in common, an easy friendship springs up between them, but Tom never gives up hope Lola will eventually be open to taking their relationship to the next level.

Any Day Now is a heartwarming novel with a wonderful cast of charming characters and an engaging storyline. Sierra and Connie are an appealing couple and they are refreshingly well-adjusted despite the issues they have dealt with in the past. Their friendship provides a firm foundation for their slow growing romance and their relationship is delightfully free from unnecessary angst or drama. The issues from Sierra’s past are serious and provide the storyline with plenty of depth. Robyn Carr deftly handles this difficult subject matter in a sensitive and realistic manner. Old and new fans will absolutely love this latest addition to the Sullivan’s Crossing series.

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Filed under Any Day Now, Contemporary, Harlequin, Mira, Rated B+, Review, Robyn Carr, Romance, Sullivans Crossing Series

March 30, 2016 · 11:58 pm

Review: What We Find by Robyn Carr

Title: What We Find by Robyn Carr
Sullivan’s Crossing Series Book One
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Join Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Virgin River and Thunder Point series, as she explores the healing powers of rural Colorado in a brand-new story of fresh starts, budding relationships and one woman’s journey to finding the happiness she’s long been missing 

Between the urban bustle of Denver and the high-stress environment of a career in neurosurgery, Maggie Sullivan has hit a wall. When an emergency high-risk procedure results in the death of a teenager, Maggie finds herself in the middle of a lawsuit—and experiencing levels of anxiety she’s never faced before. She knows she needs to slow down before she burns out completely, and the best place she can think to do that is Sullivan’s Crossing.

Named for Maggie’s great-grandfather, the land and charming general store at the crossroads of the Colorado and the Continental Divide Trails have been passed down through the generations and now belong to Maggie’s eccentric father, Sully. When she shows up unannounced, he welcomes her with open arms, and she relishes the opportunity to indulge in his simple way of life.

But shortly after arriving, Maggie’s world is rocked once again and she must take on more responsibility than she’d planned. Though she’s relieved a quiet and serious-looking hiker, Cal Jones, is willing to lend a hand, Maggie is suspicious of this mysterious man’s eagerness to help—until she finds out the true reason for his deliberate isolation.

Though Cal and Maggie each struggle with loss and loneliness, the time they spend together gives Maggie hope for something brighter just on the horizon…if only they can learn to find peace and healing—and perhaps love—with each other.

Review:

With What We Find, Robyn Carr’s newest series, Sullivan’s Crossing, is off to a fantastic beginning.  Set in Colorado, this first installment pairs neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan with mysterious stranger Cal Jones and their unexpected romance is absolutely delightful.

When Maggie’s professional and personal worlds implode, she retreats to her family’s campground for a much needed break.  Immediately after her arrival, her beloved father Sully suffers a heart attack and what is supposed to be a short stay lengthens as she helps him through his recovery and pitches in as needed around the camp. Along with the regular employees, camper Cal volunteers to help them prepare the campground for the upcoming season. Although Maggie appreciates his help, she cannot help but be a little suspicious of the enigmatic outsider. While Cal does not reveal much information about his past, Maggie slowly begins to trust him and their friendship slowly turns romantic. With both of them at a crossroads in their lives, will their love affair survive once summer ends?

Emotionally depleted and somewhat depressed, Maggie is in desperate need of a break when she returns to Sullivan’s Crossing.  Although she is a talented and highly competent neurosurgeon, her career is unsettled due to an impending court case  and her partners’ misconduct.  Her personal life is in shambles following a heartbreaking loss and the abrupt end to her relationship with another doctor.  Maggie loves performing surgery and helping her patients but the business aspect of her job is rather draining.  She is somewhat in limbo as she tries to decide what she wants both professionally and personally and her unexpected sabbatical provides her the opportunity to reconnect with Sully while at the same time deciding what she wants for her future.

Cal is friendly and well-liked by everyone at the campground but he is very close-mouthed about his past.  He reveals just enough to alleviate Maggie’s qualms but he easily deflects her more in-depth questions.  Despite his reticence to talk about himself, Cal is always upfront and honest with Maggie about his intentions and plans. After re-evaluating his priorities and coming to term with a tragic loss, Cal is ready to move forward but he still remains uncertain exactly what comes next for not only himself, but his relationship with Maggie.

Despite Maggie’s initial doubts and misgivings about Cal, the two quickly form an easygoing friendship.  Their romance is slow-growing but passionate and free from conflict despite their uncertain futures. They are very supportive of one another as they talk through their problems and they respect one another’s boundaries.  When Cal begins to pull away from her, Maggie does not hesitate to confront him when doubts begin to creep in.

What We Find is a leisurely paced novel with an engaging storyline, a picturesque setting and a marvelous cast of characters.  Maggie and Cal are well-developed and likable protagonists with realistic flaws and true to life issues to overcome.  Sullivan’s Crossing is a delightful location and Robyn Carr brings both the locale and its residents vibrantly to life.  An enchanting romance that will leave readers impatiently awaiting the next installment in the Sullivan’s Crossing series.

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, Mira, Rated B, Review, Robyn Carr, Romance, Sullivans Crossing Series, What We Find