Blackberry Summer by RaeAnne Thayne

Blackberry Summer (Hope's Crossing #1)
by RaeAnne Thayne
Published May 24th 2011 by Harlequin
ISBN:0373775938 (ISBN13: 9780373775934)
Series:Hope's Crossing #1

Claire Bradford needed a wake-up call.

What she didn't need was a tragic car accident. As a single mom and the owner of a successful bead shop, Claire leads a predictable life in Hope's Crossing, Colorado. So what if she has no time for romance? At least, that's what she tells herself, especially when her best friend's sexy younger brother comes back to town as the new chief of police.

But when the accident forces Claire to slow down and lean on others— especially Riley McKnight —she realizes, for the first time, that things need to change. And not just in her own life. The accident—and the string of robberies committed by teenagers that led up to it—is a wake-up call to the people of Hope's Crossing. The sense of community and togetherness had been lost during those tough years. But with a mysterious "Angel of Hope" working to inspire the town, Riley and Claire will find themselves opening up to love and other possibilities by the end of an extraordinary summer….

My Thoughts:
I knew from the first few pages, that I was going to love this book. Immediately the characters and the town surround you with a warm welcome, like coming home.



I had the ARC for the next book in the series, Woodrose Mountain, and knowing it was the second book of the Hope Crossing series.  I don’t like to read a series out of sequence, and just by reading the blurb I knew in order for a more effective review I needed to read Blackberry Summer first.

And I am so glad I did, why did I wait so long!!  I loved the friendships of these woman, standing strong and supportive even though each of them is dealing with their own sorrow and healing.  They stand together and triumph through the devastating accident that is felt throughout Hope's Crossing.

The author created characters that came to live before your eyes, you can envision the town as her words described each shop, each building, you were a part of it.  Amazing job. It has been a bit since I read a book where I felt a part of it, like I strolling down the street or sitting with friends beading.

The protagonist in this story is Claire- the typical good girl, recently divorced, mother of two and owner of a beading business. Riley is Claire's best friends brother, younger by three years, he moves back to town as the Police Chief. He secretly had a boyhood crush on Claire and seeing her again, the emotions has blossomed to something more. It was a sweet romance, if you are expecting a lot of heat, you won't find it in this book.

I dare say this is my first book from this author, if I had to give you a comparison of her writing style, I would compare her to Sherryl Woods or Debbie Macomber.  I look forward to reading Woodrose Mountain and spending some more time in Hope's Crossing.

I hope to see you come back and read my review on Woodrose Mountain. 

My Rating: