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Snowberry Creek #1
A Time For Home
Welcome to the small rustic town of Snowberry Creek....
As Nick Jenkins travels from the war zones of Afghanistan to his comrade’s hometown, the kinds of wounds he carries with him have little to do with the shrapnel damage to his arm. Burdened with the guilt of failing to save his friend Spence, Nick is nonetheless determined to find a home for the dog that had been Spence’s constant companion.
Callie Redding, Spence’s childhood best friend, was shocked to learn he left her his old Victorian home. She’s even more surprised when one of his war buddies shows up with a dog at his side—and a heavy weight on his shoulders. As a tribute to their friend’s life, Nick agrees to help Callie turn her inheritance into a welcoming bed-and-breakfast for the town of Snowberry Creek.
But as they work through their grief together, they also share something far more precious—the belief that love is worth fighting for....
As Nick Jenkins travels from the war zones of Afghanistan to his comrade’s hometown, the kinds of wounds he carries with him have little to do with the shrapnel damage to his arm. Burdened with the guilt of failing to save his friend Spence, Nick is nonetheless determined to find a home for the dog that had been Spence’s constant companion.
Callie Redding, Spence’s childhood best friend, was shocked to learn he left her his old Victorian home. She’s even more surprised when one of his war buddies shows up with a dog at his side—and a heavy weight on his shoulders. As a tribute to their friend’s life, Nick agrees to help Callie turn her inheritance into a welcoming bed-and-breakfast for the town of Snowberry Creek.
But as they work through their grief together, they also share something far more precious—the belief that love is worth fighting for....
316 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 3, 2013
About the author
Alexis Morgan
96 books999 followersAlexis Morgan grew up near St. Louis and received a B.A. in English from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She and her husband have made the Pacific Northwest their home for more than thirty years, where she launched her career as a writer. She is published in paranormal romance, fantasy romance, American West historicals, and most recently, contemporary romances with her new Snowberry Creek series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 18, 2019
Intriguing series regarding our service men and women, what they really face on the battlefield and their return to what they will never really have again. Once they return stateside, they find their lives as they once knew it before serving their country will never become reality again. Believe it or not, it is all built around romances and how those loves help adjust to their new circumstances and help them cope.
January 19, 2020
4 stelle e mezza
Quando ho scoperto che questa autrice aveva in precedenza scritto una trilogia romance ambientata nella stessa cittadina della sua serie cozy mistery sapevo che prima o poi avrei dovuto leggerla... E non mi sbagliavo! Il primo libro mi è piaciuto molto e non credo che farò passare molto tempo prima di leggere gli altri due.
Quando ho scoperto che questa autrice aveva in precedenza scritto una trilogia romance ambientata nella stessa cittadina della sua serie cozy mistery sapevo che prima o poi avrei dovuto leggerla... E non mi sbagliavo! Il primo libro mi è piaciuto molto e non credo che farò passare molto tempo prima di leggere gli altri due.
July 26, 2020
Nick is recovering from a war injury. He is also dealing with the death of his friend Spence and the return to a "normal" life. He goes to Spence's hometown to see his friend Callie and to see if Callie would like to give Mooch a home. Mooch is a dog that saved their life in Afghanistan. Callie was Spence's BFF and inherited his home on his death. Callie is dealing with the loss of her best friend and trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life. She was a contract employee and traveled all over never staying in once place for long. She's trying to decide if she wants to put down roots.
This felt realistic with Nick's PTSD and the struggles with adapting to a "normal" life. I also liked Callie and when Nick (or Lief) where being less than nice, she's call them out on it. This is more of a slow burn romance. What annoyed me was Nick thinking of Callie as "Spence's woman." Callie didn't have the same feelings. I also noticed how Mooch was called "dog" several times by Nick (and I think Callie at least once too). Was annoyed. Y'all named him Mooch, call him that. Or by a nickname (and "dog" didn't come across as a nickname). It wold have been nice for a little compassion/resolution for Austin. Not ignoring what he did, but he was also a victim.
I read this for Romance-opoly BFF's House sun track.
This felt realistic with Nick's PTSD and the struggles with adapting to a "normal" life. I also liked Callie and when Nick (or Lief) where being less than nice, she's call them out on it. This is more of a slow burn romance. What annoyed me was Nick thinking of Callie as "Spence's woman." Callie didn't have the same feelings. I also noticed how Mooch was called "dog" several times by Nick (and I think Callie at least once too). Was annoyed. Y'all named him Mooch, call him that. Or by a nickname (and "dog" didn't come across as a nickname). It wold have been nice for a little compassion/resolution for Austin. Not ignoring what he did, but he was also a victim.
I read this for Romance-opoly BFF's House sun track.
April 25, 2019
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
This is one of those series that I couldn't wait to read. I wanted a while so that I could have a few to read and then the next thing I knew the publisher ask me to read one and it was the last in the series. Once I read it I put off reading the other two. I had already read the novella that started the series.
Because of all that I mentioned I almost didn't read it. I hate reading out of order but I did it to myself plus I paid for the damn books. I wanted to read them. So I posted the first in the series as a Someday...Sunday post as an incentive. I don't think it really would have worked if it wasn't for the fact that we added that we had to read a someday book to our reading challenge. The funny thing is that the other day I was trying to figure out what I was going to read only to find out I already read one, this one. How funny is that!
I'm glad I finally got to it. I really enjoyed the story and the characters even though I knew what was going to happen to them because I already read the last book. I know, now isn't the time to be bitter. I HATE READING OUT OF ORDER! Again, my fault.
You really feel for both Nick and Callie. They both have lost someone very dear to them. It breaks your heart how sad they are. I like how they came together. It's sweet how they didn't rush each other that the author gave them the time to get to know each other.
Nick has a ton of guilty about Spencer. How he died, the fact that he's moving in of his girl. The guilt over the loss of Spencer is understandable, I'm sure war makes many people feel guilty about losing friends. Now the guilt about Callie is another thing. Yes, Spencer liked her as more than a friend but...
It's one of the things that bugged me about the book. They never really talked about Callie's feelings for Spencer. I think for me that was the only negative about the story I had. I liked the town and the people who lived there and in fact, would have liked more of this series.
In the end, they finally come together and decided to take a chance on love with each other. I was so happy that they did. They worked...
Please do yourself a favor and read this series in the order it will play out better. I might do a reread of the last book just to remember some things after I read the second book.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
This is one of those series that I couldn't wait to read. I wanted a while so that I could have a few to read and then the next thing I knew the publisher ask me to read one and it was the last in the series. Once I read it I put off reading the other two. I had already read the novella that started the series.
Because of all that I mentioned I almost didn't read it. I hate reading out of order but I did it to myself plus I paid for the damn books. I wanted to read them. So I posted the first in the series as a Someday...Sunday post as an incentive. I don't think it really would have worked if it wasn't for the fact that we added that we had to read a someday book to our reading challenge. The funny thing is that the other day I was trying to figure out what I was going to read only to find out I already read one, this one. How funny is that!
I'm glad I finally got to it. I really enjoyed the story and the characters even though I knew what was going to happen to them because I already read the last book. I know, now isn't the time to be bitter. I HATE READING OUT OF ORDER! Again, my fault.
You really feel for both Nick and Callie. They both have lost someone very dear to them. It breaks your heart how sad they are. I like how they came together. It's sweet how they didn't rush each other that the author gave them the time to get to know each other.
Nick has a ton of guilty about Spencer. How he died, the fact that he's moving in of his girl. The guilt over the loss of Spencer is understandable, I'm sure war makes many people feel guilty about losing friends. Now the guilt about Callie is another thing. Yes, Spencer liked her as more than a friend but...
It's one of the things that bugged me about the book. They never really talked about Callie's feelings for Spencer. I think for me that was the only negative about the story I had. I liked the town and the people who lived there and in fact, would have liked more of this series.
In the end, they finally come together and decided to take a chance on love with each other. I was so happy that they did. They worked...
Please do yourself a favor and read this series in the order it will play out better. I might do a reread of the last book just to remember some things after I read the second book.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
February 5, 2023
Nick Jenkins has survived his deployments to Afghanistan and is at loose ends as to what to do with his life.
So he decides to go to Snowberry Creek a small town where one of his best friends grew up.
Spence died in the war and Nick wants to see the place he called home and drives out to meet his girlfriend, Callie Redding. He decides that the dog they adopted during wartime that saved their lives, would have a good home there.
Nick decides to stay in Snowberry Creek for awhile and help turn the property she inherited from Spence into a bed and breakfast.
Both of them have their grief to contend with and miss Spence. However, they decide that it would be a fitting tribute to him to fix up the property and make it into something nice.
Meanwhile, Nick and Callie are working their way through the loss of their best friend.
Maybe they will find a new relationship to fight for together.
So he decides to go to Snowberry Creek a small town where one of his best friends grew up.
Spence died in the war and Nick wants to see the place he called home and drives out to meet his girlfriend, Callie Redding. He decides that the dog they adopted during wartime that saved their lives, would have a good home there.
Nick decides to stay in Snowberry Creek for awhile and help turn the property she inherited from Spence into a bed and breakfast.
Both of them have their grief to contend with and miss Spence. However, they decide that it would be a fitting tribute to him to fix up the property and make it into something nice.
Meanwhile, Nick and Callie are working their way through the loss of their best friend.
Maybe they will find a new relationship to fight for together.
June 11, 2022
Sweet story from start to finish. Loved every moment of the story. I have recently loved all the Abby McCree mystery books and learned there were "earlier" Snowberry Creek stories. I love all these stories. Love the military element. Thank you for your service, all military. Thank you for these stories, Alexis Morgan.
September 30, 2018
A modern romance featuring Nick Jenkins and Callie Redding as the main characters. Nick has come to Snowberry Creek to see Callie. He hopes she will adopt Mooch, a dog from Afghanistan where Nick served. Nick is fighting demons and Callie is not sure how to help him. The book was a quick easy read.
October 9, 2013
Fighting in Afghanistan, Nick’s team was ambushed and cut of from the rest of the troops. When both his friends needed his help getting back to safety, he could safe only one. Spence was unconscious, but alive, and Leif needed a medic badly as he was bleeding severely from his foot. And so Nick carried Leif to safety, but before he and the rest of the team could go back for Spence, there was another explosion. The only thing they found, were his blood dogtags.
Months later, Nick is still guild ridden. Why couldn’t he safe both his friends? Living as a civilian while he waits for his arm to heal is not easy. Memories of Afghanistan are coming upon him at the slightest provocation. And so he decides to leave his well meaning parents´ home who just want their son back the way he was before he went to the war, and sets out on a road trip to Snowberry Creek. To bring Spence’s woman the dog they saved in Afghanistan.
Callie is still mourning her old friend Spence too, she still can´t believe he left her his house and everything. Of course, there was no love lost between Spence and his only living relative, his drunkard of an uncle and his worthless nephew. So now she is living in her parents´ house in Snowberry Creek, while they are on an extended stay in Florida, and trying to decide what to do with her life. She is tired of her job, living out of a suitcase, travelling all over the country. But she doesn't know if she is ready to settle down either. She could turn Spence’s big house into a bed and breakfast, the town is getting more tourists every month so it would be viable, but all the rules and regulations, and all the things that need to be done about the maintenance of the house, it is mind-boggling.
And now this stranger shows up, a stranger she knew out of Spence’s stories. He is clearly in need of a place to stay, and so she offers him Spence’s house to stay the night in. Nick doesn´t want to accept charity, especially not from Callie, and so he offers to work in the yard in exchange for room and board, and they struck a deal. A day quickly turns into a week, and Nick doesn´t want to leave. But this is Callie, Spence´s woman, and not meant for him…
But the attraction between them is sparking, and Callie gets real tired of Nick kissing her and then pushing her away again. He will have to make up his mind, just friends, or is there perhaps a future for them?
And why did he invite Leif to join him? Just to help him build a gazebo in Spence´s memory? Or to act as a chaperone?
I enjoyed this slow small town romance. Nick is a really wounded hero, in body and in his soul. He has it in his mind that Callie is Spence's woman, and not meant for him. I wanted to smack him for that, is Callie destined to stay alone forever, just because Spence wanted to build a life with her after his tour of duty has ended? He was strong though, and tried to explain to Callie when his memories overtook him. Like how he just had to walk the perimeter between their houses every night, make sure she was safe.
And he wanted to find out who was stealing out of Spence´s house… But Callie got really mad at him for keeping secrets from her. After all, it is her house. And it was not his job to do that, they had a very capable sheriff for that.
I enjoyed the humor that Leif brought to the story, but he also had the opinion that Nick should stay away from Callie. Men!
Callie did not accept much from Nick, she wanted the truth, about his thoughts and his feelings, or she would move on. She thought of Spence as her best friend, not a potential lover, they had known each other for ever.
I did like how they worked on the house and plans together, and how the romance builds with little things. Nick was accepted by the townspeople and the sheriff pretty quickly, and I do hope that Leif will fall for Collie’s friend, who runs the local bakery they get those fantastic pastries from each day.
A great start in a new series for Alexis Morgan. So far I have only read and loved her paranormal romances. A bit slow at times, and I really wanted to slap Nick a few times, but overall, an enjoyable read. With a realistic view (in my opinion) of the horrors the soldiers face in Afghanistan.
7 stars.
Months later, Nick is still guild ridden. Why couldn’t he safe both his friends? Living as a civilian while he waits for his arm to heal is not easy. Memories of Afghanistan are coming upon him at the slightest provocation. And so he decides to leave his well meaning parents´ home who just want their son back the way he was before he went to the war, and sets out on a road trip to Snowberry Creek. To bring Spence’s woman the dog they saved in Afghanistan.
Callie is still mourning her old friend Spence too, she still can´t believe he left her his house and everything. Of course, there was no love lost between Spence and his only living relative, his drunkard of an uncle and his worthless nephew. So now she is living in her parents´ house in Snowberry Creek, while they are on an extended stay in Florida, and trying to decide what to do with her life. She is tired of her job, living out of a suitcase, travelling all over the country. But she doesn't know if she is ready to settle down either. She could turn Spence’s big house into a bed and breakfast, the town is getting more tourists every month so it would be viable, but all the rules and regulations, and all the things that need to be done about the maintenance of the house, it is mind-boggling.
And now this stranger shows up, a stranger she knew out of Spence’s stories. He is clearly in need of a place to stay, and so she offers him Spence’s house to stay the night in. Nick doesn´t want to accept charity, especially not from Callie, and so he offers to work in the yard in exchange for room and board, and they struck a deal. A day quickly turns into a week, and Nick doesn´t want to leave. But this is Callie, Spence´s woman, and not meant for him…
But the attraction between them is sparking, and Callie gets real tired of Nick kissing her and then pushing her away again. He will have to make up his mind, just friends, or is there perhaps a future for them?
And why did he invite Leif to join him? Just to help him build a gazebo in Spence´s memory? Or to act as a chaperone?
I enjoyed this slow small town romance. Nick is a really wounded hero, in body and in his soul. He has it in his mind that Callie is Spence's woman, and not meant for him. I wanted to smack him for that, is Callie destined to stay alone forever, just because Spence wanted to build a life with her after his tour of duty has ended? He was strong though, and tried to explain to Callie when his memories overtook him. Like how he just had to walk the perimeter between their houses every night, make sure she was safe.
And he wanted to find out who was stealing out of Spence´s house… But Callie got really mad at him for keeping secrets from her. After all, it is her house. And it was not his job to do that, they had a very capable sheriff for that.
I enjoyed the humor that Leif brought to the story, but he also had the opinion that Nick should stay away from Callie. Men!
Callie did not accept much from Nick, she wanted the truth, about his thoughts and his feelings, or she would move on. She thought of Spence as her best friend, not a potential lover, they had known each other for ever.
I did like how they worked on the house and plans together, and how the romance builds with little things. Nick was accepted by the townspeople and the sheriff pretty quickly, and I do hope that Leif will fall for Collie’s friend, who runs the local bakery they get those fantastic pastries from each day.
A great start in a new series for Alexis Morgan. So far I have only read and loved her paranormal romances. A bit slow at times, and I really wanted to slap Nick a few times, but overall, an enjoyable read. With a realistic view (in my opinion) of the horrors the soldiers face in Afghanistan.
7 stars.
© 2013 Reviews by Aurian
September 23, 2013
Unbelievable book! This author did a fabulous job with the subject of what our Veterans deal with when they come home from war. I thank all our Veterans for all the service and sacrifice! This book also brings to light the dog's that serve in our military also. This is a "MUST READ" book!
March 6, 2016
I really enjoyed this romance of a soldier back from Afghanistan, a dog called Mooch and Lief another soldier back as well. Then there is Callie who has a home she thinks she'd like to turn into a bed and breakfast. A fun emotional read.
December 8, 2022
This was the romance story of Cassie and Nick. Nick served in Afghanistan with Cassie 's best friend Spencer. He has Mooch, the stray that saved their lives on more than one occasion in Afghanistan with him. The dog and Nick have scars on the outside and inside. Now they're stateside and Nick is having a hard time adjusting to living in a non-war zone. He's debating about reenlisting or just completing the rest of his time when his leave is up.
Nick is surprised by Snowberry Creek, how much he likes living there and many of the people. He finds himself drawn to Cassie and he's not sure how he feels about that.
Cassie is house sitting for her parents, who are away for the summer. She's also at a crossroads. She's in between jobs and debating about what to do with the house she's recently inherited. The idea of converting the home into a bed and breakfast is very appealing both because she would have a job and she could work for herself. However then she'd be staying in her small hometown, with too many memories.
I enjoyed the story because I have read other books set in this location, so some of the same characters have popped up but this had a different feel to the Abbie McCree Mystery series. There was a break-in, so a touch of mystery but definitely read more as a contemporary romance. Hard to put down.
Nick has PTSD, with frequent flash backs to his traumatic experiences.
Nick is surprised by Snowberry Creek, how much he likes living there and many of the people. He finds himself drawn to Cassie and he's not sure how he feels about that.
Cassie is house sitting for her parents, who are away for the summer. She's also at a crossroads. She's in between jobs and debating about what to do with the house she's recently inherited. The idea of converting the home into a bed and breakfast is very appealing both because she would have a job and she could work for herself. However then she'd be staying in her small hometown, with too many memories.
I enjoyed the story because I have read other books set in this location, so some of the same characters have popped up but this had a different feel to the Abbie McCree Mystery series. There was a break-in, so a touch of mystery but definitely read more as a contemporary romance. Hard to put down.
Nick has PTSD, with frequent flash backs to his traumatic experiences.
November 4, 2018
Une histoire sans grande surprise, mais au thème militaire intéressant.
Mookie, chien errant qui a sauvé des soldats en Afghanistan, est arrivé aux USA avec Nick l'ami de son "maître" Spence, qui avait promis de lui trouver une famille.
Callie, l'amie d'enfance de Spence fait la connaissance de ce militaire, rude d'aspect mais au coeur sensible : c'est alors que l'apprivoisement se met en place entre les deux personnages, avec ce chien en personnage secondaire (pas si secondaire que ça ...) !
=> L'histoire est simple, avec de grosses "ficelles" narratives mais malgré tout j'ai pris du plaisir à la lire. C'est idéal pour les personnes qui ont envie d'une lecture sympa avec une boisson chaude un dimanche après midi :)
Mookie, chien errant qui a sauvé des soldats en Afghanistan, est arrivé aux USA avec Nick l'ami de son "maître" Spence, qui avait promis de lui trouver une famille.
Callie, l'amie d'enfance de Spence fait la connaissance de ce militaire, rude d'aspect mais au coeur sensible : c'est alors que l'apprivoisement se met en place entre les deux personnages, avec ce chien en personnage secondaire (pas si secondaire que ça ...) !
=> L'histoire est simple, avec de grosses "ficelles" narratives mais malgré tout j'ai pris du plaisir à la lire. C'est idéal pour les personnes qui ont envie d'une lecture sympa avec une boisson chaude un dimanche après midi :)
November 8, 2017
I was kind of angry when this book started with the main protagonist from the previous short story having died. I felt cheated. Luckily I read the blurbs for the other two books in the series, so I think I know where the author is going with this.
That aside, I liked the protagonists and the side characters, too. I was frustrated at times by the hero's inability to express himself clearly, but it felt realistic for the situation, so I was ok with it. The romance felt earned by the time we got to the happy ever after. Enjoyed it.
That aside, I liked the protagonists and the side characters, too. I was frustrated at times by the hero's inability to express himself clearly, but it felt realistic for the situation, so I was ok with it. The romance felt earned by the time we got to the happy ever after. Enjoyed it.
April 20, 2023
Alexis Morgan is an amazing author. This was my first time reading one of her books and I could not put it down !!!
Callie was shocked when her childhood friend Spencer left her everything upon his death. He died overseas while on military duty. One of his military friends/team members brought Spence's dog Mooch to Callie in the hopes she would keep him. This book was Callie and Nick's story and I cannot wait to read the one book in the series to see what happens to this couple as well as Nick's other friend/team member Leif.
I highly recommend Alexis Morgan books
Callie was shocked when her childhood friend Spencer left her everything upon his death. He died overseas while on military duty. One of his military friends/team members brought Spence's dog Mooch to Callie in the hopes she would keep him. This book was Callie and Nick's story and I cannot wait to read the one book in the series to see what happens to this couple as well as Nick's other friend/team member Leif.
I highly recommend Alexis Morgan books
March 10, 2024
I decided to read this book as it was by a cozy author whose series I really enjoy. To add to this, the setting is the same as the series, so a few of the lesser characters were known to me. It's a good, not great story, but I was invested in Callie story and decision to covert her friend's home into a bed and breakfast. I got Nick's trip to his buddy's hometown and desire to find a home for Mooch. I think the story could have evolved a little more smoothly and maybe a little more deeply. That said, I was invested in the characters.
March 15, 2019
Lovely
I'm enjoying this series, and appreciate that the author has dealt with some of the survivors guilt, and trouble fitting back in that is all too common in our troops.
I'm enjoying this series, and appreciate that the author has dealt with some of the survivors guilt, and trouble fitting back in that is all too common in our troops.
October 3, 2019
Another great read by Alexis Morgan, can't wait to start the next book in this series
January 22, 2023
The story itself was good, but the interaction between Nick and Callie was too fast and too forced. I'll be interested to see what happens in the next one.
February 27, 2024
So unserious. Loved it.
October 12, 2025
talk about an emotional rollercoaster!!!! this book was so good from the start and I just absolutely loved the storyline!
March 16, 2021
Good book. Nick drove cross country to take his buddy Spence’s (who died in combat) dog to Callie, Spence’s girl. He has PTSD and guilt for not saving his friend. Callie offers him a place to stay and a job. Of course, they fall in love eventually, and it was a beautiful story.
November 4, 2016
Setting: Snowberry Creek – Washington: her family home, his family Victorian home next door (a foot path through the woods between, small town with 2 cafes and a bakery, sheriff’s office, park by the stream;
Theme: war; recovery; love;
Characters:
Nick Jenkins: left parent’s home in Ohio, where they wanted the son who left back and he was ready to be him again – maybe never again; decided to take Mooch to Callie – that Spence would like it; shoulder healing (will he be able to finish his tour? – does he want to finish his tour?); carrying guilt at Spence’s death – of not being able to save both of his friends; carrying the images of war; having flashbacks and stutters at the drop of a hat;
Mooch: dog the friends adopted in Afghanistan after the dog’s barking warned them of a trap on road side; friendly, faithful, protective, obedient; Spence had been making arrangements to bring him stateside;
Callie Redding: website designer that travels from city to city, where the jobs are;Spence’s best friend growing up; continue to be close via letters, emails, care packages, skype, leave visits; Spence willed his family home (vacant since he was deployed) and his goods to her (much to his uncle’s disdain); she is reeling over his death, and trying to decide what to do with the house – thinking maybe to convert it to a bed and breakfast; gracious and welcoming to Spence, Mooch, and later Leif, as they were Spence’s friends; doing her best to give Spence space as he runs hot and cold with her; she feels very attracted to him, but not too interested in two ships passing in the night;
Spence: driving the jeep in Afghan, trying to get away from being shot, hits an IED; he is unconscious, Leif’s foot/ankle busted into pieces, and Nick shot in shoulder, but otherwise okay; Nick can’t take both to safety – takes Leif first, on way back, another explosion… and they find Spence’s bloody dog tags in the debris; he intended to finish his tour and go home and ask Callie to marry him; parents died when he was young, and drunk, mean uncle & cousin moved into their house; he spent a lot of time at Callie’s, and threw his uncle out when he came of age; had invited his cousin to stay, but…
Gage Logan: local sheriff; ex-special forces; loved wife died of cancer, he is raising his 10 year old daughter – a real charmer; helps solve what’s going on in the house, and helps Spence navigate some of his feelings and advice to get help;
Vince and Austin Locke: Spence’s uncle and cousin; uncle drunk all the time, terrorizing his son; feels the house should have been left to him – to family; Austin has gone in (with key) a few times and is stealing smaller things to sell. Austin planning to keep most of the money, and get out of Dodge, and start a new life;
Leif Brevik: crushed foot; healing; Physical therapy; comes to Nick when Nick calls;
Bridey : pastry chef owner; for a future book?
Summary:
Bones of story – is someone breaking into house and stealing things? Nick sticking around to make sure Callie is safe (but not sure of his own judgment – is he too jumpy); Austin breaks in 1st night a drugged (prescription) Leif is there – and Leif falls as he is stumbling out of bed, hitting head on post, and passing out… all think the thief attacked him, but Austin checked him, put a pillow under his head, and skedaddled… he gets caught the last time in and is arrested… and though Nick wales on him, Cassie able to calm him down (I think Austin is going to end up working for Nick like community service – he’s not a totally bad guy, just had bad breaks);
And Nick and Cassie – ahhh; is he trying to step into Spence’s life? Can she have a future with this gorgeous man who is broken? He keeps finding reasons to stay… her safety, to clean up the yards, to build a gazebo (calls Leif to help him) as a memory of his friend, to be general contractor for house improvements… to be with Cassie… and Cassie, when packing to go out of town on an interview, and Nick defends her home, and is hurt, realizes she couldn’t stand it if he wasn’t there when she returned… she wants him in her life! They marry 3 months later. Ahhh
Memorable scenes:
“He dropped to his knees on the green grass and wrapped his arms around his stomach. God, it hurt so f--- much to see Spence’s name etched there in block letters…His guilt and his fear sucked him right back to the last place he wanted to be. Just that quickly, he was in the streets of Afghanistan, riding next to Spence on yet another Patrol. Instead of breathing the cool, damp air of Washington, Nick was sucking in hot, dry air and feeling the sun burning down from above as he got caught up in the past and lived through it all over again.”
Theme: war; recovery; love;
Characters:
Nick Jenkins: left parent’s home in Ohio, where they wanted the son who left back and he was ready to be him again – maybe never again; decided to take Mooch to Callie – that Spence would like it; shoulder healing (will he be able to finish his tour? – does he want to finish his tour?); carrying guilt at Spence’s death – of not being able to save both of his friends; carrying the images of war; having flashbacks and stutters at the drop of a hat;
Mooch: dog the friends adopted in Afghanistan after the dog’s barking warned them of a trap on road side; friendly, faithful, protective, obedient; Spence had been making arrangements to bring him stateside;
Callie Redding: website designer that travels from city to city, where the jobs are;Spence’s best friend growing up; continue to be close via letters, emails, care packages, skype, leave visits; Spence willed his family home (vacant since he was deployed) and his goods to her (much to his uncle’s disdain); she is reeling over his death, and trying to decide what to do with the house – thinking maybe to convert it to a bed and breakfast; gracious and welcoming to Spence, Mooch, and later Leif, as they were Spence’s friends; doing her best to give Spence space as he runs hot and cold with her; she feels very attracted to him, but not too interested in two ships passing in the night;
Spence: driving the jeep in Afghan, trying to get away from being shot, hits an IED; he is unconscious, Leif’s foot/ankle busted into pieces, and Nick shot in shoulder, but otherwise okay; Nick can’t take both to safety – takes Leif first, on way back, another explosion… and they find Spence’s bloody dog tags in the debris; he intended to finish his tour and go home and ask Callie to marry him; parents died when he was young, and drunk, mean uncle & cousin moved into their house; he spent a lot of time at Callie’s, and threw his uncle out when he came of age; had invited his cousin to stay, but…
Gage Logan: local sheriff; ex-special forces; loved wife died of cancer, he is raising his 10 year old daughter – a real charmer; helps solve what’s going on in the house, and helps Spence navigate some of his feelings and advice to get help;
Vince and Austin Locke: Spence’s uncle and cousin; uncle drunk all the time, terrorizing his son; feels the house should have been left to him – to family; Austin has gone in (with key) a few times and is stealing smaller things to sell. Austin planning to keep most of the money, and get out of Dodge, and start a new life;
Leif Brevik: crushed foot; healing; Physical therapy; comes to Nick when Nick calls;
Bridey : pastry chef owner; for a future book?
Summary:
Bones of story – is someone breaking into house and stealing things? Nick sticking around to make sure Callie is safe (but not sure of his own judgment – is he too jumpy); Austin breaks in 1st night a drugged (prescription) Leif is there – and Leif falls as he is stumbling out of bed, hitting head on post, and passing out… all think the thief attacked him, but Austin checked him, put a pillow under his head, and skedaddled… he gets caught the last time in and is arrested… and though Nick wales on him, Cassie able to calm him down (I think Austin is going to end up working for Nick like community service – he’s not a totally bad guy, just had bad breaks);
And Nick and Cassie – ahhh; is he trying to step into Spence’s life? Can she have a future with this gorgeous man who is broken? He keeps finding reasons to stay… her safety, to clean up the yards, to build a gazebo (calls Leif to help him) as a memory of his friend, to be general contractor for house improvements… to be with Cassie… and Cassie, when packing to go out of town on an interview, and Nick defends her home, and is hurt, realizes she couldn’t stand it if he wasn’t there when she returned… she wants him in her life! They marry 3 months later. Ahhh
Memorable scenes:
“He dropped to his knees on the green grass and wrapped his arms around his stomach. God, it hurt so f--- much to see Spence’s name etched there in block letters…His guilt and his fear sucked him right back to the last place he wanted to be. Just that quickly, he was in the streets of Afghanistan, riding next to Spence on yet another Patrol. Instead of breathing the cool, damp air of Washington, Nick was sucking in hot, dry air and feeling the sun burning down from above as he got caught up in the past and lived through it all over again.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2013
I’ve been a fan of Alexis Morgan’s since I read her Paladins when they first debuted. Unfortunately, I’m a bit behind in reading that series, thus I didn’t know she’s now writing contemporaries along with paranormals. Snowberry Creek is heartwarming small-town America and hits home for me, but can that eclipse the otherworldly Ms. Morgan is so very good at writing?
Not quite. While this is a good book, for me her talent is definitely in the paranormal world. But this is a nice change of pace, and I enjoyed it a lot.
Nick is on his way to Snowberry Creek with his four-legged buddy, Mooch, who saved Nick and his fellow soldiers from an ambush while in Afghanistan. The dog then became a member of the team, along with Spence and Leif. They weren’t about to leave the fur ball behind, so made plans to take him home when they left the desert. Before that can happen, however, the men are in the wrong place at the wrong time, and Nick isn’t able to save both his friends. Recuperating stateside, Nick isn’t sure what’s next for him, but he does have to find a home for Mooch. Spence’s childhood friend Callie is his only hope.
Callie is still reeling from the loss of Spence, especially when she finds out he left his beautiful home to her. She’s not been able to move in – too many memories – and she’s not sure if her plan of a B&B is the best. That would eradicate Spence in nearly every sense. Plus, her current job keeps her on the road, so would she be able to take on more responsibility? Then Nick steps into her life and the questions grow in number and difficulty. But he’s a godsend when it comes to fixing up Spence’s house to get her started on her plans. Not wanting to commit to a long-distance or short-term romance, Callie tries to keep things friendly with Nick, but the more she gets to know him, the harder that is.
Though he tries to be a gentleman and not poach on his best bud’s woman, Nick is the one who can’t stay away. His plan had been to place Mooch in a good home and then take off for parts unknown before reporting back for his re-enlistment. Of course, the time does come when he can’t stop himself, and that first roll in the grass is especially hot and sizzling. That throws them for a loop the next morning, though, with more determination to keep their hands off each other. Nick is fighting the guilt he feels for stepping where he doesn’t belong, even though Callie is happy to let him step wherever he wants.
Leif eventually joins the story in person when he makes the trip from D.C., pain and all since he’s still recuperating from the injuries he received in Afghanistan. I like how he doesn’t let Nick get away with much, and their bantering like brothers is fun. There’s also a mystery to be solved; someone has been breaking into the house when Nick is away, taking antiques one at a time. Nick and Mooch take measures necessary to find the culprit. One little thing I think needs more is Nick’s flashbacks. There are a few, but none that serious, and it seems they’d be a bit more often and more encompassing. But what is there is done well to give you a feel of what he went through during his service.
Small-town America is in full force in this story. Nick and Callie’s forays into town remind me of my own in my hometown. Ms. Morgan writes a very nice contemporary, but so far I still prefer her paranormals. That won’t keep me from visits to Snowberry Creek, however.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
Not quite. While this is a good book, for me her talent is definitely in the paranormal world. But this is a nice change of pace, and I enjoyed it a lot.
Nick is on his way to Snowberry Creek with his four-legged buddy, Mooch, who saved Nick and his fellow soldiers from an ambush while in Afghanistan. The dog then became a member of the team, along with Spence and Leif. They weren’t about to leave the fur ball behind, so made plans to take him home when they left the desert. Before that can happen, however, the men are in the wrong place at the wrong time, and Nick isn’t able to save both his friends. Recuperating stateside, Nick isn’t sure what’s next for him, but he does have to find a home for Mooch. Spence’s childhood friend Callie is his only hope.
Callie is still reeling from the loss of Spence, especially when she finds out he left his beautiful home to her. She’s not been able to move in – too many memories – and she’s not sure if her plan of a B&B is the best. That would eradicate Spence in nearly every sense. Plus, her current job keeps her on the road, so would she be able to take on more responsibility? Then Nick steps into her life and the questions grow in number and difficulty. But he’s a godsend when it comes to fixing up Spence’s house to get her started on her plans. Not wanting to commit to a long-distance or short-term romance, Callie tries to keep things friendly with Nick, but the more she gets to know him, the harder that is.
Though he tries to be a gentleman and not poach on his best bud’s woman, Nick is the one who can’t stay away. His plan had been to place Mooch in a good home and then take off for parts unknown before reporting back for his re-enlistment. Of course, the time does come when he can’t stop himself, and that first roll in the grass is especially hot and sizzling. That throws them for a loop the next morning, though, with more determination to keep their hands off each other. Nick is fighting the guilt he feels for stepping where he doesn’t belong, even though Callie is happy to let him step wherever he wants.
Leif eventually joins the story in person when he makes the trip from D.C., pain and all since he’s still recuperating from the injuries he received in Afghanistan. I like how he doesn’t let Nick get away with much, and their bantering like brothers is fun. There’s also a mystery to be solved; someone has been breaking into the house when Nick is away, taking antiques one at a time. Nick and Mooch take measures necessary to find the culprit. One little thing I think needs more is Nick’s flashbacks. There are a few, but none that serious, and it seems they’d be a bit more often and more encompassing. But what is there is done well to give you a feel of what he went through during his service.
Small-town America is in full force in this story. Nick and Callie’s forays into town remind me of my own in my hometown. Ms. Morgan writes a very nice contemporary, but so far I still prefer her paranormals. That won’t keep me from visits to Snowberry Creek, however.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
February 13, 2017
Nick, Spence, and Leif are fighting in Afghanistan with the rest of their troop when they are ambushed and attacked. Spence and Leif are hurt, both needing Nick's help to carry them to safety. Unfortunately, Nick can only carry one at a time. Nick carries Leif to safety first due to his excessive need for a medic, but before he can go back for Spence there's an explosion. When Nick is finally able to get to Spence, all he finds are bloody dog tags.
Because of this situation, Nick is stricken with guilt. He just can't bring himself to understand why he could only save one. He should've saved both. While waiting on his own arm to heal, he lives as a civilian dealing with the aftermath of his decision and the nightmares. Eventually his guilt gets the best of him and he decides to go to Snowberry Creek, where Spence called home, in order to take his dog tags to his wife. When he gets there, however, he meets Callie - Spence's best friend. She offers Nick a place to stay and then a day turns into a week and so on. The attraction between the two is undeniable and it soon becomes evident that they are meant to be together. Can Nick stop pushing Callie away in order to accept the love they both deserve?
A lot of things happen in this dramatic romance that is sure to burrow its way into your heart. Nick is a kind hearted soul who struggles with Spence's death. He feels deep down that Callie is Spence's and struggles to accept the possibility of Callie being with him instead. Callie, however, never thought of Spence as anything more than a friend so she can't really understand why Nick keeps pushing her away. Nick invites Leif to help work on the Gazebo that he's building - so there's drama that comes with that as well.
I enjoyed how the romance built naturally. None of it felt forced. Picture your favorite cheesy Hallmark movie but with a buffed up and more substantial script, superb character acting, and a beautiful town. Then multiply that by ten. The issues are 'real' - issues that anyone going through the same circumstances would have to tackle. For me that brings a story to a higher level. When you feel as if you're in the story (or at least identifying with the characters) then the author has accomplished what they set out to accomplish.
An overall exciting read that will make you feel small town even if you're from the city. Bravo, Alexis Morgan. Bravo.
September 26, 2013
When Callie’s best friend, Spence, dies serving in Afghanistan she discovers he left her his home. Callie is staying at her parents’ house while they are both on vacation. She’s trying to figure out what to do with her inherited home when Nick, who served with Spence, shows up with his dog Mooch. He came with the intent of talking Callie into giving Mooch a forever home, something he believed Spence wanted, but once he meets Callie he stays on to help her fix Spence’s old home. Once he spends a while with Callie, he doesn’t want to leave.
A Time for Home is mainly about three people Callie, Nick and Mooch. Mooch is the only one without a voice. The story slides between Callie and Nick. The novel focuses on their growing attraction for one another. In other words this is a pure and simple romance.
I don’t usually go for contemporary romances. They, at least for me lack an adventurous story line. I picked this one up because I’ve always wanted to read one of Morgan’s novels (she writes a lot of paranormal).
There isn’t much adventure here. Nick comes to Callie’s, and she lets him stay in Spence’s old house. He starts to clean it up—thinking it would be better to work with his hands. He seems to be suffering from some PTSD, but is working through it. He offers to help Callie out, and asks her about Mooch. Like him, she doesn’t want him to go, so says she needs to think about it. So starts the attraction between the characters.
Of course there is conflict, but not the kind I liked or wanted. Nick sees Callie as Spence’s woman. After all Spence is dead, and planned a future with Callie. He wanted to come home to her and Nick doesn’t want to take his dead best friends place. Of course Callie never knew she was Spence’s property. In fact Spence and Callie never had a romantic relationship. Callie didn’t know about this future that was all planned out for her. Spence was more or less an honorary brother to her. This honor bound ownership of a woman didn’t work for me as the conflict between them. It goes so far that Nick calls another friend, who is recovering from injuries, Leif, so he can help Nick keep his head on straight around Callie.
Callie’s in a state of confusion over the whole thing, and really, who can blame her.
There is one other piece of conflict, but it didn’t seem that dangerous. A couple things have gone missing from the house, and they think someone might be getting in, who has a key. Some of these incidences throw Nick into alpha male over protective mode.
A Time for Home is a love story. I’m not a huge contemporary person, and while it’s a quick read and sweeter than cheesecake, it isn’t my thing. It has too many of my knee jerk reactions when it comes to the conflict. While there is nothing wrong with the story or romance it didn’t impress me. I still want to read other stuff by Morgan, but maybe I’ll stick to my fantasy genres in the future.
- Beth
A Time for Home is mainly about three people Callie, Nick and Mooch. Mooch is the only one without a voice. The story slides between Callie and Nick. The novel focuses on their growing attraction for one another. In other words this is a pure and simple romance.
I don’t usually go for contemporary romances. They, at least for me lack an adventurous story line. I picked this one up because I’ve always wanted to read one of Morgan’s novels (she writes a lot of paranormal).
There isn’t much adventure here. Nick comes to Callie’s, and she lets him stay in Spence’s old house. He starts to clean it up—thinking it would be better to work with his hands. He seems to be suffering from some PTSD, but is working through it. He offers to help Callie out, and asks her about Mooch. Like him, she doesn’t want him to go, so says she needs to think about it. So starts the attraction between the characters.
Of course there is conflict, but not the kind I liked or wanted. Nick sees Callie as Spence’s woman. After all Spence is dead, and planned a future with Callie. He wanted to come home to her and Nick doesn’t want to take his dead best friends place. Of course Callie never knew she was Spence’s property. In fact Spence and Callie never had a romantic relationship. Callie didn’t know about this future that was all planned out for her. Spence was more or less an honorary brother to her. This honor bound ownership of a woman didn’t work for me as the conflict between them. It goes so far that Nick calls another friend, who is recovering from injuries, Leif, so he can help Nick keep his head on straight around Callie.
Callie’s in a state of confusion over the whole thing, and really, who can blame her.
There is one other piece of conflict, but it didn’t seem that dangerous. A couple things have gone missing from the house, and they think someone might be getting in, who has a key. Some of these incidences throw Nick into alpha male over protective mode.
A Time for Home is a love story. I’m not a huge contemporary person, and while it’s a quick read and sweeter than cheesecake, it isn’t my thing. It has too many of my knee jerk reactions when it comes to the conflict. While there is nothing wrong with the story or romance it didn’t impress me. I still want to read other stuff by Morgan, but maybe I’ll stick to my fantasy genres in the future.
- Beth
June 1, 2014
A Time for Home, Snowberry Creek #1, Alexis Morgan
Grade: B-
“I’m glad you’re here, too, and not just because you mowed my grass.”
Nick Jenkins lost himself in the war and now returning home from Afghanistan he doesn’t know where he fits in. The only thing getting him through the day is his mission to get his fallen soldier and best friend, Spence’s dog to Spence’s best friend Callie. Callie blows Nick away from the start and he soon is finding excuses to stay In Snowberry Creek and help Callie fix up Spence’s house to be a bed and breakfast. Nick struggles with his demons but with Callie his finally feels like he has a chance of beating them.
Callie Redding is devastated when she learns of her best friend Spence’s death and is shocked to learn he left everything to her including his family home. When Nick shows up with a dog and wanting to help Callie can’t say no and the more time she spends around Nick the less she wants him to leave. Together they are able to heal from their loss and finally start to build a future.
This book broke my heart and I highly recommend reading it with a giant box of kleenex. From the very first page I was drawn into this story of loss and new love and I think it shows a very accurate portrait of what our soldiers are facing as they come back from war. Nick has a horrible case of PTSD and it was hard to read about at times. I think Callie does a great job of helping him realize he needs help and is suffering. This was the part that really broke my heart and had me in tears for a lot of the book.
I really liked Nick a lot but he is seriously messed up and because of this I felt that I didn’t get to know Callie very well. Callie has issues with her family that are briefly touched on and she just kinda gets pushed to the back and all I really know about her is that Nick likes her a lot. I wish that I could have gotten more out of her especially since she is so important to Nick and his story.
There is a lot going on in this book but it never seems like too much. Besides wanting to know more about Callie I had no problems with this book. I am very excited to see what happens in this series and I will be sure to keep a box of tissues handy.
Grade: B-
“I’m glad you’re here, too, and not just because you mowed my grass.”
Nick Jenkins lost himself in the war and now returning home from Afghanistan he doesn’t know where he fits in. The only thing getting him through the day is his mission to get his fallen soldier and best friend, Spence’s dog to Spence’s best friend Callie. Callie blows Nick away from the start and he soon is finding excuses to stay In Snowberry Creek and help Callie fix up Spence’s house to be a bed and breakfast. Nick struggles with his demons but with Callie his finally feels like he has a chance of beating them.
Callie Redding is devastated when she learns of her best friend Spence’s death and is shocked to learn he left everything to her including his family home. When Nick shows up with a dog and wanting to help Callie can’t say no and the more time she spends around Nick the less she wants him to leave. Together they are able to heal from their loss and finally start to build a future.
This book broke my heart and I highly recommend reading it with a giant box of kleenex. From the very first page I was drawn into this story of loss and new love and I think it shows a very accurate portrait of what our soldiers are facing as they come back from war. Nick has a horrible case of PTSD and it was hard to read about at times. I think Callie does a great job of helping him realize he needs help and is suffering. This was the part that really broke my heart and had me in tears for a lot of the book.
I really liked Nick a lot but he is seriously messed up and because of this I felt that I didn’t get to know Callie very well. Callie has issues with her family that are briefly touched on and she just kinda gets pushed to the back and all I really know about her is that Nick likes her a lot. I wish that I could have gotten more out of her especially since she is so important to Nick and his story.
There is a lot going on in this book but it never seems like too much. Besides wanting to know more about Callie I had no problems with this book. I am very excited to see what happens in this series and I will be sure to keep a box of tissues handy.
October 9, 2014
http://www.blue-moon.fr/spip.php?arti...
J’ai Lu lance avec deux romans sa nouvelle collection Best Friend, autrement dit des romans avec des animaux, chien chat, cheval...qui tiennent une place importante.L’idée n’est pas nouvelle puisque de nombreuses auteures comme Kristan Higgins ou Elizabeth Hoyt dotent en général leurs personnages d’un petit animal domestique qui apporte tendresse et humour à certaines scènes. D’autres, comme Jill Shalvis, ont même écrit des séries centrées autour d’animaux et ceux qui s’ne occupent mais on ne peut pas dire que cela soit un mouvement de fond à l’heure actuelle. Pourquoi vouloir développer un collection entièrement sur cela ? Mystère mais si on prend l’exemple de ce roman écrit par Alexis Morgan, il y a fort à parier qu’il sera difficile de trouver des séries entières sur le sujet. Il y aurait aussi sans doute mieux valu avoir des sagas de la trempe de celle de Jill Shalvis.
En réalité, plus qu’une romance « animalière » avec un chien qui est une sorte de Rintintin des années 2010 ( pour ceux qui ignoreraient et franchement c’est bien normal, qui est Rintintin, sachez qu’il s’agit d’une série américaine très ancienne où un chien fait partie des rangs de l’armée de ce pays et multiplie les exploits), il s’agit du début d’une saga autour d’une petite ville de l’Eta de Washington, Snowberry Creek. C’est là que le héros, Nick, va atterrir après une terrible expérience en Afghanistan. Il y a perdu son meilleur ami, y a été blessé, ainsi qu’un autre. Il vient en fait rendre visite à Callie, une amie de son copain décédé et il veut lui confier son chien recueilli sur le champ de bataille et qui y a souffert aussi. L’idée est bonne mais ne vous attendez pas à voir un homme et son chien partageant la même affliction. Non, Mookie est une brave bête qui apporte ce qu’on attend de lui c’est à dire un peu de tendresse et d’humour. Pour le reste...
J’ai Lu lance avec deux romans sa nouvelle collection Best Friend, autrement dit des romans avec des animaux, chien chat, cheval...qui tiennent une place importante.L’idée n’est pas nouvelle puisque de nombreuses auteures comme Kristan Higgins ou Elizabeth Hoyt dotent en général leurs personnages d’un petit animal domestique qui apporte tendresse et humour à certaines scènes. D’autres, comme Jill Shalvis, ont même écrit des séries centrées autour d’animaux et ceux qui s’ne occupent mais on ne peut pas dire que cela soit un mouvement de fond à l’heure actuelle. Pourquoi vouloir développer un collection entièrement sur cela ? Mystère mais si on prend l’exemple de ce roman écrit par Alexis Morgan, il y a fort à parier qu’il sera difficile de trouver des séries entières sur le sujet. Il y aurait aussi sans doute mieux valu avoir des sagas de la trempe de celle de Jill Shalvis.
En réalité, plus qu’une romance « animalière » avec un chien qui est une sorte de Rintintin des années 2010 ( pour ceux qui ignoreraient et franchement c’est bien normal, qui est Rintintin, sachez qu’il s’agit d’une série américaine très ancienne où un chien fait partie des rangs de l’armée de ce pays et multiplie les exploits), il s’agit du début d’une saga autour d’une petite ville de l’Eta de Washington, Snowberry Creek. C’est là que le héros, Nick, va atterrir après une terrible expérience en Afghanistan. Il y a perdu son meilleur ami, y a été blessé, ainsi qu’un autre. Il vient en fait rendre visite à Callie, une amie de son copain décédé et il veut lui confier son chien recueilli sur le champ de bataille et qui y a souffert aussi. L’idée est bonne mais ne vous attendez pas à voir un homme et son chien partageant la même affliction. Non, Mookie est une brave bête qui apporte ce qu’on attend de lui c’est à dire un peu de tendresse et d’humour. Pour le reste...
September 18, 2013
Nick Jenkins is back from Afghanistan, recuperating from a bombing that killed his best friend, Spencer and left several in the group injured. He came cross-country to the Pacific Northwest to get away from his hovering parents with the intent of bringing Mooch, Spencer's dog, to Callie and them moving on. Yet as soon as he spends some time here, he is not sure he wants to leave.
Callie was Spencer's best friend. She is between jobs, staying in Snowberry Creek and making some decisions about Spencer's Victorian home, which he left her. She wants to honor his memory and is thinking about turning it into a bed and breakfast. While Nick makes some decision of his own, he helps Callie get the place ready.
As they work on the house, get closer emotionally and let another wounded friend, Leif, stay, there is added danger. Someone is stalking the grounds, causing problems and Nick is determined to protect Callie.
What an emotionally charged story about survivor's guilt and finding a place to call home. this is an enjoyable small-town romance with a military hero that I thoroughly enjoyed. The touching push and pull of the relationship is engaging and insightful. Nick is so worried that Callie was Spencer's girl, he backs away just as they start to get close.
I really love Alexis Morgan's voice: she writes with such feeling and realism that you can truly understand what the two are going through as they heal emotionally, find love and remember their friend.
I highly recommend this book for those who want a romance with military heroes.
Copy from publisher for an honest review.
Callie was Spencer's best friend. She is between jobs, staying in Snowberry Creek and making some decisions about Spencer's Victorian home, which he left her. She wants to honor his memory and is thinking about turning it into a bed and breakfast. While Nick makes some decision of his own, he helps Callie get the place ready.
As they work on the house, get closer emotionally and let another wounded friend, Leif, stay, there is added danger. Someone is stalking the grounds, causing problems and Nick is determined to protect Callie.
What an emotionally charged story about survivor's guilt and finding a place to call home. this is an enjoyable small-town romance with a military hero that I thoroughly enjoyed. The touching push and pull of the relationship is engaging and insightful. Nick is so worried that Callie was Spencer's girl, he backs away just as they start to get close.
I really love Alexis Morgan's voice: she writes with such feeling and realism that you can truly understand what the two are going through as they heal emotionally, find love and remember their friend.
I highly recommend this book for those who want a romance with military heroes.
Copy from publisher for an honest review.
May 13, 2017
This book started out nicely and I took a quick liking to Nick. He's a strong soldier who's suffered trauma and the loss of his friend in the line of duty. Spence, Nick's deceased friend from the military, has left his home to his childhood friend, Callie. They were best friends as children and grew up next door to each other. Nick pays her a visit in hopes of finding a permanent home for a dog Spence (and his unit) took off the streets of Afghanistan. Callie is also coming to terms with Spence's death and the fact that he (unexpectedly) left everything to her in his will. Once Nick sees the condition of the house Spence left behind, Nick decides to stick around and fix it up while he deals with his grief. While I liked Callie, she came across a little generic. There's not much to say about her other than she was extremely patient and had a good understanding of what Nick was going through.
The book brings up important issues. It's very difficult for our servicemen and women to make the transition from combat to civilian life. I can't fathom being on alert 24/7 and watching your friends die. I understood Nick's misplaced guilt about Spence's death and his attraction to Callie. The author did a great job of portraying PTSD, but I wanted more emotion, more "showing" by day to day example. There was a little of this, but not as much as I'd expected. I also expected to shed lots of tears, but the writing just didn't quite get that raw. It was good though and I'll remember it, but I'm not rushing out to buy the next book in the series just yet.
The book brings up important issues. It's very difficult for our servicemen and women to make the transition from combat to civilian life. I can't fathom being on alert 24/7 and watching your friends die. I understood Nick's misplaced guilt about Spence's death and his attraction to Callie. The author did a great job of portraying PTSD, but I wanted more emotion, more "showing" by day to day example. There was a little of this, but not as much as I'd expected. I also expected to shed lots of tears, but the writing just didn't quite get that raw. It was good though and I'll remember it, but I'm not rushing out to buy the next book in the series just yet.
August 30, 2013
I like to start by thanking Goodreads for selecting me to receive an ARC copy through Firstreads and also the author Alexis Morgan, who autographed the book.
One of the reasons why I entered the Firstreads giveaway for this book is that I liked the idea of reading something dealing with the return to home for soldiers. PTSD from war is just not really something that is dealt with a lot in chick lit so I thought that would be interesting - and it was. I found myself riveted to the book, and basically found myself finishing it in about 4 hours.
While "A Time for Home" is the first official book of the Snowberry Creek, I did opt to read the prequel novella "A Soldier's Heart". That is where you first meet the main characters Nick, Callie, Lief, Spence, and Mooch the dog. I think it helped me connect to them and understand why they are how they are at the beginning of the book. The issues with PTSD really grounded the characters, making me feel like these could be people I would actually meet. This did two things: 1) invested me in finding out if Nick and Callie will get their happy ending 2) interested me in finding out what happens to the other characters after this book.
If you are looking for a quick read with lots of heart and a little bit of heat ;) then this is the book for you. I'm giving it 4 stars and I am also going to stay on the lookout for more books in the series.
One of the reasons why I entered the Firstreads giveaway for this book is that I liked the idea of reading something dealing with the return to home for soldiers. PTSD from war is just not really something that is dealt with a lot in chick lit so I thought that would be interesting - and it was. I found myself riveted to the book, and basically found myself finishing it in about 4 hours.
While "A Time for Home" is the first official book of the Snowberry Creek, I did opt to read the prequel novella "A Soldier's Heart". That is where you first meet the main characters Nick, Callie, Lief, Spence, and Mooch the dog. I think it helped me connect to them and understand why they are how they are at the beginning of the book. The issues with PTSD really grounded the characters, making me feel like these could be people I would actually meet. This did two things: 1) invested me in finding out if Nick and Callie will get their happy ending 2) interested me in finding out what happens to the other characters after this book.
If you are looking for a quick read with lots of heart and a little bit of heat ;) then this is the book for you. I'm giving it 4 stars and I am also going to stay on the lookout for more books in the series.
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