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Poplar Falls #1
Rustic Hearts
The last place Sophia Lancaster wanted to return to was Poplar Falls. It’s the place that holds all the painful memories and unanswered questions she’s ever had. One phone call causes her life to take a turn, forcing her back to the town she hasn’t stepped foot in over twenty years.
And right into the path of Braxton Young.
His blue eyes, sinful smile, and rough exterior are no match for Sophia. She’s there for one reason, and it isn’t to fall in love. The sooner she can get out of this small town and back in New York City—the better.
However, fate doesn’t care for either of their desires. Instead, they’re forced to deal with each other, finding their differences aren’t as great as they thought. Each day brings them closer to friendship and the possibility of something more. The answers she seeks might not only break her and Braxton apart but also her heart.
And right into the path of Braxton Young.
His blue eyes, sinful smile, and rough exterior are no match for Sophia. She’s there for one reason, and it isn’t to fall in love. The sooner she can get out of this small town and back in New York City—the better.
However, fate doesn’t care for either of their desires. Instead, they’re forced to deal with each other, finding their differences aren’t as great as they thought. Each day brings them closer to friendship and the possibility of something more. The answers she seeks might not only break her and Braxton apart but also her heart.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2019
About the author
Amber Kelly
38 books762 followersAmber Kelly is a romance author that calls North Carolina home. She has been an avid reader from a young age and you could always find her with her nose in a book completely enthralled in an adventure. With the support of her husband and family, in 2018, she decided to finally give a voice to the stories in her head and her debut novel, Both of Me was born. You can connect with Amber on Facebook at facebook.com/AuthorAmberKelly, on IG @authoramberkelly or on twitter @AuthorAmberKel1.
http://authoramberkelly.com/
http://authoramberkelly.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 686 reviews
November 9, 2020
4.25 stars
This was my first Amber Kelly book and I loved it so much! It was the perfect sweet small town romance and exactly the kind of book I was in the mood for.
Sophie is a NYC girl who hasn’t been back to her home town since she was 12. It’s been around 20 years and she’s settled in the city, but getting a call from one of her aunts brings her home to face her father and the real truth of why she and her mother moved when she was young. It also brings a love interest- Braxton Young. Brax moved to Sophie’s father’s ranch shortly after Sophie left. There is a bit of family drama, but there is a lot of love.
I loved Brax and Sophie together. Sophie has some conflicting feelings about being in Popular Falls and at first seemed a little bratty, but after learning more about you, you completely understand how she was feeling and see what a good heart she has. The writing was fantastic and I loved listening to the audiobook. I can’t wait to read more from this series!
“Sometimes, a love so big comes along, and even if you only get to hold on to it for a little while, it can fill you up for a lifetime.”
This was my first Amber Kelly book and I loved it so much! It was the perfect sweet small town romance and exactly the kind of book I was in the mood for.
Sophie is a NYC girl who hasn’t been back to her home town since she was 12. It’s been around 20 years and she’s settled in the city, but getting a call from one of her aunts brings her home to face her father and the real truth of why she and her mother moved when she was young. It also brings a love interest- Braxton Young. Brax moved to Sophie’s father’s ranch shortly after Sophie left. There is a bit of family drama, but there is a lot of love.
I loved Brax and Sophie together. Sophie has some conflicting feelings about being in Popular Falls and at first seemed a little bratty, but after learning more about you, you completely understand how she was feeling and see what a good heart she has. The writing was fantastic and I loved listening to the audiobook. I can’t wait to read more from this series!
Audio book source: Hoopla (library borrow)
Story Rating: 4.25 stars
Narrators: Noah Michael Levine & Robyn Verne
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 7 hours and 30 minutes
June 6, 2021
4 stars
I'm such a sucker for small-town romances. This was my first Amber Kelly book and I loved it. Looking forward to reading more of her work!
I'm such a sucker for small-town romances. This was my first Amber Kelly book and I loved it. Looking forward to reading more of her work!
July 14, 2022
3.5 stars
I love a good small town romance and this cover is just GORGEOUS. I had a few friends read this and enjoy it, so I decided to check out the audiobook. I will say, I do think the audiobook made me not love this book as much. The narrators weren't the best. Since the book's romance didn't really capture me, it was really hard to get into this romance. The heroine comes back to the small town she grew up in for her grandmother's funeral. She lives in the city now and is a successful jewelry designer. She immediately doesn't like the hero because his aunt married her father and she blames her father for ruining her parents' marriage. The premise sounds so good, but the romance really took a backseat to the family drama and conflict. There wasn't as much depth to their connection and the heroine as more concerned about her relationship with her father and her mother. I think I might have given it four stars if I had physically read it, but I just didn't love the narrators' voices for either POV, which made it hard for me to care about the romance.
I love a good small town romance and this cover is just GORGEOUS. I had a few friends read this and enjoy it, so I decided to check out the audiobook. I will say, I do think the audiobook made me not love this book as much. The narrators weren't the best. Since the book's romance didn't really capture me, it was really hard to get into this romance. The heroine comes back to the small town she grew up in for her grandmother's funeral. She lives in the city now and is a successful jewelry designer. She immediately doesn't like the hero because his aunt married her father and she blames her father for ruining her parents' marriage. The premise sounds so good, but the romance really took a backseat to the family drama and conflict. There wasn't as much depth to their connection and the heroine as more concerned about her relationship with her father and her mother. I think I might have given it four stars if I had physically read it, but I just didn't love the narrators' voices for either POV, which made it hard for me to care about the romance.
April 16, 2020
This is OK read. My first book by Miss Kelly. I do love small town romance. Rustic Hearts have all the right ingredients for that small town romance. The small town vibe, the heroine who came back from big city and a hero who is just down to earth and homey.
The story is flat. I keep waiting and waiting for that something to pick up. But it does not. The story itself is min angst and no drama. There is a great detail of farming day to day life. It feels like I am reading a tour guide of farm life. The chemistry between the hero and heroine is like warm. There is not a electric current on their romance. Maybe lack of angst is the issue.
At the end of the story, I do not hate it nor like it. It is OK read. For a lazy day on isolation.
3 stars
The story is flat. I keep waiting and waiting for that something to pick up. But it does not. The story itself is min angst and no drama. There is a great detail of farming day to day life. It feels like I am reading a tour guide of farm life. The chemistry between the hero and heroine is like warm. There is not a electric current on their romance. Maybe lack of angst is the issue.
At the end of the story, I do not hate it nor like it. It is OK read. For a lazy day on isolation.
3 stars
September 20, 2019
“Sometimes, a love so big comes along, and even if you only get to hold on to it for a little while, it can fill you up for a lifetime.
Sophie and Brax own my soul right now. Sophie goes back to her hometown, because unfortunately her grandma passed away. Thing is she hasn’t been back home in twenty years, because of... well, circumstances. Brax is someone she planned to hate. She planned to go back to pay her respects, see some family, and get back to her life in New York. Would this be any kind of story if all her plans worked out how she thought? Nope.
I think fans of ‘Sweet Home Alabama’, or just fans of small town romances in general, will enjoy this book. This is the first of this authors work that I’ve read, and I definitely plan to check out more!
Sophie and Brax own my soul right now. Sophie goes back to her hometown, because unfortunately her grandma passed away. Thing is she hasn’t been back home in twenty years, because of... well, circumstances. Brax is someone she planned to hate. She planned to go back to pay her respects, see some family, and get back to her life in New York. Would this be any kind of story if all her plans worked out how she thought? Nope.
I think fans of ‘Sweet Home Alabama’, or just fans of small town romances in general, will enjoy this book. This is the first of this authors work that I’ve read, and I definitely plan to check out more!
October 16, 2019
Release Date: September 16, 2019
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Small Town | Enemies-to-Lovers | Sweet Romance
Have you ever read a book that made you fall so hopelessly in love that you wanted to live in it's world? THIS is THAT book for me. Amber Kelly is a new to me author and I am so thankful to have found this gem of a book. It's a sweet story, one that delivers in small town charm, with an exceptional set of character (including the secondary characters), and I just want to read it all over again. Rustic Hearts is a book about love. It's a book about going back to your roots, learning to forgive, and finding the blessings that surround you. Amber Kelly made me FEEL like I was living deep in Rustic Falls, and ever since I finished I feel like I'm missing some of my best friends. I adored this book so much and I really cannot recommend it enough. I wish Poplar Falls was a real place because I would be packing up my bags and moving there if it was.
As I mentioned, this book is one that dives deep into the family bond. The heroine of the story hasn't communicated with her father in over 20 years but has no choice to face him when her dear gram dies. Going back to Poplar Falls won't be easy, especially because Sophia feels like her father abandoned her for a new life, but it's necessary for healing. One she get's there though, she doesn't realize just how close these people will become to her. Especially Brax, the man she loves to hate.
This book is targeted to those who enjoy small town, enemies-to-lovers romances. However, I never really felt like they HATED each other. It was more like disdain and a little bit of curiosity mixed together. They never REALLY had fights and didn't scoff every time they were near each other, but they certainly didn't like one another off the bat either. Don't go into Rustic Hearts thinking that there will be a ton of bickering and back and forth between Brax and Sophia because that's not going to happen. I feel it's better targeted to those who love small town romances and books that surround family.
Obviously, this is a 5 star read for me. I fell in love from the beginning and had a VERY hard time putting the book down until I got to the end. I think many readers will be swept away with Rustic Hearts and I highly recommend it to all romance readers. Not only that, Dallas has the next book and I am so dang excited for it that I could BURST!
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Small Town | Enemies-to-Lovers | Sweet Romance
Have you ever read a book that made you fall so hopelessly in love that you wanted to live in it's world? THIS is THAT book for me. Amber Kelly is a new to me author and I am so thankful to have found this gem of a book. It's a sweet story, one that delivers in small town charm, with an exceptional set of character (including the secondary characters), and I just want to read it all over again. Rustic Hearts is a book about love. It's a book about going back to your roots, learning to forgive, and finding the blessings that surround you. Amber Kelly made me FEEL like I was living deep in Rustic Falls, and ever since I finished I feel like I'm missing some of my best friends. I adored this book so much and I really cannot recommend it enough. I wish Poplar Falls was a real place because I would be packing up my bags and moving there if it was.
As I mentioned, this book is one that dives deep into the family bond. The heroine of the story hasn't communicated with her father in over 20 years but has no choice to face him when her dear gram dies. Going back to Poplar Falls won't be easy, especially because Sophia feels like her father abandoned her for a new life, but it's necessary for healing. One she get's there though, she doesn't realize just how close these people will become to her. Especially Brax, the man she loves to hate.
This book is targeted to those who enjoy small town, enemies-to-lovers romances. However, I never really felt like they HATED each other. It was more like disdain and a little bit of curiosity mixed together. They never REALLY had fights and didn't scoff every time they were near each other, but they certainly didn't like one another off the bat either. Don't go into Rustic Hearts thinking that there will be a ton of bickering and back and forth between Brax and Sophia because that's not going to happen. I feel it's better targeted to those who love small town romances and books that surround family.
Obviously, this is a 5 star read for me. I fell in love from the beginning and had a VERY hard time putting the book down until I got to the end. I think many readers will be swept away with Rustic Hearts and I highly recommend it to all romance readers. Not only that, Dallas has the next book and I am so dang excited for it that I could BURST!
September 21, 2021
3✨
I started this book weeks ago and left it in the half because everything screams Hallmark movie here, but I
kinda enjoyed it.
I started this book weeks ago and left it in the half because everything screams Hallmark movie here, but I
kinda enjoyed it.
June 12, 2023
So this guy abandoned his 12 year old daughter. He let his ex-wife take her away and never contacted them. And now 20 years later his daughter is back in town for her grandma’s funeral, and he has the audacity to demand she was warm to the family??? A father that raised someone else's children while never even tried to even maintain contact with his own child??? And to a family who also made no attempt to maintain contact with her for 20 YEARS!!! Go f*ck yourself, dude!!! You and everyone else who was trying to shame her for having the fears and resentments towards their action (or lack thereof 🙄). I have no patience for people who don’t own their sh*t. DNF.
1 very angry star! 😤
1 very angry star! 😤
November 4, 2019
When Sophie was 12-years old, her mom packed up their life and moved them to NYC, leaving behind her entire world in Poplar Falls and the most important man in her life, her dad. Sophie held out hope that her dad would come after her, but not long after their move, Jefferson remarried and decided to raise his new wife's orphaned niece and nephew. Sophie felt betrayed and decided to leave that life behind her, never to return to her hometown.
Now 20-years later, Sophie is an up-and-coming jewelry designer in NYC and feels on top of the world. But unexpectedly, she gets a call from her aunt that her Gram has just died. And Sophie makes the decision to return back to Poplar Falls, Colorado for Gram's funeral, even if the return after two decades scares the crap out of her.
When Sophie returns, things haven't appeared to have changed a bit, but she knows better. Things are far from how they used to be. Sophie doesn't know how to handle seeing her family again, along with the replacement family that came along after her. One of the ranch hands, and also Jefferson's step-nephew, Braxton, seems to dislike Sophie from the start. He's stubborn and grumpy, but there's something about him that intrigues Sophie.
Sophie wasn't expecting to get much out of her trip back to Poplar Falls, but she soon realizes that life surprises her. And now she not only has the opportunity to mend her relationship with her dad, but possibly fall in love, too...
Rustic Hearts by Amber Kelly is the first book in the Poplar Falls series. This is a charming small-town romance that'll surely win your heart. Braxton and Sophie couldn't be more different, but the two of them worked so well together. They had great emotional and physical chemistry and I found myself tearing up over their love story at the end. I also enjoyed the family dynamics included here because it added an extra layer of depth to this story. I can't wait to see where Amber Kelly takes this series (I'm hoping that Dallas's story is next!?) 4.5/5 stars.
Now 20-years later, Sophie is an up-and-coming jewelry designer in NYC and feels on top of the world. But unexpectedly, she gets a call from her aunt that her Gram has just died. And Sophie makes the decision to return back to Poplar Falls, Colorado for Gram's funeral, even if the return after two decades scares the crap out of her.
When Sophie returns, things haven't appeared to have changed a bit, but she knows better. Things are far from how they used to be. Sophie doesn't know how to handle seeing her family again, along with the replacement family that came along after her. One of the ranch hands, and also Jefferson's step-nephew, Braxton, seems to dislike Sophie from the start. He's stubborn and grumpy, but there's something about him that intrigues Sophie.
Sophie wasn't expecting to get much out of her trip back to Poplar Falls, but she soon realizes that life surprises her. And now she not only has the opportunity to mend her relationship with her dad, but possibly fall in love, too...
Rustic Hearts by Amber Kelly is the first book in the Poplar Falls series. This is a charming small-town romance that'll surely win your heart. Braxton and Sophie couldn't be more different, but the two of them worked so well together. They had great emotional and physical chemistry and I found myself tearing up over their love story at the end. I also enjoyed the family dynamics included here because it added an extra layer of depth to this story. I can't wait to see where Amber Kelly takes this series (I'm hoping that Dallas's story is next!?) 4.5/5 stars.
October 31, 2023
EXCUSE ME 😳 I AM IN LOVE.
I’m gonna be honest I picked this up because I loved the cover but oh my god, why isn’t anyone talking about this? It’s SO GOOD. It’s like a cross between The Simple Wild and It Happened One Summer and I read it in one freaking day. Couldn’t put it down.
WOW Probably in my top reads for the year
✨small town
✨cowboy/ western/ ranch life
✨grumpy sunshine
✨opposites attract
✨forced proximity
✨he calls her princess
🌶️🌶️.5
I’m gonna be honest I picked this up because I loved the cover but oh my god, why isn’t anyone talking about this? It’s SO GOOD. It’s like a cross between The Simple Wild and It Happened One Summer and I read it in one freaking day. Couldn’t put it down.
WOW Probably in my top reads for the year
✨small town
✨cowboy/ western/ ranch life
✨grumpy sunshine
✨opposites attract
✨forced proximity
✨he calls her princess
🌶️🌶️.5
March 26, 2021
Corazon Valiente es una bonita historia, pero no lo suficiente como para enamorar.
Es cierto que no tiene unos defectos enormes que salten a la vista, creo que es mas una cuestion de que no me emociono como deberia, ademas, no me termine de creer los lazos emocionales que se crean entre Sophie y los personajes secundarios, si, soy consciente de que son su familia, pero aun asi, han pasado 20 años sin verse ni tener ningun tipo de relacion, y me intentas hacer creer que en un par de dias ya hay una conexion? lo siento pero no me lo creo, quizas, si la evolucion hubiese sido mas lenta, opinaria diferente.
En general, la lectura es muy predecible, no hay emocion o sospresas, todo avanza como un guion de una pelicula muy tipica, y eso le resto puntos.
Tampoco me dejo satisfecha la supuesta historia de amor entre Sophie y Brax, la senti excesivamente precipitada ( sobre todo, con ese epilogo ), pasan de no tener ninguna clase de interaccion a sentirse atraidos el uno por el otro, tanto que ni siquiera hay escenas memorables entre ellos, y respecto a Brax y Sophie como personajes individuales, no hay mucho que contar, ambos son bastante basicos y cliches, literalmente, tienen lo minimo para hacerlos medianamente coherentes, pero ni de lejos resultan inolvidables o entrañables.
Sinceramente, espere otro tipo de novela cuando lo empece a leer, una mas profunda y emotiva, todo me dejo muy indiferente.
En fin, si disfrutas de los romances en pueblos pequeños o incluso de los romances con vaqueros, Corazon Valiente puede ser de tu agrado, no obstante, si quieres un libro que te enamore y te cueste olvidar, no creo que este sea la opcion mas indicada.
P. D. : Ya casi termino de leer el siguiente, y ese si que me ha gustado bastante mas.
2.5 Estrellas!
October 18, 2019
4 ⭐'s
I don't know how I came upon this book but I'm glad I did.
Sophie's parents divorced when she was twelve years old and her new on-the-go life in New York couldn't be more different than the old life she loved out on her family's ranch.
She gets a call from her Aunt that her grandmother has passed away and she decides to go to the funeral although she hasn't spoken to anyone in twenty years.
Things have changed but a lot hasn't. She meets Braxton who's been living and working on the ranch and she comes to appreciate a lot of what he does...and what she used to do.
When she has to make a decision, it's compounded by the outing of a secret and something she didn't see coming. I was a little surprised by how she handled things but loved how everything worked out.
Goodreads lists this as a series but I couldn't find any other information on the next book(s). I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there will be more.
I don't know how I came upon this book but I'm glad I did.
Sophie's parents divorced when she was twelve years old and her new on-the-go life in New York couldn't be more different than the old life she loved out on her family's ranch.
She gets a call from her Aunt that her grandmother has passed away and she decides to go to the funeral although she hasn't spoken to anyone in twenty years.
Things have changed but a lot hasn't. She meets Braxton who's been living and working on the ranch and she comes to appreciate a lot of what he does...and what she used to do.
When she has to make a decision, it's compounded by the outing of a secret and something she didn't see coming. I was a little surprised by how she handled things but loved how everything worked out.
Goodreads lists this as a series but I couldn't find any other information on the next book(s). I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there will be more.
December 19, 2020
This is so underrated that it’s unfair!
If “Hannah Montana: The Movie” and The Simple Wild had a baby, it would be this book. It’s an extremely nostalgic story, but also refreshing because it focuses way more on the family relationships than on the romance itself. I adored all the characters and the pacing was amazing.
If you need a heartwarming quick read on Kindle Unlimited, give this a shot!
If “Hannah Montana: The Movie” and The Simple Wild had a baby, it would be this book. It’s an extremely nostalgic story, but also refreshing because it focuses way more on the family relationships than on the romance itself. I adored all the characters and the pacing was amazing.
If you need a heartwarming quick read on Kindle Unlimited, give this a shot!
February 9, 2021
Sophie se marcha del pueblo y vuelve 20 años después y sin haber tenido relación con su familia durante esos años. Braxton es el sobrino de su madrastra y el que es considerado un hijo por su padre y una de las personas que ella considera que le arrebató su "puesto". Me ha gustado mucho como está llevada la historia, en sus sentimientos contradictorios, empatizando con ella pero también con la familia y es de unos de los enamoramientos más bonitos que he leído, ya que casi es "prohibido".
Si te gustan las historias en pueblitos pequeños, ranchos, enemies to lovers, familia... Hay que leerlo.
*Nota: en el segundo libro se sigue sabiendo de ellos.
Si te gustan las historias en pueblitos pequeños, ranchos, enemies to lovers, familia... Hay que leerlo.
*Nota: en el segundo libro se sigue sabiendo de ellos.
March 23, 2020
3.75-4 stars
By & large Rustic Hearts is a solid, enjoyable story. Sophie & Braxton knew how to rub the other the wrong way from their very first glance. The premise of what brought them together was Sophie reluctantly returning to her childhood home 20 years after fleeing in the night to NY with her mother & all the while no contact with her father. Abandonment by him was a pretty safe assumption as far she knew. Upon her Gram's death, she finds herself right in the thick of things with her father's family(including the new parts she never met[Braxton being one of them] & felt replaced by) returning to Poplar Falls. The weight of secrets kept from her & feelings of abandonment is almost too much to stand the moment she set foot back onto Rustic Peak Ranch.
The following might be considered just a little bit spoiler-ish, so I'm thinking it might be better to post it as such.
All that said, Rustic Hearts was still very much worth reading & in fact a quote, unquote good read. I definitely will be visiting Poplar Falls again(book 2) in the future.
By & large Rustic Hearts is a solid, enjoyable story. Sophie & Braxton knew how to rub the other the wrong way from their very first glance. The premise of what brought them together was Sophie reluctantly returning to her childhood home 20 years after fleeing in the night to NY with her mother & all the while no contact with her father. Abandonment by him was a pretty safe assumption as far she knew. Upon her Gram's death, she finds herself right in the thick of things with her father's family(including the new parts she never met[Braxton being one of them] & felt replaced by) returning to Poplar Falls. The weight of secrets kept from her & feelings of abandonment is almost too much to stand the moment she set foot back onto Rustic Peak Ranch.
The following might be considered just a little bit spoiler-ish, so I'm thinking it might be better to post it as such.
All that said, Rustic Hearts was still very much worth reading & in fact a quote, unquote good read. I definitely will be visiting Poplar Falls again(book 2) in the future.
June 14, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ this book was so cute i loved it so much 🥺💞
May 27, 2020
4.5stars.
Sophie was only 12 when her mum upped and took them both away from where they both lived. So fast forward to twenty years, Sophie who is a successful jeweller and raised in New York, has to go back to Poplar Falls for her Grams funeral. At first Sophie was hesitant about returning all for not getting closure to why her father never visited or she got to see him. As she arrives she meets the brooding Braxton, and yes they didn’t see eye to eye, but whatever they felt for each other slowly developed in a short time and I love the easy pace of the story. It’s slow burn and it’s a heartwarming emotional book about opening up to learning her roots, to understanding her family and finally learning to trust and believing in her father. But I for one think that her mum influenced so much of her life growing up but Sophie needed to attend her Gram’s funeral and she needed to also find herself to be truly happy and that Braxton wow is so hot and intense yet he believed in a love like his father, and yes the story was so sweet so and easy to laugh and tear up with secondary characters that are so easy and lovable to read.
Sophie was only 12 when her mum upped and took them both away from where they both lived. So fast forward to twenty years, Sophie who is a successful jeweller and raised in New York, has to go back to Poplar Falls for her Grams funeral. At first Sophie was hesitant about returning all for not getting closure to why her father never visited or she got to see him. As she arrives she meets the brooding Braxton, and yes they didn’t see eye to eye, but whatever they felt for each other slowly developed in a short time and I love the easy pace of the story. It’s slow burn and it’s a heartwarming emotional book about opening up to learning her roots, to understanding her family and finally learning to trust and believing in her father. But I for one think that her mum influenced so much of her life growing up but Sophie needed to attend her Gram’s funeral and she needed to also find herself to be truly happy and that Braxton wow is so hot and intense yet he believed in a love like his father, and yes the story was so sweet so and easy to laugh and tear up with secondary characters that are so easy and lovable to read.
December 9, 2022
Man oh man do I love small town romance. It’s my absolute favorite!!!! This author is new to me, and while it was the slowest of the slow burn, I loved this book! It’s got small town rancher vibes, jealousy and spice, lots of fun relatives with wise advice, family drama and secrets…well done. I wanted more spotlighting the relationship with the two MCs, but other than that I was into it. Sophie and her mother flee Poplar Falls one night when Sophie is 12. She’s told that her father cheated on her mother and when she confronted him, he told her to leave. So for 20 years Sophie and her mother have lived in NYC with no contact and no visits. Until Sophie’s aunt calls her to give her news that takes her back to Colorado.
Braxton takes one look at Sophie and declares her to be a city girl snob. Jefferson, Sophie’s father, raised Braxton and his sister Elle with the help from their aunt, Jefferson’s second wife. When Sophie returns home, she’s struck with the sense that she’s an interloper on a life that is no longer hers. She feels like her father threw her away and has a really hard time being back home. Braxton assumes that she’s a brat and a jerk and is pretty hard on her. But when Sophie starts to open up and help at the ranch, he realizes that she’s chock full of defense mechanisms. And he’s tired of Sophie not knowing the truth about why her mother took her away.
So yeah, I loved this and can’t wait to read all the books in the series. The only person out of this entire story that I hated was Morgan, and that’s because we’re meant to. And Sophie’s mother really REALLY pissed me off. But the epilogue made up for it all. My favorite line of the book:
“Six weeks,” I say as I look down at the ring. “What’s that?” “Six weeks. That’s how long it took Dad to know that he wanted to marry Mom and to put this ring on her finger. It only took me four.”
Braxton takes one look at Sophie and declares her to be a city girl snob. Jefferson, Sophie’s father, raised Braxton and his sister Elle with the help from their aunt, Jefferson’s second wife. When Sophie returns home, she’s struck with the sense that she’s an interloper on a life that is no longer hers. She feels like her father threw her away and has a really hard time being back home. Braxton assumes that she’s a brat and a jerk and is pretty hard on her. But when Sophie starts to open up and help at the ranch, he realizes that she’s chock full of defense mechanisms. And he’s tired of Sophie not knowing the truth about why her mother took her away.
So yeah, I loved this and can’t wait to read all the books in the series. The only person out of this entire story that I hated was Morgan, and that’s because we’re meant to. And Sophie’s mother really REALLY pissed me off. But the epilogue made up for it all. My favorite line of the book:
“Six weeks,” I say as I look down at the ring. “What’s that?” “Six weeks. That’s how long it took Dad to know that he wanted to marry Mom and to put this ring on her finger. It only took me four.”
January 19, 2020
1.25 stars.
I'm sorry, but the writing in this was not for me. I did finish it but only by pure will power. And the fact that
I'm sorry, but the writing in this was not for me. I did finish it but only by pure will power. And the fact that
August 4, 2020
Nota: 1’5
Típica película de Antena 3 del domingo por la tarde hecha libro.
Me topé por casualidad con este libro y me llamó la atención que se desarrollase en un pueblo pequeño (porque sinceramente esas ambientaciones me conquistan) y viendo que tenía buenas puntuaciones me lancé porque no sabía que leer pero madre mía... este libro... es un N O . Rotundo.
Empezando por lo machista que es, de típicas conversaciones de hombres que trabajan en el rancho y después de un día duro de trabajo vuelven a casa y sus mujeres (porque así las describen) ya tienen preparada la comida y la mesa. Comentarios del estilo: “es que estás muy delgada y a los hombres nos gustan las mujeres con curvas y carne donde agarrar”. N O . Lo siento, pero es que no paso por ahí.
¿Por que lo he seguido leyendo? Sinceramente porque no sé qué leer y para lo rápido que se leía decidí continuar con la lectura y no mejoró. Aunque quitáramos los comentarios machistas el libro tiene una historia de amor para nada creíble, muy instantánea y con relaciones, tanto personales como amorosas desarrollándose en nada.
No esperaba una gran lectura pero tampoco que fuera así. Y no creo que vuelva a leer a la autora, la verdad.
Típica película de Antena 3 del domingo por la tarde hecha libro.
Me topé por casualidad con este libro y me llamó la atención que se desarrollase en un pueblo pequeño (porque sinceramente esas ambientaciones me conquistan) y viendo que tenía buenas puntuaciones me lancé porque no sabía que leer pero madre mía... este libro... es un N O . Rotundo.
Empezando por lo machista que es, de típicas conversaciones de hombres que trabajan en el rancho y después de un día duro de trabajo vuelven a casa y sus mujeres (porque así las describen) ya tienen preparada la comida y la mesa. Comentarios del estilo: “es que estás muy delgada y a los hombres nos gustan las mujeres con curvas y carne donde agarrar”. N O . Lo siento, pero es que no paso por ahí.
¿Por que lo he seguido leyendo? Sinceramente porque no sé qué leer y para lo rápido que se leía decidí continuar con la lectura y no mejoró. Aunque quitáramos los comentarios machistas el libro tiene una historia de amor para nada creíble, muy instantánea y con relaciones, tanto personales como amorosas desarrollándose en nada.
No esperaba una gran lectura pero tampoco que fuera así. Y no creo que vuelva a leer a la autora, la verdad.
November 19, 2022
לסקירה מפורטת בעיברית, קישור לבלוג שלי -
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/שדות...
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/שדות...
April 22, 2021
4.5 🌟
LOVEEEEEED IT!! Let me start off by saying that I’m so happy that this book led me back to a small, Southern town because that is one of my favourite places to be in Romance novels 🥰!! This book also introduced me to a new author and a new series, which, I think many of us book lovers can understand the joy that comes with reading something completely new 😍😍😍!!
The couple in this book was so cute!! Sophia and Braxton are sort of step-siblings, except Braxton is Sophia’s stepmother’s nephew who has been raised by her father from a young age (are you following me 😂?!!). Sophia has not seen her father in 20 years due to family drama that resulted in her mother, a wannabe star, fleeing her father and their small town for New York. As such, when Sophia, who’s now a 32 year old business woman, flies back to see her father after 20 years, she feels hurt by her father’s new family, including Braxton - a rancher on her father’s farm-whom she sort of blames for her mother fleeing their small town. This results in some tension between the two lovers, but things slowly change as the two of them find it difficult to resist each other 🔥!!
In addition to their chemistry, what I also loved was how business savvy Sophia was, and the author clearly showed that in many scenes. I LOVED the fact that the woman in this story is more successful and business savvy than the man, since it’s usually the other way around. Also, I loved the secondary characters, including friends and family members, whom you are going to love as well. Something interesting about this book that I usually wouldn’t like is the fact that the hero does sleep around with a woman before he gets together with the hero. I guess some readers will not like that, but for me it works just fine in the story. Overall, I highly recommend this one!!
Side notes: small town romance, heroine from the city, family drama, light enemies to lovers, a little jealousy, descriptive sex scenes, age appropriate, girly heroine, business savvy heroine, farmer hero, funny moments, cute dog moments.
LOVEEEEEED IT!! Let me start off by saying that I’m so happy that this book led me back to a small, Southern town because that is one of my favourite places to be in Romance novels 🥰!! This book also introduced me to a new author and a new series, which, I think many of us book lovers can understand the joy that comes with reading something completely new 😍😍😍!!
The couple in this book was so cute!! Sophia and Braxton are sort of step-siblings, except Braxton is Sophia’s stepmother’s nephew who has been raised by her father from a young age (are you following me 😂?!!). Sophia has not seen her father in 20 years due to family drama that resulted in her mother, a wannabe star, fleeing her father and their small town for New York. As such, when Sophia, who’s now a 32 year old business woman, flies back to see her father after 20 years, she feels hurt by her father’s new family, including Braxton - a rancher on her father’s farm-whom she sort of blames for her mother fleeing their small town. This results in some tension between the two lovers, but things slowly change as the two of them find it difficult to resist each other 🔥!!
In addition to their chemistry, what I also loved was how business savvy Sophia was, and the author clearly showed that in many scenes. I LOVED the fact that the woman in this story is more successful and business savvy than the man, since it’s usually the other way around. Also, I loved the secondary characters, including friends and family members, whom you are going to love as well. Something interesting about this book that I usually wouldn’t like is the fact that the hero does sleep around with a woman before he gets together with the hero. I guess some readers will not like that, but for me it works just fine in the story. Overall, I highly recommend this one!!
Side notes: small town romance, heroine from the city, family drama, light enemies to lovers, a little jealousy, descriptive sex scenes, age appropriate, girly heroine, business savvy heroine, farmer hero, funny moments, cute dog moments.
July 21, 2021
honestly it was cute i enjoyed it, i’ll give it a 3.5!
the relationship was cute and the small town vibe was so good😫
the relationship was cute and the small town vibe was so good😫
April 22, 2024
Why aren’t people talking about this series more?!? Like!!!?!??? Are we okay??!???
I found this book on audible and I fell in love from chapter 1. A NYC girl who heads home after years of being separated from her dad and family??? I’m hooked.
I absolutely adored the relationships in this book, not just the romantic one. I am in love with this town, the people, and all of the little quirks.
I will say that the ending wrapped up quicker than I thought it would. I’m not mad about it though! I was waiting to see more of her and her dad works things through and we didn’t get much of that. But she does have a lot of sweet moments with him through the book.
The banter in this book is also SO GREAT! I loved their ease once they started being together though and the ending had me in tears.
You’ll absolutely love this book if you love
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ small town
✨ ranch life
✨ city girl meets small town
4⭐️ | 2.5🌶️
I found this book on audible and I fell in love from chapter 1. A NYC girl who heads home after years of being separated from her dad and family??? I’m hooked.
I absolutely adored the relationships in this book, not just the romantic one. I am in love with this town, the people, and all of the little quirks.
I will say that the ending wrapped up quicker than I thought it would. I’m not mad about it though! I was waiting to see more of her and her dad works things through and we didn’t get much of that. But she does have a lot of sweet moments with him through the book.
The banter in this book is also SO GREAT! I loved their ease once they started being together though and the ending had me in tears.
You’ll absolutely love this book if you love
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ small town
✨ ranch life
✨ city girl meets small town
4⭐️ | 2.5🌶️
March 26, 2021
This was such a fun romance!
I loved the small-town setting and the fact that this family lived on a ranch. I grew up going to. ranches and it brought me so much nostalgia :)
I really loved the heroine and how she really grew into herself in this book. My favorite part was her reconnecting with her family.
The romance was cute, however, I don't know if it is my favorite part of the book. It happened a little too fast for my taste. There was a fast switch between the two of them not liking each other, and then them loving each other.
Also, if you love The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker, you will LOVE this one!!
I loved the small-town setting and the fact that this family lived on a ranch. I grew up going to. ranches and it brought me so much nostalgia :)
I really loved the heroine and how she really grew into herself in this book. My favorite part was her reconnecting with her family.
The romance was cute, however, I don't know if it is my favorite part of the book. It happened a little too fast for my taste. There was a fast switch between the two of them not liking each other, and then them loving each other.
Also, if you love The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker, you will LOVE this one!!
June 12, 2020
Quiero más libros de está autora!
Está historia que fue un manto de amor , creo que en la vida somos la suma de hechos y acciones propios y de lo que los demás han marcado en nosotros , sin dudas Sophia y Braxton son así , pero debajo esas capaz de la vida ,está la esencia , es una historia de familia , afectos , errores y amor , buscar el lugar en el mundo donde encontrás la felicidad , dónde sabes que sos familia ,me encanto , quiero que está autora siga traduciendo sus libros al español , quiero toda la sería por favor
Está historia que fue un manto de amor , creo que en la vida somos la suma de hechos y acciones propios y de lo que los demás han marcado en nosotros , sin dudas Sophia y Braxton son así , pero debajo esas capaz de la vida ,está la esencia , es una historia de familia , afectos , errores y amor , buscar el lugar en el mundo donde encontrás la felicidad , dónde sabes que sos familia ,me encanto , quiero que está autora siga traduciendo sus libros al español , quiero toda la sería por favor
September 25, 2019
Not a bad read. Don’t think I would be speaking to ether of my parents for a good while if this were me. Her mom lied to her for 20 years. Her father was an ass. You don’t ever give up on you kid. No amount of $$ is worth more than a child feeling loved and wanted by their parents. I felt bad for the h. She felt she was replaceable. I just don’t feel like the ending was realistic with her parents. The romance part was ok.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2020
היו לי ציפיות גבוהות מהספר הזה, לפי התיאור שלו ולפי הביקורות הגבוהות מאוד שקיבל, ובמקרה זה - כגודל הציפיה כך גודל האכזבה. הוא היה רק בסדר מינוס.
כשסופי היתה בת 12, אמא שלה עקרה את שתיהן בפתאומיות מחוות הבקר המשפחתית בקולורדו, והן עברו לניו יורק. אביה נישא מאוד מהר מחדש ואימץ את שני האחיינים של אשתו החדשה. במשך 20 שנה, אביה והצד שלו במשפחה (דודות, סבא, סבתא) לא יצרו עם סופי קשר כלל. גם אמה נישאה מחדש ויחסיה של סופי עם אביה החורג טובים וקרובים, ועדיין היא גדלה בתחושה שננטשה על ידי אביה, ושהיא בעצמה נטשה את עולמה הישן. סופי הפכה למעצבת תכשיטים מצליחה בעלת חברה משלה. יום אחד, דודתה מתקשרת אליה ומספרת לה שסבתה נפטרה ושהיא מוזמנת להלוויה ולהקראת הצוואה. סופי מחליטה לנסוע לקולורדו לבקר את המשפחה שלא היתה איתה בקשר במשך 20 שנה, ושם תתאהב בברקסטון הקאובוי החתיך, האחיין של אישתו החדשה של אביה, וגם תגלה את הסיבה לעזיבה הפתאומית ההיא ותתפייס עם אביה.
הספר מאוד בנאלי וקלישאתי, אבל לא בגלל זה התאכזבתי ממנו. כל הספר פשוט מעצבן, לא מובן ולא אמין. לא ברור בכלל למה סופי מתאהבת בברקסטון (מעבר לעובדה שהוא חתיך) - הוא לא אדם נחמד בכלל, מאוד שיפוטי כלפיה (לא מדובר במקרה של חוסר הבנה ביניהם או בבחור שתקן וקודר, הוא לא שתקן ולא קודר, סתם פוץ), ובגדול די דושבאג ("שמוק", מכנה אותו סופי בספר, והיא צודקת). סופי מוכשרת ומוצלחת וחכמה ומהממת, והוא... לא ממש. הקשר ביניהם עובר מ-0 לסקס לוהט שכתוב בצורה הכי בנאלית שאפשר ובסיטואציות לא הגיוניות.
חוץ מזה, ממש הרגיז אותי היחס של המשפחה לסופי. אמנם הדודות שלה וגם החבר הוותיק של אביה מבינים את הקושי שלה לחדש את הקשר עם משפחה - שהתעלמה ממנה!!! , בואו לא נשכח, במשך 20 שנה!!! - אבל הרבה דמויות (כולל ברקסטון וכולל אבא שלה!) מאוד שיפוטיים כלפיה, יורדים על ההרגלים שלה ועל העדפותיה, מצפים ממנה לשכוח הכל ולסלוח מאוד מהר, וממש לא מעריכים שום דבר שהיא עושה (שזה כולל את מאמציה לסדר את העניינים הפיננסיים של החווה). כל ההתנהלות של סופי רצופה ברגשות אשמה על הצד שלה בנתק מהמשפחה, כשיש לזכור שהיא היתה בסך הכל ילדה, אבל אף אחד מהמשפחה של אביה - לא הדודות, לא הסבא, לא האבא - חושב שהם היו לא בסדר או שהם צריכים לבקש את סליחתה (בספר כל הזמן משודר בעקיפין וגם ישירות שסופי צריכה להתגבר על העבר ולסלוח - אבל בפועל - אף אחד לא מבקש ממנה סליחה או מביע איזושהי חרטה - מלבד סופי, שהיא הקורבן פה). כמובן גם מודגש עד כמה הרבה יותר טוב לחיות בעיירה נידחת בקולורדו לעומת ניו יורק "המזויפת" - וואלה, לא השתכנעתי. העיירה הזו מכילה בעיקר אנשים אגואיסטים, רכלנים ושיפוטיים, ודווקא הדמויות הניו-יורקריות הן אוהבות ותומכות.
בקיצור, הספר עיצבן אותי וממש התאכזבתי. באסה רצינית.
כשסופי היתה בת 12, אמא שלה עקרה את שתיהן בפתאומיות מחוות הבקר המשפחתית בקולורדו, והן עברו לניו יורק. אביה נישא מאוד מהר מחדש ואימץ את שני האחיינים של אשתו החדשה. במשך 20 שנה, אביה והצד שלו במשפחה (דודות, סבא, סבתא) לא יצרו עם סופי קשר כלל. גם אמה נישאה מחדש ויחסיה של סופי עם אביה החורג טובים וקרובים, ועדיין היא גדלה בתחושה שננטשה על ידי אביה, ושהיא בעצמה נטשה את עולמה הישן. סופי הפכה למעצבת תכשיטים מצליחה בעלת חברה משלה. יום אחד, דודתה מתקשרת אליה ומספרת לה שסבתה נפטרה ושהיא מוזמנת להלוויה ולהקראת הצוואה. סופי מחליטה לנסוע לקולורדו לבקר את המשפחה שלא היתה איתה בקשר במשך 20 שנה, ושם תתאהב בברקסטון הקאובוי החתיך, האחיין של אישתו החדשה של אביה, וגם תגלה את הסיבה לעזיבה הפתאומית ההיא ותתפייס עם אביה.
הספר מאוד בנאלי וקלישאתי, אבל לא בגלל זה התאכזבתי ממנו. כל הספר פשוט מעצבן, לא מובן ולא אמין. לא ברור בכלל למה סופי מתאהבת בברקסטון (מעבר לעובדה שהוא חתיך) - הוא לא אדם נחמד בכלל, מאוד שיפוטי כלפיה (לא מדובר במקרה של חוסר הבנה ביניהם או בבחור שתקן וקודר, הוא לא שתקן ולא קודר, סתם פוץ), ובגדול די דושבאג ("שמוק", מכנה אותו סופי בספר, והיא צודקת). סופי מוכשרת ומוצלחת וחכמה ומהממת, והוא... לא ממש. הקשר ביניהם עובר מ-0 לסקס לוהט שכתוב בצורה הכי בנאלית שאפשר ובסיטואציות לא הגיוניות.
חוץ מזה, ממש הרגיז אותי היחס של המשפחה לסופי. אמנם הדודות שלה וגם החבר הוותיק של אביה מבינים את הקושי שלה לחדש את הקשר עם משפחה - שהתעלמה ממנה!!! , בואו לא נשכח, במשך 20 שנה!!! - אבל הרבה דמויות (כולל ברקסטון וכולל אבא שלה!) מאוד שיפוטיים כלפיה, יורדים על ההרגלים שלה ועל העדפותיה, מצפים ממנה לשכוח הכל ולסלוח מאוד מהר, וממש לא מעריכים שום דבר שהיא עושה (שזה כולל את מאמציה לסדר את העניינים הפיננסיים של החווה). כל ההתנהלות של סופי רצופה ברגשות אשמה על הצד שלה בנתק מהמשפחה, כשיש לזכור שהיא היתה בסך הכל ילדה, אבל אף אחד מהמשפחה של אביה - לא הדודות, לא הסבא, לא האבא - חושב שהם היו לא בסדר או שהם צריכים לבקש את סליחתה (בספר כל הזמן משודר בעקיפין וגם ישירות שסופי צריכה להתגבר על העבר ולסלוח - אבל בפועל - אף אחד לא מבקש ממנה סליחה או מביע איזושהי חרטה - מלבד סופי, שהיא הקורבן פה). כמובן גם מודגש עד כמה הרבה יותר טוב לחיות בעיירה נידחת בקולורדו לעומת ניו יורק "המזויפת" - וואלה, לא השתכנעתי. העיירה הזו מכילה בעיקר אנשים אגואיסטים, רכלנים ושיפוטיים, ודווקא הדמויות הניו-יורקריות הן אוהבות ותומכות.
בקיצור, הספר עיצבן אותי וממש התאכזבתי. באסה רצינית.
October 21, 2023
Goodreads is deleting my review on purpose, so here we go again. This is a badly military "romance" book about two boring white people with no chemistry.
September 29, 2019
4.5/5 Stars
I Loved this book so much and that coveris simply GORGEOUS
When Sophie was 12 years old her mum takes her from her hometown Popular Falls, Denver and moves them both the New York away from the rest of her family including her Dad who she adores. Sophie thought that she would be returning soon or that her Dad would come look for her but after a while she finds out that that her Dad has now happily remarried and is living on his Ranch with his new wife and her nephew and niece Braxton and Elle.
20 years down the track and Sophie is growing her small business and living in the city near her Mom and Stepdad. She gets a phone call from her Aunt informing her that her Gram has passed away and that the family would like it if she returned for the funeral and will reading. Sophie is hesitant at first as she knows that returning to her small hometown will bring her heartache and force her and her Dad to deal with issues they have both been ignoring. But she knows if she is going to get answers as the why her Dad never came looking for her or how he was so quick to replace her and her mom she needs to face going back and finding the truth to help her forgive and let go of the pain she has been holding on to.
Upon Sophie's return her first interaction with Braxton is not a good one. He seems to dislike her right from their very first meet. And Sophie already nervous and feeling like an outsider in her own family does not warm up to the idea of being home or her Dad right away. Things begin rough but she knows that this isnt going to be an easy visit. She just needs to find a way to get through it until she can go back and hopefully she will get all the answers she is looking for.
This story was beautiful and so full of heart. I loved the entire town of Popular Falls and how they featured heavily in this story. Brax and Sophies interactions and chemistry felt so real and natural I loved their entire story especially how it involved a very cute puppy. The ending was so swoon worthy.
The story was so easy to read and i devoured it I only wish it was longer because i finished it way too fast. This was a great start to a new series and i can't wait to read more.
I Loved this book so much and that coveris simply GORGEOUS
When Sophie was 12 years old her mum takes her from her hometown Popular Falls, Denver and moves them both the New York away from the rest of her family including her Dad who she adores. Sophie thought that she would be returning soon or that her Dad would come look for her but after a while she finds out that that her Dad has now happily remarried and is living on his Ranch with his new wife and her nephew and niece Braxton and Elle.
20 years down the track and Sophie is growing her small business and living in the city near her Mom and Stepdad. She gets a phone call from her Aunt informing her that her Gram has passed away and that the family would like it if she returned for the funeral and will reading. Sophie is hesitant at first as she knows that returning to her small hometown will bring her heartache and force her and her Dad to deal with issues they have both been ignoring. But she knows if she is going to get answers as the why her Dad never came looking for her or how he was so quick to replace her and her mom she needs to face going back and finding the truth to help her forgive and let go of the pain she has been holding on to.
Upon Sophie's return her first interaction with Braxton is not a good one. He seems to dislike her right from their very first meet. And Sophie already nervous and feeling like an outsider in her own family does not warm up to the idea of being home or her Dad right away. Things begin rough but she knows that this isnt going to be an easy visit. She just needs to find a way to get through it until she can go back and hopefully she will get all the answers she is looking for.
This story was beautiful and so full of heart. I loved the entire town of Popular Falls and how they featured heavily in this story. Brax and Sophies interactions and chemistry felt so real and natural I loved their entire story especially how it involved a very cute puppy. The ending was so swoon worthy.
The story was so easy to read and i devoured it I only wish it was longer because i finished it way too fast. This was a great start to a new series and i can't wait to read more.
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