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The Broken Roads #1
To Trust
Dee Hooper and Jack Brewer grew up next door to each other in sleepy Buckhorn Corner, Oklahoma. From the time they were less than a year old they’d been best friends, but then Dee eloped with a man from Pennsylvania. Seven years later, she’s brought a broken heart back home to her dysfunctional Roxie, the grandmother, who runs the family with an attitude of steel; Mimosa, the mother, who’s been married so many times she’s forgotten half of them; Tally, the sister who’s in the county jail for writing hot checks; Bodine, Tally’s daughter, who’s been raised by Rosie just like Dee and Tally were; and Jack, the boy next door who’s always loved Dee. Jack was the computer geek in high school, and he’s turned that knowledge into a lucrative business―one that allows him to continue to run the convenience store in town, which he loves. He’s content, selling picnic supplies and bait to the fishermen and campers. But there’s a hole in his heart, and the only person who can fill it is Dee Hooper. Then one hot summer day she appears, and he’s determined not to let her hurt him or get away again. With Dee and Jack battling past hurts and fears, they try to reclaim their lifelong friendship and trust again, each secretly hoping they’ll be more than just friends this time around.
220 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2007
1049 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
186 books4,143 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
February 8, 2026
3½⭐. Carolyn Brown romances are always a breath of fresh air.
November 1, 2009
Dee comes home to her wacky family, unexpectedly, after her marriage falls apart. Her family says good riddance to Dee's upper-crust husband her is nothing at all like her family and took her away from her home in Oklahoma. Dee's failed marriage has come as a shock to her, so when she returns home, she is a bit out of sorts. Her wacky family seems just as they were when she left years ago, which turns out to be a welcome thing for Dee. Another thing that hasn't changed is the next door neighbor and Dee's childhood friend, Jack. Atleast Dee doesn't initially think he's changed, given time she realizes Jack is a self-made millionaire, computer geek, who hasn't let the money change him one bit right down to the corner grocery store he runs and the old trailer he lives in out back. One thing that hasn't changed is the torch that Jack carries for Dee and her inability to see it.
Honestly, I'm not sure why I got this book at the library and decided to read it, but I'm glad did. It turned out to be a really great book. Dee's family is wacky and totally lovable. Jack is sophisticated, yet modest and down to earth. He is also fiercely loyal to those he loves.
Honestly, I'm not sure why I got this book at the library and decided to read it, but I'm glad did. It turned out to be a really great book. Dee's family is wacky and totally lovable. Jack is sophisticated, yet modest and down to earth. He is also fiercely loyal to those he loves.
October 1, 2017
I enjoyed "The Ladie's Room" so much, I wanted to read another story by Carolyn Brown. Unfortunately, this book didn't come close to matching it. It's an OK romantic novel, but not the great story that "The Ladie's Room" was. I'll try one other book by her before giving up.
December 31, 2013
I loved this book.. Ms Roxie Hopper is the Queen of the Boarding House and she says that only God and General Lee have titles and everyone else goes by their given name. We have five Steel Magnolia's and one is Ms. Dee Hooper who has come home to Buckhorn Corner, OK., when that no good Yankee husband of hers turns her world inside out. And waiting just next door is her best friend Jack Brewer and he is no longer the computer geek, but a man worth is weight in computer chips.. Then we have Mimosa, Dee's mother who been married a few times and is itching to get itched again and going on the road with the next man she loves with a rig. Then Tally's the older sister who has had to do some time in the county jail for her typing of bad checks.. and her daughter Bodine who give anyone a run for their money when it comes to Southern ways, where she was taught at the hand of her great-grandmother Roxie.. They all sit on the back porch at sunset with some lemonade or sweet tea and watch the sparks fly between those best friends...
I want to be Ms. Roxie when I grow up. She puts the Steel in Steel Magnolia...
I want to be Ms. Roxie when I grow up. She puts the Steel in Steel Magnolia...
September 22, 2016
Great love story.
I was sceptical of this story since it was so short. Every element of a great love story was contained in this book. All kinds of love was represented. I can't wait to dig into the next story.
I was sceptical of this story since it was so short. Every element of a great love story was contained in this book. All kinds of love was represented. I can't wait to dig into the next story.
August 7, 2015
Fun and very witty.
Pretty much same story line. Girl comes home broken hearted and moves into household of young and old females. The characters are hilarious and loveable.
Pretty much same story line. Girl comes home broken hearted and moves into household of young and old females. The characters are hilarious and loveable.
June 27, 2025
I enjoyed this thin volume of back-road romance. To Trust is full of family drama, with couples forming after facing other real-life situations. The family ties come into play as the women decide where they are headed in their lives, and that life is too short to spare more time on thinking about complex relationships failing before they even begin.
Dee is the main focus, and Roxie is always giving her advice. However, Tally is in the mix, too, with her daughter. Jack lives next door to the Hooper family, and he seems like a brother to all the Hooper women because they can always count on him to be around to help them out. Dee comes back to the big red house to join the others after her failed marriage to a rich guy.
Past hurt and a fear of falling in love again to fail at it are things Dee keeps thinking about, along with ruining a great friendship.
Jack is a tech geek, but he owns a family store right beside them, and he lives in a trailer behind it. He joins them often to watch the sunset. This is a Roxie tradition, and Jack also joins them for church and dinner afterward. Fishing is a pastime in the area. Many tourists come to enjoy the lake and stay in the area surrounding it.
Bodine has an attitude about many things. She chimes in on many of the drama situations. The hot summer moves on into the fall with the holiday season approaching, as Jack and Dee form a bond beyond their friendship.
This romance novel is a page-turner. It has lots of growing relationships, family ties, and grounded elders trying to steer the younger generation into meaningful relationships.
Dee is the main focus, and Roxie is always giving her advice. However, Tally is in the mix, too, with her daughter. Jack lives next door to the Hooper family, and he seems like a brother to all the Hooper women because they can always count on him to be around to help them out. Dee comes back to the big red house to join the others after her failed marriage to a rich guy.
Past hurt and a fear of falling in love again to fail at it are things Dee keeps thinking about, along with ruining a great friendship.
Jack is a tech geek, but he owns a family store right beside them, and he lives in a trailer behind it. He joins them often to watch the sunset. This is a Roxie tradition, and Jack also joins them for church and dinner afterward. Fishing is a pastime in the area. Many tourists come to enjoy the lake and stay in the area surrounding it.
Bodine has an attitude about many things. She chimes in on many of the drama situations. The hot summer moves on into the fall with the holiday season approaching, as Jack and Dee form a bond beyond their friendship.
This romance novel is a page-turner. It has lots of growing relationships, family ties, and grounded elders trying to steer the younger generation into meaningful relationships.
September 22, 2019
It started off rather promisingly! It has a lot of things I like: returning home a little road weary, best friends to lovers, and crazy family dynamics. But unfortunately it went downhill fast.
My biggest problem is that it wasn't very substantive. There were so many promising story lines and backstories that could've been expanded upon. I think they would've heightened the plot a lot. The characters were interesting so I'm disappointed at that missed opportunity.
I could have been happy with a lighter, more surface-level story if it moved along at a better tempo. It felt simultaneously rushed and stagnant. The relationship between Dee and Jack - which seemed to drive the entire story - moved like a car that keeps stalling after getting a good rhythm going.
It also felt like it was laden with stereotypes, though I may not be the best judge of that here. I finished it because Jack was intriguing and I wanted to see how it ended but mostly it was disappointing. I'd skip it if I could go back and choose again.
My biggest problem is that it wasn't very substantive. There were so many promising story lines and backstories that could've been expanded upon. I think they would've heightened the plot a lot. The characters were interesting so I'm disappointed at that missed opportunity.
I could have been happy with a lighter, more surface-level story if it moved along at a better tempo. It felt simultaneously rushed and stagnant. The relationship between Dee and Jack - which seemed to drive the entire story - moved like a car that keeps stalling after getting a good rhythm going.
It also felt like it was laden with stereotypes, though I may not be the best judge of that here. I finished it because Jack was intriguing and I wanted to see how it ended but mostly it was disappointing. I'd skip it if I could go back and choose again.
May 9, 2018
5 stars for being a very clean read. No Sex or cursing. The storyline, however, was, and I am trying to be nice here....it was not good. A 25 year old woman (Dee Hooper) comes back home after her marriage ends. She left home at 18 to be somebodies "corporate wife". I am sorry but who is going to marry an 18 year old "girl" from the deep south to be a "corporate wife"! The ex husband meets his high school girlfriend and they fall in love and she becomes pregnant so he annuls his marriage to Dee so that he can marry his girlfriend in a church. Ok, there is all kinds of wrong with that. Dee comes back home and the boy next store (who is wealthy, handsome and smart), is still carrying a torch for Dee. Jack and Dee are both 25 years old and interact like a much older couple. There has to be some plausibility for me to enjoy a story and I thought it was completely lacking here.
January 2, 2019
Sweet second chance
This is an easy, sweet read. As usual, Carolyn Brown's characters are strong, independent women who support each other in good times and bad. Dee comes home after her cheating husband files for an annulment to marry his pregnant, ex girlfriend from high school. Home includes Roxie, her feisty grandmother; Mimosa, her truck driving mother; Stella, her just out of jail sister; Bodine, her 11 year old niece and Jack, her best friend. Dee realizes what she has missed and fights her heart and ability to trust. I got my New Year's feel good read. I can always trust Carolyn Brown for that.
This is an easy, sweet read. As usual, Carolyn Brown's characters are strong, independent women who support each other in good times and bad. Dee comes home after her cheating husband files for an annulment to marry his pregnant, ex girlfriend from high school. Home includes Roxie, her feisty grandmother; Mimosa, her truck driving mother; Stella, her just out of jail sister; Bodine, her 11 year old niece and Jack, her best friend. Dee realizes what she has missed and fights her heart and ability to trust. I got my New Year's feel good read. I can always trust Carolyn Brown for that.
October 9, 2019
Heartwarming
Sometimes you just need a book that has fantastic lines, while sections of passage that make you smile and just enough drama to keep you interested. This book was the palette cleanser I needed after reading a lot of angst filled romances.
Dee and Jack were perfect for each other and it was clear to see. I loved their interactions, the fact that they could have grown up conversations about their feelings and that they had the love of their friends and family. I forget how much I like Ms Brown’s book until I’m reading them again, but I won’t make that mistake again. Now, I’m off to download the next book in this series!
Sometimes you just need a book that has fantastic lines, while sections of passage that make you smile and just enough drama to keep you interested. This book was the palette cleanser I needed after reading a lot of angst filled romances.
Dee and Jack were perfect for each other and it was clear to see. I loved their interactions, the fact that they could have grown up conversations about their feelings and that they had the love of their friends and family. I forget how much I like Ms Brown’s book until I’m reading them again, but I won’t make that mistake again. Now, I’m off to download the next book in this series!
February 23, 2019
Ping pong
This book was like a ping pong match with no end. Bodine does not act 11. Roxie dresses like a hooker. Mimosa is so tipsy from her own name that she can’t stay in one place long enough to raise her own daughters. Tally is seems normal with the exception of jail stint. Dee is so indecisive due to a failed marriage that her mood swings gave me whiplash. I did not feel any connection whatsoever. And where was an editor when you needed one because I’m sorry “can’t let’s don’t” does not make sense at all. Jack was okay. Deleted!!
This book was like a ping pong match with no end. Bodine does not act 11. Roxie dresses like a hooker. Mimosa is so tipsy from her own name that she can’t stay in one place long enough to raise her own daughters. Tally is seems normal with the exception of jail stint. Dee is so indecisive due to a failed marriage that her mood swings gave me whiplash. I did not feel any connection whatsoever. And where was an editor when you needed one because I’m sorry “can’t let’s don’t” does not make sense at all. Jack was okay. Deleted!!
November 17, 2021
Disappointed
I normally love Carolyn Brown's novels, but I am so disappointed that in this day and age, people are still talking about the "war of northern aggression"! And wearing clothes that look like the Confederate flag. Northern men are worthless Yankees and people from California are no better! For goodness sake, when will we ever have peace? There's enough hate in the world; I read to get away from all that! She needs to keep her hate to herself!
I normally love Carolyn Brown's novels, but I am so disappointed that in this day and age, people are still talking about the "war of northern aggression"! And wearing clothes that look like the Confederate flag. Northern men are worthless Yankees and people from California are no better! For goodness sake, when will we ever have peace? There's enough hate in the world; I read to get away from all that! She needs to keep her hate to herself!
September 18, 2017
Romance!
This was another Carolyn Brown book that I really didn't want to end - so I'm thrilled there is a book 2! The southern women in this book are wonderful! They are well developed by the author. She has a wonderful way of drawing you into her families and making you feel like family!
This was another Carolyn Brown book that I really didn't want to end - so I'm thrilled there is a book 2! The southern women in this book are wonderful! They are well developed by the author. She has a wonderful way of drawing you into her families and making you feel like family!
April 12, 2018
Buckhorn Corner
Another great story told by one of the greatest storytellers on the Oklahoma plains. I like the sassiness of her characters and the bringing in all the country songs that I adore. I keep digging to find more of her older books as I keep up to date reading all her newest books. Keep them coming Miss Carolyn.
Another great story told by one of the greatest storytellers on the Oklahoma plains. I like the sassiness of her characters and the bringing in all the country songs that I adore. I keep digging to find more of her older books as I keep up to date reading all her newest books. Keep them coming Miss Carolyn.
April 17, 2018
Light Hearted and Fun
Light hearted, funny and a true romance about never giving up. Colorful characters with true to life situations, living and forgiving. The value of true friendships that endure the long haul through life. A sweet love story about taking chances from friendship to love. Very enjoyable.
Light hearted, funny and a true romance about never giving up. Colorful characters with true to life situations, living and forgiving. The value of true friendships that endure the long haul through life. A sweet love story about taking chances from friendship to love. Very enjoyable.
May 20, 2018
Love this author!
I've probably read 25 of Carolyn Brown's books in the last 3 months! Her books all have some of the same funny references and sayings. Southern, down to earth romances with a Texas-Oklahoma twist. Funny colloquialisms, references to country music and southernisms I can understand. I love this author's books!
I've probably read 25 of Carolyn Brown's books in the last 3 months! Her books all have some of the same funny references and sayings. Southern, down to earth romances with a Texas-Oklahoma twist. Funny colloquialisms, references to country music and southernisms I can understand. I love this author's books!
August 30, 2018
What a great beginning to A Broken Roads Romance series. I had a great time following Dee and Jack. They lived next door to each other and grew up together. Jack had always been in love with Dee but never let on. She was too afraid to listen to her heart. But one thing Jack had was plenty of patience. I loved every minute of this book and was sad when it ended.
December 25, 2018
This was so good to learn how to trust with your heart and know it was.always there
I choose this because it's clean good book I could.related to.some of the town's and the people who live there and say they live how important is to love someone you known since I moved.to southern Oklahoma there I can related to ways of love here
I choose this because it's clean good book I could.related to.some of the town's and the people who live there and say they live how important is to love someone you known since I moved.to southern Oklahoma there I can related to ways of love here
February 20, 2021
The heart always leads you home
Dee and Jack had always belonged together but it took a very broken and bumpy road for Dee to realize that was where her heart had always been.
I like the way the author blends in the other characters from this series of stories to tie the "family" together. This is my third book of the series. I'm anxious to read the final book.
Dee and Jack had always belonged together but it took a very broken and bumpy road for Dee to realize that was where her heart had always been.
I like the way the author blends in the other characters from this series of stories to tie the "family" together. This is my third book of the series. I'm anxious to read the final book.
October 26, 2021
To Trust
I absolutely loved this book. The characters are so real you feel like you know them. Three b& b and three good friends running them.Rosie is in charge what she says is law but everyone loves her. The romance is beautiful and I recommend this to everyone who loves romance. Fabulous
I absolutely loved this book. The characters are so real you feel like you know them. Three b& b and three good friends running them.Rosie is in charge what she says is law but everyone loves her. The romance is beautiful and I recommend this to everyone who loves romance. Fabulous
July 28, 2022
Not a thing wrong with a happy ending!
I actually read the books two and three before I read this one so I knew what the ending was going to be but it didn't matter. I still really enjoyed it. She is a good writer, both story and grammar and punctuation, and the characters resonate. I may go back and read the other Broken Road books again.
I actually read the books two and three before I read this one so I knew what the ending was going to be but it didn't matter. I still really enjoyed it. She is a good writer, both story and grammar and punctuation, and the characters resonate. I may go back and read the other Broken Road books again.
May 19, 2024
Another good read!
Life's uncertainties....... lessons learned when no one could tell you anything, because in your mind, you knew all the answers. Family tell you things, not because they are trying to boss you around, but because they've been there and are trying to spare you the pain. Sometimes, it is the pain that makes you see the light!
Life's uncertainties....... lessons learned when no one could tell you anything, because in your mind, you knew all the answers. Family tell you things, not because they are trying to boss you around, but because they've been there and are trying to spare you the pain. Sometimes, it is the pain that makes you see the light!
July 3, 2017
Tragic beginnings Turn into Happy Endings!
This book was an adventure I fell in love with the Hooper ladies. I like how this book touched on all of there lives and I am glad they all found true love thru self discovery.
This book was an adventure I fell in love with the Hooper ladies. I like how this book touched on all of there lives and I am glad they all found true love thru self discovery.
March 12, 2018
An eccentric family to love
The queens raised girls who all took broken roads, but in this story the broken road led home to Rosie, Mimosa, Tally, Bodene, and especially to Jack. All people we love to love 💘.
The queens raised girls who all took broken roads, but in this story the broken road led home to Rosie, Mimosa, Tally, Bodene, and especially to Jack. All people we love to love 💘.
May 4, 2018
You want be sorry!
This is book number one of five of this series and if the other four are similar then I am in for some happy days ahead of me. Carolyn is so descriptive in her writing that you feel like you are right there in time and place. It is fun and fast
This is book number one of five of this series and if the other four are similar then I am in for some happy days ahead of me. Carolyn is so descriptive in her writing that you feel like you are right there in time and place. It is fun and fast
May 7, 2018
All ends well.....
Nice little small town read with multiple great characters intertwining. Roxie. One of the 'Queens' is very enjoyable and Bodine, is adorable! The story is simple, humorous and heartwarming.
Nice little small town read with multiple great characters intertwining. Roxie. One of the 'Queens' is very enjoyable and Bodine, is adorable! The story is simple, humorous and heartwarming.
July 17, 2018
Loved the story
Carolyn Brown always has a way with words. This book made me laugh, cry, giggle, snort a little, and love each character like they were my own family. Totally recommend it.
Carolyn Brown always has a way with words. This book made me laugh, cry, giggle, snort a little, and love each character like they were my own family. Totally recommend it.
December 6, 2018
Lovely
Dee and Jack are just meant for each other. Everyone could see it but her. I'm loving this family and am envious of their tight relationship. I am excited to read the next book so I'm going now thank you as always Carolyn hugs xx
Dee and Jack are just meant for each other. Everyone could see it but her. I'm loving this family and am envious of their tight relationship. I am excited to read the next book so I'm going now thank you as always Carolyn hugs xx
January 17, 2019
Dee's husbands old girlfriend returns. He come home and tells her they are divorced and packs his bags. Dee's family didn't like her husband; but she moves back home. Jack her best friend has always loved Dee. The home place is a B&B run by her grandmother Roxie.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews