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Sierra City
Chris McKenna gladly escaped the crowds of Yosemite to work as the new Search and Rescue in tiny Sierra City, nestled just west of Lake Tahoe. A loner by nature, she didn't mind the seclusion of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Jessie Stone, a successful but reclusive writer, is haunted by memories of her childhood and finally returns to Sierra City after sixteen years of estrangement from her mother. The odd assortment of residents of this small mountain town brings them together but it is Annie Stone, a woman Chris has grown to admire and a woman Jessie still feels hatred for, that binds the two. Through lies and deception, they still cannot deny the growing attraction that will brighten both their lives...if only they will allow it. As Chris fights for her life in a winter blizzard, Jessie comes to terms with her past and her mother, finally accepting the love that Chris willingly offers her.
264 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2004
24 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Gerri Hill
55 books1,547 followersGerri began writing lesbian romance as a way to amuse herself while snowed in one winter in the mountains of Colorado, and hasn’t looked back. Her first published work came in 2000 with One Summer Night. Many more romances have followed, with the occasional murder mystery in the mix.
Gerri’s love of nature and of being outdoors usually makes its way into her stories as her characters often find themselves in beautiful natural settings. When she isn’t writing, Gerri and her longtime partner, Diane, can be found at their home in East Texas, where their vegetable garden, orchard, and five acres of woods keep them busy. They share their lives with an ever-changing cast of furry friends.
Her favorite pastimes include camping, hiking, birdwatching (though she insists she doesn’t wear funny hats yet!), photography, and cooking. She collects things nature offers, like an unusual pinecone, colorful rocks, or an abandoned bird feather. Dawn is her favorite time of day, the moment right before sunrise...
"I love the morning... the beginning of a brand new day. Because even things that we know are unattainable flutter within our grasp. In the early morning—at that cusp of a new day—everything is possible."
Gerri’s love of nature and of being outdoors usually makes its way into her stories as her characters often find themselves in beautiful natural settings. When she isn’t writing, Gerri and her longtime partner, Diane, can be found at their home in East Texas, where their vegetable garden, orchard, and five acres of woods keep them busy. They share their lives with an ever-changing cast of furry friends.
Her favorite pastimes include camping, hiking, birdwatching (though she insists she doesn’t wear funny hats yet!), photography, and cooking. She collects things nature offers, like an unusual pinecone, colorful rocks, or an abandoned bird feather. Dawn is her favorite time of day, the moment right before sunrise...
"I love the morning... the beginning of a brand new day. Because even things that we know are unattainable flutter within our grasp. In the early morning—at that cusp of a new day—everything is possible."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
August 14, 2020
Gerri Hill's publisher is continuing to put her back catalog out on audiobook with the great Abby Craden narrating. Most of them have been quite good - with few misses along the way. I'm happy to report that this is one of the stronger ones. When the story works well and Abby's in her zone, Hill and Craden are an ideal combination. I remembered Sierra City from when I read the paperback many moons ago and though I wouldn't have pegged it as one of my favorites, the audio has bumped it up for me. As often happens in Hill's novels, nature is front and center, with Chris McKenna being a SAR (Search and Rescue) with the Forest Service. But the story about the challenges facing reclusive writer Jessie Stone, who has been away from Sierra City and returns home after 16 years to face her demons, is not ground Hill has covered before. Her backstory was handled with care and Craden is expert at bringing vulnerability to her work that makes the emotion more palpable. There's also a little nugget Hill leaves us that I appreciated. Some very sexy moments in it as well. I enjoyed this listen. 4.25 stars.
May 12, 2025
Sierra City was an emotional listen—and a bit of a tear-jerker at times. I’m slowly making my way through Gerri Hill’s backlist on audiobook, and this one, narrated by the always-brilliant Abby Craden, drew me in more than I expected. It’s a quieter book in some ways, but full of feeling.
The story centres on Chris, new in town for a Search and Rescue role, and Jessie, who’s come back to Sierra City after years away to face a painful past. There are some heavier themes in this one (nothing too explicit, but definitely worth noting), but they’re handled well. I thought the emotional arcs were believable, and while it’s a romance, it’s also about grief, trust, and moving forward.
Hill is so good at setting—Sierra City and the mountain surroundings felt vivid and grounded. I could picture it all clearly. It’s not the most fast-paced of her books, but it’s heartfelt and beautifully written. If you’re in the mood for something with emotion and depth, it’s worth picking up.
The story centres on Chris, new in town for a Search and Rescue role, and Jessie, who’s come back to Sierra City after years away to face a painful past. There are some heavier themes in this one (nothing too explicit, but definitely worth noting), but they’re handled well. I thought the emotional arcs were believable, and while it’s a romance, it’s also about grief, trust, and moving forward.
Hill is so good at setting—Sierra City and the mountain surroundings felt vivid and grounded. I could picture it all clearly. It’s not the most fast-paced of her books, but it’s heartfelt and beautifully written. If you’re in the mood for something with emotion and depth, it’s worth picking up.
February 13, 2021
Review of Sierra City by Gerri Hill, Audiobook narrated by Abby Craden
I'm slowly going through Gerri Hill's back catalogue released in audiobook. Sierra City was originally released in 2004 and even though it's not one of my favourites by this author, the promise of Abby Craden as a narrator made it worth a try.
Chris Mackenna moves to the small town of Sierra City, close to Lake Tahoe, as the new Search and Rescue. Jessie Stone is a successful writer who left Sierra City sixteen years ago after a family tragedy. Estranged from her mother, she decides to come back to finally leave the past to rest. But in Sierra City she meets Chris who might hold a key to her future...
To say that this book is angsty is possibly the understatement of the year. There are some trigger warnings I should mention but I prefer to keep them vague as not to spoil anything. However, the triggers in question happen off-screen and they are only mentioned as events in the past so they aren't too disturbing.
I admit that angst and drama aren't my favourite attributes in a book and Sierra City has them in spades. For me personally, it was too much to take in, too much angst, too many dramatic twists and turns. Some parts felt unrealistic and contrived with a simplistic resolution. I'm not convinced about the effectiveness of the "love heals everything" trope and how come after some really dramatic events, a person can recover with relative ease.
Regarding the romance itself, I wasn't completely sure that the characters were meant for each other and didn't find their chemistry nor their first intimate encounter convincing either. I feel that this story could have been more suitable for literary fiction than contemporary romance. The love factor felt shoehorned into it.
Abby Craden was a great choice for this audiobook, but even her outstanding talent couldn't make this story much better. Ms. Craden did a very good job as usual but I'm afraid I can only give the final result an overall 3.5 stars. With so many other great audiobooks available by the Hill/Craden artistic partnership, I suggest trying others before this one.
Length: 7 hours, 14 minutes
I'm slowly going through Gerri Hill's back catalogue released in audiobook. Sierra City was originally released in 2004 and even though it's not one of my favourites by this author, the promise of Abby Craden as a narrator made it worth a try.
Chris Mackenna moves to the small town of Sierra City, close to Lake Tahoe, as the new Search and Rescue. Jessie Stone is a successful writer who left Sierra City sixteen years ago after a family tragedy. Estranged from her mother, she decides to come back to finally leave the past to rest. But in Sierra City she meets Chris who might hold a key to her future...
To say that this book is angsty is possibly the understatement of the year. There are some trigger warnings I should mention but I prefer to keep them vague as not to spoil anything. However, the triggers in question happen off-screen and they are only mentioned as events in the past so they aren't too disturbing.
I admit that angst and drama aren't my favourite attributes in a book and Sierra City has them in spades. For me personally, it was too much to take in, too much angst, too many dramatic twists and turns. Some parts felt unrealistic and contrived with a simplistic resolution. I'm not convinced about the effectiveness of the "love heals everything" trope and how come after some really dramatic events, a person can recover with relative ease.
Regarding the romance itself, I wasn't completely sure that the characters were meant for each other and didn't find their chemistry nor their first intimate encounter convincing either. I feel that this story could have been more suitable for literary fiction than contemporary romance. The love factor felt shoehorned into it.
Abby Craden was a great choice for this audiobook, but even her outstanding talent couldn't make this story much better. Ms. Craden did a very good job as usual but I'm afraid I can only give the final result an overall 3.5 stars. With so many other great audiobooks available by the Hill/Craden artistic partnership, I suggest trying others before this one.
Length: 7 hours, 14 minutes
November 3, 2021
This is one of those books one falls for the small town, scenic setting. Some rough topics in a bit more detail than what I like to read. Overall handled well though. Craden was great as usual.
November 27, 2014
Don't drink and drive, I feel that I need to point this out as the main characters are constantly drinking copious amounts of wine and then presumably driving home...
God, when did I become such an old woman!
I have always enjoyed Gerri Hill's books but found this story slight by her high standards. Still a good, fast read but wished for slightly more meat on the bone and a couple more dimensions to the characters.
God, when did I become such an old woman!
I have always enjoyed Gerri Hill's books but found this story slight by her high standards. Still a good, fast read but wished for slightly more meat on the bone and a couple more dimensions to the characters.
November 1, 2020
Class writer is Gerri Hill, and even though this is one of her earlier ones, I loved it. Quite a hard read, but handled well: excellent collection of back characters- highly recommended.
January 10, 2020
I must be hormonal because I bawled my eyes out at this one. It was well written and relatively sedate but full of emotion. Again, I enjoyed the banter-like dialogue between the characters at times, it really does make them come alive. The epilogue was a nice touch, I wasn't expecting it and it rounded things off nicely, adding an extra dimension to Annie's character. Good read.
December 3, 2020
Trigger warning: this book deals with child sexual abuse! This book would have gotten a lot more stars if not for the insensitivity to those who have experienced sexual abuse. To say it happened to a character is one thing but to hear the flashbacks in detail, and it sounding very realistic through audio book, there needs to be a trigger warning beforehand. This isn't the first time I've experienced this type of writing in Gerri Hill's books. These are supposed to be romance books and finding rape to be reoccurring in Hill's books is starting to disturb me. Listening to them makes me literally feel like I'm going to barf, so how is she able to keep incorporating that into her books and not barf while writing it? And in 3 different books, it's always been a parent raping their kid. This is the last book I'll read by her.
September 24, 2021
4.5 - I enjoyed this one. It was a familiar Gerri Hill book that we all know and usually love. This did have some pretty tough subject matter. If it does not already, it for sure should have some trigger warnings. Once the MCs get intimate it’s sweet, sensual, and very good. Enjoy.
**I do have to mention Abby Craden did great with the narration as usual. There were times she crossed the voices of the characters. This is so unlike her I have to blame it on the producer or editor.
**I do have to mention Abby Craden did great with the narration as usual. There were times she crossed the voices of the characters. This is so unlike her I have to blame it on the producer or editor.
September 10, 2016
I hate to be the one to say it, but this particular novel is surprisingly joyless.
I say surprising, because Gerri Hill is an author who is generally fairly consistent in quality. You could pick up any of the nine or so of her cop/mystery books and leave happy as pie. This novel, however, feels heavy-handed.
Part of this stems from the forced nature of the central romance. The two characters feel like they have nothing in common, which makes the plot pacing uneven in places. The dialogue is also stilted and heavy; long passages of cloying things people would never be caught dead saying aloud. From the publication date, this is an early novel from Hill, and her inexperience (and poor editing from the publisher) surely shows.
The poor editing is especially egregious. Small publishers must cut costs somewhere, but when you haven't fixed basic things like lay/laid/lie errors then you've got to take a good hard look at yourself in the mirror. The constant repetition of the character names, especially in dialogue, and the strange way Chris' first and last name seemed interchangeable even to her lover, really got my goat about 50% of the way through.
I enjoyed it, but I think Hill's other books are far better and much more worth the $10 eBook price tag. For $10 you could get Hunter's Way, which is remarkably good, or for something sans cops, Behind the Pine Curtain. This isn't really worth it, not even for someone getting a bit starved for good fiction.
I say surprising, because Gerri Hill is an author who is generally fairly consistent in quality. You could pick up any of the nine or so of her cop/mystery books and leave happy as pie. This novel, however, feels heavy-handed.
Part of this stems from the forced nature of the central romance. The two characters feel like they have nothing in common, which makes the plot pacing uneven in places. The dialogue is also stilted and heavy; long passages of cloying things people would never be caught dead saying aloud. From the publication date, this is an early novel from Hill, and her inexperience (and poor editing from the publisher) surely shows.
The poor editing is especially egregious. Small publishers must cut costs somewhere, but when you haven't fixed basic things like lay/laid/lie errors then you've got to take a good hard look at yourself in the mirror. The constant repetition of the character names, especially in dialogue, and the strange way Chris' first and last name seemed interchangeable even to her lover, really got my goat about 50% of the way through.
I enjoyed it, but I think Hill's other books are far better and much more worth the $10 eBook price tag. For $10 you could get Hunter's Way, which is remarkably good, or for something sans cops, Behind the Pine Curtain. This isn't really worth it, not even for someone getting a bit starved for good fiction.
December 26, 2020
Warning this book does deal with flashbacks to child abuse and rape. Nothing to graphic but could be traumatizing for some. My heart bleeds for everything Jessie went through. I cried when her past finally comes back to her. She was so traumatized that she blocked it all out. She blamed her mother because of the lies her father told her. Her mother was a victim to her father as well. Only staying in her loveless marriage in hopes of protecting Jessie from the very thing she had to suffer. Chris called it from the beginning before even knowing Jessie. I wish the adults who should have protected Jessie could have seen it then as well. I love the relationship between Jessie and Chris. Chris helps Jessie so much. I’d hate to see how she would have dealt with everything without having Chris to lean on. Jessie and Chris hold a place in my heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2015
I adore Gerri Hill but I was very disappointed with this one, although it has the same average rating as other books by her that I absolutely loved. So I guess it's mainly a matter of taste.
I found that the characterisation was a lot more superficial than in her other novels. Chris appears to be a caring woman but is very boring, and we hardly know anything about her life. Jessie is too raw, too rough, and could have been endearing but for some reason her story didn't touch me at all. I found no passion, no intensity, no believable emotions. Also it is obvious Gerri Hill is no psychologist, the whole thing about blocking the unhappy memories out is written in a really amateur way. It reminded me of her thriller novels, in which crime scenes are always the same.
The pace of the story is also totally off and inconsistent. Jessie goes from being depressed and unhappy after 16 years of misery to being happily in love and content a few weeks later. And when in other romantic novels this could have been believable thanks to a "true love" kind of story, in Sierra City there's not much that can explain it. Apart from the physical attraction between Chris and Jessie, I don't really see why or how they fall in love with each other. It all happens way too fast after only a handful of real moments together.
A lot of this author's novels are borderline cheesy, and it usually doesn't bother me because I believe in the love story that's written, but Sierra City is over the top and it annoyed me. First of all, I couldn't stand the number of times the characters say the other's name when talking to them (Okay, McKenna, I accept. You're cute, McKenna. I don't hate you Jessie. You don't owe me anything Jessie). It adds a ridiculous intensity to every line and it's too much.
The characters go on and on about how they've never felt that way about anyone before, how they've never wanted to make love before, how they're special to each other, how they're saving each other's life, etc, etc, etc. It's chapters after chapters of that. WE GET IT. Dialogues between Jessie and Annie are pretty much as boring: they repeat a lot of things that have already been said. It's so repetitive that I had to skip a lot of paragraphs just to get to the interesting parts.
And unfortunately, there are not that many interesting parts. I would actually find it hard to define Sierra City as a romance novel. I feel like the focus of the story really is about Jessie and Annie. The love story between Chris and Jessie is really not that intense or beautiful. There is almost no build up and as a result, no explosive ending.
And finally, why is Jessie a writer? nothing is made of this. Chris has read several books by her, and I'm no writer but if Jessie's books are as intense as they are depicted in the story, then I feel like Chris should have been intimately linked to Jessie because of it. Reading someone's story is delving into someone's head and someone's past, it's a big deal to me. In the end this doesn't play any role in the story. Jessie's books are only used as a tool for Annie to know about her daughter's wellbeing and for Roger to broach the subject of Jessie with Chris. It's also too much of a coincidence that Chris reads a book by THE writer that grew up in this small town. And.. what with Chris looking at the picture in the back every time she holds the book?
I didn't mean to write such a rude review but as I was typing I realised this book really annoyed the hell out of me.
Gerri Hill missed the mark on that one.
I found that the characterisation was a lot more superficial than in her other novels. Chris appears to be a caring woman but is very boring, and we hardly know anything about her life. Jessie is too raw, too rough, and could have been endearing but for some reason her story didn't touch me at all. I found no passion, no intensity, no believable emotions. Also it is obvious Gerri Hill is no psychologist, the whole thing about blocking the unhappy memories out is written in a really amateur way. It reminded me of her thriller novels, in which crime scenes are always the same.
The pace of the story is also totally off and inconsistent. Jessie goes from being depressed and unhappy after 16 years of misery to being happily in love and content a few weeks later. And when in other romantic novels this could have been believable thanks to a "true love" kind of story, in Sierra City there's not much that can explain it. Apart from the physical attraction between Chris and Jessie, I don't really see why or how they fall in love with each other. It all happens way too fast after only a handful of real moments together.
A lot of this author's novels are borderline cheesy, and it usually doesn't bother me because I believe in the love story that's written, but Sierra City is over the top and it annoyed me. First of all, I couldn't stand the number of times the characters say the other's name when talking to them (Okay, McKenna, I accept. You're cute, McKenna. I don't hate you Jessie. You don't owe me anything Jessie). It adds a ridiculous intensity to every line and it's too much.
The characters go on and on about how they've never felt that way about anyone before, how they've never wanted to make love before, how they're special to each other, how they're saving each other's life, etc, etc, etc. It's chapters after chapters of that. WE GET IT. Dialogues between Jessie and Annie are pretty much as boring: they repeat a lot of things that have already been said. It's so repetitive that I had to skip a lot of paragraphs just to get to the interesting parts.
And unfortunately, there are not that many interesting parts. I would actually find it hard to define Sierra City as a romance novel. I feel like the focus of the story really is about Jessie and Annie. The love story between Chris and Jessie is really not that intense or beautiful. There is almost no build up and as a result, no explosive ending.
And finally, why is Jessie a writer? nothing is made of this. Chris has read several books by her, and I'm no writer but if Jessie's books are as intense as they are depicted in the story, then I feel like Chris should have been intimately linked to Jessie because of it. Reading someone's story is delving into someone's head and someone's past, it's a big deal to me. In the end this doesn't play any role in the story. Jessie's books are only used as a tool for Annie to know about her daughter's wellbeing and for Roger to broach the subject of Jessie with Chris. It's also too much of a coincidence that Chris reads a book by THE writer that grew up in this small town. And.. what with Chris looking at the picture in the back every time she holds the book?
I didn't mean to write such a rude review but as I was typing I realised this book really annoyed the hell out of me.
Gerri Hill missed the mark on that one.
November 5, 2007
This is a fairly predictable girl-meets-girl novel but it's a decent read even if it doesn't hold any surprises.
August 27, 2020
3.75 stars. I liked this book. The combination of Gerri Hill and Abby Craden is a must for me that I always look forward to.
This book is one ne those set in a secluded area, in this case Sierra City. I'm not really outdoorsy myself, unfortunately, but I had a look online at the setting and the trails and it really is quite beautiful.
Chris Mckenna is new as a ranger in that area, loving the peace and quiet of her job after being at crowded Yosemite. She becomes friends with the much older Annie, a kind woman who lives a secluded life.
Annie has a dark history. Her husband deprived her of her daughter Jessie and killed himself over 15 years ago. Jessie has always hated her and left after the death of her father. The only thing that Annie sees of her daughter is that she's a best selling crime author now and that in her novels the mother is always murdered first. Chris strongly suspects that Annie's daughter was abused by her father.
However, Chris has been a little bit in love with Jessie's picture on the book cover for quite some time. When she discovers that Jessie actually lives in the cabin next to hers, under a fake name, they both form a fragile friendship. Chris tells Jessie about Annie, but Jessie has no memories of her childhood at all. Chris is afraid to talk to Annie about her daughter. One day, Chris discovers Jessie crying on the edge of a cliff, the same where her father died. Jessie's memories slowly come back.
I had some difficulties with the characters at first. The strongest relationship is the friendship beween Chris and Annie. Chris doesn't do casual relationships. She is really likeable, although we really don't know a lot more about her than the fact that she gets along well with the boys and that she can't cook. It's a little odd that she's in love with Jessie from a picture alone. We get to know a lot about Jessie and her past and present, but the story is told more from Chris's POV. When Jessie falls for Chris, it's all very abrupt. I was oddly detached from both main characters, but I was very glad this changed. In the end, they are a really cute couple and their relationship is believable. It's nice that Annie still plays a big role.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book very much.
This book is one ne those set in a secluded area, in this case Sierra City. I'm not really outdoorsy myself, unfortunately, but I had a look online at the setting and the trails and it really is quite beautiful.
Chris Mckenna is new as a ranger in that area, loving the peace and quiet of her job after being at crowded Yosemite. She becomes friends with the much older Annie, a kind woman who lives a secluded life.
Annie has a dark history. Her husband deprived her of her daughter Jessie and killed himself over 15 years ago. Jessie has always hated her and left after the death of her father. The only thing that Annie sees of her daughter is that she's a best selling crime author now and that in her novels the mother is always murdered first. Chris strongly suspects that Annie's daughter was abused by her father.
However, Chris has been a little bit in love with Jessie's picture on the book cover for quite some time. When she discovers that Jessie actually lives in the cabin next to hers, under a fake name, they both form a fragile friendship. Chris tells Jessie about Annie, but Jessie has no memories of her childhood at all. Chris is afraid to talk to Annie about her daughter. One day, Chris discovers Jessie crying on the edge of a cliff, the same where her father died. Jessie's memories slowly come back.
I had some difficulties with the characters at first. The strongest relationship is the friendship beween Chris and Annie. Chris doesn't do casual relationships. She is really likeable, although we really don't know a lot more about her than the fact that she gets along well with the boys and that she can't cook. It's a little odd that she's in love with Jessie from a picture alone. We get to know a lot about Jessie and her past and present, but the story is told more from Chris's POV. When Jessie falls for Chris, it's all very abrupt. I was oddly detached from both main characters, but I was very glad this changed. In the end, they are a really cute couple and their relationship is believable. It's nice that Annie still plays a big role.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book very much.
March 9, 2021
Certainly not a simple romance. This book contains memories of child sexual abuse, which impacts the whole story. Unfortunately, while abuse is revealed in the first half of the book the story goes on in a heart and rainbow fashion. It's improbable and disturbing how this revelation isn't handled.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2020
First of all, Gerri Hill has a wonderful gift for setting a scene. Her power of description is, in part, is what makes her books so enjoyable to me and Sierra City is no exception. I can feel the chill in the mountain air, the smell of the incense cedars and the atmosphere of the place in general.
I would highly recommend Sierra City to any Gerri Hill fan. I've read every book, some more than once, and never tire of Ms Hill's inventive and descriptive writing style.
I would highly recommend Sierra City to any Gerri Hill fan. I've read every book, some more than once, and never tire of Ms Hill's inventive and descriptive writing style.
January 9, 2026
I listened to the audiobook and I must say, I love Abby Craden's voice and her different character sounds.
Sierra City is an emotional and very angsty read with interesting and sweet characters. It's about remembering and dealing with past trauma (please check content warnings!) and finding happiness. It could be too dark for you, but for me it made the story plausible and added another layer of empathy that was mirrored in the desperate longing of the characters to be loved.
I was immediately able to feel for them. I would describe Chris and Jessie as sunshine meets traumatized. Ultimately, it's about two women (and her mother) finding connection and having hard conversations. And I loved these honest and unfiltered dialogues and that I was able to see Jessie's emotional development in her thoughts.
The setting and Chris' job as Search and Rescue were beautifully described. Even though or because of technical terms that I didn't know, it felt very realistic. You see them hiking and skiing through mountain trails throughout summer and winter.
Two things I didn't like: There was lots of alcohol with every meal they ate. And the author switched pov quite often and quickly, I'd even say it was head-hopping. It was confusing and took me out of the story just so that it was annoying. But I also kind of liked getting the thoughts from both sides of the conversation and I could mostly tell who was talking just from Craden's intonation.
Sometimes, in particularly emotional conversations, some word choices were repetitive, but it didn't really bug me that much (might be worse in the book though).
I loved Chris' character voice. It felt very specific because of her perceptiveness and ability to talk nonchalantly with everyone.
As I didn't experience this trauma myself, I can't say how realistic it was, but it felt very real, and it made sense to me what it led to.
Sierra City is an emotional and very angsty read with interesting and sweet characters. It's about remembering and dealing with past trauma (please check content warnings!) and finding happiness. It could be too dark for you, but for me it made the story plausible and added another layer of empathy that was mirrored in the desperate longing of the characters to be loved.
I was immediately able to feel for them. I would describe Chris and Jessie as sunshine meets traumatized. Ultimately, it's about two women (and her mother) finding connection and having hard conversations. And I loved these honest and unfiltered dialogues and that I was able to see Jessie's emotional development in her thoughts.
The setting and Chris' job as Search and Rescue were beautifully described. Even though or because of technical terms that I didn't know, it felt very realistic. You see them hiking and skiing through mountain trails throughout summer and winter.
Two things I didn't like: There was lots of alcohol with every meal they ate. And the author switched pov quite often and quickly, I'd even say it was head-hopping. It was confusing and took me out of the story just so that it was annoying. But I also kind of liked getting the thoughts from both sides of the conversation and I could mostly tell who was talking just from Craden's intonation.
Sometimes, in particularly emotional conversations, some word choices were repetitive, but it didn't really bug me that much (might be worse in the book though).
I loved Chris' character voice. It felt very specific because of her perceptiveness and ability to talk nonchalantly with everyone.
As I didn't experience this trauma myself, I can't say how realistic it was, but it felt very real, and it made sense to me what it led to.
October 13, 2024
I totally forgot how this story had shaped my reading pleasure since I read it aeons ago except that I really enjoyed it enough to give it 4 stars. Then for good reason, I was compelled to delve into my 1st auditory experience of this book now, of all times! So I just finished it and I must say… definitely an upgrade to a 5-star rating, thanks to Craden’s inimitable performance of this gut-wrenching, heartrending journey toward discovery, reconciliation, acceptance, salvation and ultimately redemption and unconditional love. Letting go of the dark and embracing the light. It’s never, ever too late to embrace love. Never. All these emotional relevance could be acutely felt by Craden’s empathetically stirring performance of the story, particularly Jessie’s slow-burning journey of eventual discovery, reconciliation, redemption and ultimately true, unconditional love.
I had forgotten about the story until I started listening to it. And gradually it dawned on me! Omg, of course! I then remembered my same reaction when I first read it! Listening to Craden portraying the characters and acting out the situations - you know how Hill's innate ability to virtually transport you (the reader) to any scene in the book because of her incredibly vivid descriptions that conjure up visceral effects? Well, Craden seems to have this innate ability to transform the words with such emotional resonance that you can't help but feel like you're there in the book, as an active observer, taking in all the nuances of the whole story that’s like “in the life of…”, making it personal and you find yourself investing in it altogether!
One thing I must mention when it comes to the story, though. I had the same inclination when I read it a while ago. But I didn’t write it down, then. So when Craden led me through the journey, specifically Jessie’s, little by little her mysterious past became very familiar to me. And slowly but surely, a clear picture came into mind. Stephen King’s astoundingly crafted psychological thriller so entrenched in the horrors of the human psyche that I’ll never forget it. I won’t name it here in case it’s a spoiler. BTW, the superb adaptation is a must-watch. Phenomenal performances. I thought it really captured the intent, the “soul,” of King’s story.
Back to THIS story. With Craden at the vocal helm of Hill’s words, her emotional and psychological embodiment of Jessie and Annie with all the unspoken, unwritten nuances exuded from her interpretation of Hill’s words, took me back to whilst I was reading and watching King's thriller - the palpitations, the suspense, the sense of dread, the helplessness, the fear, the impending doom - all came flooding back into my senses, my psyche. I dreaded it because the familiar stomach-churning feeling reared its head again as I went through Jessie’s (and Annie’s) journey, thanks to Craden bringing everything to life with fervent intensity. But that’s the thing! I’m the kind of person who loves to be totally immersed in something that I read or listen to or watch when it’s done so viscerally affecting that my entire state of mind is invested in it. If I'm not, it means it’s not worth my time or energy.
And, this story totally had me on the edge not out of suspense but the anticipation of what was to come. Loved every agonising, traumatising, dreadful angst, because in the end, all of that was replaced by utter elation, joy, and the beauty of love, true, unconditional love! What a roller coaster ride, indeed!
And I absolutely LOVED the ending….the very last one, that is!! Perfection! I was anticipating it but to have it affirmed was truly remarkable! What a wonderfully satisfying end to a superbly thrilling story about everything that I’ve described in the aforementioned but most of all, at the heart of it all, is a story about the power of the human spirit. The power of love.
A resounding 5-star MUST-LISTEN! A MUST-READ!
p.s. Thoughts to ponder:
Memory is a tricky thing. Time is not a friend. Beware of narrative memory for whilst it can bring us closer to the truth, it also has the power to distort, misinform, and tear the very fabric of what is true and fact.
I had forgotten about the story until I started listening to it. And gradually it dawned on me! Omg, of course! I then remembered my same reaction when I first read it! Listening to Craden portraying the characters and acting out the situations - you know how Hill's innate ability to virtually transport you (the reader) to any scene in the book because of her incredibly vivid descriptions that conjure up visceral effects? Well, Craden seems to have this innate ability to transform the words with such emotional resonance that you can't help but feel like you're there in the book, as an active observer, taking in all the nuances of the whole story that’s like “in the life of…”, making it personal and you find yourself investing in it altogether!
One thing I must mention when it comes to the story, though. I had the same inclination when I read it a while ago. But I didn’t write it down, then. So when Craden led me through the journey, specifically Jessie’s, little by little her mysterious past became very familiar to me. And slowly but surely, a clear picture came into mind. Stephen King’s astoundingly crafted psychological thriller so entrenched in the horrors of the human psyche that I’ll never forget it. I won’t name it here in case it’s a spoiler. BTW, the superb adaptation is a must-watch. Phenomenal performances. I thought it really captured the intent, the “soul,” of King’s story.
Back to THIS story. With Craden at the vocal helm of Hill’s words, her emotional and psychological embodiment of Jessie and Annie with all the unspoken, unwritten nuances exuded from her interpretation of Hill’s words, took me back to whilst I was reading and watching King's thriller - the palpitations, the suspense, the sense of dread, the helplessness, the fear, the impending doom - all came flooding back into my senses, my psyche. I dreaded it because the familiar stomach-churning feeling reared its head again as I went through Jessie’s (and Annie’s) journey, thanks to Craden bringing everything to life with fervent intensity. But that’s the thing! I’m the kind of person who loves to be totally immersed in something that I read or listen to or watch when it’s done so viscerally affecting that my entire state of mind is invested in it. If I'm not, it means it’s not worth my time or energy.
And, this story totally had me on the edge not out of suspense but the anticipation of what was to come. Loved every agonising, traumatising, dreadful angst, because in the end, all of that was replaced by utter elation, joy, and the beauty of love, true, unconditional love! What a roller coaster ride, indeed!
And I absolutely LOVED the ending….the very last one, that is!! Perfection! I was anticipating it but to have it affirmed was truly remarkable! What a wonderfully satisfying end to a superbly thrilling story about everything that I’ve described in the aforementioned but most of all, at the heart of it all, is a story about the power of the human spirit. The power of love.
A resounding 5-star MUST-LISTEN! A MUST-READ!
p.s. Thoughts to ponder:
Memory is a tricky thing. Time is not a friend. Beware of narrative memory for whilst it can bring us closer to the truth, it also has the power to distort, misinform, and tear the very fabric of what is true and fact.
September 5, 2020
So Much More Than A Love Story
Sierra City is so much more than a love story. It’s a story about forgiveness, learning to love yourself, and finding out about the things that you pushed down and hid from yourself. Gerri Hill wrote a book that had me in full on sobs at parts of it, and not even “oh my god this is so cute”. These were full on tears for a person that I felt like I was getting to know. It was tears for anyone who has had to endure something like what she did.
I went into this one with a completely open mind. I didn’t read the synopsis and went off the knowledge that Gerri Hill is a fantastic author that writes books that I enjoy. Add on that Abby Craden is one of my favorite narrators in this genre and I basically picked this one up on those two names. Reading the synopsis now that I’ve finished the book and it does do the book justice, but just know that you’re in for so much more.
The character building in Sierra City was great. So great, that as I mentioned above, the scenes where Jessie starts to realize what happened actually brought me to tears like Jessie was a real woman and not just a character in a book.
The irony of this book is that I went into it assuming it was a love story, but it was a story about Jessie and the things she went through (and the ability to forgive herself and those around her) first — then a love story second. The way that actual healing and love works.
Sierra City is so much more than a love story. It’s a story about forgiveness, learning to love yourself, and finding out about the things that you pushed down and hid from yourself. Gerri Hill wrote a book that had me in full on sobs at parts of it, and not even “oh my god this is so cute”. These were full on tears for a person that I felt like I was getting to know. It was tears for anyone who has had to endure something like what she did.
I went into this one with a completely open mind. I didn’t read the synopsis and went off the knowledge that Gerri Hill is a fantastic author that writes books that I enjoy. Add on that Abby Craden is one of my favorite narrators in this genre and I basically picked this one up on those two names. Reading the synopsis now that I’ve finished the book and it does do the book justice, but just know that you’re in for so much more.
The character building in Sierra City was great. So great, that as I mentioned above, the scenes where Jessie starts to realize what happened actually brought me to tears like Jessie was a real woman and not just a character in a book.
The irony of this book is that I went into it assuming it was a love story, but it was a story about Jessie and the things she went through (and the ability to forgive herself and those around her) first — then a love story second. The way that actual healing and love works.
February 8, 2021
This is one of Hill's earlier novels (2004) and contains more serious subject matters. Typical Hill character, Chris McKenna works Search and Rescue for the national forest service. Chris is based in Sierra City in the mountains near Lake Tahoe. Mystery writer Jessie Stone comes to the area incognito to seek answers from her mother who she fled from 17 years prior. Jessie and Chris meet on the mountain trails and start a friendship. Chris already has become friends with Jessie's mother Annie and has some answers that help unlock memories. Trigger warnings: child sexual abuse (not graphic). Well written but even though there is lightness and camaraderie with friends the overall tone is more somber than later Hill books. (I've only read her romances not her mysteries.)
March 13, 2023
This story encompasses a woman so broken she feels nothing but hate and only uses others, a woman that is a SAR (search and rescue) in the national parks, and a woman that is isolated from the world. This does touch on a very difficult subject (sexual abuse by a parent) and some of its devastating results. It also includes descriptions of the glorious mountains in both summer and winter. The rescue efforts of the SAR teams employed by the parks, both successful and unsuccessful. It is a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2019
Search And Rescue
Chris was lost trying to follow the directions of her boss to her new job in the Forest Service at Glacier National Park. Finally settling into the job she meets the author of the series she’s reading but Jesse is using an alias. So many secrets of the past are haunting Jesse and Chris wants to help. Their attraction is immediate and overwhelming. A story of recovery and reconciliation. Great author and story. Recommend.
Chris was lost trying to follow the directions of her boss to her new job in the Forest Service at Glacier National Park. Finally settling into the job she meets the author of the series she’s reading but Jesse is using an alias. So many secrets of the past are haunting Jesse and Chris wants to help. Their attraction is immediate and overwhelming. A story of recovery and reconciliation. Great author and story. Recommend.
February 17, 2021
Chris moves to Sierra City to be the new Search and Rescue Ranger. Jessie has left Sierra City right after High School Graduation. Angry over her father’s death.
Jessie come home to deal with her ghosts
Jessie and Chris meet and the sparks fly.
Chris helps Jessie uncover some secrets from her past.
Can Jessie recovery from what she has learned? Can she go back and have a relationship with her mom?
Jessie come home to deal with her ghosts
Jessie and Chris meet and the sparks fly.
Chris helps Jessie uncover some secrets from her past.
Can Jessie recovery from what she has learned? Can she go back and have a relationship with her mom?
August 28, 2023
another great one by gerri hill! thoughts:
1. i would have left kenny up on the mountain and chalked it up to natural selection.
2. a hill theme= short haired, hot lesbos in jeeps, one of whom does not wear a bra.
3. a nice change up= the lesbian has a cat instead of a dog. yay!
4. happily ever after sure is nice.
5. what area of the country do i have to go to to have hot sexy lesbians openly flirt with me like they do in hill's books? probably not west red texas.....
6. at the end of a hill book, i find myself missing the characters as if they were real people.
1. i would have left kenny up on the mountain and chalked it up to natural selection.
2. a hill theme= short haired, hot lesbos in jeeps, one of whom does not wear a bra.
3. a nice change up= the lesbian has a cat instead of a dog. yay!
4. happily ever after sure is nice.
5. what area of the country do i have to go to to have hot sexy lesbians openly flirt with me like they do in hill's books? probably not west red texas.....
6. at the end of a hill book, i find myself missing the characters as if they were real people.
February 2, 2024
Ms Hill creates plots and characters that readers can relate to.
You don’t have to be a hiker, mountain climber, skier, or outdoorsman to enjoy Sierra City. Join Chris, search and rescue, as she tries to keep locals and visitors from getting hurt or lost on the mountainous trails in Sierra City, while navigating the pull of a local celebrity author who only wants to remember her childhood from her estranged mother. Twists and turns throughout the read.
You don’t have to be a hiker, mountain climber, skier, or outdoorsman to enjoy Sierra City. Join Chris, search and rescue, as she tries to keep locals and visitors from getting hurt or lost on the mountainous trails in Sierra City, while navigating the pull of a local celebrity author who only wants to remember her childhood from her estranged mother. Twists and turns throughout the read.
November 1, 2024
I liked this book about a lesbian ranger in the Sierras. The descriptions of hiking and nature made me want to go there on vacation. I much prefer M/M to F/F, but it was such a minor part of the story that it made no difference. This was clearly written a while ago because when she was lost on her drive there, she pulled over had a beer on the side of the road, then got behind the wheel and drove on !
BWOL-G
NATO phonetic alphabet reading challenge-S:sierra
BWOL-G
NATO phonetic alphabet reading challenge-S:sierra
March 27, 2021
This book has a beautiful setting and is set in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The main characters both love the mountains and endeared me to them also. I was able to picture myself out on the trail, which is something I love as well. I would like to visit this area some day on vacation after reading this book. It sounds wonderful. I highly recommend this book and this author.
June 9, 2023
I love books where the author presents these really complex characters. I’ll admit I didn’t like Jessie‘s character at the beginning I thought she was purposefully, abrasive and intentionally ignoring the signs of abuse towards her mother, but when the author revealed the reason why she couldn’t restore the memories, I find myself empathising and applauding her for her bravery
November 4, 2023
I saw a advertisement for scented candles today, they were named “Warm Flannel Embrace”. That’s a good description of Gerri Hill’s Park Ranger romances. Yes, there’s tastefully described angst, and steam; but mostly there’s delightful descriptions of nature and sapphic romance.
Excellent Abby Craden narration.
Excellent Abby Craden narration.
April 20, 2024
This was very emotional. I don't want to say too much more than the summary... Don't want to give spoilers.
I will say that Jessie had dealt with so much, and my heart goes out to her. Chris was just the person she needed in so many ways - it was perfect for them to meet up! There was so much to unwrap in this story, and it was well done in the writing.
I will say that Jessie had dealt with so much, and my heart goes out to her. Chris was just the person she needed in so many ways - it was perfect for them to meet up! There was so much to unwrap in this story, and it was well done in the writing.
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