What do you think?
Rate this book
Snowberry Creek #3
A Reason to Love
All roads lead home in Snowberry Creek…
After a devastating tour in Afghanistan, all Spencer Lang wants is for life to return to normal. But when he rides into his hometown on his Harley, he learns that his friends and family have tried to move past their heartbreak since he was reported killed-in-action—and the woman he loved is about to marry his best friend. Now, all he can do is pick up the pieces of his life.
Years ago Melanie Wolfe left town, with no intention of ever coming back. But when her father dies, she reluctantly returns home to salvage the family business. Reuniting with Spencer, her high school crush, complicates the already thorny situation, especially when she begins losing her heart to him all over again.
As Spencer and Melanie work to restore order to her family’s company, two damaged hearts face an unexpected new future that is filled with possibilities…and love.
After a devastating tour in Afghanistan, all Spencer Lang wants is for life to return to normal. But when he rides into his hometown on his Harley, he learns that his friends and family have tried to move past their heartbreak since he was reported killed-in-action—and the woman he loved is about to marry his best friend. Now, all he can do is pick up the pieces of his life.
Years ago Melanie Wolfe left town, with no intention of ever coming back. But when her father dies, she reluctantly returns home to salvage the family business. Reuniting with Spencer, her high school crush, complicates the already thorny situation, especially when she begins losing her heart to him all over again.
As Spencer and Melanie work to restore order to her family’s company, two damaged hearts face an unexpected new future that is filled with possibilities…and love.
310 pages, Paperback
First published May 6, 2014
10 people are currently reading
769 people want to read
About the author
Alexis Morgan
97 books999 followersAlexis Morgan grew up near St. Louis and received a B.A. in English from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She and her husband have made the Pacific Northwest their home for more than thirty years, where she launched her career as a writer. She is published in paranormal romance, fantasy romance, American West historicals, and most recently, contemporary romances with her new Snowberry Creek series.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 18, 2022
Love a small town romance, but boy did I feel bad for Spence! After being presumed dead and all he went through his supposed friends were extremely crappy! There's no way I could go back and read Nick and Callie's romance in the first book and actually root for them after the way they treated Spence.
A copy was kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
A copy was kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2016
Spencer Lang had a rough war. Now, on his homecoming, he discovers the whole town thinks he is dead. Staring at his own tombstone drives that point home and rattles him. But what brings his anger and bitterness blazing to life is to see the woman he thought he would marry walking down the aisle with one of his best buds. Well so be it, the world went on without him and now he doesn't have a place in it. Or so he thinks.
Shy, quiet Melanie Wolfe grew up in a home where family heritage, appearances and decorum were everything. Now her father is gone after botching the family finances and her mother has decamped to shroud herself in her grief and pretend the family still has wealth while living at her sisters. Melanie is left to pick up the pieces and try to hold things together. The once bad boy, Spence, was a teenage secret crush, but now that he's back and floundering, Melanie reaches out to him on instinct and secretly dreams again that he will stay- for his own happiness, but hers as well.
Alright, so I've had this on the shelf for a while and now I'm glad to have read it. The author was new to me, but I liked her writing. The small town setting and circle of friends who share a past was a definite plus. But it was the idea of a tangled situation such as what happens when a guy presumed dead comes back and tries to pick up his life that really had me curious.
So curious that I didn't pay attention to the fact that this was a book in a series that really should have been read in order. Sometimes, I get away with reading out of order. And to a certain extent, I did this time. I wasn't confused or missing information, but I did miss the tie-in of Melanie and Spence to the earlier books. These stories probably tied together pretty closely. The curious part is that by skipping the other books, I formed an interesting opinion of the characters from the earlier books. Someone who read those books and came to this one most likely wouldn't feel the way I did- or maybe they did.
I'm going to bring up what I think of as a big LITTLE thing. In other words, I enjoyed this book, I would read more from this author, I would recommend this book, but I also had a niggle that was a big issue for me so it's distracting me from complete book love.
See, I wasn't vested in Callie, Nick, or Leif and I didn't really care for them for most of this book. I'm pretty sure they were wonderful people and swoony heroes and heroine in their own books. But the roles they played in this one felt like they were the villains. Okay, not that drastic, but still...
When Spence lost it at Callie and Nick's wedding (not even during, but after when they approached him and wouldn't back off like he asked- not the other way around) and when they continued to blame and push at him to meet with them to talk and tell what happened, when they recriminated against him for not calling them before showing up, when they were nagging at him to decide about the home they were living in that he owned, I really wasn't seeing how these could possibly be his friends.
Oh yes, I get it. Spence should have called. Spence is forcing them to hold off on the renovations for a business that is their future. And yes, they were probably frustrated that he avoided the people who were supposedly his friends.
But yeesh people, he's messed up in the head after all he's been through. Not thinking straight and he admitted it. He asked for time. He came home to a mess and they- not on purpose, but they are still part of it. And they know it.
I wanted to smack all of them and I couldn't stand how self-absorbed they came across. They had time to heal from the war and get adjusted to civilian life. Give the man a break! Guy was a prisoner of war and wounded and comes back to enough changes to shake up more put together people than he was and they were in his face first thing. The final scene was like a re-set on the first one. They still hadn't gotten it. They pushed for what they wanted. It all ended up well because it's a romance, but I really felt conflicted that it was somewhat about Spence seeing how much people cared, but also that they wanted to force his hand and force his decision.
Melanie, the only person NOT claiming to have been his best friend, was the only one to consistently understand what was going on for most of the story.
I did a big 'woot woot' when gentle Melanie told off her own best bud when Callie cornered her at the coffee shop and started in on Melanie. Callie pushed Melanie into the middle of her issues with Spence and then got ornery and snippy because Melanie wouldn't be used as Callie's tool to force Spence to do what she wanted. Callie also got her undies in a twist because Mel befriended Spence and was starting a relationship with him and because Melanie was cautioning Callie to give him space and time. Callie constantly made it known that Spence was just a friend and they had been best friends just as she was with Melanie, but there was some definite 'Spence is my shiny' vibe coming off her when she realized that Melanie was interested in Spence and he, in Melanie.
I did end up warming to them and wanting all involved to patch up their differences and restore the friendships. But I never really got past thinking that, really, Spence ended up doing all the giving and restoring while they took it in stride like he should be the one putting forth all the effort.
I think, even if they denied it and talked of how Callie never felt more than sisterly affection for Spence and they fell in love honestly believing he was gone, they both felt some guilt and it caused them to be defensive and reactionary.
Now, as you can tell, I found the above situation rather distracting (but don’t forget it was my big-little issue and not the whole story). But for all that, Melanie and Spence were the focal point of the story. They had personal demons to slay and they had to get to know the adult versions of themselves. Their relationship was characterized by two people feeling their way and holding back because they agreed early on that it was all temporary since Spence planned to leave and Melanie might also leave if the family business failed. They pretended to a friends with benefits agreement. Melanie early on acknowledged her feelings and was honest with Spence. It was Spence who was both confused about his feelings and in denial. He was so set on leaving town and mostly because he was being pushed and pulled and not allowed to gather himself so he felt he was broken and on edge and not fit for anything. He knew he loved Melanie, but he didn’t feel good enough for her.
This was the third book in a trilogy and it most definitely felt like the book at the end that drew the series arc to a close and wrapped things up with the whole cast of characters. Although, there was one thread that wasn't explored and left me curious. Maybe that means there are actually more stories in this series.
Uh huh...so, it was an interesting situation and I'm a little curious if reading the other books would have altered my impression of this one or if it wouldn't have mattered. I've always had a soft spot for stories of wounded veterans coming home and I found both Spence and Melanie engaging hero and heroine. I'm somewhat divided in my opinion, but I think overall, it was an engaging read. As I said, I would read more from the author and I think others might enjoy this small town romance with a bit of spice.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2014
I will start this by stating that I love Alexis Morgan's Paladin Series. She is a good writer creating worlds and characters that live in my mind. So why did I rate this book only 2 stars?
This book made me very angry. Spencer has come back from the dead. He was captured while serving in Afghanistan and declared dead by the military. He was tortured. We never learn how he was rescued but his recovery in a hospital was not easy. His uncle is told of his rescue but never informed anyone else. Nice guy - not.
Spencer returns home to find his own grave. His two army bodies are living in his house with his girl and his hated cousin. One of those friends is marrying Spencer's girl that very day. Do you think that Spencer might be upset? Duh!
His friends treat him like sh--. They think he owes them an apology because he is shocked at the way things are and shocked to see Callie and Nick marry. This is a small town and no one seems to feel Spencer has a right to be a mess. No one but Melanie and Liam. Everyone else including his old Army buddies think he should come to them and play nice. Callie things he is treating her bad. Nick and Callie want to know what he wants to do about his house where they live. That seems their only concern. Do they even consider moving out and giving it back to him. NO WAY! When he makes an offer about the house, Callie plays him. His Army buddies should have some idea of his PTSD as they went through PTSD also. Of course they were never held prisoner for months and tortured. He is supposed to understand their pain at thinking he was dead and one of them having a bad leg injury. (He still has his leg and can walk.) They are so cold to him. The three of them are as-h---s. They made me hate them. To make matters worse no one in the town seems to care either. Only the Chief of Police and Spencer's lawyer.
I have not read earlier books in series and am glad I have not. I will not read the love story of Nick and Callie because they are fake human beings. PTSD is treated as a mere backdrop to the story. No treatment although the Chief did tell Spencer about a program for Vets at a local church. No VA help. Some mention of nightmares. All is better because Spencer immediately falls in love with Melanie who had a secret crush on him in high school. Melanie is the only character who has some understanding of Spencer's emotional state but she does not encourage him to seek help. At least she is angry at Nick, Callie and Leif for their treatment of Spencer. PTSD is real and should be given the dignity of any other war injury. Morgan has written better of this subject with her Paladins.
As you can see and I said before, Alexis Morgan is a good writer. She writes characters that jump from the pages otherwise I would not be so upset. It is just that I hated these guys except for the MCs and Liam. I had to put the book down and calm down before reading more.
I will continue to read about the Paladins but not about Strawberry Creek.
I was given a free copy of this book by the author with the request of writing a review.
This book made me very angry. Spencer has come back from the dead. He was captured while serving in Afghanistan and declared dead by the military. He was tortured. We never learn how he was rescued but his recovery in a hospital was not easy. His uncle is told of his rescue but never informed anyone else. Nice guy - not.
Spencer returns home to find his own grave. His two army bodies are living in his house with his girl and his hated cousin. One of those friends is marrying Spencer's girl that very day. Do you think that Spencer might be upset? Duh!
His friends treat him like sh--. They think he owes them an apology because he is shocked at the way things are and shocked to see Callie and Nick marry. This is a small town and no one seems to feel Spencer has a right to be a mess. No one but Melanie and Liam. Everyone else including his old Army buddies think he should come to them and play nice. Callie things he is treating her bad. Nick and Callie want to know what he wants to do about his house where they live. That seems their only concern. Do they even consider moving out and giving it back to him. NO WAY! When he makes an offer about the house, Callie plays him. His Army buddies should have some idea of his PTSD as they went through PTSD also. Of course they were never held prisoner for months and tortured. He is supposed to understand their pain at thinking he was dead and one of them having a bad leg injury. (He still has his leg and can walk.) They are so cold to him. The three of them are as-h---s. They made me hate them. To make matters worse no one in the town seems to care either. Only the Chief of Police and Spencer's lawyer.
I have not read earlier books in series and am glad I have not. I will not read the love story of Nick and Callie because they are fake human beings. PTSD is treated as a mere backdrop to the story. No treatment although the Chief did tell Spencer about a program for Vets at a local church. No VA help. Some mention of nightmares. All is better because Spencer immediately falls in love with Melanie who had a secret crush on him in high school. Melanie is the only character who has some understanding of Spencer's emotional state but she does not encourage him to seek help. At least she is angry at Nick, Callie and Leif for their treatment of Spencer. PTSD is real and should be given the dignity of any other war injury. Morgan has written better of this subject with her Paladins.
As you can see and I said before, Alexis Morgan is a good writer. She writes characters that jump from the pages otherwise I would not be so upset. It is just that I hated these guys except for the MCs and Liam. I had to put the book down and calm down before reading more.
I will continue to read about the Paladins but not about Strawberry Creek.
I was given a free copy of this book by the author with the request of writing a review.
March 16, 2021
Read in one sitting. Was glad to finally read Spence’s story. I didn’t agree with the way the 3 former friends treated each other; Spence came back to Nick and Leif living in his house, in his hometown, with Nick marrying his girl. It took a while for them to figure things out and get back to their former friendship. I’m glad they did, and really liked this series.
March 25, 2019
Kind of an abrupt, pat ending. However, I was very happy to see this character's story.
3.5
3.5
May 9, 2021
Forse non sono proprio 5 stelle piene, ma la storia mi è piaciuta e questo libro è la degna conclusione di una bella trilogia.
June 24, 2022
Book 3 was the fave for me. I'd been wanting to know about Spence from the start. This one had me tearing up at times. And I won't say more than that because I don't want to spoil story for anyone. I really do love all the characters in this series. I read the 5 Abby McCree mysteries before I discovered these earlier Snowberry Creek tales. They're all great.
May 6, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
October 15, 2015
I was lucky enough to get this book ahead of time from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Normally, contemporary romances aren't really my thing. I receive Alexis Morgan's newsletters because I am in love with her fantasy romance series, Warriors of the Mist. I love her writing style so well, I decided I'd give this book a try since she offered the free ARC.
The things I didn't like:
1. The cursing. Normally, I can handle a little of this, but I did feel it was pretty extravagant. I almost felt it took away from the book.
2. The speed of the romance. First, they were like acquaintances which turned into friends with benefits pretty quickly. Then out of nowhere we figure out that they're in love.
The things I did like:
1. Both characters were dealing with their own issues and confided in each other and helped each other as much as they could.
2. The military influence of the book. I loved the whole "soldier incorrectly determined dead who comes back and has to figure his life out" thing. It was a romantic theme.
3. The small town of Snowberry Creek sounded so adorable. I want to go live there!
Reading the last book for the whole series first usually isn't my sort of thing. Regardless, I didn't feel lost in the story line at all. Nothing was confusing, and it was very sweet. I didn't put it down very often.
Normally, contemporary romances aren't really my thing. I receive Alexis Morgan's newsletters because I am in love with her fantasy romance series, Warriors of the Mist. I love her writing style so well, I decided I'd give this book a try since she offered the free ARC.
The things I didn't like:
1. The cursing. Normally, I can handle a little of this, but I did feel it was pretty extravagant. I almost felt it took away from the book.
2. The speed of the romance. First, they were like acquaintances which turned into friends with benefits pretty quickly. Then out of nowhere we figure out that they're in love.
The things I did like:
1. Both characters were dealing with their own issues and confided in each other and helped each other as much as they could.
2. The military influence of the book. I loved the whole "soldier incorrectly determined dead who comes back and has to figure his life out" thing. It was a romantic theme.
3. The small town of Snowberry Creek sounded so adorable. I want to go live there!
Reading the last book for the whole series first usually isn't my sort of thing. Regardless, I didn't feel lost in the story line at all. Nothing was confusing, and it was very sweet. I didn't put it down very often.
April 14, 2014
The synopsis says it all. This is a story of the struggles two people face having to find their own way after devastating losses and end up finding solace, and so much more, in each other’s arms. It is a beautiful story of healing, friendship and love.
I really enjoyed the story. Spencer and Melanie are great together and I think the fact that they grew up together helped cement their relationship. I also loved Spencer, Nick and Leif’s scenes where too much testosterone mixed with too much pride equaled some pretty interesting “discussions.” I also enjoyed revisiting previous couples and seeing their progress. I’m curious who the next book will be about, the Chief of Police Gage Logan perhaps? I’d love to see the sexy widower/dad/cop find love again.
Another heart-warming read from Alexis Morgan.
***I was gifted a paperback ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
I really enjoyed the story. Spencer and Melanie are great together and I think the fact that they grew up together helped cement their relationship. I also loved Spencer, Nick and Leif’s scenes where too much testosterone mixed with too much pride equaled some pretty interesting “discussions.” I also enjoyed revisiting previous couples and seeing their progress. I’m curious who the next book will be about, the Chief of Police Gage Logan perhaps? I’d love to see the sexy widower/dad/cop find love again.
Another heart-warming read from Alexis Morgan.
***I was gifted a paperback ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
June 11, 2014
Love this series. Very heartwarming and romantic.
Spence comes back from the dead, or so his friends thought. He was a POW, and comes back to find his name on a headstone. His best friends are getting married and he's not sure that they have a place for him anymore.
Spence comes back from the dead, or so his friends thought. He was a POW, and comes back to find his name on a headstone. His best friends are getting married and he's not sure that they have a place for him anymore.
May 3, 2014
Review: A Reason to Love by Alexis Morgan
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A Reason to Love is part of Morgan’s Snowberry Creek series of novels. This novel – and this review starts off has MAJOR SPOILERS if you haven’t read the earlier stories in the series! So if you don’t want spoilers, this is a great series so go read it and enjoy, but don’t read this review any further. If you’re okay with spoilers, read on!!
Background: The Snowberry Creek series begins with the novella, A Soldier’s Heart which introduces us to three Army buddies (best friends Nick, Leif, and Spencer) stationed in Afghanistan and the dog, Mooch, that Spencer wants to adopt, along with Callie, Spencer’s close friend since childhood. And yes, readers really do need to start with this novella and read the series in order as each story definitely builds on the previous.
The first full-length novel is A Time for Home, and it starts off with a tearjerker, so grab a box of tissues! I can’t talk about the series without giving this away, so let me just come out and say it: Spencer has died when an IED explodes while the trio on are patrol in Afghanistan, and Nick and Leif are both returned to the states scarred – physically, mentally, emotionally. This novel is the story of Nick as he brings Mooch to Spencer’s hometown of Snowberry Creek, Washington, as he comes to terms with his grief and guilt (he thinks it is his fault Spencer died) and falls in love with Callie, whom he knows Spencer assumed he would sometime come home to. Essentially, Nick feels added guilt for feeling he is taking over the life Spencer lost, being in his home with the girl he cared for and even the dog Spencer had taken in.
The second full-length novel is More Than a Touch. This is the story of Leif, who has come to Snowberry Creek to support Nick who wants to help renovate Spencer’s old home which is now Callie’s. Leif is battling not only the internal scars of grief and guilt for having lived while Spencer died, but also the physical scars of his wounded leg. Leif is lost, alone, and bitter about his injury. Leif meets Zoe, a physical therapist assigned to help him while he is in Snowberry Creek. Zoe is a former military nurse and is quite familiar with the sort of struggle – both external and internal – that Leif is dealing with. The pair find themselves increasingly drawn together.
This brings us to A Reason for Love, the third full-length novel and the real reason for this review! The story opens on the wedding day for Nick and Callie. Melanie, one of Callie’s closest friends since high school, is dealing with the personal tragedy of her father’s death, leaving her with a mother that can’t cope and has left Melanie to run the family’s business and deal with the financial disaster her father’s death has left both family and business . On the way to the wedding, Melanie stops by her father’s grave, and nearly faints when she sees the last person she ever expected to see – Spencer. Not a ghost, turns out inside of dying in Afghanistan, he was taken prisoner and held for months. After being rescued and hospitalized for months, Spencer has come home seeking what it means to be ‘normal’ again.
At this point, I feel the story falls somewhat, because I can’t understand why Spencer never tried to contact Callie – his best friend ever – during any of the time after he was rescued and while he was recovering in the hospital, and again not after he was released and decided to come to Snowberry Creek. Spencer had been led to believe by his captives that Nick and Leif had died in the explosion where he was taken, so I can understand that he doesn’t think they are around to contact, but I would have thought Callie would have been the first phone call he made when capable of doing so.
Mel and Spencer go together to the church and see the wedding. Spencer reacts badly. He feels shocked and betrayed. He’s just discovered that no one knew he was alive, saw his own grave, found the two friends he thought died in the explosion in Afghanistan are alive and staying is his hometown, his best friend is marrying the girl he himself thought to someday marry. His home is being renovated and turned into a bed-and-breakfast inn. All of this while still dealing with the trauma of being a former POW, too. At least Mooch recognizes him and gives him immediate love and welcome. The story follows Spencer – as he tries to rebuild his life and identity, reunite with friends that he has lost, discover that family isn’t always related, deal with unexpected feelings he has for Melanie, and decide what to do next with his life – and Melanie as she tries to save the family business and deal with her own loss as she also decides what to do next, especially about the relationship growing between herself and Spencer.
These are not my usual type of read, as these are contemporary romances without any elements of paranormal, science fiction, or fantasy – simply what I would call ‘down-home modern love stories’. I decided to give this series a try since I absolutely LOVE Morgan’s other series. This is a decision I do not regret! I can’t think of the last time a series touched my heart this deeply. It’s partly the story and partly how well Morgan writes. Having grown up in a small town myself, I can relate to the environs of Snowberry Creek, and the writing makes me feel like I’ve gone home. The major characters are so well developed that they feel like people I know or want to know. Secondary characters have just the right amount of ‘page time’ to become ‘real’ without taking over the story. Not a lot of physical action as in many of the stories I typically read, but excellent emotionally. And yes, I cried at the end of this novel – happy tears, but they show what a great job Morgan did of tugging on my heartstrings and taking my heart on a rollercoaster ride. Definitely a series to be reread many times.
Bottomline: I can’t recommend this story enough!! Rather, this series! I only rated A Reason to Love 4.5 out of 5 simply because I can’t understand why Spencer didn’t let Callie know he was alive sooner and instead just showed up in town to everyone’s surprise, and at the same time, Nick, Leif, and Callie didn’t do enough to get Spencer to open up to them sooner. Yeah, I know they have their own lives to live, but if my best friend that I thought was dead suddenly showed up alive, I’d be camping at his door to find out what the heck happened and be sure he knew how happy I was to see him. (At least Mooch reacted correctly.)
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A Reason to Love is part of Morgan’s Snowberry Creek series of novels. This novel – and this review starts off has MAJOR SPOILERS if you haven’t read the earlier stories in the series! So if you don’t want spoilers, this is a great series so go read it and enjoy, but don’t read this review any further. If you’re okay with spoilers, read on!!
Background: The Snowberry Creek series begins with the novella, A Soldier’s Heart which introduces us to three Army buddies (best friends Nick, Leif, and Spencer) stationed in Afghanistan and the dog, Mooch, that Spencer wants to adopt, along with Callie, Spencer’s close friend since childhood. And yes, readers really do need to start with this novella and read the series in order as each story definitely builds on the previous.
The first full-length novel is A Time for Home, and it starts off with a tearjerker, so grab a box of tissues! I can’t talk about the series without giving this away, so let me just come out and say it: Spencer has died when an IED explodes while the trio on are patrol in Afghanistan, and Nick and Leif are both returned to the states scarred – physically, mentally, emotionally. This novel is the story of Nick as he brings Mooch to Spencer’s hometown of Snowberry Creek, Washington, as he comes to terms with his grief and guilt (he thinks it is his fault Spencer died) and falls in love with Callie, whom he knows Spencer assumed he would sometime come home to. Essentially, Nick feels added guilt for feeling he is taking over the life Spencer lost, being in his home with the girl he cared for and even the dog Spencer had taken in.
The second full-length novel is More Than a Touch. This is the story of Leif, who has come to Snowberry Creek to support Nick who wants to help renovate Spencer’s old home which is now Callie’s. Leif is battling not only the internal scars of grief and guilt for having lived while Spencer died, but also the physical scars of his wounded leg. Leif is lost, alone, and bitter about his injury. Leif meets Zoe, a physical therapist assigned to help him while he is in Snowberry Creek. Zoe is a former military nurse and is quite familiar with the sort of struggle – both external and internal – that Leif is dealing with. The pair find themselves increasingly drawn together.
This brings us to A Reason for Love, the third full-length novel and the real reason for this review! The story opens on the wedding day for Nick and Callie. Melanie, one of Callie’s closest friends since high school, is dealing with the personal tragedy of her father’s death, leaving her with a mother that can’t cope and has left Melanie to run the family’s business and deal with the financial disaster her father’s death has left both family and business . On the way to the wedding, Melanie stops by her father’s grave, and nearly faints when she sees the last person she ever expected to see – Spencer. Not a ghost, turns out inside of dying in Afghanistan, he was taken prisoner and held for months. After being rescued and hospitalized for months, Spencer has come home seeking what it means to be ‘normal’ again.
At this point, I feel the story falls somewhat, because I can’t understand why Spencer never tried to contact Callie – his best friend ever – during any of the time after he was rescued and while he was recovering in the hospital, and again not after he was released and decided to come to Snowberry Creek. Spencer had been led to believe by his captives that Nick and Leif had died in the explosion where he was taken, so I can understand that he doesn’t think they are around to contact, but I would have thought Callie would have been the first phone call he made when capable of doing so.
Mel and Spencer go together to the church and see the wedding. Spencer reacts badly. He feels shocked and betrayed. He’s just discovered that no one knew he was alive, saw his own grave, found the two friends he thought died in the explosion in Afghanistan are alive and staying is his hometown, his best friend is marrying the girl he himself thought to someday marry. His home is being renovated and turned into a bed-and-breakfast inn. All of this while still dealing with the trauma of being a former POW, too. At least Mooch recognizes him and gives him immediate love and welcome. The story follows Spencer – as he tries to rebuild his life and identity, reunite with friends that he has lost, discover that family isn’t always related, deal with unexpected feelings he has for Melanie, and decide what to do next with his life – and Melanie as she tries to save the family business and deal with her own loss as she also decides what to do next, especially about the relationship growing between herself and Spencer.
These are not my usual type of read, as these are contemporary romances without any elements of paranormal, science fiction, or fantasy – simply what I would call ‘down-home modern love stories’. I decided to give this series a try since I absolutely LOVE Morgan’s other series. This is a decision I do not regret! I can’t think of the last time a series touched my heart this deeply. It’s partly the story and partly how well Morgan writes. Having grown up in a small town myself, I can relate to the environs of Snowberry Creek, and the writing makes me feel like I’ve gone home. The major characters are so well developed that they feel like people I know or want to know. Secondary characters have just the right amount of ‘page time’ to become ‘real’ without taking over the story. Not a lot of physical action as in many of the stories I typically read, but excellent emotionally. And yes, I cried at the end of this novel – happy tears, but they show what a great job Morgan did of tugging on my heartstrings and taking my heart on a rollercoaster ride. Definitely a series to be reread many times.
Bottomline: I can’t recommend this story enough!! Rather, this series! I only rated A Reason to Love 4.5 out of 5 simply because I can’t understand why Spencer didn’t let Callie know he was alive sooner and instead just showed up in town to everyone’s surprise, and at the same time, Nick, Leif, and Callie didn’t do enough to get Spencer to open up to them sooner. Yeah, I know they have their own lives to live, but if my best friend that I thought was dead suddenly showed up alive, I’d be camping at his door to find out what the heck happened and be sure he knew how happy I was to see him. (At least Mooch reacted correctly.)
May 5, 2023
This 3rd book in the series by Alexis Morgan was just as amazing as the other 2. Spence was not dead as everyone had assumed but instead of calling his friends he showed up a year later at Nick and Callie's wedding. Nick, Leif, and Callie were thrown for a loop and all were equally upset and angry.
Melanie was the first one to know Spence was alive and was able to help him work through his issues.
Nick, Leif, Callie, and Spence worked through their grievances and put everything behind them. Spence and Mel are ready to start their lives together.
Will there be future books in this series? I hope so!
Melanie was the first one to know Spence was alive and was able to help him work through his issues.
Nick, Leif, Callie, and Spence worked through their grievances and put everything behind them. Spence and Mel are ready to start their lives together.
Will there be future books in this series? I hope so!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2023
A chore to read. Couldn't wait for it to end. Also absolutely nasty that this book seems to go the route of "does your spouse still have military ptsd? Maybe you just don't love them enough". And what a wonderful idea to have fictional veterans crap all over the idea of therapy or support groups, as if that image hasn't massively contributed to veteran suicide rates. Way to go there. Incredible.
November 9, 2017
It was hard to have Spence be so angry when the story started. Once we got past that point it improved a lot. I liked him, and Melanie, and how it all worked it self out, eventually.
March 17, 2019
Really good
This one actually made me tear up at the end. I love the camaraderie, the goods, and bads of a small town, the learning and growing, and loving
This one actually made me tear up at the end. I love the camaraderie, the goods, and bads of a small town, the learning and growing, and loving
November 13, 2016
Setting: Snowberry Creek – the cemetery, Beer (bar), church, his run down, being remodeled house and gazebo, her family mansion/museum, the cottage in back of the family mansion, the highway (where he rides his Harley), the furniture factory, his lawyer’s office;
Character:
Melanie Wolfe: her great, great founded Snowberry Creek, and her family holds a prestigious position in the community; dad very old fashioned, mom a bit too involved in image – she left town to go to college, and a librarian job in the big city; when dad passed, she came home, and found their finances in disarray, the factory faltering, the house mortgaged… and she is doing her best to keep her head above water, and not close the factory; before Callie’s wedding (her best friend in HS) she stops at cemetery to talk with dad – and sees a soldier – and it ends up to be Spence – seeing his own tombstone… and he catches her as she feints, they go to the wedding together, she follows him after he makes a scene and goes to Beer to get drunk;
Spencer “Wheels” Lang: thought dead when they found his dogtags at the bombing site, but he was captured, held in a cell, believing his friends died, and tortured for months until rescued… his uncle informed he was alive, but of course evil uncle doesn’t tell anyone else; Spence is broken, and angry that life went on without him, and that Nick was living the life he thought he’d come back to with Callie;
Mooch: the dog they adopted in Afghanistan after dog warned them of an attacker in an alley; he greets Spence at the wedding (he carried the rings down the aisle on her collar) joyously; and though Spence keeps his distance from the rest, Mooch shows up on his doorstep; Mooch seems to understand him;
Callie and Nick “Sarge” Jenkins: hurt, worried, confused, happy…
Leif Brevik and Zoe: Leif ready to take on Spence, and knock sense into him;
Liam Grainger: Beer owner/bartender; offers appropriate support to Spence – especially the first night he’s back in Snowberry;
Mama R and Mr. R: Callie’s parents; like a second set of parents to Spence after his parents died, and he was left in care of greedy, drunken uncle; she goes to him after a week, and lovingly, gently embraces him – and brings him cookies and casseroles; a bit of normalcy in his life;
Will Cosgrove: elderly mechanic at the factory; Spence worked with him as a Senior and learned to love machines; the two work together after the factory closes to clean, oil, rebuild the factory machines;
Bridey and Seth: her bakery a great touchstone for them all;
Summary:
Spence is putting the puzzle pieces back into position – a bit different looking then when he left… Melanie is his anchor from day one… and after a bit, they share a bed – both acknowledging that neither necessarily plan to stay in town… They both show gentle support for where the other one is struggling…
Spence signs over the house to Callie and Nick – keeping 25% ownership at their insistence; he finds he isn’t tied to the house – many bad memories – and is enchanted by the gazebo and the sign in his honor – feeling for the first time as if they hadn’t forgotten him (and it felt great to tease Leif and Nick about the feminine lattice work)… he offers to cosign Melanie’s loan (which the bank wouldn’t give her as she hasn’t proven herself)… this pisses Melanie off – knowing it is his goodby… and she takes a few days, and realizes the factory is important, but Spence is more important, and she’ll follow him where he goes… and she gives him a scrapbook started by Callie, finished by herself… and as he goes through it and considers what Melanie told him, the puzzle pieces fall into place… and he goes to them, acknowledges their love, and then (in the gazebo) tells Melanie he loves her, and envisions a life with her – in a cottage – in the factory – in the town…
Character:
Melanie Wolfe: her great, great founded Snowberry Creek, and her family holds a prestigious position in the community; dad very old fashioned, mom a bit too involved in image – she left town to go to college, and a librarian job in the big city; when dad passed, she came home, and found their finances in disarray, the factory faltering, the house mortgaged… and she is doing her best to keep her head above water, and not close the factory; before Callie’s wedding (her best friend in HS) she stops at cemetery to talk with dad – and sees a soldier – and it ends up to be Spence – seeing his own tombstone… and he catches her as she feints, they go to the wedding together, she follows him after he makes a scene and goes to Beer to get drunk;
Spencer “Wheels” Lang: thought dead when they found his dogtags at the bombing site, but he was captured, held in a cell, believing his friends died, and tortured for months until rescued… his uncle informed he was alive, but of course evil uncle doesn’t tell anyone else; Spence is broken, and angry that life went on without him, and that Nick was living the life he thought he’d come back to with Callie;
Mooch: the dog they adopted in Afghanistan after dog warned them of an attacker in an alley; he greets Spence at the wedding (he carried the rings down the aisle on her collar) joyously; and though Spence keeps his distance from the rest, Mooch shows up on his doorstep; Mooch seems to understand him;
Callie and Nick “Sarge” Jenkins: hurt, worried, confused, happy…
Leif Brevik and Zoe: Leif ready to take on Spence, and knock sense into him;
Liam Grainger: Beer owner/bartender; offers appropriate support to Spence – especially the first night he’s back in Snowberry;
Mama R and Mr. R: Callie’s parents; like a second set of parents to Spence after his parents died, and he was left in care of greedy, drunken uncle; she goes to him after a week, and lovingly, gently embraces him – and brings him cookies and casseroles; a bit of normalcy in his life;
Will Cosgrove: elderly mechanic at the factory; Spence worked with him as a Senior and learned to love machines; the two work together after the factory closes to clean, oil, rebuild the factory machines;
Bridey and Seth: her bakery a great touchstone for them all;
Summary:
Spence is putting the puzzle pieces back into position – a bit different looking then when he left… Melanie is his anchor from day one… and after a bit, they share a bed – both acknowledging that neither necessarily plan to stay in town… They both show gentle support for where the other one is struggling…
Spence signs over the house to Callie and Nick – keeping 25% ownership at their insistence; he finds he isn’t tied to the house – many bad memories – and is enchanted by the gazebo and the sign in his honor – feeling for the first time as if they hadn’t forgotten him (and it felt great to tease Leif and Nick about the feminine lattice work)… he offers to cosign Melanie’s loan (which the bank wouldn’t give her as she hasn’t proven herself)… this pisses Melanie off – knowing it is his goodby… and she takes a few days, and realizes the factory is important, but Spence is more important, and she’ll follow him where he goes… and she gives him a scrapbook started by Callie, finished by herself… and as he goes through it and considers what Melanie told him, the puzzle pieces fall into place… and he goes to them, acknowledges their love, and then (in the gazebo) tells Melanie he loves her, and envisions a life with her – in a cottage – in the factory – in the town…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2014
A Reason to Love, Snowberry Creek #3, by Alexis Morgan
Grade: B-
“Well, Mel, ready to ride the wind?”
Melanie Wolfe has come back to Snowberry Creek after her father’s death and is struggling to keep the family business that has been around for generations running as well as keep half of the town employed. With little help from her mother or employees every day is a struggle for Melanie. When visiting her father’s grave before a friend’s wedding, Melanie is shocked to find the presumed small town hero Spence Lang standing in front of his own grave. Melanie reaches out to Spence and offers him a place to stay as well as a job while he figures out what he’s going to do with his life now that he’s back. What Melanie never expected was to fall for the broken soldier who has no desire to stay in their home town.
Spence Lang has come back to Snowberry Creek to confront his friends about their actions after this presumed death. Spence never expected his best friend to take on his life with the girl he thought he would marry but the more time Spence spends back in Snowberry Creek the more he sees that things worked out for the best. As he tries to put his life back together, the one constant is always Melanie Wolfe. Melanie grounds him but as they grow closer Spence must decide if she is enough to keep him in one place and off the open road.
I am a really big fan of this series and even though I missed reading the second book I had no problems jumping back into Snowberry Creek. I was so excited that Spence was not dead and we would get to meet him. At first Spence really rubbed me the wrong way but thanks to Melanie we see a much softer side to him and he loses some of the bitterness. Alexis Morgan is great at writing the broken war hero and she does a great job with Spence. he is very broken and has a huge chip on his shoulder but thanks to the great people in Snowberry Creek he finally starts to put himself back together.
Melanie is a great heroine and really kept me reading when Spence became too much. I liked that she fought for what she wanted and never lost hope that she could put her life back together as well as help Spence find happiness in his. I wish that there had been more interaction with Melanie and Callie but all in all I was very happy with everything in this book. As with all of the Snowberry Creek books this one deals with a lot of the issues that soldiers come back with after serving in a war. Alexis Morgan isn’t afraid to talk about these issues and show the struggle that not only the soldiers go through but what their significant others go through in trying to help them.
I love this series so much and am very excited to see where it goes next. I really hope that we get more of Snowberry Creek and the great people that live there. Do not read these books without a box of kleenex next to me because you will need it on the very emotional journey that these couples go through coming back from war and finding happiness.
Grade: B-
“Well, Mel, ready to ride the wind?”
Melanie Wolfe has come back to Snowberry Creek after her father’s death and is struggling to keep the family business that has been around for generations running as well as keep half of the town employed. With little help from her mother or employees every day is a struggle for Melanie. When visiting her father’s grave before a friend’s wedding, Melanie is shocked to find the presumed small town hero Spence Lang standing in front of his own grave. Melanie reaches out to Spence and offers him a place to stay as well as a job while he figures out what he’s going to do with his life now that he’s back. What Melanie never expected was to fall for the broken soldier who has no desire to stay in their home town.
Spence Lang has come back to Snowberry Creek to confront his friends about their actions after this presumed death. Spence never expected his best friend to take on his life with the girl he thought he would marry but the more time Spence spends back in Snowberry Creek the more he sees that things worked out for the best. As he tries to put his life back together, the one constant is always Melanie Wolfe. Melanie grounds him but as they grow closer Spence must decide if she is enough to keep him in one place and off the open road.
I am a really big fan of this series and even though I missed reading the second book I had no problems jumping back into Snowberry Creek. I was so excited that Spence was not dead and we would get to meet him. At first Spence really rubbed me the wrong way but thanks to Melanie we see a much softer side to him and he loses some of the bitterness. Alexis Morgan is great at writing the broken war hero and she does a great job with Spence. he is very broken and has a huge chip on his shoulder but thanks to the great people in Snowberry Creek he finally starts to put himself back together.
Melanie is a great heroine and really kept me reading when Spence became too much. I liked that she fought for what she wanted and never lost hope that she could put her life back together as well as help Spence find happiness in his. I wish that there had been more interaction with Melanie and Callie but all in all I was very happy with everything in this book. As with all of the Snowberry Creek books this one deals with a lot of the issues that soldiers come back with after serving in a war. Alexis Morgan isn’t afraid to talk about these issues and show the struggle that not only the soldiers go through but what their significant others go through in trying to help them.
I love this series so much and am very excited to see where it goes next. I really hope that we get more of Snowberry Creek and the great people that live there. Do not read these books without a box of kleenex next to me because you will need it on the very emotional journey that these couples go through coming back from war and finding happiness.
May 3, 2014
Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Vivacious Valkyrie - Marta:
*Copy gifted for an honest review
This is the third full length book in The Snowberry Creek series. Written by an author who to this reader is usually a name more famous for paranormal tales , this new contemporary series features veteran service men finding new lives and new loves in a civilian world.
Spence is believed to have been killed whilst serving in Afghanistan but in reality he was captured and hideously tortured by insurgents. Now he's come back to the only place and person that's ever felt like home to him but it's not the welcome that he expected. The girl he always loved is about to get married and what's worse is it's to one of his unit who left him behind! Spence is angry and confused but what does he do now?
Melanie was the poor little rich girl at school who never really felt that she fitted in but she remembers the local bad boy Spence and still can't quite believe that someone so vibrant is dead. Imagine her shock when she sees him standing in the local cometary by his own grave stone. It's all been a hideous mistake but there's no mistaking the sheer anger that's coming off him! When Spence seems to lose it Melanie offers him a place to stay whilst he sorts out what he wants but sometimes what you want and what you really need are not the same thing. Melanie still has feelings for Spence but it's clear he's totally messed up and not looking for a relationship. Can he ever find peace in Snowberry Creek? Or is Spence going to leave again?
I usually read paranormal romances and previously had only read the Paladin series by this author but I'm glad I read this book. It's not the usual sort of contemporary military romance that seems so popular recently no it's a far deeper tale than that. The author has bravely tackled the subject of post traumatic stress disorder and done a very good job of it. It's not slushy or sentimental in any way , nor does it glorify suffering . This book tries to show that some things will stay with us no matter what and running away is never an option. Spence is an angry young man but he feels he has good reason . He is trying to make sense of his life but everything has changed. Luckily the friends he has made will fight to get back the man they know and love.
This was a poignant read but definitely not sentimental. It's heart warming and written with a genuine sense of humour that animal lovers particularly will recognise! A story that shows how forgiveness can truly alter our lives and that anger and bitterness will always hold us back. It is a romance but it's a slow build that feels far more realistic then some I've read. It's not particularly a sexy book as it's the story and characters journey that matters here . It's not essential to have read the previous books but the same characters do crop up so if you enjoy this then you really ought to find the time . A good contemporary romance that tackles real issues and I'd definitely like to journey back to Snowberry Creek soon!
*Copy gifted for an honest review
This is the third full length book in The Snowberry Creek series. Written by an author who to this reader is usually a name more famous for paranormal tales , this new contemporary series features veteran service men finding new lives and new loves in a civilian world.
Spence is believed to have been killed whilst serving in Afghanistan but in reality he was captured and hideously tortured by insurgents. Now he's come back to the only place and person that's ever felt like home to him but it's not the welcome that he expected. The girl he always loved is about to get married and what's worse is it's to one of his unit who left him behind! Spence is angry and confused but what does he do now?
Melanie was the poor little rich girl at school who never really felt that she fitted in but she remembers the local bad boy Spence and still can't quite believe that someone so vibrant is dead. Imagine her shock when she sees him standing in the local cometary by his own grave stone. It's all been a hideous mistake but there's no mistaking the sheer anger that's coming off him! When Spence seems to lose it Melanie offers him a place to stay whilst he sorts out what he wants but sometimes what you want and what you really need are not the same thing. Melanie still has feelings for Spence but it's clear he's totally messed up and not looking for a relationship. Can he ever find peace in Snowberry Creek? Or is Spence going to leave again?
I usually read paranormal romances and previously had only read the Paladin series by this author but I'm glad I read this book. It's not the usual sort of contemporary military romance that seems so popular recently no it's a far deeper tale than that. The author has bravely tackled the subject of post traumatic stress disorder and done a very good job of it. It's not slushy or sentimental in any way , nor does it glorify suffering . This book tries to show that some things will stay with us no matter what and running away is never an option. Spence is an angry young man but he feels he has good reason . He is trying to make sense of his life but everything has changed. Luckily the friends he has made will fight to get back the man they know and love.
This was a poignant read but definitely not sentimental. It's heart warming and written with a genuine sense of humour that animal lovers particularly will recognise! A story that shows how forgiveness can truly alter our lives and that anger and bitterness will always hold us back. It is a romance but it's a slow build that feels far more realistic then some I've read. It's not particularly a sexy book as it's the story and characters journey that matters here . It's not essential to have read the previous books but the same characters do crop up so if you enjoy this then you really ought to find the time . A good contemporary romance that tackles real issues and I'd definitely like to journey back to Snowberry Creek soon!
May 3, 2014
My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://www.witandsin.blogspot.com/201...
A Reason to Love is a great mix of heartbreak and hope. Alexis Morgan has woven a tale of two people finding love and home after devastating losses in this third Snowberry Creek novel.
Melanie’s family has long been a major employer in Snowberry Creek, but she herself wanted to break free of the restraints her last name put on her. Now that her father has died, she finds herself back at home, trying to save the family business from ruin. I adored Melanie – she has a good heart and works herself to the bone to help others. Romance aside, I really liked that she found someone she could lean on in Spence. He’s a former soldier and POW who returns home only to find everyone thought he was dead. Spence has to cope with PTSD in addition to the hit that the life he had mapped out for himself no longer exists. His friends and comrades are now living in the house that was once his and his sergeant is marrying the woman Spence once planned to wed. It’s a lot to handle, and I appreciated that Ms. Morgan didn’t let Spence cope perfectly. He makes mistakes, hurts those who love him, and it grounds the story in reality, making Spence’s character arc that much more satisfying. Melanie is key to Spence wanting to start the healing process, and the way they fall in love as they work together is simply lovely. Both Melanie and Spence struggle to find their place in their new lives, but they do so and it was a joy to see them find what it is they wanted and needed in Snowberry Creek and with each other.
A Reason to Love is the third full-length book in the Snowberry Creek series, and having not read A Time for Home and More Than a Touch I can safely say new readers will have no problem enjoying Spence and Melanie’s story. In fact, not having an emotional attachment to Spence’s friends probably helped me see Spence’s side of things easier. That being said, I’ll definitely read Nick and Leif’s books and I’m hoping the Snowberry Creek series continues even though the three former soldiers have found happiness (cue my adoration of Liam the bartender ;)). All in all, I thought A Reason to Love was an enjoyable, heartwarming story and I’m looking forward to spending more time in Ms. Morgan’s Snowberry Creek.
Note: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Reason to Love is a great mix of heartbreak and hope. Alexis Morgan has woven a tale of two people finding love and home after devastating losses in this third Snowberry Creek novel.
Melanie’s family has long been a major employer in Snowberry Creek, but she herself wanted to break free of the restraints her last name put on her. Now that her father has died, she finds herself back at home, trying to save the family business from ruin. I adored Melanie – she has a good heart and works herself to the bone to help others. Romance aside, I really liked that she found someone she could lean on in Spence. He’s a former soldier and POW who returns home only to find everyone thought he was dead. Spence has to cope with PTSD in addition to the hit that the life he had mapped out for himself no longer exists. His friends and comrades are now living in the house that was once his and his sergeant is marrying the woman Spence once planned to wed. It’s a lot to handle, and I appreciated that Ms. Morgan didn’t let Spence cope perfectly. He makes mistakes, hurts those who love him, and it grounds the story in reality, making Spence’s character arc that much more satisfying. Melanie is key to Spence wanting to start the healing process, and the way they fall in love as they work together is simply lovely. Both Melanie and Spence struggle to find their place in their new lives, but they do so and it was a joy to see them find what it is they wanted and needed in Snowberry Creek and with each other.
A Reason to Love is the third full-length book in the Snowberry Creek series, and having not read A Time for Home and More Than a Touch I can safely say new readers will have no problem enjoying Spence and Melanie’s story. In fact, not having an emotional attachment to Spence’s friends probably helped me see Spence’s side of things easier. That being said, I’ll definitely read Nick and Leif’s books and I’m hoping the Snowberry Creek series continues even though the three former soldiers have found happiness (cue my adoration of Liam the bartender ;)). All in all, I thought A Reason to Love was an enjoyable, heartwarming story and I’m looking forward to spending more time in Ms. Morgan’s Snowberry Creek.
Note: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
May 14, 2014
A Reason to Love by Alexis Morgan is the 3rd book in her Snowberry Creek series. This is my first book in this series, and it read very well as a standalone. I have read other books by Morgan, and I wasn’t surprised me how much I enjoyed this book, as she is a wonderful writer.
Our heroine is Melanie Wolfe, who came back home after her father’s death, to try to save the family business. Melanie is alone in this, as her mother refuses to believe that the company was in dire straits, and doesn’t believe Melanie when she tells her. So Melanie works alone to try to resurrect the company. On the day she is attending a wedding, she goes to the cemetery to quietly lament to her dead father why he let everything go bad. It is there that Melanie sees a soldier looking over another grave. She sees he is agitated, and goes to offer her support. To her disbelief, the soldier is Spence Lang, a friend from her high school days, who was thought to be dead, from explosion in Afghanistan.
Once they reach the wedding, Spence loses his temper, as he sees his best friend marrying one of his soldier friends. The others of course are shocked, but Spence feels betrayed, not really looking at reality. He storms away. Melanie decides to follow him to make sure he doesn’t do anything foolish, and she ends up not going to the reception.
This is a wonderful story of a soldier who comes home emotionally a wreck, and unable to control his temper. While he ignored all his family and friends, who love him, it is Melanie who will be there for Spence. In a situation that is unlikely for a romance, it was a beautiful story how they bonded to help each other. I also loved Mooch, the dog who Spence had saved in Afghanistan, who was adopted by his friends when they thought he was dead. Morgan has created some wonderful secondary characters, such as Callie, Sarge, and Leif.
Alexis Morgan pulls a lot of emotions from us, as we watch Spence and Melanie fall in love. We watch how a confused & tormented Spence must come to terms with his life, and if he wants to remain in town with all his old memories, not to mention friends. Will Spence give up on a chance of a new life with Melanie? Will Melanie find a way to save her family business? Will Spence open his heart to his close friends again? If you love a story of small town, friends, family, a dog, and a beautiful romance that started as friends; as well as an emotional roller coaster of a ride throughout. Then A Reason to Love is perfect for you.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Our heroine is Melanie Wolfe, who came back home after her father’s death, to try to save the family business. Melanie is alone in this, as her mother refuses to believe that the company was in dire straits, and doesn’t believe Melanie when she tells her. So Melanie works alone to try to resurrect the company. On the day she is attending a wedding, she goes to the cemetery to quietly lament to her dead father why he let everything go bad. It is there that Melanie sees a soldier looking over another grave. She sees he is agitated, and goes to offer her support. To her disbelief, the soldier is Spence Lang, a friend from her high school days, who was thought to be dead, from explosion in Afghanistan.
Once they reach the wedding, Spence loses his temper, as he sees his best friend marrying one of his soldier friends. The others of course are shocked, but Spence feels betrayed, not really looking at reality. He storms away. Melanie decides to follow him to make sure he doesn’t do anything foolish, and she ends up not going to the reception.
This is a wonderful story of a soldier who comes home emotionally a wreck, and unable to control his temper. While he ignored all his family and friends, who love him, it is Melanie who will be there for Spence. In a situation that is unlikely for a romance, it was a beautiful story how they bonded to help each other. I also loved Mooch, the dog who Spence had saved in Afghanistan, who was adopted by his friends when they thought he was dead. Morgan has created some wonderful secondary characters, such as Callie, Sarge, and Leif.
Alexis Morgan pulls a lot of emotions from us, as we watch Spence and Melanie fall in love. We watch how a confused & tormented Spence must come to terms with his life, and if he wants to remain in town with all his old memories, not to mention friends. Will Spence give up on a chance of a new life with Melanie? Will Melanie find a way to save her family business? Will Spence open his heart to his close friends again? If you love a story of small town, friends, family, a dog, and a beautiful romance that started as friends; as well as an emotional roller coaster of a ride throughout. Then A Reason to Love is perfect for you.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
May 15, 2014
I received a copy of A Reason to Love from the author for an honest review.
I have enjoyed reading Ms. Morgan's books since picking up a copy of Dark Defender when it first came out. Like the books I have read since, A Reason to Love has all of the elements that I have come to expect in an Alexis Morgan book.
The first is great characters. Spencer Lang comes back to a hometown that believes he was killed in action. He has issues, but he learns how to deal with them - step by step. He re-learns how to be around not only the people in his hometown, but the surviving members of his unit. Melanie Wolfe is a member (and heir) of Snowberry Creek's founding family and is expected to maintain a certain standard. While she tries to keep the family business afloat, she works on ways to improve it. Neither they, nor their various friends or family friends, are perfect and that is why I like them.
Another element is the setting. I really like the small town setting of Snowberry Creek. It is, in many ways, like small towns everywhere: Everyone knows (or thinks they know) everyone else's business, it takes a lot to overcome the image you had, and the world might very well come to an end if you do something differently from the way your parents did it.
A final element I enjoy is the story itself. Sure, it has been "done before". Soldier comes home, finds girl, etc. Ms. Morgan, however, has a way of writing which keeps it fresh and keeps readers - or at least this one - coming back for more.
Is the book perfect? Of course not. For one, I would have liked to know what has happened to Spence's uncle Vince. It was mentioned in the book that Spence's cousin Austin has changed from their younger days, yet there is no encounter between the two. Maybe more will be learned in a future book. This is also my first Snowberry Creek (I am more familiar with the Paladin and Talion books) book, so there may be more that was mentioned about these two characters in the previous books.
Overall, an excellent read from an excellent author.
(Image (c)Barnes and Noble, blurb (c) Alexis Morgan)
(Review cross-posted to Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Lily's Reviews.)
I have enjoyed reading Ms. Morgan's books since picking up a copy of Dark Defender when it first came out. Like the books I have read since, A Reason to Love has all of the elements that I have come to expect in an Alexis Morgan book.
The first is great characters. Spencer Lang comes back to a hometown that believes he was killed in action. He has issues, but he learns how to deal with them - step by step. He re-learns how to be around not only the people in his hometown, but the surviving members of his unit. Melanie Wolfe is a member (and heir) of Snowberry Creek's founding family and is expected to maintain a certain standard. While she tries to keep the family business afloat, she works on ways to improve it. Neither they, nor their various friends or family friends, are perfect and that is why I like them.
Another element is the setting. I really like the small town setting of Snowberry Creek. It is, in many ways, like small towns everywhere: Everyone knows (or thinks they know) everyone else's business, it takes a lot to overcome the image you had, and the world might very well come to an end if you do something differently from the way your parents did it.
A final element I enjoy is the story itself. Sure, it has been "done before". Soldier comes home, finds girl, etc. Ms. Morgan, however, has a way of writing which keeps it fresh and keeps readers - or at least this one - coming back for more.
Is the book perfect? Of course not. For one, I would have liked to know what has happened to Spence's uncle Vince. It was mentioned in the book that Spence's cousin Austin has changed from their younger days, yet there is no encounter between the two. Maybe more will be learned in a future book. This is also my first Snowberry Creek (I am more familiar with the Paladin and Talion books) book, so there may be more that was mentioned about these two characters in the previous books.
Overall, an excellent read from an excellent author.
(Image (c)Barnes and Noble, blurb (c) Alexis Morgan)
(Review cross-posted to Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Lily's Reviews.)
May 21, 2014
4.25 stars!
A Reason to Love is an emotional story about friendship, finding yourself and moving on. When I found out who the hero was I about fell off my chair and have been waiting anxiously to read this third book in the series. I am happy to say that this book was all that I had hoped for.
Melanie Wolfe’s ancestors founded the town of Snowberry Creek many years ago and her family has always been pillars in the community. Along with her mother, they are now the only ones left of the family, her father died recently and she has come back to help with the business, Wolfe Millworks. She realizes that her father was close to going bankrupt yet he was still trying to maintain a reputation in town. While she tries to salvage the business she also has to deal with how the locals viewed her parents, like they could do no wrong.
While visiting the cemetery, she notices a soldier staring at Spence Lang’s grave, when she walks over to talk to him she realizes it is Spence Lang, the local hero they buried last year. The Army had notified Spence’s uncle Vince about the news but the news never made it any further. Spence is angry, he feels like his friends have stolen his life, he comes home to his best friend Callie about to marry his friend and Sergeant, Nick and the two are living in his house with another buddy Leif, it is just too much for him to handle so after a confrontation, he heads off to drown his sorrows when Melanie shows up to make sure he is alright.
I absolutely adored this book, the premise is great, hometown hero returning is a very exciting story, add in the fact that the town had his funeral a year ago and his best friends are getting married you get so much more that I ever bargained for, oh the emotion.
Complete review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from publisher for an honest review
A Reason to Love is an emotional story about friendship, finding yourself and moving on. When I found out who the hero was I about fell off my chair and have been waiting anxiously to read this third book in the series. I am happy to say that this book was all that I had hoped for.
Melanie Wolfe’s ancestors founded the town of Snowberry Creek many years ago and her family has always been pillars in the community. Along with her mother, they are now the only ones left of the family, her father died recently and she has come back to help with the business, Wolfe Millworks. She realizes that her father was close to going bankrupt yet he was still trying to maintain a reputation in town. While she tries to salvage the business she also has to deal with how the locals viewed her parents, like they could do no wrong.
While visiting the cemetery, she notices a soldier staring at Spence Lang’s grave, when she walks over to talk to him she realizes it is Spence Lang, the local hero they buried last year. The Army had notified Spence’s uncle Vince about the news but the news never made it any further. Spence is angry, he feels like his friends have stolen his life, he comes home to his best friend Callie about to marry his friend and Sergeant, Nick and the two are living in his house with another buddy Leif, it is just too much for him to handle so after a confrontation, he heads off to drown his sorrows when Melanie shows up to make sure he is alright.
I absolutely adored this book, the premise is great, hometown hero returning is a very exciting story, add in the fact that the town had his funeral a year ago and his best friends are getting married you get so much more that I ever bargained for, oh the emotion.
Complete review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from publisher for an honest review
June 18, 2014
Snowberry Creek, #3 (5th story, though)
Spence Lang & Melanie Wolfe's story.
Spence, pronounced Killed in Action, returns to Snowberry Creek.
Melanie notices a lone soldier standing at the grave of Spencer Lang & figures it's another troop member in for Nick & Callie's wedding. Imagine her surprise - and pure shock - when the soldier is the subject on the tombstone!
------------------------------
It's a good book, but a lot of questions were raised while reading it. Like, he's been pronounced dead, how is it he still holds a valid credit card & driver's license? Those should have been cancelled upon death certificate. How is that he still has access to a large amount of money in his trust fund, if he'd signed over everything to Callie upon his "death"? Where was the motorcycle stored for him to ride it back to Snowberry Creek?
There's a lot of emotional turmoil. I think Spence could have benefited from attending a Veteran's Support meeting. Actually, I think the trio (Nick, Leif & Spence) would have benefited from a meeting altogether to work out some of the hostility, anger, betrayal issues before they could fester with all that "You OWE me AT LEAST that much!" bullsh*t.
We never really learned what happened to him. He know he was held captive for two month, but how/where did they grab him? How was he rescued? Too many things went unanswered.
Melanie's parts to the book were not as substantial & tended to always revert back to Spence.
Overall, it was a good book & as always, Ms Morgan writes a book where the words are as smooth as melted chocolate. I was 1/2 done with the book before I noted any page #.
Well done.
Looking forward to the next, should their be one.
(I'm kind of hoping Gage will get a story all his own)
Spence Lang & Melanie Wolfe's story.
Spence, pronounced Killed in Action, returns to Snowberry Creek.
Melanie notices a lone soldier standing at the grave of Spencer Lang & figures it's another troop member in for Nick & Callie's wedding. Imagine her surprise - and pure shock - when the soldier is the subject on the tombstone!
------------------------------
It's a good book, but a lot of questions were raised while reading it. Like, he's been pronounced dead, how is it he still holds a valid credit card & driver's license? Those should have been cancelled upon death certificate. How is that he still has access to a large amount of money in his trust fund, if he'd signed over everything to Callie upon his "death"? Where was the motorcycle stored for him to ride it back to Snowberry Creek?
There's a lot of emotional turmoil. I think Spence could have benefited from attending a Veteran's Support meeting. Actually, I think the trio (Nick, Leif & Spence) would have benefited from a meeting altogether to work out some of the hostility, anger, betrayal issues before they could fester with all that "You OWE me AT LEAST that much!" bullsh*t.
We never really learned what happened to him. He know he was held captive for two month, but how/where did they grab him? How was he rescued? Too many things went unanswered.
Melanie's parts to the book were not as substantial & tended to always revert back to Spence.
Overall, it was a good book & as always, Ms Morgan writes a book where the words are as smooth as melted chocolate. I was 1/2 done with the book before I noted any page #.
Well done.
Looking forward to the next, should their be one.
(I'm kind of hoping Gage will get a story all his own)
May 18, 2014
Snowberry Sweet!
I'm new to this author, but I understand a lot of people are coming to this series after reading her other one which is in a completely different genre. As a noob I had no such expectations, and am pleasantly surprised by what I found. These small town/ex military contemporary romances can sometimes be a bit too gentle in their pacing for my liking, but not this one. I really enjoyed the plot and the added complications of everyone in Snowberry Creek believing main character Spencer was dead! Including the childhood sweetheart everyone assumed he would marry, who is now about to marry his best friend. Oops!
Melanie Wolfe is a familiar face, but not one Spencer's ever known very well. When hers is the first face he sees on his return to town, it turns out it couldn't have been a more fortuitous meeting. They simply sizzle when they're together! And Melanie has always had a secret soft spot for him. But with Spencer's many issues and Melanie's financial woes, it's a relationship not without complications. I really enjoyed the way everything went down, and even had a wee tear in my eye at the end. Good stuff! :)
I didn't read the first two books in this series, but I'm thinking I would like to just to meet this awful uncle I heard so much about. I'm surprised I didn't meet him in this one, to be honest, since it was mostly his fault no one knew Spence wasn't actually dead. Therefore my recommendation is to not do what I did and jump in at book three, but to go back to the beginning like a good little series reader!
A very sweet 4 stars! ★★★★
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
I'm new to this author, but I understand a lot of people are coming to this series after reading her other one which is in a completely different genre. As a noob I had no such expectations, and am pleasantly surprised by what I found. These small town/ex military contemporary romances can sometimes be a bit too gentle in their pacing for my liking, but not this one. I really enjoyed the plot and the added complications of everyone in Snowberry Creek believing main character Spencer was dead! Including the childhood sweetheart everyone assumed he would marry, who is now about to marry his best friend. Oops!
Melanie Wolfe is a familiar face, but not one Spencer's ever known very well. When hers is the first face he sees on his return to town, it turns out it couldn't have been a more fortuitous meeting. They simply sizzle when they're together! And Melanie has always had a secret soft spot for him. But with Spencer's many issues and Melanie's financial woes, it's a relationship not without complications. I really enjoyed the way everything went down, and even had a wee tear in my eye at the end. Good stuff! :)
I didn't read the first two books in this series, but I'm thinking I would like to just to meet this awful uncle I heard so much about. I'm surprised I didn't meet him in this one, to be honest, since it was mostly his fault no one knew Spence wasn't actually dead. Therefore my recommendation is to not do what I did and jump in at book three, but to go back to the beginning like a good little series reader!
A very sweet 4 stars! ★★★★
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
February 22, 2017
First I want to thank the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my review. This book was entertaining and more sensual than A Time For Home. It is definitely not a stand alone book as it starts with Spence showing up in Snowberry Creek on the day of Callie and Nick's wedding. If you haven't read A Time For Home first you are at a definite disadvantage.
I thought that Melanie was a very likeable heroine. She has been born into wealth but is not a snob, she genuinely cares about the people around her and is not afraid of the challenges facing her. Spence on the other hand really annoyed me with the way he avoided the people who cared for him, procrastinating about the legal problems his return caused for those who cared for him, and his continual waffling about staying in Snowberry Creek.
I felt that the whole story left me asking more questions than it answered. Why was Spence's PTSD barely mentioned in this book? This man was a POW and the fact that he has nightmares was mentioned only twice. Why didn't Spence verify that Nick and Leif were dead (easily done with today's technology) and then contact them sooner? Why was there no resolution between Spence and his cousin Austin? I hope this is not the end of the Snowberry Creek veterans as I feel there are too many threads hanging and I also want to know what happens to Gage, the sheriff. I definitely feel that he has a story to be told.
I thought that Melanie was a very likeable heroine. She has been born into wealth but is not a snob, she genuinely cares about the people around her and is not afraid of the challenges facing her. Spence on the other hand really annoyed me with the way he avoided the people who cared for him, procrastinating about the legal problems his return caused for those who cared for him, and his continual waffling about staying in Snowberry Creek.
I felt that the whole story left me asking more questions than it answered. Why was Spence's PTSD barely mentioned in this book? This man was a POW and the fact that he has nightmares was mentioned only twice. Why didn't Spence verify that Nick and Leif were dead (easily done with today's technology) and then contact them sooner? Why was there no resolution between Spence and his cousin Austin? I hope this is not the end of the Snowberry Creek veterans as I feel there are too many threads hanging and I also want to know what happens to Gage, the sheriff. I definitely feel that he has a story to be told.
May 16, 2014
I requested and received a copy of A Reason to Love from the author for an honest review.
I loved Ms. Morgan's Paladins series, but hadn't read the other two books from the Snowberry Creek series. I was bad...I judged the previous books by their covers, which were rather bland to me. So I wasn't sure what to expect when I read this book.
And I can honestly say I loved it! (I only wished I had read the other 2 before this one, as apparently his friends thought Spence deceased.) Coming from a military family (my hubby and dad are Marine Corps veterans - SEMPER FI!), I do enjoy reading books starring military men. I especially loved Melanie, though. I thought she made a great strong heroine, taking over her father's business and trying to keep it going so the employees of this small town didn't lose their jobs. Ms. Morgan did an excellent job portraying Snowberry Creek - she made me want to live there (especially with all these hunky vets around....). The romance was quite believable, and it was refreshing to see them become friends before they became lovers. I also think the author did a good job of showing how the men had to deal with coming home from a war zone.
After reading this, I immediately purchased the other two books in the series.
I loved Ms. Morgan's Paladins series, but hadn't read the other two books from the Snowberry Creek series. I was bad...I judged the previous books by their covers, which were rather bland to me. So I wasn't sure what to expect when I read this book.
And I can honestly say I loved it! (I only wished I had read the other 2 before this one, as apparently his friends thought Spence deceased.) Coming from a military family (my hubby and dad are Marine Corps veterans - SEMPER FI!), I do enjoy reading books starring military men. I especially loved Melanie, though. I thought she made a great strong heroine, taking over her father's business and trying to keep it going so the employees of this small town didn't lose their jobs. Ms. Morgan did an excellent job portraying Snowberry Creek - she made me want to live there (especially with all these hunky vets around....). The romance was quite believable, and it was refreshing to see them become friends before they became lovers. I also think the author did a good job of showing how the men had to deal with coming home from a war zone.
After reading this, I immediately purchased the other two books in the series.
May 21, 2014
This is my first book from this author and I’m sure it won’t be my last. This is a standalone novel in a series set in a small community. I haven’t read the previous two novels in the book but that didn’t deter me in reading it. I easily caught up with the character’s stories.
Melanie and Spence start off as a romance of convenience but as time flies they grow closer together. They both are going through a really tough time and they use each other for strength. Melanie is my favorite type of heroine, feisty and strong. No matter that her world is falling a prt she’s able to stand o her own two feet. Spence is a man of few words but so kind. He realizes Melanie means more to him than just a short fling. Once he gets his gears in order, he has a few surprises up his sleeve.
This is a fast read (I read it one sitting) with steamy scenes and great writing. For anyone that’s a fan of military romance and small towns this has everything you would want.
Full Review to come on bookrcack.com
Melanie and Spence start off as a romance of convenience but as time flies they grow closer together. They both are going through a really tough time and they use each other for strength. Melanie is my favorite type of heroine, feisty and strong. No matter that her world is falling a prt she’s able to stand o her own two feet. Spence is a man of few words but so kind. He realizes Melanie means more to him than just a short fling. Once he gets his gears in order, he has a few surprises up his sleeve.
This is a fast read (I read it one sitting) with steamy scenes and great writing. For anyone that’s a fan of military romance and small towns this has everything you would want.
Full Review to come on bookrcack.com
August 13, 2016
I've been waiting for the latest (hopefully not last!) book in the series, and it was well worth it! My heart kind of broke at the beginning when Spence returns home from being held as a POW to find his gravestone and the woman he had assumed he would eventually wed marrying one of his best friends. I have to admit that it also lead to my only nitpick; if one of our soldiers had been injured and held prisoner, I would think his being found and returned home would have lead to a huge media storm, and his friends and family would not have been surprised to find that he was still alive. (Except his uncle, grr!) But the unfolding story of his new life with Melanie and Mooch was touching and fun to read-I think this is my favorite of the series!! Now, if Gage gets his own book...
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 28, 2014
A solid 4 to 4 1/2 stars.
I just finished A REASON TO LOVE and will be making further visits to Snowberry Creek. Alexis Morgan has a good feel for small towns, neighbors, friends, and current military vets. Her characters feel real and are facing situations any of us could or are facing. I like the natural feel to the relationships and the conversations. One warning for those offended by profanity. The F-bomb is dropped frequently among other things. I don't particularly care for it, but the language she uses is true to the times and the characters. It won't prevent me from reading the rest of her books. She deals well with some of the issues of returning vets and the people who love and deal with them.
Overall, a good, enjoyable read with characters you will be glad you met. I will be looking for the earlier books in the series so I can get to know them better.
I just finished A REASON TO LOVE and will be making further visits to Snowberry Creek. Alexis Morgan has a good feel for small towns, neighbors, friends, and current military vets. Her characters feel real and are facing situations any of us could or are facing. I like the natural feel to the relationships and the conversations. One warning for those offended by profanity. The F-bomb is dropped frequently among other things. I don't particularly care for it, but the language she uses is true to the times and the characters. It won't prevent me from reading the rest of her books. She deals well with some of the issues of returning vets and the people who love and deal with them.
Overall, a good, enjoyable read with characters you will be glad you met. I will be looking for the earlier books in the series so I can get to know them better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews