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I Want to Hold Your Hand

(Green Mountain #2)

Marie Force (Goodreads Author)

4.27 · Rating details · 4,239 ratings · 362 reviews

For the Abbott siblings, the Green Mountain state has always been an idyllic place to call home. But it isn’t until they open themselves up to love that they’ll truly discover how fulfilling life can be…

Almost seven years after losing her husband in Iraq, Hannah Abbott Guthrie isn’t sure she’s ready—or able—to move on, but the attentions of a lifelong friend are making her ...more

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Paperback, 352 pages

Published June 3rd 2014 by Berkley (first published January 1st 2014)

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2014 Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense (January - June)

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May 03, 2014 ♥Rachel♥ rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley-e-book

I loved the big, close-knit Abbott family and quaint small town setting I was introduced to in All You Need is Love, so I was thrilled to dive back into this world with I Want to Hold Your Hand!

I must admit, I was a little worried to pick up I Want to Hold Your Hand, because I thought Hannah would beat herself up with guilt over moving on romantically after losing her husband seven years ago. And while she does have some guilt, it was understandable, and it was never to the point of dragging th I loved the big, close-knit Abbott family and quaint small town setting I was introduced to in All You Need is Love, so I was thrilled to dive back into this world with I Want to Hold Your Hand!

I must admit, I was a little worried to pick up I Want to Hold Your Hand, because I thought Hannah would beat herself up with guilt over moving on romantically after losing her husband seven years ago. And while she does have some guilt, it was understandable, and it was never to the point of dragging the story down. It was a poignant journey, but an uplifting one.

Hannah Abbott was shattered and numb for years after her husband, Caleb’s death, but she’s gradually come out of the fog. After seven years she finally can see past the crippling pain, and feels ready to move on. At thirty-five Hannah still has so much life to live and she knows Caleb wouldn’t have wanted her spending it alone. Deep down, Hannah’s known for a while that Nolan Roberts would be the man waiting for her. Nolan was one of Caleb’s closest friends, and he grieved hard when Caleb died, too, so in that way Nolan can understand some of Hannah’s feelings which was a tremendous asset to their burgeoning romance.

“Are you ready for this, Hannah? Because if you’re not, that’s okay. I’m not going anywhere.”
“I think I might be ready.” She looked down before bringing her gaze back to meet his. “Mostly because it’s you who’s asking.”

Nolan loved Hannah as a friend forever, but it turned into more two years after Caleb’s death. He knew he was in for an uphill battle, and that Hannah may never be ready to move on. But there was never any choice for Nolan, because Hannah was the one for him. My heart went out to Nolan. To be so in love with someone who may never feel the same way back is a slow and heartbreaking torture. Thankfully, Nolan’s years of longing and patience paid off, and we get to witness the sweet and satisfying payoff play out! Sweet, satisfying and HOT! Marie Force definitely knows how to write some steamy scenes!

The Abbott family is a big, caring bunch and it seems we have two mischievous members (Hannah’s dad, and grandfather) who are not above meddling to make sure their kids all get a HEA. Too cute, if you ask me! I can’t wait to see what they have planned for the other eight Abbott kids. For those who loved Will and Cameron in the last book you’ll be happy to know we get a lot of them in this one, too. There are a few more romances in the works, at least three that I can think of. I must say that I’m not sure that I want a Megan/Hunter matchup in the future, because she was a right witch in the last book but even more so in this installment! I guess we shall see.

Colton, the somewhat reclusive Abbott brother is up next in I Saw Her Standing There.

A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

You can read this review and more at The Readers Den.
...more

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Oct 19, 2013 Dee rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance, series-following, 2015-reads, author-marie-force

This is a very sad and emotional read that had me reaching for the tissue box quite a few times! We obviously knew from the outset that Hannah & Nolan was gonna get together, but it was also obvious that even after 7 years she still heavily mourned the loss of her husband and Nolan still mourned the loss of his best friend.

Hannah's husband Caleb had been that popular kid at school that everybody gravitated to and throughout his whole life he added more people to his crowd of friends, all of whic ...more

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Jun 04, 2014 Bev rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: skimmed-to-finish, pissed-me-off, disappointing

This book irritated the crap out of me. I must be a real cold hearted cow because all I could think was "get over it already, he's been gone 7 years!!" The whole freaking TOWN was still mourning Caleb, no wonder Hannah could not move on from his loss.

I originally got to 20% and set the book aside but it annoyed me so much I picked it up again and skimmed to finish. It. Was. Painful. I'm done with the series. ...more

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May 14, 2014 Jess rated it really liked it

Shelves: for_review, family_sibling_series, contemporary

Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: A-

“Spend some time with me. We can do anything you want. No pressure, no kissing, no nothing unless you want it. I’d be completely happy if I got to hold your hand, Hannah.”

Unnerved by his urgently spoken words and the kindness behind them, she licked her lips and tried not to notice the way he zeroed in on the movement of her tongue. “Why me?”

“Hell if I know,” he said with a gruff laugh, “but I can’t remember a time when it wasn’t you.”

H Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: A-

“Spend some time with me. We can do anything you want. No pressure, no kissing, no nothing unless you want it. I’d be completely happy if I got to hold your hand, Hannah.”

Unnerved by his urgently spoken words and the kindness behind them, she licked her lips and tried not to notice the way he zeroed in on the movement of her tongue. “Why me?”

“Hell if I know,” he said with a gruff laugh, “but I can’t remember a time when it wasn’t you.”

Hannah lost her best friend and husband, Caleb, in Iraq seven years ago. She’s grieved and been going through the motions for so long she’s finally ready to move forward. She takes another hit early on in the story when the dog Caleb rescued years ago dies (tissue alert… for me anyway) and it brings back a rush of memories for Hannah. Only this time, Nolan is there. A man who’s stood on the sidelines for the past few years, loving Hannah from a distance and waiting for the time to be right for them to try to be more than friends. Nolan was good friends with Caleb and it’s just as weird for him as it is for Hannah to think about a relationship together, but for Nolan, Hannah’s it. He’ll wait his whole life if that’s what it takes to be with the woman he loves.

This is such an emotional and heavy at times story, for not only Hannah and the pain she’s been feeling for years losing her husband so young, but for Nolan as well. He doesn’t come from a great family, he’s ashamed to tell Hannah about his parents and he’s been SO damn patient, waiting for as long as necessary before Hannah was ready to think about moving on with her life. There were a few moments at the end I got a little frustrated with Nolan, but for the most part, this man had me wrapped around his little finger from the start. Basically from the moment he told Hannah that if all he could ever have from her was being able to hold her hand, he’d be happy – sigh, love him.

And so their relationship starts. Nolan is just happy to finally have a chance and he’s willing to take it as slow as Hannah needs and there are some emotional bumps along the way since this is the first time Hannah’s been with a man since Caleb. Caleb does play a fairly big role in the book, through retelling of stories by his friends and family, Hannah’s memories and getting snippets of her journal entries about him over the years. I liked how he was included because it showed how much Hannah loved him, and how hard it was for her to move past his death and in some ways she never did allow herself to move forward until Nolan.

Nolan is such a sweet man, he is everything Hannah needs and them being friends for years helps move their romantic relationship right along and I enjoyed seeing everything unfold for them. From their first kiss, their first date, to Nolan letting Hannah know that she can tell him absolutely everything and they talk a lot. They (for the most part) don’t keep things from each other. Expect for Nolan and the truth about his father, which felt a little too dragged out for me, especially with Nolan wanting Hannah to be so open with him, it was my one little issue with this otherwise great hero. But this is the thing I find myself most enjoying about this series – the focus is on the couple. No crazy outside angst or third parties plotting against the hero and heroine. It’s just about how the couple comes together and against a few odds, finds a way to make their relationship work. Sure, Nolan and Hannah’s story is a little heavier and packs quite an emotional punch throughout, but I love reading romances when the focus is all about the family, the small town setting, the big family with siblings who all love each other and butt into each others lives like only brothers and sisters can.

I read the first two books in the Green Mountain series back to back and I’m already crazy for more. This family, the small town, the way Marie Force is putting the romance on page is everything I love about contemporary romance. I’m a sucker for a big family series and this one hits all the right notes for me. ...more

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May 27, 2018 Janja rated it liked it · review of another edition

****3,5**
Sweet and nice but sometimes a bit boring.

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Jun 03, 2014 Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews rated it it was amazing

Shelves: guiltypleasures-piper

Piper‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

5 STARS

Review copy provided for an honest review

I will start this review off by saying, DAMN YOU Marie Force for making me cry like a big ol’ baby! More than once! I Want To Hold Your Hand is book two in Marie’s new Green Mountain series. As most of you know Marie is one of my go to authors. I fell in LOVE with Marie’s book after reading Maid For Love book one in her McCarthy’s of Gansett Island series. Marie is a wonderful story teller, and Piper‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

5 STARS

Review copy provided for an honest review

I will start this review off by saying, DAMN YOU Marie Force for making me cry like a big ol’ baby! More than once! I Want To Hold Your Hand is book two in Marie’s new Green Mountain series. As most of you know Marie is one of my go to authors. I fell in LOVE with Marie’s book after reading Maid For Love book one in her McCarthy’s of Gansett Island series. Marie is a wonderful story teller, and I cannot get enough of her books.
Hannah Abbott Guthrie lost her husband Caleb seven years ago in Afghanistan. Life has pretty much been at a standstill for Hannah the last seven years. She has had the love her family, Caleb’s family and her dog Homer to pull her along these last seven years. After a brief encounter with longtime friend Nolan, Hannah begins to realize that she may just be ready to move on with her life. To let go of her past with Caleb and find love again.
Nolan Roberts has been friends with Hannah since childhood. In fact he was one her husband Caleb’s best friends. When Nolan realizes that his feeling for Hannah have moved from friendship to something more he is worried how this will affect his relationship with not only Hannah and her family, but Caleb’s family as well. Nolan has a lot of struggles to overcome. He feels he is not worthy of Hannah because of his past.
Hannah and Nolan’s story is so wonderfully written that you root for them, cry for them, and just want to reach into the pages to hug them. To tell them everything will be alright and work out because they truly belong together. I loved that we got a look into Hannah and Caleb’s relationship through diary entries at the start of each chapter. I liked that even though Caleb was not there physically he was still very present in the story. Caleb may have been a hero, but he was not perfect, and his relationship with Hannah was not perfect. I was glad Marie gave us insight to their relationship without it being an overkill.
For those of you who have read Marie’s Gansett series, she did an outstanding job of telling the story of Jenny Wilks, who lost her fiancé in 9/11, finding her way back to herself and back to love. I never thought I could be more invested emotionally in a character than I was with Jenny, but Marie managed to prove me wrong with Hannah Abbott Guthrie. This book is an emotional roller coaster that will have you laughing, crying, and probably laughing and crying at the same time. I have said this before, but Marie truly just has a way of telling a story that draws you in, and never lets you go. Not even when you reach the end of the book.
In I Want To Hold Your Hand, we also get some new information about Colton Abbott, who;s story will be told in book three. And as always I am ready for some more Colton! I can’t wait to see what Elmer and Lincoln will do next, as they meddle in the love lives of the Abbott children. Those guys may be in for some trouble!
Again, WELL DONE Mrs. Force. This is another wonderful and beautifully written story of the power of love and family. ...more

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Feb 15, 2017 Vi ~ Inkvotary rated it really liked it

Shelves: novel, i-o-a-c, pb, 2014-release-e, 2016-release-g

Review on Inkvotary
Okay, after I had finished this novel, I had to take a deep breath and to stop reading for a few hours. I wasn´t sure about my rating if I would give five stars or only four; about my feelings and for sure not what I should think of Hannah. But I can tell you this: read this series chronologically. No matter what the publisher says. Besides that, I highly recommend this series.

As you can see, I ended up giving only 4 stars. That is because I wasn´t as thrilled by it, as I was ...more

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Apr 27, 2014 Cocktails and Books rated it it was amazing

Now this is how contemporary romance is done. Marie Force has gifted us with an incredibly beautiful story of love, loss and finding the courage to love again.

I was immediately drawn into the story; it’s excruciatingly raw and completely relatable. I found myself laughing and grieving with Hannah and I wanted mostly to comfort her. What I found both equally beautiful and heart-wrenching was at the start of every chapter there was a snippet of an entry in Hannah’s diary starting when she first me Now this is how contemporary romance is done. Marie Force has gifted us with an incredibly beautiful story of love, loss and finding the courage to love again.

I was immediately drawn into the story; it’s excruciatingly raw and completely relatable. I found myself laughing and grieving with Hannah and I wanted mostly to comfort her. What I found both equally beautiful and heart-wrenching was at the start of every chapter there was a snippet of an entry in Hannah’s diary starting when she first meets Caleb (her husband) at the age of twelve and continues on until the age of thirty-five. The bittersweet flashbacks give the story so much more depth and understanding into Hannah’s grief and reluctance to move on.

I love how human the characters are. I admire Hannah’s courage and her huge, caring heart. Seven years after her husband’s death, Hannah finally decides to take the first step and start dating but she is more worried about what people will think and more importantly what her husband’s parents will think. Thankfully all her fears are misplaced and she has a wonderful support system in her family and her husband’s family as well as the entire town.

Nolan is my total dream man. He is patient and kind and honest and I just can’t tell you how many times I dreamy sighed while reading the story. I really appreciate that the author created such a standup guy. There are a lot of books in the romance genre today about bad boys and womanizers but I gotta tell you, there is nothing sexier than a faithful man. Hannah and Nolan were paired together beautifully. Their love story is one of patience, understanding, and a love so pure and true, it makes you desperately hope for a love like this to truly exist.

I absolutely love the Abbott family and I especially love the father, Lincoln Abbott and his father-in-law, Elmer Stillman who are the self-appointed matchmakers in the family. These guys are quickly becoming my favorite characters. The duo are devising plans to help Lincoln’s kids (Elmer’s grandkids) find their happily ever afters. While the ultimate end goal is to see all the kids married off and happy, it has become somewhat of a competition between the two to see who can bring the most couples together. They are completely unrepentant and have easily worked their way into my heart.

We are also treated to a bonus short story at the end of the book featuring Nolan and Hannah called A Hard Day’s Night. Oh, and did I mention I LOVE the names of the books! The Beatles are my favorite band of all time and all The Beatles’ references are totally awesome!

I want to thank Cait Needham, Dee Baily, and Army Lt. Col. Rebecca Eggers who shared intimate details about their own losses with the author. I also want to thank Marie Tillman, Mary Tillman, Matthew Logelin, Jennifer Gardner Trulson, Jackie Hance and Janice Kaplan who authored books that have influenced Marie Force in the creation of this beautiful story (more details in the acknowledgements segement of the book). Thank you all for your bravery in telling your story and your courage to move forward. Your husbands, wives, sons, and daughters are heroes and will never be forgotten. Thank you for allowing your stories to be told through Hannah and Nolan.

This book is one of the best books I’ve ever read and I invite all readers to experience this incredible story of courage, family and most of all, love.

Reviewed by Elizabeth for Cocktails and Books ...more

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Feb 01, 2015 valee rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: cont-romance

While I loved book 1, I did not connect as much with this couple as I did with the previous one. I loved the story! I truly did, and I definitely enjoyed reading Hanna's story. While a young widow who was truly devoted to her husband, even after his death, she deserved a HEA more than anyone else. So reading her book was great, and I'm sure a great addition to the series. Still, after book 1, this one just did not manage to captivate me. Everything was just so sad, and while she was starting to ...more

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May 17, 2014 Sue rated it really liked it

Shelves: audible, contemporary

Solid both the audio and the story, I do love MF's stories and this one is particularly touching and well handled. A widow grieves for her deceased husband, killed overseas. 7 years, tucked into a cocoon of her own making. What I particularly liked is there was room in this romance for both her past love and her future love. Often the past is cut away or made unimportant, not in this case. Also flashbacks were more diary format which I've always liked. As mentioned you actually fall for both men ...more

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Mar 01, 2017 Dawn ♥ romance rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance

Very emotional beginning to this story that had me crying and I like when hero pursues the relationship but this story was all about the heroine's husband who died seven years ago. On every single thing that happened someone commented on would deceased have liked it. Hannah's car won't start so she hesitatingly calls mechanic Nolan concerned she will lead him on. ...more

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Jan 29, 2017 Gwen (The Gwendolyn Reading Method) rated it it was ok

I dunno. I just didn't LIKE her. I'm usually all over a good sobby backstory, but even that couldn't make me like her. sigh. ...more

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May 25, 2014 Anne - Books of My Heart rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 7arcs, 2014

Review at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks http://yummymenandkickasschicks.com/?...

———-
I Want to Hold Your Hand is the second book in Marie Force’s Green Mountain series. I read the first book, All You Need Is Love, to prepare and enjoyed it so much I gave it 4.5 stars. It did a nice job of setting up the town and the Abbott family, which has TEN children (6 hot men and 4 lovely ladies). The story is set in Vermont mountain country. It’s beautiful, the small town vibe with its quirky characters is ni ...more

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Jul 02, 2014 Sandy M rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary

There’s been only three authors over the years who have brought me to tears with their words. Now there’s four. Marie Force pulled my heart strings in this story until there was nothing left to do but let the teardrops fall.

Hannah has been living with grief for the past seven years, having lost her husband in Afghanistan. Nolan has loved Hannah for five of those seven years. They recently shared a dance and a kiss, giving him hope she’s ready to move on – with him. I love this man. He’s caring a There’s been only three authors over the years who have brought me to tears with their words. Now there’s four. Marie Force pulled my heart strings in this story until there was nothing left to do but let the teardrops fall.

Hannah has been living with grief for the past seven years, having lost her husband in Afghanistan. Nolan has loved Hannah for five of those seven years. They recently shared a dance and a kiss, giving him hope she’s ready to move on – with him. I love this man. He’s caring and gentle with Hannah, knowing he can’t move too fast or he’ll lose her. He’s always been there when she needs him, and actually seeing him taking care of everything when the moment calls for it is your first clue he’s a keeper.

And that’s cemented in one of the first scenes is the of my tearful stages during this story. Hannah has come home to ready herself for her first date with Nolan. What she finds is a very sick Homer, her husband’s – and now her – best and loyal friend. As much as I want and like emotional connection between characters, especially that which causes me to cry, I’m a sucker for animals and their unconditional love for the main characters. Homer has been a faithful friend for years, especially loyal to Caleb, Hannah’s deceased husband. So these pages dedicated to this loving dog’s last moments are heartfelt and emotional to the core. Nolan is there to do everything necessary to ease Hannah’s grief at the loss of another connection to her husband and his best friend.

This is also a scene that furthers their new-found feelings, of course. Nolan is solid as the day is long, aside from being sexy and just alpha enough to make a woman want more of him. And Hannah is beginning to see that quite clearly. She’s finally ready to get on with her life and live. I really like the snippets of her diary we get at the beginning of every chapter, giving us a look at the relationship between Hannah and Caleb from their early years on. Since this is my first book in the series, I don’t know how much Caleb and Hannah are around in the first one, so it’s nice to get a feel for them in this way. Both Nolan and Hannah have to deal with their own thoughts and feelings about Caleb, as well as what her parents and Caleb’s, the townsfolk, and Caleb’s Sultans might think about their getting together.

I also really like the sense of family. The Abbotts, Hannah’s family, are one of those big, boisterous, and fun families. Her siblings are there when she needs them and even when she doesn’t. But they’re loving as well as teasing and I enjoyed them a lot. Then there’s Nolan and his father. A bad situation. You can understand why he gravitated to the Abbott household so much over the years. Caleb’s parents are also a big part of the story because they’re still a big part of Hannah’s life. Caleb was an only child, so Hannah is the daughter they never had. I guess what I like most about all of these people is they’re not judgmental, they have huge hearts, they face their mistakes, and they love for all they’re worth. I’m glad there’s so many of them, because I know Ms. Force will give readers wonderful stories for each and every one.

I’ve read only a few of this author’s books over the last several years. Not for lack of wanting to read more. Like most of you, I have books stacked everywhere and some that I really want to dig into have a way of getting lost in the frequent shuffling that goes on in those stacks. So I’ve made a pact with myself to try to keep all Marie Force booka out of those stacks by reading them as soon as I get my hands on them. That’s a lot of good times ahead and I’m looking forward to them all.

See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com ...more

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May 06, 2014 Stephanie rated it it was amazing

Original Post: http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
on May 6, 2014

GOT TISSUES: ARC REVIEW

Galley Provided by Publisher via NetGalley. No Remuneration was exchanged and all opinion presented herein is my own except as noted.

Title in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India = LET ME HOLD YOUR HAND

I really loved the first book in this series; it was so perfectly idyllic, so “Vermont,” so fabulously sexy, and the family was so cool I wanted to wrap them up and adopt them. This book i Original Post: http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
on May 6, 2014

GOT TISSUES: ARC REVIEW

Galley Provided by Publisher via NetGalley. No Remuneration was exchanged and all opinion presented herein is my own except as noted.

Title in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India = LET ME HOLD YOUR HAND

I really loved the first book in this series; it was so perfectly idyllic, so “Vermont,” so fabulously sexy, and the family was so cool I wanted to wrap them up and adopt them. This book is great too, but with an entirely different tone and not as much introduction to the family — that would be a pain, and boring, to repeat in each story right?

This was about Hannah, to whom we were introduced in book one, ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE. Hannah is 35 and lost her larger than life husband in Iraq seven years ago. Caleb was the guy everyone wanted to be friends with and was very charismatic. The character and the affection other characters felt for him would be obnoxious if his flaws were not also voiced. When he died, he left Hannah his grandmother’s his huge, old Victorian house. And he left his dog, Homer.

Nolan was also in the last book, and he was a very close friend of Hannah and her family, and of Caleb and his. This is a small town so everyone knows everything about everyone, or, maybe not. Nolan is pretty secretive about his family because it’s not terribly nice where Cabot’s and Hannah’s are both completely fab. But, he’s held this part of his life secret. No one knows about it except the eccentric backwoods character who works for him, and it keeps distance between him and everyone. He has a hard time accepting that anyone would love him knowing about his family. Of course, the people who really love you may find your family challenging but they will still love you or aren’t worth it.

For Hannah side of the story, I imagine for anyone who has lost a spouse, it’s the issue of coming to grips with putting her late husband to rest, and moving on. There are a variety of ways this happens, and the normal obstacles too. Every page in the book moves the story. And, Marie also does varying degrees of set up for the future books in the series.

This is a great story with lots of lovely romance and a good amount of steam, but it is also a tearjerker from start to finish; more cathartically than depressingly. Sometimes you want that kind of emotionally touching tale. I would only caution someone who had suffered a recent loss of family or pet from going into the story without being aware that it may be upsetting or too close to the surface. I really cried the whole time I read the book. and ended up with a ball of used tissues. I thought of taking a phot of them to show that but, Ew!

It isn’t that Marie doesn’t do a good job making that emotional content accessible, it’s that she got it spot on. If you have suffered a recent loss and feel fragile you may want to read a different book right now and Marie has quite a few out. If you don’t mind a few tears or seek catharsis then you might want to pre-order.

The current edition comes with a very nice short story about the couple as well! ...more

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Oct 28, 2013 Ann rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary-romance, fav-author, small-town, romance-drama, 2014, audible-com

1/31/2016 - Just listened to this one on audio. Loved the narrator, she's the same one who narrates the Crossfire series. Wish she had narrated the 1st bk.

Loved it...4.5 stars. Marie Force did a superb job of writing about the death of a spouse 7 years prior and the emotional rollercoaster involved with moving forward after that loss. The lonely years of grief, the guilt, daring to take a chance with the future, the dreaded conversation with the in-laws about dating again, the memories but also 1/31/2016 - Just listened to this one on audio. Loved the narrator, she's the same one who narrates the Crossfire series. Wish she had narrated the 1st bk.

Loved it...4.5 stars. Marie Force did a superb job of writing about the death of a spouse 7 years prior and the emotional rollercoaster involved with moving forward after that loss. The lonely years of grief, the guilt, daring to take a chance with the future, the dreaded conversation with the in-laws about dating again, the memories but also the letting go. It wasn’t maudlin, dwelling or a lengthy morose tale. It was thoughtful, heartfelt, sensitive and uplifting with chapters of Hannah’s diary dialogue at the beginning of each chapter to give the reader a flavor for her life growing up with Caleb (deceased spouse). I dislike when authors feel the need to diminish what was in order to build up the new love in their stories. MF did an outstanding job of portraying the honor and respect for Caleb/Hannah’s relationship while giving the new couple a wonderful beginning. This might not be everyone’s favorite bk, but since this topic is very personal for me I could really relate. Can’t say enough about how great this part of the bk was for me. I did adore Nolan and could that Hannah be any more fortunate to have someone so kind, sweet, patient and giving her 2nd time around? And don’t get me started on the furry characters here. If the loss of a spouse wasn't enough emotion to wallop with, the loss of a long time pet packed an emotional punch. Again this was sad but MF did this in same way she wrote about Caleb/Hannah…with the courage to move on. Loved the funeral for a friend and long time companion which ended up more like a wake, leaving the reader with a tear but also a smile or two.

The only thing I was slightly disappointed with was Nolan deciding to give up his hobby of driving the race cars that he loved because Hannah just couldn’t deal with what could happen to Nolan due to such a dangerous sport. I understood her fears but wanted Hannah to work through that. Nolan made the ultimate decision to give up the driving and just be the teams mechanic because he loved Hannah more, but it was still disappointing.

Nothing Marie Force does better than the small town “family” romance theme. The Abbott family is big, they’re close-knit, nosey, meddling and fun, with some occasional drama but they’re all loyal and loving. I especially enjoyed all the potential we’re left with here for future bks and love interests for the rest of the brothers/sisters. MF left just enough teasers here to intrigue and keep me anxious for the next bk in this series. ...more

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Jun 29, 2014 Megan Readinginthesunshine rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Let Me Hold Your Hand is the second book in the Green Mountain romance series, which focuses on the Abbott family. It is not necessary to have read the book before (Your Love Is All I Need), though I would recommend it as then you get to enjoy more from the Abbott family and really get to know them. I was so excited to read Let Me Hold Your Hand – the cover had me straight away and I loved the sound of it too.

Hannah lost her husband seven years ago when he was in Iraq, and since then Hannah hasn Let Me Hold Your Hand is the second book in the Green Mountain romance series, which focuses on the Abbott family. It is not necessary to have read the book before (Your Love Is All I Need), though I would recommend it as then you get to enjoy more from the Abbott family and really get to know them. I was so excited to read Let Me Hold Your Hand – the cover had me straight away and I loved the sound of it too.

Hannah lost her husband seven years ago when he was in Iraq, and since then Hannah hasn’t felt ready or able to move on. However, the attentions of her lifelong friend Nolan are making her start to think differently, and their shared kiss is constantly in her thoughts, but Hannah is afraid of betraying her husband’s memory. Nolan has loved Hannah for many years, and has been conscious of giving Hannah the space she needs to heal. After an opportunity allows Nolan to show Hannah how he feels, he knows it will take more than a kiss to prove to Hannah that finding love again is possible…

I need to just say how completely and utterly I have fallen in love with Marie’s writing! I would even say that this book is my favourite of Marie’s so far. As soon as I had finished I instantly wanted to re-read and experience this wonderful story all over again.

Marie has perfectly captured the pain and emotion that comes with losing a loved one. Hannah’s grief and emotion over the loss of her husband was very real and raw – it touched me and I wanted to reach out to her and give her a big hug. I liked Hannah straight away, I really felt that I understood her and she felt like a friend to me. I admired Hannah’s bravery, courage and her spirit in life too. I spent the entire book rooting for Hannah to have her happiness, whatever form it may come in. Nolan was TRULY WONDERFUL to read about! I fell in love with him straight away, I loved his personality, his caring side and the strength of his love for Hannah. He made me swoon! Their relationship and interactions with each other were beautiful, romantic, and sexy too! I laughed, I swooned, I loved every moment. As well as Hannah and Nolan, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the other members of the Abbott family too.

Let Me Hold Your Hand is a truly delightful, heart-warming and at the same time emotional read. This novel is so beautifully written, it drew me in instantly and had me captivated. Marie is becoming such a favourite author of mine and I cannot wait for the next book in the Green Mountain series! ...more

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Oct 23, 2015 Dilushani Jayalath rated it liked it · review of another edition

Well this was a pretty book to read. I don’t have any other word actually to describe it rather than that. It was a good read you can read during a rainy day. Just relaxing when you need a simple cute story to keep you cozy.
I can’t actually say this was my favorite pair but they were better for e than Will and Cameron. It’s not that I don’t like them but they won’t make a huge impact on me or anything. Not that this pair would either. The pair I’m looking forward to is Colton and Lucy and maybe ...more

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Apr 25, 2014 Elizabeth H. rated it it was amazing

Shelves: tear-jerker, contemporary-romance, kick-ass-book, beautiful-love-story, berkley-romance, laugh-out-loud-funny, favorites, review-for-cocktails-and-books, happily-ever-after, penguin-usa-group

I can not tell you how incredibly amazing this book is. One of the best books I've ever read. Marie Force has a new fan in me.

This book is one of the most beautiful love stories ever. I encourage all readers to pick up this book. You will not be disappointed.

A HUGE thank you to all the military wives and husbands who sacrifice greatly right along side their military spouses. God bless you.

***Full review can be found on Cocktails and Books blog here: http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/revi... ...more

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Dec 21, 2013 Bette Hansen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Fantastic!! This is a wonderful story of a woman, Hannah, finally coming out from under the grief that has controlled her life for the last seven years and learning to live and love again. The story is filled with great emotion and love of family, friends, and an entire community. Definitely one to be on everyone's must read list. I highly recommend it. ...more

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Jun 06, 2014 T.J. West rated it it was amazing

This had to be my favorite Marie Force story by far... Nolan and Hannah were so real to me.. They were down to earth characters that made me laugh and almost made me cry...I adored them and fell in love with Nolan and his sweet gestures and silly comments..

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Dec 28, 2013 Hez rated it it was amazing

Loved it! Every written word could not have been written better. Looking forward to new relationships to come in this series.

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Mar 02, 2014 Danielle rated it it was amazing

Omg I truly love this family!! Marie force did it again :-)

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Aug 01, 2020 MiDouradoP rated it it was amazing

I'm deeply, madly in love with this series.

(And this is only the second book).

I'm truly in awe about this author and her work. I'm also beating myself up for not trying her ealier. But maybe this was really the right time for me to finally see the magic that is her writing.

There isn't one single character I didn't love. My face was in a state of constant goofiness, because I was always smiling or daydreaming or swooning. I could feel all of their feelings and they were portrayed so beautifully. ...more

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Oct 29, 2018 Ruth marked it as abgebrochen

Shelves: romance

The love story jumped right to a point that was way too far in for me. I wanted to read about the process, especially after Hannah and Nolan were teased in book 1. Made it too insta-lovey for me. Disappointed.

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Mar 31, 2014 Lucy Dosch (EBookObsessed) rated it really liked it

The close knit Abbott family will always work together to solve any problem, but there is one thing that hurt them all so deeply, and there is nothing they can do about it. Caleb Guthrie was a long-time friend of Will and Hunter Abbott and the husband of Hannah Abbot Guthrie. His death was a shock to the family, but there is nothing they can do for Hannah while she grieves the loss of her husband. Until she is ready to move on, they have to sit and wait as the years pass.

The Abbotts aren’t the o The close knit Abbott family will always work together to solve any problem, but there is one thing that hurt them all so deeply, and there is nothing they can do about it. Caleb Guthrie was a long-time friend of Will and Hunter Abbott and the husband of Hannah Abbot Guthrie. His death was a shock to the family, but there is nothing they can do for Hannah while she grieves the loss of her husband. Until she is ready to move on, they have to sit and wait as the years pass.

The Abbotts aren’t the only ones waiting to see if Hannah will move on. Nolan Roberts has been waiting in the wings for the last few years hoping against hope that Hannah will agree to go out with him. Nolan is a long time friend of both Hannah and Caleb and he understands how Caleb’s loss has effected Hannah and he is willing to go as slow as she needs in order to be a part of her life.

The dance at the Grange a few weeks ago and Nolan’s kiss at the door, changed something for Hannah. She forgot the simple pleasure and excitement of being with someone. Hannah is wracked with guilt over the thought of kissing someone else, since she is Caleb’s wife, and Nolan is such a kind, sweet man she doesn’t want to lead him on. Yet if she was going to find love again, she couldn’t ask for a better man than Nolan.

Just when she is ready to take a step forward with Nolan, Caleb’s dog, Homer, passes away and it once again brings a finality to Caleb’s life, and Hannah’s emotions are in turmoil. Except this time, she has Nolan’s support as well as that of her family. It is Nolan who suggests a big send off for Homer, just like Caleb would have done, and Hannah feels her guilt lighten since Nolan understands her so well and what she needs in order to move forward with her life.

Nolan Roberts might just be Hannah’s second chance at love, but not everyone is ready to let Caleb go and let Hannah move on with her life.

THOUGHTS:
We spent more time getting to know the Abbott Family in Book #1, All You Need is Love, but they weren’t far away in Book 2. They are there to support Hannah but they would like to see her move on with her life and stop being alone. Caleb has been a part of Hannah’s life since she was 13, first as the annoying friend of her brothers, and they slowing into a first love. Caleb is portrayed as someone large than life, always the center of a crowd a friends who love him and Hannah. But we also get to see that not everything was perfect between Hannah and Caleb. His larger than life personality also included excessive party drinking, and Hannah refused to start a family with Caleb until he was ready to “grow up.” This also causes Hannah some pain since she believes that her chance to have a family died with Caleb.

We see Hannah moving forward with her plans, suggested by Cameron, to turn Caleb’s home into a retreat for war widows which bridges her need to hold onto Caleb’s memory and a moving on with her life.

She couldn’t have chosen a better man to move on with than Nolan. He is so understanding of the pain she is suffering and how hard it is for her to move on. Trying to move on, causes Hannah to swing on an emotional pendulum and whenever she pulls away, Nolan is afraid he is losing her, but he is willing to give her the time she needs to work through her feelings, as long as she doesn’t just walk away. We feel his frustration but he is already in love with Hannah that he won’t give up entirely on their future.

It is a sweet story of moving on from the pain of loss, and we see how the further loss of Caleb’s dog brings another finality to Caleb’s loss which rocks Hannah just as she tries go reclaim her life.

We also get a glimpse of future stories which would involve Mountain man Colton and Hannah’s twin, Hunter. I am not sure who’s story is next, but I am enjoying spending time with the Abbotts.

Received ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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May 09, 2014 Shelly rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc-by-publisher-via-netgalley, 2014-read

This is a tearjerker of a story, I would highly suggest that before you read this you get your business in order to not leave the house anytime soon after reading because your eyes are going to be swollen. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

I've not previously read Force's writing but I'm happy I'm finally getting exposure to her because she can write the heck out of a scene. After reading the blurb I was titillated and once I started reading I was immediately drawn into the characters and didn’t put This is a tearjerker of a story, I would highly suggest that before you read this you get your business in order to not leave the house anytime soon after reading because your eyes are going to be swollen. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

I've not previously read Force's writing but I'm happy I'm finally getting exposure to her because she can write the heck out of a scene. After reading the blurb I was titillated and once I started reading I was immediately drawn into the characters and didn’t put it down. This is book 2 of the Green Mountain series about the Abbott family. Set in Vermont, this series is about a family of 12 – 10 siblings, all birthed by the same woman. That alone was awesome for me – I love big families as I myself am from both sets of my grandparents had large families.

Hannah Abbott-Guthrie is the oldest of the Abbott clan, at 35. She lost her husband 7 years ago after he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan; he was a soldier. Back home, Hannah’s been grieving. She’s lost the love of her life. The man she thought she would have forever with. The man she’s spent almost 19 years loving. After 7 years of grieving, Hannah feels the walls closing in on her and loneliness setting in, she wonders if it’s time to start living for herself again. Nolan Roberts is a friend of the Abbott and Guthrie families. He’s also a very good friend to Hannah and her late husband, Caleb. I didn’t read the first in the series but I’m almost positive that both of these characters were present in Book 1. This family is way too nosey and into each other’s lives for Hannah not to have been introduced prior to this story.

After so many years of keeping his distance, Nolan finally has a reason to pursue Hannah - he’s got hope for a future with Hannah. He’s been patient these last few years but he’s feeling guilty that he’s in love with his best friend’s girl. Because who would believe that he didn’t feel this way about Hannah until her husband died? Hannah’s well known in her town and she not only has to overcome her fear of ‘betrayal’ to Caleb but she’s got to figure out how to break it to not only her family but Caleb’s that she’s interesting in dating again.

The anxiety was palpable because isn’t one of the biggest ways of moving on finding a new love? So Hannah and Nolan have themselves and everyone around them to worry about. All of these angsty things are addressed and it was interesting to see the direction that Force too. It was clear that a lot of research went into the reactions of this couple and the grief process not just from the surviving spouse’s perspective but also family and friends. Well done!

There’re lots of secondary characters – mainly Abbotts and Guthries but also lots of friends who make up this wonderful cast of characters. I’m having a hard time picking out a favorite because there was nothing to dislike. I liked everything about this story. The plot was good; the pacing was dang near perfect. The characters were fun, loving, inspiring and overall just people I wouldn’t mind knowing. Before I go – I have to tell you that I fell in love with Elmer, the grandfather to the Abbott brood. Between he and the sires, Lincoln and Molly, to the Abbott clan I can’t wait to go back to Vermont.

I highly recommend this story if you’re in the mood for an entertaining and stimulating story that’ll make you cry in one scene and laugh out loud in the next.

Happy Reading Folks!

Rating: B+/A-

*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley for review

Review posted at www.redhotbooks.com ...more

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Jan 14, 2014 Denise - Shh Mom's Reading® rated it it was amazing

I Want to Hold Your Hand
Green Mountain Book Two
by Marie Force
4.5 stars

Book 2 in the Green Mountain Series had me falling in love even more with The Abbott family and with Ms Force’s writing.

I Want to hold your Hand is the story of the oldest Abbott daughter Hannah and the town mechanic Nolan Roberts.

As the reader learned in book 1 Hannah Abbott Guthrie is widow having lost her husband and childhood sweetheart Caleb Guthrie in Iraq. Hannah has been a widow for many years and the reader is able ...more

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Jun 05, 2014 Barb Lie rated it it was amazing

I Want to Hold Your Hand by Marie Force, is the 2nd book in her Green Mountain series. I have not read the first book in this series, but it did not matter, as it read perfectly as a standalone. However, I loved this book, and I will be going back to the first book, not to mention continue to read this series. I Want to Hold Your Hand is a beautiful heartwarming contemporary romance of two people bonded by their long friendship, and the love of someone lost forever.

Hannah Abbot Guthrie lost her I Want to Hold Your Hand by Marie Force, is the 2nd book in her Green Mountain series. I have not read the first book in this series, but it did not matter, as it read perfectly as a standalone. However, I loved this book, and I will be going back to the first book, not to mention continue to read this series. I Want to Hold Your Hand is a beautiful heartwarming contemporary romance of two people bonded by their long friendship, and the love of someone lost forever.

Hannah Abbot Guthrie lost her husband Caleb 7 years ago in Iraq. Her family, friends, her dog Homer, and the entire town have watched over Hannah all these years. Nolan Roberts is our hero, and a longtime friend of Hannah and Caleb. Nolan has always cared about Hannah, and a few years after Caleb’s death, he began to realize how much he cared. Hannah always depended on Nolan, if she needed something fixed, but that is what friends are for, and Hannah has a lot of friends. Hannah finally agrees to have dinner with Nolan, but when he comes to pick her up, she is holding Homer, as he is slowly dying, his heart is giving out. All of Hannah’s big family arrives in time, before Homer dies, to share the grief, since Homer was a huge part of all of their lives, not to mention Caleb’s.

What follows is a story of being able to get past a tragedy that effected them all; for everyone to move on with their lives; for a young woman to be able to rise up to fall in love again, and for a young man to finally be able to express his love after years of being patient and understanding.
Hannah was a wonderful heroine, as she was strong, caring, and very loving. It was wonderful to watch her slowly realize that she needed to move on from Caleb’s death, opening her eyes to how patient Nolan has been, and how much he loved her. Marie Force wrote this so well, allowing us to watch through tears of happiness and sorrow, as this story played out. I do not want to give spoilers, only to say that this was a wonderful romance; at times very sad, at times humorous and so much fun, and at times very sexual and steamy. I Want to Hold Your Hand is not to be missed, as Marie Force has written a fabulous story that pulls all your emotions throughout.

Barb
The Reading Cafe
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Feb 18, 2015 Jo rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-i-love, 4-5-stars, mine, gr2015

Warning: Keep your tissue box near, you are going to need it.

Hannah and Caleb has loved each other since they were children. They got married when Hannah was 22, and Caleb died when Hannah was 28. For the last seven years Hannah has been trying to survive without her husband.

Nolan has loved Hannah for the last five years, and has been patiently waiting for her heal from her loss.

When I read the first book, I felt sorry for Hannah’s loss but I wanted her to notice Nolan and move on. However wit Warning: Keep your tissue box near, you are going to need it.

Hannah and Caleb has loved each other since they were children. They got married when Hannah was 22, and Caleb died when Hannah was 28. For the last seven years Hannah has been trying to survive without her husband.

Nolan has loved Hannah for the last five years, and has been patiently waiting for her heal from her loss.

When I read the first book, I felt sorry for Hannah’s loss but I wanted her to notice Nolan and move on. However with the start of each chapter of this book, parts of Hannah’s diary was revealed and you fall in love with Caleb just like she did all those years ago, and in turn you are devastated just as she was when she lost him. I cannot express the sadness I felt while reading this book. I can’t imagine anything worse that having to lose the one person you love more than anyone or anything else in the world.

But life has to move on, and the miraculous thing about the heart is its ability to heal itself.

Nolan was my favourite part about this book, which in itself says a lot, as this book was wonderful from start to finish. I loved how much he loved Hannah, and how he has been waiting for her patiently for five years, and how understanding he was with her. Nothing she did made him stop loving her and hoping that in time she would love him too. In parts I got frustrated with her for not seeing how amazing he was and for the hot and cold manner she treated him, but he understood how difficult it was for her, the guilt and sadness she felt. Their HEA was just so much more deserving, because of the difficult journey they had to get there.

At the end all I could think was how truly blessed Hannah was to have been loved by two such amazing men, and to have loved them in return.

This book was amazing and the writing superb. For the author to make me love Caleb and Nolan equally, to feel each devastation with Hannah as she makes her journey, is not something a lot of writers can do.

After this book, Marie Force is an auto-buy author for me. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
For readers who love Jill Shalvis and Bella Andre, you have to read Marie Force. You will not regret it.
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About Marie Force

Marie Force

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Marie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and erotic romance. Her series include Gansett Island, Fatal, Treading Water, Butler Vermont and Quantum.

Her books have sold nearly 10 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA ...more