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Cypress Hollow Yarn #0.5
Eliza's Home
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B00H0JK7H0
From bestselling author Rachael Herron comes at long last, Eliza Carpenter’s story.
Home isn’t always a place… It's 1945, the war is over, the GIs are returning, and Eliza is on the run. At least, she would be if her truck hadn't broken down in the middle of nowhere and her money hadn't, quite literally, flown out the window. So when Joshua Carpenter, a cowboy with the most brilliant blue eyes she has ever seen, stops to offer her help, Eliza can't afford to say no… Joshua, it seems, is singlehandedly building a home for himself on farmland just outside the town of Cypress Hollow. And as Eliza is about to discover, sometimes running away is the only way to come home...
From bestselling author Rachael Herron comes at long last, Eliza Carpenter’s story.
Home isn’t always a place… It's 1945, the war is over, the GIs are returning, and Eliza is on the run. At least, she would be if her truck hadn't broken down in the middle of nowhere and her money hadn't, quite literally, flown out the window. So when Joshua Carpenter, a cowboy with the most brilliant blue eyes she has ever seen, stops to offer her help, Eliza can't afford to say no… Joshua, it seems, is singlehandedly building a home for himself on farmland just outside the town of Cypress Hollow. And as Eliza is about to discover, sometimes running away is the only way to come home...
113 pages, ebook
First published November 26, 2013
86 people are currently reading
714 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Herron
54 books898 followersUnofficial bio: Rachael eats way too many Cadbury Creme eggs, no matter time of year it is. She lives with a menagerie, and battles dog hair on a full-time basis. She's a Knitter with a capital-K, and she reads WAY more than she'd ever even think about exercising.
Official bio: Rachael Herron (RH Herron) is the internationally bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including thriller, mainstream fiction, feminist romance, memoir, and nonfiction about writing. She received her MFA in writing from Mills College, Oakland, and she teaches writing extension workshops at both UC Berkeley and Stanford. She is a proud member of the NaNoWriMo Writer’s Board. She’s a New Zealand citizen as well as an American.
Find her at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rachael.Herr...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/rachaelherron
Instagram: http://instagram.com/rachaelherron
Blog: http://rachaelherron.com/blog
Official bio: Rachael Herron (RH Herron) is the internationally bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including thriller, mainstream fiction, feminist romance, memoir, and nonfiction about writing. She received her MFA in writing from Mills College, Oakland, and she teaches writing extension workshops at both UC Berkeley and Stanford. She is a proud member of the NaNoWriMo Writer’s Board. She’s a New Zealand citizen as well as an American.
Find her at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rachael.Herr...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/rachaelherron
Instagram: http://instagram.com/rachaelherron
Blog: http://rachaelherron.com/blog
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 23, 2013
Eliza Masterson had decided to give her husband one more chance – she had convinced herself the smack from George was an accident, but when it happened again, far worse, she was not taking it any longer. George hadn’t been home from the war for long, but she knew she couldn’t put up with him if this was to be their future together. Leaving her younger sister Honey and her niece was the hardest, but she promised to stay in touch.
Not far from the township of Cypress Hollow Eliza’s truck broke down; to her rescue came the young and handsome Joshua Carpenter, but once Eliza realized her money had vanished she wasn’t sure what she would do. And then Joshua came to the rescue once again, with a job offer this time.
As the weeks turn into months, Eliza realized she was enjoying her job, enjoying helping Joshua build his new home – but she was also enjoying Joshua’s company way too much…
What a delightful novella! This is my second (first was Cora’s Heart) by Rachael Herron and I’m very impressed with her work. I have no hesitation in recommending this novella, and will now chase up Eliza’s Gift:)
With thanks to NetGalley for my copy to read and review.
Not far from the township of Cypress Hollow Eliza’s truck broke down; to her rescue came the young and handsome Joshua Carpenter, but once Eliza realized her money had vanished she wasn’t sure what she would do. And then Joshua came to the rescue once again, with a job offer this time.
As the weeks turn into months, Eliza realized she was enjoying her job, enjoying helping Joshua build his new home – but she was also enjoying Joshua’s company way too much…
What a delightful novella! This is my second (first was Cora’s Heart) by Rachael Herron and I’m very impressed with her work. I have no hesitation in recommending this novella, and will now chase up Eliza’s Gift:)
With thanks to NetGalley for my copy to read and review.
May 24, 2024
This was the sweetest book I’ve read in a long time. 🥹
A short, sweet, mostly clean read set in a cozy coastal town that I’m sure I’ll pick up again in the future.
A short, sweet, mostly clean read set in a cozy coastal town that I’m sure I’ll pick up again in the future.
September 8, 2014
Automatically a five star book because the end made me cry.
The WWII-era setting slowed me down a bit at the beginning --- took me a while to realize when we were talking about. But once we met the farmer building his house, I was totally engaged.
And, even though it's a very minor element, I loved the older woman teaching our heroine to knit. Especially since Cora's Heart is all about a younger woman who this book's protagonist taught to knit.
Since the title is perma-free, there's no reason not to read....
The WWII-era setting slowed me down a bit at the beginning --- took me a while to realize when we were talking about. But once we met the farmer building his house, I was totally engaged.
And, even though it's a very minor element, I loved the older woman teaching our heroine to knit. Especially since Cora's Heart is all about a younger woman who this book's protagonist taught to knit.
Since the title is perma-free, there's no reason not to read....
February 2, 2019
This was a quick read at only one-hundred and twelve pages but had a lot of emotion packed in. It's the prequel to the Cypress Hollow Yarn series and I look forward to reading more in the series.
Eliza was a strong woman who was before her time with her independence since the story took place around WWII in California. Putting herself and her sister through school, becoming a teacher and traveling the world and not wanting to settle in a place or even in her life, showed the strength of her character.
I loved the interactions between her and Joshua. You could feel the love and attraction even if neither wanted to admit to their feelings. The epilogue was heartwarming and really summed up their connection and understanding of each other. Nice closure and a happily-ever-after too!
Eliza was a strong woman who was before her time with her independence since the story took place around WWII in California. Putting herself and her sister through school, becoming a teacher and traveling the world and not wanting to settle in a place or even in her life, showed the strength of her character.
I loved the interactions between her and Joshua. You could feel the love and attraction even if neither wanted to admit to their feelings. The epilogue was heartwarming and really summed up their connection and understanding of each other. Nice closure and a happily-ever-after too!
April 15, 2025
Great heart warming book. It ties up all the unanswered questions about Elizabeth Carpenter. It short, I wish it would have continued to explain a little further into Eliza and Joshua’s relationship. I would enjoy reading more about this little town. I’d love to see the author added more books to this series. I enjoyed reading about all the different characters, their stories, the town of Cypress Hollow and how Eliza touched every life in a different but kind way. There’s not a lot of Knit- lit out there and that’s one of the things I enjoyed most about this series, the fibers that tied the characters and town together.
September 8, 2020
This is not what I normally read. I prefer some actual spice in my romance and I prefer more current times. But this story took me by surprise in more than one way. It's set in the mid 40's right after the war and there is sexual tension that never really turns into graphic sex, and yet, the characters, the dialogue, the whole story just sucked me in and felt good. Note however, that Hwy 1 is on the East Coast~Hwy 101 is on the West Coast. Very enjoyable read!
November 11, 2018
Prequel novella to the first book in the series is one of those unnecessary half books that seem to litter up the e-world more than anything else, or in the case of this one get put into a collection of other such tales and flogged off to the unsuspecting public. A fairly dull effort here.
March 31, 2020
Cypress Hollow, a beautiful story of running away. and finding herself, and something worth having and building a future on.A love story of Eliza and Joshua, the time is after the war, woman back in home, learning to cook and knit once again. All in this series is good.
May 30, 2023
Everyone wants a happy ending;
Yes was a very happy ever series showed people with problems learning to live with the results maybe the last one could have been first, would recommend this series to everyone Thanks for writing it
Yes was a very happy ever series showed people with problems learning to live with the results maybe the last one could have been first, would recommend this series to everyone Thanks for writing it
July 8, 2017
Min story on how it all began, ready to start the next in the series!
April 15, 2019
Awww this short story is so cute. Had me tearing up on the last page. Worth the read.
April 30, 2020
I've been reading light romances during the shelter in place order. I like Rachael Herron's books because I can easily relate to the characters and they are fun. Perfect pandemic getaway.
May 4, 2020
Beautifully written! Not my usual fare, but now I want more.
May 27, 2020
Beautiful!
May 9, 2024
A lovely little story of a young woman who, with the helping hand of the most hardworking and helpful person, finds her rightful home by accident!
December 18, 2013
If you haven't read the Cypress Hollow series this is a really great introduction and once you have read it - get a hold of the whole series and start reading because what are you waiting for???
I have read the series and loved how this gave a background into Eliza, who is the thread (pardon the pun!) of the whole series, and helps fill in the little gaps. Its also how the love story between Eliza and Joshua started which is just so sweet. And the way Rachael describes the little things in this story just bring it to life - I could totally picture the house as they were building it, all the little touches it was lovely.
I only have one thing negative to say - this is a Novella - I could of kept read a lot longer, I wanted to know more about Eliza and Joshua. I love this series and I hope there will be more.
I have read the series and loved how this gave a background into Eliza, who is the thread (pardon the pun!) of the whole series, and helps fill in the little gaps. Its also how the love story between Eliza and Joshua started which is just so sweet. And the way Rachael describes the little things in this story just bring it to life - I could totally picture the house as they were building it, all the little touches it was lovely.
I only have one thing negative to say - this is a Novella - I could of kept read a lot longer, I wanted to know more about Eliza and Joshua. I love this series and I hope there will be more.
May 29, 2016
This is an enjoyable read but not memorable. I selected it because of the knitting connection and felt that this could have been better expanded. Maybe subsequent books in the series will go on to pay attention to this aspect, and maybe I will look them up to find out. But the story didn't grab me enough to stick in my mind, so maybe I won't.
This said, the story itself is well told with a likeable heroine and attractive hero. The details around building a home in the woods are unusual and contribute to the authenticity of the novel. The ending is very satisfying because it meets the reader's expectations and is suitably romantic. Perhaps what I missed was greater character exploration. The novel was just too short to really make a big impression, though it might have done if it had detained me longer and drawn me deeper into the intimate thoughts and feelings of the characters.
This said, the story itself is well told with a likeable heroine and attractive hero. The details around building a home in the woods are unusual and contribute to the authenticity of the novel. The ending is very satisfying because it meets the reader's expectations and is suitably romantic. Perhaps what I missed was greater character exploration. The novel was just too short to really make a big impression, though it might have done if it had detained me longer and drawn me deeper into the intimate thoughts and feelings of the characters.
April 7, 2016
I read this book out of order, and I will definitely read the others because I absolutely loved this story. Its a novella so a quick read, and it stays with you long after you finish it. A really good read!
From Amazon:
Home isn’t always a place…
It's 1945, the war is over, the GIs are returning , and Eliza is on the run. At least, she would be if her truck hadn't broken down in the middle of nowhere and her money hadn't, quite literally, flown out the window. So when Joshua Carpenter, a cowboy with the most brilliant blue eyes she has ever seen, stops to offer her help, Eliza can't afford to say no… Joshua, it seems, is single-handedly building a home for himself on farmland just outside the town of Cypress Hollow. And as Eliza is about to discover, sometimes running away is the only way to come home...
From Amazon:
Home isn’t always a place…
It's 1945, the war is over, the GIs are returning , and Eliza is on the run. At least, she would be if her truck hadn't broken down in the middle of nowhere and her money hadn't, quite literally, flown out the window. So when Joshua Carpenter, a cowboy with the most brilliant blue eyes she has ever seen, stops to offer her help, Eliza can't afford to say no… Joshua, it seems, is single-handedly building a home for himself on farmland just outside the town of Cypress Hollow. And as Eliza is about to discover, sometimes running away is the only way to come home...
October 21, 2014
Lo mejor de esta historia (en mi opinión) ha sido el protagonista, Joshua. La historia no es muy diferente de tantas otras que ya he leído, y el personaje femenino, Eliza, es difícil de entender, o al menos yo no he conseguido entenderla ni conectar con ella, no sé porque ese afán de huir de todos lados… con lo cual, no he entendido muy bien el porqué de esa decisión que toma ella antes del final. Me ha parecido un poco forzada (la idea) para poder cumplir “el guión” de los romances…
Pero el final ha sido muuuuy romántico, gracias a Joshua, por supuesto. Si no tienes debilidad por los héroes “beta” igual esta historia no es para ti, en caso contrario la recomiendo.
Pero el final ha sido muuuuy romántico, gracias a Joshua, por supuesto. Si no tienes debilidad por los héroes “beta” igual esta historia no es para ti, en caso contrario la recomiendo.
December 20, 2013
I feel stingy not giving this novella five stars. It was a fabulous true heart read. Salty sweet, like tears of joy after too much sorrow. I will read this story again and may add that star I am withholding now. I loved E.C's knitting advice in how to knit a love song and enjoyed every moment of reading of how she learned to knit, and getting to know her teacher. I feel like this novella is the answer to the question how does anyone make a marriage work? The pattern for happy marriage is in this story.
December 29, 2013
I always enjoy the Cypress Hollow novels and this one was no exception. Lighter on the sex than the others in the series, this 1940's pre-cursor shares the love story of Eliza Carpenter, who has managed to shape the lives of the current CH inhabitants in all sorts of ways, mostly through her knitting, spinning and teaching. A quick read, mostly light (although with a few heavier moments) and all-around enjoyable.
January 4, 2014
A beautiful and well written romance
This is an extremely well written story. It's editing is wonderful (which is unfortunately hard to find). The main characters are believable and the author really makes you feel what they feel. The story is a little on the short side, however I don't think I would change that because the story moves along at a nice pace, no extraneous stuff that makes me start skimming. This is a stand alone book, no nasty cliffhanger.
This is an extremely well written story. It's editing is wonderful (which is unfortunately hard to find). The main characters are believable and the author really makes you feel what they feel. The story is a little on the short side, however I don't think I would change that because the story moves along at a nice pace, no extraneous stuff that makes me start skimming. This is a stand alone book, no nasty cliffhanger.
January 29, 2015
Eliza can't stay put anywhere. What she needs is what she's never had -a home, but nothing ever sticks. On the run from an abusive husband, her truck breaks down just outside Cypress Hollow on her way to San Francisco. Not only that, but she realizes that her envelope of money flew out the window so now she not only stranded, but broke! This wonderful little Novella is set in post WWII California. It is a sweet, clean, quick read.
December 4, 2013
Lovely short story about how Eliza of Cypress Hollow came to live in the town.
A bit of background, lots of romance and a coming of age are all included in this little bit of story. Makes you want to know more about Eliza. I hope there are other books written during her lifespan, the ones I have read were written about her descendants.
A bit of background, lots of romance and a coming of age are all included in this little bit of story. Makes you want to know more about Eliza. I hope there are other books written during her lifespan, the ones I have read were written about her descendants.
December 22, 2013
I desperately wish this had been longer! Eliza & Joshua are perhaps my favorite characters in all Cypress Hollow. I feel as though this could have filled out to full novel without much effort. but I am thankful for it & once again Ms. Herron has filled my little world with well defined, real characters. proving again how much her stories feel like home.
February 21, 2015
A short novela that is part of the Cypress Hollow series, this book is a must read. It brings us back to the beginning and gives us more of the life of this series' central character, Eliza. I enjoyed the short story and want to know more about her life. Let's hope another book picks up where this left off.
March 19, 2015
This is a quick read. It's the back story of Eliza Carpenter, the knitting guru, now deceased, of the Cypress Hollow Knitting series.
It takes place in the 1940’s in California and includes information on Eliza's childhood, her marriage to George, her wanderlust, and her meeting and marrying the love of her life, Joshua Carpenter in Cypress Hollow.
It takes place in the 1940’s in California and includes information on Eliza's childhood, her marriage to George, her wanderlust, and her meeting and marrying the love of her life, Joshua Carpenter in Cypress Hollow.
December 5, 2013
Short but sweet
I enjoyed reading this. I like the way Rachael writes romance and love all the books in this series. The characters seem real to me so that I'd like to meet Eliza and Joshua. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
I enjoyed reading this. I like the way Rachael writes romance and love all the books in this series. The characters seem real to me so that I'd like to meet Eliza and Joshua. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
August 16, 2014
Interesting story that takes place right after WWII. I liked the two main characters, but wanted the book to be fuller than it was. I guess because it had the makings of a great book, but was done too fast. I enjoyed it, however, and would recommend it for a quick read.
March 2, 2017
Really cute. Great introduction to the series. If you've already read the rest of the books, like I have, you finally get Eliza's story. And if you haven't, this is a great place to start!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews