Her Safe Harbor

Crawford Family #3

by Holly Bush

1893 . . . Jennifer Crawford, the peacekeeper in a well-to-do Boston family rife with anger, deceit, and even treachery, was born to solve mathematical mysteries at a time when women are only beginning to venture from home and into the world of commerce and politics. Beautiful and shy, she struggles to find the courage to face a scheming mother and guide a father denying their familial dysfunction, hesitant to traverse the volatile economics banks are facing at the turn of the twentieth century. But danger threatens when she discovers the crimes of an abusive man determined to make Jennifer his own.
Zebidiah Moran, chief of staff for a new senator in Washington, is determined to uncover the lovely Jennifer’s secrets and guard her from danger. But will his sacrifices be enough to keep her safe? Will he be “Her Safe Harbor”? Find out in Book Four of the Crawford Family Series!
Some scenes of violence and potential abuse.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Westerns

163 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 10, 2016

About the author

“Love always has something to say. Sometimes it shouts from the highest hill, and sometimes it whispers so softly one must listen closely to hear. Do not turn away. It is a rare and precious commodity. Treasure it.” The Gentrys of Paradise

Holly's newest series is a historical mystery set in Baltimore in 1867, The Browns of Butcher's Hill. The first book is available called Kidnapped. Blackmailed releases in August of 2025 and Murdered in November of 2025.


Holly's historical romances are set in the US during the turbulent and transformative years of the late 1800’s.

The Thompsons of Locust Street, Philadelphia, chronicles five siblings from Scotland with some danger and mystery surrounding their move to America. The series order is The Bachelor's Bride, The Bareknuckle Groom, The Professor's Lady, and The Captain's Woman. The final book in the series will release in 2024.

The Gentrys of Paradise begins with the novella Into the Evermore where readers meet Virginia horse breeders, Eleanor and Beauregard Gentry. The following books feature their children, Adam, Matthew, and Olivia in For the Brave, For This Moment, and For Her Honor.

The Crawford Family Series following the fortunes of the three Boston born Crawford sisters and includes Train Station Bride, Contract to Wed, Her Safe Harbor, and companion novella, The Maid’s Quarters.

Cross the Ocean and Charming the Duke are both British set Victorian romances. Fan favorites stand-alone historical romance novels include Romancing Olive and Reconstructing Jackson. Holly's books are described as ‘emotional, with heartfelt, sexy romance.’

She also writes General Fiction under the name of Hollis Bush.

Holly makes her home with her husband, one happy Labrador Retriever, a clever Jack Russell rescued from the pound, and two difficult cats in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Connect with Holly at www.hollybushbooks.com, on Twitter @hollybushbooks, and on Facebook at Holly Bush. Follow Holly on her Amazon author page to receive new release updates and on BookBub to check out her reviews and get sale information.

Reviews

[Jonetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on The Book Nympho

Jennifer Crawford, the youngest sister, is trapped in an abusive relationship with a man, Jeffrey Rothchild, who is determined to force her into marriage. Jennifer doesn't want to create a scandal for her family and suffers in silence. Zebidiah Moran, her brother-in-law's chief of staff, is determined to intervene and provide safe harbor.

As awful as modern-day domestic violence is it has to have been even more horrific in an era when wives were deemed to be their husbands' property. Jennifer's struggle was heartbreaking, made more so by her dysfunctional and unsupportive parents. Her desire to manage the situation on her own while remaining steadfast in her refusal to marry Jeffrey was admirable. Jennifer's relationship with Zeb developed slowly as a result but that just made it more compelling.

I wasn't as eager for this story because Jennifer hadn't seemed that interesting in the earlier books. That's what I get for assuming because I literally couldn't put this book down, finishing it in a day. Though the subject matter is disturbing, Jennifer's triumph is uplifting. And, it's handled sensitively and in keeping with the historical period. It is a fitting and satisfying end to a wonderful series.

(I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review)

[Vintage]

DNF.

The heroine's bland acceptance of her incredibly violent fiancee was just too much for me even for a story set in the late 18oos.

Plus it really bugs me that the heroine looks like another CNN/Fox TV reporter.

[Anna P (whatIreallyRead) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this one after loving the previous book of the series. But when it came down to it, I didn't particularly feel one way or another about it.

The thing is, this is supposed to be a genre romance book. But the romance was barely there. Her Safe Harbor paid little attention to both of the main characters, and didn't give them a chance to develop their relationship or chemistry.

Most of the book focuses on the violence and threats inflicted upon Jennifer by the villain. She suffers from it, hides from it, denies it, ignores it, fears it, avoids it, confronts it, overcomes it. Zeb in his turn notices it, tries to get her to acknowledge it, gathers information about it, discusses it with Jennifer, offers her help in regards to it, tries to protect her from it, helps her recover from it, talks it out with her.

They never really speak about anything else. Never get to know each other. We don't get to know them either. And how are we supposed to believe the sudden onslaught of love? Where did it come from? The everlasting love felt secondary to the plot and an accident more than anything else. And the rest of the story wasn't gripping enough to compensate for it. The villain was simplistic.

So, meh.

[Kimberly Rocha~ Book Obsessed Chicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a die hard fan of author Holly Bush and the Crawford Family series in particular since the beginning. TRAIN STATION BRIDE is to this day, still one of my favorite books. Reading this series is like reading about friends and family, seeing their struggles and triumphs. Her Safe Harbor is a pivotal book, dealing with emotions that not many romance novelists dare to write about. But Holly Bush is not your typical romance author, she is a force to be reckoned with, daring to go where her characters take her without any qualms.

Jennifer Crawford is the lone Crawford sibling to remain at home in Boston and put up with a mother who is not only insulting and mean, but also intent on running her daughter's life. Jane Crawford has disowned her other daughters who have moved on to marry happily and begin productive lives and since she can't rule their lives anymore, she focuses all her energy on Jennifer. Demanding her daughter is betrothed to her husband's bank vice-president, Jeffrey Rothchild, Jennifer denies the claim with every breath she takes. Even though Mr. Rothchild is handsome and ambitious, he is also a bully and would have Jennifer under his thumb, pressing the very life out of her.

When Jennifer tells her family of her plans to visit her pregnant sister in Washington D.C., Jane goes ballistic and Jeffrey's true colors have Jennifer fleeing Boston bruised by her would-be husband.

Southern gentleman, Zebidiah Morgan cannot forget the first time he saw Jennifer Crawford and forgetting her is out of the question. Zeb takes on the position of chief of staff to Jennifer's senator brother-in-law and when he is reacquainted with Jennifer, he knows that something is not quite right with the beauty. Zeb has a feeling that someone is hurting Jennifer and he is determined to get to the bottom of it. Jennifer tells no one what she is going through with Jeffrey Rothchild insisting that nothing is wrong. When her sisters and Zeb accompany back to Boston to visit with ailing mother, Jane and their father who haven't seen their daughters for some time, they all come face to face with their dysfunctional family and its pitfalls. Jane has become more irrational where her daughters are concerned and her weak husband does nothing to right the wrongs his wife has done to them, blinded by his affection to her.

Zeb soon realizes that the arrogant Jeffrey Rothchild is the culprit behind Jennifer's abuse and warning the man off is easier said than done. Jeffrey is more dangerous than anyone could have anticipated and it will take quick thinking and resolve to save Jennifer when danger comes calling.

HER SAFE HARBOR (Crawford Family #3) by Holly Bush is an exceptional read teeming with emotion. Jennifer Crawford is a highly intelligent woman placed in a very precarious position by her mother. Not having people close-by to confide in keeps her in limbo and when she does try to overcome her difficulties, others around her become harmed. Zeb is one of my new favorite heroes. Handsome, determined and dependable, he will do what it takes to remove the danger surrounding Jennifer. HER SAFE HARBOR by Holly Bush is a must read and if you haven't read the Crawford Family series, I ask WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

[Hasnamezied · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, this book was not good as the first one in the series " Train Station Bride". I did not like Jennifer's character at all. I understand that the author wanted to wrap things up here but still there was something missing.

[Joann Maggio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Safe Harbor ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ by Holly Bush

The Crawford series continues with book three. Jennifer Crawford the youngest of the Crawford daughters still remains home while her two sisters have married and are leading very happy lives.

Jennifer helps her father at the Crawford Bank and is very adept at solving any mathematical problems at the bank. She is a woman in a man's world.

Her mother remains an abusive mentally ill person that has always caused unhappiness in the family driving away each of her other daughters.

Her father ignores his wife Jane's conduct. Jane has deemed Jennifer marry Jeffrey Rothchild, a Vice President from the bank. Mr. Rothchild is a handsome but sinister bully. He wishes to possess Jennifer. If she expresses herself in any way he will reprimand her and has even inflicted bodily injuries to her.

Jennifer has stated she will not marry Rothchild but her parents continually override her wishes. When Jolene, the oldest daughter, visits The Boston home of the Crawfords with her children she is accompanied by Zebidiah Moran, her husband Max's chief of staff. It becomes quit obvious to both Jolene and Zeb Jennifer is hiding something. When Jennifer and Zeb previously met he saw she had some bruises but she would not speak of them. Zeb learns she has been injured again and he believes he knows the culprit.

This book is quit heart wrenching the characters jump out at you and you take on their persona. Holly Bush is a master story teller she captures your heart and soul with these life like characters. This book not only made me cry but shook my very foundation to think of how evil people could be. How abused individuals believe they are somehow deserving of this kind of treatment. Jennifer finds it impossible to ask for help even though she recognizes Rothchild as a monster. This book is packed with emotion and a must read. Holly Bush never fails to deliver.

[Deanna Lynn Sletten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Crawford is a shy, gentle soul who only wishes to keep peace in her well-to-do Boston family. While her other sisters have gone away to find love and happiness, Jennifer feels she must stay home and help her father with her ailing mother. But Jennifer’s mother is a scheming, sick woman who will do anything to ensure her daughter marries a ruthless man who isn’t the gentleman he claims to be. In walks Zeb Moran, an employee of Jennifer’s brother-in-law. He senses all is not well with Jennifer and her supposed fiancé, and he’s determined to protect her. Can he convince her to trust him enough to let him help her?

This latest novel, Her Safe Harbor by Holly Bush, is a gem. It continues the story of the three Crawford sisters which began with Holly’s novel, Train Station Bride. This heartwarming, emotional series starts out strong and gets even stronger with each installment. Jennifer’s story is such an emotional rollercoaster, heartwarming yet heart wrenching at times. I became so engrossed in the story, I honestly had trouble putting this book down. This story has strong, vivid writing and excellent character development—these characters jump off the pages at you. A truly amazing story that all historical romance readers are sure to love.

(I received an advance copy of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest review.)

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read, but not the best in the series. Full review to follow.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read, possibly triggering

If you ever want to read a book about the damage a parent can do to a child’s self esteem and how that damage can last into adulthood, this is it. I don’t think I’ve ever read a novel with such hugely a dysfunctional family as this.

I liked this book but found it difficult to read, at times. There are horrible scenes between the heroine and her mother as well as possibly triggering references to and scenes of physical abuse, demeaning language, and near rape.

All of that said and despite my occasional impatience with Jennifer, the central character, I enjoyed this book. I read the second in the series by this author first and didn’t like it quite as much. The pacing was better and I liked the maturity of the characters. I also enjoyed seeing further development of the characters from the previous book.

Bottom line: It’s a solid read. I think I’ll circle back to read the first book in the series even though I now know how it ends.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Crawford and Zeb Moran

the last sister, the peacemaker of the family, had an unbelievable hard story to read because she was being physically abused and nowhere to turn. she was able to leave Boston to visit her sister Jolene in DC now that Max was a US Senator. I loved that she was an independent woman of sort and worked at the bank. She worked with another woman O'Brien and they uncovered an embezzling scam. Her mother was mean as ever and her father clueless. Lucky for her she was able to lean on Zeb. Her abduction at the end was horrendous. I so happy to see that she got her happily ever after once she got counseling and went to Zeb herself.

I had the time to read all these back to back and I'm so glad that I did this today. It is nice to be recovering from an illness and able to sit and read. Lots of hot tea too!

[Susan J. Delvaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all the Holly Bush books that I've read. I believe - while works of fiction - they portray the history of the periods the characters live in quite accurately. Therefore, when some reviews say, for example, that Jennifer in Safe Harbor that she was unbelievable in her acceptance of abuse, that not only happens in today's world but was especially true in a time when women were still virtually the property of their father or husband.

I find the books in the Crawford Family series to have the right mix of romance with very intersting background and supporting characters to make for very interesting reads while giving me a real flavor for the times.

[sandy forguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

zeb and jennifer

Wonderful story and well written a great ending to the Crawford series web and jennifer were meant for each other from the time the meant in Texas during the time of the influenza epidemic jennifer had some hurdles to overcome but it worked out in the end with zeb help its a page turner and hard to put down would highly recommend this series

[Davy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Jeffrey having so much power and control over things doesn't make any sense... there's literally no reason any of the plot has to happen at all.... like explanation is that jennifer and her dad are pathetic idiots 💀

[Robyn Echols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

Very good story which, along with the romance, shared an excellent insight into abuse and PTSD. Great characters, and a plot that kept me engaged. A great read.

[Susannah Carleton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Strange story with a strangely controlling mother determining, or trying to, the fates of her daughters (as in the first book). In this book, the mother’s behavior is even more bizarre, as she promotes her middle daughter’s match to a young man who works at her husband’s bank, but he, as well as Jennifer’s mother, persist in saying that he and Jennifer are engaged, even though he has not asked her to marry him. Jennifer has no wish to marry him, especially after two episodes in which he was physically abusive, which he blamed on her disregard of his wishes.

The story gets worse before it gets better, at the end. Unfortunately, this book is very poorly edited (if it was edited at all), something I did not notice in the first book in this series. In this book, the errors were too numerous and too blatant to be ignored or overlooked.

[Margo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final book of the Crawford sisters. Another great read. I felt sorry for Jillian throughout as she tried to deal, all on her own, with the danger surrounding her. But she pulled on her reserve strength and the strength others gave her and was nothing short of courageous in the end. I will miss all the Crawford sisters. They are strong courageous women, stronger than they imagined. Who among us does not want strong heroines and handsome, formidable, loving heroes? This was a fitting end to the series and as Holly Bush said, a reminder that "Love does not end, even with tragedy and sadness". In fact sometimes it grows.

If you haven't read this series and you enjoy period romance - start reading.

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jennifer’s story reads more like a psychological thriller than a romance because of the violent subject matter and the inexplicable naïveté of the heroine and it should definitely be marked with trigger warnings. I applaud the author for writing about serious topics like emotional and physical abuse but it’s way too dark for my tastes. In the first two books the heroines healed their emotional and psychological wounds but Jennifer needs a therapist…STAT!

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

No did not like this one. Instead of feeling sympathy for the main character I was just annoyed by her. Other than being beautiful she didn't have any redeeming qualities .

[Cat Oaks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holly Bush has a good way to tell stories. I’ve really enjoyed the Crawford series.
Jennifer is the youngest of the. Crawford sisters, and just like them she has been manipulated, hurt and humiliated by her mother all her life. Running away from an overbearing, violent man who insists her to be his fiancée, she spends some time at her eldest Sister’s house, where she meets and captivates Zeb. A hard-working and now successful man. He soon Realizes that someone has been hurting her and vows to go to any extent to protect and save her.
Although the plot and the writing is good, I can’t help the feeling that something was amiss with this story. It is fast paced in the important parts, such as the development of the couples feelings, and lingers too much in others that are not as enjoyable. There isn’t this building of the love between the H and h like in Train station bride, and there’s not much display of affection or steam between them until the last chapter. Zeb had all the qualities to be a perfect H, yet the poor management of his character during the story, makes him be not memorable at all.
HB’s stories aren’t that steamy but usually lets you know a bit of it, enough for you to fill in the gaps. Yet in this story, that part was almost missing on the whole.
All in all I did enjoy the story, I will beg authors not to run In The last installment of the series. I prefer to wait longer for a good conclusion than get a fast unsatisfactory ending.

[Sabine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last book in the series and about the youngest sister, Jennifer. I have to say that it was my least favorite book in the end as while Jolene and Jane overcome their weakness and defy their horrible mother, Jennifer was just weak and always try to make peace. She drove me crazy with her unwillingness to admit that she was abused and for a cry for help. It drove me nuts and I was screaming in frustration at my kindle when this horrible man was back invited dinner by dinner by her even more horrible mother. I don't think I could have been as forgiving as she was in the end. But I never understood why she never sought help until it was almost too late. This book frustrated me to no end and if it hadn't been the last book and for the terrific writing, I would have thrown my kindle against the wall and be done with it but I finished it and the epilogue was a reward. Still, 3.5 stars for a silently abused victim with almost no backbone

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the conclusion to the Crawford Family saga with the youngest sister Jennifer. She is an exceptional at mathematics and can solve mathematical mysteries. Zebediah work's for her sister's husband and she met him when she visited her sister in Texas. Her sister makes a trip to Boston and has to take Zeb as her bodyguard because her husband is in the Senate and there had been threats. Somethings aren't as they seem with Jennifer and Zeb stays behind to guard her after he escorts her sister home. Really a surprising ending and an exceptional book. Will look for more from this author.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing finale in this family's saga.

A really well written finale to this family's story. It had me in tears reading this. A little violent scenes compared to the other books. But luckily it has a happy ending. It really highlights the domestic violence in marriages in that time. How some women were treated. Pity about them leaving the house. End of a saga. Zeb leaves his career and life to remain in her family.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safe harbor!

This is not my type of book but I couldn’t put it down! Jennifer Crawford is from an upper class Fine Boston family. Her life is in danger from someone who is supposed to love her. Her sisters Jolene and Julia left their parents homes couldn’t wait to escape. Who is going to save Jennifer after she finds someone is stealing from her Father’s bank. Wish there was another book. Jo

[Charina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite of this series. I hated reading most of this books and the main character choices were so frustrating. I the author was way too kind to their father. SPOILER** there was not accountability for this man. I was hoping for him to have some, come to Jesus, moment. And, for someone to tell him what's what. That never came. So disappointing. I've been waiting for this since book 1. I loved the other books.

[Debi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great finish to this story.

There are really only two ways to deal with familial abuse. The best way is to look into its ugliness and vow to not bring it forward to ones own children. I made a vow as a teenager that I would never allow what had been done to me to go onto my children. I kept that vow. No secrets and no shame.
This book helps me to remember that. I would recommend it.

[Bea Tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

There just didn't seem to be much in the way of romance glong on here. Zeb was so very much a background character and I didn't care that much about uber-passive peacekeeper Jennifer, I skimmed to the climax of the book and skimmed the slow ending. A shame because the first two books were five stars all the way.

[Mum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly, our heroine was the one most damaged by the family’s intense dysfunction. Will she escape the machinations of her demented family or not? The author writes well, and I am now exploring other books of hers.

[Mercedes Herman · Rating 5 out of 5]

phenomenal

These books the series were outstanding starting with a bride and a railroad, a sister socialite , the maid and the genius sister well done ..I just want to know why was her mother so crazy

[Marilyn Kavanaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A more realistic depiction

than usually occurs in romantic fiction of the time it takes to recover from physical abuse. Explicit sex. A difficult story to read.

[Susan Hopper · Rating 5 out of 5]

good read

I read the first book is Max and his Boston bride, this completed the difficult story of the Crawford family and crazy evil mother and that they were Happy in the end!