Hometown Holiday Reunion

Oaks Crossing #3

by Mia Ross

Falling for the Girl Next Door

Returning home to take care of his ailing mother, Cam Stewart reunites with his best friend's little sister. And while Erin Kinley is still a firecracker, she's grown from an annoying tagalong to a beautiful woman and devoted foster mom. She and Cam still drive each other crazy…until Erin turns to Cam for comfort during a stressful adoption process. Cam's fractured family had him convinced he'd never be a dad, but suddenly he's considering two things he never thought he would: having a family and staying in Oaks Crossing. Could Erin and her son be everything he's longed for?

Genres: Love Inspired, Christmas, Romance, Harlequin, Contemporary

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 20, 2016

About the author

Mia Ross loves great stories. She enjoys reading about fascinating people, long-ago times, and exotic places. But only for a little while, because her reality is pretty sweet. Married to her college sweetheart, she's the proud mom of two amazing kids whose schedules keep her hopping. Busy as she is, she can't imagine trading her life for anyone else's--and she has a pretty good imagination.

Reviews

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Girl next door? This novel takes a completely different spin from what people are typically used to. The growth and happiness found between the different members of this small town is wonderful.

[Kav]

Think back to your high school days: The nemeisis who shoved you in your locker -- the guy you had a crush on and had to watch from the sidelines while he dated all the popular girls. If he wasn't ignoring you, he was teasing you unmercifully. Yeah that guy. Now he's back in town. Not only is he your business neighbour but your landlord as well. Talk about conflict!

Love the way Erin and Cam start out right where they left off -- bickering and sniping and trading insults. Amusing and frustrating and so much fun to read! Erin's foster son, Parker, becomes the unexpected bridge between these two sparring 'lovebirds' and what results is a story that embraces the very heart of what family means.

This is the third book in the Oaks Crossing series, but like all Love Inspired books, Hometown Holiday Reunion reads wonderfully as a standalone. Though, as always, it's fun to catch up with the happenings in this little Kentucky town and a few favourite characters. I love the way Ross brings a setting to life and Oaks Crossing is the perfect backdrop for the Kinley clan to shine.

And a little sidenote -- don't be fooled by the cover. This isn't actually a Christmas story. It takes place right after Christmas and into the new year so it's the perfect read for any season.

My thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book.

[Hannah H. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn’t “bad” per-say, especially for a holiday novel. But it was certainly a surface level plot with a predictable ending. What bothered me more than the unrealistic (and fast!) romantic development and the perfect ending, however, was the thinly-painted “Christian” genre this book claimed to fall under.

To summarize: a nonchristian guy and a gal who is supposedly Christian fall in love quickly after being childhood enemies. They can’t believe they actually like each other though (“he couldn’t figure out what that feeling was, so he chalked it up to fatigue…”) and stupidly meander toward romance. Then, he decides he’s not opposed to God and visits a church. Then they start dating. Then, three months later, he randomly proposes in a pet store and she says yes. Bleh.

Lastly: this book isn’t even a “Christmas novel” as promised! It takes place post-Christmas and into February. 🙄😂

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cam Stewart returns to Oaks Crossing to help his family after his mother has a stroke, but he plans to return to Minnesota at the earliest opportunity. He doesn't count on meeting his friend's sister and her foster son. But are they enough to get him to give up his independence and allow himself to depend on someone again?

[Marine Captain Kimberly Landen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It a very wonderful book fictional book. About a small hometown girl growing up . Adopting a son and falling in love with a man she grew up with. Together all three make a family made in heaven. However, it is just a fictional dream family that one can imagine to have only if one has the faith.

[Jasmyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story from Mia Ross - she is the ultimate queen of Contemporary Inspirational Romance. Returning to Oaks Crossing to visit the girl of the Kinley family, Erin is setting off on her own to set up a new pet shot in town. When she goes to see the space she might be buying she's surprised to find out it's owned by Cam (he's equally surprised). They haven't really seen much of each other since they tormented each other in school.

But life has changed both of them, although it does take them a little bit of time to realize this, but old impressions can be hard to change. Gradually, their lives begin to intertwine more and more. The best thing about Mia Ross's romances, is that I could see them happening to anyone, anywhere. The couples come together so naturally that that you just sit back and enjoy a very pleasurable ride.

Now, things aren't all sun and roses. Every relationship will have its bumps, misunderstandings, and differences. Those are all present as Cam and Erin discover their new feelings for each other and learn their way with each other.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cam Stewart moves back to Oaks Crossing to take care of his ailing mother. When she is able to take care of herself and he gets the family restaurant back on in good shape he plans to move back to the big city. Erin Kinley moves back to town to raise a 10 year old foster boy, who was abused and a terrible life at home, Erin is trying to adopt, but his mother has to sign papers first. She is in prison. The boy get attached to Cam. This is a funny and very touching story.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful story of love in its' many forms. A wonderful holiday tale, where the most important gifts are those of the heart, family is those you love and there is always room for one more.

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Oaks Crossing

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Oaks Crossing

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

[Dawn Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the story about Can and Erin. Though it's part of the Oaks Crossing series, it can be read separately. I've enjoyed the Oaks Crossing series and can't wait for the next book.