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Bell Sound #3
A Hero Comes Home
Welcome to Bell Cove, North Carolina.
The famous bells in this small Outer Banks town are ringing a hero’s welcome when a former army captain returns home...
After being held prisoner for three years in an Afghan prison, Jake Dawson is finally going home--except everyone, including his wife and young sons, believed he was dead. Jake has changed since he left for war, and now he isn’t sure where he belongs.
Sally has changed, too. Her marriage to Jacob was on shaky ground even before his last deployment, but he’s still every inch the hot, headstrong man she loves, despite his wounds, both visible and invisible. Seeing him with their three boys makes her want to fight for this unexpected second chance.
As summer winds down, all of the wacky folks in Bell Cove, which is awash with yellow ribbons and American flags, are aiming for a Labor Day Love Re-Connection. In fact, they’re pulling out all the stops, in their usual outrageous style, to get Jake and Sally together again…
The famous bells in this small Outer Banks town are ringing a hero’s welcome when a former army captain returns home...
After being held prisoner for three years in an Afghan prison, Jake Dawson is finally going home--except everyone, including his wife and young sons, believed he was dead. Jake has changed since he left for war, and now he isn’t sure where he belongs.
Sally has changed, too. Her marriage to Jacob was on shaky ground even before his last deployment, but he’s still every inch the hot, headstrong man she loves, despite his wounds, both visible and invisible. Seeing him with their three boys makes her want to fight for this unexpected second chance.
As summer winds down, all of the wacky folks in Bell Cove, which is awash with yellow ribbons and American flags, are aiming for a Labor Day Love Re-Connection. In fact, they’re pulling out all the stops, in their usual outrageous style, to get Jake and Sally together again…
372 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 28, 2020
106 people are currently reading
1415 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Hill
92 books1,315 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Sandra Hill is a graduate of Penn State and worked for more than 10 years as a features writer and education editor for publications in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Writing about serious issues taught her the merits of seeking the lighter side of even the darkest stories. She is the wife of a stockbroker and the mother of four sons.
This biography was provided by the author or their representative.
Sandra Hill is a graduate of Penn State and worked for more than 10 years as a features writer and education editor for publications in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Writing about serious issues taught her the merits of seeking the lighter side of even the darkest stories. She is the wife of a stockbroker and the mother of four sons.
This biography was provided by the author or their representative.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 14, 2021
I read Sandra Hill for her crazy humor and colorful characters. Those elements are mostly missing here. There is humor, but not the laugh out loud situations from past books. It seems to me that in the last few books she is delving more and more into some serious issues. This time it is the homecoming of a solider who was held prisoner for three years and had been declared dead. His homecoming totally disrupts his family, who are just beginning to move on with their lives and he has his own set of serious problems to deal with. Hearts and flowers and a bed of roses this book is not, at least until the HEA ending.
September 9, 2019
I need to remember that when I'm reading a book such as this one I am reading fiction and romantic fiction at that. Ms. Hill likes to put humor into her books, and her earlier books reflect that. This book, for me, was far from humorous. It is an intense subject and one that may upset some readers. It is about a man who has been a POW for 3 years no matter what the government is trying to get everyone to believe. He has been tortured and mutilated. I know this happens, but when I'm reading a light romance, I don't expect to have my stomach roiling or to have to go off and cry.
Jacobs wife, Sally had been told that he was dead and has finally started to get on with her life and so have their three sons. Then one day out of the blue, she is told that he is still alive and within weeks he has come home.
Now I don't know this for a fact, but wouldn't you think that the family would have gotten some counseling to prepare themselves for his reluctant return? Perhaps learned how to deal with the rages someone suffering PTSD might have? Learn what to expect and learn how to treat the loved one so they wouldn't suffer unnecessarily? Not so in this book and while I can sort of understand that it would take time from the story if you are going to write about something like this at least try to do it realistically.
There was a lot of sex in this book and very descriptive, which is no different from Ms. Hills' earlier works.
I really had a love-hate relationship with this novel.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
Jacobs wife, Sally had been told that he was dead and has finally started to get on with her life and so have their three sons. Then one day out of the blue, she is told that he is still alive and within weeks he has come home.
Now I don't know this for a fact, but wouldn't you think that the family would have gotten some counseling to prepare themselves for his reluctant return? Perhaps learned how to deal with the rages someone suffering PTSD might have? Learn what to expect and learn how to treat the loved one so they wouldn't suffer unnecessarily? Not so in this book and while I can sort of understand that it would take time from the story if you are going to write about something like this at least try to do it realistically.
There was a lot of sex in this book and very descriptive, which is no different from Ms. Hills' earlier works.
I really had a love-hate relationship with this novel.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
February 1, 2020
2020 bk 44. At last, the third in Sanda Hill's Bell Sound romances. Hill continues the story of small town America and its quirky characters, missed opportunities, and second chances. In this title, Jake Dawson has been thought to have been killed in action three years prior to the beginning of this novel. Surprise, a bad guy has held him tortured and held him captive all of that time. Said bad guy now being a major player in his country's government, the army manages Jake's return to life, health, and his family. There are all sorts of issues this soldier has to work out, least of all not being sure if his wife still loves him (or maybe most important of all). Sandra does her research - a well written book. My favorite scene is the one between Jake and the ninety something former POW, survivor of a Nazi POW camp.
January 20, 2020
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
When I started reading this the words second chance romance came to mind. I had to stop and think about that because, to be honest, it is but it's also not. Let me explain why I think it is. When you read the story you'll learn that these two had some marriage issues. So I think now that he's back from the dead it's a new start for them.
The thing about a second chance romance is that you already have those feelings there but now you're an adult and you can see things clearer and without the emotions that road you hard at the time.
These two might have been adults when he went missing but they also spent most of their marriage with him gone. They truly had to see each other with fresh eyes.
I always like reading books by Sandra Hill. Her stories are always full of humor, some sexy times and maybe just a little bit of sadness thrown in. In other words, life! This story ran the gambit for me. I was up and down with my feels. For some, that sounds tense but I like that in my books. I want to feel honest emotions with I read a story.
I might read fiction but I want my authors to give me a real-life feel.
I got that with A Hero Comes Home. My heart broke for both Sally and Jake. For him for what he went through. Every time I read something I would just... It was heartbreaking. And I was both sad and happy for Sally. Yes, she did go through the physical pain that Jake went through but she did go through her own crap. This is a woman who had to make herself over when she learned her husband was dead.
Not an easy thing. For most of their marriage, everything fell on her shoulders. She main took care of their children, the house and all the daily things that come up. Yes, he was doing some noble by fighting for our country and in this case, he was truly a hero but what about Sally? Isn't she a hero for all she's done for their family?
I think so!
I did love how these two worked out their issues, even when Jake had some personal work on his own. Everyone needs to deal with their junk. I also enjoyed them as a family. Their kids are so cute and sweet. All the questions they asked cracked me up.
This is a wonderful story that will make you fall in love with Hill's books. It's so well-written and keeps you tied to the book. I was so glad I was able to read it. It's the third book in the series so I'd hurry up and run out and get the ones before it so you can read them all if you haven't yet read this series. So worth it.
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ARC received for an honest review
When I started reading this the words second chance romance came to mind. I had to stop and think about that because, to be honest, it is but it's also not. Let me explain why I think it is. When you read the story you'll learn that these two had some marriage issues. So I think now that he's back from the dead it's a new start for them.
The thing about a second chance romance is that you already have those feelings there but now you're an adult and you can see things clearer and without the emotions that road you hard at the time.
These two might have been adults when he went missing but they also spent most of their marriage with him gone. They truly had to see each other with fresh eyes.
I always like reading books by Sandra Hill. Her stories are always full of humor, some sexy times and maybe just a little bit of sadness thrown in. In other words, life! This story ran the gambit for me. I was up and down with my feels. For some, that sounds tense but I like that in my books. I want to feel honest emotions with I read a story.
I might read fiction but I want my authors to give me a real-life feel.
I got that with A Hero Comes Home. My heart broke for both Sally and Jake. For him for what he went through. Every time I read something I would just... It was heartbreaking. And I was both sad and happy for Sally. Yes, she did go through the physical pain that Jake went through but she did go through her own crap. This is a woman who had to make herself over when she learned her husband was dead.
Not an easy thing. For most of their marriage, everything fell on her shoulders. She main took care of their children, the house and all the daily things that come up. Yes, he was doing some noble by fighting for our country and in this case, he was truly a hero but what about Sally? Isn't she a hero for all she's done for their family?
I think so!
I did love how these two worked out their issues, even when Jake had some personal work on his own. Everyone needs to deal with their junk. I also enjoyed them as a family. Their kids are so cute and sweet. All the questions they asked cracked me up.
This is a wonderful story that will make you fall in love with Hill's books. It's so well-written and keeps you tied to the book. I was so glad I was able to read it. It's the third book in the series so I'd hurry up and run out and get the ones before it so you can read them all if you haven't yet read this series. So worth it.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
ARC received for an honest review
March 14, 2020
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in this series that I have read. Actually, it’s my first Sandra Hill book. To say I was not overly impressed with this book is an honest statement.
The author had a tendency to overuse exclamation points. There had to have been multiple exclamation points on every page. It became downright annoying.
The characters seemed shallow and their feelings bounced all around the place - the husband and local hero, Jacob, returns home after being a POW for three years. His wife, Sally, was told by the government three years ago that he was dead. So she has been raising their three young boys on her own feeling like a widow. (Lots of threes here, huh? Again, annoying)
Jacob didn’t want to return home from his hospital in Germany. He was rescued three months earlier and never even called his wife (another reference to the number three). I find that very hard to believe when he states later that thinking about her is what kept him going during his captivity. He only went home because the government made him go after they called sally and told her he was alive.
Sally had started dating an ex-Navy SEAL, Kevin. After Jacob comes home, we only hear about Kevin a few other brief times and then in the end Kevin dresses up like a super hero for Sally and Jacob’s vow renewal? Bizarre.
While the story line had merit, I feel it wasn’t fully developed with believable characters. Or even like-able characters. In the end, I found myself totally not even caring what happened to any of these characters because I didn’t feel invested. I don’t plan to read any of the other books in this series.
This is the first book in this series that I have read. Actually, it’s my first Sandra Hill book. To say I was not overly impressed with this book is an honest statement.
The author had a tendency to overuse exclamation points. There had to have been multiple exclamation points on every page. It became downright annoying.
The characters seemed shallow and their feelings bounced all around the place - the husband and local hero, Jacob, returns home after being a POW for three years. His wife, Sally, was told by the government three years ago that he was dead. So she has been raising their three young boys on her own feeling like a widow. (Lots of threes here, huh? Again, annoying)
Jacob didn’t want to return home from his hospital in Germany. He was rescued three months earlier and never even called his wife (another reference to the number three). I find that very hard to believe when he states later that thinking about her is what kept him going during his captivity. He only went home because the government made him go after they called sally and told her he was alive.
Sally had started dating an ex-Navy SEAL, Kevin. After Jacob comes home, we only hear about Kevin a few other brief times and then in the end Kevin dresses up like a super hero for Sally and Jacob’s vow renewal? Bizarre.
While the story line had merit, I feel it wasn’t fully developed with believable characters. Or even like-able characters. In the end, I found myself totally not even caring what happened to any of these characters because I didn’t feel invested. I don’t plan to read any of the other books in this series.
September 3, 2020
Very good second chance romance. Jake and Sally have been married for almost nine years, but he has been gone on deployments for most of it. Three years earlier, Jake had re-enlisted without talking to Sally about it. They fought bitterly just before he left on another deployment. Then Jake went MIA and was presumed dead.
Sally was devastated by his loss and the bitter words that were the last they shared. She pulled herself together for the sake of their three sons and moved on with her life. She started a business that she loves and became an integral part of the community. Then came a visit from some top Pentagon officials. Jake is alive after all and will be coming home soon.
Jake spent the last three years as a captive of terrorists, beaten, tortured, and maimed. He has spent several months in the hospital undergoing various surgeries and attempting to recover. Besides the physical injuries, Jake also deals with severe PTSD, which he likens to a "red tide" taking him over. He refused to let officials inform his family that he is alive, as he has no idea if he wants to go home. He feels that he is too broken to be around anyone, much less his family. As the story opens, Jake is informed that he has no choice and will go home. His rescue was kept top secret because the terrorists who had him are now high-placed officials in their country's government. But the secret is out, and Jake must play his part. He is not at all happy when he finds out about the spin being placed on his return.
I hurt for Jake and the way what he has been through is covered up. The lack of control he had as a captive is now continued by his own government. He'll go along with it for now, but has no idea what his future holds for him. His captivity changed him and has left him unsure of where he belongs. Should he take the desk job offered to him, join his father in his fishing business, or just disappear into the wilderness somewhere?
The rekindling of the relationship between Sally and Jake is not an easy one. Both of them have changed and must get to know each other all over again. Because Jake was away so much during their marriage, he has some eye-opening moments as he experiences the family's day-to-day life. One thing that hadn't changed was the strength of their love. I liked watching them fight for their marriage. I liked the flashbacks to their early years together and how those memories reminded them of the love that they shared. It was fun to see how their friends and family got involved in helping the two along. I loved seeing Sally's efforts to help Jake, especially once she began to suspect the truth about his absence. I ached for Jake and his fears of hurting his family. The singing scene was a defining moment for Jake. I loved how he took back control of his life in an unexpected way. I liked the ending as Sally made her own stand for their love.
The secondary characters were great. I especially loved Jake and Sally's three sons, Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The scenes with them were fun and were a sweet relief from some of the more intense segments. I also enjoyed the scenes with Jake's father, Joe. His scheme to push Jake and Sally together was a hoot, and I loved seeing him make it happen. The parts with Jake's friend Izzie were great. Their friendship is a long-standing one, and I liked seeing how well Izzie understands his friend. He's there when Jake needs him and has no trouble giving him advice. There is an interesting scene between Izzie and his ex-girlfriend, with plenty of sparks flying. I'd like to see a book for them. There were also plenty of scenes with the assorted residents of Bell Cove, providing lots of love and laughter.
Sally was devastated by his loss and the bitter words that were the last they shared. She pulled herself together for the sake of their three sons and moved on with her life. She started a business that she loves and became an integral part of the community. Then came a visit from some top Pentagon officials. Jake is alive after all and will be coming home soon.
Jake spent the last three years as a captive of terrorists, beaten, tortured, and maimed. He has spent several months in the hospital undergoing various surgeries and attempting to recover. Besides the physical injuries, Jake also deals with severe PTSD, which he likens to a "red tide" taking him over. He refused to let officials inform his family that he is alive, as he has no idea if he wants to go home. He feels that he is too broken to be around anyone, much less his family. As the story opens, Jake is informed that he has no choice and will go home. His rescue was kept top secret because the terrorists who had him are now high-placed officials in their country's government. But the secret is out, and Jake must play his part. He is not at all happy when he finds out about the spin being placed on his return.
I hurt for Jake and the way what he has been through is covered up. The lack of control he had as a captive is now continued by his own government. He'll go along with it for now, but has no idea what his future holds for him. His captivity changed him and has left him unsure of where he belongs. Should he take the desk job offered to him, join his father in his fishing business, or just disappear into the wilderness somewhere?
The rekindling of the relationship between Sally and Jake is not an easy one. Both of them have changed and must get to know each other all over again. Because Jake was away so much during their marriage, he has some eye-opening moments as he experiences the family's day-to-day life. One thing that hadn't changed was the strength of their love. I liked watching them fight for their marriage. I liked the flashbacks to their early years together and how those memories reminded them of the love that they shared. It was fun to see how their friends and family got involved in helping the two along. I loved seeing Sally's efforts to help Jake, especially once she began to suspect the truth about his absence. I ached for Jake and his fears of hurting his family. The singing scene was a defining moment for Jake. I loved how he took back control of his life in an unexpected way. I liked the ending as Sally made her own stand for their love.
The secondary characters were great. I especially loved Jake and Sally's three sons, Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The scenes with them were fun and were a sweet relief from some of the more intense segments. I also enjoyed the scenes with Jake's father, Joe. His scheme to push Jake and Sally together was a hoot, and I loved seeing him make it happen. The parts with Jake's friend Izzie were great. Their friendship is a long-standing one, and I liked seeing how well Izzie understands his friend. He's there when Jake needs him and has no trouble giving him advice. There is an interesting scene between Izzie and his ex-girlfriend, with plenty of sparks flying. I'd like to see a book for them. There were also plenty of scenes with the assorted residents of Bell Cove, providing lots of love and laughter.
January 28, 2021
I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either. Even with the author tackling the subject of PTSD, it was all very fluffy.
December 30, 2020
Review: A HERO COMES HOME by Sandra Hill https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bEv
Publication Date: January 28, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 5 Stars
I am a fan of the Bell Sound series. That quirky town is filled with odd but endearing people. Their antics and interactions with each other make me smile and laugh out-loud. Thank heavens they were there for this touching story. It is my favorite by far and I wish I could rate it higher. My first sight of Jacob reached in deep and grabbed a hold of my heart. His reunion with Sally – and his sons – was hard to read, but so perfect. I’m glad Sally was strong and independent while still loving and fun. It was perfect. Yes, they both made mistakes, held secrets, as well as holding part of themselves back. Of course, they did! The situation was something that no one could just erase. I laughed, teared up, and sighed. I loved it all.
*Review copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle https://amzn.to/3htjURm
Publication Date: January 28, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 5 Stars
I am a fan of the Bell Sound series. That quirky town is filled with odd but endearing people. Their antics and interactions with each other make me smile and laugh out-loud. Thank heavens they were there for this touching story. It is my favorite by far and I wish I could rate it higher. My first sight of Jacob reached in deep and grabbed a hold of my heart. His reunion with Sally – and his sons – was hard to read, but so perfect. I’m glad Sally was strong and independent while still loving and fun. It was perfect. Yes, they both made mistakes, held secrets, as well as holding part of themselves back. Of course, they did! The situation was something that no one could just erase. I laughed, teared up, and sighed. I loved it all.
*Review copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle https://amzn.to/3htjURm
July 18, 2023
A Hero Comes Home
Sandra Hill dies it again!
I haven't read the first two books in this series, yet. The title caught my attention. And I am glad that I read this book. Hopefully she will write more about this community.
This was a great story about a wounded hero. He had been captured and his family was told he had died. Now three years later he is being reunited with his wife and children. But his captivity has left many scars inside and out. Can his wife and family along with his hometown help him with his demons?
Sandra Hill dies it again!
I haven't read the first two books in this series, yet. The title caught my attention. And I am glad that I read this book. Hopefully she will write more about this community.
This was a great story about a wounded hero. He had been captured and his family was told he had died. Now three years later he is being reunited with his wife and children. But his captivity has left many scars inside and out. Can his wife and family along with his hometown help him with his demons?
January 12, 2020
This is the first book I've read by this author and I liked it, although I'm a bit surprised how steamy it is! I understand it must be difficult to write about a character with tough PTSD but it felt like more could have been said about that.
I rooted for Jake and Sally, and I enjoyed this novel.
I rooted for Jake and Sally, and I enjoyed this novel.
May 16, 2020
This was a typical Sandra Hill small town romantic comedy with a wide cast of zany secondary characters. But it also features a hero who was literally tortured and suffering from a severe case of PTSD. Those things don’t balance well together.
September 21, 2020
Previously I had only read the author's Deadly Angels series, so wasn't sure what to expect here. But her signature quirky characters and zany banter are also found here. And now I have a new series to read. And this one also, for some mysterious reason (at least to me) has a token ethnic Jew. Why?
While not superhero status, Jack Dawson was a POW, who was tortured for 3 years and his family was told he was dead. Before this last tour, he had reenlisted without discussing it with his wife and they had bitter words on his last departure. His wife, Sally, has felt guilty, but she was also left with their 3 young sons to raise and has grown strong and matured. But suddenly they have a second chance, because he has been rescued. However the politicians insist that he lie and claim he was MIA, instead of having been tortured, leaving him with PTSD, and severe eye and leg injuries. He had mixed feeling about even coming home to his small town, where he had brought Sally, his one true love, after they were married.
He fears for his family because of his red rages that he can't control, but his boys are so happy to have him home. And while he and Sally still have that chemistry, neither can seem to say those three words: "I love you". A very realistic story of what our men in uniform go through.uniform.
While not superhero status, Jack Dawson was a POW, who was tortured for 3 years and his family was told he was dead. Before this last tour, he had reenlisted without discussing it with his wife and they had bitter words on his last departure. His wife, Sally, has felt guilty, but she was also left with their 3 young sons to raise and has grown strong and matured. But suddenly they have a second chance, because he has been rescued. However the politicians insist that he lie and claim he was MIA, instead of having been tortured, leaving him with PTSD, and severe eye and leg injuries. He had mixed feeling about even coming home to his small town, where he had brought Sally, his one true love, after they were married.
He fears for his family because of his red rages that he can't control, but his boys are so happy to have him home. And while he and Sally still have that chemistry, neither can seem to say those three words: "I love you". A very realistic story of what our men in uniform go through.uniform.
September 28, 2021
What an intense story with an occasional episode of humor just to give you a break. The military marriage of the main characters has survived numerous deployments during their 9 years and they have 3 sons. The H has been MIA for 3 years and is suddenly released to return home. The government wants some kind of deal with the evil that tortured him and insists on a spin story. He remains quiet but refuses to be their golden boy of the hour for interviews and sound bites. He is hesitant about coming home knowing that he has changed. The h has finally started to move on when notified about his return.
What was missing for me was the obvious need for family counseling for the MC's and for the entire family. The main characters were awesome in healing themselves and each other.
Any idiot would have recognized that the wounds on the H were not the result of hiding in a cave and the h was certainly astute in determining his past and connecting the dots.
A well done story that is highly recommended!
What was missing for me was the obvious need for family counseling for the MC's and for the entire family. The main characters were awesome in healing themselves and each other.
Any idiot would have recognized that the wounds on the H were not the result of hiding in a cave and the h was certainly astute in determining his past and connecting the dots.
A well done story that is highly recommended!
April 19, 2020
I received this book From the publisher to give an honest review.
First of all, I need to apologize to the publishers because when I received this book I put it on a shelf because I was not sure I wanted to read it. I have quite a few of Sandra Hill's books and I have loved every one of them but when I read the description on the back of the book, I wasn't sure that it was the book for me. I am a very sensitive person and conflicts and confrontations are not my usual type of books but I was wrong about this book. Sandra Hill keeps her humor in a very challenging subject of a war hero, husband and father coming home after being a POW and tortured for three years. She shows compassion, love and family in a very unique way. This book will tug at the strings on your heart and you will end up cheering for the good guy to finish first.
First of all, I need to apologize to the publishers because when I received this book I put it on a shelf because I was not sure I wanted to read it. I have quite a few of Sandra Hill's books and I have loved every one of them but when I read the description on the back of the book, I wasn't sure that it was the book for me. I am a very sensitive person and conflicts and confrontations are not my usual type of books but I was wrong about this book. Sandra Hill keeps her humor in a very challenging subject of a war hero, husband and father coming home after being a POW and tortured for three years. She shows compassion, love and family in a very unique way. This book will tug at the strings on your heart and you will end up cheering for the good guy to finish first.
February 18, 2020
Funny and yet poignant!
This story hits all the emotions, and does it well. The three boys Matthew, Mark and Like are adorable! Jacob is one wounded warrior who needs a lot of loving. Sally has been on her own and thought Jake was dead for a long time. Bell Sound is one wacky, but loving place to be. This story will have you shed a few tears, laugh a bit, cheer at the cute things and growl at the bad things. I can't wait to see what happens next, K-4 definitely deserves his story after this one! There is a moderate pace, an uncertain yet hopeful tone and a character oriented storyline with some steamy scenes and vivid and endearing characters. Read the 2 short stories before this. Enjoy!
This story hits all the emotions, and does it well. The three boys Matthew, Mark and Like are adorable! Jacob is one wounded warrior who needs a lot of loving. Sally has been on her own and thought Jake was dead for a long time. Bell Sound is one wacky, but loving place to be. This story will have you shed a few tears, laugh a bit, cheer at the cute things and growl at the bad things. I can't wait to see what happens next, K-4 definitely deserves his story after this one! There is a moderate pace, an uncertain yet hopeful tone and a character oriented storyline with some steamy scenes and vivid and endearing characters. Read the 2 short stories before this. Enjoy!
July 25, 2020
Horror, humor and the entire gamut in between. This story catches you from the first page and never lets go. You can't help loving the characters in this book, from the main ones to the ones who jump out at you from the sidelines. This story makes you laugh, cry and smile, dealing with PTSD, pain, rambunctious children, and a very crazy town. Serious issues are dealt with and then silliness takes over. I enjoyed this latest installment and can't wait for the next. I enjoy both the new characters and old friends from older series.
February 17, 2020
I think this was the best of the series yet. Even though this is a series, I think you can read this one out of order. It is that different that it doesn't matter to the story line. A bit more angst than other Sandra Hill books but I think that is what made this one so good. If you like Sandra Hill then this is a MUST read.
March 4, 2020
Funny, dramatic, romantic and with engaging back story. Some steamy romance, tastefully written with lots of humour throughout, as usual from this author. Great scenes with the children and interesting interactions with the townsfolk. I enjoyed the book a lot. 4.5 stars.
I did question this time line though :- it's stated that Jake's parents were married c1970's? Were they young teenagers?
I did question this time line though :- it's stated that Jake's parents were married c1970's? Were they young teenagers?
November 27, 2020
A Hero Comes Home by Sandra Hill
Series: Yes: Bell Sound #3
Format: Paperback
Stars: 2
Recommend: Maybe
Would Reread: No
I won the book from a goodreads giveaway.
I give honest reviews and all my opinions are my own.
For more of my reviews go to Heavenly High Seas Books
https://heavenlyhighseasbooks.blogspo...
Series: Yes: Bell Sound #3
Format: Paperback
Stars: 2
Recommend: Maybe
Would Reread: No
I won the book from a goodreads giveaway.
I give honest reviews and all my opinions are my own.
For more of my reviews go to Heavenly High Seas Books
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January 22, 2020
Sandra's books are always the first on my list. This one was about a wounded POW returned from being listed as dead. His recovery from horrible treatment was moving and returning home was very difficult emotionally and physically.
So glad I read it.
So glad I read it.
February 5, 2020
Awesome
This book book was very tender. I laughed, I cried and I cheered for jake and sally and the boys.. I think this my favorite book of sandra’s..
This book book was very tender. I laughed, I cried and I cheered for jake and sally and the boys.. I think this my favorite book of sandra’s..
February 23, 2020
TOGETHER LOVE CONQUERS ALL
You get to walk a tightrope with the not wanting to admit that you had been a POW and injured due to torture.
You get to walk a tightrope with the not wanting to admit that you had been a POW and injured due to torture.
October 5, 2020
I love this series, the townspeople and the location its in. I'm looking forward to book 4 coming out in the coming year or so.
April 14, 2021
Great storyline - great characters
October 5, 2021
Great read!
Great read that keeps the pages turning! I feel that a true honor was paid to one of our very deserving heroes
Great read that keeps the pages turning! I feel that a true honor was paid to one of our very deserving heroes
February 13, 2022
So good
Sandra Hill strikes again. Completely enjoyed this boo
k. The characters were so real. The boys adorable. Loved learning more about the OBX
Sandra Hill strikes again. Completely enjoyed this boo
k. The characters were so real. The boys adorable. Loved learning more about the OBX
September 1, 2024
Again I found a good read in this book. I would not mind more stories in this series.
July 4, 2022
Read my review on RomanceJunkies.com by clicking on the link below. It is also posted in full.
http://romancejunkies.com/reviews/a-h...
FROM ALASKA WITH LOVE drew me in from the very first page. This is a wonderful love story, which started off on a terrific note. Sara hears a radio ad asking for listeners to send a card to deployed troops to help their morale while overseas and on a whim sends one. Her card ends up in the hands of Major Gabriel Landon, who is stationed in Iraq. He’s already served for sixteen years and doesn’t show much feeling. But that’s all about to change when he reads Sara’s quirky note.
They become fast pen-pals and look for each others emails. The emails progress to messaging and soon FaceTime. They develop a rapport that helps both of them. Sara is the live-in nanny for her five-year-old niece in North Carolina and lives with her brother and sister-in-law. Their mom lives nearby, and Sara and her brother care for her as well since their dad died five years before.
Sara’s definitely unappreciated except by her niece, but Sara doesn’t realize how much her life is lacking until she attends a family reunion and finds out what her relatives really think of her. Her only ally becomes her cousin, with whom she hasn’t had much of a relationship, but they soon become fast friends.
Most of the story is set in North Carolina and Iraq, but when Gabe returns to his home in Alaska on leave, it segues there. The author really makes you feel the Alaskan cold. The addition of Gabe’s dog, who is endearing and seems to judge people correctly, really makes the story shine.
Gabe and Sara don’t have an easy relationship, especially when he’s out on leave and he’s about to give up on their pseudo relationship and get on with his life. I loved the path that the story took and how feelings were revealed. Gabe stepped out of his comfort zone more than once, and it was so worth it. There are surprises throughout and a sweet epilogue. I hope there will be more stories since Sara’s cousin definitely needs her story told (hint, hint).
This is the first book by Ally James, who also writes under the name of Sydney Landon. Both are new-to-me authors. I look forward to reading more of her books.
http://romancejunkies.com/reviews/a-h...
FROM ALASKA WITH LOVE drew me in from the very first page. This is a wonderful love story, which started off on a terrific note. Sara hears a radio ad asking for listeners to send a card to deployed troops to help their morale while overseas and on a whim sends one. Her card ends up in the hands of Major Gabriel Landon, who is stationed in Iraq. He’s already served for sixteen years and doesn’t show much feeling. But that’s all about to change when he reads Sara’s quirky note.
They become fast pen-pals and look for each others emails. The emails progress to messaging and soon FaceTime. They develop a rapport that helps both of them. Sara is the live-in nanny for her five-year-old niece in North Carolina and lives with her brother and sister-in-law. Their mom lives nearby, and Sara and her brother care for her as well since their dad died five years before.
Sara’s definitely unappreciated except by her niece, but Sara doesn’t realize how much her life is lacking until she attends a family reunion and finds out what her relatives really think of her. Her only ally becomes her cousin, with whom she hasn’t had much of a relationship, but they soon become fast friends.
Most of the story is set in North Carolina and Iraq, but when Gabe returns to his home in Alaska on leave, it segues there. The author really makes you feel the Alaskan cold. The addition of Gabe’s dog, who is endearing and seems to judge people correctly, really makes the story shine.
Gabe and Sara don’t have an easy relationship, especially when he’s out on leave and he’s about to give up on their pseudo relationship and get on with his life. I loved the path that the story took and how feelings were revealed. Gabe stepped out of his comfort zone more than once, and it was so worth it. There are surprises throughout and a sweet epilogue. I hope there will be more stories since Sara’s cousin definitely needs her story told (hint, hint).
This is the first book by Ally James, who also writes under the name of Sydney Landon. Both are new-to-me authors. I look forward to reading more of her books.
September 9, 2019
Former army captain, Jake Dawson is finally released to come home after the years he was held prisoner, except it has a big problem, everyone in his town, including his wife and young sons, believed he was dead, so when he comes home everything is difficult for them in the marriage because not only his wife Sally had finally begun to start a new life for her, the last time they saw each other they had fought and said hurtful words. They still have a great love between them, so they will try with all they have to make the marriage work and to bring back the all consuming happiness they once had.
Their story was so emotional and beautiful, seeing them becoming a happy couple again was so gratifying, also the love they had for their children was so sweet. I was so engaged in this book, i can't say how much i loved it.
I received an free arc copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
Their story was so emotional and beautiful, seeing them becoming a happy couple again was so gratifying, also the love they had for their children was so sweet. I was so engaged in this book, i can't say how much i loved it.
I received an free arc copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
March 6, 2020
A Hero Comes Home by Sandra Hill is a great story about second chances, family, and love. It was heartfelt. I felt instant sympathy for both protagonists. The husband was MIA for three years, seriously injured, and feeling like a failure. His wife felt trapped with three kids at home, missed her husband, and felt awful on how they last argued before he returned back home. The hero was rough around the edges and was realistic. His leading lady was strong enough to hold down their fort. Love does last forever...
Sandra Hill wrote a novel that was easy to read. The small-town community and its characters came alive on the pages. Plenty of action that kept me entertained. This was one contemporary romance read that kept me on my toes. I kept wondering how it would end.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
Sandra Hill wrote a novel that was easy to read. The small-town community and its characters came alive on the pages. Plenty of action that kept me entertained. This was one contemporary romance read that kept me on my toes. I kept wondering how it would end.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
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