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The O'Connells #7
The Hometown Hero
In this shocking O’Connell family novel, a brother’s secret is exposed, opening up old wounds and creating a scandal that could rock the community.
Big brother Owen O’Connell was only sixteen when his father mysteriously disappeared, forcing him to become a father figure to his five younger siblings. If you were to ask them, they’d say Owen is the perfect older brother with the perfect life: He’s single, a plumber, working his own hours in a close-knit community. Owen, though, knows that appearances are often deceiving.
When he is called to a plumbing emergency at the local high school after a grad prank goes wrong, he finds his old rival Tessa Brooks, now a teacher, holding a broken pipe in the middle of the flood, thinking she can fix the problem. However, the two soon make a horrifying discovery: the body of a student tucked away in a closet.
The event brings authorities flocking in, and in the ensuing chaos, Owen realizes that someone knows too much about his family. Having carefully held the family together since his father disappeared, he is determined to keep their secrets right where they are, dead and buried. But sometimes, secrets get revealed in the most scandalous of ways.
Big brother Owen O’Connell was only sixteen when his father mysteriously disappeared, forcing him to become a father figure to his five younger siblings. If you were to ask them, they’d say Owen is the perfect older brother with the perfect life: He’s single, a plumber, working his own hours in a close-knit community. Owen, though, knows that appearances are often deceiving.
When he is called to a plumbing emergency at the local high school after a grad prank goes wrong, he finds his old rival Tessa Brooks, now a teacher, holding a broken pipe in the middle of the flood, thinking she can fix the problem. However, the two soon make a horrifying discovery: the body of a student tucked away in a closet.
The event brings authorities flocking in, and in the ensuing chaos, Owen realizes that someone knows too much about his family. Having carefully held the family together since his father disappeared, he is determined to keep their secrets right where they are, dead and buried. But sometimes, secrets get revealed in the most scandalous of ways.
- GenresMystery
ebook
Published June 30, 2020
168 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Lorhainne Eckhart
294 books901 followers"Lorhainne Eckhart is one of my go to authors when I want a guaranteed good book. So many twists and turns, but also so much love and such a strong sense of family."
(Lora W. Reviewer)
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3m2c0At
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3k6nP6z
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LEckhart
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New York Times & USA Today bestseller Lorhainne Eckhart writes Raw Relatable Real Romance is best known for her big family romances series, where “Morals and family are running themes. Danger, romance, and a drive to do what is right will see you glued to the page.” As one fan calls her, she is the “Queen of the family saga.” (aherman) writing “the ups and downs of what goes on within a family but also with some suspense, angst and of course a bit of romance thrown in for good measure.” Follow Lorhainne on Bookbub to receive alerts on New Releases and Sales and join her mailing list at LorhainneEckhart.com for her Monday Blog, books news, giveaways and FREE reads. With over 120 books, audiobooks, and multiple series published and available at all retailers now translated into six languages. She is a multiple recipient of the Readers’ Favorite Award for Suspense and Romance, and lives in the Pacific Northwest on an island, is the mother of three, her oldest has autism and she is an advocate for never giving up on your dreams.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3m2c0At
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3k6nP6z
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LEckhart
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lorhainneec...
New York Times & USA Today bestseller Lorhainne Eckhart writes Raw Relatable Real Romance is best known for her big family romances series, where “Morals and family are running themes. Danger, romance, and a drive to do what is right will see you glued to the page.” As one fan calls her, she is the “Queen of the family saga.” (aherman) writing “the ups and downs of what goes on within a family but also with some suspense, angst and of course a bit of romance thrown in for good measure.” Follow Lorhainne on Bookbub to receive alerts on New Releases and Sales and join her mailing list at LorhainneEckhart.com for her Monday Blog, books news, giveaways and FREE reads. With over 120 books, audiobooks, and multiple series published and available at all retailers now translated into six languages. She is a multiple recipient of the Readers’ Favorite Award for Suspense and Romance, and lives in the Pacific Northwest on an island, is the mother of three, her oldest has autism and she is an advocate for never giving up on your dreams.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 8, 2021
Date Started: 4/1/21
Date Finished: 4/4/21
Rating: 3 of 5
Book Title: Hometown Hero
Author: Lorhainne Eckhart
Pages: 174
Note: Potential triggering issues with death and teenage drug use.
I really feel like this story could have been a lot longer. I enjoyed it. I found it to be a very easy read that I could have listened to all in one sitting had my schedule allowed me to. I just feel like parts were very rushed and that they could have been drawn out more than they were. I also felt parts were a little cheesy. That’s just my opinion though.
I feel like if this book had been drawn out more that I would have felt more drawn into the book. I might have even been on edge through many parts. Sadly, it kind of fell a bit flat for me. The idea behind the story was amazing. It really was. I also need to note that this isn’t the first book in the series. It could be that the main reason I’m not impressed is that I didn’t read it from book one.
I really did enjoy the dialogue in the book. It was very witty. It felt like I was actually observing interactions in a small town. I loved every minute of it. I really love the small town vibes where everybody has known everybody all of their lives. I moved a lot as a kid so I never really got to experience that. It’s something I always kind of wanted.
There wasn’t really a villain in this story. There was an investigation into why a teenage boy died and was shoved in a closet. They were trying to figure out what caused the death and why people went to great links to hide it if it was an accidental death. They were also trying to figure out which of the teenagers were involved and what exactly happened.
I was really intrigued by the fact that there was a back story about a family scandal with the main character. I’m going to assume that because I didn’t read the first several books in the series. Maybe it’s referenced through the book entirely. It seems to be a thing that connects the books together honestly. I may go back and read them all together.
I really enjoyed the ending. I especially enjoyed the nugget that kind of draws you into continuing the series. It’s not exactly a cliffhanger. It doesn’t leave you angry or wondering why they would leave the book off like that. It’s just a little nugget that leaves you curious. Some might even be curious to pick up the next book right away. I am definitely considering going back and reading this series in order. One day.
Date Finished: 4/4/21
Rating: 3 of 5
Book Title: Hometown Hero
Author: Lorhainne Eckhart
Pages: 174
Note: Potential triggering issues with death and teenage drug use.
I really feel like this story could have been a lot longer. I enjoyed it. I found it to be a very easy read that I could have listened to all in one sitting had my schedule allowed me to. I just feel like parts were very rushed and that they could have been drawn out more than they were. I also felt parts were a little cheesy. That’s just my opinion though.
I feel like if this book had been drawn out more that I would have felt more drawn into the book. I might have even been on edge through many parts. Sadly, it kind of fell a bit flat for me. The idea behind the story was amazing. It really was. I also need to note that this isn’t the first book in the series. It could be that the main reason I’m not impressed is that I didn’t read it from book one.
I really did enjoy the dialogue in the book. It was very witty. It felt like I was actually observing interactions in a small town. I loved every minute of it. I really love the small town vibes where everybody has known everybody all of their lives. I moved a lot as a kid so I never really got to experience that. It’s something I always kind of wanted.
There wasn’t really a villain in this story. There was an investigation into why a teenage boy died and was shoved in a closet. They were trying to figure out what caused the death and why people went to great links to hide it if it was an accidental death. They were also trying to figure out which of the teenagers were involved and what exactly happened.
I was really intrigued by the fact that there was a back story about a family scandal with the main character. I’m going to assume that because I didn’t read the first several books in the series. Maybe it’s referenced through the book entirely. It seems to be a thing that connects the books together honestly. I may go back and read them all together.
I really enjoyed the ending. I especially enjoyed the nugget that kind of draws you into continuing the series. It’s not exactly a cliffhanger. It doesn’t leave you angry or wondering why they would leave the book off like that. It’s just a little nugget that leaves you curious. Some might even be curious to pick up the next book right away. I am definitely considering going back and reading this series in order. One day.
July 5, 2020
Owen O'Connel was sixteen when he realized that he had a secret that he couldn't share with his six brothers and sisters. He was the oldest ànd he felt he had to support his mom and siblings as best as he could.
One day he was called to the highschool to repair a broken pipe and ran into Tessa, a woman he had a crush on when they were in highschool. They also discovered the body of one of the highschool students in the janitor closet.
Owen's brother was the sheriff and he was investigating the death of the student. An acquaintance approached Owen and made veiled reference to what he had done and implied that if the investigation continued,, something might come out that he didn't want anyone to know.
Lorhainne Eckhart always makes us feel that family is first and that we do what we can to have eachnotheds back. The story sometimes seems to take a leap from one situation to another but by the end of the story everything comes together.
One day he was called to the highschool to repair a broken pipe and ran into Tessa, a woman he had a crush on when they were in highschool. They also discovered the body of one of the highschool students in the janitor closet.
Owen's brother was the sheriff and he was investigating the death of the student. An acquaintance approached Owen and made veiled reference to what he had done and implied that if the investigation continued,, something might come out that he didn't want anyone to know.
Lorhainne Eckhart always makes us feel that family is first and that we do what we can to have eachnotheds back. The story sometimes seems to take a leap from one situation to another but by the end of the story everything comes together.
February 6, 2022
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
More great suspense in this series!
Wow, this story really packed a punch! More things about the O’Connell’s missing father come to light in this book but there are still many unanswered questions. Owen reconnects with his high school crush, but not under the best of circumstances.
Once again, John Mo did a great job with the audiobook. I’m loving this series so much!
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
More great suspense in this series!
Wow, this story really packed a punch! More things about the O’Connell’s missing father come to light in this book but there are still many unanswered questions. Owen reconnects with his high school crush, but not under the best of circumstances.
Once again, John Mo did a great job with the audiobook. I’m loving this series so much!
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
June 30, 2020
Owen has kept the family together shouldering all the problems bringing up six youngsters after their father disappeared.
When a dead student is found in a closet Owen did not expect to have family secrets involved.
This is yet another extremely well written and entertaining story which I thoroughly enjoyed.
When a dead student is found in a closet Owen did not expect to have family secrets involved.
This is yet another extremely well written and entertaining story which I thoroughly enjoyed.
July 13, 2020
The continuing story of the O'Connell family. This story is about Owen O'Connell, the oldest sibling. Owen has always looked after his younger siblings ever since their dad left 18 years ago. Owen has put his own happiness on hold to make sure his mom and siblings are taken care of first. Now that they are all adults, it might be time for Owen to finally be happy for once.
When Owen is called to the local high school to fix a broken pipe, he runs into Tessa, the girl he had a crush on in high school. While he is at the school, a dead body is discovered, it is one of the students. Owen did not expect for this death to end up involving a family secret he has kept all these years.
When Owen is called to the local high school to fix a broken pipe, he runs into Tessa, the girl he had a crush on in high school. While he is at the school, a dead body is discovered, it is one of the students. Owen did not expect for this death to end up involving a family secret he has kept all these years.
July 2, 2020
I really got into this book. It was hard to put down. I’m ready to see what comes next.
July 3, 2020
After reading the other books in this series, I have come to love the O’Connells, and Owen is no exception. Owen O’Connell is the eldest sibling in the family. He is the keeper of the family secrets and the protective older brother. Keeping secrets wears on one’s soul, and over the years he has become the observer, always watching to see if any other danger is coming toward his family. He is a loner, and doesn’t really let anyone get too close outside of his family, especially not any woman. A tragic incident at the local high school where Owen was called to for a plumbing emergency, stirs up all kinds of trouble for the students and their parents, and unexpectedly, Owen and his family. It also brings him face to face with his first crush, Tessa who is a teacher at the school, someone he has never been able to forget. Tessa is a straight forward, no nonsense woman who speaks her mind and certainly gives Owen a challenge. As the mystery of what happened at the school deepens, loyalties to family and friends are tested. Tessa and Owen find that troubles can forge an unexpected, but not unwelcome connection between two people. Love can be sweeter the second time around.
This book provides another fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of the O’Connell family...the unconditional love and support, as well as the secrets and conflicts. It expertly weaves together romance, mystery and suspense. I can’t wait to find out more about the O’Connell family members and the mystery surrounding the patriarch’s disappearance. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This book provides another fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of the O’Connell family...the unconditional love and support, as well as the secrets and conflicts. It expertly weaves together romance, mystery and suspense. I can’t wait to find out more about the O’Connell family members and the mystery surrounding the patriarch’s disappearance. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 30, 2021
The Hometown Hero
The O'Connells, Book 7
By: Lorhainne Eckhart
Narrated by: John Mo
Writing the best of both worlds, Lorhainne Eckhart takes us in the world of Owen O'Connell. Called into to fix a plumbing problem at the local high school turns into murder investigation of a student death. Finding his old high school infatuation at the school is just icing on the cake. Tessa is a teacher, and she too is in the thick of things. Small town, lots of gossip and a secret that haunts Owen may all come to surface, putting his family in the middle of it all. Will he be able to keep his family safe? Where will things go with Tessa? And who is out to get him? This is my first of the O'Connell's that I have had the pleasure to listen to and it just proves to me how much I love small town stories. I love the feeling of community, everyone is in your business and think they all know what is going on. The O'Connells prove how strong a family they are, pulling together in their time of need and the results of the investigation into the school death all too familiar. I now need to go back and hear about the rest of the family!
John Mo is a new narrator to me, and I enjoyed his performance. A great pace and his voice is warm. He easily switches from male to female and adds just enough to create the emotional drama and suspense to keep the story moving. I will definitely be watching for more by him.
The O'Connells, Book 7
By: Lorhainne Eckhart
Narrated by: John Mo
Writing the best of both worlds, Lorhainne Eckhart takes us in the world of Owen O'Connell. Called into to fix a plumbing problem at the local high school turns into murder investigation of a student death. Finding his old high school infatuation at the school is just icing on the cake. Tessa is a teacher, and she too is in the thick of things. Small town, lots of gossip and a secret that haunts Owen may all come to surface, putting his family in the middle of it all. Will he be able to keep his family safe? Where will things go with Tessa? And who is out to get him? This is my first of the O'Connell's that I have had the pleasure to listen to and it just proves to me how much I love small town stories. I love the feeling of community, everyone is in your business and think they all know what is going on. The O'Connells prove how strong a family they are, pulling together in their time of need and the results of the investigation into the school death all too familiar. I now need to go back and hear about the rest of the family!
John Mo is a new narrator to me, and I enjoyed his performance. A great pace and his voice is warm. He easily switches from male to female and adds just enough to create the emotional drama and suspense to keep the story moving. I will definitely be watching for more by him.
July 1, 2020
Since his father’s disappearance, Owen’s always felt responsible for his younger siblings, and he’s also carried a heavy secret to protect his family, which has made him reticent with those who are not close family. When there’s trouble at the high school, it seems Owen’s ghosts may come back to haunt him and his family. In the midst of the drama, he gets a 2nd chance with his HS crush, Tessa, but will he be able to overcome his reticence and be more open with her or will the troubles mean an end to their chance before it really begins?
This O’Connell tale is certainly filled with a lot of drama with some secrets revealed but still questions unresolved. There’s plenty to hold your attention, including a glimpse at the opioid problem among our most vulnerable population. Owen’s always been the stalwart one putting his family’s needs above his own, but finally he may just get his chance to shed some of the mantle of responsibility he’s worn as the eldest O’Connell and start a future with someone I believe is his perfect match, Tessa. It’s an intriguing and captivating story that you will find hard to put down, and just when it seems things may be settling down for the O’Connells and their partners, there’s a hint their story is not over yet. Hmmm…I wonder what’s coming next? Can’t wait!!!
This O’Connell tale is certainly filled with a lot of drama with some secrets revealed but still questions unresolved. There’s plenty to hold your attention, including a glimpse at the opioid problem among our most vulnerable population. Owen’s always been the stalwart one putting his family’s needs above his own, but finally he may just get his chance to shed some of the mantle of responsibility he’s worn as the eldest O’Connell and start a future with someone I believe is his perfect match, Tessa. It’s an intriguing and captivating story that you will find hard to put down, and just when it seems things may be settling down for the O’Connells and their partners, there’s a hint their story is not over yet. Hmmm…I wonder what’s coming next? Can’t wait!!!
March 30, 2021
This was the first book by Lorhainne Eckhart that I have listened to and I really enjoyed it. There were mysteries to unravel and bonds to build and it was all written exceptionally well. Owen is called to the local school which has a plumbing issue. It is a task that leads to a devastating discovery and sets into motion a series of events that have far reaching consequences.
I really want to listen to the rest of this series and see the relationships of the characters and how they relate on a wider level than we got to see in this story. While this is a whole tale, there are questions that I want answered and I really want to know more about the O'Connell family and the other inhabitants of the town.
I was engaged right from the outset and right to the last word. The writing really held my attention throughout and had several surprises in store.
John Mo did a great job with the narration and has a really pleasant voice. He injected the right amount of feeling and energy into each and every word and was a treat to the ears. He really was the perfect narrator for this story.
Audiobook Obsession Reviewer.
I really want to listen to the rest of this series and see the relationships of the characters and how they relate on a wider level than we got to see in this story. While this is a whole tale, there are questions that I want answered and I really want to know more about the O'Connell family and the other inhabitants of the town.
I was engaged right from the outset and right to the last word. The writing really held my attention throughout and had several surprises in store.
John Mo did a great job with the narration and has a really pleasant voice. He injected the right amount of feeling and energy into each and every word and was a treat to the ears. He really was the perfect narrator for this story.
Audiobook Obsession Reviewer.
April 4, 2021
Another short but exciting entry into the O'Connell family, there is always something happening that draws the reader (or in my case, the listener) in. I have only listened to 1 other O'Connell book- #2, so while this is standalone, I do feel like I'm missing something about the progression of the story, especially given the couple of book 2 does make an appearance. However, the arc of the story is standalone.
Owen has a major secret and it is in danger of being revealed, which would have negative implications on his family, who he is really protective of. I really love these characters because they are strong and protective and very family oriented. Tessa was a prior love and she's caught in a murder investigation. Even though this story is pretty short, it is well written with lots of details and interesting events that keep the reader enthralled.
The audiobook was narrated by John Mo who is new to me. He was really good! I really loved the duet style of book 2 so I have to admit to being a little disappointed but I think he did a great job playing the multiple characters.
🎧AudiobookObsessionReviewer, AudiobookObsession, TheFlock
Owen has a major secret and it is in danger of being revealed, which would have negative implications on his family, who he is really protective of. I really love these characters because they are strong and protective and very family oriented. Tessa was a prior love and she's caught in a murder investigation. Even though this story is pretty short, it is well written with lots of details and interesting events that keep the reader enthralled.
The audiobook was narrated by John Mo who is new to me. He was really good! I really loved the duet style of book 2 so I have to admit to being a little disappointed but I think he did a great job playing the multiple characters.
🎧AudiobookObsessionReviewer, AudiobookObsession, TheFlock
October 8, 2021
THE HOMETOWN HERO ... My introduction to this family was interesting. I was sort of thrown in and wanting to know so much more. I felt as if I was missing something with this first of the series that I began with. There were six other books in the series before this that may or maynot hold answer to questions that I am looking for. Owen was the big brother of a family that lost so much. Then on top of all that this family had been through there was a secret Owen was guarding.
This was not a long listen but it was a key portion of the mystery behind the disappearance of a key figure in Owen's life. Then he has a rival come back into his life and noses going in places they should not. Mystery surrounds this family and someone knows a bit too much.
Thank you to John Mo. My introduction to your narration style was enjoyable.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining Unpredictable Easy-to-read Bread crumbs Family oriented Emotional support Family Intrigue
*****
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Lorhainne Eckhart. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
This was not a long listen but it was a key portion of the mystery behind the disappearance of a key figure in Owen's life. Then he has a rival come back into his life and noses going in places they should not. Mystery surrounds this family and someone knows a bit too much.
Thank you to John Mo. My introduction to your narration style was enjoyable.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining Unpredictable Easy-to-read Bread crumbs Family oriented Emotional support Family Intrigue
*****
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Lorhainne Eckhart. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
July 7, 2020
'Hometown Hero' is actually the seventh book in 'The O'Connell Series' and is Owen's story. When Owen was sixteen, his mother asked him to help hide a secret in order to protect his family. Owen is the oldest of his siblings and he has stepped into the role of family father figure as well as protector. He has kept his family secret for many years until he is threatened with it. In this book, while the murder of a highschool student is being investigated, we learn more about the night Owen's father disappeared and what part his mother played in the mystery. I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this story as the investigation was solved and past mysteries unfolded and more truths were uncovered. I can't wait to read 'The Family Secret' to get the whole story. Even though I enjoyed a!I the intrigue in this book, I would have liked getting more insight into the relationship between Owen and Tessa. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2021
Never having read any books by this author, I wasn't sure what to expect. But The Hometown Hero by Lorhainne Eckhart is a solid family drama. Twists and turns to the plot, strong relatable characters, and a reawakened romance all blended well together to keep my interest. Even though part of a series, there is enough background information relayed that I didn't feel lost, wondering what had gone on before in the lives of the O'Connell family. Although, I do think I should go back and catch up on their story. Secrets abound and the author reveals them layer by layer, and yet, there still remains the question of what happened to the O'Connells' father. Perhaps that has been left for another book. I look forward to reading more of Eckhart's works. I listened to a complimentary copy of the audiobook and I was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own. John Mo did a great job narrating Owen's story, which made for an enjoyable listening experience.
July 2, 2020
We are back with the O’Connells. A close knit family whose life was turned upside down when their father disappeared 18 years ago.
Owen, the oldest, and the main character in this story, was only the sixteen when the father of six left and Owen took it upon himself to take care of his family.
A plumbing emergency at the high school has him coming face to face with the girl he crushed on in HS. But before he can get his head around that fact, a body is found in a closet. How did it get there? What happened? Add to that the fact that a secret he’s kept for 18 years is about to be divulged, and you know you are in for a roller coaster ride.
This was another engaging story in the series, with a whodunit, secrets, a possible romance and questions left unanswered.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Owen, the oldest, and the main character in this story, was only the sixteen when the father of six left and Owen took it upon himself to take care of his family.
A plumbing emergency at the high school has him coming face to face with the girl he crushed on in HS. But before he can get his head around that fact, a body is found in a closet. How did it get there? What happened? Add to that the fact that a secret he’s kept for 18 years is about to be divulged, and you know you are in for a roller coaster ride.
This was another engaging story in the series, with a whodunit, secrets, a possible romance and questions left unanswered.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
April 4, 2021
One night changed the course of Owen’s life as not only was it the night his father disappeared but it was also the night that he had to step up and be the man that his mother and siblings needed him to be. He had hoped that the remnants of that night would remain buried until a plumbing mishap at the school brings it into the present.
Tessa is a teacher at the school but her attempts to remedy the plumbing mishap leads to the discovery of a deceased student. The aftermath of the discovery allows her and Owen to work through their misunderstandings and realize they belong together but between the mysteries of the past and present they have some challenges to overcome.
The cadence and pacing of this story was perfect and I look forward to listening to more stories by this narrator. 🎧 Audiobook Obsession
Tessa is a teacher at the school but her attempts to remedy the plumbing mishap leads to the discovery of a deceased student. The aftermath of the discovery allows her and Owen to work through their misunderstandings and realize they belong together but between the mysteries of the past and present they have some challenges to overcome.
The cadence and pacing of this story was perfect and I look forward to listening to more stories by this narrator. 🎧 Audiobook Obsession
June 21, 2022
The Hometown Hero (The O'Connells #7) was a great read by Lorhainne Eckhart. Owen O’Connell was only sixteen when his father disappeared. It forced him to become a father figure to his five younger siblings. They believe that Owen is the perfect older brother with the perfect life. He is single, a plumber and working his own hours in a close knit community. He is called to a plumbing emergency at the local high school after a grad prank gone wrong. He finds his old rival, Tessa Brooks, holding a broken pipe in the middle of the flood thinking she will be able to fix it. They soon make a horrifying discovery, the body of a student in a closet. Chaos ensues and Owen quickly realizes that someone knows too much about his family. He is determined to keep their secrets dead and buried. I enjoyed reading this book and cant wait to read more by the author.
July 1, 2020
Another exciting chapter in the O'Connell's lives. This one centers around Owen and his role in the family as surrogate father/protector. It's also his story with Tessa, a girl he had a huge crush on in high school. A high school student is found dead in the janitor's closet and Owen & Tessa were there when he was found. They lean on each other after the shock. Owen's past is called into question from someone involved in the student's death and he has to deal with it. He also has to deal with his present and his quickly developing relationship with Tessa. Good romance and mystery. Little by little, we continue to learn more about this very loving but complex family.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
September 12, 2020
Another great story about the O'Connells
Owen is the oldest of the 6 kids. He had to grow up at 16 and take care of his he's and sisters. His mom needed the help with the kids after their father up and left 18 years ago. He had to keep secrets from his siblings about the night their father left. He was always closed off and kept his emotions close to his chest to protect his mom and siblings. But that secret came out and the weight of it was lifted off his shoulders. Just in time for him to reunite with a high school crush. Tessa was everything he could want in a girlfriend. Can Marcus figured out who killed the boy at the high school and unravel some town secrets too?
Owen is the oldest of the 6 kids. He had to grow up at 16 and take care of his he's and sisters. His mom needed the help with the kids after their father up and left 18 years ago. He had to keep secrets from his siblings about the night their father left. He was always closed off and kept his emotions close to his chest to protect his mom and siblings. But that secret came out and the weight of it was lifted off his shoulders. Just in time for him to reunite with a high school crush. Tessa was everything he could want in a girlfriend. Can Marcus figured out who killed the boy at the high school and unravel some town secrets too?
May 26, 2022
No matter what Lorhainne Eckhart writes about it is worth reading.
Owen kept his mother’s secret for 18 years. Keeping the secrets from his siblings about the night their father left was weighing on Owen. Now he finds out someone knew what he did that night, he will have to come clean, but who will he tell? Tessa was everything he could want in a girlfriend. She is breaking down the walls he built around him as a result of the burden he feels from the secrets. Will she totally reach him?
I wanted to know more of what happened between Owen and Tessa. I am a little disappointed
This was a quick read without a definite conclusion. A a good story nonetheless and it was expertly narrated.
Owen kept his mother’s secret for 18 years. Keeping the secrets from his siblings about the night their father left was weighing on Owen. Now he finds out someone knew what he did that night, he will have to come clean, but who will he tell? Tessa was everything he could want in a girlfriend. She is breaking down the walls he built around him as a result of the burden he feels from the secrets. Will she totally reach him?
I wanted to know more of what happened between Owen and Tessa. I am a little disappointed
This was a quick read without a definite conclusion. A a good story nonetheless and it was expertly narrated.
March 30, 2022
Book 7 of the O’Connell series finds Owen the centre of attention. He is called to the local highschool for a plumbing emergency which rapidly escalates when a student’s body is found in the janitor’s closet. Tessa is one of the teachers and Owen feels the need to give her his attention.
Hadn’t noticed before but the author keeps reusing the catch phrase giving him everything here to indicate giving another full attention. For those who dislike cliffhangers this book ends abruptly with nothing resolved.
Never figured out who the hometown hero was.
Hadn’t noticed before but the author keeps reusing the catch phrase giving him everything here to indicate giving another full attention. For those who dislike cliffhangers this book ends abruptly with nothing resolved.
Never figured out who the hometown hero was.
July 11, 2020
This book features Owen, the oldest brother in the O’Connell family. He has a secret that none of his brothers and sisters know and he plans to keep it that way. One night he is called to the high school for a broken pipe and runs into Tessa, his schooltime rival who is now a teacher at the school. After fixing the pipe, they discover the body of a student in the janitor’s closet. What happened to the student, and will this incident lead to the discovery of his secret?
July 13, 2020
Owen is the big brother of the O'Connell family and keeps an eye on all of his family. When he gets called to the local high school because of a plumbing leak, there is Tessa, a woman that he had a huge crush on in high school. But his best friend at the time told him what Tessa had said about him and they separated. What they find in the janitor's closet has them stunned. Great story once again in the world of the Friessens.
April 6, 2021
This is the seventh book in The O'Connells Series, a Small Town Romance. This is a series of interconnected stories, with an ongoing plot. I love this Series! Owen and Tessa's second chance to love is beautifully written, intriguing, and captivating. The storyline has intrigue, mystery, and secrets. The supporting characters are great. John Mo did a good job with the narration. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to listen to the other books in the Series. #AudiobookObsession
November 29, 2022
"Giving everything"
I am barely into this book and am questioning if I will even try to finish it. It seems that the only words that convey the concept of giving someone their undivided attention is "giving everything". Those two words are used exclusively, sometimes several times on one page. Annoying!! This author has done better than this on other books. Was there a ghost writer/editor for this one?
I am barely into this book and am questioning if I will even try to finish it. It seems that the only words that convey the concept of giving someone their undivided attention is "giving everything". Those two words are used exclusively, sometimes several times on one page. Annoying!! This author has done better than this on other books. Was there a ghost writer/editor for this one?
July 1, 2020
Good read
Owen kept his mother’s secret for 18 years. An unfortunate tragedy with prescription drugs causes the death of a teenager. Trying to protect the teenage his Aunt threatens to reveal the secret Owen has been keeping. Tessa was Owens high school sweetheart. Tessa and Owen reconnect and their relationship blossom.
Owen kept his mother’s secret for 18 years. An unfortunate tragedy with prescription drugs causes the death of a teenager. Trying to protect the teenage his Aunt threatens to reveal the secret Owen has been keeping. Tessa was Owens high school sweetheart. Tessa and Owen reconnect and their relationship blossom.
July 2, 2020
This next book in the series brings the reader closer to the OConnells. Showed the strength and bond of family ties. Owen the oldest does everything to protect his mother and siblings. Lorhainne keeps the reader hooked wanting to know what happened to the father. The next book should be super great.
July 2, 2020
When the weight of your family is on your shoulders. Owen believe his suppose to watch everyone he cares about happiness and love from the sidelines.
Eckhart pulls the bandaid off the 18 year O'Connell secret by revealing someone is always watching in the shadows larking to reveal what's hiding in plain sight.
Eckhart pulls the bandaid off the 18 year O'Connell secret by revealing someone is always watching in the shadows larking to reveal what's hiding in plain sight.
July 4, 2020
The Hometown Hero is the sixth book in the series, and another winner in my opinion. I have enjoyed reading this series and this authors books. Secrets always have a habit of coming to the surface eventually. I would certainly recommend this book to others. I received an ARC copy of the book and this is my fair and honest review of the book.
August 16, 2020
Really enjoyed the book.
It had an interest family story as well as a warm love story. Not to mention the intriguing murder mystery.
As usual with Ms Eckhart’s books, this story draws you in and holds you glued to the story as it unfolds.
I voluntarily agreed to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review.
It had an interest family story as well as a warm love story. Not to mention the intriguing murder mystery.
As usual with Ms Eckhart’s books, this story draws you in and holds you glued to the story as it unfolds.
I voluntarily agreed to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review.
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