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Golden Grove
A Hopeful Harvet
Her orchard. His heart. Can they successfully heal both?
When her family's apple orchard is damaged by a storm, single mum Libby Creighton knows the harvest she's depending on is in jeopardy. Though he prefers a solitary life, Jax McClaren has the skills to revive Libby's orchard -- and her guarded heart. But he'll have to overcome the secrets of his past if he and Libby are going to have a fruitful future together.
When her family's apple orchard is damaged by a storm, single mum Libby Creighton knows the harvest she's depending on is in jeopardy. Though he prefers a solitary life, Jax McClaren has the skills to revive Libby's orchard -- and her guarded heart. But he'll have to overcome the secrets of his past if he and Libby are going to have a fruitful future together.
Paperback
Published January 1, 2019
About the author
Ruth Logan Herne
131 books508 followersMulti-published, award-winning, bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne is living her dream of being a published author and having the time of her life doing it. Born to a poor family in Rochester, NY, Ruthy draws on her early years and her many years of dealing with today's young families and businesses to create beautiful, heartfelt small-town stories of faith, hope and love... while adopting her favorite non-Scripture quotes "Plenty of time for rest in the grave" (Ben Franklin) and "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." (Eleanor Roosevelt) and one can always depend on Yoda "There is no try. There is do or do not." Succinct... and true. :) She loves chatting with readers on facebook at Ruth Logan Herne or follow Ruthy on Twitter, visit her website or stop by Seekerville (www.seekerville.blogspot.com) or pop by the Yankee Belle Cafe where Ruthy and several lovely authors share recipes, facts, photos and just plain old life! (www.yankeebellecafe.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 16, 2020
A HOPEFUL HARVEST is an inspirational and very emotional story about two broken hearted souls, Libby and Jax who teach us what faith and courage is all about. They don’t let fear stop them and right from the very first page, you will be cheering for both of them and praying that they get to their happily ever after place. Ruth Logan Herne pulls her readers in from the first chapter and never lets them go. Ruth also breaks the reader’s hearts, shreds them, and then, hands them back all put back together again. She also teaches them about compassion and God’s love. I read this heart tugging story in one sitting and loved every minute of it.
A HOPEFUL HARVEST starts with Libby and CeeCee back on the farm where Libby grew up. Her grandma is gone now and her grandpa is in the later stages of Alzheimer’s. She has a bit of help with him, but lately it doesn’t seem to be enough. Her grandpa has once again escaped the farm house and is walking along the side of the highway in his pajamas. Along comes Jax to the rescue. Jax is instantly attracted to Libby and wants to get to know her more, but Libby is not forthcoming with information about herself and he knows that if Libby knew who he really is, she wouldn’t give him the time of day. Jax’s heart quickly lets Libby and CeeCee in and all he wants to do is help them.
A HOPEFUL HARVEST has many twists and turns and while Jax thinks he is rescuing Libby and CeeCee it just might be that they are rescuing him. Jax is still reeling from what happened in the war and is suffering badly with PTSD and has closed off his heart to everyone. He has lost all his faith in God while Libby embraces her faith and never hesitates to help others. Jax is nothing but work work work……..and really wants to help Libby give Grandpa his best Apple season yet! They say opposites attract and nothing could be truer with Jax and Libby. Be prepared for your emotions to be all over the place while reading this well researched novel by my new favorite author, Ruth Logan Herne who just so happens to live in my old neck of the woods. The challenges that all three of these people face will have you unable to put A HOPEFUL HARVEST down until the very last page.
A HOPEFUL HARVEST starts with Libby and CeeCee back on the farm where Libby grew up. Her grandma is gone now and her grandpa is in the later stages of Alzheimer’s. She has a bit of help with him, but lately it doesn’t seem to be enough. Her grandpa has once again escaped the farm house and is walking along the side of the highway in his pajamas. Along comes Jax to the rescue. Jax is instantly attracted to Libby and wants to get to know her more, but Libby is not forthcoming with information about herself and he knows that if Libby knew who he really is, she wouldn’t give him the time of day. Jax’s heart quickly lets Libby and CeeCee in and all he wants to do is help them.
A HOPEFUL HARVEST has many twists and turns and while Jax thinks he is rescuing Libby and CeeCee it just might be that they are rescuing him. Jax is still reeling from what happened in the war and is suffering badly with PTSD and has closed off his heart to everyone. He has lost all his faith in God while Libby embraces her faith and never hesitates to help others. Jax is nothing but work work work……..and really wants to help Libby give Grandpa his best Apple season yet! They say opposites attract and nothing could be truer with Jax and Libby. Be prepared for your emotions to be all over the place while reading this well researched novel by my new favorite author, Ruth Logan Herne who just so happens to live in my old neck of the woods. The challenges that all three of these people face will have you unable to put A HOPEFUL HARVEST down until the very last page.
January 2, 2020
Squeeeaaallll!!!! A new series by Ruth Logan Herne and it promises all of her trademark homegrown, faith-filled, toe-curling goodness. I love the way this author creates a community and develops multi-generational relationships that bring such depth and realism to her stories. I'm already enamored with Golden Grove and love the apple orchard family farm setting of this first novel.
Libby faces her challenges with backbone and spunk despite overwhelming odds. Jax is guarding a lot of secrets and harbors reclusive tendencies but there's something about Libby and her sweet little girl and ailing grandfather that pulls him out of his solitary existence. She's wary of accepting help from a stranger but he gently storms her defenses and soon becomes a fixture on the farm -- and in her family.
But, oh, those secrets! Had my tummy tied up in knots and my nerves jangling through out the entire read. A slice of real life -- with just as much angst. Herne delivers heart and hope in this beautiful love story where two broken souls find a way to become whole together.
My thanks to the author for gifting me with a copy of this book.
Libby faces her challenges with backbone and spunk despite overwhelming odds. Jax is guarding a lot of secrets and harbors reclusive tendencies but there's something about Libby and her sweet little girl and ailing grandfather that pulls him out of his solitary existence. She's wary of accepting help from a stranger but he gently storms her defenses and soon becomes a fixture on the farm -- and in her family.
But, oh, those secrets! Had my tummy tied up in knots and my nerves jangling through out the entire read. A slice of real life -- with just as much angst. Herne delivers heart and hope in this beautiful love story where two broken souls find a way to become whole together.
My thanks to the author for gifting me with a copy of this book.
December 10, 2019
'She could put the whole thing squarely where it belonged, in God's hands. He'd gotten her this far.'
Libby Creighton is back on her grandparents' farm and apple orchard to help out now that her grandmother has passed and her grandfather has Alzheimer's. But devastating circumstances threaten to ruin everything until Jax McClaren pulls up in the yard with the skills necessary to save the orchard. Both he and Libby have secrets, but will they allow God to guide them through to a successful harvest, both materially and personally?
Ruth Logan Herne writes with her soul and this reader feels it each time she opens a book by Herne. Her characters are real with real issues, not some fairy land setting, and I love how she shares the love of God in her stories. And...she creates the most precious child characters! Five-year old CeCe purely stole my heart in this one. Recommended.
*My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
Libby Creighton is back on her grandparents' farm and apple orchard to help out now that her grandmother has passed and her grandfather has Alzheimer's. But devastating circumstances threaten to ruin everything until Jax McClaren pulls up in the yard with the skills necessary to save the orchard. Both he and Libby have secrets, but will they allow God to guide them through to a successful harvest, both materially and personally?
Ruth Logan Herne writes with her soul and this reader feels it each time she opens a book by Herne. Her characters are real with real issues, not some fairy land setting, and I love how she shares the love of God in her stories. And...she creates the most precious child characters! Five-year old CeCe purely stole my heart in this one. Recommended.
*My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
December 29, 2019
A Hopeful Harvest captured me from the beginning with Liberty (Libby) Creighton facing several challenges that are relevant in lives today. She had returned to the small town of Golden Grove to assist her elderly grandparents with their apple orchard. Her fortitude and faith to remain strong for her Alzheimer’s grandpa brought challenges, especially when devastation from a storm complicated how to harvest the bounty in the orchard. Jax McClaren appearance was unbelievable along with how well he related to Cleve “Gramps”. The beauty found within the pages of this delightful tale is what small communities members do—they assist those who need a hand without expecting their kindness to be returned. There are several messages of hope, faith, peace and love that will connect readers to situations they may face.
Ruth Logan Herne never fails to pen a story that is centered on family, children, small towns, faith and love of God shining through. Five year old CeeCee brought smiles and admiration to her insight even though her young life hadn’t always been easy. The hero and heroine’s past was totally different but they faced similar challenges with dementia loved ones that gave way to understanding, trust, and seeing a different future than anticipated.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own opinion and look forward to reading every book that Ruth Logan Herne releases in the future as they are filled with lovable children, caring family members, faith, God’s love and issues that are faced in this journey we call life on earth.
Ruth Logan Herne never fails to pen a story that is centered on family, children, small towns, faith and love of God shining through. Five year old CeeCee brought smiles and admiration to her insight even though her young life hadn’t always been easy. The hero and heroine’s past was totally different but they faced similar challenges with dementia loved ones that gave way to understanding, trust, and seeing a different future than anticipated.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own opinion and look forward to reading every book that Ruth Logan Herne releases in the future as they are filled with lovable children, caring family members, faith, God’s love and issues that are faced in this journey we call life on earth.
December 13, 2022
A hope-filled novel that accurately portrays the struggles of caring for a loved one with dementia. A single mom in the "sandwich" generation finds love in the midst of giving her ailing grandfather one last perfect harvest. A war-weary soldier finds peace, healing, purpose and the forever home he longs for. Great read.
January 15, 2023
This was a nice refreshing story. Libby, Cleve, Jax, and CeCe are great characters.
December 28, 2019
I simply LOVED this story, set in the small town of Golden Grove, Washington.....a place where hearts are healed....by faith and love.
With a broken childhood and a hard marriage behind her, Libby Creighton returns to Golden Grove with her young daughter. Her grandmother’s last request was for Libby to return to the struggling family apple orchard and to care for Gramps who has Alzheimer’s.
Ex-soldier Jax McClaren is haunted by past events which have left him with guilt and regrets. As he follows his protective nature to help other people, he finds himself falling for the strong woman trying desperately to do everything for those she loves. But there are obstacles along the way for this couple....trust being a major issue.
So many things touched my heart through this book! Since my family has experienced Alzheimer’s, I appreciate writers shining light on this disease and the challenges care givers face. I admire both the hero and heroine as strong people willing to work hard for their dreams and for what is the right thing to do. Responsibility! As in all Ruth Logan Herne books, I love the small town compassion extended to neighbors. All the characters sparkle, especially sweet little CeeCee and the other children. And this author is the master of sprinkling many “takeaway” messages throughout the pages which make my heart smile thinking of people living faith-filled lives.
A Hopeful Harvest is truly filled with hope....hope after dysfunctional childhoods, hope after traumatic events, hope through caring for loved ones with debilitating diseases and hope for love when a happily-ever-after seems impossible. And concerning the romance.....WOW! The ending left me with tears of joy!
Favorite quote: “Folks go through a lot of things,” she whispered. “It’s how we handle the aftermath that makes us who we are.”
*I was given a copy of this book with no requirement to write a review. I’m honored to offer my honest opinion.
With a broken childhood and a hard marriage behind her, Libby Creighton returns to Golden Grove with her young daughter. Her grandmother’s last request was for Libby to return to the struggling family apple orchard and to care for Gramps who has Alzheimer’s.
Ex-soldier Jax McClaren is haunted by past events which have left him with guilt and regrets. As he follows his protective nature to help other people, he finds himself falling for the strong woman trying desperately to do everything for those she loves. But there are obstacles along the way for this couple....trust being a major issue.
So many things touched my heart through this book! Since my family has experienced Alzheimer’s, I appreciate writers shining light on this disease and the challenges care givers face. I admire both the hero and heroine as strong people willing to work hard for their dreams and for what is the right thing to do. Responsibility! As in all Ruth Logan Herne books, I love the small town compassion extended to neighbors. All the characters sparkle, especially sweet little CeeCee and the other children. And this author is the master of sprinkling many “takeaway” messages throughout the pages which make my heart smile thinking of people living faith-filled lives.
A Hopeful Harvest is truly filled with hope....hope after dysfunctional childhoods, hope after traumatic events, hope through caring for loved ones with debilitating diseases and hope for love when a happily-ever-after seems impossible. And concerning the romance.....WOW! The ending left me with tears of joy!
Favorite quote: “Folks go through a lot of things,” she whispered. “It’s how we handle the aftermath that makes us who we are.”
*I was given a copy of this book with no requirement to write a review. I’m honored to offer my honest opinion.
June 18, 2020
This was a great book! I loved the realistic struggles the characters went through that made them relatable to everyone in some way. I enjoyed the way the background of the Apple Farm business was woven into the story in a way that didn't bombard the reader. The element of faith was prevalent, but not too "in your face." I accidentally read these out of order, but I have thoroughly enjoyed them both--even reading this one in a single day!
September 23, 2024
A Wonderful Story
Ruth Logan Herne has written a beautiful story of healing after deep hurts, of loss and love, and redemption and growth. She has written about an illness that many families deal with today, Alzheimer’s, and covered it with grace and mercy. Add in the legacy of a family apple orchard, a precious six year old little girl and you have a recipe for a wonderful book.
Ruth Logan Herne has written a beautiful story of healing after deep hurts, of loss and love, and redemption and growth. She has written about an illness that many families deal with today, Alzheimer’s, and covered it with grace and mercy. Add in the legacy of a family apple orchard, a precious six year old little girl and you have a recipe for a wonderful book.
July 23, 2025
I loved this story I would have read it in one day if time would have permitted me…it didn’t. But I also didn’t want the story to end! I loved the characters such a heartfelt story. I learned about the different types of apples in Washington state and about patients with Alzheimer’s disease. I cried I laughed and I cheered on both the main characters as they both overcame life altering events and came out stronger especially when they fell in love.
May 27, 2020
I really enjoyed this Love-Inspired Romance. I voluntarily chose to review this story and I've given it a 5* rating. It's apple season and this story weaves through this, while the hero and heroine work together almost like a family to deal with the many issues that come up. It was inspiring with a lot of feels.
September 19, 2020
A sweet romance about how life sometimes gives us more than we can take. Libby's faith and positive attitude is just what Jax needs to face the demons of his past, while his strong moral compass gives Libby the help she has never received. Two beautifully created characters, one sweet heart tugging story.
March 26, 2026
3.5 Stars
I’m a total Grinch when it comes to reality, so I had a couple pet peeves.
#1 Libby was counting on apple sales to pay for the new pole barn, but no mention of how they would financially survive the rest of the year since she couldn’t work and take care of her Gramps.
#2 Gramps was found face down in the creek, but there was no mention of CPR done on him.
I’m a total Grinch when it comes to reality, so I had a couple pet peeves.
#1 Libby was counting on apple sales to pay for the new pole barn, but no mention of how they would financially survive the rest of the year since she couldn’t work and take care of her Gramps.
#2 Gramps was found face down in the creek, but there was no mention of CPR done on him.
December 8, 2020
A Hopeful Harvest is well-researched and insightful into the struggles of those with and caregiving for someone with Alzheimer's. Besides that, I really fell in love with the cover and the hero--I like a man who stands by his word no matter what!
March 18, 2025
I enjoyed this sweet, feel-good romance. I enjoyed the setting in Washington State's apple country, and the characters were great. I found out there a couple more books set in the same place, so I'm on to reading those!
Read
January 1, 2020Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Golden Grove
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Golden Grove
January 21, 2020
I enjoyed this book I always enjoy books by Ruth Logan Herne because they are entertaining and real life stories
October 14, 2023
Very uplifting. Excellent read for the Fall.
February 25, 2024
Ruth has crafted another lovely story here. Her stories always are full of heart and this one has it in spades. A sweet story.
July 24, 2024
Pleasant read
This was a very good romance to read during the summertime. There were some things that were not predictable. It was well written.
This was a very good romance to read during the summertime. There were some things that were not predictable. It was well written.
February 22, 2026
Wonderful!
A wonderful heartfelt read! One of the books I've enjoyed most so far this year. Touched me and brought a smile.
A wonderful heartfelt read! One of the books I've enjoyed most so far this year. Touched me and brought a smile.
January 25, 2020
I LOVE Ruth Logan Herne's books! She can sure write a story, and put so much heart into it! Libby Creighton hass come back with her young daughter, CeeCee, to help care for her failing grandparents and their apple orchard. These are the grandparents that raised her after a neglected early childhood. Her grandma dies and now she is caring for her "Gramps" with Alzheimer's. Along comes Jax, a former soldier with PTSD, and son of big apple conglomerate known worldwide. Jax steps in and helps keep Libby's dream of giving her gramps his best last apple season. What a special book with lots of insight into what a family goes thru enduring Alzeimer's.
January 15, 2020
When I pick up a Ruth Logan Herne book, I know I’ll be in for a heartwarming, delicious read. A Hopeful Harvest fit right in with those expectations. The setting at an apple orchard and the cast of realistic, caring, and engaging characters set the tone for a delightful, uplifting story. Libby Creighton and Jax McClaren were both suffering from events in their pasts, and I was rooting for them to find healing and happiness. I loved Jax’s caring, compassionate tenderness with Libby and her struggles. He was a true hero and was able to step in and help her with exactly what she needed.
Herne knows how to depict small-town living at its best and the feeling of community it can have with everyone chipping in to help those who are in need. She also is an expert at depicting people with flaws and real issues and bringing them hope and healing. This is the first in Herne’s Golden Grove series, and I’m looking forward to reading more about this enchanting town. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy realistic, charming, and uplifting stories.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Herne knows how to depict small-town living at its best and the feeling of community it can have with everyone chipping in to help those who are in need. She also is an expert at depicting people with flaws and real issues and bringing them hope and healing. This is the first in Herne’s Golden Grove series, and I’m looking forward to reading more about this enchanting town. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy realistic, charming, and uplifting stories.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
October 15, 2024
Lovely start to this series
February 22, 2020
Every time I pick up a book with Ruth Logan Herne's name on it, I know it is a book I will fall in love with and never want to put down. Her newest Love Inspired book, A Hopeful Harvest, did not disappoint. This book was released in January but you can still buy it online and I would highly recommend it.
The story is about two people living with deep wounds from the past. Wounds, that at first, appear as if healing them would be insurmountable. However, Ms. Herne has a talent for taking the insurmountable and making it happen. I felt so many different forms of emotion while reading this book. I cried, I laughed, and I cried some more. When a book can draw out those kinds of emotions from me I know it is an excellent book.
While Libby and Jax are the main characters and I loved them both, I fell in love with little Cee Cee and Libby's grandpa, Cleve. Their storylines touched my life on such deep levels.
Cleve is battling Alzheimer's Disease while Cee Cee is just being a cute little girl trying to help her single mom, Libby in their apple orchard. Jax, well, he is battling PTSD. Add all these things together and you have one wonderful heartfelt book.
One thing that really touched me personally occurred on page 165 when little Cee Cee is talking about she helped two classmates, Henry and Dottie. My husband's first name is Henry and my precious mother's name was Dottie. I couldn't help but smile.
I know I have mentioned this already, but I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good 'feel-good' book.
On a 5-star scale - 5 HUGE Stars!!!!!
I would like to thank the author for my copy of A Hopeful Harvest. I received my copy for free with no expectation for a positive or negative review. The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.
The story is about two people living with deep wounds from the past. Wounds, that at first, appear as if healing them would be insurmountable. However, Ms. Herne has a talent for taking the insurmountable and making it happen. I felt so many different forms of emotion while reading this book. I cried, I laughed, and I cried some more. When a book can draw out those kinds of emotions from me I know it is an excellent book.
While Libby and Jax are the main characters and I loved them both, I fell in love with little Cee Cee and Libby's grandpa, Cleve. Their storylines touched my life on such deep levels.
Cleve is battling Alzheimer's Disease while Cee Cee is just being a cute little girl trying to help her single mom, Libby in their apple orchard. Jax, well, he is battling PTSD. Add all these things together and you have one wonderful heartfelt book.
One thing that really touched me personally occurred on page 165 when little Cee Cee is talking about she helped two classmates, Henry and Dottie. My husband's first name is Henry and my precious mother's name was Dottie. I couldn't help but smile.
I know I have mentioned this already, but I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good 'feel-good' book.
On a 5-star scale - 5 HUGE Stars!!!!!
I would like to thank the author for my copy of A Hopeful Harvest. I received my copy for free with no expectation for a positive or negative review. The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.
Read
January 1, 2020Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Golden Grove
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Golden Grove
January 6, 2020
Great, Wonderful, Magnificent, Excellent, Terrific! Loved it!
April 7, 2020
A HOPEFUL HARVEST is an inspirational and very emotional story about two broken hearted souls, Libby and Jax who teach us what faith and courage is all about.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews