Willow's Retreat: The Harrell Family Chronicles

by Sherri Lupton Hollister

They can't go on pretending everything is okay. With the tragic death of her nephew, Dr. Willow Rider needs to make some changes before it's too late. She's not a good wife or mother, but she's an awesome therapist. Can she heed her own advice and repair her broken relationships? Will their families and the past destroy their fragile bond and their second chance at happiness? Called Saint John by his family, John Harrell is the head of the family. A leader and martyr, he always does what's best for everyone else. It's time he demands his own happiness? Can he accept help from those he loves or will he continue to make the same mistakes? When their son is targeted for being a gay firefighter and accused in his cousin's death, Willow and John join forces to protect their family and their town from the Steel Marauders motorcycle gang contriving for command of the leaderless sex trafficking cartel that once controlled the town of Leeward. Believing the Harrell family holds the key, they will stop at nothing for revenge and power. Family drama, first in series, suspense thriller, second chance romance, seasoned romance, LBGQ

ebook

Published August 24, 2021

About the author

As an only child I often entertained myself with stories. I come from a long line of storytellers. With six sons, their spouses and/or friends, grandchildren and other assorted family members, I have a wide range of characters and experiences to tap into. I write suspense and mystery often with a little darker side of life, but I believe in happy endings, the love and strength that comes from family even if it is your found family, and that good triumphs over evil.

Reviews

[Sandra Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well done drama about small town life in the coastal South. The story is centered around a couple that love each other but who have misunderstood what the other wants for thirty years to the detriment of their marriage. All the characters are nicely fleshed out and believable, including a mother-in-law from hell that readers will love to hate. Hate may be too strong a word but she definitely gets on nerves as she frets about what her church friends will think instead of worrying about what her family needs. She has also poisoned the youngest child against his mother which adds another layer to a complex story. A well told tale that has just the right amount of danger and emotional tension to hold the reader’s interest. It certainly did mine.

[Sherri Lupton Hollister]

An author shouldn't admit to making mistakes but as an indie author I'm still learning. When I ended my Leeward Files series, I thought Red Steel could do double duty as the first book in The Harrell Family Chronicles and the finale for The Leeward Files. With two books already out, I realized my mistake and put Willow's Retreat at the head of the lineup. I have to admit, this book has become one of my heart. A conversation with my oldest grandchildren, friends I met online and things happening in my community made this book happen. https://books2read.com/u/3GrjXK Willow's Retreat is on sale now at your favorite retailers.

[KB Davenport · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic story of redemption, hope and forgiveness, Willow’s Retreat is a thrill-ride from start to finish.

Family is complicated. Willow Rider knows this better than most. After years of alienation and distance, unfortunate events reunite her with her estranged loved ones. Throughout her journey, Willow and the extended Harrell family are faced with threats to their happiness and safety. Although they have their differences, the Harrells find common ground and stick together, with the exception of a few bad eggs.

Hollister does a great job of navigating the complex facets of family drama. Willow’s situation is relatable and heart-breaking. As someone who has dealt with deciding between advancing professionally or remaining part of a close-knit family, I identified with her predicament. I also enjoyed the LGBTQ representation and the issues sexual identity raises within family and community. It reminded me of my own troubles fitting in with others who are less accepting and the pain that causes when the judgment comes from one’s own family.

Willow’s Retreat is at once exciting and familiar. It paints a vivid picture of family strife and small-town life while adding bits of flair and suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Fans of romance, thrillers and drama will love the latest offering of Hollister’s Harrell Family Chronicles.

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ 💕Love 💕 the older couple trope with a twist

What initially hooked me on the book was the older couple trope with the unique twist of trying to save a 30-year marriage. What kept me engaged was the main female character Willow, who felt she was never part of the family, always on the outside. Even her youngest son made jabs about her not belonging. So she was making one last ditch effort to save her marriage or finally cut the ties. Willow’s character seemed real to me and I could feel her confusion and hurt she was suffering as the story progressed

John was always sacrificing his needs to others. When Willow was working on her degree or her fellowship, he took the boys and raised them so Willow could focus on her school. He never asked what others really wanted. John’s character was extremely passive when it comes to what he wants, putting others first, until he realizes that he is losing Willow.

One thing that had me struggling with this book was the many POV’s that weren’t just Willow and John. It began with the prologue that gives a background story of Charlie (brother of John) and Liz. Then throughout the book you hear from other family members, like Rider, son of Willow and John. These POVs didn’t necessarily move the main storyline along but may be there for future stories in the series.
Then there were continual references to things that happened in the past in the town. I couldn’t connect the dots. I think these might be from her previous Leeward series, just not sure.

[Tiffany Barnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

John and Willow are struggling in their marriage. They've been together for many years. Communication was not their best feature. This book was a second-chance romance and loved the added suspense and drama. One word...mother-in-law. 😂 I did enjoy reading the layers of the family while trying not to knock some heads together.

This was my first book by this author and I was not disappointed. I'm excited to read more about this family! 🖤

[Michelle The Outgoing Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book starts off as a second chance romance for a married couple but it evolves into romantic thriller that changes the dynamic. Willow and John’s path back to each other takes a rather interesting turn when people from her past pop back up.

I enjoyed the combination drama and suspense. It kept the book moving smoothly. John’s family is a host of colorful characters that had me laughing and screaming at the same time. His mother in particular was one woman who wouldn’t want to meet or know because of things she says and does in the story.

Look forward to reading books in the family series.

* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.

[mary arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging thriller couched in a 30 year history of not belonging. This beautifully written novel covers decades of struggles. One person doesn’t know what another has been through. Communication is so vital to resolving those areas that try to block the true love of one family member for another. Write on, Ms. Hollister!

[Reading With Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willow's Retreat - Sherri Lupton Hollister

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

::: SPOILER-FREE REVIEW :::

Rating: 4 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Well, well, well. What a surprised this was!

Not many authors dare to write about what happens after HEA…

This author does! Respect!👏

I loved this! I really didn’t think I would and was hesitant to read but I’m so glad I did.

Willow never felt part of the family. So after 30 years of marriage, she was trying to save her marriage or cut the ties.

John was always putting others needs before his, until he realizes that he is losing Willow.

This story deals with real life situations and has many honest moments.

There was no ridiculous manufactured drama, no cheating, no ex drama. Instead the author kept their problems so very real, right down to the end of the book.

What surprised me about this book was when it evolved into romantic thriller and that changed the whole dynamic. It was never boring and I found myself unable to break away from it for long. It was a fast paced and kept my heart pumping with tons of adrenaline and kept me guessing right to the end.

I have to applaud the author for how she's crafted this story and these characters. This could have easily turned into a mediocre story but there were so many more layers to this book! I've thoroughly enjoyed pulling back each and every one, and I can't wait to see what this author has in store. ❤

[Nina Romano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow’s Retreat is a wonderful, complicated, convoluted narrative by an author who is a terrific story-teller. Not only is it plot driven, but it’s also character driven, which is difficult to pull off! However, I didn’t feel the cover image or the title did the book justice. But what made up for that was a great deal of action and suspense which kept me turning pages.

I am happily awarding the novel five stars which the author merits for narrating an intriguing and captivating tale. My fondest wish is that half the people writing novels and self-publishing had the talent that S. L. Hollister has! She’s one heck of a raconteur! Blessings and thanks for an absorbing and fast read, S. L. Hollister!