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Riverbend Reunion
Back home is the best place to start over in a heart-stirring Texas romance about friendship, second chances, and small-town scandals by New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown.
Riverbend, Texas, doesn’t look like the crossroads of anywhere. But for four high school besties reuniting after twenty years, it’s a place to unpack a lot of baggage.
Risa’s headed for divorce, Mary Nell’s been kicked to the curb by her leech of a boyfriend, and Haley was just blindsided by a shocking family secret. But restless army veteran Jessica Callaway, looking to plant roots, has an corral her fellow former cheerleaders and renovate an abandoned church smack-dab in the middle of three dry counties into a bar. Throw in a grill and Wade Granger—a onetime nerd turned surprisingly crush-worthy investor—and their lives are on tap for a turnaround. Amen to that.
Except for one the white-clapboard dream is causing a ruckus. With a renewed bond, hard work, and the promise of romance, Jessica and her friends aren’t backing down. For Riverbend, this is going to be a homecoming—and a scandal—to remember.
Riverbend, Texas, doesn’t look like the crossroads of anywhere. But for four high school besties reuniting after twenty years, it’s a place to unpack a lot of baggage.
Risa’s headed for divorce, Mary Nell’s been kicked to the curb by her leech of a boyfriend, and Haley was just blindsided by a shocking family secret. But restless army veteran Jessica Callaway, looking to plant roots, has an corral her fellow former cheerleaders and renovate an abandoned church smack-dab in the middle of three dry counties into a bar. Throw in a grill and Wade Granger—a onetime nerd turned surprisingly crush-worthy investor—and their lives are on tap for a turnaround. Amen to that.
Except for one the white-clapboard dream is causing a ruckus. With a renewed bond, hard work, and the promise of romance, Jessica and her friends aren’t backing down. For Riverbend, this is going to be a homecoming—and a scandal—to remember.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2022
2096 people are currently reading
4691 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
182 books4,136 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 339 reviews
August 4, 2022
This is a Southern Women's Fiction/Romance. Carolyn Brown has become one of my favorite authors, and this book did not let me down. I loved this book from the beginning to the end. I loved all the characters in this book. I love that the beginning of this book starts off with a group of women that was best friends in high school coming together after a hard time in life, and they overcome their challenges together and become closer friends. This book shows sometimes family is not the people you share blood with, but the people that will stand with you and make you better. I really enjoyed every moment I spent reading this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Montlake) or author (Carolyn Brown) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
June 21, 2022
RIVERBEND REUNION is a slow burn contemporary story that I was pulled in to from the very first page. To be honest, I fell in love with the cover the minute I saw it. I knew I would read it anyway, because I love Carolyn Brown, but the cover really pulled me in. It made me think of country fairs and summer carnivals. I loved everything about this beautiful story and I’m excited to recommend it to my reading friends. Carolyn Brown always has a way of grabbing her readers and she never lets us go. Four best friends from high school who find themselves all together again, twenty years later, relying on each other once again! What more could you ask for? I can’t forget 16-year-old twins Daisy and Lily, who are Risa’s daughters, and Mary Nell’s dad Oscar who completes this wonderful and unforgettable group. Jessica is back in Riverbend, Texas as she has just learned her uncle left her a church. A church that has been abandoned for years. What will she do with it?
RIVERBEND REUNION really takes a turn that will have you unable to put this beautiful story down. Neither Wade or Jessica are looking for a relationship, but they can’t seem to ignore their growing feelings. Both are learning that what you consider family, doesn’t always share your DNA. So here we have these two crossing paths and each time, there is a pull to see more of each other. This causes all sorts of rumors and gossip. It was cute watching these two dance around their feelings for each other. I just didn’t want to see Haley get hurt again like she did in the past. She’s had a very rough life and I couldn’t help but cheer her on through out this heart warming story!
RIVERBEND REUNION is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Carolyn Brown was taking us and what would happen to Jessica and Wade. I really loved how the whole community came to Jessica and Wade’s aid and only wanted them to feel loved and realize that they were home. There is so much heart in Carolyn’s writing that I’m always left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. I would love to hang out with Jessica, Haley, Risa, and Mary Nell . I’m sure they could teach me a thing or two and I know they would keep my laughing all day long! I love how Carolyn does that to me each and every time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
RIVERBEND REUNION really takes a turn that will have you unable to put this beautiful story down. Neither Wade or Jessica are looking for a relationship, but they can’t seem to ignore their growing feelings. Both are learning that what you consider family, doesn’t always share your DNA. So here we have these two crossing paths and each time, there is a pull to see more of each other. This causes all sorts of rumors and gossip. It was cute watching these two dance around their feelings for each other. I just didn’t want to see Haley get hurt again like she did in the past. She’s had a very rough life and I couldn’t help but cheer her on through out this heart warming story!
RIVERBEND REUNION is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Carolyn Brown was taking us and what would happen to Jessica and Wade. I really loved how the whole community came to Jessica and Wade’s aid and only wanted them to feel loved and realize that they were home. There is so much heart in Carolyn’s writing that I’m always left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. I would love to hang out with Jessica, Haley, Risa, and Mary Nell . I’m sure they could teach me a thing or two and I know they would keep my laughing all day long! I love how Carolyn does that to me each and every time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
July 13, 2022
You have to love a book filled with old friendships, hurts, wants, redemption, and love. And then throw in some strong sassy women, and the families and friends that love them, ... definitely equals a recipe for a good read! Each of the characters touched me in different ways and reminded me of the best things in life. It's a good story of finding roots and wings.
May 30, 2022
Publication Date: 14th June 2022
4 stars
One Liner: Heartwarming story about friendships and second chances
• Jessica- army vet; restless and tensed
• Risa- mom of twin teen girls (in the middle of a divorce)
• Mary Nell- kicked out by a loser boyfriend
• Haley- dealing with a family secret and unexpected change
• Wade- army vet; struggling to come to terms with his brother’s death
Jessica, Risa, Mary Nell, and Haley are cheerleaders and buddies from school. Wade was their senior, but it’s these four that share a deep bond with each other. They are back home in Texas after twenty years and find their lives at crossroads.
Jessica inherits an old church (that hasn’t been in use for years) and has no idea what to do with it. A chance meeting with her friends and Wade gives her a new project and a reason to put down her roots. They decide to turn the unused church into a grill and bar.
Of course, it’s not an easy job. Apart from the physical work involved, the friends have to deal with their personal lives and the opposition from the religious folk in the town. It’s up to them to stand with each other, make tough decisions, and rebuild their lives with love and friendship.
My Observations:
First things first. I wasn’t entirely sure about the idea of converting a church into a bar. But a quick search assured me that this has happened a few times before. I realized it wouldn’t be appropriate to compare different cultures (mine to others) and get things too tangled up for no reason.
This is my second book by the author and is slightly heavier than the first. But it is just as heartwarming with well-etched characters and good touches of humor.
There’s loads of food- pancakes, flavored waffles, ice creams, lemon pound cake, half a dozen types of cookies, and sigh! I’m drooling.
The relationship between the friends was the best part of the book. Even though the story didn’t seem to progress much in some places, the interactions make it worth reading.
The twin girls, Lily and Daisy, are such sweethearts. If only we had teens like them around! Despite the stress and family issues, the girls are not bitter, cranky, or grumpy. They are lively, confident, assertive, sassy, and sweet. I love them.
There’s slow-burn romance too, but the central plot is about the friends and their lives. I like Wade’s character. He is friendly, supportive, understanding, and compassionate.
There are some not-so-loving characters too. Grandma Martha and Grandma Stella compete for the most disliked character. They are similar as well- two people using religion and God as tools to control and dominate their own family members.
Oscar is such a fun person and the complete opposite of these ladies. This book doesn’t have the main lead. Instead, it has eight people trying to work things out for the best.
There are no major obstacles or hurdles for the group. Things pretty much go as per the plan (which rarely happens), but I wasn’t looking for realistic fiction. I enjoyed the story as it is.
The pace dips in the middle but picks up in the third part. The ending is sweet and, of course, has a HEA, which is all I want after reading 300 pages. The epilogue ties up things neatly (a little too neat, but who cares).
To sum up, Riverbend Reunion is a slightly heavy but heartwarming story about a group of friends looking to find a place to call home.
Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #RiverbendReunion
4 stars
One Liner: Heartwarming story about friendships and second chances
• Jessica- army vet; restless and tensed
• Risa- mom of twin teen girls (in the middle of a divorce)
• Mary Nell- kicked out by a loser boyfriend
• Haley- dealing with a family secret and unexpected change
• Wade- army vet; struggling to come to terms with his brother’s death
Jessica, Risa, Mary Nell, and Haley are cheerleaders and buddies from school. Wade was their senior, but it’s these four that share a deep bond with each other. They are back home in Texas after twenty years and find their lives at crossroads.
Jessica inherits an old church (that hasn’t been in use for years) and has no idea what to do with it. A chance meeting with her friends and Wade gives her a new project and a reason to put down her roots. They decide to turn the unused church into a grill and bar.
Of course, it’s not an easy job. Apart from the physical work involved, the friends have to deal with their personal lives and the opposition from the religious folk in the town. It’s up to them to stand with each other, make tough decisions, and rebuild their lives with love and friendship.
My Observations:
First things first. I wasn’t entirely sure about the idea of converting a church into a bar. But a quick search assured me that this has happened a few times before. I realized it wouldn’t be appropriate to compare different cultures (mine to others) and get things too tangled up for no reason.
This is my second book by the author and is slightly heavier than the first. But it is just as heartwarming with well-etched characters and good touches of humor.
There’s loads of food- pancakes, flavored waffles, ice creams, lemon pound cake, half a dozen types of cookies, and sigh! I’m drooling.
The relationship between the friends was the best part of the book. Even though the story didn’t seem to progress much in some places, the interactions make it worth reading.
The twin girls, Lily and Daisy, are such sweethearts. If only we had teens like them around! Despite the stress and family issues, the girls are not bitter, cranky, or grumpy. They are lively, confident, assertive, sassy, and sweet. I love them.
There’s slow-burn romance too, but the central plot is about the friends and their lives. I like Wade’s character. He is friendly, supportive, understanding, and compassionate.
There are some not-so-loving characters too. Grandma Martha and Grandma Stella compete for the most disliked character. They are similar as well- two people using religion and God as tools to control and dominate their own family members.
Oscar is such a fun person and the complete opposite of these ladies. This book doesn’t have the main lead. Instead, it has eight people trying to work things out for the best.
There are no major obstacles or hurdles for the group. Things pretty much go as per the plan (which rarely happens), but I wasn’t looking for realistic fiction. I enjoyed the story as it is.
The pace dips in the middle but picks up in the third part. The ending is sweet and, of course, has a HEA, which is all I want after reading 300 pages. The epilogue ties up things neatly (a little too neat, but who cares).
To sum up, Riverbend Reunion is a slightly heavy but heartwarming story about a group of friends looking to find a place to call home.
Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #RiverbendReunion
June 18, 2022
Review coming soon.
June 9, 2022
My Thoughts
Riverbend, Texas is a small town setting for the four former high school school cheerleaders-best friends reuniting after twenty years, along with another former classmate who has made his own way back to town.
It’s also turns out to be a place to find their individual and collective peace as well as other hard won accomplishments for all of them.
Risa’s marriage is over, Mary Nell’s 20-year bad choice of a boyfriend has finally outlived her tolerance, Haley finds out a shocking family secret, retired after serving 20-year in the army veterans Jessica Callaway and Wade Granger round out the main characters homecoming party.
Of course can't forget almost 17-year-old twins of Risa's, Daisy and Lily, along with Mary Nell's dad Oscar who complete an unforgettable group.
New beginnings, starting a business, relationships rekindled, scandal and a sweet romance romance are just a few highlights.
Told by one of my favorite contemporary authors, whose small towns so much call out to come live in them, this was another story that I read entirely too fast as it flowed so well from beginning to end for me.
[EArc from Netgalley]
August 2, 2022
A feel-good little drama
Not very exciting, but a good story of friendship. A light-hearted summer read with humor, some (not heavy) emotions, and a bit of PG romance. Well-developed characters. Basically all the friends get together in their small hometown and end up staying and becoming a big family who build a business together. Each character and the characters as a whole have some issues/conflicts/adversities that they face. A pleasant ending.
Thank you Montlake and Carolyn Brown for the free copy through Goodreads giveaway.
Not very exciting, but a good story of friendship. A light-hearted summer read with humor, some (not heavy) emotions, and a bit of PG romance. Well-developed characters. Basically all the friends get together in their small hometown and end up staying and becoming a big family who build a business together. Each character and the characters as a whole have some issues/conflicts/adversities that they face. A pleasant ending.
Thank you Montlake and Carolyn Brown for the free copy through Goodreads giveaway.
June 23, 2022
Very enjoyable sweet reunion story!
September 25, 2022
I will admit to requesting this book from Netgalley on the strength of a pretty cover and a cute, if somewhat cliched, synopsis. This turned out to be a bit of a mistake as Riverbend Reunion will probably get the prize for the worst book I’ve read all year. (Well, attempted to read, it was a DNF.)
Brown needs to look up the ‘show not tell’ method and give it a go. She also could do with some lessons on dialogue. The place setting had no appealing flora or fauna but instead just offered up some embarrassingly backward Texans. It’s pretty horrifying to think that so many crazy religious extremist nutters are on the loose in America, aided and abetted by their weird laws surrounding churches, bars, guns and drinking.
I did try to finish but there was only so many ‘y’all wanna put some country music on and talk about our ol’ uncle’s sermons’ I could take. Obviously 1 star
Brown needs to look up the ‘show not tell’ method and give it a go. She also could do with some lessons on dialogue. The place setting had no appealing flora or fauna but instead just offered up some embarrassingly backward Texans. It’s pretty horrifying to think that so many crazy religious extremist nutters are on the loose in America, aided and abetted by their weird laws surrounding churches, bars, guns and drinking.
I did try to finish but there was only so many ‘y’all wanna put some country music on and talk about our ol’ uncle’s sermons’ I could take. Obviously 1 star
July 3, 2022
excellent, as usual.
I love reading about these wonderful characters and the obstacles they encounter on their journeys through life. They are so very Real, like a neighbor, or childhood friend. I love this author!
I love reading about these wonderful characters and the obstacles they encounter on their journeys through life. They are so very Real, like a neighbor, or childhood friend. I love this author!
February 10, 2022
Ms. Brown pens an absolutely delightful tale about the later in life reunion of best friends. Two survived and left bad marriages, one was fooled by a deceitful man and one survived a long tour in Afghanistan. Joining the group was Wade, whose now deceased brother was close to the girls. He also survived a tour there and was also trying to find his place. When they made their own family group along with a few peripheral members, they found their peace and a strong sense of belonging. Ms. Brown creates wonderful characters, with descriptions so crisp and full, you can not only see their physical appearance in your mind's eye, but can also see their emotions and thought processes. Her cast of characters contain many people we would all love to have as friends and a few we'd just love to smack the tar out of. The group overcame opposition to achieve their dreams...together. I highly recommend this book to anyone who could use a book that incites a feel good mood.
I received this book as an ARC, no strings attached and give my opinion freely.
I received this book as an ARC, no strings attached and give my opinion freely.
Read
December 24, 2022*I DNF’d this book at 15%*
If you are into Southern Women’s Fiction about friends coming together through hard times, then this book is for you.
Unfortunately this one wasn’t for me. I couldn’t get into the storyline, and had trouble relating to the characters. All of the country music references were also confusing to me, because I am not a fan of that sort of music.
There was also a lot of internal dialogue that was the voices of people that have passed in the characters’ lives, which I just couldn’t get on with.
The plot of the story was good but more based on religion than I personally like, so all in all it just wasn’t the book for me!
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for this advanced reader’s copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you are into Southern Women’s Fiction about friends coming together through hard times, then this book is for you.
Unfortunately this one wasn’t for me. I couldn’t get into the storyline, and had trouble relating to the characters. All of the country music references were also confusing to me, because I am not a fan of that sort of music.
There was also a lot of internal dialogue that was the voices of people that have passed in the characters’ lives, which I just couldn’t get on with.
The plot of the story was good but more based on religion than I personally like, so all in all it just wasn’t the book for me!
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for this advanced reader’s copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 4, 2022
I feel like I was reading a different book than the rest of these reviewers. This book was painfully boring! The basic plot sounded like it could be good, but the execution was terrible. From the beginning when every little thing falls into place, I could already tell it wasn't going to get any better, but I stuck around until about 20% in, and then finally gave up.
April 2, 2022
What a cute read about small town love. A great novel about friends and living in a tight knit community.
read if you love: small town living, "all for one" mentality
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
read if you love: small town living, "all for one" mentality
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 2, 2023
I chose to do a re-read and in audio edition this time around. I thoroughly enjoyed having familiar Brittany Pressley as the narrator. She captured the essence of the story and the cast of characters including the core group of friends.
My original thoughts are unchanged:
Four high school besties grew up and scattered, but twenty years later, they have all returned to their home town looking for home, looking for a second chance, and finding more than they could ever hope for. Carolyn Brown’s country charmer celebrates friendship, feistiness, and family in a small town setting.
Riverbend Reunion is a standalone crossover of women’s fiction and contemporary romance. A little country Texas town is the backdrop and the cast of characters represent two ex-military fighting PTSD and lonely as the last in their families, a divorced woman tossed out by husband and unwanted by her own mother to raise her twin teen girls on her own, a school counselor with family secrets, and woman who helped her husband get to Nashville only for him to ‘out with the old’ on her, and finally, a feisty old gent who will shoot any of the male varmints who broke these women’s hearts. Carolyn Brown excels at multi-generational characters, relationship building, everyday life with a pinch of spice and humor, and conflicts that make it interesting though the tone stays heartwarming and comfortable. This book has all of that.
The main characters are the four women and the plot focuses on them coming home from various past failures to get back on their feet and heal. Jessica’s romance with Wade Granger is also in the forefront. I loved meeting them all, learning what happened in the intervening years since they left high school and home, and seeing them take a slightly outlandish idea and make a go of it.
I loved all the characters- the four women, Mary Ellen’s widowed dad, quiet Wade, the two bubbly teen girls, and oh yes, Risa’s annoying self-righteous mama. The story is told from the women and Wade’s perspectives and keeps a light and fun tone even though there is some drama to be dealt with. The pacing is easy-going and the plot is all about this group taking the abandoned church property and turning it into a bar while helping each other face down and fix their problems. I was engaged from the beginning and wanted to see these gals and Wade get past the pain and troubles to something special. There are a few confrontation moments and I had no doubt they would best their opponents, but I appreciated that the author made them vulnerable, but still strong and capable survivors. Family is where you find it and I loved seeing them figure that out.
All in all, it was a fabulous, touching, and often funny read. Loved being with this group of characters and seeing their dreams come together in the quirky bar. Definitely recommend to those who want something light and heartwarming that will leave one smiling.
My original thoughts are unchanged:
Four high school besties grew up and scattered, but twenty years later, they have all returned to their home town looking for home, looking for a second chance, and finding more than they could ever hope for. Carolyn Brown’s country charmer celebrates friendship, feistiness, and family in a small town setting.
Riverbend Reunion is a standalone crossover of women’s fiction and contemporary romance. A little country Texas town is the backdrop and the cast of characters represent two ex-military fighting PTSD and lonely as the last in their families, a divorced woman tossed out by husband and unwanted by her own mother to raise her twin teen girls on her own, a school counselor with family secrets, and woman who helped her husband get to Nashville only for him to ‘out with the old’ on her, and finally, a feisty old gent who will shoot any of the male varmints who broke these women’s hearts. Carolyn Brown excels at multi-generational characters, relationship building, everyday life with a pinch of spice and humor, and conflicts that make it interesting though the tone stays heartwarming and comfortable. This book has all of that.
The main characters are the four women and the plot focuses on them coming home from various past failures to get back on their feet and heal. Jessica’s romance with Wade Granger is also in the forefront. I loved meeting them all, learning what happened in the intervening years since they left high school and home, and seeing them take a slightly outlandish idea and make a go of it.
I loved all the characters- the four women, Mary Ellen’s widowed dad, quiet Wade, the two bubbly teen girls, and oh yes, Risa’s annoying self-righteous mama. The story is told from the women and Wade’s perspectives and keeps a light and fun tone even though there is some drama to be dealt with. The pacing is easy-going and the plot is all about this group taking the abandoned church property and turning it into a bar while helping each other face down and fix their problems. I was engaged from the beginning and wanted to see these gals and Wade get past the pain and troubles to something special. There are a few confrontation moments and I had no doubt they would best their opponents, but I appreciated that the author made them vulnerable, but still strong and capable survivors. Family is where you find it and I loved seeing them figure that out.
All in all, it was a fabulous, touching, and often funny read. Loved being with this group of characters and seeing their dreams come together in the quirky bar. Definitely recommend to those who want something light and heartwarming that will leave one smiling.
June 13, 2022
Fabulous Read By Carolyn brown
Riverbend Reunion 🔻🔻
Always well written books by Carolyn brown.
Thank you. Absolutely loved this story.
Riverbend Texas
So long ago 4 friends
Each went there own way, Best friend's in school cheerleaders,
Jessica, Mary Neil, Risa, and Haley,
20 years have gone by but still best friends. Even though they haven't seen each other for that time.
It's like no time has passed once they meet up again. Each having had some times, they would like to leave behind. This Reunion brings them back together for more than anyone would have thought.
Jessica inherited a old Church ,
With the help of old friends
New life will take place.
For all.
Love small town stories.
This is another Fabulous Read.
Thank you Carolyn Brown.
Riverbend Reunion 🔻🔻
Always well written books by Carolyn brown.
Thank you. Absolutely loved this story.
Riverbend Texas
So long ago 4 friends
Each went there own way, Best friend's in school cheerleaders,
Jessica, Mary Neil, Risa, and Haley,
20 years have gone by but still best friends. Even though they haven't seen each other for that time.
It's like no time has passed once they meet up again. Each having had some times, they would like to leave behind. This Reunion brings them back together for more than anyone would have thought.
Jessica inherited a old Church ,
With the help of old friends
New life will take place.
For all.
Love small town stories.
This is another Fabulous Read.
Thank you Carolyn Brown.
June 29, 2022
Such a great story that totally encompasses life.
Thanks to the internet, it is easier than ever to stay connected with friends from 5, 10, 20, years ago. But for places like Riverbend, Texas, the setting for Riverbend Reunion, the main characters of this story are living life side-by-side!
Carolyn Brown weaves a remarkable story that encompasses life on so many distinct levels. New Love. Divorce. Death. PTSD. Family Secrets. And… No spoilers from me 😉
The main character, Jessica, is an Army Veteran and she is back in Riverbend to settle her uncle’s estate after he passes. What comes next is as much of a surprise to us as it is to Jessica. Once back in Riverbend, Jessica connects with her three closest friends and these four women truly become a dynamic powerhouse when they are together. The love and respect they have for each other is both envious and realistic. Each one is honest and forthright in ways that you (I at least) agree and disagree with based on the circumstances.
Equally important is the men in this story. Wade, a high school friend of Jessica, and Oscar, the father of Mary Nell, one of Jessica’s closest friends. Wade and Oscar are good ol’ boys in the ways of Riverbend Texas but these two men also show us the love and respect for women, of any age, which should not be forgotten.
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for this e-ARC.
Thanks to the internet, it is easier than ever to stay connected with friends from 5, 10, 20, years ago. But for places like Riverbend, Texas, the setting for Riverbend Reunion, the main characters of this story are living life side-by-side!
Carolyn Brown weaves a remarkable story that encompasses life on so many distinct levels. New Love. Divorce. Death. PTSD. Family Secrets. And… No spoilers from me 😉
The main character, Jessica, is an Army Veteran and she is back in Riverbend to settle her uncle’s estate after he passes. What comes next is as much of a surprise to us as it is to Jessica. Once back in Riverbend, Jessica connects with her three closest friends and these four women truly become a dynamic powerhouse when they are together. The love and respect they have for each other is both envious and realistic. Each one is honest and forthright in ways that you (I at least) agree and disagree with based on the circumstances.
Equally important is the men in this story. Wade, a high school friend of Jessica, and Oscar, the father of Mary Nell, one of Jessica’s closest friends. Wade and Oscar are good ol’ boys in the ways of Riverbend Texas but these two men also show us the love and respect for women, of any age, which should not be forgotten.
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for this e-ARC.
June 2, 2023
Four high school besties grew up and scattered, but twenty years later, they have all returned to their home town looking for home, looking for a second chance, and finding more than they could ever hope for. Carolyn Brown’s country charmer celebrates friendship, feistiness, and family in a small town setting.
Riverbend Reunion is a standalone crossover of women’s fiction and contemporary romance. A little country Texas town is the backdrop and the cast of characters represent two ex-military fighting PTSD and lonely as the last in their families, a divorced woman tossed out by husband and unwanted by her own mother to raise her twin teen girls on her own, a school counselor with family secrets, and woman who helped her husband get to Nashville only for him to ‘out with the old’ on her, and finally, a feisty old gent who will shoot any of the male varmints who broke these women’s hearts. Carolyn Brown excels at multi-generational characters, relationship building, everyday life with a pinch of spice and humor, and conflicts that make it interesting though the tone stays heartwarming and comfortable. This book has all of that.
The main characters are the four women and the plot focuses on them coming home from various past failures to get back on their feet and heal. Jessica’s romance with Wade Granger is also in the forefront. I loved meeting them all, learning what happened in the intervening years since they left high school and home, and seeing them take a slightly outlandish idea and make a go of it.
I loved all the characters- the four women, Mary Ellen’s widowed dad, quiet Wade, the two bubbly teen girls, and oh yes, Risa’s annoying self-righteous mama. The story is told from the women and Wade’s perspectives and keeps a light and fun tone even though there is some drama to be dealt with. The pacing is easy-going and the plot is all about this group taking the abandoned church property and turning it into a bar while helping each other face down and fix their problems. I was engaged from the beginning and wanted to see these gals and Wade get past the pain and troubles to something special. There are a few confrontation moments and I had no doubt they would best their opponents, but I appreciated that the author made them vulnerable, but still strong and capable survivors. Family is where you find it and I loved seeing them figure that out.
All in all, it was a fabulous, touching, and often funny read. Loved being with this group of characters and seeing their dreams come together in the quirky bar. Definitely recommend to those who want something light and heartwarming that will leave one smiling.
Riverbend Reunion is a standalone crossover of women’s fiction and contemporary romance. A little country Texas town is the backdrop and the cast of characters represent two ex-military fighting PTSD and lonely as the last in their families, a divorced woman tossed out by husband and unwanted by her own mother to raise her twin teen girls on her own, a school counselor with family secrets, and woman who helped her husband get to Nashville only for him to ‘out with the old’ on her, and finally, a feisty old gent who will shoot any of the male varmints who broke these women’s hearts. Carolyn Brown excels at multi-generational characters, relationship building, everyday life with a pinch of spice and humor, and conflicts that make it interesting though the tone stays heartwarming and comfortable. This book has all of that.
The main characters are the four women and the plot focuses on them coming home from various past failures to get back on their feet and heal. Jessica’s romance with Wade Granger is also in the forefront. I loved meeting them all, learning what happened in the intervening years since they left high school and home, and seeing them take a slightly outlandish idea and make a go of it.
I loved all the characters- the four women, Mary Ellen’s widowed dad, quiet Wade, the two bubbly teen girls, and oh yes, Risa’s annoying self-righteous mama. The story is told from the women and Wade’s perspectives and keeps a light and fun tone even though there is some drama to be dealt with. The pacing is easy-going and the plot is all about this group taking the abandoned church property and turning it into a bar while helping each other face down and fix their problems. I was engaged from the beginning and wanted to see these gals and Wade get past the pain and troubles to something special. There are a few confrontation moments and I had no doubt they would best their opponents, but I appreciated that the author made them vulnerable, but still strong and capable survivors. Family is where you find it and I loved seeing them figure that out.
All in all, it was a fabulous, touching, and often funny read. Loved being with this group of characters and seeing their dreams come together in the quirky bar. Definitely recommend to those who want something light and heartwarming that will leave one smiling.
April 24, 2022
5+++ Stars
There is no place like home, but can you really come home again? Well four friends did that and even though they had only spoken to one another through modern technology over the last twenty years, when they saw each other again it was like they had never left Riverbend. Jessica has come back to put down roots, Risa and her two daughters have returned after she has left her husband, Haley came back to bury her mother and she finds out a big family secret and Mary Nell did not see what was coming her way when she was kick out by her longtime boyfriend. These women were together again and the sisterhood would see them through all what was to come next. A surprise for all of the was Wage Granger who was the brother of a former graduate with them, Danny, wades younger brother, and he was just a few years older than them, became part of their little family... Jessica, with all their help will take the church that was left to her by her uncle into a bar. But the town folk have something to say about this, headed up by Rias’s mother. Despite the challenges these four friends along with Wade and Mary Nells’s father Oscar and the twins Daisy and Lily, they see their plans and dreams come true. As Jessica and Wade become business partners, there is a spark of chemistry for these two who both did not know in their teenage years had a crush on one another. Will it be more than just business for these two?
I knew when I started to read this book from the first page, that it was going to be another wonderful heartwarming, funny and emotional read. Just what Carolyn Brown does best. She gives us characters that are likable and make us want to sit down and have a glass of tea and a chat and tell each other all that has been happening in our lives. She also gives us those character’s we want to dislike and you are cheering them on to get what they deserve for being mean and spiteful... This book had me laughing, and crying, especially when songs were being discussed, and my mother’s fav song that she loved and sang to all her grandchildren to get them to quiet or sleep... It brought my mom close to me again. If a book can do that for me it is defiantly a great book for me.
Three cheers to you Carolyn Brown for another book that will be flying off the shelves and downloaded or listened to. You are not going to want to miss having this book on your TBR shelf.
Thank you to Carlolyn Brown for giving me a copy of this book for my honest review.
There is no place like home, but can you really come home again? Well four friends did that and even though they had only spoken to one another through modern technology over the last twenty years, when they saw each other again it was like they had never left Riverbend. Jessica has come back to put down roots, Risa and her two daughters have returned after she has left her husband, Haley came back to bury her mother and she finds out a big family secret and Mary Nell did not see what was coming her way when she was kick out by her longtime boyfriend. These women were together again and the sisterhood would see them through all what was to come next. A surprise for all of the was Wage Granger who was the brother of a former graduate with them, Danny, wades younger brother, and he was just a few years older than them, became part of their little family... Jessica, with all their help will take the church that was left to her by her uncle into a bar. But the town folk have something to say about this, headed up by Rias’s mother. Despite the challenges these four friends along with Wade and Mary Nells’s father Oscar and the twins Daisy and Lily, they see their plans and dreams come true. As Jessica and Wade become business partners, there is a spark of chemistry for these two who both did not know in their teenage years had a crush on one another. Will it be more than just business for these two?
I knew when I started to read this book from the first page, that it was going to be another wonderful heartwarming, funny and emotional read. Just what Carolyn Brown does best. She gives us characters that are likable and make us want to sit down and have a glass of tea and a chat and tell each other all that has been happening in our lives. She also gives us those character’s we want to dislike and you are cheering them on to get what they deserve for being mean and spiteful... This book had me laughing, and crying, especially when songs were being discussed, and my mother’s fav song that she loved and sang to all her grandchildren to get them to quiet or sleep... It brought my mom close to me again. If a book can do that for me it is defiantly a great book for me.
Three cheers to you Carolyn Brown for another book that will be flying off the shelves and downloaded or listened to. You are not going to want to miss having this book on your TBR shelf.
Thank you to Carlolyn Brown for giving me a copy of this book for my honest review.
March 28, 2022
The characters made this story entertaining, with laugh aloud moments as well as a few tears along the way. This is a story of friendship and discovering who your real family is. Four former cheerleaders reunite in the small Texas town of Riverbend and decide to use Jessica’s inheritance to create a new business. The problem is that the inheritance is a church and the business that they plan to open is a bar. With the author’s signature sassy style, this book kept me engaged and captured by the stories of the friends and their pasts as well as their look towards a brighter future. Jessica and Wade are both army veterans with PTSD and losses that haunt them. Mary Nell and Risa have escaped controlling husbands whose soul aim was to use them and make them feel worthless. Haley is a teacher who doesn’t know what she wants for her future, but she knows that there is change coming. Added to the mix is Mary Nell’s father Oscar, a gruff and wise older man who was my favorite character because I never knew what he would come up with next. Of course, there is conflict since Risa’s mother is a self-righteous busybody who is determined to stop their new business venture in its tracks. The addition of Risa’s twin teen daughters added so much to the story because their humor and positive attitudes in the face of all kinds of opposition was admirable and kept the story moving along at a humorous and fun-loving pace. I enjoyed the story which was an irreverent look at judgmental people and how their arguments are flawed and self-serving. The humor and the romance made this story so entertaining that I had a movie of the action playing in my mind as I read it. Fans of the author and those who enjoy being entertained and engaged with realistic characters will enjoy this book. It is women’s fiction at its best!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
November 4, 2022
Riverbend Reunion is a story about four high school friends who reconnect in their hometown of Riverbend, Texas. Jessica has returned to see the property her uncle left her. It was a former church that had been abandoned for many years. Risa, a mother of twin 16 year old girls, returned after being kicked out of her husband's family's compound. Haley returned to go through her childhood home after her mother died and Mary Nell returned after ending her relationship with a wannabe country music star. They also rekindle a friendship with Wade who returned to the area after his younger brother was killed in service to our country. After giving the former church much though, the group decided to turn it into a bar and grill.
I thoroughly enjoyed the friendship between the friends. They supported each other and worked well as a team. The twins, Daisy and Lily, were two of my favorite characters. They had some of the best takes on how solve issues. The slow romance between Jessica and Wade was sweet. They connected through their recent military service and well as being partners in the bar and grill. I would love to read more about how the group fares in additional books. Carolyn Brown did a great job of writing an interesting and compelling story. I look forward to reading additional books by her.
I want to thank Carolyn Brown, Montlake Publishing, and NetGalley for the e-ARC and the opportunity to read and review this novel.
I thoroughly enjoyed the friendship between the friends. They supported each other and worked well as a team. The twins, Daisy and Lily, were two of my favorite characters. They had some of the best takes on how solve issues. The slow romance between Jessica and Wade was sweet. They connected through their recent military service and well as being partners in the bar and grill. I would love to read more about how the group fares in additional books. Carolyn Brown did a great job of writing an interesting and compelling story. I look forward to reading additional books by her.
I want to thank Carolyn Brown, Montlake Publishing, and NetGalley for the e-ARC and the opportunity to read and review this novel.
June 10, 2022
Terrific story of friendship, family, love, and new beginnings. I love this author's books, and this one kept me hooked until I finished reading it at three o'clock this morning. Her characters are relatable and have believable personalities with good and bad traits.
Though they've stayed in touch over the past twenty years, these four best friends scattered to the winds after high school graduation. Now circumstances have brought them all home again. Jessica retired from the military and returned to decide what to do with the church building she inherited from her Uncle Eli. Risa returned home with her twin daughters after leaving her controlling husband. Mary Nell was kicked out by her selfish man-child of a boyfriend, and Haley returned to bury her mother and uncovered a shocking secret.
The story opens as Jessica sits in front of the old church, waiting for her friends to arrive. There are several pages of her thinking about her life and what comes next. After twenty years of living on the move, she wants to put down roots. While she's thinking about that, an unexpected visitor arrives. Wade was a few years ahead of them in school, while his brother Danny was in their class. Both joined the military. Danny recently died overseas, and Wade is still dealing with his grief. He and Jessica spend a little time catching up before the others arrive. He's invited to join them, and we get a quick look at what's happening in everyone's lives. The question of the night is, what should Jessica do with the church? Someone floats the idea of turning it into a bar, though they all agree it would raise a ruckus if they did.
But that thought sticks in Jessica's mind, encouraged by Wade's confession that he and Danny would open a bar together. I loved the next get-together as the idea gathered steam among them. Wade offered to become a partner, Risa would be the cook, Mary Nell would run the business end, Haley would help when she wasn't working, and Jessica would wait tables and tend the bar. Wade would also tend bar. Even Mary Nell's father, Oscar, gets into the act. He makes his own wine and moonshine (legally) and would sell them to the bar and help with the renovations.
You just know, listening to Risa talk about her mama, Stella, that she will make everyone's life difficult. Wade and Jessica barely finish talking to the lawyer about their plans before Stella hears about it. Uptight and super-religious, Stella wastes no time kicking Risa and the girls out of her house for being part of it and swears that she'll do everything in her power to stop them. She also gets Risa's soon-to-be-former mother-in-law involved long distance. There are several virulent confrontations as Stella does her best to get her way. There's a hilarious scene where the twins, Lily and Daisy, come up with the perfect response to the demonstration Stella sets up at the church/bar.
I loved seeing everyone grow closer as they worked together to make the bar a reality. Everyone has brought baggage to the party, but there's plenty of support as each person deals with theirs. After being controlled by her husband and his mother for years, Risa finds the strength to stand up to them and Stella. She finds much of that strength in cooking for her friends and knowing they have her back. Mary Nell finds herself again after giving up everything to help her boyfriend follow his dream. He was a user, and I was happy to see her call his bluff when he tried to get her back. I loved her relationship with her father, Oscar, who is there for her but doesn't hesitate to say, "I told you so." Haley's trip home gives her a chance to reevaluate her life after a relationship goes wrong. Besides dealing with the shocking family secret, she's facing other unexpected changes. Having her besties there for support makes it easier.
Then there are Jessica and Wade. Each of them had a crush on the other in high school but never did anything about it. As adults, the sparks of attraction are there, but they initially try to resist. Neither wants to ruin their partnership if something goes wrong. They find comfort in talking about their shared experiences in the military, which helps them grow closer. I loved their relationship's slow, realistic development as they got to know each other before giving in to their growing feelings. I especially enjoyed Wade's gentle, compassionate nature as he cared for Jessica when she needed it and watched over the others. I ached for him and his grief over the loss of his brother and loved how making Danny's dream come true helped him heal.
I had a lot of fun watching the aspiring bar owners deal with the antics of those opposed to them. Stella is a holier-than-thou, self-righteous prig, and I laughed every time the gang got the better of her. The crowning touch was at the bar's grand opening as Oscar found the perfect way to deal with her once and for all.
I loved Risa's daughters, Lily and Daisy. They are sweet and sassy and have a great sense of humor. They are amazingly well-adjusted considering their bats**t crazy grandmothers. I loved how observant they were and quick to comment on the things they saw. I frequently laughed out loud at their words and actions. They were never truly rude, but they could be blunt when they needed to be. I especially loved their support of their mother.
I loved seeing everything that went into turning the church into a bar. From using reclaimed wood from the pews to build the bar to all the other large and small steps, I felt as though I was right there with them. I loved being there for their grand opening and witnessing their well-deserved success. The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up, and I liked seeing where they were a few months down the road.
#netgalley
Though they've stayed in touch over the past twenty years, these four best friends scattered to the winds after high school graduation. Now circumstances have brought them all home again. Jessica retired from the military and returned to decide what to do with the church building she inherited from her Uncle Eli. Risa returned home with her twin daughters after leaving her controlling husband. Mary Nell was kicked out by her selfish man-child of a boyfriend, and Haley returned to bury her mother and uncovered a shocking secret.
The story opens as Jessica sits in front of the old church, waiting for her friends to arrive. There are several pages of her thinking about her life and what comes next. After twenty years of living on the move, she wants to put down roots. While she's thinking about that, an unexpected visitor arrives. Wade was a few years ahead of them in school, while his brother Danny was in their class. Both joined the military. Danny recently died overseas, and Wade is still dealing with his grief. He and Jessica spend a little time catching up before the others arrive. He's invited to join them, and we get a quick look at what's happening in everyone's lives. The question of the night is, what should Jessica do with the church? Someone floats the idea of turning it into a bar, though they all agree it would raise a ruckus if they did.
But that thought sticks in Jessica's mind, encouraged by Wade's confession that he and Danny would open a bar together. I loved the next get-together as the idea gathered steam among them. Wade offered to become a partner, Risa would be the cook, Mary Nell would run the business end, Haley would help when she wasn't working, and Jessica would wait tables and tend the bar. Wade would also tend bar. Even Mary Nell's father, Oscar, gets into the act. He makes his own wine and moonshine (legally) and would sell them to the bar and help with the renovations.
You just know, listening to Risa talk about her mama, Stella, that she will make everyone's life difficult. Wade and Jessica barely finish talking to the lawyer about their plans before Stella hears about it. Uptight and super-religious, Stella wastes no time kicking Risa and the girls out of her house for being part of it and swears that she'll do everything in her power to stop them. She also gets Risa's soon-to-be-former mother-in-law involved long distance. There are several virulent confrontations as Stella does her best to get her way. There's a hilarious scene where the twins, Lily and Daisy, come up with the perfect response to the demonstration Stella sets up at the church/bar.
I loved seeing everyone grow closer as they worked together to make the bar a reality. Everyone has brought baggage to the party, but there's plenty of support as each person deals with theirs. After being controlled by her husband and his mother for years, Risa finds the strength to stand up to them and Stella. She finds much of that strength in cooking for her friends and knowing they have her back. Mary Nell finds herself again after giving up everything to help her boyfriend follow his dream. He was a user, and I was happy to see her call his bluff when he tried to get her back. I loved her relationship with her father, Oscar, who is there for her but doesn't hesitate to say, "I told you so." Haley's trip home gives her a chance to reevaluate her life after a relationship goes wrong. Besides dealing with the shocking family secret, she's facing other unexpected changes. Having her besties there for support makes it easier.
Then there are Jessica and Wade. Each of them had a crush on the other in high school but never did anything about it. As adults, the sparks of attraction are there, but they initially try to resist. Neither wants to ruin their partnership if something goes wrong. They find comfort in talking about their shared experiences in the military, which helps them grow closer. I loved their relationship's slow, realistic development as they got to know each other before giving in to their growing feelings. I especially enjoyed Wade's gentle, compassionate nature as he cared for Jessica when she needed it and watched over the others. I ached for him and his grief over the loss of his brother and loved how making Danny's dream come true helped him heal.
I had a lot of fun watching the aspiring bar owners deal with the antics of those opposed to them. Stella is a holier-than-thou, self-righteous prig, and I laughed every time the gang got the better of her. The crowning touch was at the bar's grand opening as Oscar found the perfect way to deal with her once and for all.
I loved Risa's daughters, Lily and Daisy. They are sweet and sassy and have a great sense of humor. They are amazingly well-adjusted considering their bats**t crazy grandmothers. I loved how observant they were and quick to comment on the things they saw. I frequently laughed out loud at their words and actions. They were never truly rude, but they could be blunt when they needed to be. I especially loved their support of their mother.
I loved seeing everything that went into turning the church into a bar. From using reclaimed wood from the pews to build the bar to all the other large and small steps, I felt as though I was right there with them. I loved being there for their grand opening and witnessing their well-deserved success. The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up, and I liked seeing where they were a few months down the road.
#netgalley
July 20, 2022
I could not put the book down. Its been awhile since I loved a book so much.
June 14, 2022
Riverbend Reunion by Carolyn Brown is another wonderful story by a very gifted author. This is a heartwarming story about real friendships and second chances. Ms. Brown adds so much more to this Womens Contemporary Fiction! There is love, secrets, new beginnings, a new business and of course some very sweet romance. Her stories always grab you from the the very beginning and do not let go until until the very end! The characters in this one are so real and well developed that you will will love them all, even the ones that are not so lovable. I loved the journey of each and everyone of them….you feel like you are right there with them all!! This story will make you laugh and also cry, and often both together!! I highly recommend this wonderfully written story, Carolyn Brown will always warm you heart!
Many thanks to Carolyn Brown and Montlake Publishing for the honor to receive an advanced copy of this sweet book in exchange for my honest review.
#riverbendreunion #carolynbrown #montlake
#arc #contemporarywomensfiction.
Many thanks to Carolyn Brown and Montlake Publishing for the honor to receive an advanced copy of this sweet book in exchange for my honest review.
#riverbendreunion #carolynbrown #montlake
#arc #contemporarywomensfiction.
June 9, 2022
Second Chance Romance later in life. I was hooked from the first page.
Jessica pulled up to the old church parking lot. Her uncle had left this and his fortune to her, in his will. What was she going to do with an old church? As she is contemplating this, Wade Granger pulls up and they start talking and before to long her best friends show up. Risa is getting divorced and has teenage twin daughters. She has been pretty much bossed around her whole life. Mary Nell was dumped by her loser boyfriend of 20 years. Haley's mom died and she is dealing with that and found out about a family secret. These friends were cheerleaders in high school and all need each other right now. Wade was the nerd in high school and wasn't in their social circle.
Now all of them are drawn together and decide what the town needs is a bar and grill and they are all going to work together.
With 1 woman in town who is so against this that she is going to make this dream very hard for them but they don't give up. I loved all of these characters and how they stick together like family with a little bit of romance thrown in.
Thanks to NetGalley and #Montlake for this book to review.
Jessica pulled up to the old church parking lot. Her uncle had left this and his fortune to her, in his will. What was she going to do with an old church? As she is contemplating this, Wade Granger pulls up and they start talking and before to long her best friends show up. Risa is getting divorced and has teenage twin daughters. She has been pretty much bossed around her whole life. Mary Nell was dumped by her loser boyfriend of 20 years. Haley's mom died and she is dealing with that and found out about a family secret. These friends were cheerleaders in high school and all need each other right now. Wade was the nerd in high school and wasn't in their social circle.
Now all of them are drawn together and decide what the town needs is a bar and grill and they are all going to work together.
With 1 woman in town who is so against this that she is going to make this dream very hard for them but they don't give up. I loved all of these characters and how they stick together like family with a little bit of romance thrown in.
Thanks to NetGalley and #Montlake for this book to review.
June 18, 2022
Just the book I was looking for: a positive story about friends and small home towns. Very enjoyable summer read.
June 1, 2022
Jessica, Risa, Mary Nell and Haley. Four women who were cheerleaders together in high school and still remain the best of friends even though after high school they went their separate ways. Twenty years later they reunite back home in Riverbend, Texas. Jessica has put in her twenty years in the army and needs to figure out what to do now. Risa and her twin daughters Daisy and Lily have been kicked out of their Kentucky home by Risa's husband prior to him divorcing her so it was back to Riverbend for them. Mary Nell worked three jobs in Nashville to support her significant other where he was sure he become a star. When he thought he finally had a contract he kicked Mary Nell out so she went home to Riverbend. Haley is a counselor at a school in Alabama and home in Riverbend for the summer.
These four fast friends who kept in touch with each other for all those twenty years sure are a messed up bunch. Now Jess has inherited a falling down former church after the death of her uncle and the ladies and Wade Granger chat outside the old church one evening and they end up agreeing to turn the building into a bar. Whoa Nellie! That doesn't go over well with some of the Riverbend population, especially Risa's holier-than-thou mother. Too bad!
I love Carolyn Brown's stories. She always manages to write characters I'd love to know and become their friend. Her stories, and especially this one, are emotionally satisfying reads that in the end make your heart happy. I'm ready to head out to Danny's Place for the great food and drinks served there.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
These four fast friends who kept in touch with each other for all those twenty years sure are a messed up bunch. Now Jess has inherited a falling down former church after the death of her uncle and the ladies and Wade Granger chat outside the old church one evening and they end up agreeing to turn the building into a bar. Whoa Nellie! That doesn't go over well with some of the Riverbend population, especially Risa's holier-than-thou mother. Too bad!
I love Carolyn Brown's stories. She always manages to write characters I'd love to know and become their friend. Her stories, and especially this one, are emotionally satisfying reads that in the end make your heart happy. I'm ready to head out to Danny's Place for the great food and drinks served there.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
June 8, 2022
Riverbend Reunion by Carolyn Brown is all about a group of friends all coming back together after leaving school twenty or more years ago. Along with them come the delightful sixteen year old twins belonging to Risa one of the women. Each of the women have had challenges to face and now they are ready to take on a new life.
As it happens Jessica's being left an old church gives them the opportunity to do something entirely new. Plus Wade another ex military person is along for the ride as well.
This story is about found family, friendship and good will. It also has something to say about religion when it goes completely daft and ridiculous.
It's a low-key, warm hearted read, with of course everything working out well and hearts that were hurt now mending and moving on.
As it happens Jessica's being left an old church gives them the opportunity to do something entirely new. Plus Wade another ex military person is along for the ride as well.
This story is about found family, friendship and good will. It also has something to say about religion when it goes completely daft and ridiculous.
It's a low-key, warm hearted read, with of course everything working out well and hearts that were hurt now mending and moving on.
June 19, 2022
What is a story? Webster says it is “the intrigue or plot of a narrative or dramatic work. Riverbend Reunion fits that definition completely. This book has it all. It has intrigue, plots, friendship, drama, and emotions. I cried. I laughed. I cringed. But most of all I could not put this book down. You see, Riverbend is a small town in Texas, but it is identical and indistinguishable from the thousands of small towns in America. Number one comparison, gossip is rampant. The town thrives on gossip. Riverbend is no different. Gossip is Queen. What you learn from gossip is the accepted truth, whether it is true or not.
This book is also the story of friendship, the long and ageless type of friendship. It defines and illustrates how that friendship is meant to be. I did not find this book to be a romance until the very end.
This is also the story of family, either the blood kin or the put together family from those that support you. You will find out how mothers sometimes treat their children, and it will horrify you as you will recognize the traits in today’s world.
However, the heart of this novel is love. Not romantic love but the love of family, fathers, mothers, children, and the love of friends. This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. It truly touched my heart.
Carolyn Brown is known for her true and realistic characters, her description of the surroundings, and her love of laughter. All this is true of this book. Only now she can add making you feel the love in her books, and that is no easy skill.
I received an ARC of this book for a review, but this review is true and honest from my heart. Thank you, Carolyn Brown, for making us feel and please keep writing.
This book is also the story of friendship, the long and ageless type of friendship. It defines and illustrates how that friendship is meant to be. I did not find this book to be a romance until the very end.
This is also the story of family, either the blood kin or the put together family from those that support you. You will find out how mothers sometimes treat their children, and it will horrify you as you will recognize the traits in today’s world.
However, the heart of this novel is love. Not romantic love but the love of family, fathers, mothers, children, and the love of friends. This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. It truly touched my heart.
Carolyn Brown is known for her true and realistic characters, her description of the surroundings, and her love of laughter. All this is true of this book. Only now she can add making you feel the love in her books, and that is no easy skill.
I received an ARC of this book for a review, but this review is true and honest from my heart. Thank you, Carolyn Brown, for making us feel and please keep writing.
May 17, 2022
This is a poignant story that has quite a bit of small town, religious flavor. Not religious in that the author is pushing religion but the small town has a very religious component that the group of women need to overcome in order for them to be able to live their lives. (And build a bar close to a dry area). While there is romance, the romance is generally, in my opinion, secondary to the friendship and development of a family that is stronger than blood. I enjoyed the book although it felt a little plodding to me. I really liked all the characters too. I think I expected something a little different but overall, it was an interesting and well written story that highlighted the good and bad aspects of living in a small town.
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