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Cross Creek #1

Broken Hart LARGE PRINT

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A long time ago I fell in love. She left-tore my heart in two. Now she's back, and I'll do anything to keep her.
Women are trouble. I learned that the first time Kandra left.
You know what she told me? That I couldn't give her the life she wanted-a life of glitz and glamor.
She left to model in the city, hit it big, and I thought I'd never see her again.
I thought wrong.
Now she's back.
She looks different, but deep down, she's still the woman I loved-the woman I love.
And this time, I'm going to make her mine .

278 pages, Paperback

Published February 3, 2021

324 people are currently reading
779 people want to read

About the author

Kelly Collins

232 books1,093 followers
Kelly Collins is a bestselling, award-winning author of feel-good small-town romance filled with heart, heat, and happily-ever-afters. Her books are perfect for readers who crave heartwarming contemporary love stories, sassy heroines, and slow-burn romances with cinnamon roll heroes you’ll wish were real.

With humor, charm, and emotional depth, Kelly brings to life tight-knit towns, unforgettable characters, and the kind of love that feels like coming home. When she’s not plotting her next happily-ever-after, she’s sipping strong coffee and dreaming up heroes who are tough on the outside and gooey in the middle.

Come for the charm, stay for the swoon—and don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the whole town.

Visit www.authorkellycollins.com to grab a free book and discover your next favorite escape.

Click “Follow” to get updates on new releases, special deals, and exclusive content.

You can learn more about Kelly at www.authorkellycollins.com.

VISIT MY LINKS and Get a FREE BOOK!
https://msha.ke/kellycollinsbooks#links

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5 stars
314 (53%)
4 stars
170 (28%)
3 stars
80 (13%)
2 stars
14 (2%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,327 reviews1,779 followers
February 20, 2021
Favorite Quotes:

“The kid wouldn’t be into her.” Ethel snapped back like she’d been slapped. Norman continued. “Trust me, she’s not his type. She’s got a job and a brain.”

The guy dressed like a college professor on a budget, with his garish sports jackets and button-down shirts in hues of lavender and sky blue. His brown leather shoes only added to the dull old man look, though the guy was a couple of years younger than me. His outfits never ceased to hurt my eyes.

Secrets are heavy, and they come with a price that’s hard to pay alone.

I went quiet as Dottie approached because the woman couldn’t keep quiet to save her life, and part of me was terrified that I’d give away my big secret somehow. If she found out now, the whole town would know yesterday. Dottie gossip wasn’t constrained to time and space rules.

I was back in Cross Creek with less than I left with. It was a great lesson in the old adage that the grass was greener on the other side. In my case, the grass was greener because it was artificial turf.


My Review:


I am thrilled to see a new additional spin-off series from Kelly Collins while my fingers are crossed she continues with her prodigious Aspen Creek that sparked its beginnings. I loved this sweet second chance romance couple. They were endearing and deserving and I liked them instantly. The storylines developed and flowed quickly and smoothly while introducing us to the new town and quirksome small-town characters, a process I always find highly entertaining as Ms. Collins has a knack for drawing sharp and amusing visuals with her clever words.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews64 followers
December 3, 2020
What a way to start this new spin off series! It’s sweet and funny with a little bit of angst and a lot of small-town charm. Basically, everything to make me a happy camper. I was already a little bit smitten with the Lockhart brothers from their time in the Aspen Cove series, so I was very excited to get even more up close and personal with them in their own series where we kick it all off with Noah and his lost love, Kandra. Now, I’m a sucker for a second chance, which means that I loved every moment watching Noah and Kandra work through their baggage. There are some interesting seeds planted for where the next story is going to go, and I can’t wait to see what’s going to come from them.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,296 reviews22 followers
February 15, 2021
Kelly Collins has another winner, and a great beginning to a new series. This is a second chance romance at its best. There are heartbreak, secrets, romance, and love, all intertwined in a great story. Noah and Kandra were high school sweethearts until Noah proposed, and Kandra said no, because she wanted to leave town and become a great photographer. Now, she is back, with a big secret. I really enjoyed reading this book, so I highly recommend it.
66 reviews
February 5, 2021
Pam

Such a good story. I’ve read Aspen Cove and have really enjoyed it so I know I will love this series
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,900 reviews51 followers
December 19, 2020
The characters in this book are vivid and utterly fascinating. Kandra and Noah are both strong-willed, stubborn and have never forgotten their love for each other. The minute she returns to town, everyone is watching to see what happens next between her and Noah. Like all small towns, everybody knows everybody’s business and has an opinion to give. His brothers and their interactions are hilarious and wonderful. They tease, harass and look out for each other because of the unconditional love they feel for one another. This is the first book in a series of books about these close knit Lockhart brothers. I can’t wait to read the rest!

Noah and Kandra had been sweethearts until she refused his proposal and left town to pursue her dreams. She regretted her decision almost immediately, but her mother’s urgings encouraged her to try to spread her wings outside of their very small home town. Noah was devastated by her decision and betrayal. Over the intervening ten years, both Noah and Kandra have changed and matured, but neither has been in a successful romantic relationship. She gave up her original dream for another career and a wealthy boyfriend who liked to be in the spotlight. Now she is back in town again, trying to start anew after losing her career and being dumped by her boyfriend after she told him she was pregnant. Noah, who owns a construction firm with his brothers, is none to happy to see the woman who broke his heart back in town. Their first meetings are awkward and stilted, but both are aware that the attraction and the love they once felt for each other is just below the surface. Despite his hurt and anger, Noah does come to Kandra’s rescue on a few occasions. Unexpectedly, it is his brothers that urge him to reach for love, rather than reject it because of what happened in the past. He decides to follow his advice and the two lovebirds share a passionate reunion. While both are basking in the afterglow of that reunion, she is aware that she still had a secret to reveal to him. Before she can do so, the town’s disgruntled and rather malicious reporter exacts his revenge for her rejection of him by revealing her secret to one and all. Once again, feelings of betrayal and anger part Noah and Kandra. Will they ever find a way to have a happily ever after of their own?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,232 reviews
February 8, 2021
This was an interesting first book to a series. I liked the way I got a little information about each character. Something to lay the foundation for future books.

I also thought the way the story about Kandra's past was handled waa interesting. Often, the ex, or the ex's new significant other, will pop up in the character's life to throw a monkey wrench into whatever progress he/she has made. It didn't happen that way. Kandra's past relationship was explained in terms of why she returned to Cross Creek, but it kind of stayed in the past.

Noah and Kandra were good together after working through the hurt, anger, and strife. Sometimes I can sense the connection between a couple, even when they are at odds. I didn't get a sense of that between Noah and Kandra until they resolved their initial issues. The book became much more lighthearted. Kandra holding on to her secret made me have mixed emotions. On one hand, I could kind of understand, but on the other, I could see the other point of view.

What was the deal with Benji? I had no idea what would happen next with him, or why he was even behaving that way. I didn't feel like there was any resolution on that front.

One aspect that struck me as strange was Noah and his brothers relationships with one another. They were loving, and kind of joking, and kind of sarcastic, but they all seemed to have secrets. It just felt to me like each brother was a bit broken, and didn't really seem at ease with one another.

This was a sweet, small town, second chance romance. Noah and Kandra get their HEA. I just wish their had been an epilogue. I would give this book 3.5 stars.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advance Reader Copy of this book received via Booksprout.
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,574 reviews89 followers
November 26, 2020
A painful and yet triumphant romance, as two people who belong together, have to walk through the debris of the past to find one another again. Noah does not fit the stereotype one usually has of romantic heroes. He is sensitive, given to holding onto emotional pain, but nevertheless protective and caring. When Kandra turned down his offer of marriage, the wound went far deeper than she could have imagined. Back in Cross Creek after a humiliating failure, Kandra realises just how deep that wound is. With the depths of their feelings for each other, it is inevitable that in a town of 2,500 people, they are going to cross paths and their feelings will be on display for all to see. Unfortunately, when Kandra's nemesis exposes her publically, she discovers that her loss of dignity is not the worst thing that can happen to her. This romance is a good start to a new series involving four brothers in a very small town, where secrets are hard to keep. There are entertaining characters, and some mysterious ones too. A thread of tension runs through the novel, keeping the plot simmering as Noah and Kandra step gingerly around one another. The story is a standalone and comes to a very satisfactory conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
23 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2021
Over too soon

The book was a great read. I love everything Kelley writes and never disappointed! Waiting for the next one to come out!
Profile Image for Riet De Bruin-Strijker.
212 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2020
I loved reading this book! Ms Kelly is a terrific writer, she writes small town romances like no other. This is a wonderful second chance to a first love-story. I love it when in the end the real character of Kandra shines through and I love reading about Noah, so stubborn and in the mean time so caring. This is what the story is about:
Kandra brought me to my knees when she fled Cross Creek to follow dreams that didn’t include me. I picked up the pieces of my broken world and built a new life—one free of heartache. I thought she was in the past and would stay there, but I thought wrong. Kandra is back, and if I’m not careful, she’ll gut me again. As much as she stole my heart, she left behind the longing. What happens if I let her in again and she …
I escaped small-town life, searching for more, and thought I found it. I lived the life I dreamed of, big city, great job, doting boyfriend. It’s funny how quickly dreams turned into nightmares. My ex-boyfriend fooled me into believing I could have everything, but he left me with nothing. I never imagined I’d wind up back in Cross Creek, scared, alone, and pregnant. Seeing Noah makes me wonder how I could have ever left him. He’s everything I didn’t know I needed. I love my child, and I love Noah. Is it too late to have it all?
Profile Image for Maria.
1,751 reviews8 followers
December 12, 2020
Kelly does it again! A true second chance romance! This is about Noah and Kandra. This is the first book of Cross Creek and of four brothers, Noah being the first to share his story. The start of the story is of both young and in love but wanting different things. She is out to conquer the world, while he wants to plant his roots with her. Its like the saying goes, you don’t know what you have until you have lost it. Unfortunately, Kandra had to find out the hard way!

The story fast forwards ten years and this is where it changes everything for them both. Kandra thinks that she was supposed to conquer the world and thought she was there until her perfect boyfriend becomes the worst she has ever encountered and leaves her with nothing but a bun in the oven. The question is can Noah find forgiveness to mend his broken heart and give love a second chance. Can the small town accept Kandra back and them together? This was a great story, and I can’t wait to see which of the brothers is next….

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Donna Keith.
209 reviews
December 3, 2020
This is the first book in a new series by Kelly Collins and it sure is great. While there is a small reference to Aspen Cove (another wonderful series), this is where we first met the Hart brothers, this series is set in Cross Creek.
Kandra and Noah used to go out together but she broke his heart when he asked her to marry him. She said Cross Creek was too small a town and she needed to get out and see the world. She left being a photographer and returned 10 years later a former model with a secret she would like to keep for a while.
Noah is at the bar with his brothers when he sees her again after all this time. His brothers know that he still carries a torch for her but he wants nothing to do with her. Eventually he starts to give into his feelings but her secret is revealed and she just wants to go away again.
Will they be able to fix things or will Noah loose the love of his life once again.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and this is my honest review.
190 reviews10 followers
January 12, 2021
Heartless heroine and gullible hero

Kandra comes back to her home town after ten years, pregnant, and dumped. I understand that she doesn't want to share her secret with her town. But she doesn't even share it with Noah. Not even before they take their relationship to the next level. She gets angry with him because he was angry when her secret comes out before the whole town. She keeps showing how poor, dumped, down in the trenches girl she is. I thought she was selfish. Even when Noah comes back to her with an offer of marriage and with a house, she is angry with him because he took decisions for her. She says she wants a partner and not a protector. Is that really fair? Was she a good partner to Noah? I doubt!

This is perhaps the only book where I didn't like the female lead... there's nothing wrong in being duped, dumped, and pregnant. But don't make it a big deal if you want the boyfriend to always accept it all even when you don't share your secrets.

This book left a bad taste in my mouth. Really disappointed.
2,575 reviews41 followers
December 3, 2020
A back and forth emotional story for both main characters. Noah Lockhart had asked his childhood sweetheart to marry him, but she was not ready to settle down. Kandra Sullivan left town to follow her dream of professional photography, but ended up in front of the camera. When she returns to Cross Creek, she is broke, disillusioned and pregnant by the man who managed her career. A small town can be a safe haven, but it can also be a town that survives on gossip and her return home is met with mixed reactions. Noah, at first, wants nothing to do with her but he knows deep down that she has always been the only woman for him. She now realizes what she gave up when she left Noah, but is it too late for them? How will he react when he learns that she is pregnant? A lovely romance about coming of age, maturing and second chances. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (by paytonpuppy)
3,601 reviews41 followers
December 3, 2020
I have enjoyed a couple of these author’s series, especially Aspen Cove , and it is here where we met the Lockhart brothers. Brothers that I suspect will make this series another winner .
In this first book, well laid out plans will keep us coming back for more.
This time the story belongs to Noah Lockhart and Kandra. The girl that left him and Cross Creek behind looking to spread her wings and greener pastures . In doing so, she broke Noah’s heart . But as far as he’s concerned , he learned his lesson and he’ll not let that ever happen again.
But fate has a way of presenting one with the unexpected. In this case , the return of Kandra, a different person than the one that left.
It’s a story about forgiveness, family, second chances in life and love, and living in a small town.
I am looking forward to the next Lockhart brother story.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Booksprout. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Reading Addict.
1,101 reviews22 followers
December 6, 2020
I am a big fan of Kelly Collins Aspen Cove series so the Lockhart brothers have been mentioned in there a few times and I was glad to read this new beginning. Noah Lockhart is the oldest of the brothers but is equally involved in the family construction business with them. He loves his family, town and is content with his life even though he had hoped for something else a decade ago. Kandra left her small town of Cross Creek and her high school love Noah with big dreams for a career in photography but after a decade on the west coast she is back home with a bruised ego, heart and a big life change on her horizon. Considering what these two meant to each other their story is surprisingly low angst. It was very sweet and lays the groundwork for more Cross Creek books in the future. So if you're a fan of small town, second chance romance I recommend reading Broken Hart. It was told from dual POV and is a great way to spend reading for a cozy afternoon or two.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,761 reviews32 followers
December 8, 2020
I always hoped we would get a series about the Lockhart brothers and yay we have!
First up is Noah and boy is there some heartbreak there and unfortunately after 10 years that heartbreak is back in town must to the amusement of his brothers. I felt sorry for Kandra as she returns with her tail tucked between her tail and a secret that she doesn't want to and isn't ready to share yet but also to the realization her feelings for Noah never left even though she left town. These guys are so in love but their pride and insecurities hold them back so I am thankful for Noah's brothers as well as Max and when you see them together they are soo meant to be together but with Benji lurking and the secret she hold things get a bit tense. This is the perfect read about love lost and found again and that nothing ever in life runs smoothly but if you really want it you can get it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
83 reviews
November 21, 2020
This is the first book In a new series set in Cross Creek and featuring a group of brothers that first appeared in the Aspen Cove Series and is a very enjoyable read. This book features Noah and Kandra who were a couple till she broke his heart and left to follow her dreams of becoming a photographer. Now she is back will they have a second chance at a future together despite Noah fighting his feelings and his determination to have nothing to do with her and the secret that has brought Kendra home to build a new life for herself. The small town community where so many people seem to know and care about each other is a recurring feature in Kelly Collins books as is the family dynamic between the brothers, I look forward to reading their stories too.
94 reviews
December 4, 2020
Kelly Collins starts off her series with a second chance romance. Noah and Kandra were high school sweethearts, but each had a different view of the future. When Noah proposed , he found out that Kandra can’t wait to leave town. As she heads off to the big city, Noah tries to get past his heartbreak. Fast forward a few years, and Kandra is back with a few secrets she’s hiding. Noah
Isn’t happy about her return, He isn’t willing to forget the pain she caused, but Noah isn’t going to not help a friend.

The quandary is whether they will be able to come to terms with what has been hidden This series will be another feather in Ms. Collins’ cap. Thanks again Kelly, just please keep them coming!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Katy Battisti.
594 reviews15 followers
February 8, 2022
Broken Hart was so good! I read this in a day and didn’t want to stop until it was finished. It’s the first book in the series and a spin off from the Aspen Cove series. This was a second chance romance. I loved everything, the small town feel, the nosy town’s people and of course the drama. The storyline and characters were great and added in some angst made this an amazing read. Noah Lockhart and Kandra had this connection that was undeniable. An instant spark between the two. Noah and his brothers were awesome too! I loved their banter and mannerisms. I can’t wait for what Kelly Collins has in store for the next brother!
1,473 reviews14 followers
November 27, 2020
Terrific story! To kick off a new series with such a wonderful book is a credit to the author. Well done! The Hart brothers will make you laugh; the brothers will make you wonder; and, the family will make you want to have dinner at their houses. The interaction is so great that you feel like you are a member of the group and want their friendship. Plus, the devotion and knowledge about Dad is so amazing that every father should take note. Kandra is a doll and Noah is a man of solid character but it took him a bit to get there. Thanks for a great story! I appreciate you gifting me an early copy to read and enjoy.
116 reviews2 followers
December 3, 2020
This is a romance with the perfect amount of character history, angst, drama and sweet moments. I easily fell into Kandra's rhythm and could fully appreciate where she was coming from with wanting to keep her secret. In saying that, I could also understand why Noah was resistant to her return to town.
Even though they have some serious history it is clear that they are a perfect match. This story is an enjoyable read that will have you wanting Noah and Kandra to resolve their issues and find their way back to ech other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for AND 1515.
1,281 reviews15 followers
December 4, 2020
New Chances....

by and1515

Welcome to Cross Creek where you'll meet Noah and his brothers who would be quite a catch If they could be retrained.
Noah is the first brother to step up at bat his girl wanted something else and made a quick exit from his life and their little town.
Kandra's life had been reduced to her slinking back to the town she left like a cat with its... Well you know and of course theirs Noah he was still there and still the sexiest man she ever laid eyes on.
But honestly these two characters
are like a tempest in a teapot who needed plenty of help if they'll ever have a chance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Juliana Ignácio.
1,132 reviews4 followers
December 6, 2020
Kelly Collins never lets us down with her wonderful stories.
When Kandra decided to leave Cross Creek to pursue her dreams, she had no idea that ten years later she would return with nothing, alone, scared and pregnant.
Noah had his heart broken when Kandra left him ten years ago, and when she returns to Cross Creek, he's afraid to approach her and suffer again.
But as they spend more time together, the old feelings surface and they decide to give them a chance, but when Kandra's secret is revealed, will they be able to get over it and be together?
Another great story with fascinating characters. I highly recommend the reading.
3,715 reviews18 followers
December 9, 2020
Kandra burned Noah badly when she rejected his marriage proposal to pursue her dreams as a photographer. Understandably he didn't welcome her back to Cross Creek years later where she found a job working at Roy's Bar. Because of how Kandra left, Noah has trust issues, but he didn't dig too deeply into the secret she was hiding even when he hit on the truth, so I was surprised he was so angry about it. But then their second chance at love was a whirlwind that just started and maybe he was wondering if she was going to run again. I was surprised there wasn't any mention of Kandra taking up photography again. His brothers are a riot, a bit immature, and I'm looking forward to their stories.
Profile Image for Beth Cotter.
373 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2020
I loved the story, but I wanted to yell at Kandra to tell him, tell him now!!! Watching them struggle through their truths and lies took some endurance. Benji is your true bad guy, I hope he gets his comeuppance in the next book. Kelly writes her characters with heart and soul. you can relate to the emotions that everyone feels when they are hurt and then find their way back to love. I truly enjoyed this story and I hope that Bayden's story is next. I can't wait to see if Kandra and Noah have a girl or boy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
4,991 reviews32 followers
December 4, 2020
Kandra left Cross Creek and the love of her life ten years ago only to crash and burn and return to her small town after getting dumped by her boyfriend and pregnant. Noah never got over Kandra but when she returns he knows he never got over her but tries to keep her at a distance so he will not get hurt again. When they end up together she knows she needs to tell him she is pregnant but before she can someone else tells her secret making Noah run away from her. Will Kandra and Noah ever get their HEA?
2,249 reviews16 followers
December 6, 2020
Kandra left the small town to follow her dreams. She bork Noah's heart when she left. She thought she had it all and her boyfriend led her to believe she could have it all, but her left her with nothing and she is pregnant. She goes home and sees Noah again, and wonders why she ever left him. This is a great second chance romance. The characters were great and you could actually empathize with them. The story flowed and hooked me from the first few pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
208 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2021
Love the storylines

The relationships between Kendra and Noah are fiery and loving, but it's the brothers banter that makes this book. Lovely be the humour and of course the happy ending
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