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Eternity Springs #3
Heartache Falls
The healing magic of Eternity Springs continues in this novel in Emily March’s vibrant series about a very special town and the people who need it most.
Married for more than twenty years, and with her children out of the nest, Ali Timberlake has come to Eternity Springs alone. She’s looking for answers to heartbreaking questions and searching for something that’s missing deep within herself. Taking a lease on the Bristlecone Café in pursuit of a lifelong dream, Ali feels revitalized as she becomes part of this charming mountain town. But a big piece of her is still back in Denver with her husband, Mac, a successful judge—and a man who isn’t going to let the woman he loves leave without a fight.
When Mac shows up in Eternity Springs—sexy, seductive, and determined to win his wife back—he experiences the wonder of the place that has given Ali such feelings of happiness and belonging. He wants that for her, but even more, he wants that with her. Ali has found a special place for her heart. But is there still enough room left in that heart for him?
Married for more than twenty years, and with her children out of the nest, Ali Timberlake has come to Eternity Springs alone. She’s looking for answers to heartbreaking questions and searching for something that’s missing deep within herself. Taking a lease on the Bristlecone Café in pursuit of a lifelong dream, Ali feels revitalized as she becomes part of this charming mountain town. But a big piece of her is still back in Denver with her husband, Mac, a successful judge—and a man who isn’t going to let the woman he loves leave without a fight.
When Mac shows up in Eternity Springs—sexy, seductive, and determined to win his wife back—he experiences the wonder of the place that has given Ali such feelings of happiness and belonging. He wants that for her, but even more, he wants that with her. Ali has found a special place for her heart. But is there still enough room left in that heart for him?
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 26, 2011
270 people are currently reading
1352 people want to read
About the author
Emily March
61 books1,457 followersPseudonym(s): Geralyn Dawson
Emily March is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels, including the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series. Publishers Weekly calls March a "master of delightful banter," and her heartwarming, emotionally charged stories have been named to Best of the Year lists by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Romance Writers of America.
Emily March is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels, including the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series. Publishers Weekly calls March a "master of delightful banter," and her heartwarming, emotionally charged stories have been named to Best of the Year lists by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Romance Writers of America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
January 9, 2012
3.5 of 5 Stars - Also reviewed at: Lady Jayne's Reading Den
I read Heartache Falls last year and am finally writing my review for this just before I do one for Lover’s Leap .
I loved Angel’s Rest and Hummingbird Lake , the first two books, in Emily March’s Eternity Springs series! Heartache Falls , on the other hand, is more of a “liked it”, for me, and I’m giving it 3.5 out of 5 Stars on my scale of enjoyment and connection to it.
Ali Timberlake, the always well groomed and stylish lady from Denver, a descendant of the Cavanaughs of Cavanaugh House in Eternity Springs, has made some wonderful friends in the beautiful and charming little town in the Colorado Rockies. We “meet” Ali in Book 1 of this series, and since then, she has been taking some fairly frequent trips to the town.
Ali’s last child has just gone off to college and Ali has “empty nest syndrome”, after having her life revolve around her children for so long. She's feeling lost and decides to follow her dream of running a café/restaurant, by taking over the Bristlecone Café at Eternity Springs, after the owners left.
Ali’s husband of over 20 years, Mackenzie “Mac” Timberlake, is a successful federal judge.
At 44 years, Mac is still looking good because of his regimented daily swims. He is a strong, stubborn and determined man.
Mac has been working too hard and he and Ali have grown distant over the last few years. But when Ali goes to Eternity Springs to follow her dreams, and though it takes him some time to do something, Mac chases after her and uses his seductive skills to try and woo back his wife.
The premise was promising - How does a couple who have been married for more than 20 years continue to make their relationship work when they have grown distant, their children are no longer there, and their dreams/goals no longer coincide?
The reason I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first two books was because of Mac’s attitude and how he viewed Ali’s wants. He didn’t really listen to her and any attempt by her to tell him how she felt was viewed as her being a “drama queen”.
That being said, I certainly read this quickly enough, it kept me engaged, and there were aspects that I liked and appreciated that the author went there, but I did find it hard to truly connect to Mac, until the end. Plus, it seemed to me that the reason he finally went to chase after Ali was because he wanted sex. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a husband wanting that with his wife, but I certainly wasn’t feeling the love and romance, at that point. And to be fair, the problems in their marriage weren’t all Mac’s fault; it takes two to make a marriage last.
In the end, though, this long-married couple learnt to truly communicate with each other again. The rifts in their relationship were healed because, well, that’s what Eternity Springs is. It’s a place where “broken hearts” go to heal.
In summary, I’m still very much in love with the charming and magical Eternity Springs and its people, and I loved the setting of Heartache Falls, but I wasn’t so much with Ali and Mac, unfortunately.
Now, on to Lover’s Leap !
Eternity Springs Reading Order:
1. Angel's Rest - My review here
2. Hummingbird Lake - My review here
2.5 A Callahan Carol - My review here
3. Heartache Falls
3.5 Mistletoe Mine - My review here
4. Lover's Leap - My review here
5. Nightingale's Way - To be released 28 August 2012.
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: I do not hold the copyright to any of the images used in this review. They are posted to add visuals to the review and for fun. If any of these images are yours and you would like me to remove them, please let me know, and I will do so as soon as possible. If I can identify the copyright, I will do so.
I read Heartache Falls last year and am finally writing my review for this just before I do one for Lover’s Leap .
I loved Angel’s Rest and Hummingbird Lake , the first two books, in Emily March’s Eternity Springs series! Heartache Falls , on the other hand, is more of a “liked it”, for me, and I’m giving it 3.5 out of 5 Stars on my scale of enjoyment and connection to it.
Ali Timberlake, the always well groomed and stylish lady from Denver, a descendant of the Cavanaughs of Cavanaugh House in Eternity Springs, has made some wonderful friends in the beautiful and charming little town in the Colorado Rockies. We “meet” Ali in Book 1 of this series, and since then, she has been taking some fairly frequent trips to the town.
Ali’s last child has just gone off to college and Ali has “empty nest syndrome”, after having her life revolve around her children for so long. She's feeling lost and decides to follow her dream of running a café/restaurant, by taking over the Bristlecone Café at Eternity Springs, after the owners left.
Ali’s husband of over 20 years, Mackenzie “Mac” Timberlake, is a successful federal judge.
At 44 years, Mac is still looking good because of his regimented daily swims. He is a strong, stubborn and determined man.
Mac has been working too hard and he and Ali have grown distant over the last few years. But when Ali goes to Eternity Springs to follow her dreams, and though it takes him some time to do something, Mac chases after her and uses his seductive skills to try and woo back his wife.
The premise was promising - How does a couple who have been married for more than 20 years continue to make their relationship work when they have grown distant, their children are no longer there, and their dreams/goals no longer coincide?
The reason I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first two books was because of Mac’s attitude and how he viewed Ali’s wants. He didn’t really listen to her and any attempt by her to tell him how she felt was viewed as her being a “drama queen”.
That being said, I certainly read this quickly enough, it kept me engaged, and there were aspects that I liked and appreciated that the author went there, but I did find it hard to truly connect to Mac, until the end. Plus, it seemed to me that the reason he finally went to chase after Ali was because he wanted sex. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a husband wanting that with his wife, but I certainly wasn’t feeling the love and romance, at that point. And to be fair, the problems in their marriage weren’t all Mac’s fault; it takes two to make a marriage last.
In the end, though, this long-married couple learnt to truly communicate with each other again. The rifts in their relationship were healed because, well, that’s what Eternity Springs is. It’s a place where “broken hearts” go to heal.
In summary, I’m still very much in love with the charming and magical Eternity Springs and its people, and I loved the setting of Heartache Falls, but I wasn’t so much with Ali and Mac, unfortunately.
Now, on to Lover’s Leap !
Eternity Springs Reading Order:
1. Angel's Rest - My review here
2. Hummingbird Lake - My review here
2.5 A Callahan Carol - My review here
3. Heartache Falls
3.5 Mistletoe Mine - My review here
4. Lover's Leap - My review here
5. Nightingale's Way - To be released 28 August 2012.
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: I do not hold the copyright to any of the images used in this review. They are posted to add visuals to the review and for fun. If any of these images are yours and you would like me to remove them, please let me know, and I will do so as soon as possible. If I can identify the copyright, I will do so.
July 20, 2011
Ali and Mac Timberlake have been married for over twenty years. Mac spent them working to get his dream - being a federal judge, while Ali was a stay-at-home mother who raised their 3 children. But now the kids are grown up and the youngest went to college. And their life seems so empty now, they have a lot of problems and serious communications issues.
Ali gave up on her dream of going to culinary school in Europe, of opening her own restaurant. Somehow it didn't seem as such a sacrifice, but now when her nest is empty everything seems to be crashing down. She decides that she and Mac need some cooling off period and she moves to Eternity Springs.
Mac worked hard to get where he is now. Becoming a judge has been his dream ever since he was a kid in an unstable family. But lately his job isn't as fulfilling and his marriage is falling apart. Something just has to give.
I like the idea of the book - the reality of HEA and the way that marriage is after 20 years. Sometimes love itself isn't enough, some sacrifices are required. But the book didn't deliver. I had the desire to yell at them to just TALK TO EACH OTHER!!!!!! They spend a lot of time apart and even though they're not happy, neither of them is willing to take the plunge and clear the air. They just kept things bottled.
And even when they "reconciled" they still weren't honest.
Other than that the book is OK, I like their children, the people from Eternity Springs...
Rating:
3.5 stars
Ali gave up on her dream of going to culinary school in Europe, of opening her own restaurant. Somehow it didn't seem as such a sacrifice, but now when her nest is empty everything seems to be crashing down. She decides that she and Mac need some cooling off period and she moves to Eternity Springs.
Mac worked hard to get where he is now. Becoming a judge has been his dream ever since he was a kid in an unstable family. But lately his job isn't as fulfilling and his marriage is falling apart. Something just has to give.
I like the idea of the book - the reality of HEA and the way that marriage is after 20 years. Sometimes love itself isn't enough, some sacrifices are required. But the book didn't deliver. I had the desire to yell at them to just TALK TO EACH OTHER!!!!!! They spend a lot of time apart and even though they're not happy, neither of them is willing to take the plunge and clear the air. They just kept things bottled.
And even when they "reconciled" they still weren't honest.
Other than that the book is OK, I like their children, the people from Eternity Springs...
Rating:
3.5 stars
May 9, 2011
Heartache Falls is the 3rd in the Eternity Springs series and the weakest for me. I didn't really enjoy it much and I felt like bashing the heads of these two people. Mac and Allie have been married for 22 years, happily when some sudden changes in their life take place, Mac becomes a federal judge and their youngest child leaves for college, this keep Allie at loose ends who had devoted her life to her kids and now she feels restless and regrets that she never thought of what her life would be once her kids were gone.
So she leaves her husband since they have been making each other miserable. Honestly, this book was not an easy read, these two profess to love each other but kept on fighting and giving their work precedence. I get it that people change and so did Allie, but Mac could not reconcile himself with these changes a. Suddenly after 22 years of marriage his wife is changing and asking that he arrange his life around her as she has done for him all these years, difficult even more so as they refuse to have an adult conversation without walking out. The separation was way too long for me, they are living separate lives Mac with his job and getting a dog and Allie in Eternity Springs. Way too much time as given on showing the healing powers of ES. Allie refuses to let them stay in contact, I mean either she wanted to make the marriage work or she didn't, not trying to talk was lame. And Mac belittled the things Allie did way too much, whenever she tried to tell him something he thought oh, her flair for drama yet again, yes in the end he does listen but he was really dense.
Mac, he too was a piece of work, he didn't try to back down at all and didn't see Allie's point of view, the only reason he goes to ES is to get laid, yup, since he figures he doesn't want to break his marriage vows to do that since it makes him feel ashamed, he needs to go to his wife for that. Their issues are still not solved then even though they decide to give themselves time, their lives are going in different direction and since Allie too is now working, time is a problem.
Honestly, Allie was way too obsessed with her commitments in ES. I get it she said she will do something, on the other hand she also said she wants to save her marriage but can't seem to find the time for counseling.
In the end it is Celeste who opens Mac's eyes and tell him to think about what he wants for his future, when he decides what he wants Allie is like no, no. Honestly, these two got on my nerves. Though finally in the end they started behaving like mature 40 year old's and made their HEA believable.
It was just less romance and more community thing and I for one NEED more romance when I am supposed to be reading a romance book. Best go in with less expectations.
Still, waiting for the next ES book in April 2012.
So she leaves her husband since they have been making each other miserable. Honestly, this book was not an easy read, these two profess to love each other but kept on fighting and giving their work precedence. I get it that people change and so did Allie, but Mac could not reconcile himself with these changes a. Suddenly after 22 years of marriage his wife is changing and asking that he arrange his life around her as she has done for him all these years, difficult even more so as they refuse to have an adult conversation without walking out. The separation was way too long for me, they are living separate lives Mac with his job and getting a dog and Allie in Eternity Springs. Way too much time as given on showing the healing powers of ES. Allie refuses to let them stay in contact, I mean either she wanted to make the marriage work or she didn't, not trying to talk was lame. And Mac belittled the things Allie did way too much, whenever she tried to tell him something he thought oh, her flair for drama yet again, yes in the end he does listen but he was really dense.
Mac, he too was a piece of work, he didn't try to back down at all and didn't see Allie's point of view, the only reason he goes to ES is to get laid, yup, since he figures he doesn't want to break his marriage vows to do that since it makes him feel ashamed, he needs to go to his wife for that. Their issues are still not solved then even though they decide to give themselves time, their lives are going in different direction and since Allie too is now working, time is a problem.
Honestly, Allie was way too obsessed with her commitments in ES. I get it she said she will do something, on the other hand she also said she wants to save her marriage but can't seem to find the time for counseling.
In the end it is Celeste who opens Mac's eyes and tell him to think about what he wants for his future, when he decides what he wants Allie is like no, no. Honestly, these two got on my nerves. Though finally in the end they started behaving like mature 40 year old's and made their HEA believable.
It was just less romance and more community thing and I for one NEED more romance when I am supposed to be reading a romance book. Best go in with less expectations.
Still, waiting for the next ES book in April 2012.
June 26, 2021
Another book found on FB. Much better than I expected based on the comments there.
I think I was supposed to not like him because he kisses an OW while they were separated. I wasn’t horrified... insert eye roll...
I think I was supposed to not like him because he kisses an OW while they were separated. I wasn’t horrified... insert eye roll...
November 8, 2015
No one can make me cry quite as easily as Emily March can, nor can they put me back together again quite as well. She never fails to engage my emotions. This novel was no exception, being especially emotionally fulfilling and wonderfully heartfelt. At the same time, March paints the scenery in all the beauty of a secluded mountain town and brings the characters to life in a manner so vivid that I couldn’t help but feel close to them.
March subtly emphasizes certain aspects of a relationship to bring all of its ins and outs to life. Through that I found that I got to know the main characters very well. I fell in love with both of them, repeatedly told them both that they were crazy, and sat there smiling, hugging the book to myself when it all worked out (because we all know this book has a HEA). I fell in love with the main characters and their family, as I also got to know a little bit more about the residents of Eternity Springs.
A trip to Angel’s Rest always makes a bad day better, leaving me feeling happier than when I started. HEARTACHE FALLS definitely emphasizes this.
March subtly emphasizes certain aspects of a relationship to bring all of its ins and outs to life. Through that I found that I got to know the main characters very well. I fell in love with both of them, repeatedly told them both that they were crazy, and sat there smiling, hugging the book to myself when it all worked out (because we all know this book has a HEA). I fell in love with the main characters and their family, as I also got to know a little bit more about the residents of Eternity Springs.
A trip to Angel’s Rest always makes a bad day better, leaving me feeling happier than when I started. HEARTACHE FALLS definitely emphasizes this.
April 28, 2011
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series and was looking forward to this one as well. I have no problem with the already married couple needing to find one another again. I have seen that storyline done really well. Unfortunately, for me at least, this one didn't hit the spot. Although I felt that the storyline of Mac & Ali each finding themselves was fantastic. But the storyline of them finding each other just fell flat for me. I didn't feel the romance at all and I guess that is what I was hoping for.
It was still an enjoyable read but it just didn't have as much relationship rebuilding as I was expecting - and therefore maybe my expectations for this book were too high.
It was still an enjoyable read but it just didn't have as much relationship rebuilding as I was expecting - and therefore maybe my expectations for this book were too high.
May 16, 2011
I really liked the book,the story paced at a good speed,the chracters were well developed,Mac-Ali both are perfect for each other and really likd the way they fought and tried everyway to make their marriage work
i was frustrated in between cause the story was stuck at a point,both Ali-Mac were living seperately and no one was doing anything about the issues but then that one abberation made Mac act and from there the story started moving,the secondary characters were also good,every character was important and brought a change in its own way
Ali is a great woman,great mother,good wife and great daughter
Mac is also good man but also jerk at times,his childood abuses and way he redeemed himself and why he longs to have the power is explained really nicely,liked the fact he did't gave into the blackmail but hated him for keeping such great deal of his life from Ali and kept lying
when he decided to come clean he confessed all his lies and told Ali everything but really hated the fact he hid the fact he almost cheated on her kissed another woman but pulled out in last minute cause he was reminded of him being still married and his morals but i guess as experts say too much honesty also destroys relations,some things are better kept secrets so i can pass this and forgive him cause it was easier for him to go ahead and do the deed but at the end he pulled out and was ashamed
Great read
Recommend it
i was frustrated in between cause the story was stuck at a point,both Ali-Mac were living seperately and no one was doing anything about the issues but then that one abberation made Mac act and from there the story started moving,the secondary characters were also good,every character was important and brought a change in its own way
Ali is a great woman,great mother,good wife and great daughter
Mac is also good man but also jerk at times,his childood abuses and way he redeemed himself and why he longs to have the power is explained really nicely,liked the fact he did't gave into the blackmail but hated him for keeping such great deal of his life from Ali and kept lying
when he decided to come clean he confessed all his lies and told Ali everything but really hated the fact he hid the fact he almost cheated on her kissed another woman but pulled out in last minute cause he was reminded of him being still married and his morals but i guess as experts say too much honesty also destroys relations,some things are better kept secrets so i can pass this and forgive him cause it was easier for him to go ahead and do the deed but at the end he pulled out and was ashamed
Great read
Recommend it
June 27, 2011
3 1/2 stars. Started off by really drawing me in, a story I can relate to; Ali happily changed her dreams to be a stay at home mom at age 20, now her 3 kids have left the nest, her husband Mac has his dream job of being a judge and therefore is very busy, and she feels empty. Their marriage was always perfect, but it has changed, they can't relate anymore. Ali leaves Mac and runs to Eternity Springs to find herself. Even though I enjoyed the story I felt the story just moseyed along. The climax that I was looking for regarding their relationship didn't materialize with the intensity that I felt it should of. Instead the ending focused on Mac's mother, sort of left field ending for me.
May 4, 2011
It was truly wonderful, her best book yet (and she's written a lot of books!). Her Eternity Springs series will touch your soul, make you look at your life and feel better about yourself, and renew your faith in the future. Amazing.
I've been a fan of Dawson/March for many years. I've enjoyed the adventure and history in her Texiana books, and when she added romantic suspense to her line-up I loved how much humor she included with the passion and intrigue. In her Eternity Springs novels, March achieves a new level of eloquence and perception.
I'm facing some of the same situations and choices as Ali this year and reading Heartache Falls has given me a much healthier perspective.
I've been a fan of Dawson/March for many years. I've enjoyed the adventure and history in her Texiana books, and when she added romantic suspense to her line-up I loved how much humor she included with the passion and intrigue. In her Eternity Springs novels, March achieves a new level of eloquence and perception.
I'm facing some of the same situations and choices as Ali this year and reading Heartache Falls has given me a much healthier perspective.
May 20, 2011
I liked this more than I expected. I usually don't really enjoy these plots about fixing marriages/relationships, but this one was pretty good. I thought the author was very insightful about the problems in this marriage. I did feel that "blame" seemed to be shifted more to Mac, perhaps unfairly, Ali certainly could have communicated better. I loved the way Mac handled his mother at the end and with his fumbling his "big gesture." I appreciated the twist with Mac's big confession of his 20 yr old misdeed, that certainly wasn't what I thought he was going to say!!
November 17, 2011
I'm in love with 2nd chance story and this one is just fitting! The story is Ali, a mother of three who have all her children leave the nest. Her husband is a judge, always working and she understand her marriage is slowing dying. So she goes away to take some time and think about herself and her marriage. She spends time with her friends, trying to understand what's happening with herself.
A very sweet story full of tenderness and female bonding. Recommended!
A very sweet story full of tenderness and female bonding. Recommended!
December 31, 2012
I love this series but not this story so much.
May 1, 2019
So far this book has been the weakest of the series. It was nice to have a quick read but it was slow and somewhat uninteresting.
November 30, 2017
I love Eternity Springs and the characters in the book. March has a way of bringing her characters to life with real life issues. I was drawn into the story and the struggle between Ali and Mac Timberlake. A wonderful read.
June 12, 2018
6/9/18 - 6/12/18 - 3 stars - I'll keep my rating the same, although I think I may have liked it a little better this time around, perhaps because I enjoyed the audio version narrated by Kathe (pronounced Katie) Mazur. I enjoyed revisiting Eternity Springs and spending time with old friends. I also liked that the romantic focus is an older couple--in their 40's with college-age children. However, I just couldn't warm up to Allie Timberlake at all. She's been a stay-at-home mom and wife for over 20 years, and her husband is a federal court judge in Denver. But now that their youngest has gone off to college, Allie has decided that being home is not enough for her. OK, I get that. I have a bit of a problem with the fact that she wasn't proactive enough to find other interests in the past 20+ years, but I get that she wants more now. I have a problem, however, with how she went about it. She suddenly decided, without consulting anyone else, that she was going to take a job in Eternity Springs, which is 4 hours away! So she moves there on her own, totally surprising her entire family. And this isn't just any job--it takes all of her time, involves travel, totally engrosses her. Again, no problem, except that she treats her family like it's their fault that she's been unhappy, especially Mac, and it's time to "make her own decisions." But then she complains that Mac has made the decisions for her all their married life, without consulting her. Geez, sounds familiar. Allie, isn't that what you're doing now? What was so frustrating was that she didn't see that--ever. They both proceeded to push each other away, wanting to "be alone and think things through." Heck, I've been married for over 35 years, and working things out individually has never worked out. Sure, you can think things through first, but the final decisions need to be made together, at least for the big things. And this couple never really figured that out. So although I liked Mac (and was mostly on his side, I must admit), and he did act patronizing at times, I felt that Allie was definitely the drama queen who needed to "find herself" and went about it in an inexplicable way. She had a close relationship with her kids--a little too close actually (I mean, her 18-year-old daughter called her 10 times a day to talk about her life--is that normal? And her sons felt they had the right to give their parents advice about their love lives--really?) but then she up and left with no warning. There were so many other ways to handle their marital problems, and I was disappointed with their choices. But, all this being said, I liked the setting, I liked some of the advice, and I always like Celeste's words of wisdom. But this is definitely my least favorite from this series so far, and I don't think I'll ever warm up to Allie.
12/8/12 - 12/9/12 - 3 stars - Still good, but nowhere near the caliber of the other books in this series. Ali and Mac Timberlake face some challenges in their long-time marriage when they reach the Empty Nest phase. However, they seem to handle these problems counterproductively. They tend to separate so they can "think" and "decide for myself" what they want out of life and how to get there. It would be more effective, I would think, to spend time together, making those decisions as a team rather than as individuals who want to end up together. Maybe that's just me. Although there is a happy ending, I found the characters to be a bit on the annoying side. And while Ali was supposedly an integral part of the community, there seemed little (not enough) interaction with characters from previous books (except for Celeste). However, I'd still love to be part of the Eternity Springs community.
As a 50-something, I like the thought of looking ahead: "You've been focused on the first half of your life, but now it's time to explore what you want in the second half."
On the same subject: "Wishes and dreams and desires need not be static...dont' you think life is more interesting, more exciting, if they change and adapt and grow according to the man you are today? Not the boy you were when you were nine?"
12/8/12 - 12/9/12 - 3 stars - Still good, but nowhere near the caliber of the other books in this series. Ali and Mac Timberlake face some challenges in their long-time marriage when they reach the Empty Nest phase. However, they seem to handle these problems counterproductively. They tend to separate so they can "think" and "decide for myself" what they want out of life and how to get there. It would be more effective, I would think, to spend time together, making those decisions as a team rather than as individuals who want to end up together. Maybe that's just me. Although there is a happy ending, I found the characters to be a bit on the annoying side. And while Ali was supposedly an integral part of the community, there seemed little (not enough) interaction with characters from previous books (except for Celeste). However, I'd still love to be part of the Eternity Springs community.
As a 50-something, I like the thought of looking ahead: "You've been focused on the first half of your life, but now it's time to explore what you want in the second half."
On the same subject: "Wishes and dreams and desires need not be static...dont' you think life is more interesting, more exciting, if they change and adapt and grow according to the man you are today? Not the boy you were when you were nine?"
May 4, 2011
"The healing magic of Eternity Springs continues in this new novel in Emily March’s vibrant series about a very special town and the people who need it most.
Married for more than twenty years, and with her children out of the nest, Ali Timberlake has come to Eternity Springs alone. She’s looking for answers to heartbreaking questions and searching for something that’s missing deep within herself. Taking a lease on the Bristlecone Café in pursuit of a lifelong dream, Ali feels revitalized as she becomes part of this charming mountain town. But a big piece of her is still back in Denver with her husband, Mac, a successful judge—and a man who isn’t going to let the woman he loves leave without a fight.
When Mac shows up in Eternity Springs—sexy, seductive, and determined to win his wife back—he experiences the wonder of the place that has given Ali such feelings of happiness and belonging. He wants that for her, but even more, he wants that with her. Ali has found a special place for her heart. But is there still enough room left in that heart for him?"
I am enjoying this series set in Eternity Falls, Colorado. The descriptions of the small town and the beauty and healing to be found in the Colorado mountains touch a strong chord with me. My occasional visits to those mountains have always been a source of joy and rejuvenation for me, so I believe the setting and the people Emily March writes about. The book is well crafted and the people who populate it are interesting with complex problems that don't have easy solutions. I would recommend this series to anyone who wants
to read about adults with real problems that have no simple, pat answers.
Married for more than twenty years, and with her children out of the nest, Ali Timberlake has come to Eternity Springs alone. She’s looking for answers to heartbreaking questions and searching for something that’s missing deep within herself. Taking a lease on the Bristlecone Café in pursuit of a lifelong dream, Ali feels revitalized as she becomes part of this charming mountain town. But a big piece of her is still back in Denver with her husband, Mac, a successful judge—and a man who isn’t going to let the woman he loves leave without a fight.
When Mac shows up in Eternity Springs—sexy, seductive, and determined to win his wife back—he experiences the wonder of the place that has given Ali such feelings of happiness and belonging. He wants that for her, but even more, he wants that with her. Ali has found a special place for her heart. But is there still enough room left in that heart for him?"
I am enjoying this series set in Eternity Falls, Colorado. The descriptions of the small town and the beauty and healing to be found in the Colorado mountains touch a strong chord with me. My occasional visits to those mountains have always been a source of joy and rejuvenation for me, so I believe the setting and the people Emily March writes about. The book is well crafted and the people who populate it are interesting with complex problems that don't have easy solutions. I would recommend this series to anyone who wants
to read about adults with real problems that have no simple, pat answers.
January 31, 2012
Another return to Eternity Springs. This is the story of Ali and Mac Timberlake. This is the third book in this series and although I enjoyed returning to Eternity Springs, I just didn't relate to this story as much as the others. I didn't like Mac. Ali and Mac have been married for over 20 years, their last child has gone off to college and Ali is suffering a bit of empty-nest depression. Mac is a Federal Judge who immerses himself in several high profile cases. Meanwhile Ali is sleeping alone and they are growing further and further apart. Ali's dream before she met Mac was to study cooking in Rome and then open her own Italian restaurant. She is a great cook. Then she met Mac in college and fell in love, got pregnant with her first child and proceeded to raise her children and help her husband realize his dreams of being a lawyer and then a judge. When their marriage starts to fall apart, she leaves to go to Eternity Springs to manage a remodel of a restaurant there and try to get herself back. What I didn't like about Mac is he was so self involved. When his wife left, all his thoughts were about how it inconvenienced him. At one point in the book he states he wished his wife could have had her meltdown after his high profile case was over, and when his dog got sick and had to be taken to the vet, how his wife should be home taking care of this for him. I found him to be very arrogant and self centered. In the end, things all worked out (as usual in these types of stories) but while I identified strongly with Ali, Mac's attitude just annoyed me. The book was worth the read however, if only for the return to the charming town of Eternity Springs.
July 8, 2016
I'm giving up, even though I read most of it. I fucking loathe Mac. This is a man who claims to love his wife while repeatedly calling her a drama queen in his head, even about her long-ago dream. This is a man who makes his wife feel guilty over "abandoning" their grown ass children because she now has a job and can't take their phone calls all the time (even as he is an ass about taking his kids' calls). This is a man who cares about how his wife leaving inconvenienced him rather than her own mental health and happiness. This is a man who should not be around women in the slightest. Ali gave up everything for this man, and he is a terrible person who doesn't care about her. And their children! Eighteen to twenty two or so and you're acting like this? I'm sure it's difficult for you, but your mother is twice your age and more experienced. She can be whoever she wants to be, she can change in whatever way makes her happy. I hate the kids too. I'm sorry but everyone's concerned about Mac and "where Ali belongs" (without considering her input) and how "every marriage has rough patches." Does anyone in this damn book respect Ali? Because it sure doesn't feel like it.
June 5, 2011
I really enjoyed the three books in this series..This book followed Ali and her husband a Judge and the challenges they were going through with the kids leaving home and Ali feeling like she wasn't needed anymore and sad she hadn't followed her dreams..By going to Eternity Springs and the magic that seems to be there is life changing for Ali and her family..With the way the book ended I'm assuming there will be more books to follow and I certainly hope it's soon as I've grown attached to Eternity Springs and the people who live there..Would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a little bit of mystery,and a heartwarming story filled with characters who feel like family and friends..
September 26, 2015
After a bit of a shaky start with its slightly over the top inspirational theme, Eternity Springs is settling down to be a quite enjoyable small town series. Heartache Falls explores the empty nester theme and the problems that arise when long married couple Judge Mackenzie and Ali Timberlake have to re-evaluate their future together... and in what better place than Eternity Springs to work its healing magic.
May 24, 2016
I usually like books about couples who have been together a long time overcoming rough spots. Something about Heartache Falls just didn't work well for me. I didn't like the hero much, and very late in the book he was still making the same mistakes. We were eventually told he changed but didn't see it before the story ended; I wasn't convinced. I get that they needed time apart, but their reunion and growing together again felt rushed.
May 27, 2011
Another book in the Eternity Springs series that I loved! I would have given 5 stars but felt it ended too abrubtly...I wanted more!!!
Looking forward to Sarah Reese's story coming next in "Lover's Leap"!
Looking forward to Sarah Reese's story coming next in "Lover's Leap"!
June 21, 2011
I didn't like this book as much as the second book in the series but did still really enjoy it. I really liked Al's character and just love Celeste in these books. It did drive me crazy that Ali and Mac were constantly running hot and cold with each other.
January 19, 2016
story of rekindling love in a marriage facing lots of change and sticking with the one you love even when you don't know what either of you wants and working it out. I loved Ali and disliked Mac purely on principle but it was a great story.
June 17, 2016
This was a great book. Emily March writes with emotion and detail that brings the story to life.
August 3, 2017
ok read but good lord the h is insufferable!!!! mac deserved better
December 3, 2023
Ali is the wife of a federal judge, the mother to three successful children and she is not happy. She and her husband have built a wall which separates them from the love they once had.
Ali leaves their Denver home and goes to Eternity Spring Colorado where she believes she will find peace. She has been offered a temporary job and it is something she feels will challenge her and give her a good place to think about what she wants out of life.
Mac, Ali’s husband, has been in love with her since they were in college. But, all the passion they had has seemed to melt away. Their marriage is not what it once was and he is not sure what happened nor how to fix it.
Mac is used to having Ali manage his home and their lives together. At first he is quite resentful that his life has become so different. What he wants is a way to return to the old comfortable life.
Mac is quite a guy. He is not always open minded, but he is smart and honest and most of all he truly loves his wife and children. He eventually is willing to go to great lengths to please his wife and let her realize how much he adores her.
Ali got to be too much for me. I felt that she became rather a whiner and seemed unable to explain exactly what she wanted. She kept expressing her unhappiness, but it took her forever to let Mac know what her feelings were and what she truly desired from life.
There is a happily ever after. But, it is mostly the result of the magic that surrounds people who live in Eternity Springs. In fact, if Eternity Springs were an actual place, there would be a traffic jam of people trying to move into town and never leave.
I am a fan of Emily March. This is not my favorite of her books I’ve read. But, it is quite good.
Ali leaves their Denver home and goes to Eternity Spring Colorado where she believes she will find peace. She has been offered a temporary job and it is something she feels will challenge her and give her a good place to think about what she wants out of life.
Mac, Ali’s husband, has been in love with her since they were in college. But, all the passion they had has seemed to melt away. Their marriage is not what it once was and he is not sure what happened nor how to fix it.
Mac is used to having Ali manage his home and their lives together. At first he is quite resentful that his life has become so different. What he wants is a way to return to the old comfortable life.
Mac is quite a guy. He is not always open minded, but he is smart and honest and most of all he truly loves his wife and children. He eventually is willing to go to great lengths to please his wife and let her realize how much he adores her.
Ali got to be too much for me. I felt that she became rather a whiner and seemed unable to explain exactly what she wanted. She kept expressing her unhappiness, but it took her forever to let Mac know what her feelings were and what she truly desired from life.
There is a happily ever after. But, it is mostly the result of the magic that surrounds people who live in Eternity Springs. In fact, if Eternity Springs were an actual place, there would be a traffic jam of people trying to move into town and never leave.
I am a fan of Emily March. This is not my favorite of her books I’ve read. But, it is quite good.
September 13, 2021
I was so angry when I discovered that the third book is not about Sara, it’s about Ali and Mac. I wanted to skip this book and get on with Sara’s story already. By the time I reached the end of this book, it was my favorite and will remain my favorite.
Ali is upset because her husband is ignoring her. Mac doesn’t have a clue why she is so upset. Every time he tries to say something to make her less upset, this educated man, attorney, federal judge makes it all worse. I know that is why some people don’t like this book. But to me, it makes it more real than the guy who always knows what to say. Mac doesn’t mean to be a clod, he doesn’t even fully realize he IS being a clod. But at least he’s willing to try to figure it out.
As Mac tries to win back the love of his life, he also takes the time to evaluate his own life. And, of course, he runs into Celeste (local wise woman) who simply asks, “What do you want to do with the second half of your life?” This question hit a personal note with me, and when I asked myself this question, and looked at my cubicle which was inside a filing room in a warehouse, I had to answer- NOT THIS! Mac also finds his answer to the question, and realizes, not this. And he eventually catches up with Ali who was way ahead of him in the “Not this” attitude.
This is a lighter book than the first two Eternity Springs novels. There are emotions, but they are not the heart-wrenching, gut-punches of the first two. These emotions are more along the lines of kids wondering why Mom just went crazy. Dad wondering how to get himself out of this mess. And Mom saying, “No more. It’s time for me, now, family.”
Just another reminder, that Eternity Springs is where broken hearts go to heal. And you’re going to love the time you spend there.
Ali is upset because her husband is ignoring her. Mac doesn’t have a clue why she is so upset. Every time he tries to say something to make her less upset, this educated man, attorney, federal judge makes it all worse. I know that is why some people don’t like this book. But to me, it makes it more real than the guy who always knows what to say. Mac doesn’t mean to be a clod, he doesn’t even fully realize he IS being a clod. But at least he’s willing to try to figure it out.
As Mac tries to win back the love of his life, he also takes the time to evaluate his own life. And, of course, he runs into Celeste (local wise woman) who simply asks, “What do you want to do with the second half of your life?” This question hit a personal note with me, and when I asked myself this question, and looked at my cubicle which was inside a filing room in a warehouse, I had to answer- NOT THIS! Mac also finds his answer to the question, and realizes, not this. And he eventually catches up with Ali who was way ahead of him in the “Not this” attitude.
This is a lighter book than the first two Eternity Springs novels. There are emotions, but they are not the heart-wrenching, gut-punches of the first two. These emotions are more along the lines of kids wondering why Mom just went crazy. Dad wondering how to get himself out of this mess. And Mom saying, “No more. It’s time for me, now, family.”
Just another reminder, that Eternity Springs is where broken hearts go to heal. And you’re going to love the time you spend there.
February 12, 2018
Contemorary Romance
This is Ali and Mac Timberlake's story. They are both in their 40s, with grown-up children. Their youngest child have just left the nest, so Ali who has been stay at home mom, feels dissatisfied and restless, secretly wondering if she chose the life that was expected of her rather than the one she truly desired. Ali is also worried about the state of her marriage since her husband Mac, a successful judge, no longer seem to care about her the way he used to and he has started to avoid their marriage bed. Ali's self examination and heartache takes her to Eternity Springs. Will Ali and Mac overcome the challenges their marriage face or will the separation be permanent?
It was good story and not quite as predictable as some romance stories since the two main characters have older children. It makes for a different dynamic than the usual stories. Definitely will check out other books in this Eternity Springs series.
This is Ali and Mac Timberlake's story. They are both in their 40s, with grown-up children. Their youngest child have just left the nest, so Ali who has been stay at home mom, feels dissatisfied and restless, secretly wondering if she chose the life that was expected of her rather than the one she truly desired. Ali is also worried about the state of her marriage since her husband Mac, a successful judge, no longer seem to care about her the way he used to and he has started to avoid their marriage bed. Ali's self examination and heartache takes her to Eternity Springs. Will Ali and Mac overcome the challenges their marriage face or will the separation be permanent?
It was good story and not quite as predictable as some romance stories since the two main characters have older children. It makes for a different dynamic than the usual stories. Definitely will check out other books in this Eternity Springs series.
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