Tag Archives: Thunder Point series

Book Review – A New Hope

02 Sunday Aug 2015

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cover64401-mediumA New Hope

Thunder Point series

by Robyn Carr

Starting over is never easy, but in Thunder Point, where newcomers are welcome and friends become family, it’s possible to find yourself again. #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr takes us on a moving and rewarding journey as a young woman finds new hope.

After losing her child, Ginger Dysart was lost in grief. But since moving to Thunder Point, a small town on the Oregon coast, Ginger is finally moving forward. Her job at the flower shop is peaceful and fulfilling, and she’s excited to be assisting with the Lacoumette wedding.

In spite of her lasting heartache, Ginger is swept up in the pleasure of the occasion. But the beauty of the Lacoumette farm and the joy of the gregarious family are ruined by an unfortunate encounter with the bride’s brother, Matt. Struggling with painful memories of his own, Matt makes a drunken spectacle of himself when he tries to make a pass at Ginger, forcing her to flee the scene in embarrassment.

But when Matt shows up at the flower shop determined to make amends, what started out as a humiliating first meeting blossoms into something much deeper than either of them expected. Everyone around them worries that Ginger will end up with a broken heart yet again. But if Ginger has the courage to embrace the future, and if Matt can finally learn to let go of the past, there may still be hope for a happy ending.

Two things that I think are important to note here – 1) if you haven’t read any of the Thunder Point books it is probably a good idea to at least start with One Wish, which is the book before this one, because it has some of the characters from A New Hope but 2) it shouldn’t be an issue because these books are just so darn good that you should be reading them all anyway 🙂

I always feel like a broken record with this series – emotional plots involving realistic characters with real troubles. But when you have something as perfect as this why mess it up, right? And Carr is so talented at bringing a variety of people and their issues to the page, I never feel like I’m getting just a repeat.

We got to know Ginger some in One Wish and I’m thrilled that we get to see her continue to heal, make friends and build a new life for herself. She’s understandably a little unsteady on her feet but she’s making great strides. She shows an amazing sense of self and maturity coming out of the amazing hardships she’s had to face and that is exactly what Matt needs. He’s having to address a few things of his own and meeting Ginger definitely shakes things up for him – living a life he’s not proud of since his divorce, seeing what Ginger has overcome has him re-examining things.

I recommended reading One Wish not just because of Ginger, but we also get a continuation of Grace & Troy’s story, which I loved. It added even more sweetness to an already touching story. Plus they help us get a little sneak peek at the next story. I’ve said this before too, the sense of continuation and community, of old friends and new acquaintances, is one of my favorite parts of this series.

With A New Hope, Carr once again brings us characters that we grow to care about. And I love that even though they help each other, they face their demons themselves. It helps lead to a healthy HEA that left me all giddy and happy and oh-so-ready for the next story.

Book Review – One Wish

28 Saturday Feb 2015

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cover58116-medium#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr delivers another smart, funny, emotional novel about the complexities of life in the small Oregon town of Thunder Point

Grace Dillon was a champion figure skater until she moved to Thunder Point to escape the ruthless world of fame and competition. And though she’s proud of the quiet, self-sufficient life she’s created running a successful flower shop, she knows something is missing. Her life could use a little excitement.

In a community where there are few eligible singles, high school teacher Troy Headly appoints himself Grace’s fun coach. When he suggests a little companionship with no strings attached, Grace is eager to take him up on his offer, and the two enjoy…getting to know each other.

But things get complicated when Grace’s past catches up with her, and she knows that’s not what Troy signed up for. Faced with losing her, Troy realizes Grace is more than just a friend with benefits. He’s determined to help her fight for the life she always wished for but never believed she could have—and maybe they can find real love along the way.

I have not hidden the fact that I love Carr’s Thunder Point series (see The Wanderer, The Newcomer, The Hero, The Chance, The Promise, and The Homecoming).  All of these books are full of real people with real issues – hopes, dreams, troubles and foibles – and One Wish is no different. 

I love the relationship that develops between Grace and Troy.  Though they start as friendly acquaintances, they quickly and easily move into something more.  Once again Carr captures the fluidity of real life, the ease of deepening feelings as time goes by.  But unlike the average person, Grace is keeping a pretty big secret – one that will have an impact on her relationship with Troy.  Captured beautifully, the way they figure out whether they can move on together is very touching and makes for a true Carr ending.

In addition to the fantastic main story, returning readers are also treated to an update on some of their past favorites, plus we get a sneak peek at the next story.  My favorite part is that it doesn’t feel forced and every time a new story comes out I feel like I’m coming home again, visiting old friends and making new ones. 

Emotional, full of warmth and heartbreak, offset with humor and fun, One Wish highlights why Thunder Point is one of my favorite places to visit.  I get giddy at just the notion of a new book and the fact that Carr usually releases at least three a year just makes me so darn happy. 

Book Review – The Homecoming

15 Friday Aug 2014

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cover47637-mediumIn a small town, reputation is everything. In her latest novel, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr explores the burden placed on a young man returning home to face his mistakes—the first step in claiming the life he was meant to live

At the age of nineteen, Seth Sileski had everything. A superb athlete and scholar, handsome and popular, he was the pride of Thunder Point. Destined for greatness, he lost it all in a terrible accident that put an end to his professional football career when it had barely begun. The people in his hometown have never forgotten what might have been.

Seth has come to terms with the turns his life has taken. But now he’s been presented with an opportunity to return home and show his father—and the people of Thunder Point—he’s become a better, humbler version of his former self.

Winning over his father isn’t the only challenge. Seth must also find a way to convince his childhood neighbor and best friend, Iris McKinley, to forgive him for breaking her heart. With his homecoming, will Seth be able to convince the town, his family and especially Iris that he’s finally ready to be the man who will make them all proud?

I keep saying the same thing about Carr’s books – they are realistic, heart-warming, and addictive.  Every time I pick one up, it is like catching up with old friends and I’m ready for the next one as soon as I finish one.

In The Homecoming, we get to meet Mac’s replacement, Seth, and school counselor, Iris. Seth was mentioned during The Promise, but he doesn’t actually appear until this book and if Iris was in any of the others I don’t remember her.  But that’s OK, I love meeting new friends too.  And that also means that if this is your first Thunder Point book then you’ve chosen a good place to start.

I’ve mentioned it with other books, but the friends-to-lovers plotline is one of my favorites and Carr delivers it beautifully here.  There was a misunderstanding between Seth and Iris in high school that ruined their friendship.  Over the years, Seth realizes that the thing that has been missing from his life is Iris and now that he’s back in town he plans on getting her back.  Iris had feelings for Seth for years and even though she’s tried to move on with other guys, she’s never gotten over those feelings.But she doesn’t believe that he could feel anything romantic for her … after all, he didn’t in high school, so why should he now.

I love these two together.  They had a fantastic friendship and a connection that the years apart couldn’t destroy.  Now they have the chance to make it into more and it is super sweet and fun and sassy and cute.  We also have Seth’s attempt to reconnect with his father and some drama over a high school student who might be abused.  With Iris and Seth’s jobs, it fits in well with their developing relationship.

And that is where the true drama lies because Iris and Seth flow seamlessly into their new relationship and it works so well.  There isn’t too much angst and trouble, just a little bit where she doesn’t really trust his feelings (and a little bit about what caused their rift all those years ago), then a little bit about another guy who has feelings for Iris.  (And I love Troy, I’m pretty sure his will be the next story and I’m looking forward to finding out everything I can about him.)  Otherwise, it is a trademark Carr relationship – so real and so believable, these people could just as easily be your neighbors or friends.

And that, at its basic level, is why I love the Thunder Point books.  It all goes back to how I feel like I’m coming home again – making friends and catching up on the goings on in my favorite little coastal town.  As I mentioned earlier, this is a good place for new readers to start … but you better be ready to go back and read all of the others as well.  Addictive page turners, with characters who have depth and charm, are Carr books at their best.

Book Review – The Promise

02 Saturday Aug 2014

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cover45733-medium#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr returns to Thunder Point with an uplifting story about overcoming loss and finding unexpected love 

Scott Grant has a bustling family practice in the small Oregon community of Thunder Point. The town and its people have embraced the widowed doctor and father of two, his children are thriving, and Scott knows it’s time to move on from his loss. But as the town’s only doctor, the dating pool is limited. That is, until a stunning physician’s assistant applies for a job at his clinic. 

Peyton Lacoumette considers herself entirely out of the dating scene. She’s already been burned by a man with kids, and she’s come to Thunder Point determined not to repeat past mistakes. When Scott offers her a job, at a much lower salary than she’s used to, Peyton is surprisingly eager to accept…at least for now. She’s willing to stay for a three-month trial period while she explores other options. 

Scott and Peyton know the arrangement is temporary—it isn’t enough time to build a real relationship, never mind anything with lasting commitment. But love can blossom faster than you think when the timing is right, and this short visit just might hold the promise of forever.

This series is so realistic and interesting and very addictive.  Like the rest of the books, The Promise is all about the characters – smart, sexy Dr Grant and sassy, independent Peyton.  They have to decide if they want to take the chance on each other and if they can make their lives fit together.

Like most of the people in Thunder Point, both Scott and Peyton are somewhat new to town.  Scott’s been there a couple of years and Peyton is making a stop on her way to her next thing … whatever that may be.  The majority of their troubles comes from some scars that Peyton carries from her last relationship, along with her choice on what to do with her life.  As with any Thunder Point couple, these problems are normal and every day, something you would expect a friend to experience.

We also get updates on some of our other favorite characters as well as a preview of what we can expect to see in The Homecoming.  I think that’s one of the things I like best about these books – we get new characters and old characters, helping to enhance that small town feeling.  These people quickly become good friends and you want to know everything about them – their ups and downs, their happiness and troubles.  You feel like you are taking their journey with them and it is what brings you coming back for more.

If you haven’t read a Thunder Point book before, that’s ok – you can start here … but you are definitely missing out on something great.

Book Review – The Chance

08 Saturday Mar 2014

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cover39769-mediumWith its breathtaking vistas and down-to-earth people, Thunder Point is the perfect place for FBI agent Laine Carrington to recuperate from a gunshot wound and contemplate her future. The locals embraced Laine as one of their own after she risked her life to save a young girl from a dangerous cult. Knowing her wounds go beyond the physical, Laine hopes she’ll fit in for a while and find her true self in a town that feels safe. She may even learn to open her heart to others, something an undercover agent has little time to indulge.

Eric Gentry is also new to Thunder Point. Although he’s a man with a dark past, he’s determined to put down roots and get to know the daughter he only recently discovered. When Laine and Eric meet, their attraction is obvious to everyone. But while the law enforcement agent and the reformed criminal want to make things work, their differences may run too deep…unless they take a chance on each other and find that deep and mysterious bond that belongs to those who choose love over fear.

Let me just say that the FBI/criminal thing really doesn’t go that far in this book. Instead The Chance is about two people with normal, complicated lives who fall in love and have to figure out how to make it work regardless of their other obligations. I think that is my favorite part of Robyn Carr’s characters – they are just like you and me, with normal problems and normal feelings and normal issues. They have to figure out how (or even if) they can make one life together with all the associated complications from two individual ones. It’s sweet and honest and straight-forward and I loved every minute of it.

Laine has some family complications she has to figure out, as well as trying to decide what she wants to do with her job going forward. Considering she’s on a year-long hiatus from her East Coast job, it isn’t surprising that Eric is a little hesitant about what that means for a future together. He’s got a job, friends and family in Thunder Point and he wants to be there at least a little longer. It doesn’t lead to a lot of large scale drama, instead it’s a very real one that could happen to anyone you know.

I really enjoyed both of the main characters (and I’ve never been shy about saying how much I love the rest of them) – Laine is sweet and loving, but being an FBI agent she also has a spine of steel. She’s smart, wily, funny and caring. Eric will be the first to say he was an idiot as a kid but he got his act together and he’s turned into a wonderful man. He’s considerate, loving and quite sexy. He’s smart, hardworking, but he’s learned from his past and come to grips with it. He could be bitter but instead he figured out how to be a better person for it. He takes care of those around him and loves very well.

And while we get some updates on previous characters, although not as much as maybe some of the other books in the series, we mainly focus on the central plot and one other subplot.  It’s a sweet story with a couple of Eric’s workers that just about broke my heart before everything was tied up nicely at the end.  The two storylines worked well together and I didn’t feel cheated or rushed with either of them.

The Chance is part of a series, but I think that you’ll be able to keep up even if you haven’t read any of the previous stories … although I will tell you that you are missing out on something great if you haven’t read the rest.  If you like home-grown, real-life, small-town romances, you can’t miss with Robin Carr.

Book Review – The Hero

17 Monday Feb 2014

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cover32934-mediumIn a moment of desperation, Devon McAllister takes her daughter and flees a place where they should have been safe and secure. She has no idea what is around the next bend, but she is pretty certain it can’t be worse than what they’ve left behind. Her plan is to escape to somewhere she can be invisible. Instead, an unexpected offer of assistance leads her to Thunder Point, a tiny Oregon town with a willingness to help someone in need.

As the widowed father of a vulnerable young boy, Spencer Lawson knows something about needing friendship. But he’s not looking for anything else. Instead, he’s thrown his energy into his new role as Thunder Point’s high school football coach. Tough and demanding to his team, off the field he’s gentle and kind just the kind of man who could heal Devon’s wounded heart.

Devon thought she wanted to hide from the world. But in Thunder Point, you find bravery where you least expect it and sometimes, you find a hero.

Reading a book in one of Robyn Carr’s series is like coming home. I love how she gives you your main characters but you also get updates on everyone you’ve met before, as well as an introduction to future stories. It’s probably not the easiest for new readers but I think that she does a pretty decent job of giving you enough information you aren’t totally lost. It’s not as involved as a series that follows one character all through the books, but you do get to keep moving forward with the lives of characters that you’ve met and fell in love with before. It just gives me a warm, happy feeling when I see a new one of her stories on the shelf because I know I’ll be with friends again.

In The Hero, we get to continue with Spencer who we met in The Newcomer. For a man who has had quite a few blows over the recent months, he’s quite well-adjusted and handles the curveballs with maturity. Of course he’s going to have a few man moments, but he’s sweet, caring, and generous. He’s not perfect, but he’s pretty darn close.

We also meet Devon for the first time. On the run from a cult, she lucks into Thunder Point and is welcomed with open arms (as is expected for these people). She’s had a rough few years too but she’s ready to start fresh and the little town is the perfect place to be. And meeting Spencer might be the best thing for both of them. I loved these two together and their growing relationship kept me quickly turning pages.

Carr is an amazingly talented writer, bringing to life not only the people but the community of Thunder Point. I always feel like I’m transported there when I pick up one of her books. They are amazingly detailed (but not too heavy-handed) with believable interactions – full of humor, heart and the occasional touch of heat.

The “Thunder Point” series is full of memorable characters, emotional story-lines and an abundance of realistic moments. The Hero just showcases Carr’s ability to deftly provide readers a vivid look into the lifelike world of her characters with both warmth and humor. You’ll laugh, tear up, and sigh right along with characters who seem to be living almost everyday lives in an everyday place. A place that you will want to visit again and again.