Home at Last by Shirlee McCoy – a Review

Home at Last by Shirlee McCoy – a Review

 

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Description:
Returning to their hometown isn’t something the Bradshaw brothers ever thought they’d do. But a family tragedy has reunited them in Benevolence, Washington–where second chances, reignited dreams, and real love are never far away . . .

Texas rancher Flynn Bradshaw has his work cut out for him. His sister-in-law, Sunday, is finally home after the car crash that killed her husband and left her critically injured. But Flynn still has to get her failing ancestral farm up and running while looking after his six nieces and nephews. He prefers wide open spaces and working solo. Yet as he tries to get the grieving Sunday to care about her life again, he’s finding a chance for love that’s closer than he ever expected . . .

Even before the accident, Sunday struggled to keep the farm afloat as her once-happy marriage crumbled. Now with her body still recovering, she can’t seem to get back the hope she once had. But as she reconnects with her children, Flynn’s dedication, love for the land, and caring slowly inspire her to dream again. Is their growing affection enough to help them through unresolved pain–and risk trying for a future together?

 

 

Review:

Home at Last by Shirlee McCoy is the 3rd book in her The Bradshaws series. In Home at Last we return to Benvolence, Washington, where the Bradshaw brothers take their turn in helping their deceased brother’s family take care of their farm, and help Sunday, who has just returned home, but still suffers the effects of her serious brain damage injury.  Each brother takes his turn to help Sunday and the 6 adopted children. 

Flynn Bradshaw returns home to take his turn in helping bring the farm and the family’s finances back in order.  He plans to spend a few weeks, and then return to his home in Texas.  Best laid plans do not always work out. Flynn evaluates the overall situation of the farm and the finances that his brother Matt left his family, and along the way discovers that Matt mismanaged everything, and was having an affair.

Sunday, who is slowly recovering, but still very much unable to remember things, as well as her having difficulty with her mobility.   Her children try hard to help her remember things, but it is Flynn who begins to keep a close eye on Sunday; especially  when she tries to walk around the farm trying to remember.  He ends up helping Sunday from dangerous situations, and though she wants to do it on her own, she knows she needs help.   A slow built friendship begins, as Sunday begins to trust and rely on Flynn’s help; and Flynn finds himself drawn to the beautiful but flawed widow of his brother.   Together, they both come to terms with Matt’s betrayals, which will bring them together even more.

What follows is a heartwarming story of family, heartbreak, forgiveness and love.  I loved Sunday and Flynn together, though we could see that eventually they will end up together, the romance and Sunday’s complete recovery was left open.  It was wonderful to see the family all bond together to help Sunday move forward, and become more active in their daily duties.  Flynn was truly a great hero, helping with fixing up the farm; working with the children; and being there for Sunday. 

Shirlee McCoy once again gives us a heartwarming and emotional story. Home at Last was written so well by McCoy, and her characters were wonderful.  If you enjoy small town romances, family atmosphere, young children, sweet likeable couple, I suggest you start this series. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Bittersweet by Shirlee McCoy – a Review

Bittersweet by Shirlee McCoy – a Review

 

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Description:
In Benevolence, Washington, the Lamont family’s luscious handmade chocolates are a beloved tradition—and the sweetest of comforts. And for the most reserved of the three Lamont sisters, they’re a much-needed way to challenge the past, rekindle hope—and make happiness for a lifetime.

Caring family and friends, tranquil streets—ex-prosecutor Willow Lamont wishes these could make her feel truly at home. She’s back to help her grandfather manage Chocolate Haven, a long held dream come true. But she’s struggling to make their unique fudge—and to cope with a secret trauma that haunts her. Yet when she finds an abandoned baby who breaks her heart wide open, she wonders how long she can hide her emotions—especially from warm, handsome, and way too nosey Deputy Sheriff Jax Gordon.

Always an outsider, Jax knows more than he should about loss. But he didn’t expect his difficult search for baby “Miracle’s” mother would reveal such a vulnerable side to the accomplished, beautiful woman he’s always admired. Earning Willow’s trust is the hardest thing he’s ever had to do. Yet between her honesty and courage, he’s longing to fill her life with rekindled joy—and a forever of irresistible love

 

Review:

Bittersweet by Shirlee McCoy is the 3rd book in her Home Sweet Home series. Willow Lamont is our heroine, having returned home temporarily to help her grandfather run Chocolate Haven.  With her two sisters (previous story heroines) busy with a marriage or babies, Willow spends her free hours making chocolate and failing on making the family secret fudge recipe.  Willow has nightmares, due to a rape when she was only 13, and has kept this a secret all these years; one reason she does not like to come home. 

One evening, while working late, she hears a noise outside and calls the cops.  Jax Gordon, the deputy sheriff and our hero, arrives to find out what is wrong.  Willow describes a car stopping and then pulling away.  Together Jax and Willow will find an abandoned baby by the dumpster.  When they are at the hospital for the baby, Jax recognizes that Willow is hiding some kind of trauma, and when it comes to that, Jax is an expert.  He himself has his own nightmares of having his own family murdered years before. 

What follows is a slow build sweet romance between Jax and Willow, with the mystery of finding the person to dumped the baby.  Despite their determination to not have any relationship, they both start falling for each other.  It was really nice to see the Lamont family again, as well as the backdrop of making chocolate.  Willow will foster the baby called Miracle, temporarily until she is well enough to be adopted. 

Bittersweet was a very nice romance, with a couple that each had their own mentally disabling issues.  Willow will slowly learn to put the past behind her, and realize that she loves being home again.  The only problem is she needs to help Jax move on from his past, as he fears being hurt again.  Once again, Shirlee McCoy gives us another wonderful story, surrounded by a great family, in the small town of Benevolence, Washington.  If you enjoy small town romances, I suggest you read the Home Sweet Home series

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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