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Sullivan's Crossing #5
The Country Guesthouse
A summer rental, a new beginning…
Hannah Russell’s carefully crafted plans for her life have been upended without warning. When her best friend died suddenly, Hannah became guardian to a five-year-old named Noah. With no experience at motherhood, she’s terrified she’s not up to the challenge. She and Noah need time to get to know each other, so she decides to rent a country house with stunning views on a lake in rural Colorado.
When they arrive at the house, they are greeted by the owner, a handsome man who promises to stay out of their way. But his clumsy Great Dane, Romeo, has other ideas and Noah immediately bonds with the lovable dog. As Hannah learns to become a mother, Owen Abrams, who is recovering from his own grief, can’t help but be drawn out of his solitude by his guests.
But life throws more challenges at this unlikely trio and they are tested in ways they never thought possible. All three will discover their strengths and, despite their differences, they will fight to become a family. And the people of Sullivan’s Crossing will rally around them to offer all of the support they need.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr delivers an emotional and triumphant novel about the fierce power of a mother’s love.
Hannah Russell’s carefully crafted plans for her life have been upended without warning. When her best friend died suddenly, Hannah became guardian to a five-year-old named Noah. With no experience at motherhood, she’s terrified she’s not up to the challenge. She and Noah need time to get to know each other, so she decides to rent a country house with stunning views on a lake in rural Colorado.
When they arrive at the house, they are greeted by the owner, a handsome man who promises to stay out of their way. But his clumsy Great Dane, Romeo, has other ideas and Noah immediately bonds with the lovable dog. As Hannah learns to become a mother, Owen Abrams, who is recovering from his own grief, can’t help but be drawn out of his solitude by his guests.
But life throws more challenges at this unlikely trio and they are tested in ways they never thought possible. All three will discover their strengths and, despite their differences, they will fight to become a family. And the people of Sullivan’s Crossing will rally around them to offer all of the support they need.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr delivers an emotional and triumphant novel about the fierce power of a mother’s love.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2020
About the author
Robyn Carr
157 books11.7k followers Robyn Carr is a RITA® Award-winning, eleven-time #1 New York Times bestselling author of over sixty novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River series and Sullivan's Crossing series. Robyn's new women's fiction novel, THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB, will be released in January 2024. The new hit Sullivan's Crossing TV series (season 1) inspired by Robyn's book series was released in the USA in the fall of 2023! Plus, season 5 of the worldwide fan-favorite Virgin River TV Series is now streaming on Netflix (July 2023) with two holiday episodes coming November 30, 2023. Both TV series have been renewed for another season!
Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.
Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 995 reviews
January 29, 2020
Hannah Russell is a successful sales manager living in Minneapolis. While her career is on track, her love life hasn’t been all that shiny and recently took a major nose dive. As she plans to take some time off and return to Colorado, the lovely site of her last business trip, one of her best friends dies suddenly, leaving 5-year son, Noah, in her care. Hannah decides to keep the planned trip intact so she and Noah can have a chance to bond and grieve. She’d booked the house owned by freelance photographer Owen Abrams who’d planned to be out of town but his plans changed and he’s not traveling but will stay in the attached barn.
I loved returning to Sullivan’s Crossing and it was the perfect place for Hannah and Noah to find respite. With its strong sense of community and natural beauty, it set the stage for both of them to heal and experience the outreach from the residents. Owen also had experienced a tragedy years ago and had never fully recovered from it. The relationship he created with Noah pulled some serious heartstrings, almost eclipsing his romance with Hannah but not really. And then there was his dog, Romeo, an adorable and lovable Great Dane who really was a scene stealer. This story has all of the elements that normally keeps me enthralled...and I was.
I chose to listen to this story because it’s narrated by Thèrése Plummer who is fabulous normally and in her performance here. She masters the young Noah while credibly delivering the male voices along with the others. She provided distinctive qualities for all the major characters, helping to define them beyond the pages. I’m committed to listening to the series here after.
I loved everything about this story. It wasn’t all sweetness and light as Hannah and Noah experience some real threats and challenges. It grabbed me from the start, wouldn’t let go and I finished it in a day. Carr is a master at writing compelling small town romance and she doesn’t miss here.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Recorded Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
I loved returning to Sullivan’s Crossing and it was the perfect place for Hannah and Noah to find respite. With its strong sense of community and natural beauty, it set the stage for both of them to heal and experience the outreach from the residents. Owen also had experienced a tragedy years ago and had never fully recovered from it. The relationship he created with Noah pulled some serious heartstrings, almost eclipsing his romance with Hannah but not really. And then there was his dog, Romeo, an adorable and lovable Great Dane who really was a scene stealer. This story has all of the elements that normally keeps me enthralled...and I was.
I chose to listen to this story because it’s narrated by Thèrése Plummer who is fabulous normally and in her performance here. She masters the young Noah while credibly delivering the male voices along with the others. She provided distinctive qualities for all the major characters, helping to define them beyond the pages. I’m committed to listening to the series here after.
I loved everything about this story. It wasn’t all sweetness and light as Hannah and Noah experience some real threats and challenges. It grabbed me from the start, wouldn’t let go and I finished it in a day. Carr is a master at writing compelling small town romance and she doesn’t miss here.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Recorded Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
October 24, 2021
Pleasant story with themes of love, loss and blended families. The primary and secondary characters are well developed. An enjoyable escapist read.
January 21, 2020
As usual with Robyn Carr’s stories, The Country Guesthouse sucked me right in from the first chapter.
Hannah’s life is turned upside down in more ways than one when her best friend, Erin, dies unexpectedly and she’s named as the guardian to her five-year-old son, Noah. Erin and Hannah had been best friends since college, bonding over shared goals and horrible mothers. Of course, when Hannah agreed to take care of any of Erin’s future offspring should something happen, Hannah never dreamed she’d have to carry out that promise. She’s determined to cherish and raise Noah right, and to get better acquainted and smooth the transition Hannah takes them on a vacation to a secluded Colorado house. Little does she know that due to a scheduling mishap, the owner, Owen Abrams will be staying on the property as well, but this turns out to be the best thing for Hannah, Noah, and Owen.
Owen Abrams is no stranger to loss, and so Hannah and Noah’s situation tugs at his heart. His big Great Dane, Romeo, immediately breaks the ice and lifts Noah’s spirits, but it’s Owen’s help and friendship that truly make their vacation special. Days swimming and fishing in the lake and nights spent making dinner and relaxing on the porch make it so Hannah and Noah never want to leave. Hannah and Owen grow closer and closer making leaving a painful prospect. Never fear, love finds a way!
The situation was both heartbreaking and heartwarming, and I was captivated from page one. As with real life, there were bumps in the road. There’s usually a little suspense and danger with Ms. Carr’s stories, and there’s a situation that definitely put me on edge and had me worrying for Noah’s safety, but Hannah and Noah had love, support, and protection from Owen, as well as many of the residents in Sullivan’s Crossing, most I’d met in the previous installments.
Characters from past stories pop in, but I think The Country Guesthouse can be read as a standalone since this is very much Hannah, Owen and Noah’s story. Sullivan’s Crossing has been a thoroughly enjoyable series, and I love digging into every new installment! Set in the Colorado mountains, where the Continental Divide Trail and the Colorado Trail intersect, Sullivan’s Crossing sounds like a beautiful small town, and I’ve grown to love the colorful characters.
I had an ARC e-copy of The Country Guesthouse, but I usually can’t resist buying an audio copy of Robyn Carr’s books because of Therese Plummer’s superb narration. I alternately listened and read, and loved the story!
A copy was kindly provided by MIRA via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hannah’s life is turned upside down in more ways than one when her best friend, Erin, dies unexpectedly and she’s named as the guardian to her five-year-old son, Noah. Erin and Hannah had been best friends since college, bonding over shared goals and horrible mothers. Of course, when Hannah agreed to take care of any of Erin’s future offspring should something happen, Hannah never dreamed she’d have to carry out that promise. She’s determined to cherish and raise Noah right, and to get better acquainted and smooth the transition Hannah takes them on a vacation to a secluded Colorado house. Little does she know that due to a scheduling mishap, the owner, Owen Abrams will be staying on the property as well, but this turns out to be the best thing for Hannah, Noah, and Owen.
Owen Abrams is no stranger to loss, and so Hannah and Noah’s situation tugs at his heart. His big Great Dane, Romeo, immediately breaks the ice and lifts Noah’s spirits, but it’s Owen’s help and friendship that truly make their vacation special. Days swimming and fishing in the lake and nights spent making dinner and relaxing on the porch make it so Hannah and Noah never want to leave. Hannah and Owen grow closer and closer making leaving a painful prospect. Never fear, love finds a way!
The situation was both heartbreaking and heartwarming, and I was captivated from page one. As with real life, there were bumps in the road. There’s usually a little suspense and danger with Ms. Carr’s stories, and there’s a situation that definitely put me on edge and had me worrying for Noah’s safety, but Hannah and Noah had love, support, and protection from Owen, as well as many of the residents in Sullivan’s Crossing, most I’d met in the previous installments.
Characters from past stories pop in, but I think The Country Guesthouse can be read as a standalone since this is very much Hannah, Owen and Noah’s story. Sullivan’s Crossing has been a thoroughly enjoyable series, and I love digging into every new installment! Set in the Colorado mountains, where the Continental Divide Trail and the Colorado Trail intersect, Sullivan’s Crossing sounds like a beautiful small town, and I’ve grown to love the colorful characters.
I had an ARC e-copy of The Country Guesthouse, but I usually can’t resist buying an audio copy of Robyn Carr’s books because of Therese Plummer’s superb narration. I alternately listened and read, and loved the story!
A copy was kindly provided by MIRA via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2020
DNF
I usually like small town romance. Recently I enjoyed Securing Zoey by Susan Strokes. I was looking forward with The Country Guesthouse. At about 60%, I give up. What does not work for me is the pace of the story. It is so dragging. Too slow and too boring. I even fall asleep listening to the audiobook.
I hate to shelved book under DNF. Only with a book that is really bad or does not fit my taste, I have to shelved it with DNF.
2 stars
I usually like small town romance. Recently I enjoyed Securing Zoey by Susan Strokes. I was looking forward with The Country Guesthouse. At about 60%, I give up. What does not work for me is the pace of the story. It is so dragging. Too slow and too boring. I even fall asleep listening to the audiobook.
I hate to shelved book under DNF. Only with a book that is really bad or does not fit my taste, I have to shelved it with DNF.
2 stars
January 7, 2020
Carr mixed in an oversized dog, a heart-wounded man, a sweet boy and an overwhelmed yet strong heroine.
Then Carr placed them in Sullivan’s Crossing and let things unfold. She gave us laughter, suspense, tender moments and all the feels. Even though I felt the romance was subdued in this story, yet I still felt the relationship grow and connected with the characters.
It was great to back in Sullivan’s Corner. I love Sully, and all the folks who call it home. When trouble threatens the young child, they all step in to help. The suspense tread was nice, and I even appreciated that Carr didn’t use cliched characters, particularly with the brother. Everyone is worthy of redemption in my book. Just because their cover is worn and a lot of their story doesn’t look promising, those final chapters haven’t been written. *gets down of soapbox*
The story touches on grief, family, love, and community. It delivers sweet romance that has little drama thanks to a suspenseful thread that will keep you flipping the pages. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Then Carr placed them in Sullivan’s Crossing and let things unfold. She gave us laughter, suspense, tender moments and all the feels. Even though I felt the romance was subdued in this story, yet I still felt the relationship grow and connected with the characters.
It was great to back in Sullivan’s Corner. I love Sully, and all the folks who call it home. When trouble threatens the young child, they all step in to help. The suspense tread was nice, and I even appreciated that Carr didn’t use cliched characters, particularly with the brother. Everyone is worthy of redemption in my book. Just because their cover is worn and a lot of their story doesn’t look promising, those final chapters haven’t been written. *gets down of soapbox*
The story touches on grief, family, love, and community. It delivers sweet romance that has little drama thanks to a suspenseful thread that will keep you flipping the pages. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
January 30, 2020
I am such a huge fan of Carr's. I can't put her books down once I start reading them. This one was no different. I love the drama and the ending was to die for. You are going to fall in love with the three main characters.
I am on pins and needles waiting for Carr's next book.
This can be read as a stand alone.
I am on pins and needles waiting for Carr's next book.
This can be read as a stand alone.
Read
February 8, 2023Three and a half stars.
When her best friend Erin. Dies, Hannah Russell becomes guardian for Fove year old Noah. Erin was explicit in her will that Noah was never to be in the presence of his grandmother Victoria Addison or her son, Roger, who abused Erin.
As Hannah and Noah deal with their grief and try to get to know each other better, Hannah takes leave from her job and rents a country house in rural Colorado. The home’s owner Owen Abrams, a freelance photographer, is also at the property but plans to stay out of Hannah and Noah’s way, by staying in the barn where he works. That that plan is soon turned on its head when Owen’s Great Dane, Romeo, makes his presence felt. It doesn’t take long for young Noah to fall in love with Romeo. Owen has had his own share of loos and tragedy in his past, so he understands that grief can take many forms. He befriends the grieving Hannah and Noah. Could it even be more than friendship?
Libby, Owen and Noah who has mild cerebral palsy are all likeable, though sometimes Noah comes across as older than five. There is also a cast of lovely townsfolk, some of whom I have met in the previous book about Sullivan‘s Crossing. I was not convinced about two of the other characters, who appear one dimensional and not at all realistic.
All in all, an enjoyable read that tugs at the emotions at times. Chic lit yes but an engaging read.
When her best friend Erin. Dies, Hannah Russell becomes guardian for Fove year old Noah. Erin was explicit in her will that Noah was never to be in the presence of his grandmother Victoria Addison or her son, Roger, who abused Erin.
As Hannah and Noah deal with their grief and try to get to know each other better, Hannah takes leave from her job and rents a country house in rural Colorado. The home’s owner Owen Abrams, a freelance photographer, is also at the property but plans to stay out of Hannah and Noah’s way, by staying in the barn where he works. That that plan is soon turned on its head when Owen’s Great Dane, Romeo, makes his presence felt. It doesn’t take long for young Noah to fall in love with Romeo. Owen has had his own share of loos and tragedy in his past, so he understands that grief can take many forms. He befriends the grieving Hannah and Noah. Could it even be more than friendship?
Libby, Owen and Noah who has mild cerebral palsy are all likeable, though sometimes Noah comes across as older than five. There is also a cast of lovely townsfolk, some of whom I have met in the previous book about Sullivan‘s Crossing. I was not convinced about two of the other characters, who appear one dimensional and not at all realistic.
All in all, an enjoyable read that tugs at the emotions at times. Chic lit yes but an engaging read.
August 7, 2020
I was looking for some fluff to listen to and boy was this some fluff. When Hannah Russell comes back early from a work trip to find her fiance in bed with one of her employees - her world comes crashing down. It gets even worse when she discovers that her best friend has unexpectedly died and she now has custody of her 5 year old child with special needs. Talk about a curve-ball. She's trying to bond with Noah so she decides to rent a nice guesthouse in the mountains for a couple weekend so they can learn to love and trust each other. She ends up meeting the owner of the house and his big dog and suddenly the world seems even brighter. They start to fall hard and Hannah will have some tough choices to make on what she wants her future to look like. Do she and Noah have room for Own, his dog, and their beautiful house (who wouldn't?!?). Sappy, predictable, repetitive, and slow. The "twist" at the end was obvious. Perfect for fans of happy fluff with a little bit of spice (a few sex scenes - mildly graphic).
January 8, 2020
The Country Guesthouse is the fifth book in Robyn Carr’s Sullivan’s Crossing series, and as with all the books in the series it works perfectly fine as a standalone novel. Although you get to see characters from the prior books in this one, it is not necessary to have read their stories to enjoy this one – it’s simply an added bonus.
Although I did enjoy The Country Guesthouse, I’m going to be honest and say it’s not my favourite in the series. I powered through it in a single sitting, as I do with all Robyn Carr books, but this one didn’t quite wow me to the same degree as the other books in the series.
As always, Robyn Carr takes a real issue and pulls you into the story. You quickly connect to the characters and find yourself desperate to see how their stories come together. However, with this one, I found myself wanting more. It was great to see how things developed, but there were certain elements of the story I would have liked to have seen more of, there were certain elements I would have liked to have been given more depth.
There is no doubt it was an enjoyable read and I loved how things played out, but this isn’t my number one Robyn Carr read. For fans of Sullivan’s Crossing, however, The Country Guesthouse is a nice addition to the series.
Although I did enjoy The Country Guesthouse, I’m going to be honest and say it’s not my favourite in the series. I powered through it in a single sitting, as I do with all Robyn Carr books, but this one didn’t quite wow me to the same degree as the other books in the series.
As always, Robyn Carr takes a real issue and pulls you into the story. You quickly connect to the characters and find yourself desperate to see how their stories come together. However, with this one, I found myself wanting more. It was great to see how things developed, but there were certain elements of the story I would have liked to have seen more of, there were certain elements I would have liked to have been given more depth.
There is no doubt it was an enjoyable read and I loved how things played out, but this isn’t my number one Robyn Carr read. For fans of Sullivan’s Crossing, however, The Country Guesthouse is a nice addition to the series.
September 27, 2021
Series: Sullivan's Crossing, book #5
Hannah Russell (35) returns home early from a corporate retreat and finds her fiancé in bed with another woman. This put an end to her 2nd engagement. There are more bad news -- her best friend Erin unexpectantly dies due to pneumonia-caused complications and leave behind a 5-year-old son Noah. Erin was a single mother and estranged from her mother, so she named Hannah as her son's guardian. Hannah has no experience with motherhood but she accept the challange to take care of Noah.
Hannah has previously visited a lakeside house in Colorado and she enjoyed that place and people. She decide to go there again, this time with Noah. When they arrive, they discover that the home’s owner, photographer Owen Abrams and his adorable dog Romeo are also there. To their surprise they quickly find enjoyment in each others company.
Plot sounded interesting enough but the execution was not very good. Thanks to multiple POVs there were too many repetitions, no surprises. Dialogue sounded stilted and dry. I've read several Robyn Carr's books now and so many of her characters have lost someone, have some kind of partner or health issues. Little kids act like adults (its unreal how advanced 5- or 2-year-olds are in Carr's books). There are lots of bad and frustrating things thrown in together, yet, it lacked emotional depth. I felt like I am reading summary instead of experiencing and feeling things along with the main characters (telling vs showing). I never really felt invested in the plot and characters. It wasn't bad but I wasn't impressed either.
Hannah Russell (35) returns home early from a corporate retreat and finds her fiancé in bed with another woman. This put an end to her 2nd engagement. There are more bad news -- her best friend Erin unexpectantly dies due to pneumonia-caused complications and leave behind a 5-year-old son Noah. Erin was a single mother and estranged from her mother, so she named Hannah as her son's guardian. Hannah has no experience with motherhood but she accept the challange to take care of Noah.
Hannah has previously visited a lakeside house in Colorado and she enjoyed that place and people. She decide to go there again, this time with Noah. When they arrive, they discover that the home’s owner, photographer Owen Abrams and his adorable dog Romeo are also there. To their surprise they quickly find enjoyment in each others company.
Plot sounded interesting enough but the execution was not very good. Thanks to multiple POVs there were too many repetitions, no surprises. Dialogue sounded stilted and dry. I've read several Robyn Carr's books now and so many of her characters have lost someone, have some kind of partner or health issues. Little kids act like adults (its unreal how advanced 5- or 2-year-olds are in Carr's books). There are lots of bad and frustrating things thrown in together, yet, it lacked emotional depth. I felt like I am reading summary instead of experiencing and feeling things along with the main characters (telling vs showing). I never really felt invested in the plot and characters. It wasn't bad but I wasn't impressed either.
January 19, 2020
This 5th book in this series was my absolute favorite book. It pulled me in like when I was reading the Virgin River series. I am loving the characters more and more with each book and the addition of Noah, Hannah and Owen along with the big clumsy but loveable Romeo were such great characters.
The story begins with Hannah going to a beautiful home with her team for a team building exercise. Hannah feels as thought she gets nothing out of this team building and leaves. As she is heading out, she stops at Sully's and befriends him.
After Hannah returns home, her friend passes away, willing her son to Hannah.
This is the story of Hannah's new life as she adjusts to raising a small boy and how she finds her HEA.
5 stars
The story begins with Hannah going to a beautiful home with her team for a team building exercise. Hannah feels as thought she gets nothing out of this team building and leaves. As she is heading out, she stops at Sully's and befriends him.
After Hannah returns home, her friend passes away, willing her son to Hannah.
This is the story of Hannah's new life as she adjusts to raising a small boy and how she finds her HEA.
5 stars
January 12, 2020
DNF-The Country House started out really strong for me. The heroine goes through the wringer in the beginning and I admired her strength to pull through. She finds herself unexpectedly as a new Mom (surprise kid, but not in the sense you're thinking) and I was rooting for her.
Honestly I got just a few pages shy of 200 pages in and couldn't do it anymore. The story just felt like a drag for me. All of the big things had happened. Breakup in the beginning, loss of someone close to her, new motherhood, heroine and the hero professing their love for one another---sucks, because I know there is a'suspense' element to the story and I didn't make it to see what comes of it, but it felt like a drag. When I put the book down, I wasn't interested in picking it back up. So, moving on.
Honestly I got just a few pages shy of 200 pages in and couldn't do it anymore. The story just felt like a drag for me. All of the big things had happened. Breakup in the beginning, loss of someone close to her, new motherhood, heroine and the hero professing their love for one another---sucks, because I know there is a'suspense' element to the story and I didn't make it to see what comes of it, but it felt like a drag. When I put the book down, I wasn't interested in picking it back up. So, moving on.
February 24, 2020
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Robyn Carr's books. They are full of heart, but not overly so. And she knows how to build a community like and extended family. This book was very good. I really liked the plotline with the orphaned boy and the nasty grandma. It really gave the book an extra pep along with the new mom and romance. Can't wait for her next book!!
January 8, 2020
Sooo just sooo unrealistic in every single page. The author just threw in every single sad and frustrating life experience in the story. And then it felt like the story was just rushed! I found myself just rolling my eyes the entire book instead of melting into the story. Got half way through and just couldn't finish.
Read
August 10, 2020This is one of those books that there is nothing really wrong with but for some reason it bored me to tears. I left if for a while and never could get the gumption to finish it.
August 21, 2020
Cheesy
January 21, 2020
Robyn Carr was a new to my author a couple of years ago but once I picked up one of her books, I could immediately see why so many people enjoy her novels!
Picking this book up in the dead of winter was a little depressing though, because I could practically feel the sun on my skin with this glowing beach style read!
Even though the setting is in Colorado, it still reminded me of a fun read on a sunny summer day while I was passing some time at the beach, this is the sort of book that you want to pack with you on a lazy summer day. It has lots of romance and charm to draw readers in for sure!
With Robyn Carr’s Virgin Rivers series on Netflix being so popular, I think a lot of readers are looking for more books by this lovely author and they should definitely read the Sullivan’s Crossing series. This book could easily be read as a standalone even though it is part of a larger series. I had no problem hoping around in this series at all and enjoyed each of the characters and their stories.
The small town setting of this story was great. I thought it fit the characters and romance well and made me long for a quiet mountain retreat myself, for me it added a lot to the story. The main thing I loved about this one though was that each of the characters had some difficulties of their own to over come before they were able to fully commit to each other. There’s a little family drama mixed with a healthy dose of romance that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day coming up. Hannah and Owen’s romance isn’t easy but it works for me.
This was a quick read, as with most of Carr’s books. I made my way through it on a quiet afternoon and easily could have finished it in a day but I had to set it down a couple of times because life—but when I did go to pick it up again, I had no trouble jumping back in with the characters and plot. It was entertaining and a nice way to spend an afternoon. Carr always writes such enjoyable and believable romances, if you haven’t discovered her yet, you absolutely need to pick up one of her books and why not start with this one!
See my full review here
Picking this book up in the dead of winter was a little depressing though, because I could practically feel the sun on my skin with this glowing beach style read!
Even though the setting is in Colorado, it still reminded me of a fun read on a sunny summer day while I was passing some time at the beach, this is the sort of book that you want to pack with you on a lazy summer day. It has lots of romance and charm to draw readers in for sure!
With Robyn Carr’s Virgin Rivers series on Netflix being so popular, I think a lot of readers are looking for more books by this lovely author and they should definitely read the Sullivan’s Crossing series. This book could easily be read as a standalone even though it is part of a larger series. I had no problem hoping around in this series at all and enjoyed each of the characters and their stories.
The small town setting of this story was great. I thought it fit the characters and romance well and made me long for a quiet mountain retreat myself, for me it added a lot to the story. The main thing I loved about this one though was that each of the characters had some difficulties of their own to over come before they were able to fully commit to each other. There’s a little family drama mixed with a healthy dose of romance that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day coming up. Hannah and Owen’s romance isn’t easy but it works for me.
This was a quick read, as with most of Carr’s books. I made my way through it on a quiet afternoon and easily could have finished it in a day but I had to set it down a couple of times because life—but when I did go to pick it up again, I had no trouble jumping back in with the characters and plot. It was entertaining and a nice way to spend an afternoon. Carr always writes such enjoyable and believable romances, if you haven’t discovered her yet, you absolutely need to pick up one of her books and why not start with this one!
See my full review here
January 8, 2020
4.5/5
This is the fifth book in the Sullivan’s Crossing series but you could definitely read it as a standalone. Each book follows a new couple with reappearances from the characters in the previous books since they’re all set in the same quaint town. I wasn’t sure who this one would be about at first and I was pleasantly surprised that both the hero and heroine were fairly unknown characters making it even easier if you want to just jump in here.
Having read quite a few of Carr’s books now the one thing that I think really sets her apart from other authors is the authentic and messy characters she creates. Hannah and Owen both have a lot on their plates, Hannah with the sudden custody of a five year old boy with special needs and then Owen has a tragic history of his own. There is nothing easy for these people and I always find myself rooting SO hard for these kind of characters, it’s a nice change of pace from romance novels filled with perfect sounding characters, that’s for sure.
This one had it all for me, romance, family drama and strife, an adorable kid and a charming town with even more charming residents. Having only missed one book in this series I think it’s safe to say that this one was my favorite, they seem to be getting better with each installment and I’m excited to see what happens next.
This is the fifth book in the Sullivan’s Crossing series but you could definitely read it as a standalone. Each book follows a new couple with reappearances from the characters in the previous books since they’re all set in the same quaint town. I wasn’t sure who this one would be about at first and I was pleasantly surprised that both the hero and heroine were fairly unknown characters making it even easier if you want to just jump in here.
Having read quite a few of Carr’s books now the one thing that I think really sets her apart from other authors is the authentic and messy characters she creates. Hannah and Owen both have a lot on their plates, Hannah with the sudden custody of a five year old boy with special needs and then Owen has a tragic history of his own. There is nothing easy for these people and I always find myself rooting SO hard for these kind of characters, it’s a nice change of pace from romance novels filled with perfect sounding characters, that’s for sure.
This one had it all for me, romance, family drama and strife, an adorable kid and a charming town with even more charming residents. Having only missed one book in this series I think it’s safe to say that this one was my favorite, they seem to be getting better with each installment and I’m excited to see what happens next.
August 30, 2023
Sullivan's Crossing - #4 The Country Guesthouse
Tears of love, what a fantastic read.
Tears of love, what a fantastic read.
January 20, 2020
Beautiful story
Robyn Carr, in this book, has created wonderful characters and a hard-to-put down story line. Characters from previous Sullivan’s Crossing books also make appearances.
Robyn Carr, in this book, has created wonderful characters and a hard-to-put down story line. Characters from previous Sullivan’s Crossing books also make appearances.
November 3, 2020
Once again I read a book without realizing it's part of a series until I was way into it. And of course, I didn't start with the first book of the series but oh well!
I really liked this book. Yes, it's like reading a fairy-tale with the right dose of anguish, trials, the evil grandmother, the broken hero, the damsel - not so in distress - the golden child... But you know what? It was great, just what the doctor ordered in these trying times. Reading this book is like being cocooned in a fluffy blanket by the fireside, safe without a care in the world. It helps you keep an optimistic eye on the world and believe in the redeeming strength of family and love.
So now, I'll have to read the other books in the series.
I really liked this book. Yes, it's like reading a fairy-tale with the right dose of anguish, trials, the evil grandmother, the broken hero, the damsel - not so in distress - the golden child... But you know what? It was great, just what the doctor ordered in these trying times. Reading this book is like being cocooned in a fluffy blanket by the fireside, safe without a care in the world. It helps you keep an optimistic eye on the world and believe in the redeeming strength of family and love.
So now, I'll have to read the other books in the series.
January 16, 2020
Originally published at Reading Reality
It has been my experience that bosses who LOVE sending their staff on lots of “team building” retreats have other bad habits. Especially the ones who send the “team” but not themselves. Hannah’s boss seems to be the exception that proves the rule – lucky for her!
In the end, the only important thing about that team-building retreat is its location. Because it’s held in photographer Owen Abrams’ beautiful house across the lake from Sullivan’s Crossing. And as much as Hannah hates the retreat, she adores the house. Her escape by way of Sully’s general store only sweetens the deal and makes her long to return.
So she does, after two crises that would make anyone need to schedule a getaway from at least parts of the real.
Hannah returns home early from that retreat to find her about-to-be-ex fiance banging Hannah’s assistant in not just their house – that Hannah pays for – but their bed. She tosses them both out on their asses, him from her life and her from her job.
But that’s not the real crisis. In the end it’s just a blip on the radar. (He’s a blip, too.) Hannah’s best friend for nearly two decades, through college and beyond, dies suddenly of complications from pneumonia. Leaving Hannah as the grieving and scared but willing instant mother of her BFF’s 5 year old son.
So Hannah and Noah “escape” for two weeks in Sullivan’s Crossing. Hannah has rented Owen’s house while Owen is supposed to be on a photo shoot in Vietnam. But the shoot has been cancelled and Hannah needs the escape too badly to take a raincheck on the Airbnb rental.
She and Owen both expect to not see much of each other while she and Noah are there. Owen expects to live in his studio, as he often does when his plans fall through but the Airbnb doesn’t.
Instead, Owen’s dog Romeo and Noah bond instantaneously – and so do Owen and Hannah.
The surprising friendship blossoms rapidly, not just between the boy and the dog – or even the one between the two love-scarred adults. In two short weeks they are well on their way to being a family – even if none of them had the remotest thought such a thing could happen.
Extending Hannah’s vacation into an entire summer only makes it clearer that this family is meant to be – and meant to be in Sullivan’s Crossing. But every paradise has its own particular snake – and Sullivan’s Crossing is no different.
But Hannah is. She’s determined to make the best life possible for Noah, no matter what ugliness from his birth mother’s past tries to take it away. With the entire town of Sullivan’s Crossing standing squarely behind her.
Escape Rating B+: Sullivan’s Crossing and the nearby town of Timberlake just seem like a great place to live. Also a nice place to visit, as Hannah discovers during her escape from that disastrous team-building retreat.
One of the things I love about this type of small-town women’s fiction/contemporary romance is just how terrific these tiny towns are. Timberlake seems to have just enough of everything to make it a great place to live. And it’s within a half day drive of Denver – at least in good weather.
Hannah brings Noah to Sullivan’s Crossing because they need to get away from the location of their recent grief – even though the grief itself comes along with them. In Owen Abrams’ house they are not confronted with every single memory every single minute. They need this chance to bond as well as this respite to heal.
One of the things that makes this story special is the way that the town rallies around them when trouble comes calling. As it inevitably does. The past may be reaching out to grab them, but everyone in town stands ready, willing and able to help them beat it back.
That the nature of the trouble is not dissimilar to previous events in the series doesn’t mean that this time around isn’t just as heartwarming. The nature of the place just seems to bring it out of everyone who stays. (And this story stands alone, but the series is simply lovely, starting with What We Find. Just saying…)
The romance between Hannah and Owen feels like it happens just a bit too quickly, especially in a situation where Hannah is in the throes of re-figuring out her entire life. Owen’s response makes more sense – he’s been carrying his baggage for over a decade and Hannah and Noah are the catalyst that finally allows him to let some of it go.
But she’s just picked hers up, along with picking up Noah and working out their new life together. She’s grief-stricken at her friend’s death, she’s scared about being an instant mother, and she’s grateful for Noah’s presence in her life. But adding a romance feels like something that she would either shy away from or would be a bit co-dependent. Possibly both.
Which doesn’t mean that the romance between Owen and Hannah isn’t sweet, because it certainly is.
The blast from the past is frightening in a very real way. One thing that was very well done was the way that the reader initially thinks the problems will be coming from Hannah’s ex-fiance. That turns out to be a bit of easily resolved misdirection. The true threat is also carefully hidden. We know that Noah’s bio-family have never been part of his life, we think we know why, then we discover that the situation is both not quite what we thought but even more dangerous than we expected.
And the dog is a delight. Owen’s big, clumsy, adorable Great Dane, Romeo, steals hearts at every turn. Romeo and his person find their Juliet in Hannah – without the messy ending of his namesake.
I always adore visiting Sullivan’s Crossing, and my trip to The Country Guesthouse was no exception. I hope my next visit will be soon!
It has been my experience that bosses who LOVE sending their staff on lots of “team building” retreats have other bad habits. Especially the ones who send the “team” but not themselves. Hannah’s boss seems to be the exception that proves the rule – lucky for her!
In the end, the only important thing about that team-building retreat is its location. Because it’s held in photographer Owen Abrams’ beautiful house across the lake from Sullivan’s Crossing. And as much as Hannah hates the retreat, she adores the house. Her escape by way of Sully’s general store only sweetens the deal and makes her long to return.
So she does, after two crises that would make anyone need to schedule a getaway from at least parts of the real.
Hannah returns home early from that retreat to find her about-to-be-ex fiance banging Hannah’s assistant in not just their house – that Hannah pays for – but their bed. She tosses them both out on their asses, him from her life and her from her job.
But that’s not the real crisis. In the end it’s just a blip on the radar. (He’s a blip, too.) Hannah’s best friend for nearly two decades, through college and beyond, dies suddenly of complications from pneumonia. Leaving Hannah as the grieving and scared but willing instant mother of her BFF’s 5 year old son.
So Hannah and Noah “escape” for two weeks in Sullivan’s Crossing. Hannah has rented Owen’s house while Owen is supposed to be on a photo shoot in Vietnam. But the shoot has been cancelled and Hannah needs the escape too badly to take a raincheck on the Airbnb rental.
She and Owen both expect to not see much of each other while she and Noah are there. Owen expects to live in his studio, as he often does when his plans fall through but the Airbnb doesn’t.
Instead, Owen’s dog Romeo and Noah bond instantaneously – and so do Owen and Hannah.
The surprising friendship blossoms rapidly, not just between the boy and the dog – or even the one between the two love-scarred adults. In two short weeks they are well on their way to being a family – even if none of them had the remotest thought such a thing could happen.
Extending Hannah’s vacation into an entire summer only makes it clearer that this family is meant to be – and meant to be in Sullivan’s Crossing. But every paradise has its own particular snake – and Sullivan’s Crossing is no different.
But Hannah is. She’s determined to make the best life possible for Noah, no matter what ugliness from his birth mother’s past tries to take it away. With the entire town of Sullivan’s Crossing standing squarely behind her.
Escape Rating B+: Sullivan’s Crossing and the nearby town of Timberlake just seem like a great place to live. Also a nice place to visit, as Hannah discovers during her escape from that disastrous team-building retreat.
One of the things I love about this type of small-town women’s fiction/contemporary romance is just how terrific these tiny towns are. Timberlake seems to have just enough of everything to make it a great place to live. And it’s within a half day drive of Denver – at least in good weather.
Hannah brings Noah to Sullivan’s Crossing because they need to get away from the location of their recent grief – even though the grief itself comes along with them. In Owen Abrams’ house they are not confronted with every single memory every single minute. They need this chance to bond as well as this respite to heal.
One of the things that makes this story special is the way that the town rallies around them when trouble comes calling. As it inevitably does. The past may be reaching out to grab them, but everyone in town stands ready, willing and able to help them beat it back.
That the nature of the trouble is not dissimilar to previous events in the series doesn’t mean that this time around isn’t just as heartwarming. The nature of the place just seems to bring it out of everyone who stays. (And this story stands alone, but the series is simply lovely, starting with What We Find. Just saying…)
The romance between Hannah and Owen feels like it happens just a bit too quickly, especially in a situation where Hannah is in the throes of re-figuring out her entire life. Owen’s response makes more sense – he’s been carrying his baggage for over a decade and Hannah and Noah are the catalyst that finally allows him to let some of it go.
But she’s just picked hers up, along with picking up Noah and working out their new life together. She’s grief-stricken at her friend’s death, she’s scared about being an instant mother, and she’s grateful for Noah’s presence in her life. But adding a romance feels like something that she would either shy away from or would be a bit co-dependent. Possibly both.
Which doesn’t mean that the romance between Owen and Hannah isn’t sweet, because it certainly is.
The blast from the past is frightening in a very real way. One thing that was very well done was the way that the reader initially thinks the problems will be coming from Hannah’s ex-fiance. That turns out to be a bit of easily resolved misdirection. The true threat is also carefully hidden. We know that Noah’s bio-family have never been part of his life, we think we know why, then we discover that the situation is both not quite what we thought but even more dangerous than we expected.
And the dog is a delight. Owen’s big, clumsy, adorable Great Dane, Romeo, steals hearts at every turn. Romeo and his person find their Juliet in Hannah – without the messy ending of his namesake.
I always adore visiting Sullivan’s Crossing, and my trip to The Country Guesthouse was no exception. I hope my next visit will be soon!
January 6, 2020
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie
Sweet romance. Tender moments. The unwavering love of family and close friends. This and so much more made The Country Guesthouse a heartwarming book that is definitely indicative of Robyn Carr’s lovely writing style.
I’ve enjoyed Robyn Carr’s work for probably close to fifteen years now and with every new story she puts out, she continues to warm my heart with her insight into friendship, love, and family. This particular romance was a slow burn as it tended to be more about our heroine Hannah and adorable little five-year-old Noah healing after the sudden death of his mother, Hannah’s best friend. Read More
Sweet romance. Tender moments. The unwavering love of family and close friends. This and so much more made The Country Guesthouse a heartwarming book that is definitely indicative of Robyn Carr’s lovely writing style.
I’ve enjoyed Robyn Carr’s work for probably close to fifteen years now and with every new story she puts out, she continues to warm my heart with her insight into friendship, love, and family. This particular romance was a slow burn as it tended to be more about our heroine Hannah and adorable little five-year-old Noah healing after the sudden death of his mother, Hannah’s best friend. Read More
December 4, 2023
Changing this down to 1 star
This book was slowwwwww. The romance was very underwhelming. And the writing was...not great.
But it was kind of entertaining I guess.
Some quotes
"But if their moderator was a thirty-year old former beauty contestant in tight jeans who flirted with male employees like this one did, it was doomed."
"She told Peter it would be a bad time. Peter told her to take one for the team."
"This was quite challenging as she didn't trust Tim to respond to an email in a timely manner."
"He could tell Hannah didn't know how beautiful she was."
This book was slowwwwww. The romance was very underwhelming. And the writing was...not great.
But it was kind of entertaining I guess.
Some quotes
"But if their moderator was a thirty-year old former beauty contestant in tight jeans who flirted with male employees like this one did, it was doomed."
"She told Peter it would be a bad time. Peter told her to take one for the team."
"This was quite challenging as she didn't trust Tim to respond to an email in a timely manner."
"He could tell Hannah didn't know how beautiful she was."
January 17, 2020
Huge RC fan so its disappointing to say this book is just "meh". First 20% is a massive info dump. The majority of the book is tell not show. Never felt the attraction between the Hannah and Owen. Interesting storylines that could have been so much more.
December 9, 2021
El que más me ha gustado de esta serie. Lectura rápida para pasar el rato.
January 8, 2020
Sweet small-town romance meets women's fiction, The Country Guesthouse is another great installment in the Sullivan's Crossing series. Hannah Russell is in her mid-30's when her life changes suddenly. Not long after breaking off her engagement, her best friend dies, leaving her as the guardian of a 5-year-old boy with disabilities. Grieving, they go on vacation and stay in the guesthouse of a kind, quiet photographer in his early 40's named Owen who lives with a Great Dane named Romeo. As they get to know each other, a friendship and quiet romance develops before a custody battle creates challenges.
I enjoyed this and liked seeing earlier characters make appearances. Robyn Carr writes sweet, heartfelt stories with people who face difficult challenges, and this is no different. One thing I perhaps would have wanted to know going in is that this book contains discussions of and threat of child abduction, which can be difficult to read about. Ultimately I think it was handled well, but do be aware that part of the plot involves that. Hannah and Owen have a great relationship fraught with realistic concerns for their age and place in life. If you want a cozy, small town read this is worth checking out! I received an advance copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this and liked seeing earlier characters make appearances. Robyn Carr writes sweet, heartfelt stories with people who face difficult challenges, and this is no different. One thing I perhaps would have wanted to know going in is that this book contains discussions of and threat of child abduction, which can be difficult to read about. Ultimately I think it was handled well, but do be aware that part of the plot involves that. Hannah and Owen have a great relationship fraught with realistic concerns for their age and place in life. If you want a cozy, small town read this is worth checking out! I received an advance copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
June 5, 2021
I am so sad that I have finished all the books that I have found in this series. I tried to take it slow reading this book but I just couldn't...I had to find out what was going to happen. The book pulls at your heart strings. You will laugh, cry, laugh some more, sigh and cry again. The book is based around a little boy Noah, Hannah, Owen and Romeo(the great Dane). All the people are trying to heal and trying to make things work. When Hannah escapes to the beautiful guesthouse in the woods how was she to know that her and Noah's life would be forever changed more so than it already has been. There is much heart break but with heartbreak comes happiness..You will find that in spades. It was good to spend time with the people of Sullivan's crossing. The books drag you in and make you wish you could be there and be friends with all the characters!
December 7, 2019
Robyn Carr is a prolific writer of women's fiction. Her Virgin River novels are now a series on Netflix. The Country Guesthouse is one of the author's Sullivan's Crossing books. These stories take part in Colorado and are interconnected although they do not have to be read in order.
This title is primarily about Owen, Hannah and Noah. They face challenges although readers of this author know that usually things end well. Owen is a world traveler and a photographer who had a significant tragedy in his life. Hannah was a close friend to Noah's mother, who died and named Hannah to be his guardian. Noah, who is five years old, has mild CP and is grieving the loss of his mom. Over the course of this story, the three come together, heal and find love while also connecting with the characters from previous books.
I recommend Robyn Carr's novels to those who enjoy women's fiction. This one is an easy read that takes the reader to a beautiful place and the kind of caring community we dream about.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
This title is primarily about Owen, Hannah and Noah. They face challenges although readers of this author know that usually things end well. Owen is a world traveler and a photographer who had a significant tragedy in his life. Hannah was a close friend to Noah's mother, who died and named Hannah to be his guardian. Noah, who is five years old, has mild CP and is grieving the loss of his mom. Over the course of this story, the three come together, heal and find love while also connecting with the characters from previous books.
I recommend Robyn Carr's novels to those who enjoy women's fiction. This one is an easy read that takes the reader to a beautiful place and the kind of caring community we dream about.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2020
The romance is kinda meh. No real conflict really. They like each other they get together.
The plot that surrounds them is what makes the book really interesting, largely driven by the custody of one little boy.
As usual Therese Plummer's narration is superb.
The plot that surrounds them is what makes the book really interesting, largely driven by the custody of one little boy.
As usual Therese Plummer's narration is superb.
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