Sage Creek
Jill Gregory


ISBN-10:
0425244474
ISBN-13:978-0425244470
Publisher: Penguin Group
Line: Berkley
Release Date: Oct 4, 2011
Pages: 304
Retail Price: $7.99




Genre:
Contemporary
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating:

After her marriage falls apart, Sophie McPhee returns to her hometown of Lonesome Way, Montana, planning to steer clear of men and focus on her new bakery, A Bun in the Oven. Who she doesn't expect to see is Rafe Tanner, her first crush who now runs his family's ranch-and who spent most of their childhood ignoring her. But is Rafe a changed man? 

While Rafe is stunned to discover that Sophie's grown into an irresistibly beautiful woman, he's been hurt too. They both have their guards up, but melt in each other's company. Can they admit that home is truly where the heart is?

 

Review

After Sophie discovers her husbands infidelity, in a most original way, she sells her California bakery, divorces her husband and moves back home to Lonesome Way, Montana.  Her plan to heal includes a new bakery that allows her to get back to the basics, quality time with her best friend and absolutely no men, though her grandma has different plans.  What Sophie doesn’t expect is Rafe Tanner, her first crush, to waltz back into her life.  Sophie has never gotten over Rafe, and when the heart wants, almost nothing will stop it from obtaining its prize. 

Rafe Tanner is a single dad.  His wife left him and his daughter four years ago, an event that dramatically changed both their lives.  His life has changed in almost everyway since his high school days and it’s apparent to Rafe that he’s not the only one who has changed.  When Rafe lays eyes on Sophie McPhee, his sister's pesky best friend, he can’t believe how different she is.  He also can’t take his eyes or mind off her.  Though he’s been hurt, she has too.  With both their guards up, the two fail to keep their distance and end up finding out that home is where the heart is.

Add family drama, small town charm and charmingly vivid characters to this romance and you have Sage Creek.  The characters are extremely well developed, complex and full of intrigue!  The plot is just as great.  This story had depth behind the romance.  It was full of family issues that many can relate to and was told well enough that those who can’t relate are enabled to do so.  Here’s an example of Jill’s writing.

“Sophie’s feet had frozen on the threshold of the ranch house.  Behind her flowed the night, full of stars and a crescent moon, the buzz of insects, the lone cry of a hawk.  The cool night wind rustled delicately through the ponderosa pines.  And ahead of her loomed her past, the house of her childhood and teen years, warm and faded yet so familiar it was startling.

She felt herself teetering between two worlds.

She couldn’t move, could only stare past the entry into the rectangular living room, with its big chintz-covered sofa and matching love seat, warm maple end tables and the black walnut TV stand along the far blue wall.  She took in the massive stone fireplace, the bookshelves and her fathers favorite tan leather chair in the corner beside the reading lamp.

How many times had she torn through this door or downstairs from her room, to see his long legs stretched across that chair, his feet propped up on the footrest, his hooded eyes intent as he watched a football game or devoured the newest Tom Clancy novel….or slanted a stern glance at her as she hovered uncertainly in the doorway, just as she was doing now?”

This is my first time reading a book by Jill Gregory and I will read more.  I already highly anticipate the release of the second book in this series.  I wan to read more about these characters, the town and their futures.  It is a very satisfying read that appealed to me on many levels.  I enjoyed it very much.  I recommend reading this one!

Reviewed by Taylor


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