Synopsis

Feeling her life is at a standstill, Jill McCallister jumps at the chance to visit Morgan’s Grove, the town founded by her great-great-great-grandfather. Eager to discover her roots and do research for a new book, she drives from Colorado to Texas, excited to meet the inhabitants of her grandfather’s legacy.

Jill immerses herself in the charming community, enjoying the residents and their quirky traditions. When she meets the mysterious Rick Wright, she almost forgets she’s sworn off men, but she’s not willing to risk getting too involved, especially since she will be returning home in a few weeks.

When the winter festival kicks into high gear, Jill and Rick are thrown together to work on a project, and sparks soon fly. Although she fights it, Jill can’t help falling hard for his soulful eyes and flirty smile. But as tempting as Rick is, he’s hiding something, and the mystery writer in Jill is determined to discover his secret.

With the clock running out on her time in Morgan’s Grove, Jill needs to decide what “home” really means to her.

Review

I always enjoy a book set in Texas, even if it starts out in Colorado.  This book has that Hallmark feeling, and I could see it being made into one of their Christmas movies since it is set at Christmas time.

Jill McCallister has writer’s block so she turns to a friend with an online magazine for an article to write to jumpstart those creative juices.  Her assignment – genealogy.  Since Jill has a mother that does not stay in one place and her father is deceased, she is rather perplexed as to where to take this article.  That is until her roommate suggests Jill’s own family history.  Little did Jill expect to find roots from her father’s side of the family thanks to an online genealogy website.  It is that spark of information that takes her to Morgan’s Grove, Texas and her real adventure begins.

Jill is a kind soul but she has walls built up around her heart to protect herself from getting too close to anyone.  This could be because of her childhood and never staying in one place too long.  We also find out she was bullied as a child over her curly hair, so that doesn’t help matters any.  However, when she encounters the citizens of this small Texas town, she realizes that maybe there could be more to her life and an extended family since she is a descendant of the founders.  She is treated like a celebrity, once she lets people know her ties to the town because everyone loved the founder and everything he and his family did to create this small town wonder.

Lucille is a widow with a heart of gold.  I think Jill coming into her life while visiting this town saves both of them.  And of course, it wouldn’t be a romance without a male lead and in this case, it is Lucille’s son, Rick.  He seems to be the strong silent type (with some similar walls around his heart) but there are some developments happening in his life that have him appear standoffish and moody. When you learn the full story it makes a lot of sense and there is an element of surprise for Jill.  It was refreshing to watch Rick and Jill’s banter back and forth as they got to know one another.

I enjoyed watching Jill research her family but I wish we could have learned more about her ancestors and what resources she used to learn about them.  I would have enjoyed reading more about the article she wrote for her friend’s magazine and what she included and the direction of the article.  I say that because I want to learn more about my dad’s family but it will take a lot of research to learn more.

This is one of my favorite quotes from the book.  Lucille is one wise woman.

“Well, most people think love is roses and candlelight, but it’s hard work. It’s learning to compromise and live with each other’s flaws and staying firm during the hard times, the ebbs and flows of a marriage. You choose to stay.  That’s how a marriage really lasts. You both make the choice, every single day, to stick it out.”

I can’t finish this review without mentioning the dogs, Gracie and George.  Two Corgis that were full of life and a bit mischievous.

This is a very enjoyable read and I had a hard time putting the book down.  I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.  We give this book 5 paws up.

About the Author

Traci Borum is a writing teacher and native Texan. She’s also an avid reader of women’s fiction, most especially Elin Hilderbrand and Rosamunde Pilcher novels. Since the age of 12, she’s written poetry, short stories, magazine articles, and novels.

Traci also adores all things British. She even owns a British dog (Corgi) and is completely addicted to Masterpiece Theater–must be all those dreamy accents! Aside from having big dreams of getting a book published, it’s the little things that make her the happiest: deep talks with friends, a strong cup of hot chocolate, a hearty game of fetch with her Corgi, and puffy white Texas clouds always reminding her to “look up, slow down, enjoy your life.”

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Amazon