Keepsake (True North Book 3)

We all remember Zach from the previous books. He's the quiet, sexy, fromer cult-member, who is working on the Shipley farm. He was thrown out by his 'family' and has found his new home with the Shipleys. He's not a man of the world. He basically knows nothing about anything.

But he knows that he's extremely interested in Lark. This beautiful best friend of the Shipley's daughter May. Lark is staying and helping at the farm for the summer. She's been through something horrible while working for a nonprofit in South America. She doesn't want to talk about it. But she also can't forget it. And Zach is just the right person to listen to her and hold her after her nightmares.

But can those two people, with so many terrible memories, help each other heal and start hoping for a Happily Ever After? Or will it all come crashing down on them?
READ the book to find out what will happen to Lark & Zach underneath those apple trees! ☺☺☺
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Finally the 3rd book in this amazing series.♥
I LOVED LOVED LOVED the first book and now we're back on that farm with the amazing Shipley family!!!

Poor Zach is slightly afraid that his time on the farm is running out. He thinks the family might want him to look into other directions for his future. But he's been happy there for the first time in his life.
And now Lark is here too. This beautiful, broken girl. They're so perfect for each other - with all those horrible things that happened in their pasts.
But of course it takes them a long while to get to their Happily Ever After. But we readers have sooo much fun watching them fight for it!

We have LOTS of very erotic & funny & adorable & moving moments with Lark & Zach. And we get to see the whole Shipley clan again!
JUST PERFECT!!!!!
I really want to see this series on TV one day! Picking apples and making cider with sexy, shirtless guys all day long! ☺ GIMMEEEEE!!!!

►►► KEEPSAKE was such a beautifully moving & sexy & adorable & funny love story about two broken souls who learn that by just loving and hoping and dreaming enough, life might gift you with the most perfect thing ever: your own personal HAPPILY EVER AFTER!
Run to your nearest the store to find out how Lark & Zach will fight for their HEA!◄◄◄

Keepsake
I am head over heels for Sarina Bowen’s True North series and can truly say that every moment spent in the company of the Shipley family is time (very) well spent. Keepsake is the latest installment in this series and it is pure poetry. I knew even before I turned the first page of this book that it would be a powerful experience. These are two characters whose lives may not necessarily match, but Zach and Lark’s hearts are an absolutely perfect fit. Sarina has woven a love story that is equal parts romantic and emotional, so hold on to your own heart as you read Keepsake.
These characters have left their mark on me. Their words, their thoughts, their feelings and just how they connect with each other all combine for this gorgeous story that took my breath away. Zach is an amazing soul who has seen the best and worst of this world and yet maintained an open-eyed faith. He has this innate goodness spills over into every facet of who he is he is. But don’t read that goodness as naiveté, Zach is a slyly brilliant man with a work ethic that is untouchable. While she may be shuttering it, Lark is force of nature with a passion for all things and that really can’t be hidden away. Every moment spent in her shoes is a lesson in resilience. My heart hurt for Lark in many ways, but at the same time, I could feel myself ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with her as worked to find her way out of her own pit of despair. She is simply remarkable.
From Bittersweet to Keepsake and all the books after, I am hooked on the True North Series. In telling these stories, Sarina Bowen has given us characters who are passionate about their life’s work, family, friends and community. We are also getting an education about farming, pressing and bottling cider, managing livestock and so much more. Right along with getting swept away with the romances, I love the learning the details of the family’s day to day life, it adds an element that brings the stories and characters home to the reader.
Let each one of these books find their way onto your device (very) soon. They are the perfect companion for a chilly fall day and they will put you in the mood for snuggling, cranberry apple pie and big strapping farmers/cider makers. Enjoy!!
Happy reading!!!

Laurie’s Rating: 6++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Bright Vermont Stars

My library had KEEPSAKE as an available now on audio. And since I read the previous two books in the True North series, I picked up this one. Keepsake doesn't break any new grounds but it wasn't a bad read, but it wasn't a captivating one either. Like the all books in this series, Keepsake can be read as a standalone, since he books focuses on a different couple. You can read my reviews of the other books in the True North series here.

Bowen takes readers back to the charming Shipley farm with the warm and inviting Shipley family. Zach is a long-time worker on the farm, who walked on after being forced out of his religious cult. Like Zach, Lark comes to the farm for refuge after living through a horrific experience while in Guatemala for work. Both are bruised and battered emotionally but find comfort and safety in each other.

I really liked Zach and how sensitive he is towards Lark. There is an innocence to him since he hasn't lived a "normal" life growing up, what with not being exposed to pop culture or anything worldly. Everything was very regimented. With Lark having gone through her own trauma, he understood what it was like to be stuck in somewhere you didn't want to be.

Their love story was cute. Zach is a male virgin, so if you enjoy that sort of sexual role reversal, this one my pique your interest. I don't have anything overly negative or positive to say about this book or the series up to this point. The next book in the series is Zara's book but I didn't really care enough about her character to read on. I don't know if I'll read any more of this author's books, given how underwhelmed I've felt with three books in this series.

* I got this book from my local library.

Keepsake is the third book in the True North series. A series with heart, it deals with life’s struggles, love, and self-acceptance. It is sexy and realistic.

Keepsake was no exception.

Lark escapes to the Shipley’s farm in Vermont. She needs to get away from her parents who exercise their concern for her in control and unending questions. The guilt she feels for causing other’s to worry is the last thing she needs. Her memories of her trip to Guatemala hold enough monsters to pull her under. Having been friends with May since college, she was like family to the Shipley’s. Lark hoped the farm life and her extended family would help slay her dragons for good.

We have known Zach since the beginning of this series. He had been tossed out of the cult he’d grown up in and forced to live on his own in a world he knew nothing about. He didn’t have modern things like television or cellphones, let alone enough food to sustain him. He hitchhiked his way to Vermont to live with another couple who had escaped Paradise Ranch. Isaac and Leah now owned their own ranch and wanted it to be a safe-haven to those who needed it. Soon Zach moved in with the Shipley’s to work on their farm. He was a hard worker. Working hard made him needed and hopefully, indispensable.

What starts out as mutual attraction, soon turns to unwavering support and love. Zach’s protective nature has him at Lark’s side, comforting and soothing away her demons. In Lark, Zach finds he is worthy of love.

As always, I really liked Bowen’s story and characters. Zach was vulnerable without being weak. Lark was strong in her weakness.

I hope Sarina Bowen gives us more in this series!

***3.5 Stars***

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review and did not influence my opinion of the book.

Ex-cult member, Zach has been working on the Shipley farm ever since his escape from the horrific commune that he lived on for the first nineteen years of his life, and three years later he is discovering feelings that he has never experienced before when Lark comes to stay for apple picking season.

Lark is familiar with the farm, her best friend from college is the daughter of the hospitable Shipley family who love to welcome people into their fold. After being kidnapped in Guatemala whilst on a charity mission, she needs to get away from the hustle and bustle of Boston and her nagging parents, to try and find some calm in the countryside, and within herself.

Zach and Lark find each other's presence a calming one and find solace in each other.

If you are in the mood for a nice easy read, with some stand out sexy moments, then this is the book for you.

A little lacking on the action for my tastes, but a good story with a feel good ending.

'If there was a heaven, it would be something like this—my arms full of sleeping girl.'

If there was a heaven, mine would be filled with books.
Books EXACTLY like this one.

Seriously—I could spend several long, involved paragraphs telling you this simple truth—Keepsake was incredible. I anticipated it for months, I had expectations that went beyond high—thanks to the two stellar books than came before it—and still, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Not one thing.

Zacharias… My goodness. He had the heart and soul of not just a good man, but the best man, and he was all the sexier for it. Gentle, and passionate, and caring, and just… Ah, simply amazing. I was fascinated by his story in the first book, Bittersweet, and every new thing I learned about him, every new page that brought his sweet, kind thoughts and wonderful words made me fall all the more in love.

And Lark. Damaged, broken Lark. Gorgeous name aside, she was someone I just wanted to wrap up in a warm, comforting hug. I felt for her, I cried for her, and I rejoiced with her. I related to her because she felt real to me—I may not have lived her exact experiences, but I identified with her nonetheless. I felt everything for *and* with her—and Zach.

It made for one hell of a reading experience. I loved it. LOVED it. Keepsake was smart, funny and sexy. The writing was beautiful, evoking visuals and feels like nothing else. The story was sweet—deep without being too dark, emotional without being over the top. The Shipleys were, once again, this dream family who made all the right moves and said all the right things. Revisiting them felt like that warm hug I wanted to give Lark, and revisiting this series was like a delicious dessert.

Heaven. And something of which I want more.

'The sweep of her skin against mine was at once familiar and electrifying. Whenever she touched me, I felt as if I’d loved her my whole life.'

~ SIX STARS ~

The True North series is one of my favorites this year. I've fallen hard for the Shipley clan & taken to drinking hard cider (YUM & bonus - I got curious since had never really given it a thought before). Sarina Bowen has managed to pull on different heart strings with each book. In Bittersweet, it was the second chance romance/love story for Griffin and Audrey. In Steadfast, it was Jude's addiction and the much needed redemption & forgiveness from his one true love Sophie. In Keepsake, it's Zachs and Larks story as both face incredible feelings of isolation & loneliness and work towards healing themselves, each other and towards finding hope.

Zach has always been a mystery and his story, how he ended up at the Shipley farm is one that is remarkable. It's the perfect environment for a young man with his history, the perfect place to heal. Zachs loneliness can be felt bone deep but it's balanced by Zachs awareness at the bounty that he has found with the Shipleys. He's just so very gracious and I found myself choking back tears at both the sad and happy aspects. Zach is guarded and seems resigned to whatever fate brings his way which is exactly why he deserves so much more.

When May's friend Lark ends up at the Shipley farm for an extended stay, it's providence that Zach would be able to be there for her. Bowen does an amazing job of making this feel right, what Zach is and can do for her is not forced or contrived. He's been holistically created to be that guy that can help Lark work through the PTSD she's experiencing and doing a fairly good job keeping it in check. Lark is a spitfire with a strong sense of herself so seeing her experience panic attacks and the like made me uneasy. Something is buried deep and as much as you know she has to face it down to get past it, well that left me frightened.

As to their chemistry - it's off the charts hot and sweet and I wanted nothing more then for them to find a way to be together. Their relationship developed at a great pace. Bowen plots the story line perfectly to introduce stressors and obstacles. There are a few new characters that help this along and revelations that gave me a few "aha" moments. As the story closed I felt myself wanting to start the whole series again. The writing is clever and eloquent, so much so that I find myself slowing down my normal reading to pace to make sure I capture it all. Zach and Larks story couldn't have been any more perfect and it it the perfect ending to this stellar series and a rare #mustread recommendation!

Rating ~4.75 Stars

I LOVED THIS ONE!!

Excuse this mess of a review because I don’t really know how or where to start from.

Zachariah “Zach” is such a lovely hero, he is sweet, hard working and with his insecurities which only endeared him to me more and made him completely swoon worthy. His heroine is, Lark Wainwright, a very strong survivor, slightly damaged (but who wouldn’t be in her position) and suffering from PTSD .

I don’t even want to dissect a lot of the book just because I loved this and I loved their story. Their relationship started off as acquaintances to friends and turned into lovers and ended up with them being each other’s love.

Both of them have gone through so much in their young life but they survived and got the happily ever after they deserved.

Lark who used to be this adventure girl with no fear had turned into a shadow of her previous self barely holding on. After a horrible incident during her job she has become someone she doesn’t even recognise. She comes to visit her best friend to get some peace working at her friends family’s farm called the Shipley’s farm. Lark goes through quite a lot of development in the book, she starts off as slightly broken and eventually hitting rock bottom but comes out strong and happy at the end.

Zach has had also had a pretty terrible life. After being thrown out by the only home and people he knew, especially when he was living in a polygamist cult which had no interference with the outside world. For the last four years after he hitch-hiked to the other two members of the cult who had left years before and moving to the Shipley’s farm, his life has been a vast improvement but it is difficult to assimilate to this newer world that Zach has found himself in. Zach was sweet, shy and genuine. I just loved how utterly devoted he was to Lark and to the Shipley’s. Not sure if its quite the right word but he had such a pure soul.

Zach has never been attracted to anyone as he is to Lark but seeing how different she is now to when he first met her, the bubbly and full of life girl who is nowhere to be found. He wants to help her because while no one else can see, Lark is barely holding on with her nightmares and the never ending guilt.

Their romance was sweet and passionate. It just a very soft and squishy kind of love that made me smile. They had a strong connection to each other and with their great attraction/chemistry with each other just made me love them together. The stuff that Lark goes through is heart-breaking and I just loved how Zach was there her and helped her through the painful memories and nightmares. It was very touching!

The book also had a great family dynamic with the Shipley’s all being very different to each other, their usual squabbling/bickering between cousins and siblings. Along with their Thursday night dinners with friends and family all together.

Even though the book deals with issues like PTSD and anxiety and other issues which made me teary at times, it also had the hopefully and lightness to it that made me love the book. I just don’t even know what else to say except BUY THE BOOK!

Going to read the second book in the series now!!!

ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Annie and posted at Under The Covers Book Blog

I knew I was going to be in for an emotional ride with this one. Zach has been through a lot. Being kicked out of a cult just a few years ago, there are still many emotional scars he carries. Along with the many things he doesn’t know about regular life and other things he hasn’t experienced. He’s a character you can’t help but fall in love with, in all of his understated charisma. He’s a hard worker, he loves the people around him as if they were really his family, but he’s still scared of being thrown out again. He’s a simple guy, with simple needs, and so devoted to those he love with a heart so big it melted my heart.

When I realized his heroine was also broken, I was a bit apprehensive at first. These are two people that have been through a lot. Lark is actually at the Shipley farm trying to get over her own issues. The last thing she thought she would need was to think about a man or a relationship. But Zach was PERFECT in every way to heal her. Attentive, patient, caring, the beauty of his character shines through in all the little things until you realize why his support was exactly what Lark needed to let him in.

That being said, the issues Lark is dealing with are serious, and as I often say with this author they’re not magically made to disappear just because the hero loves her. I always appreciate that. And I also appreciate that any unnecessary drama is not added just to cause tension. There was one opportunity for that when a new character pops up near the end and I was very happy with the author’s choice on how to handle that.

Point is you can’t miss this simple and beautiful story about two broken people that find they can hold each other up. Loving somebody and supporting that person through a tough time means a lot of different things. Sometimes, even letting them stand on their own. It was real and emotional just the way it was, without doing any acrobatics with this story. And we even get a surprise turn of events about another Shipley character that I did not see coming! All in all, I absolutely love this family and I hope we get to see more books in this series. They younger Shipley’s need their HEA’s and I for one can’t wait to see more of this bunch.

It should come as absolutely no surprise that I love love loved Keepsake. Each book in Sarina's True North series has been incredible — and special — in its own way and Keepsake is no exception. I've been interested in getting Zach's story since the start of the series. I wondered who he would be paired up with and what that pairing would bring. I wanted to get into his head and learn more about where he came from. I got all of this and more with this book... and I couldn't be happier.

I keep trying to put my finger on what is SO GOOD about Sarina's books and, while I still can't really come up with an answer aside from "Everything!" the characters are definitely one of the highlights. No matter who they are, where they came from or where they're headed, I find a common ground and fall in love with them. That's exactly what happened with Lark and Zach in Keepsake. These two just gave me all the feels. And, while I might've at first been all "Heck yeah, virgin hero FTW!" the truth is Zach was so much more than that. (Not that I still don't find virgin heroes hot. Let's not get carried away.) But he was sweet and strong and vulnerable. I am a total sucker for that combination. Lark was special in her own way and I admired her for trying to remain strong after her ordeal in Guatemala. Of course, I also wish she'd gotten some real help sooner than she did, but I get it.

The pairing of Lark and Zach couldn't have been more perfect, IMHO. The woman terrorized by her (more recent) past and the man who struggles to this day to overcome his upbringing finding something real with each other? It was perfection. I enjoyed how their relationship developed and I was shipping them hard pretty much from their first meeting. I loved how Zach comforted her. I loved how she reassured him that he is wanted and loved, that he had a place there. It was a beautiful thing... even if it was kinda bumpy at times.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that this isn't the end of the True North series. There are so many amazing secondary characters in this series and, being the greedy reader I am, I'd like to see each of them get a book of their own. If I can't have 'em all, I'd settle for a book for May... and maybe Daphne... Dylan... and maybe even Chastity. I told you I was greedy. Regardless, even if this ends up being the last book, this series has been incredible and it's an easy favorite for 2016. I hope you're reading it. If not, get ready to binge because you won't want to stop once you start.

I received a copy of this book from the author.

“Look at the heavens and see; And behold the clouds – they are higher than you.”

Seriously people! I cannot get enough of Sarina Bowen! Each story is more intense than the next. While the other True Norths were more lighthearted, Keepsake is an emotionally charged one and astonishingly beautiful.. full of heart, laughter, friendship, and love.

“You’re so much more than part of a bad memory. I love you, and even if my life is kind of a mess right now, I still want you in it.”

Lark and Zach were mentioned before and I remember Zach was very intriguing – he is quiet, shy and humble. I am so glad Zach gets his story because I always wanted to find out his life. Zach was thrown out of the polygamist cult at the age of 19 for an act deemed a great crime. Turns out his whole ordeal was a blessing in disguise. Zach ended up in Vermont shoeless, dirty and hungry. The Shipleys took him in and for the first time Zach felt like he belonged. Life is simple and Zach finds peace there just picking apples and fixing farming machinery. But what happens at that Paradise Ranch leaves a mark on Zach. He can’t shake the guilt of leaving behind someone he cares about. There were so many normal teenage things that Zach missed out on but he has no intention of fulfilling them.

Lark used to be carefree, adventurous and fearless until life threw her a curve ball. While on a trip to Guatemala, things went terribly wrong and changed her life forever. All the money and the shrinks in the world could not stop the nightmares that haunt her nearly every night. Lark’s best friend May offers her a place to stay at the orchard, saying she can help at the farmer’s market. She hopes Lark will have some time to relax and get away from her busy life in Boston. Lark and Zach became friends but one night their friendship turned into more. It was short lived – Lark is too broken and she pushes Zach away. Lark needs to forgive herself before she can love another and Zach – he is proven to be a lot more than the apples picking farm boy.

“Everyone has a time when they need a lot more than they can give. It doesn’t matter how much you hate it. It’s just true.”

I have to say Zach is a true hero in this story. Zach is a handsome, shy, sexy but his best quality is his heart. Zach is so sweet and gentle – the way he takes care of Lark is so kind and patient. He is a beautiful man inside and out – a perfect gentleman. I love the relationship between Zach and Lark. They start out as friends, working beside each other. Zach is respectful of Lark, knowing her traumatic ordeal, but that does not stop him from “not so innocently” dreaming about Lark. There is plenty of rolling-in-the-hay sexy time but there is also something cute and innocent about them that I enjoy.

“Is it egotistical of me to ask whether I’ve ever made it into one of your best dreams?”
“They’re all about you.”

Keepsake is an emotional story - a bit sad knowing what Zach and Lark went though at such a young age. I love the Shipley’s family dynamic. They work hard and they take care of each other. There is also a big twist about May that I did not expect at all … actually all the secondary characters are very interesting and I am intrigued to see who will get the story next… could it be May, Daphne, the newest member Chastity, or perhaps one of the cousins? Well, I will take whatever Sarina gives me next.
Keepsake is a very unique friend to lover romance. The characters are beautifully flawed. The writing is gorgeous as always. MUST READ!

PS: I found myself picking up a slightly lopsided apple at the market today thinking of Zack and Lark. I don’t think I will need to fill my bag with perfectly round apples from now on. Something about this book really touch my heart … “the most bitter apples make the best cider.”

ZACH!!! I’ve been so anxious to read Zachariah’s book since we met him in Bittersweet. Chewie is the ultimate nice guy, with a sweet-sweet personality that I just love.

Zach is naive about much of American pop culture; and it makes for lots of fun opportunities (for everyone on the farm) to teach him something new. That inexperience stems from his life growing up on a polygamist cult compound. This totally fascinated me, I read an article several years ago, I think it was in PEOPLE magazine, titled The Lost Boys, a gut wrenching account of young men excommunicated from everything they’d known, oddly for being men, because the simple math of multiple wives, means they need more women than men. Anyway it was a heartbreaking story and it stuck with me how unfairly these boys were treated and abandoned by those they believed were family. I’m so glad we meet Zach on the ‘survivor’ side of his experience. He’s physically healed and emotionally he’s come a long way since he was exiled from his life in Wyoming. He has a few challenges to overcome, but for the most part he remains the steady hardworking character we’ve grown to love throughout the True North series. Everything about Zach is so humble and sweet. As a reader, I tend to avoid virgin plot lines. Just a personal preference, and this will sound totally sexist, but I have enjoyed every virgin HERO book I have read. Kinda funny right? Zach is a considerate, attentive man and that theme just works for this book.

Lark is May’s friend and she’s just returned from a life changing trip in Guatemala. I was very curious about her character because her name had been mentioned in a previous book, but I didn’t really remember her from the series. Maybe I was thinking Zach would wind up with Griffin’s little sister Daphne (who has had a major crush on him). Lark’s an awesome character going through a really rough time. Her trademark adventurous streak is in shambles after a traumatic abduction experience. After returning home and suffering from nightmares, she escapes her overprotective parents Boston home to the Shipley farm to recoup in peace.

When I look back on my risk taking behavior during that point in my life I’m always, appalled at the chances I took with my personal safety. It’s like as a confident young woman, you’re not totally aware of risky behavior until YEARS later if you’re lucky enough come out of those experiences unscathed. Unfortunately for Lark her confidence landed her peril in Guatemala and though she’s physically healed, emotionally she’s ‘ignoring it.’ Zach is totally and completely the calm and steady influence Lark needs at this point in her life. The slow building of trust and patient development of their connection is a perfect fit for these two people. I am so thankful Zach on his own wasn’t a “cure” for Lark’s challenges, and that she needed to stop ignoring what was going on in her mind before she could completely heal herself. How many women do you know (and love) who have ignored their mental health? It’s truly all too common and I applaud authors bringing these challenges to light, because mental health is no joke, and normalizing the need for therapy is important to our society.

As always Sarina’s writing is peppered with interesting information about farming in Vermont, food, cider, apples and important cultural topics while not overwhelming the reader with too much at one time. Keepsake is set mostly at the Shipley Farm . Zach and Lark get plenty of time with all the secondary characters we’ve met and loved in the past two books. I love visiting Vermont in Sarina’s stories, and find reading this series in the fall is the BEST, so if you haven’t started on Bittersweet, or Steadfast, you MUST read them all. Fabulous series, I hope to see continued next year.

Review copy provided for an honest review.

3.5 - "You're my happy thought..." Stars!

We return to Vermont and the Shipley Farm for the third book in Sarina Bowen’s True North series. This is Zach’s book, and although he features in the previous two, it was great to finally get in this guy’s head.

Spending the first nineteen years of your life living in commune type conditions under a cult style dictatorship gives Zach Holtz a slightly different outlook in life in comparison to his peers on the farm, this is a quietly spoken, stay in the background kind of guy, who on an average day, learns something new about the world he is living in, or of himself, that those around him just take for granted, and for some reason this innocent naivety made Zach feel even more approachable, in the reading of his story, where you would expect others to judge he was just kind of there with quiet support and stoicism.

It was rare for me to be truly useful to anyone. Sure, I was a good worker. If you needed a half ton of apples crated. I was your man. But I wasn’t close to many people, and nobody counted on me for support… Probably the definition of lonely.

The books in this series, have had varying degrees of success for me, and although I don’t think Keepsake quite had the emotional depth to it of its predecessor Steadfast, it wasn’t a struggle to read. I have to admit to a certain amount of wariness in returning to the farm, as I found the first book of the series was far too overbalanced in the facts over the fictional story aspect, but the author hit the scale between those things perfectly in Keepsake.

"I’ve always been that kid who practiced making everyone worry. This year I turned pro."

So what happens when you take the world weary but experienced woman, struggling to come to terms with escaping from an extreme situation, and the terrors and nightmares that follow it, with a man that is virtually innocent in the ways of love and relationships, and on how best to help her.

"You can be my problem anytime."

The author explores this dynamic really well through the telling of Zach and Lark’s story. This is slow burn romance at the beginning, and the sexy times are left in favour of building the friendship aspect between these two for most of the first half of the book. I think if you take into account the subject matter the author was right to build the connection between them before adding in that aspect of the romance. They are polar opposites on so many things, that as they get to know each other and learn of the others pasts, the differences between them are what ultimately pull them together as a couple.

"Sometimes you have to take a step back before you can move forward."

I am assuming that there are likely to be more books due from the True North series at some point in the future, Sarina has certainly set it up that there are several more Shipley’s and a few other characters that could well have stories to be told.

"It’s good to be here."

This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

*sighs happily* this book was sooooo good :) it's the third book in a series, but if you haven't read the previous stories, this one can work as a standalone as well :) but I highly recommend you to read them either way, because they are awesome :) and as much as I loved the second book I was super excited to get back to the Shipley's farm with this one... and if you are not familiar with this series, that sentence may not make sense to you, but I will explain everything along the way :) so let me dive straight into all the praises about this fantastic story :)

So about our main couple :) I loved Zach from the very moment I met him back in that first story :) he works as a sort of universal farm hand on Shipley's farm... and that family is just soooo wonderful, more about them in a moment :) he has quite an unusual past, but since I don't want to spoil you anything in case you don't know it yet, let's just say that he was very... shielded when he was growing up, until he... changed his address... :) I know I'm being vague, but I am trying very hard not to spoil you anything :) but ever since he arrived in Vermont a few years ago he started to learn a whole new way of life... :) I just love him... he's this calm, maybe a bit shy guy, but trust me... the saying "still waters run deep" is more than true in his case... because there is sooo much more to him than I imagined at first :) and it was so fun to see his other side... :) Lark on the other hand is a new character that we haven't met before :) she is struggling after certain events in her life as well... I can't go into too many details, because we don't know what exactly happened until later into the story... but she is quite different than him... or she was before... her nickname after all was Wild Child ;) but everything that happened to her changed her and she is struggling to go back to who she was before... she decides to stay at the Shipley's farm, accepting an invitation from May, her best friend :) she and Zach... *sighs happily* it's definitely a slow burn romance between those two :) and I absolutely loved every minute of it :) but once that fire started... damn... :) not to mention that thanks to chapters written in both of their points of view, we get a fantastic glimpse into their minds... :)

Besides Zach and Lark we of course have a whole bunch of secondary characters :) instad of naming each and every one of them all I'm gonna say is: the Shipley family :) like I mentioned before, I was super happy that we got back on their farm in this story, because I missed all of them :) the banter, the love between them... :) the more family members in one scene the better :) but I will say this... after reading his book I absolutely NEED May's story :) I can't tell you why exactly, but I need it... I don't care when, but it needs to be in my hands at some point ;) although I do have a feeling who will be the main character in the next story in this series... I can't tell you the name, but there was a scene at the end of the book that I don't think the author would put there just to tease us if she didn't have plans for writing another book :)

I loved this book :) I started reading it one evening thinking I'm gonna do some work the next day and then finish it as a reward... yeah... that's not what happened :) I was so curious and couldn't concentrate on anything else, that I just had to finish it :) and it was sooooo worth it :) there were moments when I forgot I was reading a book... I was pulled completely into the story, cheering the characters on, rooting for them and their happy ending... this story made me laugh out loud, but it was also emotional... I definitely did not expect to cry when I was reading it but, well... that happened :) #NoRegrets ;) there were scenes that truly broke my heart in half, but fortunately for my sanity, the lovely Sarina put it back together a bit later in the book... she truly has this amazing ability to write books that are funny but also emotional in a way that really makes you connect to the characters so much, that you forget you read about fictional people :) I would love to be a part of that family... or at least to visit them for a day, and soak up the atmosphere :) so if you are looking for a fantastic book to get lost in, look no further and one click this gem... :)

With Keepsake, Sarina Bowen has created another smash hit in the True North series. Zach and Lark's story is one of sweet romance and healing, and I loved every single minute of their journey.

One of the aspects of this novel that made me fall in love with the story is the characters. Zach is unlike any character I have encountered in a long time. He is introverted, a hard worker, and a virgin, but underneath these surface level observations, he is a man still struggling with atrocities committed against him in the past that still affect his psyche. His insecurities, as a result of his past, make the reader's heart ache for him, and we fall in love with him because through it all he is the kindest, sweetest, and most honorable hero I may have ever encountered. Just as lovable is Lark. She, like Zach, is suffering from a tumultuous experience in Guatemala, and she is trying to find her way back to who she was before the traumatic event. Unlike Zach, she is a "wild child." Lark exudes a love of life and experiences, and it radiates off of her and is infectious. These two together balance each other out, and their relationship, even with their steamy scenes, exhibits love in its purest and most romantic form.

The Shipley clan, as always, is completely entertaining. Not only do they provide comedic relief in the story, but they also serve as an impetus for the plot, and ,boy, does Sarina Bowen drop some unexpected pieces of information to intrigue the reader and make me desperate for more from the True North series.

As always, with every Sarina Bowen book, the writing is absolutely impeccable. The way in which she constructs her stories draws the reader in and doesn't let them go. The characters she thinks up are always endearing, leaving the reader no choice but to invest in them and the resolution to their story. And, particularly in this series, the setting and the integration of farming and the orchard peaks the interest of the reader. Finally, her writing style is among the best I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Her words are so vivid and descriptive that the images fly off the pages into my head, and I am become immersed in the worlds she creates, never wanting to leave.

Keepsake is another fantastic book, a must read, and absolutely perfect for a fall weekend escape. So grab your apple cider, get a blanket, and take in the changing colors of the leaves as you devour this beautiful story of the love and its ability to heal.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

A hand at your back can steady your burden

Are you inclined to suffer in silence or share your burdens? To be honest, I’m all for sharing. It’s not unusual for me to tell my deepest, darkest secrets to complete strangers...well maybe not complete strangers, more acquaintances. Yes, I almost always regret it (because I look like a loon) but the feeling of relief once I’ve shared seems to outweigh the regret. What if your burden or secret horror is so bad that your brain blocks it out? Well, in my case, it just made my story more interesting. I don't even remember walking to the ambulance. In Keepsake we meet two remarkable people who have faced horror and lived to tell about it.

I’ve been really excited to read Zach’s story. Zach is a gorgeous, hard-working and sweet man who at 23 is still very innocent. He spent the first nineteen years of his life in a cult and then thrown out for breaking the rules. This is a man who walked for days with just the clothes on his back, no shoes and no money, to reach a safe sanctuary. Zach’s innocence has meant that nearly every new experience is something to be enjoyed.

His safe sanctuary was provided by Isaac and Leah, a couple that escaped from the cult/family he was in. They now own a farm in Vermont and make it known that they'll take cult members who left in and give them somewhere safe to recover. Zach stays with them for awhile until he lands a job at the Shipley’s farm helping with the apple picking. The Shipley’s have become his new family and he would do anything and everything for them.

Lark is a Wild Thing. She loves adventure and learning new things. When the non-profit organisation she works for sends her to Guatemala she’s excited about the new adventure. Unfortunately, she made the mistake of letting her guard down and was kidnapped. When she finally comes home, she suffers recurring nightmares and PTSD. Being at home hasn’t made things easier so when her best friend May Shipley asks her to visit for awhile, she jumps at the chance.

Lark’s night terrors seemed to only be soothed when a big, strong and beautiful man lays his hand at her back to soothe her. He hears her screams and comes running every time. This care is something Lark appreciates but she also feels extreme guilt. She doesn’t want to be a burden.

Zach loves that someone needs him. It also helps that he’s completely infatuated with Lark and has been from the first time he saw her. He can’t believe this beautiful woman is willing to let HIM be the one to soothe her. Up till now, he hasn’t even felt comfortable touching another person let alone soothing them, but Lark is different.

I really enjoyed seeing Zach and Lark’s journey towards happiness. It wasn’t an easy journey and at times it broke my heart. Zach’s history is ugly and the people he lived with were evil and demented. I would have loved to see them face justice for what they have done and still do. Lark’s pain was not seen but felt in the mental anguish after her trauma. We see the events that caused her anguish played out in her dreams. The hardest thing for Lark to get over was the guilt. Once she learns to not shoulder the guilt solely on her shoulders her burden seems to lessen.

Keepsake was great. I love the crazy antics of the Shipleys. When they are all together around the dinner table, I’ll admit that it makes me hungry. I think I would go for a farm stay too if the food is as good as described. One of my favourite parts of the whole story was after Zach and Lark are intimate for the first time. I was busting a gut laughing.

The True North series has been one of my favourites this year. The characters are lovable, the stories intriguing and the family dynamics something you want to be a part of. I can’t wait for more.

After growing up on a ranch by a polygamist cult, its a complete understatement to say that Zach didn’t have the most normal upbringing. It’s been four year since he’s been kicked out of the group, and Zach is still adjusting to his new life. Living and working on the Shipley’s farm has been so good for him- he loves his job and loves the Shipley’s even more. For the first time, it feels like he is part of a real family. Then, everything changes with Mary Shipley’s best friend- Lark Wainwright– arrives on the farm.

Lark has just been to hell and back. While working overseas, Lark was kidnapped and held hostage. While thankfully she made it out alive, Lark can’t escape what has happened to her. When Mary invites Lark to come spend some time on the family farm, Lark doesn’t have to think twice. Working outdoors, fresh Vermont air, a loving and safe atmosphere and getting away from her hovering parents? It’s a no lose situation for her.

Unfortunately her night terrors and anxiety follow her to the farm, and despite her best attempts to hid it from everyone, there is someone that is on to her. Zach. Lark only knows a few things about Zach- Hardworking. Dedicated. Soft-spoken. Caring. Gorgeous. Virgin– but even so, she finds herself trusting in him immediately. The two of them start to grow closer and closer and even though Zach has had next to zero experience with women, he knows there is something more than friendship between the two of them.

They cross the line from friends to lovers, and just when it seems like everything is coming together, it falls apart. Can they get past their demons and find their HEA?

First of all, I have to say I LOVE ZACH. He’s the good guy with a heart of gold type that will always be there for the people he cares about. He is so swoony and romantic, without even realizing he is. While he is a tad naive and awkward in social situations, due to the way he was brought up, he is wise and mature, and surprisingly quite the little dirty talker.? And don’t think just because he is a virgin when the book starts that there are no steamy scenes, well, you would be very mistaken. When he spoke about his past, it hits you hard in the gut because there are real polygamist cults out there with children going through things he went through.

Lark’s story really hurt my heart. And while what happened to her obvious has a huge impact on her life, it doesn’t define her. The horrific things she had gone through turned her into a survivor, yet she doesn’t play the victim. She is going through a time when she is very vulnerable, yet is still strong. She has all these walls up to protect herself, but slowly let’s them down. Her journey is extremely touching.

But let’s talk the relationship between Zach and Lark. They have this connection right away, and their friendship is pretty adorable. However, there is some sexual tension between them, so much that you could feel it sizzling between them. The chemistry they have between them makes you forget they are not real people. However, it’s not all smooth sailing between them, there are obvious complications with bumps in the road. But the way they react to those makes it all the more genuine.

One my favorite things about Sarina Bowen’s books is the way she not only brings the main characters to life, but the secondary characters as well. You have to make them interesting enough that readers want to know more about them, but not to the point that they steal the show from the hero and heroine. Sarina nails it every freaking time. It’s impossible to read one of her books and not think about other characters you want books for. In Keepsake alone, I have three of four side characters I need books for. That’s a remarkable talent.

You need to read this book. It’s one of my favorite reads this year. Hands down.

Reviewed by Rachel & Sharon Thérèse

This book is truly a labour of love in all aspects and we can’t praise the author enough for offering us such an extraordinarily well-written book. It warms your heart, makes you smile, plunders your hopes only to pick you up and give you back everything you’ve ever wished for. It’s difficult to put down but at the same time, this is a read to be savoured. Don’t rush it; turn the pages as if it were the last one and simply sit back and enjoy. Can it be read as a standalone? I think we’re going to be adventurous and say yes! As the saying goes, “Every book tells its story” and it couldn’t be more true in this series.

“Your fine here, Lark. Everything is fine.”

Sometimes we love so much and are so concerned for the well-being of others that we have to take a step back and give them space and time to heal. Zachariah has the patience and faith to do this. Even though he’s innocent, he’s old beyond his years and has an acuity we could all learn from. A tough start in life doesn’t stop the poor lad from making an effort to better his position. The simplest of things we take for granted were for him, huge. But he’s astute, picks things up quickly and to say he’s hard-working would be putting it lightly. In fact, he wore us out just reading about his willingness to help everyone who had been so kind to him since he’d found his sanctuary. Zach is a thinker. He keeps his feelings to himself, every move he makes is calculated and not one of them was disputable. And listen to this. . . he’s built like a freakin’ brick-house! But that isn’t the reason we fell head over heels for him. His generous heart won us over.

“I’ll be your Apostate Farm.

Lark Wainwright isn’t the ‘Wild Child’ she used to be. The support and love her parents have for her isn’t enough to overcome a traumatic experience. She’d lost her self-confidence for reasons to be revealed in the story; nonetheless, she’s desperately trying to get her old sassy-self-back. She puts on a brave face and goes to visit her bestie. Her destiny’s place is her refuge. But is it? If we’d had the opportunity to land where she did, we’d be in our element and we thought it had the perfect ambience for her recovery. However, all is not what it seems.

“I was such a perfect wreck.”

Lark is surrounded by the most comprehensible family that anyone could ask for. They’re all delightful, so damn lovable and don’t ask questions. We have to include the man who runs the show with the precision of a Swiss watch and whose grumpiness never outweighed his concern for Lark. Or for that matter, the love of his life, his family or his workers. Griffin. Ooh, for the likes of our mere souls, this guy is in the whole of the series, our man!

“Have fun Wild Child. Stay loose, Zach.”

Since every single one of Griff’s family have their own well-developed characters and their own day to day problems exquisitely described by the author, you must read this book to appreciate the utter beauty of it. All the goings on at Shipley farm which for us, was paradise, is much more than we could have imagined. The scenery, orchards and the process of picking, distilling and getting the end product to the market is a lesson in itself. Reading this series will provoke your taste buds to try such as is the variety of apples grown on Griffin’s farm. You’ll want to taste the scrumptious apple tarts, mouth-watering cakes, jelly, jam or better still, their finest cider made from the best apples on the planet!

“What’s on the agenda today”
“Selling cider!”

Now then, we have to mention how delightful is was watching Zach and Lark’s relationship blossom. Oops, pun unintended! It’s not an easy-peasy ride for these two young adults. Zach has trust issues and Lark is afraid she’ll break the most beautiful man who has ever entered her world. They have to find themselves, learn to reach out to each other and while the clock is ticking away, make some life-changing decisions. Their chemistry is undeniable, though. We were so grateful that the author held back on the passionate scenes. If you like reads where the protagonists jump into the sack and wham bam thank you ma’am, you might be a tad disappointed. That being said, their constant eye contact blinded us and we loved how the sexual tension simmered just below the surface. Wait for it though. . . it’s coming. When it does explode, we were left breathless! We never expected ugly cry moments which consequently reduced us to a babbling mess, so get your man-sized tissues ready!

“S** is ten percent skill and ninety percent listening. Who’s a better listener than you?
“What am I listening for?”
“You’ll know as soon as you hear it.”

The companionship, light-hearted ribbing and overflowing banter in a solid plot sold us lock, stock and barrel. The story is told in past tense which isn’t one of our fave narrative techniques. Nonetheless, never once was our reading enjoyment hindered by it. The dual point of view used was a real plus as we had the opportunity to delve into the thoughts of Zach and Lark.

“Is it egotistical of me to ask whether I’ve ever made it into your best dreams?”
“They’re all about you.”

After getting to know all members of this family so well, one of us was a bit concerned at the ending. There isn’t a cliffy as such but she felt there was space for more revelations and would’ve liked to have seen the celebration of an important event. With a sigh of relief on her part, a little dicky bird whispered in her ear and now she’s a happy bunny! Ms Bowen, this offering is a true KEEPSAKE! Keep on writing ‘cause we’ll definitely keep on reading. . . BRAVO!

A couple of our fave quotes:

“Maybe you had pleasant dreams after four thirty. But after treating the rest of us to basically a p**no sound track, it was woody city in the bunk room.”

“I’m so sick of being of afraid.”
“You don’t have to be anymore. If anyone wants to get you, they’ll have to go through me.”

Zachariah and Lark both escaped to the Shipley Farm for their own reasons. Zach is still learning more about life in the real world after a very sheltered, unconventional upbringing left him with no support and abandonment issues. Lark is trying to get over an event that changed her. She used to be the fearless wild child but is now struggling with fear and nightmares from her adventure-gone-wrong.

The Shipley Farm is a place to find support, acceptance, love, and healing. The family takes in strays and helps give them purpose. Zach and Lark grow closer through shared work, understanding, and revealing of secrets. She's supposed to be off limits. They come from different worlds and circumstances. Zach is really inexperienced in relationships, while she is dealing with some fall out of her last one. The farm is their temporary sanctuary, but the real world and future looms ahead. They are able to ease each other's loneliness. He wants to slay her demons and keep her. She has to figure out where her life is going and continue to process all that has happened.

Zach is such a sweet, caring, and thoughtful hero. He's got such a big, vulnerable heart, but is also strong, stoic, and a survivor. He listens. He understands. He comforts. He feels deeply. But this is all new to him. He has a hard time trusting and does not always feel settled or good enough.

Lark is really lost and trying to handle all of her issues. She is fearful, guilt-ridden, and does not want to cause problems for those around her. She is broken and at risk to shatter at any time. Zach becomes an anchor. But in relying on him, will she eventually hurt him?

This is the story of two lost souls coming together to find a true home. But there are definite issues and challenges to face. Time is a factor. The path to what they really need and want is not always clear and easy. Internalized feelings can be messy and confusing. Emotional scars can run deep and continue to cause pain.

I enjoyed getting their dual points of view to really understand some of the issues they buried. They were both likable, and not perfect. Their chemistry, connection, and issues were well developed and believable. I really felt for both of them.

I loved getting more with the Shipley clan and their extended family. It really feels like coming home when I open one of these books. It is like Sarina Bowen has invited me to sit at the Shipley Farm table and enjoy the chaos and love that surrounds these characters. This one is not as overtly funny as Bittersweet or as deeply dark and emotional as Steadfast. It falls somewhere in between. It has some humor, romance, emotion, and some harshness in their back stories leaving them with scars. But it focuses on finding hope, faith, self worth, purpose, forgiveness, love, and healing.

This one had me engaged and invested all along. I really enjoyed seeing into Zach's heart and his growth. Lark was a character I could not help but want to overcome her problems. And I just loved them together and wanted them to find their own little pocket of happiness despite the challenges. There were some unexpected surprises in this one that I did not see coming. And she left it open for more books in the series. I am still interested in more from Zara, Kieran, Kyle, Dylan, Daphne, Alec, and May. And of course catching up with the ones already coupled off.

MALE VIRGIN. HOW DOES THAT SOUND TO YOU?
Intriguing? Then, Keepsake is a must read! This was my number one reason for wanting to read Zach’s story because he was a virgin. Having grown up in a cult environment where sex was seen as a punishable sin, he hadn’t had the chance to explore intimacy with a woman. While there has definitely been focus on Zach’s virginity in the series, I liked that it was just who he was. He had the chance to lose it if he ever wanted, but the right opportunity hadn’t come for him, so he waited. While he was shy about it, he was certainly not ashamed. It was refreshing to read a romance novel that wasn’t about a manwhore hero who has slept with 90% of the female population.

DO YOU LIKE SENSITIVE, KIND-HEARTED HEROES?
You probably got this from the above, but Zach was the absolute sweetest. I loved his kindness, his compassion and his gentle attitude. It’s not often that you see those kind of heroes in romance novels. As much as I like the cocky guys in books from time to time, I mostly prefer the sweet, hardworking and loving guys and Zach epitomized everything I adore in a sweet guy. Oh and, this is a guy who is not afraid to cry in front of other men when he is heart broken. Can you resist that?

ARE YOU TIRED OF THE BROKEN HEROINE WHO NEEDS A MAN TO HELP HER WORK THROUGH HER ISSUES?
Admittedly, I was a littler nervous about reading in Lark’s point of view. Her story sounded like it was going to be rough and as callous as it sounds, sometimes I just don’t want to read books about broken heroines, especially broken heroines who are magically cured by the hot sex they have with their love interests. But Sarina Bowen did a great job with fleshing out Lark and her issues. I felt like I really got to know her personally while reading. I especially loved how she was willing to take the steps to help her heal from her PTSD. It’s not always an easy journey for her, and she falls often, but the support system that she has pushes her forward. At the end of the book, Lark isn’t cured of all her issues, but she was progressing – I really appreciated that.

DOES THE IDEA OF A TENDER, YET PASSIONATE ROMANCE APPEAL TO YOU?
Lark and Zach’s romance was so very tender. They both had issues that they had to deal with, so the slow progression of their relationship made so much sense here. I thought the pacing was great, and I liked that we got to see the two of them fall for each other over the course of the book. It was sweet, and tender, but it was also full of chemistry between the couple, a chemistry that exploded into some really passionate bedroom scenes. I loved these two as a couple like crazy!

DO YOU WANT TO TAKE A BREAK FROM REAL LIFE AND SPEND SOME TIME AT A FICTIONAL FARM?
One of the main reasons why Bittersweet was a hit for me was the farm setting. In Steadfast, I didn’t feel like we got enough of the Shipley Farm, so I was so happy that Sarina Bowen decided to go back to that setting here. Farm life is hard, but I loved how it was portrayed here. It made me want to go take a vacation on a farm somewhere in Vermont, and just surround myself with clean air, beautiful views and all the fresh fruit and produce.

DO YOU LIKE BIG MEDDLING FAMILIES?
It was so great to be back with the Shipleys again! They are a great family and the love and support they have for each other is one of the best parts of this series that makes it completely readable. Not to mention, they are funny and totally made me smile. They all have such different personalities, but together they were even better. I cherished every moment that we spent with these characters. I am crossing my fingers that Sarina Bowen will write more books featuring some of the other Shipleys, because I can’t get enough of them.

If you answered positively to any of these questions, then I most definitely think that you will have no trouble enjoying Keepsake and the rest of the True North series. ?

Keepsake tells Zachariah’s unique story. Up until this point, his quiet nature has led him to keep his past pretty guarded. Not even his “Han Solo” (Griff from book one) knew why Zach left the place where he grew up at the age of nineteen and hitchhike east. We finally learn his entire past (WOW!) and, what I love the most, we get to “hear” his voice in the story. Zach is brilliantly written as completely pure of heart and soul and it’s so wonderful to read a character like that.

What’s even better? That his new “family” appreciates Zach. How refreshing is that??!!!

Told in dual POV, the other side of the story is Lark’s. Lark is May’s roommate from college. In case you need a refresher, May is Griff’s middle sister.

May invites Lark to visit the Shipley Farm and stay and work the coming apple harvest season. Lark leaps at the opportunity to escape her parents and Boston. You see, while Lark was working in South America, she went through a traumatic ordeal where she was kidnapped. Since she’s returned, her parents have been hovering and shoving her to doctor after doctor trying to “cure” her. She just doesn’t want to be afraid anymore. And Lark thinks the “cure” could be some quiet time in Vermont with close friends.

There’s this bunkhouse where all the workers sleep. Lark is staying in the one bedroom that is in the bunkhouse. When she wakes up screaming at the top of her lungs every night and waking up all the guys in the bunkhouse, it’s Zach who carefully comes to her rescue to comfort and calm her. ?

Since Zach has been a fan favorite from the beginning (errrr, at least in my eyes), there’s been a ton of speculation about who would be his love interest and, more importantly, would they be worthy of this wonderful guy. Fear not, Lark is quite the interesting match for Zach. It’s up to you to decide if she’s worthy of Zach. I, myself, went back and forth on the issue as the story went along. I personally think they needed (and loved) each other perfectly.

And the ending? It couldn’t have resolved and ended any other way ?

I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I started Keepsake with the knowledge that I was in for a huge gift. I just finished Bittersweet and Steadfast in preparation, and my head and my heart haven't been the same since. I absolutely adore the Shipley family and CANNOT GET ENOUGH of Sarina Bowen's words. She has the most amazing ability to balance emotional with just enough comedy and steam. Her writing is such an absolute gift and I, for one, am so grateful that she shares it with us.

And Zach? I lost my heart to him in this one, folks. I'm done for. He is just so darn perfect I want to keep him in my pocket to just take out and hug and squeeze at whim.

In this book, unbeknownst to him, Zach's life changes when May Shipley's best friend Lark, hoping to heal from a traumatic experience overseas, stays with them during the picking season. Through close sleeping quarters and old fashioned chemistry, we see their heartfelt romance unfold. And boy was it fantastic.

We got to know Zach pretty well during the first two books, but in this book we are (luckily) in his head. Here you have a man who was unceremoniously dumped from a cult and who eventually found his way to the Shipley farm four years earlier. Despite being accepted and loved, Zach held himself back, still feeling as if he was an outsider looking in - afraid to accept that he was a member of the Shipley family because of his past experiences. Lark, on the same note, had her own issues to deal with. She survived a traumatic experience overseas and was now coping with the emotional fallout from what happened while she was overseas.

Was their romance amazing? Yes. Was it at the best time? Yes and No. While the fact that they were both trying to cope with their issues was tough, it was absolute perfection that they had each other to lean on. He helped teach her that it was ok to live your life, forgive yourself and move on, while she helped him realize that he was an amazing person that people loved and relied upon.

This book was so exceptional I wanted to start over the minute I finished. I know Zach and Lark's story will stay with me for a very long time. I look forward to more from this author and hope we have more books in this series as I'm not ready to say goodbye to this family!

This book was absolutely amazing. I’ve been waiting for Zach’s story since I read Bittersweet, and this did not disappoint. I think this might have become my favorite Sarina Bowen book, and I’ve read ALL of hers besides Rookie Move (Which is on my list to read next month? The story was just sweet, sexy, and heartwarming. It broke my heart a few times and stitched it back up.

Zach isn’t your normal male protagonist. He’s not an Alpha male. He’s shy and sweet. He’s introverted and soft spoken. He doesn’t trust easily, and he lacks self confidence because of his upbringing, but that is what really made me fall in love with his character! He is more unique than any other male character I have read, and I loved that!

When Lark comes to the farm to try and get away from her demons, she becomes friends with Zach, and he helps her to get through her terror ridden nights. She used to be fearless, the Wild Child, but now she can barely function throughout her day. The relationship between her and Zach is slow and sweet. I loved watching their relationship form and go through the ups and downs. I think one of my favorite lines was “I’ll be your Apostate Farm.” I know you can’t really understand the context of this one yet, but when you read Keepsake you will understand, and you will fall in love with this couple like I did?

Some of my other favorite things about this book were the references to some of my favorite movies and books. Any book that talks about Harry Potter and Star Wars is fan-freaking-tastic in my opinion! I loved how we got to see The Shipley family again, and Griff and Jude. I also loved Maeve, she was the cutest little girl and I loved her interactions with everyone.

This was seriously an amazing book. As usual Sarina Bowen creates a story that draws you in and connects you to the characters on such a deeper level. You always feel a part of the book, and I always feel like a movie is playing in my head when I read her books. I’m always sad when her books are over because I have to leave that world. This series is one I will read over and over again through the years.

I highly recommend this book and this series. It won’t disappoint.

Oh, Lord in Heaven.

These darn Shipleys made me cry. They’re so…wonderful. So warm and strong and amazing. This book wasn’t even about the darn Shipleys and yet here I am – starting this whole review off by yammering on about how much I love them. And how they made me cry. Which – is actually kind of appropriate because this book just had a field day with my emotions.

Current status: Feels. Everywhere. In various states of ruin.

I have spent the entire series up to this point completely fascinated by Zach. He’s quiet and strong and comes from the most peculiarly interesting background. I’ve been so excited for his story – excited to learn more about this soft-spoken, sheltered, gentle man. And, in case there was any doubt, Keepsake did not disappoint. Ms. Bowen wrote Zach exquisitely – in a way that allowed my heart to hurt for him while also allowing it to rejoice for him. For a man with virtually no real-world experience, he’s strong, and wise. He’s the very best that humanity has to offer, and I loved him fiercely, protectively, and in a way that is going to haunt me for a while, I think.

I’m equally haunted by Lark – whose story is intense, and dark, and heart shattering. She was so strong and brave and stubborn in a way that I completely connected with. So when she finally broke – I did too. I don’t know how something so heartbreaking can also be so beautiful, but I completely credit Ms. Bowen for writing it in a way that perfectly captured all these complex emotions. This isn’t a sad book. It’s definitely not a dark book. But both those elements exist in this book - and they combined with all the lighter, happier elements to make it richly layered, captivating, and supremely rewarding.

Because it was rewarding. For every moment that cracked my heart wide open, there was a moment that took my breath away. For every tear that refused to be held back, there was an appreciative giggle or a dopey smile. For every bit of darkness, there was a heaping helping of light and the end result is that I freaking loved this book so very much – I’ve run out of pretty words to describe it. Read it. See for yourself. You will not be disappointed.

An absolute no-brainer right here! I knew I would love it and I did! I loved it even more than the last one, if that’s even possible! The True North Series has become one of my absolute favorites and these characters are just EVERYTHING to me! Sarina Bowen gives us, yet another UNPUTDOWNABLE romance, that will tear at your heart and mend your soul…a romance that will leave you with such a great sense of hope and wonder…a romance that you will not soon forget. Epic, incredible, beautiful from the very first page.

“I’m so sick of being afraid.” she whispered.

“You don’t have to be anymore.” Her hand was still in mine, and I gave it one more squeeze. “If anyone wants to get you, they’ll have to go through me.”

OMG! Zach and Lark’s story was just as beautiful and heart wrenching as could be. A once fearless girl has lost all sense of adventure when tragedy strikes. Needing to get away, she takes up her best friend’s offer and heads to Vermont where she helps out at Shipley Farm. She knew he would be there, and yet the sight of him brings out something hopeful in her.

Zachariah is one of the most dedicated and hardworking men on the farm. Being pushed out of his home years ago, has put him in survival mode. Fearful that he will be pushed out once again, he works harder than ever to make himself invaluable, but he knows it’s coming. He’s not really family, and there is only so much work that can be done. Then he sees her, and hope is brought back into his life. He will do anything to make her smile, to chase away her demons, but will that be enough? When Lark and Zach collide, it’s magic, but it also shatters both of them. Together AND apart, they must work to pick up the pieces to become whole again. Only then, will they be prepared for the love that will surround them both.

“I want you for my very own.”

KEEPSAKE is the type of heartbreaking and beautiful romance that will hurt your heart, and yet, it will make your heart so full. It’s bursting with so much hope and love, you won’t be able to turn away. This can be read as a standalone, but WOW, this entire series is a CAN’T MISS! Believe me, you will fall in love with all of these characters instantly!

*ARC provided by the author*

Keepsake by Sarina Bowen

And so we return to Shipley Farm for this third installment of Sarina Bowen's True North series. I love everything about this series and I have been oh so eagerly awaiting Zachariah's story and I have not been left wanting.

This book was beautiful and perfection, much like Zach. It's been four years since Zach was kicked out from the polygamist cult he grew up and hitchhiked his way to Vermont where he now works for the Shipley's. He keeps his head down, works damn hard, needs to know he's loved and needed, and just wants to belong. He felt an instant attraction the first time he heard Lark laugh (seriously, he's a unicorn) and now that she's back at the farm for the fall, he's not sure he can resist her and hold on to his virtue.

Lark has moved to Vermont to work at her best friends farm and also to escape from well-meaning but overbearing parents. She isn't coping with her harrowing ordeal that took place in Guatemala and is hoping some mindless work will let allow her some rest and wash away the memories. What she isn't counting on is finding comfort in the arms of the sexy blond farmhand.

The story of Zach and Lark is not an easy one. They both have a past that has shaped them and brought them to where they are now. Their road isn't not paved with gold and pixie dust or the aforementioned unicorns. It is, however, a raw and gritty love story that swamps you with an abundance of feelings. So many times I had chuckles and tears and almost every emotion in between and I loved every one of them. Bowen knows how to rip out your heart and then lovingly stitch it back together and she's a firm favorite of mine. If this lady has written a bad book, I've yet to read it. Keepsake is yet another five star read for me from Bowen and I hope she never stops. Im keeping my fingers crossed that there will be more to this series because I'm not ready to say goodbye to the Shipley clan! I absolutely recommend this standalone and series to all.

*arc received in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

3 stars!

“You can be my problem anytime.”

So sweet! Keepsake is the kind of book that you read in a warm day, a book that keeps you company and makes you feel nice afterwards despite the few dark elements of the story. In order to fully enjoy this I recommend you read the previous two books although it can be read as a standalone but there are a few inside stuff you might miss otherwise.

This book is about Zach and I've been so curious about him since I started this series. Zach is a survivor who escaped a polygamist cult and found shelter on the Shipley’s farm; he's a low-key guy, keeps to himself, and he's a reader - he makes so many Harry Potter references, which I loved.

“Once in a while some well-meaning person in my life would point out that after living the first nineteen years of my life on a dusty property in Wyoming, I still rarely left the farm. But they were wrong. I'd been to Middle Earth and Hogwarts and Dickensian London all in the past month or so.”

Lark is a survivor as well, she had an overseas adventure gone wrong - won't spoil but holy wow - and now she, too, is looking for some down time at the farm. Only problem is, her nightmares. She has awful vivid nightmares and Zach is there to wake her up at night and comfort her.

Unlike the other two books I didn't feel the same connection with the characters and the romance didn't really captivated me, but it was such a sweet book with so many adorable moments between the two and Bowen's usual vivid writing with all the farm details I expected and the little humoristic pieces between the characters.

KEEPSAKE is the third and possible final book in the True North series, and Zach’s story is one I’ve been waiting for since BITTERSWEET⎯the first book in the series⎯came out.

Zach is an absolute sweetheart. He’s kind, caring and hard-working. He spends most of this book living in fear that his time is running out at Shipley Farm and he will soon be kicked out, just like he was from the polygamist cult he was born in to. He’s not used to being given anything, whether it be gifts or affection, so it was endearing to see his reactions when being given those very things. Lark used to be fearless, but now fear is her constant companion after an overseas adventure went wrong. She has a lot of healing to do and she hopes that spending the picking season at Shipley Farm will help her do that. But the memories won’t be denied and come out in the form of nightmares, and only Zach can calm her down after every episode. What I liked most about Lark was that she tried so hard to put the past behind her, to get herself back to the woman she used to be.

KEEPSAKE is told in dual POVs and while it’s part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. Despite a couple of sensitive issues, this was a mostly light and easy read. There were a couple of scenes that were chuckle worthy, like the Shipley’s joyful response to Zach finally getting laid, and Griff’s story about how he once tried to give the twins the condom talk. Is this the last we’ll hear of the Shipley farm? I certainly hope not because there are plenty of other characters that could get their own books. I’d love to read about Zara, her little girl and the father who remains a mystery. KEEPSAKE ends with a nice HEA where we see Zach feeling the most settled and accepted he’s ever been.

This was so, so good! Such an excellent story with this wonderful building friendship that turned into so much more for these two characters. A little broken and raw but so kind and sincere, I loved both Zach and Lark. I've been excited for Zach's story since the first book so I loved getting to know his backstory.

Great writing with a steady pace and the character development really drew me in. There was a fantastic, slow build in the first half where Lark and Zach really get to know each other and start to share and trust. Lark was having such a difficult time and putting on a brave face and I love the friendship she formed with Zach and how that grew. Zach was so sweet and delving into his character was fantastic, he was so much more than he seemed and it was fascinating seeing things through his eyes. I really liked their attraction and chemistry. Loved the heat these two have created and their slow burn to combustible.

I thought there was really good progression and a nice amount of drama and conflict. I really enjoyed the dual POV's as well. I was pulled into what Lark was going through and I thought it was handled well, I could feel all the emotion. I loved watching Zach grow, from so sheltered to really standing on his own two feet. I feel like they both experienced a transformation with so much healing, it made me happy for them. They just were so much stronger than they believed themselves to be and I loved that growing confidence when they finally get it together.

I loved the Shipley's and everything they bring to the table. I like what was introduced within their family and one of the characters and I’m curious to see where the author takes it. There was some awesome foreshadowing with Zara so I’m excited for what’s going to happen with her. I enjoyed all the guys and their ribbing, there were a few light hearted moments mixed in which was a nice balance with all the emotion and tension happening.

Awesome addition to the series! Zach and Lark were amazing!

Complimentary copy received for honest review.

4 Healing Stars
Keepsake is a standalone and is part of the True North series. I super love this series. It makes me want to drink a cup of coffee and curl next to a fire. It’s filled with romance, slight angst and apples!
Lark is damaged. She volunteered overseas and after a terrifying experience she needs to regroup and heal. At least she wants to try to heal.

We know a little of Zach from the previous books. He’s the soft spoken guy with a lot of baggage. It’s the quiet ones I love I tell you!

I really loved Lark. I found her strong, resilient and a fighter. She’s slightly messed up, but that just gave her character, well more character. She’s works on the farm to try to get over her past issues. I like that she has a mega huge heart and everyone loves her.

Zach is completely sweet! He’s adorable and you just want to squeeze him. I love that he is inexperienced and it just adds more to his charm. I also liked that he is from a cult and it makes him kind of mysterious too.

I found Zach and Lark a very good pairing. Zach cares for Lark deeply and does his best to help her, but he also doesn’t over step her boundaries. I love that he thinks of often and I’m always a fan when the Hero lusts over the Heroine.

Because Lark is a little banged up, she keeps everyone at arm’s length and tries to hide her issues.
I love this series because I feel like each book you get is different and kind of informative. I love the apple picking process and selling at the farmer’s market. It makes me want to put my husband in a cute fleece flannel jacket.
If you are a fan of the series, you will not be disappointed.

4.5 Stars

Keepsake is the third installment in the True North series, although it can be read as a standalone. It's an emotional and quite beautiful story of two damaged individuals finding love. This book returns to the Shipley Farm, and those familiar with the previous books in this series, will be pleased to see so many characters that appeared in the two previous books appear quite frequently within the story line.

Lark is a highly like-able character and she's very believable, and incredibly endearing. You feel for her, for everything she has experienced. Lark is incredibly strong to persevere even with the nightmares that haunt her. Her parents whilst well meaning, hover an cause her extra anxiety that she doesn't need. An escape and chance to work in the great outdoors at the Shipley Family orchard is just what she needs.

Zach is such an easy character to love, he's shy, unassuming, a hard worker, a gentleman and an all round good guy. After being raised in a cult, he also lacks any experience with females and it makes him incredibly endearing to see him blush and bumble his way through interactions at times.

I loved the dual point of view, that gave an insight into both Lark and Zack's innermost thoughts and feelings as the book progressed. Although their relationship progressed slightly slower than some, the pair still share an intense connection and chemistry. They have a lovely, affectionate and caring relationship build on friendship, respect and trust. I can't wait to read future books in this series, and wonder which member of the Shipley family will find love next.

I love this series so very much!!! I always feel so happy when I’m done reading one of these books, like my heart really feels full and content kinda happy.. As much as I have loved the first two books, this one was my absolute favorite so far. There is something so very special about Lark and Zach’s story.

I have wanted Zach’s story since we first met the handsome and quiet farm boy in book one. Zach is not the normal bad boy that we love to read about, he’s actually the innocent in this story and it was such a fascinating spin. I loved how he is not wise to all of the ways of the world. The fact that he’s still a little skittish toward people after having been banished from his cult just added to his character. The Shipley’s have certainly taken him in and made him one of their own. God, I just love the Shipleys lol.. all of them.

Poor beautiful Lark looks to the Shipley Farm as a safe haven after her traumatic experience in Guatemala. She is suffering with a severe case of PTSD and so she heads to the farm to find solace. As great as the Shipleys are Lark wasn’t expecting the huge bonus that is Zach!!! Zach gets Lark, he isn’t casting any judgment, he just listens, which is exactly what she needs. The two become really good friends and then more, so much more lol…

I absolutely loved this story and the characters from beginning to end. Ms. Bowen gives Zach the story he deserved and his perfect person in Lark and I am just giddy happy for both of them.

I cannot wait to see whose story is next, I could read about these characters for a long time to come!

Keepsake is the third standalone novel in the True North series. With each book I fall more and more in love with the Shipley family, life on the Shipley farm, the Shipleys’ friends—basically anything Shipley related. I’ve been curious about farmhand Zach, and now we finally get his story.

Zach has always been the quiet, kind, and hard working one. Other than the fact that he grew up in a religious cult and he’s a 23-year-old virgin, little is known about his past. Lark is May’s friend. She’s working at the farm during apple picking season and attempting to recover from a traumatic ordeal of her own.

I. Love. Zach. He knows what it’s like to painstakingly rebuild your life after horrific experiences. His gentle and gracious nature makes him the perfect partner for Lark. I really enjoyed the slow burn nature of their relationship and the way they unselfishly give to each other.

I have no issues with the plot itself, but the pacing is very slow making the book feel longer than necessary. I think editing some scenes out would have enhanced my overall enjoyment. That doesn’t detract from the numerous funny and sweet moments that make the story so appealing. The meals around the Shipley table, the gentle ribbing among the men, Zach and Lark’s experiences at the farmer’s market, and the integral roles Griffin and May play are just a few highlights. The epilogue is pure perfection.

Keepsake is a heartwarming addition to this winning series.

** ARC received.

This book is definitely a romance, but it extends beyond this genre as well...for me, this was a story about overcoming pain, fear, and the potent consequences of trauma...the main characters suffer deeply in their pasts, and attempt to find solace in one another...however, this story leads us down a road that implies love simply is not enough, in and of itself, to overcome all things...it hammers home the point that sometimes letting the one we love go allows true healing to begin, and that there are some journeys that one needs to walk alone...in the end one must be whole to truly give themselves over to another, and fully embrace the enormity of love...well written with beautifully complex characters, Sarina Bowen takes us on an emotional journey that is laced with realism and honesty.

*I volunteered to review an Advance Reader Copy from the Author*

Thank you so very much Ms.Bowen!! I am extremely honored and grateful!! :D

This was my first time reading Ms.Bowen's work and I really adored this unique tale!! Knowing about the True North series beforehand I couldn't wait to finally dive into it!! I liked how both of the main characters were wanting peace due what they faced in their pasts. My heart broke for both a lot while reading and hated what they went through. Keepsake is about Lark Wainright who heads to Vermont to try her best to rid her mind of the thoughts of her trip that went wrong and Zachariah who'd been sheltered from the world outside. When these two meet I felt as if they met kindred spirits within each other due to what they went through separately.

I couldn't help but want to hug the two main characters and shake some sense into them at times especially Lark. This isn't your typical romance which will speak to many readers such as it did with myself. It shows what it means to move forward but while facing obstacles along the way that end up making you stronger in the end.

Ms.Bowen created a story that was interesting to get lost in and made me a nervous wreck at times due to worry for the heroine and hero. I'm looking forward to picking up the rest in the series and reading whatever she comes up with next!! If you haven't already One-Clicked Buy it Today!! 4.5 Stars all around!! :)

4 Healing Stars
Keepsake is a standalone and is part of the True North series. I super love this series. It makes me want to drink a cup of coffee and curl next to a fire. It’s filled with romance, slight angst and apples!
Lark is damaged. She volunteered overseas and after a terrifying experience she needs to regroup and heal. At least she wants to try to heal.

We know a little of Zach from the previous books. He’s the soft spoken guy with a lot of baggage. It’s the quiet ones I love I tell you!

I really loved Lark. I found her strong, resilient and a fighter. She’s slightly messed up, but that just gave her character, well more character. She’s works on the farm to try to get over her past issues. I like that she has a mega huge heart and everyone loves her.

Zach is completely sweet! He’s adorable and you just want to squeeze him. I love that he is inexperienced and it just adds more to his charm. I also liked that he is from a cult and it makes him kind of mysterious too.

I found Zach and Lark a very good pairing. Zach cares for Lark deeply and does his best to help her, but he also doesn’t over step her boundaries. I love that he thinks of often and I’m always a fan when the Hero lusts over the Heroine.

Because Lark is a little banged up, she keeps everyone at arm’s length and tries to hide her issues.
I love this series because I feel like each book you get is different and kind of informative. I love the apple picking process and selling at the farmer’s market. It makes me want to put my husband in a cute fleece flannel jacket.
If you are a fan of the series, you will not be disappointed.

4.5 Stars

Keepsake is the third installment in the True North series, although it can be read as a standalone. It's an emotional and quite beautiful story of two damaged individuals finding love. This book returns to the Shipley Farm, and those familiar with the previous books in this series, will be pleased to see so many characters that appeared in the two previous books appear quite frequently within the story line.

Lark is a highly like-able character and she's very believable, and incredibly endearing. You feel for her, for everything she has experienced. Lark is incredibly strong to persevere even with the nightmares that haunt her. Her parents whilst well meaning, hover an cause her extra anxiety that she doesn't need. An escape and chance to work in the great outdoors at the Shipley Family orchard is just what she needs.

Zach is such an easy character to love, he's shy, unassuming, a hard worker, a gentleman and an all round good guy. After being raised in a cult, he also lacks any experience with females and it makes him incredibly endearing to see him blush and bumble his way through interactions at times.

I loved the dual point of view, that gave an insight into both Lark and Zack's innermost thoughts and feelings as the book progressed. Although their relationship progressed slightly slower than some, the pair still share an intense connection and chemistry. They have a lovely, affectionate and caring relationship build on friendship, respect and trust. I can't wait to read future books in this series, and wonder which member of the Shipley family will find love next.

I love this series so very much!!! I always feel so happy when I’m done reading one of these books, like my heart really feels full and content kinda happy.. As much as I have loved the first two books, this one was my absolute favorite so far. There is something so very special about Lark and Zach’s story.

I have wanted Zach’s story since we first met the handsome and quiet farm boy in book one. Zach is not the normal bad boy that we love to read about, he’s actually the innocent in this story and it was such a fascinating spin. I loved how he is not wise to all of the ways of the world. The fact that he’s still a little skittish toward people after having been banished from his cult just added to his character. The Shipley’s have certainly taken him in and made him one of their own. God, I just love the Shipleys lol.. all of them.

Poor beautiful Lark looks to the Shipley Farm as a safe haven after her traumatic experience in Guatemala. She is suffering with a severe case of PTSD and so she heads to the farm to find solace. As great as the Shipleys are Lark wasn’t expecting the huge bonus that is Zach!!! Zach gets Lark, he isn’t casting any judgment, he just listens, which is exactly what she needs. The two become really good friends and then more, so much more lol…

I absolutely loved this story and the characters from beginning to end. Ms. Bowen gives Zach the story he deserved and his perfect person in Lark and I am just giddy happy for both of them.

I cannot wait to see whose story is next, I could read about these characters for a long time to come!

Keepsake is the third standalone novel in the True North series. With each book I fall more and more in love with the Shipley family, life on the Shipley farm, the Shipleys’ friends—basically anything Shipley related. I’ve been curious about farmhand Zach, and now we finally get his story.

Zach has always been the quiet, kind, and hard working one. Other than the fact that he grew up in a religious cult and he’s a 23-year-old virgin, little is known about his past. Lark is May’s friend. She’s working at the farm during apple picking season and attempting to recover from a traumatic ordeal of her own.

I. Love. Zach. He knows what it’s like to painstakingly rebuild your life after horrific experiences. His gentle and gracious nature makes him the perfect partner for Lark. I really enjoyed the slow burn nature of their relationship and the way they unselfishly give to each other.

I have no issues with the plot itself, but the pacing is very slow making the book feel longer than necessary. I think editing some scenes out would have enhanced my overall enjoyment. That doesn’t detract from the numerous funny and sweet moments that make the story so appealing. The meals around the Shipley table, the gentle ribbing among the men, Zach and Lark’s experiences at the farmer’s market, and the integral roles Griffin and May play are just a few highlights. The epilogue is pure perfection.

Keepsake is a heartwarming addition to this winning series.

** ARC received.

This book is definitely a romance, but it extends beyond this genre as well...for me, this was a story about overcoming pain, fear, and the potent consequences of trauma...the main characters suffer deeply in their pasts, and attempt to find solace in one another...however, this story leads us down a road that implies love simply is not enough, in and of itself, to overcome all things...it hammers home the point that sometimes letting the one we love go allows true healing to begin, and that there are some journeys that one needs to walk alone...in the end one must be whole to truly give themselves over to another, and fully embrace the enormity of love...well written with beautifully complex characters, Sarina Bowen takes us on an emotional journey that is laced with realism and honesty.

*I volunteered to review an Advance Reader Copy from the Author*

Thank you so very much Ms.Bowen!! I am extremely honored and grateful!! :D

This was my first time reading Ms.Bowen's work and I really adored this unique tale!! Knowing about the True North series beforehand I couldn't wait to finally dive into it!! I liked how both of the main characters were wanting peace due what they faced in their pasts. My heart broke for both a lot while reading and hated what they went through. Keepsake is about Lark Wainright who heads to Vermont to try her best to rid her mind of the thoughts of her trip that went wrong and Zachariah who'd been sheltered from the world outside. When these two meet I felt as if they met kindred spirits within each other due to what they went through separately.

I couldn't help but want to hug the two main characters and shake some sense into them at times especially Lark. This isn't your typical romance which will speak to many readers such as it did with myself. It shows what it means to move forward but while facing obstacles along the way that end up making you stronger in the end.

Ms.Bowen created a story that was interesting to get lost in and made me a nervous wreck at times due to worry for the heroine and hero. I'm looking forward to picking up the rest in the series and reading whatever she comes up with next!! If you haven't already One-Clicked Buy it Today!! 4.5 Stars all around!! :)

Every time I think about the True North series and especially this book I want to make a happy sigh. Keepsake is a book that opened my eyes, my mind and my heart.

If Bittersweet and Steadfast were the perfect books to read during the summer then Keepsake is the book to take us into the cooler months. I'm more convinced with each True North book that this is Sarina's best work. I am hoping for many more books.

Ever since we met Zach in Bittersweet I've wondered what kind of girl would capture his heart. If two people have ever needed each other more than Zach and Lark needed each other then I'm not aware of it.

Keepsake opened my eyes to a life style I hardly knew existed much less knew anything about before I started reading. Zach was a quiet but steady presence on the side lines of the previous books so I kept an open mind about how his book would go. When it came to Lark and himself he stepped up to be stronger than I thought possible. Plus Zach is just damn nice which is exactly what I needed and for that he has a special place in my heart.

Like the previous two books, the eclectic Shipley family helped make this book one of my favourites. Many of my questions about some of the characters were answered or expanded on here and so many more were raised. This really is a wonderful series and I can't to see how it continues to grow.

"Keepsake" is a fantastic book by Sarina Bowen. This is one of my favorite authors and she keeps me hooked on all her books and series. This series has been addictive to read - it is so well written and the characters are engaging and true to life. This book deals with some sensitive material, but the author treats it like the pro that she is. I know there is only one book left in the series which makes me sad.. but I can't wait to get my hands on it to close out this journey. I know there will be more fabulous books to come and I hope you join me in adding them to your collection.
Happy Reading...enjoy!

P.S. I read this eBook with the audio companion, and I loved it. The narration brought the story to life and made my commute fly by.

Keepsake is the third book in Sarina Bowen’s True North series, but it can totally be read as a standalone. (But I promise you’re going to want to read all three books anyway.) ?

The hero of this book is so different from any of the hero’s I’ve read lately that I’ve been dying to reading Zach’s story since book one, Bittersweet.

Our heroine, Lark, is besties with Grumpy Griff’s eldest sister May. She has gone through a terrifying ordeal while in Guatemala and is seeking refuge on the Shipley’s farm.

Lark has kind-of a wild child personality and even though she is much more subdued that she normally had been, she’s still a big contrast to Zach’s much quieter personality.

I ADORED this book y’all.

This book has THE HOTTEST love scene that I’ve EVER read! (And you KNOW the crazy amount of love scene’s that I’ve read. lol)

I knew there was something about Zachariah that I was going to love, but Sarina Bowen surpassed my expectations with this book and cemented her place in the KBN book hall of fame.

I give Keepsake 5 out of 5 Krissy’s Stars!

Xo- K ?

* I was generously given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Although I loved Bittersweet and Steadfast (books 1 and 2 in the series) I am head over heels for Keepsake, book 3! Who knew mysterious Zach would turn out being the most appealing to me at the Shipley farm? Now, don't get me wrong, Griff is amazing, and Jude as well, but there is something about Zach, with his sad childhood, yet calm demeanor..... he was so well suited for this slow burn romance story. I loved what he was for Lark- a friend, a rock to lean on, and a night-mare killer. I am so glad that we were left with a little tidbit about Zara at the end that might just hint at a fourth book in the series. Sarina Bowen's books are always one-clicks for me, and Keepsake is one of her best books yet. Keepsake can be read as a stand-alone- although you'll be so drawn in after reading it, you'll rush to read books 1 and 2 I predict!

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book**

Sarina aced it again, Keepsake was pure enjoyment.
It was great to be back in Vermont because I truly came to like the whole Shipley clan and I just can't get enough of them. But Zach... Honest to God he is one of the most perfect hero I've ever read about. He totally stole my heart with his kindeness. His story was believable and lovely romance which warmed my soul. It had slower pace still it's a nice read.
PS: I love that each True North book is completely different.