Redemption Bay (Haven Point)

McKenzie Shaw is the mayor of a quiet little town named Haven Point . she has lived there since she was 10.Her father and step-mom took her in after the death of her mom. She also has a half-sister named Devin. Devin is a doctor in Haven Point and a cancer survivor. McKenzie is doing everything she can to save her town and build it back up. The boat factory closed down a few yrs back and it made the town have a lot of financial problems and loss jobs. Everything is going ok until Ben Kilpatrick comes back to town. He is the one who closed down the boat business and sold it to Aiden Caine. Everyone blames him for the loss jobs. Ben works for Aiden's tech company in California . The company sent Ben to Haven Point to check it out to see if they should launch another facility in Haven Point. Mayor Shaw knows this and she has decide to show Ben all that Haven Point has to offer. McKenzie and Ben have a history. McKenzie was friends with Ben's sister before she died. Ben Kilpatrick has decided that he wont recommend Haven Point because he has history there. He grew up there and left when his sister died. He has a lot of build up anger towards his parents especially his dad Joe. His dad was always mean to him growing up. Ben wants to do his job and get out as soon as possible. McKenzie has other plans tho and she needs to convince him otherwise. Will McKenzie be able to change Ben's mind? Will Ben be able to get over his anger toward his parents. Will the town accept Ben even tho he closed the factory? This is book two in the Haven Point series. It can be read as a stand along but a lot of the characters are mention in other books. The name Redemption Bay says it all. Spoilers**** Both Ben and McKenzie had issues from their childhood. McKenzie had to overcome being the product of an affair and being accepted . Ben had a rocky childhood with a father who cruel to him . This book has a life changing secret and I was very interested in finding the secret out. There is some mild language and some sexual attraction but it is a sweet read.

McKenzie Shaw loves Haven Point, the small town she grew up in and is currently the acting mayor. When Ben Kilpatrick returns to Haven Point he doesn’t get a very warm welcome from McKenzie, he had left the town and not looked backed several years before and hadn’t taken care of all the properties and boat manufacturing company he’d inherited which eventually he shut down causing a loss of jobs and other businesses in the community.

Ben however has returned to Haven Point to scout out the town to see if it would be good for a new facility for his current tech firm. McKenzie vows to show him just how wonderful a place Haven Point is and prove to him the town and residents deserve the opportunity.

Another great read from RaeAnne Thayne filled with all the beautiful, heartwarming aspects of living in a small community where neighbors help each other. Filled full of community events and great characters it’s hard to go wrong with one of these lovely novels.

Ben and McKenzie were both likable characters although I did at one point think McKenzie seemed a bit immature overreacting to something so couldn’t give this a full five stars. Otherwise they both showed their emotional sides and each had their own strength that I admired.

I won this book from Goodreads First Reads, receiving a free copy in no way reflects upon my review and all thoughts are my own.

This is the second book in RaeAnne Thayne's Haven Point series. I am new to her books and absolutely loved this one. This one revolves around Mayor McKenzie Shaw and former resident, who let the town down, Ben Kilpatrick. This is a touching story of Mayor Shaw's determination to save her town and her determination to fight her attraction to a cold hearted billionaire (her description of him). As she learns more about Ben and his past, she can't help her heart. I couldn't help my tears as I read about Lydia's (Ben's mother whom he has a strained relationship with) past decisions and why she made them. There are some great subplots in this as we learn more about the main characters. It tugged at my heartstrings, made me smile and cry both sad and happy tears. I am definitely a fan of Haven Point and cannot wait to return for the next story.

In book one of the Haven Point series McKenzie Shaw was introduced. The love of her town of Haven Point was strong. The mention of Ben Kilpatrick revealed her intense dislike of him. In the second installment of the Haven Point series, we catch up with McKenzie and are introduced to Ben. McKenzie, Mayor of Haven Point, is struggling to help save her town from the financial struggles she blames Ben for. Ben returns to Haven Point after many years and is not welcomed by McKenzie. Despite her negativity towards Ben, he is in her dreams. Why can't she stop noticing his chiseled jaw and how nice he looks in jeans? Ben has come to evaluate a possible business expansion to Haven Point. Sadly, Ben sees real problems with Haven Point. Will McKenzie be able to sway his opinion. Can they keep things professional? And has Bens mother been keeping a secret? RaeAnnes style of writing kept me invested in the characters. I could envision the town, the shops and the residents. I will be eagerly awaiting the next Book in the Haven Point series.

RaeAnne Thayne is one of those fabulous authors that can write a book that captivates my attention from the first page to the last. I love small town romance series book and RaeAnne Thayne is one of the reasons why I love this type of books so much. She does a great job of writing new friends for me to meet and wonderful places that I can not wait to revisit.

Redemption Bay is another great read in the Haven Point series. If you are like me and fell in love with Ms. Thayne's Hope's Crossing series, you will catch a glimpse of those characters in this series.

McKenzie Shaw is one of those strong independent ladies that I couldn't help but feel an instant connection with. This lady has the hopes, dreams, and troubles of the whole town of Haven Point on her shoulders. Thankfully she has a wonderful support system in the towns people, her friends, and her loving sister. McKenzie has not had an easy life. She has had a lot of trauma in her life and has made it through the tough times stronger and with a HUGE heart.

Ben Kilpatrick is visiting his home town that holds horrible memories for him. Ben did not have an easy childhood. He has suffered tremendous loss and has the emotional scars to show it. He doesn't want anything to do with his home town. His boss and best friend has sent him on a mission to check out locations for a new company project.

Ben doesn't receive the best reception when he arrives in town. A lot of people have hard feelings that he shut down the town's main source of employment. A lot of things happened that Ben didn't know was happening and he is now suffering the wrath of the town for it.

McKenzie is one of those who feels Ben should have done more for the town. However, the more time she spends with Ben the more she sees a soft, sweeter side to him. How could you not fall in love with this guy that loves dogs and has an unexpected ease around children? It seems that Ben has another side that a lot of people have not seen yet. McKenzie is surprised to see that there might be more then meets the eye to man she holds responsible for the hard times in Haven Point.

Ben and McKenzie have a LOT of problems and obstacles they have to overcome if they have any chance of making a happily ever after happen.

Overall, this is yet another fabulous small town romance story from the very talented RaeAnne Thayne. There is drama, a lovely romance with bits of friction, and the wholesome small town friendships that are so enjoyable. The characters are charming, fascinating, and quite enjoyable to read about.

Did you check out that beautiful cover? RaeAnne Thayne has some of the most beautiful covers I have ever seen. What is even better is that the story inside is just as lovely as the beautiful cover. It just doesn't get much better then that in my book.

I can not wait to see who's story is next in this great series. I know I will be looking forward to visiting Haven Point again soon.

I was given the opportunity to read this great story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Redemption Bay.

Title: Redemption Bay
Author: RaeAnne Thayne
Publisher: HQN
Series: Haven Point # 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Redemption Bay" by RaeAnne Thayne

What I liked about this novel....

This was a sweet story life about McKenzie Shaw and Ben Kilpatrick. I enjoyed this story which was second in this series...of these two who had some real issues along with some heartache, insecurities and misunderstandings but by the end of the read the reader may see that they grow close by sharing some of what they had gone through there in Haven Point. Now that Ben has returned to Haven Point it looks like it's business that these two will come together but will there be a attraction between these two as they are drawn together? Will there be a lots of emotions from Ben's return? What all is that about? To get the answers to these questions you will have to pick up "Redemption Bay' to see how this author brings it out so well to the readers. I enjoyed how this author presented this detailed story making it flow so well in the well written story of this small town setting with some very interesting well defined characters making you feel as if you are there. In the end will a second chance be there for these two as the past influences the future? Be ready for a good read with some twist and turns along the way that will definitely keep your attention from start to finish.

McKenzie Shaw is the mayor of Haven Point. She also owns the flower shop and a house on the lake. To her dismay, the house next door has been rented to her least favorite person, Ben Kilpatrick. Growing up, McKenzie had a major crush on Ben. Life intervened and Ben left Haven Point, with the intention of never returning. Five years ago, Ben was forced to make the difficult decision to close his family’s boat building business, which hurt the local economy and greatly impacted the town. Now, Ben is the Chief Operating Officer of Caine Tech, the company owned by Aiden Caine (from the book Snow Angel Cove). Caine Tech is considering expansion in Haven Point, and Ben has been sent to make a recommendation. While the town courts Ben, trying to influence his recommendation, McKenzie and Ben struggle with their attraction to one another.

Small town happenings, Mother Nature, and two beautiful dogs play important roles in this story, told with incredible characterizations and detail by the amazing RaeAnne Thayne. A sweet story about life, second chances, and the past influencing the future – this is a story that shouldn’t be missed!

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

McKenzie Shaw is the mayor of a quiet little town named Haven Point . she has lived there since she was 10.Her father and step-mom took her in after the death of her mom. She also has a half-sister named Devin. Devin is a doctor in Haven Point and a cancer survivor. McKenzie is doing everything she can to save her town and build it back up. The boat factory closed down a few yrs back and it made the town have a lot of financial problems and loss jobs. Everything is going ok until Ben Kilpatrick comes back to town. He is the one who closed down the boat business and sold it to Aiden Caine. Everyone blames him for the loss jobs. Ben works for Aiden's tech company in California . The company sent Ben to Haven Point to check it out to see if they should launch another facility in Haven Point. Mayor Shaw knows this and she has decide to show Ben all that Haven Point has to offer. McKenzie and Ben have a history. McKenzie was friends with Ben's sister before she died. Ben Kilpatrick has decided that he wont recommend Haven Point because he has history there. He grew up there and left when his sister died. He has a lot of build up anger towards his parents especially his dad Joe. His dad was always mean to him growing up. Ben wants to do his job and get out as soon as possible. McKenzie has other plans tho and she needs to convince him otherwise. Will McKenzie be able to change Ben's mind? Will Ben be able to get over his anger toward his parents. Will the town accept Ben even tho he closed the factory? This is book two in the Haven Point series. It can be read as a stand along but a lot of the characters are mention in other books. The name Redemption Bay says it all. Spoilers**** Both Ben and McKenzie had issues from their childhood. McKenzie had to overcome being the product of an affair and being accepted . Ben had a rocky childhood with a father who cruel to him . This book has a life changing secret and I was very interested in finding the secret out. There is some mild language and some sexual attraction but it is a sweet read.

RaeAnne Thayne has done it again. Redemption Bay is a great book with a wonderful story. I am a big fan of the Hope Crossings series that RaeAnne has written. I am so happy that this new Haven Point series has a connection to all the folks in Hope’s Crossings. It was nice to see and hear about some of the folks from there.
This story has it all. You will laugh, cry and read faster to see what is going to happen. In this book you see folks who have had a painful past and now have to learn to get past it. By doing this they can fall in love and renew old friendships. It also shows a wonderful community that is struggling but are always there for each other when they need them. I loved seeing all the folks in Haven Point and reading about Ben and McKenzie’s story. Ben and McKenzie both had difficult pasts but with the help of their loving dogs they were able to become friends and work thru the past and come together. I am looking forward to more great stories from Haven Point.

McKenzie Shaw loves Haven Point, the small town she grew up in and is currently the acting mayor. When Ben Kilpatrick returns to Haven Point he doesn’t get a very warm welcome from McKenzie, he had left the town and not looked backed several years before and hadn’t taken care of all the properties and boat manufacturing company he’d inherited which eventually he shut down causing a loss of jobs and other businesses in the community.

Ben however has returned to Haven Point to scout out the town to see if it would be good for a new facility for his current tech firm. McKenzie vows to show him just how wonderful a place Haven Point is and prove to him the town and residents deserve the opportunity.

Another great read from RaeAnne Thayne filled with all the beautiful, heartwarming aspects of living in a small community where neighbors help each other. Filled full of community events and great characters it’s hard to go wrong with one of these lovely novels.

Ben and McKenzie were both likable characters although I did at one point think McKenzie seemed a bit immature overreacting to something so couldn’t give this a full five stars. Otherwise they both showed their emotional sides and each had their own strength that I admired.

I won this book from Goodreads First Reads, receiving a free copy in no way reflects upon my review and all thoughts are my own.

This is the second book in RaeAnne Thayne's Haven Point series. I am new to her books and absolutely loved this one. This one revolves around Mayor McKenzie Shaw and former resident, who let the town down, Ben Kilpatrick. This is a touching story of Mayor Shaw's determination to save her town and her determination to fight her attraction to a cold hearted billionaire (her description of him). As she learns more about Ben and his past, she can't help her heart. I couldn't help my tears as I read about Lydia's (Ben's mother whom he has a strained relationship with) past decisions and why she made them. There are some great subplots in this as we learn more about the main characters. It tugged at my heartstrings, made me smile and cry both sad and happy tears. I am definitely a fan of Haven Point and cannot wait to return for the next story.

In book one of the Haven Point series McKenzie Shaw was introduced. The love of her town of Haven Point was strong. The mention of Ben Kilpatrick revealed her intense dislike of him. In the second installment of the Haven Point series, we catch up with McKenzie and are introduced to Ben. McKenzie, Mayor of Haven Point, is struggling to help save her town from the financial struggles she blames Ben for. Ben returns to Haven Point after many years and is not welcomed by McKenzie. Despite her negativity towards Ben, he is in her dreams. Why can't she stop noticing his chiseled jaw and how nice he looks in jeans? Ben has come to evaluate a possible business expansion to Haven Point. Sadly, Ben sees real problems with Haven Point. Will McKenzie be able to sway his opinion. Can they keep things professional? And has Bens mother been keeping a secret? RaeAnnes style of writing kept me invested in the characters. I could envision the town, the shops and the residents. I will be eagerly awaiting the next Book in the Haven Point series.

RaeAnne Thayne is one of those fabulous authors that can write a book that captivates my attention from the first page to the last. I love small town romance series book and RaeAnne Thayne is one of the reasons why I love this type of books so much. She does a great job of writing new friends for me to meet and wonderful places that I can not wait to revisit.

Redemption Bay is another great read in the Haven Point series. If you are like me and fell in love with Ms. Thayne's Hope's Crossing series, you will catch a glimpse of those characters in this series.

McKenzie Shaw is one of those strong independent ladies that I couldn't help but feel an instant connection with. This lady has the hopes, dreams, and troubles of the whole town of Haven Point on her shoulders. Thankfully she has a wonderful support system in the towns people, her friends, and her loving sister. McKenzie has not had an easy life. She has had a lot of trauma in her life and has made it through the tough times stronger and with a HUGE heart.

Ben Kilpatrick is visiting his home town that holds horrible memories for him. Ben did not have an easy childhood. He has suffered tremendous loss and has the emotional scars to show it. He doesn't want anything to do with his home town. His boss and best friend has sent him on a mission to check out locations for a new company project.

Ben doesn't receive the best reception when he arrives in town. A lot of people have hard feelings that he shut down the town's main source of employment. A lot of things happened that Ben didn't know was happening and he is now suffering the wrath of the town for it.

McKenzie is one of those who feels Ben should have done more for the town. However, the more time she spends with Ben the more she sees a soft, sweeter side to him. How could you not fall in love with this guy that loves dogs and has an unexpected ease around children? It seems that Ben has another side that a lot of people have not seen yet. McKenzie is surprised to see that there might be more then meets the eye to man she holds responsible for the hard times in Haven Point.

Ben and McKenzie have a LOT of problems and obstacles they have to overcome if they have any chance of making a happily ever after happen.

Overall, this is yet another fabulous small town romance story from the very talented RaeAnne Thayne. There is drama, a lovely romance with bits of friction, and the wholesome small town friendships that are so enjoyable. The characters are charming, fascinating, and quite enjoyable to read about.

Did you check out that beautiful cover? RaeAnne Thayne has some of the most beautiful covers I have ever seen. What is even better is that the story inside is just as lovely as the beautiful cover. It just doesn't get much better then that in my book.

I can not wait to see who's story is next in this great series. I know I will be looking forward to visiting Haven Point again soon.

I was given the opportunity to read this great story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Redemption Bay.

Title: Redemption Bay
Author: RaeAnne Thayne
Publisher: HQN
Series: Haven Point # 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Redemption Bay" by RaeAnne Thayne

What I liked about this novel....

This was a sweet story life about McKenzie Shaw and Ben Kilpatrick. I enjoyed this story which was second in this series...of these two who had some real issues along with some heartache, insecurities and misunderstandings but by the end of the read the reader may see that they grow close by sharing some of what they had gone through there in Haven Point. Now that Ben has returned to Haven Point it looks like it's business that these two will come together but will there be a attraction between these two as they are drawn together? Will there be a lots of emotions from Ben's return? What all is that about? To get the answers to these questions you will have to pick up "Redemption Bay' to see how this author brings it out so well to the readers. I enjoyed how this author presented this detailed story making it flow so well in the well written story of this small town setting with some very interesting well defined characters making you feel as if you are there. In the end will a second chance be there for these two as the past influences the future? Be ready for a good read with some twist and turns along the way that will definitely keep your attention from start to finish.

McKenzie Shaw is the mayor of Haven Point. She also owns the flower shop and a house on the lake. To her dismay, the house next door has been rented to her least favorite person, Ben Kilpatrick. Growing up, McKenzie had a major crush on Ben. Life intervened and Ben left Haven Point, with the intention of never returning. Five years ago, Ben was forced to make the difficult decision to close his family’s boat building business, which hurt the local economy and greatly impacted the town. Now, Ben is the Chief Operating Officer of Caine Tech, the company owned by Aiden Caine (from the book Snow Angel Cove). Caine Tech is considering expansion in Haven Point, and Ben has been sent to make a recommendation. While the town courts Ben, trying to influence his recommendation, McKenzie and Ben struggle with their attraction to one another.

Small town happenings, Mother Nature, and two beautiful dogs play important roles in this story, told with incredible characterizations and detail by the amazing RaeAnne Thayne. A sweet story about life, second chances, and the past influencing the future – this is a story that shouldn’t be missed!

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

RaeAnne Thayne always takes me to wonderful places where my heart is engaged and I become emotionally tangled up with her characters. You can't go wrong with one of her books. There are also dogs involved. Yeah!
Redemption Bay is the story of McKenzie Shaw and Ben Kilpatrick. Both lived in Haven Point when they were young, but neither had an ideal or even happy upbringing. Now McKenzie is Mayor of the struggling town (how did that happen) and blames Ben for the decay of her town. Ben shows back up in town, sizing up the town for the placement of an expansion for the tech business he works for. He let's McKenzie know there is no way he will suggest the business be built in Haven Point. There is definite hostility between them, but lots of attraction as well. Can they possibly help heal the pain in each other if they'll just give each other a chance?

A wonderful story about love, forgiveness, secrets, and regrets, new starts and even a happy ever after. RaeAnne Thayne writes such beautiful stories about real situations, where everything isn’t perfect all the time. The characters are a mess and sometimes don’t know what to do with that mess.

McKenzie Shaw is the mayor of Haven Point. The town has been dying ever since Ben Kilpatrick closed down his family’s factory. He walked away without looking back. When Ben comes back to town McKenzie is determined to show him why it would be a good idea for his company to locate his tech firm facility in Haven Point. He is just as determine that it isn’t a good idea for his company. He has too many bad memories and it just isn’t feasible.

I loved Ben’s character because he was a strong, take charge kind of man. He had his mind made up but when his eyes are finally opened he is very honest with who he is and what he wants. McKenzie is a strong female in the story but not so much that it turned me off. One of my favorite scenes was when Ben and McKenzie took her friend’s two young boys fishing. It was the moment Ben realized that maybe a wife and kids could be in his future. Another scene I found very well written was when Ben’s mom told him a secret she had been keeping all his life. This was very emotional and gut wrenching and I felt like I was sitting in the swing with Ben and his mom throughout the entire conversation.
McKenzie’s sister was a great side character. Her humor and gentleness was a great addition to the story. Check out this latest hit by RaeAnne Thayne! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

RaeAnne Thayne welcomes us again to Haven Point and it is wonderful to be back!!! We are effortlessly drawn to Thayne's rich, complex, and sympathetic characters. McKenzie Shaw is sweet, warm and caring and uses all her resources to take care of the people of Haven Point. Ben Kilpatrick is a local boy all grown up with a heartbreaking past and a grudge against the town he grew up in. Ben is now a strong, handsome, successful man who wants to leave his past and Haven Point behind. MCKenzie and Ben are thrown together as she tries to convince him to save the town she loves.
Thayne offers us more then a heart warming romance, she offers us brilliant insight into the complex problems and virtues we all possess. I am always taken with how brilliantly she creates a town and people we feel personally vested in. I love the complexity of Thayne's characters and the obstacles they have to overcome to find each other. I am always surprised and delighted by how thoroughly she draws me in and how much I love her towns and her characters.
You will love McKenzie. She and Ben will warm your heart and you will be rooting for them to find each other. The town's people will captivate you and make you long for many more visits to Haven Point. Thayne makes you love her characters and long to live in the sweet towns she creates. Ben and McKenzie will break your heart and then fix it as they overcome their pasts and their differing views to find each other. Redemption Bay is simply a wonderful book.

RaeAnne Thayne always writes stories that are packed full of emotion. Coming to terms with change is never easy. Ms Thayne has crafted a story of unity, healing, transition, forgiveness and understanding. Redemption Bay is a story about moving on, letting go and finding strength in moments of weakness. I enjoyed reading this book. Received an ARC for an honest review.

REDEMPTION BAY is the second novel in the Haven Point series. Mayor McKenzie Shaw loves her hometown of Haven Point and will do anything to save it. Haven Point has been struggling since Ben Kilpatrick closed down his family’s boat making factory after his father’s death and none of the townspeople have forgiven him, especially not McKenzie Shaw. Now Ben Kilpatrick is back in town as Caine Tech may be bringing a facility to Haven Point, opening up new opportunities for employment for the townspeople. It’s up to Ben to decide if Haven Point is a good candidate for the new Caine Tech facility. As much as McKenzie hates it, she’ll have to swallow her pride and play nice for the good of the town. REDEMPTION BAY has good characters and a solid story. I liked both Ben and McKenzie and felt their differing viewpoints on Haven Point added a depth to the story. Both of them had difficult childhoods and it was interesting to see how they dealt with them in different ways – Ben turning bitter and McKenzie turning into a champion for her town. Just like the first book in this series, REDEMPTION BAY is a sweet, mostly chaste, and charming story, but has a little more edge and conflict between the characters. While it’s not 100% necessary, I think it’d be a good idea to read this series in order.

This is another great book from RaeAnne Thayne. Mckenzie has lived in Redemption Bay since she came to live with her father as a child. She really cares for the town and its residents. She has a small shop and is also the mayor. Ben lived in Redemption Bay after his sister died. He closed the family factory years ago. The factory was one of the largest employers in town. Now the townspeople hope he is here to open a new facility for his current employer. Mckenzie and Ben gradual rebuild their friendship and romance blossoms. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Fully enjoyed Redemption Bay, the second in the Haven Point series by RaeAnne Thayne. The story of the young female mayor McKenzie, she left her home town for big city life and has returned to run a small business and ends up the mayor. In comes Ben, the son of a deceased wealthy factory owner, that also moved away and has found reason to return. Well rounded use of characters developed by the author which is what I LOVE about reading series romance or women's fiction, it keeps me coming back for more. You will not be disappointed by following along as these characters work through family, friendship, community, sickness, sadness, forgiveness, romance, healing.....you know all those real life things in the world of reality. Great summer read!

McKenzie Shaw is a small town mayor with big dreams for reviving its broken economy. Ben, her old flame is the man who brought the town to its knees, so when Ben returns, renting next door to McKenzie’s beloved lake home, her job becomes extremely complicated. Somehow the town must get past its resentment of Ben, because his approval might mean the town's revival. To save the town, McKenzie and Ben must plumb the depths of their upbringings and their relationship, and neither feel up to the task.

4 STARS
I love this series. This is the second book in Haven Point. It is full of drama, small town with wonderful characters that help each other through there trials. Clean read too.
McKenzie Shaw is Mayor of Haven Point. She even owns her own business a flower and gift store. She loves her town and resents Ben Kilpatrick for ruining her town.
Ben Kilpatrick has been forced to come back to Haven Point. His boss wants him to see if Haven Point would be a good place to open a new plant there.
I liked how the community came out to help each other in many ways. They have been struggling to survive since Ben closed the boat yard business.
Haven Point Idaho sits on a lake with the Redemption mountains in the background.
I was excited to read another book about life in Haven Point. I hope more books that deal with Haven Point.
I was given this ebook from Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give honest review of Redemption Bay.

I received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. The characters are wonderful and the story is riveting. This is Ben and McKenzie's story. Both grew up in dysfunctinal families. They knew each other as children but after Ben inherited his father's boatworks factory and then closed it, causing most of the town's residents to lose their jobs, McKenzie did not want anything to do with him. Getting all of the facts might make a difference in their relationship. I found it difficult to stop reading at night. My e reader nearly fell out of my hands several times as I was trying to finish just one more chapter!

A Haven Point story that focuses on McKenzie Shaw, owner of the flower and gift shop in town, and Ben Kilpatrick, the COO of the big company featured in a previous title when Aidan was the key male player. McKenzie is not happy to see Ben when he shows up in town after years of absence. She is convinced he is the reason their little town, where she serves as mayor, is on the skids because he closed down his father's boatworks factory, a major employer. But he's been sent by Aidan to find out if locating a new arm of Caine Tech. Doing so would bring 300 jobs back to the area, generating an infusion of the tax base that would be welcome.

Ben doesn't know that McKenzie harbored a crush on him when he was a high school heartthrob and she was visiting his little sister, who was dying of cystic fibrosis. When they see each other again, is it attraction or something else that causes her to be so accusatory?

The friendship of their respective dogs becomes a metaphor for how Ben and Kenzie walk around each other, wanting but not touching, touching but not... And when the town's inhabitants are threatened with a possible flood, who Ben really is becomes clearer to all, including Kenzie. But isn't he going back to California? The past lives of these two intersects in surprising ways that make it almost inevitable that they will get together, but how they manage it isn't clear until the very end.

Redemption Bay
RaeAnne Thayne
Harlequin HQN, Jun 30 2015, $7.99
ISBN: 9780373785063

Five years ago, following the death of his father and just before he left his hometown permanently Ben Kilpatrick shut down his family factory in Haven Point, Idaho. Two hundred residents lost their jobs. Current Mayor McKenzie Shaw knows her beloved Haven Point has not recovered economically from what the pariah did.

His techie partner Aidan Caine (see Snow Angel Cove) insisted affluent businessman Ben return to a place he hates almost as much as the townsfolk loath him. Though he doubts this is the right spot, Ben considers whether Haven Point should be the locale for their new hi tech venture. Reluctantly McKenzie must eat her spittle and sell their town to the man who nuked the economy. After their opening war of words, neither McKenzie nor Ben expected to fall in love, but two dogs knowing no human boundaries thought otherwise.

The latest Haven Point Gem State contemporary is a delightful small town drama due to the colorful locals like the former Mayor. Though the storyline starts slow, once the cast is set and the gloves come off; the bout between the protagonists balances jocularity with serious economic and social issues, and romance.

Harriet Klausner

RaeAnne Thayne has a great series started in Haven Point. Redemption Bay is the second book in this series. Small town mayor, McKenzie Shaw, is bound and determine to improve the economy in her small town. When she finds out the vacation cottage next door has a billionaire staying there and it happens to be the one guy she never wants to see. He created the economy issues in town. She also had a major crush on him in school and doesn't trust herself near him. The story reveals a town that anyone would call the ideal small town.....made even better by the citizens.
Thayne's books always have good character development and the start of backstories for secondary characters in the community.

Come visit Haven Point. You can start here or start at the beginning with Snow Angel Cove, but you will definitely enjoy this series if you are looking for a fairly quick read and positive community vibes.

Redemption Bay is the second installment of RaeAnne Thayne's Haven Point series. However, this is easily a stand alone title. I enjoy how the author vividly describes the people and surroundings in her books, it really puts you in the middle of the story.

Both McKenzie and Ben are very antagonistic towards each other due to their past history and misunderstandings. This is a story of two people and a town healing from past hurts and letting go of grudges.

I loved the first Haven Point book Snow Angel Cove and this one is equally as entertaining. I cannot wait for the next book in this series! Read this book, you won't be disappointed!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The second book in the Haven Point series is McKenzie and Ben's story. We learn their history and why McKenzie was so irritated with Ben's actions regarding Haven Point. I thought McKenzie held onto her grudge way too long, but Ben seemed to learn from his mistakes. I liked the side story with Ben's mother and figured that surprise early on. It was nice to reconnect with Aiden and Eliza. Looking forward to Devin's story.

I received this book early for an honest review and I did enjoy the book!

Redemption Bay is the second book by RaeAnne Thayne with her Caine/ Kilpatrick clan. I found my visit with them to be a pleasant one. Ms. Thayne is a very descriptive romance/ relationship author. Her books do not contain heavy "sexual" scenes, but there is kissing, and not always chaste. I prefer that in romance/ relationship novels.

The story centres around McKenzie Shaw and Ben Kilpatrick. There is mention of Ben's dysfunctional family, his parents, and his late younger sister, Lily. Through flashbacks, we learn of Mack's unusual childhood as well. Mack was praised by all for being a great friend to Lily who was terminally ill with Cystic Fibrosis. Because Lily had that disease, Ben had to be screened for the gene as a youngster. Those tests revealed that Ben's father was not Joe, Lydia's husband, Ben's father. Ben became shunned, unloved, and his grades in school never good enough (although he earned A-.) So Ben found happiness in work with Caine Technologies. He became a workaholic. His job felt safe so marriage and family to him was deemed unnecessary, not a priority. Therefore, making the decision to close the Kilpatrick boatyard, Haven Point's largest employer, was easy. Five years later, Ben was sent to re-evaluate his decision and learn to work with his neighbour, Mackenzie, Haven Point's mayor.

Mack was the young mayor of the scenic lakeside town, population 4,000 people. She was also a shopkeeper owning a downtown floral/ gift boutique. There is a lot of interaction between the two as they were neighbours and dog owners. Mack, herself, felt the floundering economy as much as the other workers who directly lost there jobs when the plant closed. At one point in her younger years, Mack had a crush on Ben. Her feelings in time grew to become womanly desires to which she refused to succumb.

I think you all would enjoy reading Redemption Bay. Watch Ben and Mack discover their feelings, experience the altercation at the Lake Haven Days barbeque, and learn about the family secrets as they are revealed.

I hope in RaeAnne Thayne's next installment, Evergreen Springs, we hear more of Devin and Cole Barrett. But then we have an entire town, in Redemption Bay, with dozens of stories to tell.