Willowleaf Lane

"Willowleaf Lane" is the fifth book in the series by author RaeAnne Thayne, but it's my first visit to the fictional community of Hope's Crossing. I have really been missing something special, and I plan to remedy that by reading the rest of the books in this delightful series. Charlotte Caine owns and operates "Sugar Rush", a successful sweet shop in her quaint little hometown. Her father, Dermot, runs the "Center of Hope Cafe", which specializes in genuine, homestyle comfort food. As a girl, Charlotte was smart, shy, and overweight, a combination which will resonate with many readers. She also had an almost incapacitating infatuation with her brother Dylan's friend, Spencer Gregory. Now that she's all grown up, lost a significant amount of weight, gained a healthy lifestyle, and runs her own business, she has more confidence in herself. However, that changes when Spence comes back to Hope's Crossing with his young daughter, Peyton. Spence's athletic ability allowed him to move forward from a painful childhood with an alcoholic mother. He made it to the top of his profession before being sidelined by an injury. Later, his coaching career was derailed by a drug scandal, and the suspicious drowning death of his wife further tarnished his image. Charlotte's father always believed the best of Spencer, and Charlotte just didn't know what to think. Spence is home, at least for six months, to take the job as director of the town's new recreation center. Charlotte meets Peyton when she visits the sweet shop, not realizing she is Spence's daughter until he comes to pick her up. Once again, Charlotte is the same, unsure girl who was deeply hurt by careless remarks between Spence and one of his friends. How Charlotte and Spence get to know each other again and heal old hurts is a touching romance. The secondary characters are well-sketched, and the story of Charlotte's brother, Dylan, who was grievously wounded in combat, is especially poignant. "Willowleaf Lane" is small-town reunion romance at its best, with two people changed by life finding in each other what their hearts have always sought. Recommended for lovers of romance, and anyone who ever needed a second chance at life and love.

Review Copy Gratis Author

Charlotte Caine is a local candy store owner in Hope's Crossing . She is the youngest of seven children and the only girl. Her mother passed away several years ago and when she did Charlotte drowned her sorrow away by over eating. So she struggled for years with her weight. Her brother Dylan was injured during the war and that gave her the wakeup call that she needed. She started taking better care of herself and lost all the excess weight. She added excise and healthily eating to her life. She now has a new lease on life. Her dad Dermot owns the local café. Things are going good until one day Spencer Gregory walks in her shop. He is there to get his daughter Peyton who has also found her shop. Charlotte had a crush on Spencer when she was in high school and he broke her heart. Now that he is back ; it has brought up old feelings of good and bad. Will she be able to put the past in the past? How will she deal with Spencer after al the years? Spencer Gregory is an ex pro baseball player who has returned home to run a community rec center. He has a second chance . He was accused of doping and supplying dope to others including the drugs that killed his wife. Spencer's wife was a model and was obsessed with staying thin. Later on she got hooked on drugs to. This scandal ended Spencer's career in baseball. He and his daughter Peyton are now starting fresh in Hope's Crossing . At first spencer doesn't recognize Charlotte but he figures out who she is. Spencer decides to build a rehab center for injured veterans. Will he be successful in getting the center up and running? Will this town accept him after the scandal that he was involved in? Will Peyton adjust to being in Hopes' Crossing? What will happen between Charlotte and himself? I liked this sweet little romance. This book is part of the Hope Crossing series. I didn't the ones before this one but I was able to follow along. I want to read all of them. This books talks about drugs, eating disorders , vets and about forgiveness. I think the author handle the subjects very well. I really enjoyed the development of the rehab center. It is a very noble cause. The author also tackled eating disorders . Spoiler***** We saw two different ones and how each affected the people involved. I liked how Charlotte over came her past and moved on with her life. I read this one for book club.

When Spencer Gregory returns to the small town he grew up his reputation was in a tattered, seemingly unrepairable state. The world saw the former baseball superstar as nothing more than used goods since the allegations of drug dealing inside his locker room were revealed. He always claimed innocence and no charges were filed but without a good name the only job he could find was managing a rec center back where all the good and bad times were created. For Charlotte Caine seeing Spencer again is a heart break waiting to happen as she has never recovered from her childhood crush. They grew up together but she was the shy, over weight girl that no one really wanted to associate with especially Spencer. Now she is a successful business owner and a slimmed down version of herself but inside she is still fighting to figure out how to handle the emotional turmoil seeing Spencer in town brings.

Spencer has also brought his daughter Peyton with him who is less than thrilled to be uprooted to this small town but has taken a liking to Charlotte who shares the sorrow of losing a mother way too early on in life. Charlotte gives her love so generously that she wonders if it might be possible for Spencer to see her now as she is and not remember who she was during their childhood. When Spencer and Peyton show up as Charlotte’s neighbors the electricity between the two of them escalates into fireworks that outshine anything possibly seen before.

With Spencer digging in to make a difference in the community with a great program he is starting for wounded veterans, working through issues with his daughter, and trying to see what life holds for him and Charlotte the past comes back to knock on the door for both of them. Is Charlotte really over the sadness of her youth and will the allegations of Spencer’s illegal activity prove his innocence or validate his guilt.

Charlotte Caine is a wonderful character. Recently losing weight and feeling great while continuing to run her candy shop in the town she grew up in. Her childhood crush Spencer Gregory moves back to town and shakes her up a bit. She has unresolved hurt feelings when it comes to Spence and she is not sure all the rumors about him are true. Spence moved away from Hope's Crossing at the first chance he could, became a famous baseball player, and got caught up in all sorts of scandal. The locals aren't sure what to think of Spence, but he is back with his teenage daughter and ready to run the towns rec center. Charlotte and Spence build a friendship and work together to build a rehab facility for injured veterans. Will Spence win Charlotte and the town over? You must read the book to find out!

Willowleaf Lane is a feel good book, one that just makes you smile. I loved watching the relationship between the characters grow. The small town feeling where everyone knows each other and helps each other in times of need. I enjoyed everything about this book and was sad to see the story end.

My experiences with this series are very hit and miss. I like the setting and enjoy Thayne's writing for the most part, but not every book works for me. This one leans more toward the "miss" side of the equation.

It's not the characters or their actions this time, it's mostly that the book doesn't quite feel complete. There are several instances in the book where something is mentioned or happens that makes me think I'd missed something--each time I stopped, went back, double-checked--and not once did I find what I was looking for. To add to the unfinished quality of the book, it ends abruptly. VERY abruptly. I kept trying to turn the page only to find there were no more pages to turn! The characters literally reach their HEA point while on their first date. Even for characters with a history, this is a bit of a stretch.

Still, I enjoy this series and will come back for more, hoping that the next one works better for me.

Sometimes going back is the best way to start over.

Candy shop owner Charlotte Caine knows temptation.To reboot her life, shed weight and gain perspective, she's passing up sweet enticements left and right. But willpower doesn't come so easily when hell-raiser Spencer Gregory comes back to Hope's Crossing, bringing with him memories of broken promises and teen angst. A retired pro baseball player on the mend from injury—and a damaging scandal—he's interested in his own brand of reinvention.  

Now everything about Spencer's new-and-improved lifestyle, from his mission to build a rehab facility for injured veterans to his clear devotion to his preteen daughter, Peyton, touches Charlotte's heart. Holding on to past hurt is her only protection against falling for him—again. But if she takes the risk, will she find in Spencer a hometown heartbreaker, or the hero she's always wanted?

--My thoughts. RaeAnne Thayne is like coming home. A few authors I feel that way about and I definitely feel that way about her. Hope's Crossing has a special place in my heart. This is book 5. In this book, Charlotte is trying to steer clear of baseball pro Spencer but will she be able to resist him? See if you can figure out the empty canoe cover on the front! I love one part, she did NOT need Pop getting any ideas about her and Spence! I just love the way Thayne writes. She is up there on my list like Macomber and a few others, I don't have to read the back just get it!

Oh, I thought it was funny when she tripped right in front of him! Fudge! Ha. That would totally be me! You can't resist Hope's Crossing, or anything that she writes for that matter! So don't just go get it already!

Title: Willowleaf Lane

Series: Hope's Crossing book 5

Author: RaeAnne Thayne

Sometimes going back is the best way to start over

Candy shop owner Charlotte Caine knows temptation. To reboot her life, shed weight and gain perspective, she's passing up sweet enticements left and right. But willpower doesn't come so easily when hell-raiser Spencer Gregory comes back to Hope's Crossing, bringing with him memories of broken promises and teen angst. A retired pro baseball player on the mend from injury-and a damaging scandal-he's interested in his own brand of reinvention.

Now everything about Spencer's new-and-improved lifestyle, from his mission to build a rehab facility for injured veterans to his clear devotion to his preteen daughter, Peyton, touches Charlotte's heart. Holding on to past hurt is her only protection against falling for him-again. But if she takes the risk, will she find in Spencer a hometown heartbreaker, or the hero she's always wanted?

Welcome back home to Hope's Crossing! I feel I'm going home every time I pick up another book in this series. I enjoy getting to know new friends and catching up with old ones. To say I am a fan of RaeAnne Thayne's would be a resounding YES! I discovered her Cowboys of Cold Creek series first and I have loved everything I've read since then.

This 5th book in the Hope's Crossing series features business owner Charlotte. She is a life-long resident of the town, the youngest in a house-full of boys and she lost her mom at a young and pivotal age for a girl. Our leading man is one we have not been introduced to in previous books, Spencer Gregory. He grew up in town and left to follow his dream of a baseball career and never looked back... until now.

Previous books have covered the lives of the McKnight family (as well as others), this book covers background for the Caine family and how Charlotte's father took a young Spencer under his wing and provided a waitressing job for Spencer's mom when a lot of employers would have written her off. We see the dynamic of Spence and his daughter and the typical teen angst that we all fear we'll have to face at some point with our children. I like the perspective that Charlotte brings to the father/daughter relationship and she gives a maternal/friend influence to Spencer's daughter, Peyton, when she needs it most. In a twist I didn't see coming (there were a couple in this book that surprised me) a very sensitive and difficult teen problem is dealt with in an appropriately compassionate way. While the past friendship and one-sided crush between Charlotte and Spencer is covered in detail their current story blends well with the other parts of the book. It is treated more as a friendship that grows into love (even though there is definite chemistry between the two) - once Charlotte knows she can trust her heart to Spencer again.

The problems that Charlotte's brother Dylan is having adjusting to life having lost an eye and part of his arm in an IED attack are another focus in this story. You root for Dylan to find the enthusiasm for life that he has been missing and help with Spence's A Warrior's Hope program but there's no resolution in this book. (I was a little surprised by the lack of an epilogue in my review copy.) So I was extremely relieved to go out to RaeAnne Thayne's website and see that there is a book 6 coming in November because there was nothing listed on Goodreads.com and I just about hyperventilated! LOL! Book 6 should be an interesting one... how is ReaAnne going to make me like Genevieve Beaumont?? I am skeptical! But if anyone can, I know she's up to the job!! And Dylan better hold on because I have a feeling his family is tired of his antipathy for life and will help Gen light a fire under him!

Grade: A

Review By: Jeananna

Check out more of our great reviews at [...]

Willowleaf Lane by Raeanne Thayne is a wonderfully heartwarming and engaging romance with delightfully charming characters and a lovely small town setting. This fifth installment in the Hope's Crossing series can easily be read as a standalone story.

Charlotte Caine is the type of heroine that it is easy to like. She is kind, generous and an all around nice person. Charlotte's weight loss and dedication to exercise are inspiring and realistic. She is still trying to overcome her insecurities and she is actively working to change how she views not only herself but her perceptions of how others see her. Even though she is reluctant to get involved with Spencer because of events in the past, Charlotte is eventually able to let go of her preconceptions of him and see the person he has become.

Spencer Gregory is a work in progress and I loved watching his character evolve throughout the story. He is very protective of his daughter, Peyton, and although frustrated by her attitude, he is extremely patient with her. As he soon discovers, Spencer's good memories of growing up in Hope's Crossing have been overshadowed by his dysfunctional childhood and watching him rediscover his friendships is quite satisfying. What I admired the most about Spencer is his willingness to own up to past mistakes and make amends for his wrongdoings.

The relationship between Charlotte and Spencer is slow growing and a true delight to watch unfold. Charlotte has good reason to distrust Spencer and although it takes some prodding, she does finally reveal what went wrong between them years ago. Their romance is sweet and unhurried with a simmering undercurrent of desire.

In addition to Charlotte and Spencer's romance, there are a couple of compelling storylines involving secondary characters. The first subplot revolves around troubled pre-teen Peyton and her issues are handled with a great deal of sensitivity. The other story arc involves Charlotte's brother Dylan and his recovery from a devastating war injury. Since this storyline is still unresolved, I am hoping Dylan's book will be next in the Hope's Crossing series.

Willowleaf Lane is a fast paced and engrossing novel. There is a great deal of substance to this fabulous story and Raeanne Thayne deftly tackles some serious issues with compassion and very little angst. It is a thought-provoking addition to the Hope's Crossing series that old and new fans are sure to enjoy.

I received a complimentary copy for review.

Sometimes going back is the best way to start over.

Candy shop owner Charlotte Caine knows temptation.To reboot her life, shed weight and gain perspective, she's passing up sweet enticements left and right. But willpower doesn't come so easily when hell-raiser Spencer Gregory comes back to Hope's Crossing, bringing with him memories of broken promises and teen angst. A retired pro baseball player on the mend from injury—and a damaging scandal—he's interested in his own brand of reinvention.  

Now everything about Spencer's new-and-improved lifestyle, from his mission to build a rehab facility for injured veterans to his clear devotion to his preteen daughter, Peyton, touches Charlotte's heart. Holding on to past hurt is her only protection against falling for him—again. But if she takes the risk, will she find in Spencer a hometown heartbreaker, or the hero she's always wanted?

--My thoughts. RaeAnne Thayne is like coming home. A few authors I feel that way about and I definitely feel that way about her. Hope's Crossing has a special place in my heart. This is book 5. In this book, Charlotte is trying to steer clear of baseball pro Spencer but will she be able to resist him? See if you can figure out the empty canoe cover on the front! I love one part, she did NOT need Pop getting any ideas about her and Spence! I just love the way Thayne writes. She is up there on my list like Macomber and a few others, I don't have to read the back just get it!

Oh, I thought it was funny when she tripped right in front of him! Fudge! Ha. That would totally be me! You can't resist Hope's Crossing, or anything that she writes for that matter! So don't just go get it already!

Title: Willowleaf Lane

Series: Hope's Crossing book 5

Author: RaeAnne Thayne

Sometimes going back is the best way to start over

Candy shop owner Charlotte Caine knows temptation. To reboot her life, shed weight and gain perspective, she's passing up sweet enticements left and right. But willpower doesn't come so easily when hell-raiser Spencer Gregory comes back to Hope's Crossing, bringing with him memories of broken promises and teen angst. A retired pro baseball player on the mend from injury-and a damaging scandal-he's interested in his own brand of reinvention.

Now everything about Spencer's new-and-improved lifestyle, from his mission to build a rehab facility for injured veterans to his clear devotion to his preteen daughter, Peyton, touches Charlotte's heart. Holding on to past hurt is her only protection against falling for him-again. But if she takes the risk, will she find in Spencer a hometown heartbreaker, or the hero she's always wanted?

Welcome back home to Hope's Crossing! I feel I'm going home every time I pick up another book in this series. I enjoy getting to know new friends and catching up with old ones. To say I am a fan of RaeAnne Thayne's would be a resounding YES! I discovered her Cowboys of Cold Creek series first and I have loved everything I've read since then.

This 5th book in the Hope's Crossing series features business owner Charlotte. She is a life-long resident of the town, the youngest in a house-full of boys and she lost her mom at a young and pivotal age for a girl. Our leading man is one we have not been introduced to in previous books, Spencer Gregory. He grew up in town and left to follow his dream of a baseball career and never looked back... until now.

Previous books have covered the lives of the McKnight family (as well as others), this book covers background for the Caine family and how Charlotte's father took a young Spencer under his wing and provided a waitressing job for Spencer's mom when a lot of employers would have written her off. We see the dynamic of Spence and his daughter and the typical teen angst that we all fear we'll have to face at some point with our children. I like the perspective that Charlotte brings to the father/daughter relationship and she gives a maternal/friend influence to Spencer's daughter, Peyton, when she needs it most. In a twist I didn't see coming (there were a couple in this book that surprised me) a very sensitive and difficult teen problem is dealt with in an appropriately compassionate way. While the past friendship and one-sided crush between Charlotte and Spencer is covered in detail their current story blends well with the other parts of the book. It is treated more as a friendship that grows into love (even though there is definite chemistry between the two) - once Charlotte knows she can trust her heart to Spencer again.

The problems that Charlotte's brother Dylan is having adjusting to life having lost an eye and part of his arm in an IED attack are another focus in this story. You root for Dylan to find the enthusiasm for life that he has been missing and help with Spence's A Warrior's Hope program but there's no resolution in this book. (I was a little surprised by the lack of an epilogue in my review copy.) So I was extremely relieved to go out to RaeAnne Thayne's website and see that there is a book 6 coming in November because there was nothing listed on Goodreads.com and I just about hyperventilated! LOL! Book 6 should be an interesting one... how is ReaAnne going to make me like Genevieve Beaumont?? I am skeptical! But if anyone can, I know she's up to the job!! And Dylan better hold on because I have a feeling his family is tired of his antipathy for life and will help Gen light a fire under him!

Grade: A

Review By: Jeananna

Check out more of our great reviews at [...]

Willowleaf Lane by Raeanne Thayne is a wonderfully heartwarming and engaging romance with delightfully charming characters and a lovely small town setting. This fifth installment in the Hope's Crossing series can easily be read as a standalone story.

Charlotte Caine is the type of heroine that it is easy to like. She is kind, generous and an all around nice person. Charlotte's weight loss and dedication to exercise are inspiring and realistic. She is still trying to overcome her insecurities and she is actively working to change how she views not only herself but her perceptions of how others see her. Even though she is reluctant to get involved with Spencer because of events in the past, Charlotte is eventually able to let go of her preconceptions of him and see the person he has become.

Spencer Gregory is a work in progress and I loved watching his character evolve throughout the story. He is very protective of his daughter, Peyton, and although frustrated by her attitude, he is extremely patient with her. As he soon discovers, Spencer's good memories of growing up in Hope's Crossing have been overshadowed by his dysfunctional childhood and watching him rediscover his friendships is quite satisfying. What I admired the most about Spencer is his willingness to own up to past mistakes and make amends for his wrongdoings.

The relationship between Charlotte and Spencer is slow growing and a true delight to watch unfold. Charlotte has good reason to distrust Spencer and although it takes some prodding, she does finally reveal what went wrong between them years ago. Their romance is sweet and unhurried with a simmering undercurrent of desire.

In addition to Charlotte and Spencer's romance, there are a couple of compelling storylines involving secondary characters. The first subplot revolves around troubled pre-teen Peyton and her issues are handled with a great deal of sensitivity. The other story arc involves Charlotte's brother Dylan and his recovery from a devastating war injury. Since this storyline is still unresolved, I am hoping Dylan's book will be next in the Hope's Crossing series.

Willowleaf Lane is a fast paced and engrossing novel. There is a great deal of substance to this fabulous story and Raeanne Thayne deftly tackles some serious issues with compassion and very little angst. It is a thought-provoking addition to the Hope's Crossing series that old and new fans are sure to enjoy.

I received a complimentary copy for review.

I absolutely loved this book. I requested it from Netgalley after being familiar with the author's name, but having checked my Goodreads list, I haven't read anything before. However, I am so glad I found this author.

This is book five in the series. I did not feel as I was missing any prior information so definitely feel it could be read as a stand alone.

I enjoyed the writing of the author. The setting and location were a very enjoyable small town. This book seemed very similar to the writing of Debbie Macomber and her Cedar Cove series.
The town citizens lives revolve around one another and so with the additional reading of the other books there could be definitely more depth to the remaining characters in town you briefly got to know in this book.

I loved the Candy Shop and wonder if somewhere there is a similar place with excellent fudge. I do like a good fudge and various flavors. The love story is very clean and enjoyable. Charlotte is definitely someone you can identify with whether it be yourself or someone you know very well. I just wanted to many times just yell at her to get on with it, but as always they don't listen.

Spencer is fighting a lot of baggage and also dealing with his daughter Peyton. She definitely adds to the story, as well as the love story. They are a great daddy/daughter duo and helped complete an excellent story.

I'm very excited to have found this author and the series and will definitely seek out the remaining books of the series.

Willowleaf Lane by Raeanne Thayne
Like this series because it's so real, the problems, the solutions and the community working together.
This one is about Charlotte Caine and she now runs the Sugar Rush, where she makes gourmet sweets. She also has other sweets from other distributors on hand.
Spencer Gregory is back in town with his daughter Peyton who stops in to buy chocolate but is given them as a welcome to the town gift.
He doesn't realize that they knew one another when she was 15. Then she was much overweight and he wouldn't have given her the time of day. He was the high jock who went on to college and got hurt there.
He's back now to be in charge of the rec center that is just being built.
She had tutored him so he could pass and go onto college with his sports scholarship. He didn't treat her very well.
Love hearing about the plans for the center for injured vets and their families. She realizes he's not in it for the publicity.
Nice to learn of the struggles of Peyton and how she fits into everything...
Angel of Mercy-just love this and how others in town pull together when they are needed.
Loved hearing about beading and books and all the yummy food! Due to Peyton's illness they are drawn together more and she finds out what really happened once he left the town when he was 19.
Didn't care for how the book ended and I'm pretty sure there will be more in the series..
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion

In Willowleaf Lane (Hope's Crossing #5) by RaeAnne Thayne, Life has finally started to turn around for Charlotte Caine. She's the proud owner of the busy gourmet candy shop Sugar Rush in her hometown of Hope's Crossing, Colorado. And she has revamped her image, having lost more than eighty pounds over the last few years through diet and plenty of exercise. Charlotte has spent her lifetime being painfully shy and fighting her emotions with overeating. When her brother Dylan almost lost his life in an attack in Afghanistan and had to endure painful surgeries and rehab once stateside, she decided she needed to improve her own life and hold on to every precious moment she has. Even though she feels mentally and physically stronger than she has in probably her whole life, she still feels like that shy, overweight girl who was emotionally wrecked by her high school crush, Spencer Gregory. He was a few years older than her, was friends with her older brothers, and worked at her father's cafe. Charlotte helped him with his writing assignments after school at the cafe when she was fifteen and fell in love with him. Spence seemed to appreciate the help and was always kind to her until she overheard him talking about her to one of his friends. That was the lowest point of her life and helped to shape who she would become. She knew she shouldn't take to heart what an arrogant jock said about her, but it was all her teenage heart and mind could think of.

'She was beginning to wonder if she had subconsciously started sending out some secret bat signal that she was single and desperate. Which didn't describe her at all. Okay, she was single. But she hadn't yet descended into desperation.'

Years later, Charlotte still feels the emotional pain of that day. When Spencer returns to town after a huge scandal ends his pro-baseball career, she has to face him on an almost daily basis seeing how he moved almost next door to her on Willowleaf Lane. His twelve year old daughter Peyton reminds her of herself at that age, having also lost her mom tragically, so she befriends her in the hopes of easing her pain a little bit. But Charlotte isn't ready for the feelings that resurface when she is reintroduced to Spencer for the first time in years. He obviously doesn't recall the heartbreak he caused her which just angers Charlotte more. But as she gets to know him as an adult, not a self-assured teen, she's intrigued by the kind, caring person she sees. He appears completely different than the image the media has sold over the years and she's not sure which version to believe. Spence comes up with an idea to use his position as the director of the new rec center in town to expand it into helping wounded vets. Charlotte is afraid he is just trying to clean up his image but finds that Spence is sincere and comes up with a great plan. She agrees to help him with the project. Every time they meet the intimacy between them becomes more intense, culminating in a powerful kiss. Charlotte can't imagine why he would be interested in her after all this time and downplays the attraction to him just being bored. But it's obvious their feelings are growing stronger. They keep getting thrown together and she wonders if fate is trying to tell her something or if she will just end up heartbroken once he leaves again.

'He gazed down at her and the moment seemed charged, somehow, glittery and sweet. She couldn't seem to catch her breath.
Spencer Gregory was kissing her, as if he couldn't get enough. This was crazy. She should say something. Shove him away, wipe her mouth, tell him to go to hell. But, oh, my. All her girlie parts were doing handsprings of joy.'

Spencer Gregory comes from humble beginnings but worked hard to become a pro baseball pitcher for the Portland Pioneers. Too bad he lost sight of some of the more important things in life along the way. He wasn't able to spend as much time with his daughter Peyton as he would have liked. Now that he's lost his job, thanks to a stint in rehab for prescription pills and a scandal over selling pharmaceuticals to his teammates, he's back in his hometown to take over as the director of the new rec facility. His supermodel wife tragically died about a year ago, leaving him alone to care for Peyton and try to reconnect with her. She's fighting the move to Hope's Crossing and making his life interesting to say the least. Spencer is thrilled when he finds out that his former friend Charlotte Caine lives on the same street where he's renting a house and that she seems to have a connection with Peyton. Having her as a third party seems to lessen some of the tension between he and his daughter. Charlotte has changed in physical appearance considerably but she is still kind and compassionate. He knows she was always beautiful and remembers her gorgeous blue eyes looking at him while helping him with his high school assignments. He's not proud that he was a typical teen and was focused on looks, not personality, but he is definitely not the same person he was back then. Against his better judgement, he tries to pursue Charlotte. He has no idea what he expects to happen, considering he'll probably only be in town for six months, but he can't help himself. He's never felt so strongly about a woman before. Time and again, Charlotte sends him mixed signals, giving in to his kisses one minute and then pushing Spence away the next. He's frustrated and confused until she confesses to overhearing a conversation he had with a friend back in school. He can't believe Charlotte will even speak to him again after that. He then realizes how wonderful a person she truly is and resolves to make it up to her some way, if it takes the entire town to do so.

"Yeah. Okay. Good night." He headed out but paused in the doorway, his gaze on hers. "For the record, that was one hell of a kiss, Charlotte. You know I'm not going to be content with just a little taste, don't you?"

The Hope's Crossing series by RaeAnne Thayne just keeps getting better with every new book I pick up. Her writing is very fluid and descriptive, making it very quick to read, and the characters all are well defined with intriguing backstories. Charlotte and Spencer are no strangers to loss and devastation. Their lives haven't been perfect by any means, but they have both fought to make their way and have worked hard for everything they have. I definitely identified with Charlotte's struggles with her self-image and was happy that she had found the strength to take control of her bad habits and turn her life around. Spence was a little bit harder to love at first, but with every bit of information we learn about the past decade of his life, I found myself better understanding some of the choices he made. I was a little disappointed in the lack of an epilogue to this story, but I'm sure we'll catch glimpses of Charlotte and Spencer in future Hope's Crossing books. Definitely recommended for contemporary romance fans.

Willowleaf Lane: RaeAnne Thayne

Forgiveness, wrongly accused or just plain a victim of circumstances many people find themselves ostracized by past mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes are of no fault of their own while others will come back and haunt you. When Peyton Gregory enters Sugar Rush and makes small talk with Charlotte little do either of them realize that the past is about to resurface in the present and old feelings are about to come to forefront. Spencer and Charlotte were never really friends but managed to form some type of alliance as kids. Charlotte, although overweight, the brunt of teasing and rude comments from other kids, befriended Spencer whose past was not much better than most kids that came from a poor family. Really good at sports he finally soared and the end result was a lucrative career in baseball until the bottom fell out from under him. Accused of selling steroids and drugs to his teammates he lost his sponsors, credibility and the respect of those living in Hopes Crossing. So, when he saunters into Sugar Rush to find his daughter, who just happens to be the young lady who wandered into her store looking for a sweet treat, needless to say Charlotte was anything but pleased. The town gossiping about his sudden arrival and the fact that Harry Lange was giving him the position of director of the new recreation center, some people questioned his sanity and wondered why Harry would do such a thing. But for those of us that know and love Harry, you would understand that hiring the best man for the job was his motive, giving him another chance possibly a good reason and never really caring what others thought his choice.

Charlotte and Spencer have a short, curt and uneasy conversation as he begins to recall that he knew her in the past but could not believe how amazing she looked in the present. Added in we meet her father Dermot who owns the best comfort food café in town and we learn more about her brother Dylan and the injuries he incurred while in service. But, Charlotte won't admit that she is taken with Spencer and what happens next is right out of a romance movie. Going for her morning run she never expects to literally run into Spencer, sprain her ankle, injure her hand and light a Knight in Shining armor or Prince Charming he literally carries her home much to her chagrin. But, finding out she now needs to use crutches, learning more about why he is in town hearing his daughter's take on things you begin to wonder if what they are saying about him is true. His past is revealed and the fact that he admits to working for Charlotte's father and then what caused everyone in the town to wish he never returned, you wonder just what is true and what is false. But, there is more as we learn about his late wife Jade, their dysfunctional relationship and the end result having to move back to Hopes Crossing with the stigma of knowing that everyone thinks he's responsible for his wife's drowning.

Before you can accept forgiveness you have to learn to forgive yourself and deal with your own problems head on. As Charlotte and Spencer's paths seemed to cross more often they began to realize that old feelings just might be ignited. A simple comment by Peyton set off an amazing chain of events proving to Spencer how this town comes together when they feel a cause is worthwhile. But, sometimes other things get in the way of success and you are blindsided by an issue that you were not aware of or just didn't see.

Secrets are about to unfold as Peyton has one of her own and Spencer does too. When attending a beading class with some young teens something happens that alerts Charlotte to think that Peyton might be hiding something and that it needs to be addressed. Relating her thoughts to Spencer creates tension but the end result just might open his eyes in more ways than one. A small town that with many people that we have met throughout this amazing Hope Crossing Series. As once again Maura, Katherine, Harry, Dermot and many others come together to hopefully create an event that will spearhead Spencer's project: Warrior's Hope.

An ending that will surprise you and a story that will endear you to everyone in Hope's crosses. Will Charlotte allow her heart to win out or run away? Will Peyton find her way back and realize that healing comes with work? Will Spencer's name ever be cleared and what will his final decision be: Portland or Hope's Crossing after all regardless in 6 months it is all up to him.
Before you can move ahead you need to learn to face what hurts in the present to deal with the past. Eating disorders are quite serious and the author brings to light what happens when one young teen faces so many problems within her young life that she fails to see what is happening to herself. Parents, educators, doctors, clergy and siblings need to be aware of any changes within the appearance or actions of a teen that might cause you to think that they have an eating disorder. There are many warning signs that the author relates in this novel and there are many lessons to be learned by everyone. Read Willowleaf Lane as author RaeAnne Thayne takes us inside the hearts, minds, thoughts and kindnesses of a town that everyone would love to live in and one that she so masterfully created. Forgiveness, loyalty, trust, faith, family and hope: Powerful themes in this outstanding Five Star Novel.

Willowleaf Lane
RaeAnne Thayne
Harlequin HQN, Jun 25 2013, $7.99
ISBN: 9780373777693

An injury ended Spencer "Smoke" Gregory's baseball career with the Portland Pioneers. The scandal of his wife's death drove him and his twelve years old daughter Peyton back to his hometown of Hope's Crossing where affluent Harry Lange hired him to run the new recreation center for six months.

Father and daughter stop at the Sugar Rush candy shop owned by Charlotte Caine, who hates Spencer. In high school, he humiliated the overweight Charlotte who had a major crush starring him. Spencer is shocked at how smoking hot Charlotte looks. As Charlotte struggles not to fall again for the rogue who broke her heart, she sees how nurturing he is towards his daughter. However this time both fall in love, but nothing will happen unless she lets go her anger towards him.

The latest Hope's Crossing contemporary romance (see Blackberry Summer and Woodrose Mountain) is a warm second chance at love family drama. Though the premise is not new, the quirky storyline focuses on the three main characters learning love heals all wounds of the heart and soul.

Harriet Klausner

Sometimes, I dislike starting a book that's part of a series without reading all the previous books, but Thayne masterfully weaves in just enough history so you feel like there IS a history, but you're not looking from the outside into an insider's world. I really, really liked that.

That said, Willowleaf Lane stands on its own very well. Previously self-conscious Charlotte comes face-to-face with her high school crush, who, through tragedy of his own, is finally able to see what's been all around him all the time: a charming town, wonderful people, and, of course, Charlotte.

The book is fast-paced, but not distractingly so, and paints a vivid picture of small-town Colorado life, where friends are entwined (sometimes with beading thread, apparently), and people genuinely care for one another. It's a book that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy, and, if you're like me, wanting to read the rest of the series. Definitely worth picking up.

I was disappointed with this book. For all of Charlotte's successes, she was always falling back on her failures. However, I did think Spencer truly wanted to find his way and go forward.
As someone who has lost weight, I thought the author missed the mark with food choices. There is more to eat than a chicken breast. Since Charlotte and her Dad are in the food business, it would have been nice to see a variety of healthy foods as positive food choices.
I do like the Hope's Crossing series and am very excited about the next book.

I enjoyed this romance quite a bit. The heroine has gone through a transformation in her life - from an overweight and unhealthy shy girl to a confident woman who takes care of herself. The hero, too, has changed from a disadvantages kid to a baseball superstar to a fallen hero. The hero comes back to his small town roots in somewhat of an attempt to redeem himself and get to know his daughter.

I really liked the characters in this book. You can respect the woman for changing her life for the better. Right away you realize that the hero is being unfairly punished by the world for something he didn't do. The chemistry between them is obvious and there are some enjoyable parts. I felt like I wanted to keep reading the book to find out what happened; it always seemed interesting to me. It has some nice secondary characters and also deals with eating disorders, which is all too common today. It is professionally written and just a nice book to read at the beach or for a little escape. I would highly recommend it.

Charlotte Caine is falling in love all over again--with the man she's always had a crush on. Her head says be cautious, but her heart says go for it. The man who captured her heart when she was a young girl has become a man to die for.

Spencer Gregory and his daughter Peyton have returned to Hopes Crossing to start over. He doesn't believe the beautiful young woman running the candy shop is the same chubby teenager he'd snubbed so many years ago. Drawn to her smile and her sparkling eyes, tries to ignore the attraction because one bad marriage is enough.

Charlotte and Caine have many obstacles to get past before they can begin to have a relationship. But Raeanne Thayne knows just how to write a romance that will thrill you, keep you reading and cheering the characters on. Good plotting, nice character development and excellent prose.

FULL DISCLOSURE: My wife is the reader in the family. She read this book, and the review is from her.

Charlotte Caine decides to move back to her hometown of Hope's Crossing and run her candy store and live a simple life. She has numerous friends and her father and brothers also live in town so it seems like the perfect idea.

One day she runs into her old crush, Spence. He had moved out of town and was playing professional baseball. She thinks they have nothing in common and that he wouldn't even recognize her. Little does she know that their lives would be connected in the most unusual way by the things she least expects.

She is surprised by Spence's past but their is a twist to it towards the end of the book. While it is a good read, I gave it 4 stars because the story was a little slow at times.

I recently fell in love with Thayne's writing and this cemented my need to buy her backlist.

Besides the lovely and well-crafted setting, plus her ability to put you right there with senses, the small town feel and secondary characters draw readers right in. The heroine (Charlotte) in particular was interesting and relatable. I love that she was sometimes clunky and once overweight. The hero (Spencer) made his share of mistakes, but from the get-go he was likable, making me swoon with how he cared for his daughter and tried to do the right thing always. The ending wasn't rushed and the pacing kept me turning the page. Well done!

Charlotte is a candy shop owner who wants to loose a few pounds, so she tries to say no to anything tempting. Then along comes former flame Spencer, who is nursing a baseball injury while on the sidelines. He returns home to relax and recover and the two manage to bump into each other in their small Colorado town.

For a romance novel, this one was a bit lacking in the romance department, focusing instead on eating disorders and time spent dwelling on the past (and yet the characters seemed a little one dimensional).

And I think that the author missed the boat on a punny name for her candy shop - "Candy Caine."

This is the fifth book by RaeAnne Thayne that revolves around the people in the fictional town of Hope's Crossing and, as usual, this is an emotional tour-de-force. Charlotte Caine is a woman who grew up overweight and Spencer Gregory is a man who grew into a famous baseball player whose downfall brings him back home with a host of problems and a pre-teen, motherless daughter. This author has the astounding ability of threading emotions throughout every story that make the reader re-think the way they deal with their day-to-day problems. Ms. Thayne makes you think about holding grudges, letting childhood traumas affect your life and refusing to move past major traumas and how they affect everyone around you. That is why I love her books = because they make you think about what you do and say every day and how they can permanently affect the people you love. Buy this book, think about it, talk about it. You won't regret it.

There certainly is enough romance (without graphic sex, by the way) to satisfy fans of the genre, but there's a bit more of value for the readers. First, it is nice to have a heroine who, although she's been losing weight, apparantly still isn't a typical skinny Minnie but has a little meat on her bones. Romance heroines don't need to be glamour girls. Second, there is a theme covering food disorders which are prompted by overly worrying about weight.

The characters are basically likeable although the author does seem a bit better fleshing out her female characters than her male ones. This is a small concern though. More important is that this is an entertaining romance for the ladies with a bit of message to it.

The little resort town of Hope's Crossing is indeed nothing sort of charming and of course the perfect setting for a brewing romance between a fudge shop owner and a shamed baseball player. Yes, this is a cute novel and I found myself intrigued by Charlotte's situation as a woman still struggling with confidence after an extreme weight loss. So, it's a nice novel in a mild sort of way with interesting themes and a pleasant feel-good storyline. Ms. Thayne's writing is solid with an admirable avoidance of purple fluff (and as a Utah native I can't help but like a local writer). Fans should be pleased. While nothing special, it's a sweet tale about finding the best in people.

Charlotte Caine owns a candy shop with delectable treats. However, with a growing concern about the pounds she's accumulated, she is harnessing her will power to avoid sweet temptation. Unfortunately it is much harder to apply this same will power to Spencer Gregory, an old flame who has return back to Charlotte's home town after a professional baseball career. Charlotte is sorely tempted as to whether she will be able to bury bad memories of the past and give Spender another chance to show her just how sweet he can be. The characters, both the lead and supporting characters including Spencer's preteen daughter are well crafted and fully engaging. This was my first read of a book by RaeAnne Thayne, but it definitely won't be my last.

This is another delightful read and those of you who have read other Hope's Crossing stories have wondered as have I if Charlotte will ever find love. Like the other books in this series the story is written with grace and humor and as always there is a message and something to be learned. I appreciate that RaeAnne Thayne doesn't need filthy language to describe love. I hope there are other books in this series.

November 2014 - after a second read I loved this story even more. It is a fantastic read that highlights what we know in real life as the Wounded Warrior project. Please check it out if you can and donate. We owe our Service men and women our freedom and they and their families have sacrificed so much.

"Willowleaf Lane" is a fairly good story about two people who meet later in life after knowing one another as children/teens. The focus of the story is on eating disorders - which is generally not a storyline that I enjoy. True to form, I didn't enjoy that part of the story too much. I could have wished for a little levity but perhaps that is not Ms. Thayne's style. This is the first book I have read by her so I didn't know what to expect. It is pretty much drama from beginning to end. Well written but I'll have to consider whether I spend more time with this series - I just wish I could have a laugh now and then.

5th in the 'Hope's Crossing' series (after Current Creek Valley). Nothing disturbing or ugly. An enjoyablysmall town romance. I would have enjoyed it more if they had more than one date before the end of the novel (I assume they will be living happily ever after). The main thing that kept me from loving the novel was there was so many pages dwelling on what was and what could have been. It would have been more enjoyable for me developing Charlotte and Spencer in the here and now. However 65 reviewers either loved it or like it so you might also.

RaeAnne Thayne has created a series that once you start reading one of the books you want to read all of them.
Hope's Crossing is just that for anyone and everyone who lives or comes to the town. It gives hope to the lost, to the unloved, and to the hurting.
Willowleaf Lane is the latest in this series and all I can say is RaeAnne's stories will touch your heart because she writes from the heart.
So if you enjoy a good romance, start reading RaeAnne Thayne's books and you will get hooked on her stories. I have!

RaeAnne has certainly knocked this romantic novel out of the ball park for a homerun. Her story development and character development as well as her depth of knowledge on PTSD , MLB steroid/ drug abuse, and various teenage eating disorders have made this novel a summer must-read. Hope' s Crossings litany of regular residents have grown and blossomed into a town I deeply and sincerely wish that I reside in. Great writing RaeAnne! Keep up the amazing work!!

Another Hope's Crossing story. This one is Charlotte Caine and Spencer Gregory's story. Familiar trope - Charlotte had a big crush on Spencer in high school and now he is back in town. It is fun to see how the two work together and finally trust in each other. This is the book where the Wounded Warrior project gets it start. More of that shows up in Christmas in Snowflake Canyon.

This is the 5th book in the Hope Crossing series. The author sent me a copy for my honest review of the book. It is amazing! It makes you laugh and it will make you cry! I feel like I have become part of the town of Hope Crossing. Such interesting characters. Looking forward to the next book in the series. If you love reading about adventures in a small town than this series is or you.

If you enjoy the writing of RaeAnn Thayne, you will really enjoy this one. The main character Charlotte has overcome an eating problem and she has a sweet, caring way about her. Spencer, on the other hand takes a while to care about. A well written book with an ending worth waiting for. Highly recommended.

I was blessed to recieve an advanced readers copy of Willowleaf Lane. I love this series and with each book it gets better and better. The theme of each book seems to focus on surmounted obsticles however in this installment RaeAnne Thayne has surpassed her ability to bring the characters to life to the point where you REALLY feel the emotion! Great read, great story so grab the popcorn and enjoy!

The book starts with the interaction between Charlotte and Spencer daughter (before she knew who the girl was). I enjoyed the way they interact together and how she identified with the girls issues when learning so little about her.

Read this on kindle and RaeAnne Thayne writes a heart warming story that flows and keeps you wanting to keep turning the pages to the end. Can hardly wait to see what she writes next,she has a new fan.

I really enjoyed this book:) it was a sexy without being inappropriate which I definitely appreciate. If I were rating it I would say it pg13. Great story with great like able characters. Like most of raeanne thaynes books this is a must read.

While I liked certain elements of the story, some of it did not seem realistic and didn't "click" with me at all. For instance, a 30-year-old virgin, who is still a virgin at the end of the book and has the big O with all of her clothes on. Really?? I would be very unlikely to pick up anything by this author again, especially from this series.