Life throws a lot of curve balls and these two have seen their share. A sweet romance, where lost loves find their way back to each other because of difficult situations. Enjoyed this book a lot, and want to see more from the series!

Pretty good romance with high school sweethearts finding one another again. Kincaid has a breezy writing style that pulls you in and keeps you reading. Loved the idea of the Shenandoah setting and look forward to more books in this series which are set there. My only quibble- and it of course goes to the heart of this novel- is that it just didn't make sense to me that Emerson would keep her MS a secret- or think that she could or should keep it a secret for long. It's not something to be ashamed of. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

I just love small town romances and Kimberly Kincaid does them right!! 

Hunter Cross and his family have owned Cross Creek Farm for years and years. He can t imagine doing anything else. But when he reinjures his shoulder and has been assigned paperwork instead he is determined to get back as quick as possible. Only he never expected his physical therapy to throw him face to face with Emerson Montgomery. Now more beautiful than he remembered. The girl who left him heartbroken and behind all those years ago.

Emerson had her life planned. Never wanting to return to her hometown, or the overbearing parents she has. But life takes a turn and she ends up home with no explanation why. And her first patient is none other than Hunter Cross, the boy she left behind. And boy has time done him good!

Things heat up pretty quick between these two. They pick up where they left off with only a little hesitation. But secrets and old hurts are hard to overcome. And with them there are a bountiful supply. When things come to a crashing halt will a betrayal be the end of them forever? Can they ever trust their heart to the other?? Can't wait for more of this family!!

While there were some touching moments, I couldn't connect with the story or the characters.

Crossing Hearts by Kimberly Kincaid.....5 Beautiful Country Stars!! What a great start in the Cross Creek Series. Hunter and Emerson were high school sweethearts, things happen and they break up. Emerson goes back to her hometown 12 years later sees Hunter and the sparks are still there. This book will hit all the emotion buttons, it is full of heart, love, secrets, drama and great characters. Kimberly Kincaid has done it again, her book are always the best and this one is no different. I am so excited for this series I am ready for the next book. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book from NetGalley.

Hunter is a small town family farmer. He has lived his whole life in this town working on the family farm with his dad and two brothers. He can’t imagine doing anything else or living anywhere else. Even though they have their differences, they are a close family.

Emerson grew up in this small town as well. Her dad is a well known surgeon and her mom the typical wealthy socialite, supporting her husband, serving on the board of the hospital her husband works in, volunteering at various charities, etc. They were hard on Emerson, expecting her to follow in her dad’s footsteps. When Emerson decided to become a PT instead, they were disappointed. She struck out on her own, leaving her parents and her boyfriend, Hunter, behind. 

Twelve years later, Emerson is back in town, leaving behind a lucrative career and famous boyfriend, to work in the town’s doctor’s office part time. She has been diagnosed with MS, but doesn’t want anyone to know.

Hunter is shocked to see Emerson when Doc Sanders leads him back to the new PT in her office. Anxious to get back to work, he agrees to do just what she says. Hunter knows something is off with Emerson but she denies it. As they spend time together, barriers are broken down and Emerson opens up about her disease. Their journey back to each other was very realistic and heart warming.

Hunter is also playing mediator/referee between his two brothers. (Can’t wait to find out what’s going on between Eli and Owen.) Emerson is playing the avoidance dance with her parents. 

What a great start to a new series. I am looking forward to more from this small town. I hope to see the continuing story of Hunter and Emerson as well.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley.

Hunter and Emerson are old flames having parted ways after high school. She chose to go halfway across country for school. He chose to stay and work the family farm. Now she is back and Hunter needs to rehab a shoulder injuy. Great thing she has set up a one woman shop in the back of the town GP doctor.  During the time of Hunter's therapy they grow closer. She finally opens up about the burden she is carrying that brought her full circle back home. 
This was a great read just the right spice of life and family. Look forward to reading more by this author. 
ARC provided by net galley for a honest read.

Crossing Hearts is book one in the Cross Creek series by Kimberly Kincaid.  This is such a wonderful story of getting a second chance at love.  And the setting is in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.  

Emerson Montgomery never planned to return to the small town of Millhaven where she grew up.  But circumstances in her life chose otherwise.  She’s been gone twelve years and had a lucrative job she loved as a physical therapist for a pro-football team.  But after receiving the life altering news that she had Multiple Sclerosis, she couldn’t withstand the busy life required to do her job.  So she went back to her home town to start a small practice there.  She is keeping her medical diagnosis secret.  No one knows.  How could she expect people to depend on her for their health if her own was failing her?  

Emerson knew that she would eventually have to see her high school sweetheart, Hunter Cross. But she never thought it would be as a patient.  And then there he was, standing in her shop with a look of shock on his face.  Twelve long years and all she had to do was look at him and her stomach filled immediately with butterflies.  Yep, it was still there even after all this time.

Hunter loves his life living and working on Cross Creek Farm with his two brothers and his dad.  He loves the farm, the community, and the small town life.  It’s all he’s ever wanted.  Except for his high school sweetheart.  He thought she was it for him, that she was his forever.  But when they finished high school, she left, breaking his heart, until now.  She’s back.  

Hunter and Emerson slowly get reacquainted and it doesn’t take long for those old feelings to reignite.  But what does take time is for trust to grow again.  Hunter has no idea why Emerson came back.  And both of them can’t help but to wonder, “What if?”  What if she’d stayed?  Would they be married now with a bunch of kids?  Would they be happy?  

As Emerson gets more and more comfortable with Hunter, she opens up more and finally reveals why she had to leave all those years ago.  Why she had no choice.  And eventually, she reveals her biggest secret of all, her health issues.  But she feels in her heart and soul that she can trust Hunter with her secret.  That she can let him in, let him help her.  

“Emerson realized that when she was in Hunter’s arms, she didn’t just feel normal.  For the first time she could remember, she felt whole.”

First of all, I wanted to say that I recently moved to the country.  And I spent the morning outside preparing for what will soon be my very first springtime vegetable garden at our new house.  It was a complete coincidence that I just read this book.  Hunter lives on a working farm and there is much talk about their fabulous fresh produce they grow.  It made me so excited to get started growing things myself.  Isn’t it funny how things like that work sometimes?!

Emerson craved the closeness that a family can provide and she found that in Hunter’s family.  She got involved with some of their projects and loved feeling like she belonged, that she was accepted, that she mattered.  I loved Hunter’s family.  His brother, Eli, was a character.  And there is definitely a story there between Eli and the oldest brother, Owen.  I look forward to finding out more about that.  I also loved Emerson’s friend, Daisy.  I hope we get more of her in the future as well.

This was a beautiful, heartwarming book with plenty of steamy sexy times and plenty of sigh worthy moments.  Both Emerson and Hunter warmed my heart and I can’t wait to read more about this family and Cross Creek Farm.

After receiving a devastating diagnosis Emerson Montgomery has decided to leave the life that she has created for herself behind, and return home in hopes of creating a quieter life where she can learn to adjust to her life altering condition. But returning home also means facing the man she left behind, she loved him with all her heart, but she had big plans for herself and his choice to settle down on his families farm in Shenandoah wasn't something she wanted, so she said goodbye and never looked back. She knew coming home and facing all she left behind would be hard, especially being armed with her life changing secret, but once she is face to face with the man that once held her heart she feels the full gravity of it. She can sense the lingering anger and disappointment, but she can also feel the sparks they once shared making an re-appearance and it scares her... she wants to give in to them, but the minute he learns her secret she is sure he'll leave, and she is certain her heart can't handle losing him again.

Hunter Cross watched the woman he loved walk out of his life years ago, taking his heart along with her, and it still stings everyday, so much so, that he hasn't put a lot of effort of traveling down that path again. He just can't bring himself to let anyone in again, Emerson did a number on him and his heart and doesn't have it in him to go another round. But his world gets turned upside down when he makes a trip to the doctor's office for his bum shoulder, and comes face to face with the woman who stole his heart years ago...and she is even more gorgeous than he remembered. And so damn tempting, but he can't give into the temptation...his heart can't withstand another round with her!

From the moment I cracked this book open, I knew I had discovered something truly special, barely three sentences into the story and I immediately felt a connection to the characters, and felt myself being drawn into Hunter and Emerson's world. When Hunter wandered onto the page I knew he was going to leave a mark and definitely a character that would stay with me long after the story was over. There was just something about him that struck a cord with me, he was sweet when he needed to be, strong when Emerson needed someone to lean on, and the fact that he was a former hometown football hero definitely scored a few points with me too! This story spoke volumes to me, it opened my eyes, stirred my emotions, and left my heart overflowing... definitely one of my favorites from Ms. Kincaid to date!! 

Highly recommend you give this one a try, Ms. Kincaid's endearing characters are sure to find a way into your heart and leave you inspired!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.

Hunter Cross and Emerson Montgomery were hot and heavy by the end of their senior year of high school. So much so that Hunter proposed but Montgomery said no and moved on to date a high profile NFL athlete that she met while working in Las Vegas as the physical therapist for his team. Fast forward 12 years and she's returned with vague reasons as to why. Guess who the first person she ran into? Good 'ole Hunter. 

The premise of the book sounds so cheesy and some parts of the books are so easy to see ahead of time. However, Kimberly Kincaid is such an AMAZING author. It's been a long time since I was caught up in not just what the author was trying to tell me but more so in HOW she was doing it. She's magic with words, just magic. There were more than a few passages that I highlighted. The characters evolved wonderfully, and while the story was expectedly predictable, I was so caught up in it that I wanted to go to their Watermelon Festival. 

Warning....this book does have some rather sexually explicit scenes. Having read the Fifty Shades of Grey, this one was much hotter for me (guess S & M isn't my cup of tea) Most romance books have scenes like this and they all tend to be alike, these ones make you want a drink and cigarette after.

I'm so excited to see that this appears to be the first in a series and I can't wait for the next one to come out. 

I received this book free of charge from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review, thank you!

4 1/2 Stars! This is the first book that I have read by this author ... and it won't be my last! 

Hunter and Emerson were high school sweethearts, but after graduation Emerson leaves for college in the big city and breaks Hunter's heart. Emerson goes on to be a Physical Therapist with a NFL team, while Hunter stays on the family farm to work the land with his father and brothers. After 12 years, Emerson comes back to their hometown and opens here own PT practice and slow her life down. But when she sees Hunter, it's like no time has passed and the love they had for one another is still there. This is a sweet romance with lots of steam added.

I can't wait to see what happens with Owen and Eli ... why are they at each other's throats all the time and who are their love interests or is it the same girl?

I received an ARC copy from Montlake Romance through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

Crossing Hearts is book one of the Cross Creek series and although it starts a series, it is a stand alone book with no cliffhanger. One of my favorite things when I'm reading is when I finish a book and immediately scramble to the author's website to see if/when a second book of the series is going to be released. That's exactly what I did when I got to the end of this book because I loved the Cross family and I really *need* to know more about them. I know this book is just releasing, but I am already anxiously awaiting the second one.

When I started this book, I hadn't read any spoilers so I had no idea why Emerson had returned to Milltown and was absolutely floored when I read her reason. I have never read this particular plot line in this genre before and despite the fact that most romance authors would gloss over an issue like this one, using it as just another plot device meant to add drama, Ms. Kincaid never did that. She showed the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of this 'issue' instead of making light of it. I'm being vague here on purpose to avoid spoilers, but this is a beautiful story about a real life issue and absolute, unconditional love. 

Hunter Cross is exactly the kind of hero that I love to read about. He's classy and kind, he's a salt of the earth blue collar kind of guy who is happy with his small town life. He loves his family, loves his simple life, and he doesn't need to be a swaggering jerk to prove that he's a man. He's absolutely on my list of 'book boyfriends' now.  

Emerson was also incredibly likable from the start – even though we know that she broke Hunter's heart a decade before. Learning about why she's struggling in life was gut-wrenching, as was 'watching' her hide her new reality from the people who love her. Her interactions with Hunter and his family were heart-warming and sweet, and (slight spoiler to end of paragraph) I loved that his family accepted her without question despite the years apart.

I was so invested in the characters in this book – ALL of the characters – that I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. I didn't go on Facebook or check my email or watch TV, I literally was sucked into this one from the start. It annoyed me to have to go to sleep for the night before I had finished it.  The Cross family was intriguing, and I cannot wait for Owen and Eli's books so that we can find out exactly what's going on there. (Especially since I already have an Eli theory and I am dying to know if it is correct or not.)

If you like romance novels that make you think and feel while falling in love with the characters, you should definitely read Crossing Hearts.  

I requested and was granted an ARC of this book from NetGalley. I was under no obligation to write a review - I wrote this review and pre-ordered the book because I enjoyed it very much.

Unfortunately the book was not for me, no review was publicly posted on Amazon, B&N, Goodreads or Twitter etc, so no ratings were affected in relation to it.

Loved Hunter and Emerson and this book will definitely be one of my favorites for 2017 and will be reread.

Emerson had to leave after high school, so that she could get away from the pressure her parents were putting her under, but did she really want to leave Hunter behind. Forward to 12 years later when Hunter walks into the Physical Therapist office and she is his doctor. Emerson finally opens up to Hunter about most things, but there is still one BIG secret that she is keeping, because she thinks if anybody finds out what is wrong that they will only think that she is broken beyond repair, especially her parents.

Hunter knows that something just isn't right with Emerson. She's always tired, with dark circles under her eyes, but she always says she is fine and tries to hid everything. Finally, she doesn't have a choice but to open up to Hunter and tell him what is going on with her. He doe's everything that he can to help her, but finally he goes to far and she tells him to leave. Loved their journey and the proof that some people will love you regardless and will stand by you through anything.

Such a great love story. Hunter and Emerson's story tugged at my heartstrings. I loved it.

I have only started reading books by Ms Kincaid in the last year or so, and in each story this talented author surpasses my expectations.
Crossing Hearts is the first book of her new series title The Cross Creek Series. We have three hard working and stubborn brothers managing  a farm with their father. In this first book, we have Hunter Cross. A man who loves the farm, and worries about how to make it successful. He fell in love in HS with Emerson and the day he proposes , she turns him down and leaves town. She broke his heart, and he has never wanted to love like that again. Emerson returns home, after leaving a position as a respected physical therapist in the sports arena,  to the town she never wanted to return . Hunter gets injured and becomes her first patient.  Emerson has secrets, which she keeps from everyone, including her overpowering parents. The two begin to forge a new , and very cautious friendship that will lead to more though neither wants to be hurt again.
But the story is more than that. It’s about heartaches, misunderstandings, secrets that can cause a great deal of pain, family dynamics or lack thereof, the trials and tribulations of a degenerating chronic disease , and how others and the individual affected deal with it.
And above all it’s a reminder that love , support, and hope can overcome everything.
Kudos to Ms Kincaid for such a touching and thought provoking story.
I was gifted this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the story. I knew Emerson was hiding something but I didn't guess right away what it was. She returns to her hometown after staying away for 12 years and immediately runs into her old boyfriend. We learn that she left her job and man she was dating to return home. Normally I don't seek out a book where someone has a debilitating disease as I tend to stick with the HEA type. However this story was good and it wasn't depressing. I felt that it ended abruptly without trying up some lose ends. Specifically, I wondered what was really getting between Eli and Owen, what would happen to Daisy and would Emerson and Hunter stay together. I would definitely recommend the book and still gave it 5 stars.

Good story! Definitely a page turner worth the read

Haven’t you ever wondered what if………..
 
The always amazing Kimberly Kincaid kicks off a new small town series with Crossing Hearts and does so with a book that will worm its way into the heart of every reader who reads it for the simple reason that it’s so beautifully written.

Yes, I admit to being totally biased when it comes to this authors writing. I have been there from the start and watched as she has settled into her writing mojo and written book after book that has gone straight to my keeper/re-read shelf. With this start to a new series, she has absolutely found her small town romance stride and kicks butt as she does.
 
This book…. I FREAKING LOVED IT. Once again, I am envisioning packing my bag to move to yet another fictional new town, (damn you Kimberly Kincaid, stop doing this to me!!!), where the men are hot, the women feisty, the gossip flows freely and I can totally see myself fitting in. 
 
While this is the first book in the series, so there is a lot of world building, you forget that very quickly as you start to feel like you’ve known these characters and this town forever and a very long day. That makes this reader very happy. 

Add in the wonderful love story that evolves from an accident that brings high school sweethearts Hunter and Emmerson back into each other’s lives and asks the question, haven’t you ever wondered what if? I think Hunter answers that perfectly, even if it made me spring a leak.
 
These two have a history that will call to every romantic bone in your body, teenage lovers who break up only to be brought back together by fate. The passion between Hunter and Emmerson is evident from the first and I loved seeing it grow as they learnt the new sides of each other they carry now as adults and how that first blush of love is re-ignited and burns strong.
 
I absolutely have fallen head over heels for the Cross men (yes, all of them. Just you wait and see, you will too.) and I have a huge girl crush on Emmerson. Yes she’s got the wrong idea about how to handle her illness, but it just made me love her more. She is so tough, strong and hard headed, LOL. But that’s what makes her lovable and Hunter too for being the man that he is and standing beside her. Cue the swoons.
 
Sorry if I’ve rambled on, but my head is spinning with too many words about how much I loved this book and how much I am already anticipating the next one. I need to know why Hunter’s brothers Eli and Owen snipe at each other and okay, I want to see Mr Cross again. I’m more than ready to move to Cross Creek just to stalk those Cross men.
 
What a way to kick start a new series Kimberly Kincaid. Well done indeed. I already hear Hunter and Emmerson calling for a re-read. Do yourself a favour small town romance lovers and read this book, if you aren’t already addicted to this author, you will be soon. Trust me, it only took one book to hook me and I couldn’t be happier.