Sugar Pine Trail - #7 in the Haven Point series by RaeAnne Thayer was just the perfect read for me at the right moment. Sometimes a light, well written and totally engaging book is just the prescription.

This is the story of Julia - slightly uptight librarian who becomes less and less so as she becomes connected to two young brothers in a spot of trouble and she steps up to the plate. Very soon her heart is totally taken by them and so was mine.

She has rented her upper storey apartment to Jaime Caine, who so far has never been caught by any woman and really doesn't intend to be. But soon he finds he just might really like Julia and the two boys and together they all bond and do some really fun things.

Both Julia and Jaime have issues from their past that haunt them but... I loved watching them eventually share and heal and open their hearts. They are both great people and I must say I loved the Caine family and must go back and read any of the other books in this series and the Hope Crossing series that have them in.

This was beautifully plotted and once I began reading it was just so easy to keep going. It had the right amount of heart wrenching moments, coupled with some chuckle out loud moments and some really sweet moments. Plus two little boys who were a wonderful addition, plus three snooty cats and finally one.... No - not telling, read and find out.

I can only say I loved this book, a throughly satisfying read. RaeAnne Thayne - could be that she is turning out to be an author I'll be reading a lot more from.

A fantastic book with an emotionally charged story that kept me turning page after page.I really enjoyed both of these characters and the growth as people they both experienced. Julia is the quiet, reserved librarian who is ready for something new in her life. Living alone in a huge house just isn't working anymore. She has no idea how much her life will change this holiday season. First she rents her upstairs apartment to carefree Jamie Caine. Then she finds herself the temporary care provider for two young brothers. Things are definitely picking up around the old house these days!

I highly recommend this one!

I loved Sugar Pine Trail from the first page. Julia has one of the biggest hearts. She's given up everything for those she loves/d. She's quite funny, and though a bit insecure her character is completely endearing. Jamie meets her and though she seems not to be his type he can't quite stay away and he wants to help her step out of her comfort zone. I LOVE Jamie. He's got just as big a heart as Julia. He's totally swoon worthy and more than just a handsome face.
Julia and Jamie's story is emotional in every way possible. It takes a lot for a book to make me cry but RaeAnne Thayne was very successful. If you enjoy a small-town romance that will have you floating in the clouds then I highly recommend Sugar Pine Trail.

Sugar Pine Trail is sweet and heartwarming, like a mug of hot cocoa on a cold winter's day. I've got a soft spot for librarian characters like Julia Winston. It was lovely to see her come out of her shell and blossom a bit. Jamie Caine is the brother of Aiden of Snow Angel Cove and the various Caine siblings featured in the Hope's Crossing series—all of whom show up at one point or another in this book. He has all the Caine good looks and charm, but he avoids romantic entanglements. Which, he realizes, makes Julia off limits. If only he weren't so drawn to her...

What pulls these two together are the two charming little boys whom Julia unexpectedly agrees to foster. Interacting with the boys shows both Jamie and Julia a different side of one another, and pushes Julia out of her comfort zone and into doing some of the things on her secret wish list.

There's not a lot of conflict between the characters in this book, though there is a little. Instead, as in many real-life relationships, the obstacles come from inside them, and Thayne does a good job of portraying the internal doubts and conflicts they feel.

Just as in real life, not everything turns out perfectly. The story took one surprise turn that I didn't see coming, and there's still something left unresolved between Jamie and one of his brothers. But on the whole, Sugar Pine Trail will leave you smiling, with a warm glow and a touch of holiday spirit.

What can I say is that Sugar Pine Trail is another wonderful, awesome, and heartwarming story. That brought tears and humor to this story especially Julia's bucket list. What made this so special is Julia the librarian brings in two abandoned children to her home for the Holidays and with the help of Jamie Cain, who is renting Julia's upstairs apartment, bring in a Holiday experience that Davey and Clint will treasure. I absolutely adore any of RaeAnne Thayne books and this is surely a keeper and delight to read.

SUGAR PINE TRAIL can only be described as a lovely story. It was very easy to read and get lost between the pages. It has a timeline from Thanksgiving to Christmas so it is perfect for a seasonal read.

Jamie was the ultimate commitment-phobe, almost a bit frustrating in this but he had lots of pluses. He was a pilot, kind, great with kids and came with an awesome family. Jamie seemed to have a well-earned reputation with women and the looks to go with it.

"Up close, Jamie Caine was, in a word, breathtaking. He was Mr. Darcy, Atticus Finch, Rhett Butler and Tom Cruise in Top Gun, all rolled into one glorious package."

Julia, a prim and proper, mousy librarian was looking to inject some life into her mundane existence and she found herself taking in two kids from social services. These children absolutely made this book excellent. The kids themselves, but more, the emotions and connections between the kids and both Julia and Jamie made for the most heart-warming feels. The chemistry between the two main characters sizzled but although I enjoyed the slow burn, I did want a bit more heat.

This is my first read by RaeAnne Thayne, which might be odd considering this is number seven in the series but these reads do stand alone. I am definitely going back to number one because I feel the need to read about a number of Jamie's family that I met along the way.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, through netgalley, in return for a honest review.

Reviewed for JoandIsaLoveBooks Blog.

Another Caine bites the dust but not without some drama and uncertainty. Librarian Julia Winston is ready for change in her life. It comes with Jamie Caine renting her upstairs apartment at the same time she takes two young boys who need a temporary home. It was fun to see Jamie who never lets a woman get to close being drawn into Julia's life and wanting to stay there. I liked the way the book once again brought two series and the character in the two together in a very nice story. Pick this up for a nice Christmas story and a nice addition to the Haven Point series. It can stand alone but is more fun if you have read the previous books.

Julia is a librarian who lives in the house she grew up in. She doesn't date and but dreams of climbing out of the rut she has found herself in. I find her relatable in that didn't see it coming, one day leads into the next until years have passed. It takes a game of slightly inebriated bucket list for her to really think about her hopes and dreams.

The holiday season is here and two little boys seem to be alone. After a little detective work Julia discovers them entering a cold, dark house. How could she let these two get lost in the system without trying to help? Talk about jumping in the deep end of the pool.

Jamie comes from a big, noisy, and nosy family. He needs a temporary apartment while his new condo is completed. Julia's upstairs apartment seems to be the perfect solution. Little does he know excitement is about to invade. Not only does he find his temporary landlord attractive, but he quickly finds she has bitten off more than she can chew and he is just the guy to step up.

Loved it. I should have known better than to start one of RaeAnne Thayne's books right before dinner. If I didn't have to prepare it for my hubby and I would found a snack and never stopped reading. Oh yes, I did have to go to bed. I read until I fell asleep. I finished the book as soon as I woke up. She made me laugh. She made me cry. I wonder if RaeAnne with ever address Julia's beginnings. No matter what story she decides to tell next I will be happily reading it.

How could Julia not fall in love with those two, sweet little boys. And Jamie too. When she decided to help the brothers, she had no idea how her life would change. After a rocky start, Julia and the boys became very close. Jamie helped with that too. He was so good with the boys. After growing up in a house with so many boys, he understands them perfectly. Will she be just another conquest for Jamie or can there be something lasting between them? She knows that she will only have the boys for a short time, but how long will Jamie stick around? Great story!

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

4.75 Hearts This might be one of the best stories I have read from this author and from a lot of other authors too. I say this for a couple of reasons but one in particular. Towards the end I was holding back tears. And that means a lot if you ask me. Other reasons are simple, I couldn’t stop reading it. I thought about the characters when I wasn’t reading it and I didn’t want the story to end. All in all I could leave the review like that because those are the things a reader wants in a good book. However….

Julia is such a sweet person. She gives with her whole heart and asks for nothing in return. She just wants to do what is right. Jamie has dealt with loss and guilt. Because of that he has learned it is better to stay a step away than get too close but this woman just keeps him tip-toeing closer and closer. And the two boys that come into their lives are sweet and loving and just pull at your heartstrings.

There are a couple of minor things that I wish had been different but this story is almost perfect.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

A wonderful Christmas read. The true meaning of Christmas comes through in this story, the giving of oneself. Jamie and Julia both show kindness, caring and understanding. A truly inspirational book

Julia’s life hasn’t gone the way she’d expected. She ended up putting other people before her own dreams and had accepted that path. That was before two little boys showed up at her library and, once again the course of her life changed. Jamie’s life is filled with running the corporate air travel for his brother’s tech company and only dating casually. He doesn’t do serious relationships. When he rents Julia’s upstairs apartment his only intent is to have a place to sleep when in town until his condo is ready for him to move in. What he doesn’t expect is to have his life turned upside down by the same two little boys and his pretty landlord. Sugar Pine Trail is perfect for getting readers in the holiday spirit – and it should come with a box of tissues. It’s an emotional story about learning to trust, giving and receiving, and learning to take a chance. I loved it all and recommend it to fans of RaeAnne Thayne, the Haven Point series, and a heart-warming Christmas novel. It can also stand alone if you haven’t had the chance to read the series.

This is the next book in the Haven Point series. It is a bridge between Haven Point and Hope's Crossing but each of the books can be a stand alone. This story revolves around local librarian Julia Winston and one of the Caine brothers, Jamie. Julia is living in the too big house her recently deceased parents left her. Her only roommates are her mother's three disdainful cats. Jamie is the lead pilot for the Caine Tech company jet fleet. He is purchasing a condo but he has given up his rental and the condo is not quite ready. Julia has agreed to rent the upper floor of the large house to him for the six weeks until his condo is ready. On Jamie's first night in Haven Point Julia is hostess to her book club's discussion on a book about “filling your well”. The book club leader for the evening asks each member to make a list of things that would make her happy. Julia grudgingly makes out the list with items off the top of her head. Things like making a difference in someone's life, flying in an airplane as well as several others. It is nearly Thanksgiving when Julia notices two little boys in the library at closing time several days running. The weather was nasty and Julia offered them a ride home. The older of the two boys hesitantly accepted. When she went in to meet their mother, Julia found the house to be cold and dark. The boys admitted that she was not answering her phone and had been gone a few days. Julia called her friend, Wyn Emmett, a family services counselor. The boys were placed in temporary foster care but Wyn was not able to find a family that could take both of the brothers. Julia decided to step up and offer to foster the boys. She finds herself at a loss as to how to raise two little boys. Luckily, Jamie comes from a large family and has helped to take care of his many nieces and nephews. With Jamie's help, Julia is able to help these two adorable little boys as she, herself grows and becomes more confident. Will the boys have a Merry Christmas with Julia or will they be missing their mom too much? It was a wonderful story of people helping people.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sugar Pine Trail by RaeAnne Thayne is another holiday Christmas tale that I loved. Heartfelt, emotional, and sweet. A young woman, finds surprises like two adandoned boys, who lost their dad and maybe even their mom...a hot man renting a room upstairs from her, and other new experiences. I enjoyed reading this book. I cried, laughed, and was able to connect with all the characters. The main protagonist, Julia, was believable. She's this clever, kind, sweet, yet shy librarian. However, she does have a bit more to her then what most see. Her sexy crush turns out to be more than she originally thought...a flitter who has a heart of gold. Loss, hope, love, and new beginnings are found here. I recommend this book to readers everywhere.

<b></i>Sugar Pine Trail</i></b> is Jamie Caine's and Julia Winston's story. Julia is the Haven Point's librarian. Jamie is the lead pilot for Caine Tech company jet fleet, second-youngest Caine brother and number five in line. Jamie needs short-term place to stay for six weeks while his condo is being finalized. Julia, who now owns her family house after her parents passed away, ends up agreeing to rent the upstairs apartment to Jamie. Julia has been having crush on Jamie for a long time. When Jamie arrives in all of his gorgeous glory, Julia starts to think that the arrangement is a bad idea. However, before that issue is solved, Julia finds herself also being a temporary care person for two young brothers on this holiday season ...

Haven Point ... I've been with this series since the very beginning three years ago and I always LOVE return to this small town. I read the last book back in May, and I am happy to have another one not that far along.

I loved both Julia and Jamie ... I loved Julia's kind heart. She might be acting all awkward around Jamie but once Clint and Davy come into the picture, Julia is like mama bear. She might not have experience with kids, but she's willing to give it everything. I loved her background, and the fact that she tried to improve her life this holiday season. I loved that she finally found her confidence, despite initial thoughts that she was too ordinary, too plain, for Jamie Caine.

As for Jaime, well hell, he's a fine, FINE man :). I might not know much about him before since I didn't read Thayne's <i>Hope's Crossings</i> series but I loved the man that I read here. I loved his interacting with the kids (and cats!). I enjoyed the part where Jamie finally realized that he fell in love with Julia -- even if he didn't think that Julia was his type at first. And of course he had to give Julia the perfect Christmas gift *swoon*

Sure, this book enforces the "<i>introvert librarian who lives with cats stereotype</i>". Plus some things might be a little manipulative to evoke emotion, like the appearance of young Clinton and Davy. I mean if Clinton and Davy are not there, will the romance between Jamie and Julia be developed? I don't know. But I don't bloody care. Because in the end, I was touched in my heart, had tears in my eyes, and formed a huge smile on my face. That's all that matters.

PS: The rest of the Caine siblings are characters from Thayne's <i>Hope's Crossings</i> -- except Jamie and his older brother, Aidan, who starts <i>Haven Point</i> series with the book Snow Angel Cove. The siblings and their significant partners made appearance in this book, alongside the Caine patriarch and I loved being with them.

A clean sweet contemporary romance.
Jamie Caine needed temporary housing and Julia Winston needs the cash.
What could go wrong?
Each carry their own scars but the author handled each one in a very delicate way as to not make it dark and burdensome.
A heartwarming story of how two young boys and a cat brought together Julia and Jamie during the holidays.
I was hooked. Very reminiscent of a Hallmark Channel Christmas story. Memorable characters, a light storyline and a cast of characters I became quickly attached to gets you ready for the holidays.

Snuggle up and enjoy this uplifting story.

Pure fairy tale romance material. All is perfect : the story and drama, the charming hero, the fairy heroine and the Christmas mood on top of it all.

What a tender, healing, beautiful book to read for the holidays! I was captivated from the first page and couldn't stop reading. Ms. Thayne has such a gift for involving the reader from page one. I felt like I was right in that big ol' Victorian house with librarian, Julia Winston! She has been living her life for others practically her whole life. She wants to stop living a quiet life and go find some excitement but suddenly she rents her upstairs to heartbreaker, Jamie Caine, a sexy pilot, and she's in a quandary about what to do. He always seems to be around and she doesn't really like that.....at first! Jamie has some very sad experiences in his past but he glosses over them with his "devil may care" attitude and his serial dating. The one constant in his life is his family. Julia was adopted and both her parents are gone so "family" isn't really a concept she has lived with much. But, she rescues two little boys over the holidays and suddenly her world is turned upside down. Jamie is so good with them, having grown up in a large family! Slowly she learns how to navigate being a mother/guardian. She knows that the four of them can't last forever but oh is she happy! I so enjoyed the characters in this book! There was so much depth to them and the little boys stole my heart! I also loved how caring and sweet Jamie was to Julia as he helped her see what family was about. They had such a sweet romance and I definitely had tears a time or two! The ending was beautiful! I recommend this book!

I didn't expect to like this one as it started. Julia was a bit too starched for me, too much the spinster librarian in her historical Victorian House, her cool attitude, even her crush with Jamie. It was only as she started to let herself care that Julia became more relate able. I loved that Julia did the right thing with the boys, first in getting Wyn involved and later when she took them in. Sure things were bumpy at first, Jamie helping out a lot. Soon though Julia and the boys were doing great, Jamie on the fringes helping out, it was almost as the 4 of them were a family.

I liked that by caring for the boys that Julia and Jamie became closer, that each of them saw the real person and they told their secrets. Both had been hurt in the past. I felt bad for Jamie because as he spent more time with Julia his family was around, yet all of them warned them Jamie not to be the player is known to be with him. They didn't trust that he was serious.

I hated what happened at the end, I had been waiting for it to happen, hated how it hurt Julia so much, hated how it caused her to fall back on her cool personality, in pushing Jamie away, hated that Jamie let her. It was a good thing that Jamie made a very passive aggressive way to get to her, that Julia saw what Jamie left for her and realized she was at a very big cross road and took a chance to go after Jamie and get her HEA.