Recently retired Army Ranger, Dakota Jones, heads to Sullivan’s Crossing to spend some time with his siblings. He is surprised with the connection that begins to grow between him and his sibs but is even more surprised by his attraction to the local bar tender…even though she’s giving him a tough time of it.

There is a lot of smiles and laughs but its tinged with the seriousness of growing up in a dysfunctional family and the effect it had on all the family members years later.

Dakota never set up a place to call home. Carr masterfully captures Dakota’s transformation from a traveling man to one who wants roots.

Carr is the queen of outstanding emotional contemporary romance storytelling. She writes sweet and fun capturing the down-home feel that makes the written words feel like your friends, family and the neighbor right next door.

I received this ARC of The Family Gathering from HARLEQUIN - MIRA. This is my honest and voluntary review. The Family Gathering is set for publication April 17, 2018.

My rating: 4 stars
Written by: Robyn Carr
Series: Sullivan's Crossing
Sequence in Series: Book 3
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: MIRA
Publication Date: April 17, 2018
ISBN-10: 0778330761
ISBN-13: 978-0778330769
Genre: Contemporary Romance

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It's always a delight to return to a family and catch up on all the news. This is book 3 in the Sullivan's Crossing series and Dakota has returned home after leaving the military. He's back in Colorado to visit with his brother and sister and realizes that he may just be ready to settle down. after he meets Sid. Can easily be read as a stand alone but fans of Robyn Carr will be happy to catch up with Cal and Sierra from the previous books in the series. Touches on adoption and other sensitive subjects but doesn't get maudlin. I received this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Robyn Carr's Sullivan's Crossing series continues with this latest installment, and the main characters are Dakota Jones and Sid (Sidney) Shandon, although there are plenty of returning characters from the first two books. While Dakota and Sid's story is featured, there are several concurrent romances playing out, along with numerous issues including mental health and stalking. The concept of family and friends supporting each other is always present, and I look forward to the next entry in the series.

Fans of Robyn Carr and feel-good endings will love this latest installment in the Sullivan's Crossing series. 4.5 stars!
The Family Gathering is book three in the Sullivan’s Crossing series. The Jones siblings are all brought together for their sister Sierra’s wedding. They shared an unusual upbringing by free-spirit parents (some would call them hippies) and have all managed to become high-achieving adults but not without their own issues. The primary focus of this novel is Dakota, fresh out of the army and looking for some time to clear his head and decide what he wants to do. Someone who will figure into his plans is Sidney. She’s had her own difficulties and has worked through a lot of them – so she can relate on a few levels with Dakota. I loved seeing how all the siblings from the previous books were doing and how they figured into Dakota’s story. Along with the family dynamics the novel addresses mental illness and how it affects a family. I also liked seeing some minor characters whose story began in the first book and continued through the next two. Robyn Carr’s books have a great sense of community and family and always leave me with a content feeling – and looking forward to the next book. Recommended to fans of the author and contemporary romance with a small town setting.

Great interaction of characters. I love multilayer stories, especially when it involves a family.

This latest from the talented Robin Carr takes us back to Sullivan’s crossing and all of the characters we have enjoyed in previous books. Dakota Jones was always the mysterious brother, in the military, taking himself as far away from his hippie parents and his siblings who,have found a new life for themselves in this rural Colorado small town community. He is happy to reconnect with Cal and Sierra but is surprised to find himself drawn to Sidney, a local bartender who works for her widowed brother and helps him with his teenage sons. Like everything there is more to the story, including the reasons behind Sidney’s secretiveness about her failed marriage and the details of Dakota’s own personal losses. Probably the absolute best part of this book is the realistic and honest way that the author weaves in themes of psychiatric illness and the ways family members cope with this. The message is one of hope, optimism, and the power of treatment in helping people handle their mental health challenges. And of course, we get to watch all the side stories evolve with falling in love, starting a family, and dealing with career issues. I’ve read every book written by this author, some more than once, and this latest book, while some might find predictable, is extremely emotionally satisfying. It was like curling up in a comfortable blanket by a warm fire. Highly recommended and while it can be considered stand alone, is probably better appreciated with the other books in the series.

This book was just ok for me. It was great reconnecting with previous characters such as Sully and Cal. There was something about Dakota that I could not warm up to. I am looking forward to future installments in this series.

Although this is Book #3 of the Sullivan's Crossing series, it can be read as a stand-alone. Reading the first two books in the series is a plus, however, because it gives you more insight into the lives of the fabulous characters in this series. The Family Gathering highlights the inclusion of Dakota into the family circle in Timberlake, Colorado and although the story mainly revolves around the developing romance between Dakota and Sid, we are brought up to date on what is happening in the lives of the other characters in this series, including Sedona.

Dakota, after leaving the military, is somewhat lost in what he wants out of life. He had not stayed in close touch with his family over the past several years, but seeing them and how their lives had grown in Sullivan's Crossing warmed his heart and made him realize how important family can be. His attraction to Sid, the one single female in town who is not throwing herself at him, flourishes. It's a sweet romance that turns intense. I love these two together!

Not to give away any spoilers here, but a situation arises with Sierra and Connie that brought tears to my eyes. And we see more of the sweet romance between Tom and Lola and how that turns out. Oh! The excitement and suspense of a female stalker who develops a crazy attachment to Dakota kept me on the edge of my seat.

Robyn Carr creates multi-dimensional characters who warm your heart and make you feel like you are part of the story. This book definitely did not disappoint me. Great series from an author I have grown to love!

A heartwarming story about family.

Up until now, Dakota has always been on the move from one adventure to the next. Not knowing what to do, he moves to Sullivan's Crossing to be closer to his family for once and to take a moment to plan his next move.
Unexpectedly, he runs into some complications both good and bad.

This story has a large number of characters all dealing with a variety of
issues- divorce, mental illness, relationship difficulties etc. Overall, I felt kinda felt unattached to the characters perhaps because there were so many storylines happening. I wanted to love the main characters but it just wasn't there for me. That said- there was a definite presence of sweet and encouraging moments.

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ebook in exchange for my unbiased review!

Robyn Carr is a wonderful storyteller weaving characters and dialogue together to make another great addition to the Sullivan’s Crossing series. Dakota has left the Army and come back to where his family is to find that many things have changed. He has to figure out where he fits in his somewhat dysfunctional family and what comes next. Dakota finds Sid, a woman he can see himself growing old with if he can convince her of that fact.

Robyn Carr is a national treasure and THE FAMILY GATHERING is a perfect example of the magic between the covers of any of her books.

We finally get to meet the elusive Dakota Jones – sibling to Sierra, Sedona and Cal and just as wonderful. In THE FAMILY GATHERING we are once again back with Sully and Maggie who we’ve met before in this Sullivan’s Crossing series by Robyn Car. If you’re looking to smile and be entertained then look no more. THE FAMILY GATHERING is an amazing series written by an author who easily dredges up smiles and warmth with her flawed wonderful characters. I’ve never met a Robyn Car character that I didn’t love.

My smile began as soon as Sully’s name was mentioned at the beginning of THE FAMILY GATHERING. I realized in a flash that I was so happy to be reunited with these people.

Dakota has been roaming all these years. He needed space from his rather odd parents but he did try to keep up communications with his siblings. Dakota knows family is important but looked for community in other ways. In the army he found a new kind of family but discovered taking orders that put this family in harm’s way wasn’t something he could live with. So let’s just say Dakota parted ways with the military.

He winds up in Sullivan’s Crossing and is immediately welcomed, drawn in and included in his family – old and new. And surprising himself Dakota sees less of an urgency to continue roaming. He’s going to try some slow less aggressive life for a change. And Sidney – Sid – has caught Dakota’s eye.

Sid doesn’t want any of Dakota’s attention or attentiveness. She is still in cocoon mode after a disastrous divorce. But as Dakota points out – there are no happy songs about divorce. That’s Dakota. That’s what makes Sid laugh and smile. But Sid is still very fragile.

So Dakota is going to have to be really careful about how he handles his attraction to Sid. Careful maneuvers are in order. Lucky for us all Dakota is as smart as he is good looking.

Best line in book that absolutely made me laugh out loud was during a conversation between Dakota and Sid where he is treading slowly in his attempt to get – gun shy – Sid to do on a date. Date being a really dirty word for Sid. As Dakota bites into a yummy burger he says “Your brother likes me.” I just cracked up but I guess you had to be there. Well you can THE FAMILY GATHERING will soon be on the shelves. Do not miss it or any other books in this amazing series. Enjoy.

A literary classic this is not, but it is a heartwarming enjoyable read with a villainess who is easy to hate and a hero who is easy to love. As we watch Dakota come to town and discover the stability and love his siblings have found there we realize that much of the happiness we find in life is found because we choose to find it and live it, warts and all.



I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley. Grade: B. to be published 4/15/18

We’re back at Sullivan’s Crossing in Timberlake, Colorado, this time focused on Dakota Jones. He’s the elusive brother of Cal and Sierra who left home as soon as he became of age and has never returned. He’s an Army Ranger recently discharged from the service and comes to visit his siblings, not certain (as usual) how long he’ll stay. But, a surprising thing happens to him this time. He begins bonding with his extended family and others in the community, a first for him. And, he’s becoming drawn to the attractive bartender at the bar and grill, though she’s keeping him at arm’s length.

I really enjoyed this story as it’s not only about Dakota but, typical of a Carr novel, has several other storylines in motion. All of the Jones siblings were profoundly impacted by their parents’ dysfunction, manifesting itself differently in each of them. Dakota has avoided establishing roots and meaningful relationships with his brother and sisters. It was interesting to follow his transformation as he immersed himself in their extended lives (babies, spouses, their spouses’ families), giving him an alternate image of family, so diametrically opposite of his childhood experiences. Even more intriguing was his developing relationship with Sidney (Sid) who had her own baggage and made him work hard for her attention.

The story tackles mental illness with meaningful insight and doesn’t pretty up the outcomes when sister Sedona makes her appearance. It was sometimes frightening but always enlightening. I learned a lot about what schizophrenia is and isn’t and how other disorders (anxiety, depression, OCD) can develop and create behaviors that look normal but can be anything but.

There’s other drama that just makes this a layered and richer story. I love the community and family that’s been created by the Joneses despite their tragic upbringing. There’s a strong message here about resilience and not falling victim to your circumstances. I love this series and certainly found this story appealing on so many levels.

I was sent this book through Netgalley. My ratings and reviews will be my own personal opinions and are in no way influenced by publishers or authors who may have sent me books to review.

I was lucky enough to review some previous works by Robyn Carr and I loved them. When I saw she had a new book coming out, I knew I wanted to read it. I was even more excited when I got to review an ARC copy. There is just something special about her writing and the stories she develops. I just love her work. The Family Gathering was no exception.

My only critique around this one is that I wanted more! It was really good and I just did not want it to end. I actually have not read the previous books in the series, so I will be going back and starting from the beginning.

Overall, another amazing read and I cannot wait for more.

This isn't my first Robyn Carr book, however, it was the first one I have read in the Sullivan's Crossing series.  While this is technically book three, it was very much a standalone book.  I didn't feel a disconnect with the characters or feel confused at all. In fact,it was rather the opposite.  It was a very busy time for me and I used this book as a perfect escape.

You couldn't help but root for Dakota and want him to create roots with his family.  In this world family is everything and you crave that happy ending for the Jones family in this book.

Thank you to Little Bird Publicity for sending me a copy for my review.  I look forward to purchasing the rest of the books in the Sullivan's Crossing series and to read more about the Jones Family!

The Family Gathering by Robyn Carr is a heartfelt story. It has themes about family, community, and relationships. I loved how the characters were all like one big family. The family members of the main characters were interesting as well. They added more zest to the plot.

A good looking man returns back home. All the women want him except for one. While we have heard this same plot line so many times, it's the emotional journey and risks these characters take to follow their hearts. That is what makes it so different. Everything from their personalities to yer actions give the plot a different tune. I enjoyed watching them grow and grow together as a community. The sense of belonging was strong. The struggles and fears made all of these characters stand out to me. The Family Gathering contains some romance and a whole lot of action to keep readers, like myself engaged. Overall, I recommend it to everyone.

I felt like the romance between Dakota and Sid had a slow burn, but it really worked for them both. Sid's past made her super gun shy, while Dakota is figuring out what to do with this life and hiding quite a bit.

I did think it was funny how once he came to town Dakota was hit on by several women, one of whom was clearly crazy! I loved the plan that dealt with her, thought it was perfect!

I liked that with this book we got to see all of the Jones siblings and how they managed to make it and be successful as adults despite their upbringing. Sure there were stumbles along the way, still stumbles now, but the siblings stick together to be stronger.

The other couple of story lines had me smiling. I love seeing Tom and Lola progress, like seeing how their kids learn things about their parents and how those parents deal. I also really love the new direction that Sierra and Connie's life is heading. I was a little worried for a bit and really didn't want their (or my) heart to be broke.

The Family Gathering by Robyn Carr is the third book in the small-town contemporary romance series, Sullivan's Crossing. Dakota Jones has left the military and comes to spend time near his siblings. Family weddings, crisis, and unconditional love find their way into this delightful, heartfelt tale. Carr brings the romance, characters and small town to life.

When I read a Sullivan’s Crossing story from Robyn Carr, it feels like sinking in the most comfortable sofa. It wraps around me and pulls me into the unfolding story. This is the third book in her newest series. In this story we meet Cal and Sierra’s brother, Dakota Jones. Dakota has just been discharged from the military and is rudderless in life. He decides to briefly visit his brother and sister in Colorado, but the pull of the small town life is overwhelming for him. Dakota soon meets bartender/computer physicist Sidney. As the two get to know each other, we find out more about Dakota and his family. With all of Carr’s writing, there is a little angst thrown into the storyline. Dakota’s life is complicated with a string of mysterious vandalism. Enlisting the help of the local police department, Dakota soon finds that his vandal is a jealous woman. Can this woman come between Dakota and Sid’s developing relationship? Read The Family Gathering to find out!

I would not call this book a stand-alone read. It is filled with ongoing stories of the other people living in Sullivan’s Crossing making it an enjoyable read for those of us that have followed the series, but a confusing one for a newbie. If you are interested in a great happily ever after romance, this book is for you!

Continuing with the Jones Family at Sullivan’s Crossing. Dakota has come to town to be near his brother and sister while he figures out what to do after getting out of the army.