Crossing Promises is the third book in the Cross Creek Series by Kimberly Kincaid. It's about three brothers who takes the concept of family to heart. In this third book readers finally get to Owen's story, the eldest of the brothers, the more serious one and the one very much invested in their farming business. He finds it a little bit concerning that both his brothers are finally paired up and have found their niche while he seems to be adrift when it comes to his own love life. Cate has been trying to move on from a tragedy that has defined her for the last three years. She loves baking but it seems its more of a crutch than a longheld dream lately. Working two jobs also isn't enough to stave off impending foreclosure so when Owen needs a bookkeeper for his farm, she takes up the challenge, never knowing that the books isn't the only thing she would be contending with. Fans of the series will probably remember Owen as being uptight and no fun at all. In fact, previous books in the series would be hard pressed to find anything nice about him but Crossing Promises sheds light on Owen's character, his love for his family and his devotion to the Cross Creek Farm. Cate is actually a little bit of a surprise, since her character development is a piece by piece reveal. We get the persona she presents to the world and the one she hides away. Their chemistry is undeniable, they both bring a little fun to each other's lives but when things become serious that's when trouble starts.

I do love the Cross Creek series, and to finally find out how Owen ticks is quite the revelation plus to partner him with Cate is basically asking for a redirection of life and finding out what truly matters. I did find the resolution of the conflict between Owen and Cate quite abrupt even if it did make sense, for me it was to quick to happen the way it did. Still Crossing Promises was a wonderful read full of sizzle, fun and thought provoking situations.

Crossing Promises is the third book in the Cross Creek series. When Cross Creek needs more help in the office, Owen hires Cate to help with the bookkeeping. They are the perfect match in the office, and maybe in their personal lives as well. This book was really good. I definitely recommend it.

was very excited to read Owen’s story, as the taciturn oldest Cross brother intrigued me in the first books. I was looking forward to a strong, sassy heroine who would pull him off the farm and out of his shell. What I got instead was Cate.
Cate did nothing for me, unfortunately. I thought she and Owen made better friends/coworkers than they did lovers. I appreciate that she’s trying to pick up the pieces of her life, but I was really ambivalent about her issues...which sounds really horrible when I write it out! I should feel sorry for her, embrace her quirks and rejoice that she found this wonderful, if a bit awkward guy.
So, I started to buy into their romance, was glad to see Owen falling in love. And then comes the roadblock to their HEA. And my dislike for Cate was solidified. It was her way or no way, and I didn’t believe Owen’s extremely fast capitulation. The ending wasn’t the issue. It just was not believable to me, after getting to know Owen through the series.
My 3 stars are because I love Kincaid and her writing style, plus I really did love Owen. But this book was not a HEA for me.

Gah! I have no words. Well, not NO words, but I can’t think of a phrase to convey precisely how much I loved Owen and Cate’s story! As i always find to be the case, Kimberly Kincaid delivers a story that sucks you in and steals your heart. I’ve been looking forward to Owen’s story since Hunter’s story: Crossing Hearts, and Kimberly does not disappoint!
I highly recommend and look forward to whatever she has in store for us next.

In Crossing Promises by Kimberly Kincaid, there is the older brother who life is completely tied up with the farm along with a widow who has seen life’s disappointments up close. These are genuine authentic characters that could live in my small farming community. Though I am not sure that any would be described as “Gruff and gorgeous”; gruff maybe but gorgeous, well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder after all.

It is an enjoyable romance, with two characters working together to save the family farm. The emphasis on family has been strong in this series which is true for the community in which I live. Owen carries the weight on his shoulders well. Cate has a past that is holding her back. Often in real relationships which this story mirrors, one of the two is more giving than the other. In this case, I thought it was Owen since Cate could be prickly. Not that Owen couldn’t have his moments. All of this leads to showing that this is a character driven story with their romance and family commitments strong in it too.

5 CROSSING PROMISES STARS!! Another fantastic book in the Cross Creek Series. This story has all the feels and will hit all your emotion buttons. I loved seeing Owen and Cate's story be told, it kept me flipping pages quickly. Kimberly Kincaid puts her heart and soul into her characters and you find yourself living them. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Oldest brother, Owen Cross meets his match with Cate, the p/t waitress dealing with massive debt left by her controlling husband. Owen is your typical over-protective, domineering, oldest sibling, but he also the most grumpy of the brothers. Cate can match Owen almost word for word with his sarcasm and one-liners, but she slowly works her way into the Cross Creek family and the farm.

I believe Cate was a perfect match for grumpy Owen, and while the story ends with a (nice) surprise, it takes you thru ALL the emotions. Daisy, who we have all seen since the first installment, finally gets a romantic interest and it was nice to see and leaves you wanting the update on her romance.

The story also provided more interaction from Marley, the outside child with major attitude. In this installment, Marley finally interacts with her brothers and their women, sparked by her love of baking which connects her to Cate.. By the end of the book, you can't wait to read Marley's complete story.

If you have read the previous two Cross Creek books, you have probably been waiting for Kimberly to share Owen's story. And here it is! I was glad to finally read Owen's story and to get a glimpse into this sexy surly man's mind,

Owen is the oldest and the "broodiest" of the three brothers and his life is all about the farm. He takes on what others cannot and choose not to do but he feels that is what he is supposed to do. After all his mother told him that "farm and family" were the most important things in life.

Cate is a young widow who has had to bear the whispers and the glances of the town for the last three years. She is tired of feeling like the poor widow and she wants to be free from that label. She takes on the job of managing the books for the farm and as such, begins to spend time on a daily basis with the surly and cross Cross brother, Owen.

Their interactions were very formal at first, but as time moves on, they begin to feel the attraction that is just simmering below the surface. Cate struggles with her feelings as she wants to feel sexy and attractive but the guilt she feels in regards to her husband and daughters deaths overshadow her wants. Owen is so focused on what the farm needs that he almost misses what is right in front of him.

The climax caught me off guard but the resolution was satisfying to me. I enjoyed this book and recommend the entire series.

This was another great read by Ms. KInkaid. I feel like we really needed to know more about Owen to lije him! Delving into how what makes him tick definitely made him for likeable. At least you got more of an understanding on hiw ge thinks. Cate was a perfect match for him and they were great together. They were 2 characters you needed to learn to love by tge end you're fully in love with them and especially together! I also enjoyed getting to know Marley a little better and learn more about her. In hoping she will get a book too. Lits if surprises and the story kept you turning tge pages. Cate and Owen were hot tohether and they qay they fell for each other was perfect! If you loved the first 2 in this series you will love this one as well! Enjoy!.

I enjoyed this start to finish. Owen has always been about family and farm but not so much on the bookkeeping. When Cate overhears that he needs help, she offers a name-hers. Cate’s husband left her with more debt than she though so a full time job was needed. Cate had wanted to do more but her husband didn’t think she could. With the help of Owen and the other Cross men, Cate is able to come out of her shell and do what she loves. In return, she helps Owen come out of his shell and realize there is more to family and farm than he thinks. The story and characters were all well written and likeable. I’m looking forward to the next book, Marley has a story I want to know more about.

Owen Cross is the stoic Cross brother, the ever-working Cross brother, the humorless Cross brother. Through 2 books, we have seen Owen scowl and labor across the pages, turning Cross Creek Farm into a booming success. The more the farm grew, the more tired and cranky Owen got. I impatiently awaited for his story to be told…..

And told it was! Owen was not the likeable brother in the prior books, but he intrigued me. Now that I was able to walk in his shoes, glimpse the thoughts in his mind and feel the ache in his soul, I cannot help but think he is “the” Cross brother. Owen Cross was bound to the land and to family, with both wrapped up in the legacy he desired to create. The burdens he chose to bear (some of his own making) and his complex character, shaped the tenor of this book. His late mother’s words, "Family and Farm, Owen. Never forget how important they both are. Never forget..." is his mantra.

Equally burdened was Cate McAllister, the young widow who caught his eye. Cate was equally complex - one minute confident and sassy, next uncertain and fearful, with only her frantic baking to calm her. What I found amazing in this book was that the story seemed to be setting its own way, flowing the way it meant to flow, especially regarding Cate’s loss of her husband and daughter. After three years, Cate felt the pitying looks from others as she felt the grief, anger and guilt inside. At times I wasn’t sure what was up with Cate - was she still grieving? Has she moved on emotionally? Why did I feel an edge of coldness from her, even as she was heating things up with Owen?

The interaction between all the characters was seamless and realistic, the writing as always impeccable from this author. But this book had a twist awaiting me towards the end that threw me for a loop that I was not prepared to deal with. I was so convinced that this story was about two individuals that had a strong need for family and nurturing. Owen mothered his heirloom tomatoes, while Cate turned to nurturing the mix of butter flour and eggs as a substitute for the the loss of her family. But at the end I felt like I had that wrong. While my fascination with Owen developed into a real “like”for him, my initial “really like” of Cate had cooled to a “hmmmm - who is this character.” By the end of the book, I “got” who Owen Cross was and why his story could only be told this way. I am still not sure I “got” who Cate was, but I have been thinking about it alot. How often does a book stay with you for a week, pondering over the plot twist and debating with yourself about it? I was troubled by it, confused by it, but ultimately I realized this was the way Cate’s story was meant to be.

I love the Cross Creek series and Ms.Kincaid’s writing - her books are always fabulous reads! This one was a five-star read up to the plot twist - do I take away a star for that? Shave off a point? After all, as the reader, I am not sure Cate is a deserving partner for Owen But an author knows her characters, and Ms. Kincaid has certainly mastered conveying her characters wishes on the pages. Owen and Cate wanted their story to be told this way and their definition of “family” to resonate with the readers. I may not be 100% percent sold on Cate, but this is the story is meant for Owen and Cate. When I think about it, this is the perfect end - or rather beginning, for these two.

Crossing Promises is the third book in the Cross Creek series revolving around 3 very different brothers and their father who operate a family owned farm. Owen is the oldest brother who feels the burden of the family legacy.

Cate McAllister is trying to put her life back together after the death of her husband and child 3 years ago. He left her with massive debts, massive guilt and very low self-esteem. She is working diligently to pay off those debts. When her stress becomes overwhelming, she copes by baking, which she does very well. Owen is dedicated to running the family farm and is very hands on, except for the office work. Cate offers to help with the bookkeeping and he jumps at her offer. Once they are working closely together, they discover a mutual attraction that is off the charts. Owen soon discovers he wants more than just working on the farm, he wants Cate. Cate is also attracted to Owen, but is not looking for anything permanent. Owen is so very patient with Cate and her personal issues. He encourages her to do more with her baking skills and helps her open up and see that she is worth so much more. They encourage each other to be more and support each other to be more. I love how Owen and Cate danced around each other before accepting that they belong to each other. They do have some hurdles to jump, but ultimately they reach their happily ever after.

This was the perfect addition to this series. We do get see Marley and the brothers interaction as a family. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading them all to get the full effect of the family bond. Ms. Kincaid is an aut0-buy for me. She also writes romantic suspense books as well. I highly recommend this book.

Oh my goodness! This one was packed full of feels, had me shedding tears from the beginning, then laughing out loud, then more tears and smiling all the way through. To see Owen come out of his tough shell and find someone worthy of him made my heart soar. His whole life has been the farm, family and farm was instilled in him from an early age and he has kept that close and when Cate hears him talking about needing someone to help with the books she steps out of her comfort zone to hire on. There were sparks between them early on and when you add on baked goods and sarcasm what could be better. Did you really think I was going to tell you about this book? No way! This one you have to read! It can be read as a standalone and you will not be lost even though the whole family is brought back together but really this entire series is great.

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

Losing her husband and daughter was hard for Cate McAllister, but she's done her best to move on from their deaths. However, drowning in debt, Cate needs a job that will give her the chance to get out from underneath it, and what a better way to do that than to be Cross Creek's newest hire. Determined to get the books in order, so Owen Cross and the others of his family can find what they need with a minimum of fuss, she works hard. Yet, at the same time, she finds it hard to stay away from Owen. Will she get a second chance at forever after, or will she walk away because family means everything to him and it's impossible for her to give him what he wants?

What a wonderful and very engaging read Ms. Kincaid has delivered in this third book of her Cross Creek Series, which was filled with plenty of emotion; and had great characters in the hero and heroine as well as the secondary characters, especially Marley (who I hope gets her own story); compelling dialogue that had me liking the back stories of these two and their growing relationship; and a fast-paced storyline where Owen and Cate have some tough obstacles to overcome to be together including whether Owen can deal with Cate's confession.

Both the main characters kept me entertained from start to finish and I loved this couple together, as Cate is sassy, smart and I liked how determined Owen was to help her accomplish her dream in one way or another. I also liked how she finally healed from her heartbreaking past, even if I thought she did make a selfish decision to cut herself off from ever having the chance at another family. Yet, in saying that, I could understand her decision for doing it all the same. While the hero, he's hard-working, will do anything for family and I loved how determined he was to win the heroine over, even if it means letting things progress at their own pace instead of rushing into anything. I also liked the tight bond he shared with his brothers and how Eli and Hunter aren't afraid to tease Owen when it comes to his lack of a love life or when he finally gets a love life.

Overall, Ms. Kincaid has delivered another fantastic read for this series where the chemistry between this couple was intense; the romance full of exquisite heart and passion; and the ending had me sympathizing with the hero because of Cate's confession, but had me loving that Owen would do anything to be with the heroine. I would recommend Crossing Promises by Kimberly Kincaid, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope, the friends to lovers trope, or books by authors Erin Nicholas, Avery Flynn, Robin Covington and Samantha Chase.

Since meeting him in the first book of the Cross Creek series, I've been anxiously waiting for Owen's story. Happily it's here and I have to say the wait was well worth it.

Owen Cross, the oldest of the Cross brothers, has always known what his life path would be. Family and farm are what he holds dear and all he needs to be happy. The Cate McAllister enters his life and the joy he feels being with makes everything feel just right. Cate has suffered loss in her life though and giving her heart is hard for her to do. Will this hold her back from the loving future she could have with Owen or will she be willing to grab on and hold on tight?

I've loved all the books in this series and this is a perfect addition. These characters are fantastic and their story will win your heart. Put this on the must read list. I highly recommend it.

Do you agree with every choice your family or friends make? Of course not. Does it make you think? Of course. That's the basis of this story. Owen is the oldest & is working to reimagine the farm & make it the success his mother dreamed of before she died.

"Family and Farm, Owen. Never forget how important they both are. Never forget..."

The work is hard & never ending but he loves it. He's taking the farm in new ways but he has one large hang up - paperwork. None of them like to do it but aren't sure what to do about it.

Enter Cate McAllister. Cate is in debt up to her eyeballs through no fault of her own. The marriage everyone thought was perfect was a sham. After her husband & daughter were killed, Cate found out how deep of a hole her husband had put them in. Now, 2 years later, the town still looks upon her as "poor Cate" but they have no idea how poor she is. After she had a conversation with Owen at the dinner, she convinced him to hire her to be his bookkeeper.

Kimberly Kincaid has written a story with two exceptionally strong characters that know what they want in life & pursue it. The chemistry between Cate & Owen is intense & all consuming. The sex is hot & uncompromising. The supporting characters are all well defined from the heart of gold busybody Clementine to the snarky sarcastic half sister of Owen's, Marley. The plot allows the reader to learn everything Owen & Cate hold dear at a decent speed except one secret. This book is not for the person who dislikes sex in the open (definitely not behind closed doors!) or dirty language. However, I personally really enjoyed it. I hope Marley gets her own book. There's a story there begging to be told!

I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Crossing Promises by Kimberly Kincaid, the third book in her Cross Creek series and I really struggled to put it down. I’m not sure how she did it, but this book is even better than the last two, which I didn’t think was possible.

Owen Cross, the eldest brother, is quiet, brooding, socially awkward, and lonely. His brothers have found their soul mates and he wondered if he would ever find someone. Owen lived by the mantra of “Farm and Family” that his mother would always tell him prior to her death. Cate McAllister agreed to manage the bookkeeping tasks that Owen neglected, not having enough hours in the day to get to them. After losing her husband in a car accident and Cate learned how much debt he had gotten them into which is why she needs this job at Cross Creek. She knows her gorgeous but grumpy boss is a family man but Cate is not interested in getting involved with anyone where there are strings attached. However, as Owen and Cate work together they discover so much more about each other and that passion can found in unexpected places.

I loved how encouraging Owen was to Cate exploring her dream of opening a bakery. I admired the strength Cate had to move on after losing her family and her willingness to explore a relationship with Owen, even though she was not looking for one.

I really enjoyed reading this book as Ms. Kincaid drew me in and did not let me go until I reluctantly read the last page. Ms. Kincaid kept this reader mesmerized with wanting to see how things would work out between Owen and Cate. I highly recommend this book to other readers and I for one look forward to the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

I've loved this series so far and despite not being as fangirly over Cate as I usually am about my heroines, I enjoyed this for book for the most part. Until the end.

<spoiler>Even if I could accept Cate keeping the fact she didn't want children from Owen despite the fact that she could clearly see that family means everything to him, what I absolutely cannot accept is Owen coming to terms and accepting a childless future so quickly within a few pages at the end in order to wrap their HEA in a big fat bow. Even if someone can change their minds about wanting kids, I just do not see it happening organically that quickly.</spoiler>

Crossing Promises by Kimberly Kincaid
Cross Creek #3

Three brothers raised on Cross Creek Farm do their best to continue the family legacy. Not having read the first two books I did catch on to the fact that Eli met Scarlett and the two took off to work together as journalists but will return to work the farm in the future AND that Hunter and Emerson had a book telling their love story and will marry before the end of this book.

This is the story of Owen, the eldest brother. He is committed to the farm, runs it in most ways and has a vision for the farm that he is working hard to implement. His brother Hunter and he work hard with their father to get everything done even when the list of things to do is endless. Owen, with two brothers in committed relationships, begins to feel a bit jealous BUT doesn’t want to settle for just anyone so…he waits.

Cate McAllister was widowed three years before the story begins. She is holding down two part time jobs and when restless she bakes. The more troubled she becomes the more difficult the recipe is that she tackles. Baking is her release and acts to calm and settle her soul as it also inspires her. She has always dreamed of owning her own bakery but life happened and it never has come to pass. With her finances and life in turmoil after the loss of her husband and daughter she is working hard and on the lookout for a third job when she overhears Owen talking to a friend about needing a book keeper. And, she finds herself offering to tackle the job.

Owen is taciturn, curmudgeonly and has a tongue that seems to twist in ways that makes what he wants to say come out a bit harsh. Cate is all for honesty although I have to say that her omission of something big kind of left me questioning her honesty a bit. The two work together well, find they play together well and manage to enhance one another’s lives. That said…there is a could-be deal breaker once Cate tells Owen something she has not shared earlier in their growing relationship…in spite of how well they communicate and get along together previously. I have known some people who have felt like Cate and made the choice she did in this book but I was a bit surprised at how easily Owen fell in line with Cate’s wishes.

This is a story of family and just what family is and is not and suggests the idea that not all families are a husband, wife and 2.5 children. It is also about supporting rather than pulling down, communication, honesty, changing family dynamics, determining what is truly important…and so much more.

Thank you to the author who bequeathed me a copy of this book through NetGalley – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
Cate was left w/ a ton of debts after her husband's death.
She really needed the job at the "Cross Creek" farm.
Owen only hired Cate because he was falling behind on the papework.
Although, it was really a good decision.
I loved the storytelling + the characters
The storytelling + the character's build were awesome!