It's the start of a new series by author Denise Hunter! That's something to be happy about!

The first meet between Cooper and Katelyn is a doozy and enough to spark all kinds of emotional connections. Hanging off the side of a mountain in a car will do that to you. Even though Cooper is all in emotionally, he knows he can't pursue Katelyn. It's the slowest burn romance ever because nothing is happening physically or verbally for most of the book. The attraction and growing feelings of love are all internal.

Katelyn has a lot going on in her personal life. Her brother's death, a move to a new town, a new job, her search for her birth mother, a brush with death. That's a lot, right? Katelyn has such a strong desire to be a part of a family and to belong. To be wanted. It really pulled at my heartstrings.

I loved the setting of this book, the history surrounding it and how the community is such a big part of it all. It ALMOST makes me want to hike the Appalachian Trail. But not quite. haha. I'm not a hiker.

I'm looking forward to the next book!

Content: peril, kissing.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Riverbend Gap is the first book in Denise Hunter's newest series. I always love a good contemporary romance so I was excited to get to read this one before it released. Although it didn't quite live up to my hopes, I still found it enjoyable and would rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Katelyn, better known as Katie, has just moved to be closer to her new boyfriend, as well as someone else from her past. A lifetime of rejection and pain has taught her to keep everyone at arm's length and never expect things to last, but maybe she can finally have it all here in Riverbend Gap. Cooper has never gotten serious about a relationship with anyone despite the local women constantly clamouring for dates. That all changes the day he finds Katie's car--with her inside--dangling over the edge of a cliff. The two find an instant connection as he works to save her, but there's just one problem: she's recently started dating his brother.

I have to admit I struggled with this one a bit. Love triangles have never been my favourite trope in Christian fiction, especially when there is cheating involved. It can be a hard subject to write well, as I've seen from several other novels recently. However, I was impressed with the way Hunter didn't just brush aside the mistakes the main characters made and everyone was held accountable for their actions. I appreciated seeing Katie, Cooper, and even Gavin grow throughout the story. I also enjoyed the strong faith in God many of the characters portrayed.

If you enjoy contemporary romance or any of Denise Hunter's other novels, you will probably want to grab this one too.

*I received a complimentary copy of Riverbend Gap through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

Imagine meeting the woman of your dreams with chemistry zinging between you only to find out she's dating your brother. Such is the case for Cooper when he rescues Katelyn from a harrowing accident. You can tell right away which relationship has all the zest but have to wonder how it's going to get from here to there. It reminded me a bit of "While You Were Sleeping."

There isn't a lot of action or suspense but there are definitely conflicts to work through and a bit of a mystery. It's entertaining watching Katelyn and Cooper try to deal with their renegade affections when they keep getting thrown together. I liked the Robinson family dynamics and hope to learn more about Avery and Gavin in future books.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

There are plenty of obstacles in Katelyn and Cooper's way to having a relationship, the biggest being Cooper's brother and family. I loved the chemistry between them from the beginning. Everytime it was just them together it was so sweet. They really got each other. I understood their dilemma and desire to be together, but not hurt others. At times it seems impossible. There were a lot of challenges in this story, but I liked how they supported each other and the beauty of their relationship. I'm excited for this new series.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley and this is my honest review.

This may be my new favorite book by Denise Hunter. Two people who know they shouldn’t be together, who do everything possible to stay away from each other, yet end up being thrown together many different times.
Cooper never expected to fall for any woman, especially his brother’s girlfriend, but after he rescues her from dangling on a cliff in her car, he realizes she’s different from the other women he’s dated. Katie has never had a sense of belonging anywhere, especially since she was taken from her mom at a young age. When she meets her boyfriends family and they welcome her with open arms, she just may find a place to belong. The problem is she’s falling for her boyfriend’s brother. What will happen?
This book is also, not just a romantic book, it shows the love of family even if you are not biologically related.

What an emotional story this turned out to be. Set in such a great small town with everyone pretty much up in your business. They have your back but they can also be brutal in their gossip if they did you did wrong. Cooper and Katie get an up close and personal experience with that.
I just wanted to shake Gavin, Cooper's brother. He and Katie have almost nothing in common expect maybe the grief of losing someone close. I also felt like his family because they loved him were babying him. Almost making it hard for Katie to end things with him because hey, they felt he "deserved" her.
Katie was so afraid of being rejected and abandoned again so it's like she was frozen in space at times. She came to adore the Robinson family. Avery Robinson was not only her boss but a long time friend. She's the one that set Katie up with Gavin to begin with. But now she didn't know how to get out of things without damaging Gavin more. Although to me they might have kissed from time to time but they were more like brother and sister in their affections.
Someone is out to ruin Cooper's reputation and strange thing just keep happening. There are several surprises about that. But the truths do come out. So does the attraction between Cooper and Katie, in the worst possible way of course.
The story does a hard fought for happy ending which I liked.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a pretty quick read. I chose it based on the author.....& I loved the cover. I don't know if this is considered Christian Fiction or not but the Christian theme is minimal throughout the book. It was obvious from the beginning that the chemistry between Katelynn & Cooper was pretty intense. I wish she would have broken off her relationship with Gavin instead of basically cheating on him. Of course, there wouldn't have been a book then!

Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of the book for an honest review.

This book has a great storyline with wonderful characters to go with it. I would say its small town living at it’s best, or worse, depending on your point of view and the particular situation. I was drawn into the story and the characters. I feel that I felt what these folks were dealing with, the good, the bad and the ugly. I loved it! The characters go well together and the story flows. I can’t wait to hang with these good folks again. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

Katie had lost a lot in life and Riverbend Gap was a new start until she fell into a love triangle with the Robinson brothers.

As the story progressed my heart beat tippled but the author did an amazing job bringing my heart back to normal rhythm.

I loved the sense of family and belonging in this story. I loved how strong the bond between the Robinson's was. Love, forgiveness, second chances, healing were at the core of this story. The romance is to to die. Denise Hunter did not disappoint in that aspect at all.

I can't wait for book 2 in this series.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

Katelyn moved to Riverbend Gap with two objectives: to be closer to her boyfriend Gavin, and to get to know the mother who gave her up as a child due to addiction. But when an accident on the way introduces her to Cooper, things start to get awkward - because there's an instant attraction between them, and Cooper is Gavin's brother. Neither has any intention of betraying Gavin, but circumstances push them together and make fighting the attraction difficult. Will they be able to keep to their principles, or will Cooper alienate his brother and Katelyn lose the family she's always longed for? Can there be any possibility of happiness?

I really felt for Katelyn and Cooper - trying to do the right thing but having people pushing them together at every turn. In fact, there were times when I almost wondered whether Gavin wanted them together, he so often seemed to get Cooper to help him out (but clearly not). Now, I'm hoping Gavin gets his own happily ever after soon, because he deserves it. All in all, an enjoyable and heart-warming story, including an introduction to a family and town I'd like to get to know better. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What a beautiful Christian romance. I thought the storyline was really sweet and touching. A small town by the Appalachian trail head, that survives on the hikers, and visitors that go through their town. But the townspeople are what make the town hum. All of the characters were well defined and charming. With some unfortunate events that almost tear the family apart. But the forgiveness and love of a family wins out. Although a bit predictable, it was a nice afternoon getaway. Interested in the rest of the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I fell in love with this book, from the opening scene! Katie literally has a brush with death and Cooper is her knight in shining armor. Except he is not, nor can he be. He is the brother of her real-life boyfriend who has just started opening his heart to love again. Despite this, the chemistry between Katie and Cooper grows and becomes palpable. Denise Hunter has a way of writing that draws out all my emotions and leaves me both wrecked and satisfied. The storyline is pretty quick moving and kept me wrapped up until the end. This is starting out to be a phenomenal series that I highly recommend. I received a complimentary advanced copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

When Katelyn Loveland’s car veered off a winding Appalachian Mountain road, she thought she was done for. That is until Cooper Robinson, local sheriff’s deputy, came to her rescue. And though Katie narrowly escaped her brush with death, she still fell. Hard.

She wasn’t the only one. But soon Cooper learns that the woman he’s more attracted to than any he’s ever met is his brother’s new girlfriend—and therefore unquestionably off limits. Yet, despite their best efforts, Cooper and Katie can’t seem to avoid running into each other. Or ignore the undeniable chemistry between them.

As they grow closer, Katie shares secrets from her past and the real reason she moved to their small North Carolina town. She also wins over Cooper’s welcoming and bighearted family. But they don’t know that her feelings for Cooper keep growing—all while she’s dating his brother. Soon the stakes of their emotional connection become higher than either could have imagined.

Katie stands to lose the first family she’s ever had, and a scandal could doom Cooper’s campaign for sheriff. Suddenly they find themselves on the edge of another precipice—and they’re forced to make a decision that could change their lives forever.

My review: I've read quite a few book by Ms. Hunter. This was not my favorite. It seemed slow to me. The same things keep getting mentioned a lot. I can't think of any other way to put this, the book just didn't keep my attention.

Katie is put in a hard spot when she is dating Gavin but discovers Cooper is the brother she prefers. Gavin has been through a very difficult time and she doesn't want to hurt him or destroy the family. So what does she do? Cooper loves his brother and would do anything for him. But will he be able to give up the girl he's beginning to love.

I was given this book by Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

This is a contemporary Christian romance that I found quick and easy to read. It starts out in an edge of seat beginning when Katelyn Loveland swerves to miss a deer on a mountain road only to wind up close to the edge of a cliff. Deputy Cooper Robinson is riding his motorcycle and sees the skid marks and follows to where Kate is hanging precariously in her car. He is able to get help for her but the two spend some tense time together and are drawn to each other. Unfortunately what they did not realize is that they are connected by Cooper's brother Gavin. Kate is dating Gavin and a college friend and coworker with their sister. What a mess ensues as the two fight their attraction. Gavin is recovering from two losses and is coming out of depression, thanks to his relationship with Kate. This is an emotional story that is much deeper than this short description as Kate has no family to speak of and is drawn to the Robinson family. She and her brother grew up in foster care and she moved to the town to try to connect with her biological mother. Riverbend Gap is a small town with a quick and nosy grapevine that spreads gossip, sometimes mean and false, making things worse. The main characters are likable and the setting is nice, right on the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina. This is a great read for those who enjoy romance with tension and a thread of faith.
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

I was quickly page-turning this book! What a start, and the book never let me go.

Katelyn Loveland's life has not been easy, but she pulled herself up by her boot straps, and was there until the end for her brother, her only family left to her.

This fictional book is set on the Appalachian Trail, and the book and town revolves around this beautiful mountain trail. We are offered a family, that loves one another, but of course it also has it flaws.

We are kept on our toes with a run for political office, a bridge closing, a love triangle, family dynamics, and finding family. So much, and now I want more!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

A wonderful series starter from Denise Hunter! I always enjoy her books, and Riverbend Gap is no exception. I loved the people in this book. I’m especially eager to learn more about Gavin, but Avery’s story already seems like one that can’t be missed. With intensely relatable characters, swoony romance, and powerful emotion, Hunter’s Riverbend series is already shaping up to be an exciting ride. 4.5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Riverbend Gap
by Denise Hunter
Thomas Nelson
Rated: 4

Back of the Book: “She came in search of the family she’d always wanted—and found the kind of love she’d never dared imagine.
When Katelyn Loveland’s car veered off a winding Appalachian Mountain road, she thought she was done for. That is until Cooper Robinson, local sheriff’s deputy, came to her rescue. And though Katie narrowly escaped her brush with death, she still fell. Hard.
She wasn’t the only one. But soon Cooper learns that the woman he’s more attracted to than any he’s ever met is his brother’s new girlfriend—and therefore unquestionably off-limits. Yet, despite their best efforts, Cooper and Katie can’t seem to avoid running into each other. Or ignore the undeniable chemistry between them.
As they grow closer, Katie shares secrets from her past and the real reason she moved to their small North Carolina town. She also wins over Cooper’s welcoming and bighearted family. But they don’t know that her feelings for Cooper keep growing—all while she’s dating his brother. Soon the stakes of their emotional connection become higher than either could have imagined.
Katie stands to lose the first family she’s ever had, and a scandal could doom Cooper’s campaign for sheriff. Suddenly they find themselves on the edge of another precipice—and they’re forced to make a decision that could change their lives forever.”

My Thoughts: The attraction and tension in this book could have sent someone to the moon! What a sticky situation to be in though. I enjoyed reading this book mostly because I wanted to know how this situation would resolve. Although Cooper and Katelyn mention their faith in this book and pray, I was disappointed they didn’t pray, look to their Bible when they were feeling tempted.

Inspiring Thoughts: “God...It’s me who needs to let go. Help me to do that. Give me peace over this so I can truly move forward with my life.” - Taking this quote out of context here but how many times have you had this conversation with God? I’ve had it a lot. It reminds me of the Passion song, More Like Jesus. “If more of you means less of me take everything.” Really letting go of control or expectations is so hard but the peace and confidence that the Lord provides when you do are so... relieving. He (God) loves us so much. No father wants to see their child suffer, but with freedom of will, we find ourselves choosing our own way and make the life we think is best for us when in reality God has the perfect plan for us. When we submit to His will we find peace.

“’ You’re important to me, Katie, and you’re a good person. One mistake doesn’t define you.’” - Who needs to hear this again... “One mistake doesn’t define you.

“Sometimes family isn’t the situation you’re born into but the people who’ve chosen to love you along the way.”

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review shared here.

I have been a Denise Hunter fan for years, and I wanted to like this book for the beautiful setting and the deputy sheriff as the main character, but it was not one of my favorites. I’m not a big fan of the love triangle storyline, especially not the way it played out in this book. None of the characters handled the situation well, and the resolution felt a little rushed in the end. Katie especially had some reactions and responses that seemed very immature. At the same time, I enjoyed the small town setting and the insight into life on the Appalachian Trail. I will definitely give the series another chance when the next book comes out!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Denise Hunter has done it again! A wonderful story of what makes a family, facing obstacles, and true love. The author has a way of bringing the characters to life. The situations are real and believable, so the reader empathizes. It makes a strong connection with the characters and situations.

Kate and Copper meet under unusual circumstances and a bond forms instantly. When they find out the truth, how they deal with it presents a challenge. I laughed and cried along with them as they face life challenges head on with grace and dignity. A great story that I highly recommend.

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions.

Very cute and romantic! This was exactly the book I needed to read at this time! I was really invested in the story and adored the romance. It had such a happy ending and left me feeling that all was right in the world (and don't we all need that once in a while?!). This book is a christian fiction book, but I think anyone could read it and find it hard to put down.