I really enjoyed this book. Carolyn Brown excels at writing heartwarming stories about family and friendship. The dialogue did seem to be a little too staccato at first, but it evened out after a chapter or two.

Four best friends who were cheerleaders in high school reunite in their home town after 20 years. Jessica had spent that time in the military, and is in Riverbend for her uncle's funeral. She inherited a church from him that had been shut up for a long time and now has to decide what to do with the property.

Her three high school friends are also going through some tough times. Risa is divorcing her husband, and is back in town with her twin daughters. She is staying with her extremely religious mother, who is making her life a misery. Mary Nell had wasted years supporting her husband in his failing singing career. He had just started having some success, and kicked Mary Nell to the curb. Haley had just discovered a shocking family secret - and that was followed by another surprise. The best part of this book was in seeing these people form their family of choice.

Wade Grainger also went to their high school and is in town visiting. Wade wants to buy the church but ends up going into financial partnership with Jessica. They create a plan to make the old church a bar and grill with pool tables, a mechanical bull, and live music. Each of the five friends has a talent to contribute to the business - cooking, accounting, financing, etc.

The villain of the story is Risa's mother, who objects to using a church building as a bar and goes to great lengths to cause trouble.

I want to thank the publisher Montlake and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. It was my pleasure to read and review this book.

This is a feel good story that reminds you that it takes a village to make a home. Jessica has inherited an old church from her uncle and she, along with her friends from high school, decide to turn it into a bar (go with it). Jessica, Risa, Haley and Mary Nell have all had a tough time in recent years, as has Wade, who helps them but their friendship has endured. There are a few spiky people in Riverbend Texas but for the most part, the community supports the women (and Rise's girls). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, Brown's many fans will be happy with this one.

Religion is a very central theme in this book and while that may not be to everyone’s taste, it didn’t put me off. I loved the idea of old friends getting together to collectively have a fresh start and supporting each other through difficult times. There is definitely a message here about friends being the family we chose for ourselves and how we are stronger together. The bits about Danny really made me tear up, but I also laughed at the twins’ antics. For me this is an emotional but feel good book that is a perfect Summer read.

Jessica, Risa, Mary Nell and Haley. Four women who were cheerleaders together in high school and still remain the best of friends even though after high school they went their separate ways. Twenty years later they reunite back home in Riverbend, Texas. Jessica has put in her twenty years in the army and needs to figure out what to do now. Risa and her twin daughters Daisy and Lily have been kicked out of their Kentucky home by Risa's husband prior to him divorcing her so it was back to Riverbend for them. Mary Nell worked three jobs in Nashville to support her significant other where he was sure he become a star. When he thought he finally had a contract he kicked Mary Nell out so she went home to Riverbend. Haley is a counselor at a school in Alabama and home in Riverbend for the summer.

These four fast friends who kept in touch with each other for all those twenty years sure are a messed up bunch. Now Jess has inherited a falling down former church after the death of her uncle and the ladies and Wade Granger chat outside the old church one evening and they end up agreeing to turn the building into a bar. Whoa Nellie! That doesn't go over well with some of the Riverbend population, especially Risa's holier-than-thou mother. Too bad!

I love Carolyn Brown's stories. She always manages to write characters I'd love to know and become their friend. Her stories, and especially this one, are emotionally satisfying reads that in the end make your heart happy. I'm ready to head out to Danny's Place for the great food and drinks served there.

𝘙𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯 follows four friends, Jessica, Risa, Mary Nell and Haley who all get together in their hometown of Texas along with Wade, their senior, and with the power and support of love and family on their side, unpack years worth of baggage.

- ~ -

No offence, but with all the sexism despite the emphasis on culture and values reading this felt like a fever dream.

I was not planning on saying this but the book just isn't my type. Yes, it's got all the themes I usually like (found family, reunions and moving on after setbacks, etc.). But sadly, the execution of those topics wasn't it for me and there were too many discussions on religion, church and the likes for me to enjoy the story.

On another note, Lily and Daisy were sweet kids but they talked a lot like half the dialogues were probably theirs. And the tales of the place they were raised in were appalling.
Also, since the majority of the plot centred on religion and related topics, there was barely any romance which inturn left me unsatisfied.

- ~ -

Overall: I don't want to discourage anyone from giving the book a fair chance but personally, I don't see myself ever reading anything by the author again in the future.

1.89 / 5✩

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 & 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

4 stars

One Liner: Heartwarming story about friendships and second chances

• Jessica- army vet; restless and tensed
• Risa- mom of twin teen girls (in the middle of a divorce)
• Mary Nell- kicked out by a loser boyfriend
• Haley- dealing with a family secret and unexpected change
• Wade- army vet; struggling to come to terms with his brother’s death
Jessica, Risa, Mary Nell, and Haley are cheerleaders and buddies from school. Wade was their senior, but it’s these four that share a deep bond with each other. They are back home in Texas after twenty years and find their lives at crossroads.
Jessica inherits an old church (that hasn’t been in use for years) and has no idea what to do with it. A chance meeting with her friends and Wade gives her a new project and a reason to put down her roots. They decide to turn the unused church into a grill and bar.
Of course, it’s not an easy job. Apart from the physical work involved, the friends have to deal with their personal lives and the opposition from the religious folk in the town. It’s up to them to stand with each other, make tough decisions, and rebuild their lives with love and friendship.
My Observations:

First things first. I wasn’t entirely sure about the idea of converting a church into a bar. But a quick search assured me that this has happened a few times before. I realized it wouldn’t be appropriate to compare different cultures (mine to others) and get things too tangled up for no reason.
This is my second book by the author and is slightly heavier than the first. But it is just as heartwarming with well-etched characters and good touches of humor.
There’s loads of food- pancakes, flavored waffles, ice creams, lemon pound cake, half a dozen types of cookies, and sigh! I’m drooling.
The relationship between the friends was the best part of the book. Even though the story didn’t seem to progress much in some places, the interactions make it worth reading.
The twin girls, Lily and Daisy, are such sweethearts. If only we had teens like them around! Despite the stress and family issues, the girls are not bitter, cranky, or grumpy. They are lively, confident, assertive, sassy, and sweet. I love them.
There’s slow-burn romance too, but the central plot is about the friends and their lives. I like Wade’s character. He is friendly, supportive, understanding, and compassionate.
There are some not-so-loving characters too. Grandma Martha and Grandma Stella compete for the most disliked character. They are similar as well- two people using religion and God as tools to control and dominate their own family members.
Oscar is such a fun person and the complete opposite of these ladies. This book doesn’t have the main lead. Instead, it has eight people trying to work things out for the best.
There are no major obstacles or hurdles for the group. Things pretty much go as per the plan (which rarely happens), but I wasn’t looking for realistic fiction. I enjoyed the story as it is.
The pace dips in the middle but picks up in the third part. The ending is sweet and, of course, has a HEA, which is all I want after reading 300 pages. The epilogue ties up things neatly (a little too neat, but who cares).

To sum up, Riverbend Reunion is a slightly heavy but heartwarming story about a group of friends looking to find a place to call home.

Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I am sorry to say that I am unable to finish this book. I could not get into. I will try again at a later dTe. Sometimes, a book doesn’t keep my interest at the time.However, if I go back and reread it, I will be able to finish it. The concept of the story seems like a book I would enjoy.

This is the first novel that I have read of Carolyn Browns, and I was impressed. The novel is based in a small town, Riverbend - Texas. I have never been to Texas, but I have lived in small towns. Brown is very descriptive in her writing and you feel as if you’ve been there before.

Jessica is reuniting with her high school friends, Risa, Mary Nell, and Haley after twenty years. Jessica was an army veteran, Risa is heading for divorce, Haley is blinded by a shocking family secret and Mary Nell is thrown out by her boyfriend. Jessica inherited her Uncle’s possessions after he passed, and one of them was an old church. Brown expressed the emotions of grief quite well and how most humans process them. Whether the reader have experienced similar or not Brown made it so that anyone could relate to Jessica.

Jessica is alone in the world, being an only child and both her parents passed tragically. When Jessica returns to reality from war she turns to her high school friends for help. Jessica, Risa, Mary Nell and Haley decide to convert Jessica’s Uncles church into a bar. Brown goes into depth of the ups and downs that this creates. Brown touches on religion, new business, caring what other people say, dealing with emotions through a new chapter in life and committing to relationships whilst enjoying life. It shows the true sense of adulthood when we come out of old teen life.

Jessica meets Wade, her friends brother from high school. They do not hit it off at first, but Brown develops in a way that makes you want to keep reading about their relationship. It is a typical first love relationship, they do not want to get involved because of life, but soon realise it is apart of life to go through those relationships.

Brown creates an endearing romantic story that I would happily read again and again. I would recommend anyone who wants to go back in time to their young adults days to read this. 5 stars out of 5

Carolyn Brown is one of my favorite go-to, feel good authors. Her characters are rich and believable and the storylines feel like you are going back home. Brown's descriptions of the places that she writes about seem like a place that you have been. Even if you've never even been to that state! Riverbend Reunion, however, is not one of my favorites. Usually Brown's stories give us an in-depth view of the characters. This book seemed like we were just skimming the surface. It felt like there was probably another book leading up to this book but there wasn't. So, while I did enjoy Riverbend Reunion, it's not one of her best. My favorite part would be the option of turning an old abandoned church into a bar. And the clutch your pearls church ladies who tried to sabotage it. That was extremely entertaining! I voluntarily received a copy of this book from net galley.

I laughed so much while reading, Riverbend. Even during the more serious sections there was a hint of sarcasm. It was easy to fall in love with all of the characters.

Four high school BFFs reunite after twenty years in their hometown of Riverbend, Texas. Each woman is at a different point in her life but finds strength and support from her friends. An old high school crush is included as part of the group and contributes to the healing processes at work. Friends are family in this story, and the small-town feel is warm and wonderful. I highly recommend it!

This is a poignant story that has quite a bit of small town, religious flavor. Not religious in that the author is pushing religion but the small town has a very religious component that the group of women need to overcome in order for them to be able to live their lives. (And build a bar close to a dry area). While there is romance, the romance is generally, in my opinion, secondary to the friendship and development of a family that is stronger than blood. I enjoyed the book although it felt a little plodding to me. I really liked all the characters too. I think I expected something a little different but overall, it was an interesting and well written story that highlighted the good and bad aspects of living in a small town.

This is the second book I have read of Carolyn Brown and is based in a small town called Riverbend in the heart of Texas.

Jessica is reuniting with her high school friends, Risa, Mary Nell, and Haley after twenty years. Jessica was an army veteran, Risa is heading for divorce, Haley is blinded by a shocking family secret and Mary Nell is thrown out by her boyfriend. When the friends decide to convert a church into a bar, many of the towns people were kind of against it. Jessica meets Wade and the two soon develop into a romantic relationship.

I thought the story was kind of quirky and cute. Though I felt like I was watching a Hallmark movie on TV, nevertheless, I do enjoy the book. The bond and friendship between the girls was really great, the southern accent was at times fascinating, making you feel like you are also the part of the southern community and I enjoyed the slow developing romance between Wade and Jessica.

If you like a good romance book based in a small town, then this book is one for you--worth four stars.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

This is a nice little read about a small town love. It had the premises of close knit friendship and a tight and close knit community who work together. It tells us story of different women whom are the same age but at different point in thier lives.

Longtime friends, who had somewhat drifted apart - life does that - are faced with decisions about their future. All have returned to their hometown. All are adjusting to life affecting changes. Some of their own making. But the closeness of these friends is morphing into a joint business venture. All need help in getting themselves back in their feet. Some more than others. But to have a group of friends in your corner is priceless.

When faced with self-serving attitudes from some of the towns church goers this group will need all their ingenuity and heart. As one so rightly said - you can’t fix stupid. But learning how to circumvent them is possible.

Jessica is returning from her tours of duty. She inherited her uncles church building. It never actually worked out as a church, too many in the area already. So Jessica is trying to envision this building as something valuable. Three of Jessica’s friends are back in town as well. All picking up the pieces of their lives. Looking forward to having a place of their own. A new life. Jessica’s church building just may be the sanctuary for all of them.

Enter Wade who is also back from a tour of duty. His family is all gone now. Wade somehow winds up with this group of women who want desperately to stay. Once again Jessica’s building could be his anchor.

Decision made. Uncle Elijah’s church was going to be a bar and grill. All it would take is hard work and diligence. Not to worry, they have a fabulous group ready to pitch in and become a team.

Carolyn Brown writes from her heart and soul. Never more apparent than with RIVERBEND REUNION. Country music mixed with some gospel songs make for an amazing playlist. Each character is developed with kindness and care, even when we can’t ever be in their corner. The women in RIVERBEND REUNION are living proof that you can be anything you want. No one should be made to feel inadequate or dismissed. These women formed their own unique family along with some special men. Carolyn Brown invites us in to see how these women learn strength. Lovely story that makes you all want to hallelujah. No one should ever feel disrespected and used. Carolyn Brown doesn’t suffer fools and in RIVERBEND REUNION you realize that everyone can be a winner.

A sweet book about friendship and love. I really enjoyed the characters and their stories. I would highly recommend this book. It would be a great beach read for summer.

Thoroughly enjoyed!

A heart-warming book that followed the character development of multiple characters, showcasing that family and can support can bring a sense of belonging, home and confidence. There was drama but not in the cliched way, which was refreshing and a treat. My first Carolyn Brown book and definitely won't be my last!

This is a good book. It is about 4 high school friends who come back to their hometown Jessica is a retired military, Risa is a divorced mother of twins, Haley is a teacher and counselor, and Mary Nell is an accountant. Jessica has recently had an uncle to pass and leave her a building that used to be a church. This story tells how these four friends come together to make the building into a bar and grill. All their issues are solved with all of the friends helping to make the bar a success.

What a cute story about friendship and love in a small town. This book reminded me of a Hallmark movie! It shows that sometimes your family isn't those related by blood and are those who are close to you in the good times and the bad. I loved all the characters in the book and how you see each one over come hardships throughout life to get to where they are now. After reading this one, I can't wait to add more of Carolyn Brown's books to my list. Thank you to the publisher, Montlake, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Carolyn Brown knows how to give you every emotion! She is so funny! She makes you laugh! She makes you tear up! I love the military aspect in this book too. This book is great that these friends of twenty years come back together again to hold each other up and support each other. Friends are family! Take a trip to Riverbend! You won't be sorry!