Harvest Moon by Denise Hunter is a wonderful Christian romance. While this is the first time I have read Denise Hunter it won’t be my last. Harvest Moon is the third in a trilogy. However I can honestly say this is a stand alone book.

I was very pleased at how well Ms. Hunter tells a story. Her characters are deep and endearing. You feel for her characters and cheer them on. This is a wholesome second chance romance. Ms. Hunter did a wonderful job in making me feel invested in this emotional story. It perfectly captures scripture. God works everything to the good of those who love him even when we mortals can’t possibly see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The setting was well written as well. You can smell the apples, feel the sun, smell the flowers and see this lovely little town.

Cleverly placed flashbacks throughout the book helped you see where the main characters have been and how they have changed over the years.

Harvest Moon by Denise Hunter is a brilliant second-chance Romance. Beware, this book will wreck you so make sure you have plenty of tissue nearby when you read it. As far as finales go, Harvest Moon is the perfect ending to what has been a superior series. I have eagerly anticipated Gavin’s story since Riverbend Gap (book 1) and I was not disappointed one bit. Gavin is a wonderful hero with a true protector’s heart. His character has pulled at my heartstrings since book 1 and I so wanted him to get his happily ever after. I appreciate that I got to witness his grieving and healing processes, I got to better understand why he carries so much guilt and self-loathing around wherever he goes, and I love that I got to witness his maturity into the hero both Laurel and Emma needed. Emma, the angelic little girl who is entrusted to Gavin and Laurel at the start of this story, is the sweetest toddler ever. Her part of this story truly broke my heart and had me crying my eyeballs out. Poor baby! Then there is Laurel.

Laurel drove me bonkers for about 3/4 of the story. I ended up really loving her by the end, but there are some moments in the flashback scenes and in the early-to-mid phases of this story where I wanted to throw my book across the room. Maybe that would shake some sense into her?! LOL! Here’s why Laurel bugs me — she is the most insecure person ever. I know, I know, you’re thinking what a jerk I am for saying this. But she did bug me and her mostly unfounded insecurities are why. Seriously insecure people have a tendency to make a mountain out of a molehill, and Laurel would have a PhD in mountain making. Yes, she has a legitimate reason for feeling insecure when it comes to relationships (read the story and you will understand why), but OH MY GOODNESS not everything is Gavin’s fault and most everything she feels about herself is just not true. I wanted to shake her and say, “Open your mouth, Laurel. Tell people what’s up. No one is a mind reader. They don’t know they’re doing something wrong if you keep acting like everything is hunky-dory!” Again, you’re probably saying, “Dang, Nicole, give her a break. She’s fictional.” LOL! You’re right. I’ll stop. The real reason Laurel bugged me so much is because I saw so much of my former self in her character. It’s hard to be reminded of how you used to be. I am leaving Harvest Moon — this entire series, really — loving all of the Riverbend character so much. They have all burrowed deep into my heart and I will not soon forget any of them (including Laurel).

Riverbend is one of my favorite series by Denise Hunter, and Harvest Moon is the best in this series. It’s an exceptional read and not one to be missed. If you are a fan of excellently written Contemporary Romance filled with depth, heart, and timely themes then you must purchase a copy of Harvest Moon today. You won’t be disappointed you did!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Harvest Home is a well written second chance romance. Very good plot and well developed characters. I loved this book. Denise Hunter has written another winner. My thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

Have I mentioned that I adore Denise Hunter's books?

Her Riverbend series makes me absurdly happy, and this latest installment is no exception. She brings Riverbend Gap so vividly to life, I truly feel--especially the more books I read in the series/set there--like I'm there myself. Add in endearing characters experiencing the ups and downs of life, and leaning on God through it all, and we absolutely have a winner.

Gavin's backstory had been alluded to since book 1 in the series released, and I was so excited to finally read _Harvest Moon_. It lived up to all my expectations and kept me guessing, in the best way, until the end. Very well done!

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

I loved this book!

Such a beautiful, heartwarming story about miraculous ability that our hearts have to mend when faced with adversity. Gavin and Laurel experienced love and the greatest loss ever during their relationship. They ultimately divorced and now after 3 years of no communication, they are forced together again after another unspeakable loss.

When their friends unexpectedly die, leaving behind a sweet toddler named Emma, Laurel and Gavin step in to take care of Emma until her custody is determined. It’s beautiful how they put aside their differences and put Emma first. Even their families aren’t onboard, but it didn’t matter.

I’ve read the other books in this series, but this was my favorite. I think you’ll enjoy it, too, make sure you have some tissues handy!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

4.5⭐A sweet but very emotional story. It is told in the past and present from the perspective of Gavin and Laurel. It will make you laugh and cry, Gavin and Laurel Robinson divorced after tragedy struck their family and they're unable to work through their grief together. After their friends die in an accident, Laurel and Gavin find they are being named guardians for the daughter, and they decide to work together to care for their friend’s little girl named Emma. Bringing the past and the present into the story helped me fully understand the story, their relationship, and where all of the feelings and emotions came from. show us that Gavin and Laurel weren’t ready for marriage the first time.

Denise Hunter did a fantastic job of bringing out the goodness of God and why sometimes things happen the way they do. The Christian elements of the book were in the form of prayers. The story is about loss, grief, reconciliation, forgiveness, and second chances romance. All in all is a great book inspiring and satisfying.

Thanks, Netgalley and Publisher for the chance to read the advanced copy! and to write an honest review

I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley. This is part of a series. It can easily be read as a stand alone. There is a lot going on with relationships - marriages, parental, child, work, family, and friends. When Mike and Mallory are killed in a plane crash, Gavin and Laurel must put aside their hurt from their divorce to do what is needed. Guardianship of a young child, Emma, is challenged by an absent Grandmother. Careers are affected, life altering decisions need to be made. I recommend this for a cozy Christian novel. I will need to read the rest of the series.

I love the stories Denise writes and this one did not disappoint. The third in the series and was as good as the other two.
Thanks for the advanced copy to NetGalley and the publisher. Can’t wait for her next book.

It was wonderful to be back in Riverbend. A heart-breaking story. It was good to see the growth and communication between the couple. Adorable little girl as the basis for this tale. While I may have enjoyed the previous two stories more this was still a nice one. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.

“It was not the sort of day when bad things happened” (location 62). This sets the course for the whole book. A tragedy leaves Gavin and his ex-wife Laurel reeling. The consequences of the events may change their lives forever.

While this was not my favorite book of the series due to the sad events, I appreciated learning more about Gavin and his past and seeing what had shaped him. I appreciated encountering Gavin’s family again and I loved their supportive, albeit sometimes overbearing ways.

This book deals with guilt, forgiveness, hope, and dreams. I’d recommend it but it would make the most sense if you start with book one in the series and go on from there. Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Harvest Moon
Denise Hunter
September 6, 2022


In the third book in the Riverbend series Hunter features Gavin Robinson. He is finally working his way through the loss of his young son, Jesse due to a horrible accident. As a result he and his now ex-wife Laurel have suffered an ugly divorce full of blame. He runs a construction company with Drew, his sister’s partner. He spends weekends working paperwork for the business or taking a long hike on the trail to rid himself of stress. He was out on a beautiful day enjoying nature when his phone rang - alarming thoughts flew through his mind. His family knew he could be out of cell range. It was his brother Cooper, also the town sheriff. His vibes were right on cue, his best friends Mike and Mallory were in a plane accident. Mike was flying the yellow craft and Gavin knew he checked it out carefully before taking off. Could their toddler, Emma, be on board?
This is another compelling novel in her series. Full of compassion, romance, and family tension this superb story gives us thoughts of what could happen in our world should such a tragedy occur.
Harvest Moon will be published on September 6, 2022 by Thomas Nelson of Harper Collins Publishing. I appreciate their allowing me to read and review Denise Hunter’s latest in the Riverbend series. Her writing is a delightful journey through humanity. She consistently provides the reader with a beautiful plot and storyline. Do pick this one up. Enjoy!

Harvest Moon is the third and final book in Denise Hunter's Riverbend Romance series, set in a small town on the Appalachian Trail. In this book, we finally find out the details of the tragedy that brought Gavin, the third Robinson sibling, home to Riverbend. The story alternates between the present day, when exes Laurel and Gavin are drawn back together after another tragedy, and the backstory of how they first met and fell in love.

The book does deal with several serious topics, including grief, loss, illness, divorce, and parental neglect. However, these issues are deftly handled and show the growth in the characters' lives. It's a bit of a slow-moving story, focused on character development more than plot, but is a poignant depiction of real life challenges and joys. Denise Hunter's fans will enjoy this installment in the Riverbend Romance series.

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

I know I can always count on Denise Hunter to create a story that is romantically clean with irresistible characters and a plotline that draws me in from the beginning. Her latest book in the Riverbend Romance series holds true to form. Taking up where the previous installment left off, Hunter captivated me with the tale of Gavin and Laurel, a divorced couple pulled back together by tragic forces beyond their control. Ripe with tension, saturated with emotion, and brimming with restoration, Hunter delivered a story that made me both smile and cry. This is one author I NEVER miss!

I received this story from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I’ve looked forward to reading Gavin’s story and I can say I love him more than ever. He’s marked by tragedy and it’s beautiful to see him get his happy ending. Laurel is a complicated character who has great growth during the course of the novel. And the entire premise behind the book is clever and yet tragic. You’ll feel the weight of loss in this one, but there are some laugh out loud moments to lighten the story and give readers an emotional break. This novel brings home the importance of a loving family, and I’m sorry to say goodbye to these special people. Harvest Moon is a perfect conclusion to this series. Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the opportunity to read this lovely story. The opinions I’ve expressed are my own, but I have purchased the paperback to enjoy over and over.

A sweet but very emotional story. It is told in the past and present from the perspective of Gavin and Laurel. It will make you laugh as well as cry. It is a story of love and deep abiding faith.it is well written and very easy to read.

I absolutely love the characters in this series. This story made me laugh and cry. What a great storyline it is! As far as families go, you definitely have the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’ll let you figure which goes with which label. These characters are so great in the way they treat each other and play off each other. I will miss hanging out with the good folks of Riverbend Gap. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

What is more beautiful than a story of second chance? This is exactly what Denise Hunter has penned in Harvest Moon. A beautiful story of love and second chances. Three years ago, Gavin and Laurel Robinson divorced after tragedy strikes their family and they're unable to work through their grief together. Now, when tragedy strikes again, they have a chance to work together and do what's best and fulfil their dear friends' wishes. Gavin and Laurel are fabulously written! Their grief, their personalities, their stuggles to overcome their pasts, and their chemistry! Whew their chemistry! I really enjoyed this story from beginning to end. It flows so well and will definitely keep you turning pages!

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

Harvest Moon by Denise Hunter is a good example of why she is such a prolific romance writer. This book is engaging, uplifting and romantic. This book is about Gavin and Laurel.. They are a divorced couple drawn together by guardianship of a precious little girl. I knew this would probably be a heavier-grittier read. However, it is filled with hope, redemption and second chances. This is what I love about Christian fiction. I finished the book with a sigh of contentment of a happily ever after, and felt the escape was a beautiful journey with these precious characters.
4.5 stars

A sweet story if utterly predictable. I appreciated its picture of real-life redemption and the restoration of a relationship. Through the form of narrative, it reveals some of the deep work that people can do, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to change. The characters were drawn well and authentically, with depth. I enjoyed reading it even though I knew with certainty would would happen plot-wise.

Gavin and Laurel divorced several years ago following the death of their three-year-old son, due to guilt and grief taking their toll - but they've avoided each other ever since because of the fear that the attraction (love?) might still be there. Now, a tragic accident kills their respective best friends, leaving two-year-old Emma an orphan and forcing them to come together to care for her. Will they be able to put aside all that was once between them to do what is best for Emma? Or do they even want to? Maybe God is giving them a second chance... But will they be willing to take a step of faith and accept it?

I think the only negative thing I could say about this book is that I'm afraid it's the end of the series, with the three Robinson children all living happily ever after, and I'm not ready to leave - but I guess one can hope for the best. :-) Anyway, the point is that I loved this heart-warming second chance story, and the flashbacks to the way they got together in the first place were well done too. I particularly enjoyed watching them each interact with Emma. Note that, though part of a series and with shared characters, this is still a standalone romance. All in all, a great book, inspiring and satisfying - I'm eager to see what the author writes next!

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