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beyondevak's review
3.0
Quick Summary: Rekindled love after a significant separation
My Review: The Forever Farmhouse by Lee Tobin McClain was a second chance romance. This story dealt with several heavy issues, such as childhood abuse, abandonment, unplanned pregnancy, death, mental health issues, and widowhood.
About the Main Characters:
R, a scientist with a troubled past, had an encounter with M, a kind and compassionate woman with a secret, when they were young. Because of his violent upbringing, R withdrew from M, leaving her devastated and alone. Soon, she harbored a secret that changed her life plans. After years passed, her secret was exposed. Just as the secret was revealed, so were their true feelings for each other.
Although the love story between R and M was the main focus of this novel, there were several other side stories that were presented. The side stories hinted at the lives of R's foster mother, his foster brothers, and some townsfolk.
My Final Say: This book featured an incredibly slow to low burn love story. It was all about rekindled love, the power of forgiveness, reconciliation, and family. It will appeal to those who desire a clean, issue-driven romance and for those who enjoy reading a friends to partners match.
Rating: 2.75 to 3-/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Thank you the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley, who provided access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own.
My Review: The Forever Farmhouse by Lee Tobin McClain was a second chance romance. This story dealt with several heavy issues, such as childhood abuse, abandonment, unplanned pregnancy, death, mental health issues, and widowhood.
About the Main Characters:
R, a scientist with a troubled past, had an encounter with M, a kind and compassionate woman with a secret, when they were young. Because of his violent upbringing, R withdrew from M, leaving her devastated and alone. Soon, she harbored a secret that changed her life plans. After years passed, her secret was exposed. Just as the secret was revealed, so were their true feelings for each other.
Although the love story between R and M was the main focus of this novel, there were several other side stories that were presented. The side stories hinted at the lives of R's foster mother, his foster brothers, and some townsfolk.
My Final Say: This book featured an incredibly slow to low burn love story. It was all about rekindled love, the power of forgiveness, reconciliation, and family. It will appeal to those who desire a clean, issue-driven romance and for those who enjoy reading a friends to partners match.
Rating: 2.75 to 3-/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Thank you the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley, who provided access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own.
erincataldi's review
1.0
Bestselling romance author, Lee Tobin McClain, pens a new heartwarming romance series, kicking it off with The Forever Farmhouse. Ryan Hastings hasn’t come back to Teaberry island much since he left for college, but when he gets word that his foster mother isn’t coping well after the death of her husband he decides to bring his research with him and come back to the place where he left his heart. Mellie Anderson, was more than the girl next door, she was Ryan’s first and only love. Like his foster mother, she is widowed, but has a ten-year-old son and seems to be doing just fine. But the reality is, she is not coping well being in such close proximity with her son’s father. Although he is an esteemed scientist, Ryan isn’t very good with dates and has no idea that he fathered a child, something Mellie is fine with him never knowing. But as they start to gravitate towards each other again and Ryan starts to fall back in love with the island and with her – secrets are bound to come out. Narrated calmly and expertly by Tanya Eby who breathes life into the small-town Chesapeake Island community. Extremely slow moving and filled with every inspirational trope imaginable, this audio is only recommended for those who like their romances to be all fluff and no substance.
books_and_more_books_byt's review
5.0
The Forever Farmhouse is the first book in the new Hometown Brothers series which is based on three foster boys’ homecoming to Teaberry Island. Betty and Wayne Raines were unable to have children of their own, so they fostered troubled teenage boys at their farmhouse on the shoreline of Teaberry Island. They provided Ryan, Cody, and Luis with a place to heal and find themselves. This was Mellie and Ryan’s homecoming story.
Years prior Ryan Hasting had panicked and left the island after he spent one night with will Mellie. He never got over his love for Mellie so when he returns home to check on Betty all those feelings returned. He found himself hoping for another chance but the truth about Mellie’s son changes everything.
Mellie Anderson’s heart was broken after Ryan ran after their one night together. When he returns to the island years later, she struggles with the decision she made years ago. She knows Alfie, her brilliant son, needs Ryan’s guidance but to keep her secret she needs to avoid him.
Mellie was so a sweet character and she truly thought she was protecting her son by keeping the truth from Ryan. She realizes her mistake and wants to tell him the truth but is afraid of losing him a second time. Can they overcome their fears and anger for a second chance at love?
This is a charming small-town romance that will give you all the fell goods and leave you smiling. It was beautifully written with an entertaining storyline. The characters were genuine and likable. I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait for Cody’s story which will be next.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Years prior Ryan Hasting had panicked and left the island after he spent one night with will Mellie. He never got over his love for Mellie so when he returns home to check on Betty all those feelings returned. He found himself hoping for another chance but the truth about Mellie’s son changes everything.
Mellie Anderson’s heart was broken after Ryan ran after their one night together. When he returns to the island years later, she struggles with the decision she made years ago. She knows Alfie, her brilliant son, needs Ryan’s guidance but to keep her secret she needs to avoid him.
Mellie was so a sweet character and she truly thought she was protecting her son by keeping the truth from Ryan. She realizes her mistake and wants to tell him the truth but is afraid of losing him a second time. Can they overcome their fears and anger for a second chance at love?
This is a charming small-town romance that will give you all the fell goods and leave you smiling. It was beautifully written with an entertaining storyline. The characters were genuine and likable. I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait for Cody’s story which will be next.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
randikaye's review
4.0
The Forever Farmhouse is the first book in the new Hometown Brothers series... and it most certainly has me excited to see more from this series!
We all know that we aren't supposed to judge a book by it's cover... and this one is really a prime example as to why. Looking at the book, it looks like merely a lighthearted romance. While the romance part may certainly be true, this story actually takes on a variety of much more difficult topics like an unplanned pregnancy, child abuse, depression and loss of a spouse. All of these topics were covered with grace, so while I certainly didn't feel like anything was sugarcoated, I definitely felt like it was kept from being too dark. While I certainly might not have agreed with the decisions of several of the characters, it added to the genuine feeling of the story that I really enjoyed.
If you enjoy a good small town romance with a lot of heart, this is certainly one to check out. I enjoyed this first book very much, and find myself anxiously awaiting to see what happens in book number two!
**Complimentary copy received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
We all know that we aren't supposed to judge a book by it's cover... and this one is really a prime example as to why. Looking at the book, it looks like merely a lighthearted romance. While the romance part may certainly be true, this story actually takes on a variety of much more difficult topics like an unplanned pregnancy, child abuse, depression and loss of a spouse. All of these topics were covered with grace, so while I certainly didn't feel like anything was sugarcoated, I definitely felt like it was kept from being too dark. While I certainly might not have agreed with the decisions of several of the characters, it added to the genuine feeling of the story that I really enjoyed.
If you enjoy a good small town romance with a lot of heart, this is certainly one to check out. I enjoyed this first book very much, and find myself anxiously awaiting to see what happens in book number two!
**Complimentary copy received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
susanjanette's review
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
travelerswife4life's review
4.0
Talk about a book that makes you happy!
Lee Tobin McClain is a new favorite author of mine since I read First Kiss at Christmas last year. I have since gone back and devoured all of her other stories!
In this one Lee Tobin McClain started off grabbing my attention quickly, that opening, and first few chapters just tug at you. I will admit that I am a sucker for girl next door/rekindled love stories, and The Forever Farmhouse is definitely that.
Millie and Ryan were well matched, and I thought their emotions where pretty realistic, not long drawn out wishy-washy back and forth. One of my favorite things were the conversations between them. I felt like they were real people with open conversations... mostly.
Overall, this book was a sweet read that touched the heart and wouldn’t let go. I think readers who like sweet romances will really enjoy this story that has some good depth to it!
4 Stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback.
Lee Tobin McClain is a new favorite author of mine since I read First Kiss at Christmas last year. I have since gone back and devoured all of her other stories!
In this one Lee Tobin McClain started off grabbing my attention quickly, that opening, and first few chapters just tug at you. I will admit that I am a sucker for girl next door/rekindled love stories, and The Forever Farmhouse is definitely that.
Millie and Ryan were well matched, and I thought their emotions where pretty realistic, not long drawn out wishy-washy back and forth. One of my favorite things were the conversations between them. I felt like they were real people with open conversations... mostly.
Overall, this book was a sweet read that touched the heart and wouldn’t let go. I think readers who like sweet romances will really enjoy this story that has some good depth to it!
4 Stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback.
smatthew459's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
sassybookishmama's review
3.0
I really enjoy reading small town stories and this one was a pretty good one. I also enjoy the second chance romance trope so I definitely enjoyed this aspect of the story. Being that this is the first book in the series we are introduced to quite a few characters and there was a good amount of background story telling that I am hoping will continue in the rest of the series. The story however, revolves around the lives of Ryan, Mellie and young Alfie.
The premise of the story I thought was a strong one but there were times that it lost my interest. I think the romance part between the two characters was extremely slow and at times their issues were a bit repetitive. That being said both characters were well written. Ryan definitely made a gallant leading man and Mellie is the sweet girl next door who has never forgotten him and also has Alfie which is a reminder of the past and what could be.
The resolution of the story was good and definitely led to not only a happy ending but open for you to eagerly await the next book in the series!
This was my first book by this author. It is definitely a clean sweet romance. If you are looking for an sweet romance for a little escape then this is a great book to pick up!
I received a digital copy of this book through Just Read. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The premise of the story I thought was a strong one but there were times that it lost my interest. I think the romance part between the two characters was extremely slow and at times their issues were a bit repetitive. That being said both characters were well written. Ryan definitely made a gallant leading man and Mellie is the sweet girl next door who has never forgotten him and also has Alfie which is a reminder of the past and what could be.
The resolution of the story was good and definitely led to not only a happy ending but open for you to eagerly await the next book in the series!
This was my first book by this author. It is definitely a clean sweet romance. If you are looking for an sweet romance for a little escape then this is a great book to pick up!
I received a digital copy of this book through Just Read. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
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