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mlcreads's review
3.0
This is a sweet story that shows you need both sides of the story before you truely know what happened. Gemma and Jake get off to a rocky start but slowly they discover that they were both wrong. This story has lots of emotions and you can't help but fall in love with Kyle.
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
Love & Family by Elsie Davis is the second novel in Holidays in Hallbrook series. Gemma Watson is shocked when she comes upon a photo album at her mother’s house that gives her the identity of her father. Chad Andrews was a pro bull rider and a star on the rodeo circuit until he retired and lives in Hallbrook near where Gemma grew up. Gemma needs some answers and travels to Hallbrook to confront Chad. Unfortunately, Gemma’s dog, Brody ends up stuck in a ravine and so does Chad. Dr. Jake Duncan, the local doctor, is on the rescue squad that comes to rescue Chad and Brody. He is also a volunteer for GiddyUp Kids program and a single father. Jake does not appreciate it when the rescue squad is called out to save a dog and the risk is caused to Chad’s health. He is further distressed when he sees his son, Kyle taken with Gemma and Brody. Gemma learns the rescue squad needs money for necessary equipment and training, so she decides to put her event planner skills to the test by hosting a fundraiser in two weeks. To pull off the event, Gemma needs Jake’s assistance. What does the future hold for the event planner and the doctor? I enjoyed reading Love & Family. It is a realistic story where we get to see different perspectives (from Gemma and Jake plus Gemma’s mother and Chad’s). I thought the story was well-written with steady pacing. There is humor, romance, faith, and heartbreaking situations. Chad and Jake’s father, Tom are humorous with their matchmaking attempts. Jake’s son, Kyle is adorable and a little sweetie. Gemma was courageous in going to her father’s house to find out what happened. I am glad that she was willing to keep an open mind and heart. Gemma’s dog, Brody enhanced the story. I enjoy it when animals are included in stories. There is Brody plus horses in Love & Family. It was great to return to Hallbrook in Love & Family. It was a pleasure to read this uplifting story.
pattyfgd's review against another edition
5.0
Love & Family
Holidays in Hallbrook, Book 2
By: Elsie Davis, Sweet Promise Press
Narrated by: Rachel Butler, Lydia Butler
It is impossible not to love visiting Hallbrook! This time it's Thanksgiving, and I have fallen a little more in love with the town! It's charming, full of wonderful people, but I have to say in this one, Kyle won my heart! Gemma has returned to her hometown, only to find out who her biological father is. Unable to come to terms with why Chad left her, she finds out things are never as they seem. But along the way, we meet Jake, the local doctor. Burned by his ex-wife, he focuses on work and his young son, Kyle. But there is something about Gemma that is opening his heart. Would she ever be willing to leave the city and come back to Hallbrook? This is a heart warming story of love, forgiveness and compassion. There are a few things going on as we get to know Gemma and her parents, as well as helping the town raising money for the rescue squad, and enjoying not only Kyle's adorableness, but the kissing booth too! It's fun, sweet and an easy listen that made me smile.
Rachel Butler continues her narration of the series, and I absolute love her voice. She has honed in on this small town and found the essence of each character. Picking voices has to be the hardest part and she has each character sounding exactly as I imagine. Add in Lydia Butler's performance as Kyle, and I could not stop listening. It's a story that is easy on the ears with a happy ending!
Holidays in Hallbrook, Book 2
By: Elsie Davis, Sweet Promise Press
Narrated by: Rachel Butler, Lydia Butler
It is impossible not to love visiting Hallbrook! This time it's Thanksgiving, and I have fallen a little more in love with the town! It's charming, full of wonderful people, but I have to say in this one, Kyle won my heart! Gemma has returned to her hometown, only to find out who her biological father is. Unable to come to terms with why Chad left her, she finds out things are never as they seem. But along the way, we meet Jake, the local doctor. Burned by his ex-wife, he focuses on work and his young son, Kyle. But there is something about Gemma that is opening his heart. Would she ever be willing to leave the city and come back to Hallbrook? This is a heart warming story of love, forgiveness and compassion. There are a few things going on as we get to know Gemma and her parents, as well as helping the town raising money for the rescue squad, and enjoying not only Kyle's adorableness, but the kissing booth too! It's fun, sweet and an easy listen that made me smile.
Rachel Butler continues her narration of the series, and I absolute love her voice. She has honed in on this small town and found the essence of each character. Picking voices has to be the hardest part and she has each character sounding exactly as I imagine. Add in Lydia Butler's performance as Kyle, and I could not stop listening. It's a story that is easy on the ears with a happy ending!
mlcreads's review against another edition
3.0
This is a sweet story that shows you need both sides of the story before you truely know what happened. Gemma and Jake get off to a rocky start but slowly they discover that they were both wrong. This story has lots of emotions and you can't help but fall in love with Kyle.
alwaysreadingreview's review against another edition
5.0
I’m really loving this series. Each book gets better and better. Love how Gemma found out about her father and went looking for him. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I got this ebook through Kindle Unlimited.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
wulfwyn's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I adore Elsie Davis books. In this one we meet Gemma. She grew up believing her dad didn't want to be a part of her life. As an adult, she decides to confront him. When the rescue squad needs to come out to rescue her dog, she meets Jake, the local doctor and a single dad.
I read this book as part of a challenge to read a book featuring a dad. This book has two dads, both of whom have issues. This book covered a lot of the feelings of being in a single parent home. It also gives perspective from the point of view of a parent who left and of a parent who was left. It made the story interesting to me. I also love that it has special needs children as part of the story. I found it to be a feel good story even though it had several challenges.
I read this book as part of a challenge to read a book featuring a dad. This book has two dads, both of whom have issues. This book covered a lot of the feelings of being in a single parent home. It also gives perspective from the point of view of a parent who left and of a parent who was left. It made the story interesting to me. I also love that it has special needs children as part of the story. I found it to be a feel good story even though it had several challenges.