Sandy M’s review of A Time for Home (Snowberry Creek, Book 1) by Alexis Morgan
Contemporary Romance published by Signet 3 Sep 13
I’ve been a fan of Alexis Morgan’s since I read her Paladins when they first debuted. Unfortunately, I’m a bit behind in reading that series, thus I didn’t know she’s now writing contemporaries along with paranormals. Snowberry Creek is heartwarming small-town America and hits home for me, but can that eclipse the otherworldly Ms. Morgan is so very good at writing?
Not quite. While this is a good book, for me her talent is definitely in the paranormal world. But this is a nice change of pace, and I enjoyed it a lot.
Nick is on his way to Snowberry Creek with his four-legged buddy, Mooch, who saved Nick and his fellow soldiers from an ambush while in Afghanistan. The dog then became a member of the team, along with Spence and Leif. They weren’t about to leave the fur ball behind, so made plans to take him home when they left the desert. Before that can happen, however, the men are in the wrong place at the wrong time, and Nick isn’t able to save both his friends. Recuperating stateside, Nick isn’t sure what’s next for him, but he does have to find a home for Mooch. Spence’s childhood friend Callie is his only hope.
Callie is still reeling from the loss of Spence, especially when she finds out he left his beautiful home to her. She’s not been able to move in – too many memories – and she’s not sure if her plan of a B&B is the best. That would eradicate Spence in nearly every sense. Plus, her current job keeps her on the road, so would she be able to take on more responsibility? Then Nick steps into her life and the questions grow in number and difficulty. But he’s a godsend when it comes to fixing up Spence’s house to get her started on her plans. Not wanting to commit to a long-distance or short-term romance, Callie tries to keep things friendly with Nick, but the more she gets to know him, the harder that is.
Though he tries to be a gentleman and not poach on his best bud’s woman, Nick is the one who can’t stay away. His plan had been to place Mooch in a good home and then take off for parts unknown before reporting back for his re-enlistment. Of course, the time does come when he can’t stop himself, and that first roll in the grass is especially hot and sizzling. That throws them for a loop the next morning, though, with more determination to keep their hands off each other. Nick is fighting the guilt he feels for stepping where he doesn’t belong, even though Callie is happy to let him step wherever he wants.
Leif eventually joins the story in person when he makes the trip from D.C., pain and all since he’s still recuperating from the injuries he received in Afghanistan. I like how he doesn’t let Nick get away with much, and their bantering like brothers is fun. There’s also a mystery to be solved; someone has been breaking into the house when Nick is away, taking antiques one at a time. Nick and Mooch take measures necessary to find the culprit. One little thing I think needs more is Nick’s flashbacks. There are a few, but none that serious, and it seems they’d be a bit more often and more encompassing. But what is there is done well to give you a feel of what he went through during his service.
Small-town America is in full force in this story. Nick and Callie’s forays into town remind me of my own in my hometown. Ms. Morgan writes a very nice contemporary, but so far I still prefer her paranormals. That won’t keep me from visits to Snowberry Creek, however.
Grade: B+
Summary:
Welcome to the small rustic town of Snowberry Creek….
As Nick Jenkins travels from the war zones of Afghanistan to his comrade’s hometown, the kinds of wounds he carries with him have little to do with the shrapnel damage to his arm. Burdened with the guilt of failing to save his friend Spence, Nick is nonetheless determined to find a home for the dog that had been Spence’s constant companion.
Callie Redding, Spence’s childhood best friend, was shocked to learn he left her his old Victorian home. She’s even more surprised when one of his war buddies shows up with a dog at his side—and a heavy weight on his shoulders. As a tribute to their friend’s life, Nick agrees to help Callie turn her inheritance into a welcoming bed-and-breakfast for the town of Snowberry Creek.
But as they work through their grief together, they also share something far more preciousemdash;the belief that love is worth fighting for….
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
