Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

In a small town in Idaho's idyllic wine country where the past looms large, can two people realize their individual dreams for the future . . . together

Abandoned once too often, Brooklyn Meyers never intended to return to Thunder Creek, Idaho. Her hometown holds too many memories of heartache and rejection. But when her estranged husband Chad Hallston dies and leaves his family home and acreage to her and their ten-year-old daughter Alycia, it's an opportunity to change their lives for the better--a chance Brooklyn can't pass up, for Alycia's sake if not her own.

Derek Johnson, Chad's best friend since boyhood, isn't keen on the return of Brooklyn Meyers to Thunder Creek. He still blames her for leading his friend astray. And now she has ruined his chance to buy the neighboring ten acres that would have allowed him to expand his organic farm. To add insult to injury, Chad's dying request was that Derek become the father to Alycia that Chad never was. How can he keep that promise without also spending time with the girl's mother

Brought together by unexpected circumstances, Derek and Brooklyn must both confront challenges to their dreams and expectations. He must overcome long held misconceptions about Brooklyn, while she must learn to trust someone other than herself. And if they can do it, they just might discover that God has something better in mind than either of them ever imagined.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

When Brooklyn Meyer's estranged husband dies, leaving his house to their young daughter, Alycia, Brooklyn reluctantly returns to her Idaho hometown, which she fled as a 17-year-old eloping bride. Yet instead of judgement and scorn, she finds the support and help she needs to begin healing. Her new neighbor happens to be her late husband's best friend, Derek Johnson, who had disapproved of his marriage to Brooklyn. Taking the time to get to know Brooklyn changes Derek's initial opinion of her for the better, and the two form a bond that slowly develops into love. The small-town setting and supportive and caring characters create a feeling of peace and serenity. The protagonists' troubled pasts are not delved into in great detail, adding to the sense of calm that is a hallmark of the author's writing. VERDICT Hatcher's (Keeper of the Stars) tranquil tale of loss, love, and faith is the perfect inspirational read for those who favor gentle stories. © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly Review

Hatcher, award-winning author of more than 75 books, (The Shepherd's Voice) once again takes readers on a journey of hope, patience, and love with her story of a deeply wounded woman who has no choice but to return to her childhood hometown. Brooklyn ran away and eloped at 17 with Chad to escape her abusive father. After Chad left at the first sign that she was pregnant, Brooklyn spent years scraping by, waitressing and living with her daughter, Alycia, in a run-down apartment. When Chad dies 10 years later, he leaves behind two letters: one for Brooklyn and Alycia, willing Alycia his family's acreage, and one for his childhood best friend and next door neighbor, Derek, explaining he can't sell the family property to Derek as they'd planned and requesting that Derek be a father figure to Alycia. Both Brooklyn and Derek must now confront changes to their expectations and hopes for the future. Derek is crushed, not only because his dream of expanding his farm is up in smoke but because proximity and Chad's request mean he must now spend time with Brooklyn, whom he never liked. These characters, and the reader, are in for a heartwarming journey of redemption, forgiveness, and embracing the future. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Booklist Review

Brooklyn Myers never intended to return to her hometown of Thunder Creek, Idaho. But an unexpected inheritance that promises to change her life and that of her daughter, Alycia, sends her west. As she settles back into this small town, Brooklyn finds that she has grown into a strong, capable woman, able to stand up to her abusive father and eager to build a life for herself among new friends and a surrogate family. The only obstacle is her next-door neighbor, Derek Johnson, whom she finds very attractive and untrustworthy. Derek does have his eyes on Brooklyn's new home for his own plans, but he is also bound to her and Alycia by a promise to an old friend. He and Brooklyn must overcome their clashing expectations about who the other is and what the future holds. Award-winning Hatcher presents a hopeful story of love and faith and the strength that comes from knowing you are more than the sum of your flaws and past mistakes.--Richard, Carolyn Copyright 2018 Booklist