Another great book by Denise Hunter! Her books literally transport me to the places that she's writing about. I love how descriptive she is!
Katie's car veers off the road and local sheriff, Cooper comes to her rescue. They have an instant connection. One snag, it turns out that Katie is dating Cooper's brother, Gavin. Katie and Cooper can't deny their attraction to each other. Gavin finds out and is devastated. Katie decides to leave town rather than break up a family. Gavin and Cooper forgive each other and Cooper tracks Katie down before she leaves town. You'll have to read the book to find out what happens next! You won't be sorry! ( )

Riverbend Gap by Denise Hunter is a 2021 Thomas Nelson publication.

Katelyn is on her way to meet her boyfriend, Gavin's parents for the first time. But she winds up teetering off the edge of a cliff after swerving off the road.

A Sheriff’s deputy, named Cooper comes to her rescue, talking her through some intense moments while they wait for help to arrive. Cooper feels an instant connection with Kate but is taken completely by surprise when he discovers she’s his brother’s new girlfriend!

Kate has moved to Riverbend Gap for more personal reasons that she lets on and has many emotional issues to work through. Gavin is also trying to put his life back together after a tragic loss, which keeps Kate from acknowledging her burgeoning feelings for Cooper.

Cooper is something of a ladies’ man, but right now, though, he’s got an election campaign to run while shooting down a multitude of stumbling blocks that could derail his run for Sheriff. The last thing he needs is to create more scandal by getting involved with Kate…. If only his heart agreed with his head.

This is, to my knowledge, the first book I have read by this author. I took the plunge with this one because it was the first book in a new series, and I wouldn’t have to play catch-up. While this is an emotional story, it is also a wonderful book about the strength of family, friendship and true love.

Like Kate, I think I could come to love the Robinson family as much as she did. The story has some nice thought-provoking scenarios addressing different ways people react to rumors and possible scandals. The story also tackles the pain and ruin that comes from drug addiction, and the toll it takes on everyone involved. There is a love triangle- and that can be a tricky sell sometimes- but I thought the author did a great with it.

As you may have gathered there is a lot going on in this story, and sometimes it gets a little messy. I love messy! I love seeing how people rise to the occasion, face their fears and own up to their shortcomings. I loved the message of healing and forgiveness, and the warm-hearted way the story concludes.

Overall, I’m glad I finally got around to giving this author a try. I hope I can fit some of her older titles into my reading list and am definitely on board for the next book in this series. ( )

Does any reader really enjoy the love triangle trope? Especially when both the love interests are likable? In Riverbend Gap, Denise Hunter takes the love triangle a step further when she adds they dynamic of two of the three in the triangle being brothers.

There were parts of this book I really enjoyed. Cooper’s family is great, and I hope this series includes happy endings for each of the siblings. Katelyn’s upbringing will tug your heartstrings, especially seeing how she’s overcome that. And the small town and education on those who attempt hiking the Appalachian Trail is interesting.

If you’re okay with love triangles (and to an extent, cheating) and enjoy a good romance with some drama thrown in, this book may be for you.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

In Riverbend Gap, Katelyn Loveland finds herself in a precarious situation when she swerves off the road to avoid hitting a deer only to find herself stuck on the edge of a cliff. Sheriff’s Deputy Cooper Robinson finds her and orchestrates her rescue, talking her down and getting to know her in the process. It’s only after the harrowing experience that Cooper learns that Katelyn is his brother’s new girlfriend. Katelyn and Cooper try to move forward as friends, both realizing that the connection and chemistry they share is unlike anything they’ve ever felt with anyone else. But Katelyn is Cooper’s brother’s girl, and Cooper would never hurt his brother by stealing his girl. Then Cooper’s campaign for Sheriff is threatened by scandal, and Katelyn is pulled into the middle of it costing Katelyn her most cherished relationships. Will Cooper be able to clear his name and find a way to be with the only woman he’s ever loved?

I read this book in record time. I couldn’t put it down once I got into it. The story, the characters, and the emotions pulled me in. I loved Katelyn and Cooper and the great chemistry they shared. I appreciate a heart-felt and clean romance, and this was one I really connected with. Over, a great story that I would definitely go back and read again.

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

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Katelyn and Cooper met when her car veered off a winding Appalachian Mountain road and Cooper came by just in time. Immediately they were both attracted to each other, but little did he know that Katelyn is the one his brother has been dating. So that made her off limits, despite the fact that his brother kept pushing them together. And the chemistry between the two keeps growing. Which makes for an interesting and entertaining read from author Denise Hunter.

Riverbend Gap is such an amazing story. It is so emotional and a heartbreaking but yet heartwarming read. The Robinson’s are such a fabulous family, full of love for each other. I really felt bad for Copper and Katelyn because they truly cared for each other, but Copper would never hurt his brother. I love the family setting and the quaint village with the Appalachian Mountain nearby. The characters are so very realistic, they felt like family to me. With the excellent writing skills of the author, the plot runs smoothly, the emotions of the family drama would not let me put this book down. There is so much more to this story but I’ll not give it away, so you need to read it for yourself. I’m giving Riverbend Gap Five Stars and its worth every one. If you love a good clean romance with faith weaved into the lives of the characters, I encourage you to checkout this new read from Denise Hunter. You will love it as much as I do.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )