That Darkest Place (Riverbend #3)
by Marcia Meara
“That Darkest Place” jumps right in after the oldest Painter brother, Jackson, has been in a horrible car accident. He had been treating his family horribly in the previous book, but his two younger brothers rushed to his side when he needed them most. It was assumed he had been drinking and driving, but new information changed everything for this family. All the Painter brothers have slowly won my heart. I wanted to see each of them find some happiness. This story had a beam of hope for them, but someone was also after Jackson. I loved how each brother had to work on himself, no matter how painful it became. There are some serious issues dealt with that included mental health and amputation. In the mix were love and building trust, no matter what life has brought them in the past. The story focuses on Jackson and Forrest and their journey, but it also offers some amazing settings. These are places I’d love to visit. I can easily recommend this beautifully written story, with a perfect ending to a wonderful series.
by Marcia Meara
I read and enjoyed the first book in the Riverbend series and was eager to see what happens next. Hunter is the youngest of three boys, and he’s the family caretaker. Living at home, he makes sure his mother is okay while his outgoing brothers go on with their lives. Gifted with a gentle heart, he finally finds the courage to ask Willow out, who he’s adored since high school. They immediately click, and it is obvious they should be together. I was drawn to the kindness of Hunter and the strength and goodness of Willow. Even with the happiness that they’ve found together, Hunter has concerns that might pull them apart. This story takes a journey into mental health. Although this is a love story, it’s also an insightful glimpse into dementia, PTSD, depression, family dynamics, hope, and healing. As soon as I finished “Finding Hunter” I started Riverbend #3. This is a heartfelt story that I can highly recommend.
Although I knew it was Aaron’s turn to find love, I did not know where he would find it. So, when his ex, Trisha, showed up with her family to be the first guests at the ranch, it was obvious where his feelings were. Unfortunately, she had a fiancé and a secret. I immediately disliked her fiancé and her family, but hoped Trish would open up to Aaron and they could get back together. The struggle between the brothers was still there, while Aaron just wanted to prove himself to Matt. This was my favorite of the series, and I loved how the secrets were slowly revealed. I admit to shedding a tear or two because of those reveals. Plus, it seemed like their plans to save the ranch were failing, and it appeared someone might be helping that along. It was a well-written story where I could easily picture myself riding along with Aaron and Trish and enjoying the beauty with them. A fantastic ending to this family’s saga that I can easily recommend to those who love a good romance.
I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews. If I don’t like a book, I won’t finish it. It doesn’t feel right leaving a review in that case, but I have been known to email the author:) Life is too short not to enjoy every book you read!
Embrace your inner child with a huge hug by reading a great book! D. L. Finn
Wonderful reviews. Congrats to Jacquie and Marcia! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Denise 💕🙂
Thanks, Harmony 🙂 All good reads!
Three interesting reviews, Denise. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Thank you, Priscilla:) I enjoyed all of them.
Good reviews, Denise. I loved Marcia’s Riverbend series.
Thank you, Joan. It was a good series!
Excellent reviews, Denise. You can’t go wrong with anything Marcia or Jacquie has written.
Thanks, Staci 🙂 No, you sure can’t, both always offer a great story.
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful reviews of Finding Hunter and That Darkest Place, Denise. I’m still trying to get my new computer set up and not doing much blogging right now, but I’m so glad I saw your email with the link to this post. No way I’d miss checking to see what you thought!
The Painter Boys are near and dear to my heart, and knowing that you enjoyed their stories simply made my morning. (Probably my whole day, too, given how complicated this computer process has been.) Your thoughtful and warm reviews are exactly what I needed right now. THANKS again! 🤗❤️🤗
PS, See, I was so excited, I forgot to mention how nice it was to be here with Jacquie today. Congratulations on a great review, Jacquie! A great way to start our day, eh?? 😊❤️
You are very welcome, Marcia 🙂 I had to share how much I enjoyed the Painter brothers!
Sorry changing over computers is taking a while, I’m still adding and fixing my transfer. Mine keeps taking me to older verisons of what I’m working on, so I really have to pay attention, after a mixup…lol. But glad to finally have it up and mostly working, once I get my daughter to fix a few things…
Have a great week, that I hope includes your transfer 🙂
Congratulations to Jacquie and Marcia.
Thanks, Craig 🙂
I’m reading one of Marcia’s books right now and am really enjoying it. Great reviews, Denise! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I’ve enjoyed all of Marcia’s books that I’ve read, Yvette 🙂 Thank you!
Fabulous reviews Denise. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Balroop!
Oh! These sound so exciting, Denise. Kudos to Jacquie and Marcia. Hugs all around.
Thanks, Teagan 🙂 You can’t go wrong with any of them. I hope you are staying safe with all the fires xo
Great reviews of these books, Denise. Sharing…
Thank you, Jacqui! Much appreciated xo
Wonderful reviews Denise for two of my favourite authors.. xx
Thanks, Sally 🙂 You can’t go wrong with either one of these authors xo
Excellent reviews on Jacquie’s and Marcia’s books, Denise. Thank you for sharing. I’m waiting for my new glasses. In the mean time, I can’t look at the screen for to long. 😊🤓
Thanks, MIriam 🙂 I hope your glasses make it to you soon! Never fun when you are without a good pair!
Thank you for the awesome review, Denise. Is it wrong that my heart fluttered when you stated you shed a few tears? 🙂
I’ve been seeing wonderful things about Marcia’s books and hope to catch up soon. Is everyone’s computers and glasses giving up at the same time, or do you all have spring fever? lol
Definitely not, Jacquie 🙂 I’m an old softie when it comes to those things.
I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by Marcia, I believe you will enjoy then. I got my computer up, mostly, but the internet isn’t cooperating at all! Glasses okay here though, just been getting my daughter’s book ready. I think it’s ready, but spring fever sounds good right about now…lol
Your daughter wrote a book?
Yes 🙂 Coming out this month once the kinks get worked out.
That’s awesome!
These ALL sound like books I would enjoy. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on them, Denise! And congrats to Jacquie and Marcia!
Yes, I have a feeling you’d enjoy them all, Jan:) Thank you!
Awesome reviews, Denise. I’ve read all three of these books and loved them cover to cover. A huge round of applause to Jacquie and Marcia for creating such memorable reads!
I second that round of applause, Mae! Thank you 🙂
Marcia and Jacquie are great writers. Wonderful reviews.
They sure are, Darlene 🙂 Thank you!
Wonderful reviews to share, Denise! Bravo to Marcia and Jacquie! 🙂
Thank you, Natalie 🙂 All good reads!
Oh, I enjoyed these reviews, Denise. Such much good reading ahead!! Both Marcia and Jacquie are prolific and wonderful authors.
Thank you, Pam 🙂 I agree both wonderful writers! Xo
As always, well written and informative reviews. Thanks Denise. 😀
Thank you, Eden 🙂 All fun reads.
Great reviews, Denise!! Thank you so much for sharing with us!
Thanks, Mar 🙂 All good reads!
I’ve rarely seen two great reviews in the same post for one author. Congratulations, Marcia! Denise, I’m glad to hear that you connected so well with the characters in, “That Darkest Place,” and that “Finding Hunter,” sheds light on mental health. It’s also great that “My Girl,” had strong antagonists and protagonists that had you booing one and cheering the other one on. Congratulations, Jacquie! These are all well-crafted reviews, Denise.
Ince I get started I like to finish a series, if I can! Thanks, Mark, they are authors worth reading 🙂