It’s always a joy to read a really good book by a brand new author! Of course, it wasn’t without some shortcomings (really though, don’t most books have some?!), but the couple of things I thought could use some improving were pretty minor.

Julie Ellis fell in love with and married her high school sweetheart. Their marriage was cut devastatingly short when John, an Army Special Forces officer, was killed overseas. Now, one year later, Julie is doing her best to move on and raise her precocious seven year old son. When she meets Reagan Harrison at a dinner honoring military service members and their families, the professional football player is quite taken with her, though she’s not particularly impressed with him. She’s also kind of oblivious to Reagan’s growing affections for her.

Truth be told, there really wasn’t much new to the characters and plot of this book: pro athlete falls in love with widowed single mother, he (of course) isn’t into the serious relationship thing, she (of course) can’t believe he’s really into her and isn’t sure if she’s ready to move on and let go of her husband. It’s a storyline that’s been told countless times. Add in some awkward dialogue during the intense/serious scenes (several times I thought "No one is going to talk like that") and occasional clunky phrasing, and those are the things I think could use some improvement.

However, Ms. Winter did a very good job of creating likable, realistic characters, and conveying both the hero and heroine’s emotions. I loved how Julie and Reagan’s relationship progressed - how kind and patient Reagan was, how Julie didn’t completely resist Reagan’s involvement with her son. There was very little angst or drama between them, just realistic conflict in dealing with a woman who lost a man she was deeply in love with and a man who found a woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with when that wasn’t something he’d even wanted before. I liked that this book spanned a period of almost a year - no insta-love, superfast physical relationship. That part, at least, was refreshing, and sweet, and I thoroughly enjoyed the pacing. Some people may feel their relationship moved slowly, but I liked watching things develop between them. And when things fell apart, I liked how it didn’t get ugly or over-dramatic. Just a realistic way to deal with a sad situation.

The son was also very well written. I don’t always feel like an author has done a good job with the characterization of children - they either act too old, or too young, and don’t add much to the story. That was not the case here, and the son added extra dimension and depth to this story.

For a first time author, I was very impressed with this book. Furthermore, I’m looking forward to reading the next story in the series about Heath, John’s best friend who is emotionally scarred and damaged from witnessing his best friend’s death. It’s always good to find a new author who can write emotionally compelling stories!

Home Field is a very well written romance. This book is a story of loss and second chances. I really enjoyed this book. I recommend to all who love a good romance.

WOW what a book I could not put it down .I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it. I have now put it in my wish list as I would like to re-read at a later date

This book was beautifully written and couldn't ask for more. Reagan was the typical nfl football star that didn't want a relationship just the fun, but when he met Julie at a banquet things started to heat between the two but Julie was always living in the past with her husband that died in war. The question is how or if she can move on and love again.

I wanted to like it, but sadly it felt short and boring at times

This is my first time reading this author. I liked the premise. Being a Packer fan, I really liked the small town feel of the Warriors football team. I loved getting actual game time as part of the story!

Reagan and Julie have a cute first meeting and I could sense the draw between these two. Reagan is a good man and was very patient with Julie. A little over half way through, I was feeling pretty frustrated with Julie. I know grief is different with everyone but she really was tied in to the past. I also felt the last 3rd of the book was rushed. The pacing up until that point felt good. Then weeks and months all of a sudden were going by with just a mention as to the action.

I am intrigued enough to go back for more by this author. It will be interesting to see who she brings forward next in this series.

Running is unnecessary if you're not escaping something.

Is this a military banquet of some kind? Or is she a country club member?

So there, idiot. Any more questions?

How sad. Young children who might not have any memories of a parent killed in action.

Whatever happened to bobbing for apples?

You snooze, you lose. He's not a mind reader.

Ohhh, that's what he was doing in her room.

I'd never go clubbing.

Her poor baby!

They just expect after first weeks, now months of no contact, to just get back together?

Where have you been, Heath?

Aiden should have been at their wedding. He doesn't even know they're back together.

Nice ending.