Close to Heaven by Pamela Clare is a good fit for those seeking an emotionally charged, character-driven romance that explores themes of second chances, redemption, and the healing power of love.

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Close to Heaven is one of those heartwarming Christmas stories. I'm giving the book a 3.5 stars.

All in all, this book is a great easy read for Pamela Clare fans. Blending together heartwarming moments with more serious topics, this book will have you reflecting on your own life and the precious holiday moments that come with it.

This one was fun, though Joe and Rain aren't my favorite Clare couple. But Rain's brokenness is compelling, and Joe's tragic story is interesting. The heat between them is incendiary, and the slow build is fun.

*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*

ARC received for review

Old man and a younger woman. They've been in love with each other for years but Joe is won't date someone who works for him. She quits, and game on. Loved her daughter and of course, all the peeps from previous books.

Close to Heaven is the fifth romance in the Colorado High Country series written by author Pamela Clare. Thanks to NetGalley and the author and her publisher for the advance copy.

Great quick Christmas read from Ms.Clare. I really like this series and this was a great addition. Joe and Rain had such fantastic chemistry and I couldn't get enough of them.

I have read all the books in this series and have enjoyed them. And although this wasn't my favorite, it was still a sweet read and a good addition overall. I think I had a little trouble believing that the characters had known each other for so long and yet never acted on their attraction. The relationship felt a bit stilted and the money reveal and the lavish gifts at the end were a little silly.

The positives: Pamela Clare creates interesting character's and knows how to connect with her readers. Each book has its unique spin so the plots aren't formulaic or predictable.

I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

This book was ok, easy read. Not what youd expect from Pamela Clare. I enjoyed it, just didn't leave me thinking about it after I was finished

First book by this author in this series but no problem. Easy and cute read, heartwarming but also having serious topics. It had the holiday feel mixed in with thoughtful real life emotions. Awesome read well rounded and the character more mature.

Well written and an enjoyable story. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more by this author.

Okay wow, this series just gets better and better. I was just the tiniest bit skeptical at the onset that Pamela would be able to pull off her usual greatness without all the added drama and danger of her I-Team series and still be able to keep her readers engrossed and craving more, but I know now I should never have doubted her mad skills. Once again Pamela proves that the skill of the author is the most important part of any story’s greatness. This story has been a LONG time coming and I speak for all her fans when I say it’s about time. Rain and Joe have become some of our favorite people in Scarlet Springs, truly being the glue that keeps the town together and makes everyone feel like a community. Rain with her innate sweetness and bubbly personality has made it her life’s work to always do whatever is needed to make her and her daughter’s life easier, giving up her dreams and returning home with an infant after the baby’s father turned out to be a bastard. Joe was the only person willing to give her a leg up and she never forgot that, but over the years those feelings have morphed into something deeper and undeniable, so when she is forced to take advantage of his hospitality she thinks it might finally be time to lay all her cards on the table. But Joe is a stubborn man. Joe would give anything to feel like he deserves a chance at happiness with Rain, but he has too much to atone for and the sins of his ancestors run long and deep, even if most of the current residents of Scarlet Springs don’t know it. Joe has wanted Rain for many years, but he won’t cross the line by sleeping with one of his employees so he has worked very hard to hide his desires and need from her, but when her world crumbles around her there is no way he won’t step in and offer her a safe haven. Thrown together in the close quarters of Joe’s home and forced to come to terms with one another’s true feelings Joe and Rain must decide if they are willing to risk everything for a chance at the true happiness they both have searched for their entire lives. I LOVED every second of this story and was thrilled I got the chance to read it (even mother nature helped ensure it got my full attention when snow swept into Florida closing the state down to give me the full day to read:) ). Rain was the type of woman that I always wished I had the energy to be, sweet, fiery, giving and loving, despite circumstances that have made many a woman lose all confidence in themselves and certainly hardened their hearts. She is not only the center of Joe’s world but the heart of the small town of Scarlet Springs whether she realizes it or not, making her thoughts of possibly leaving town all that more terrifying. Joe is a big sexy bear of a man, and to be honest in the previous stories I guess I missed the fact that he was so damn sexy… must not have been paying enough attention! But getting to see him through Rain’s eyes, especially as she falls even deeper in love with him showed me just how wonderful he truly was. The heat between Rain and Joe has certainly been building for twenty years so when they finally give into their passions and give themselves permission to fully embrace one another there is no way anyone in town can miss the sparks flying and melting the snow of the blizzard that put Rain in this predicament to begin with. I am so glad that Pamela took a chance with this series and I cannot wait for whatever comes next because the characters in this town are so unique, interesting and full of life, I feel like I could drive into a small town in Colorado, walk into a local bar and find myself meeting each of these people as if they stepped right off the pages. If you are looking for a wonderful read for a long snowy day or a few nights by the fire cuddled with your honey, this is the perfect read, but bring the tissues and the wine, trust me you will need them. Another stroke of genius, Pamela!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing in.

I fell in love with the characters. This is the first book from this author that I have read. I really enjoyed the characters and the plot flowed smoothly for me. I laughed out loud in several spots and cried in others. Having journals from Joe's 4x Great Grandfather depicting the history of the city was wonderful. I need to go back and read the other books as a lot of characters were wonderful so I can only imagine their stories.

This story grabbed my attention right from the beginning. I highly recommend this book to anyone. It was such a joy to read.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book which I received through Netgalley.
This was a really captivating and well written story. I couldn't put it down.

Close to Heaven
Colorado High Country #5
Pamela Clare
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This series are a bunch of the sweetest romances. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about the people in the town of Scarlet Springs.

She has nothing…

Rain Minear has fantasized about finding herself in Joe Moffat’s arms for years. It’s just her luck that the night it finally happens, he’s carrying her into the emergency room. It’s Joe who steps up to help her when a tragedy brings her life crashing down. He gives her a place to stay, helps her get back on her feet, and even tries to save her Christmas, though he’s never cared for the holiday. But he’s far too ethical to sleep with a member of his staff, holding her at arms length despite the long-simmering attraction between them.

He has everything…

Haunted by ghosts from the past, Joe Moffat moved to Scarlet Springs to repay a debt. He’s struggled for years to keep his hands off Rain. She’s the general manager of his brewpub, and he is not that kind of boss. But, oh, she turns him on. More than that, she has the biggest heart of any woman he’s ever known. He’d do anything to see her smile again, even put up a Christmas tree and listen to carols, things he normally never does.

A season that changes two lives forever…

When a Rocky Mountain blizzard leaves them snowbound and alone together for days, they can no longer ignore their feelings for one another. As their passion turns to something deeper, it becomes clear to them both that this will be the most important Christmas of their lives.



Can’t wait for the next book in this series to come out. I hope on the future there will be a book about Lark meeting the man of her dreams.

Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

A perfect friends to lovers story! It takes Joe and Rain a while to get there, but they are perfect together - and everyone but them knew it.

It’s about stinking time Joe Moffat gets his story! I have been looking forward to the owner of “Knockers” to getting his story. He’s a really great guy and an even better catch. Rain has worked for Joe for 20 years as his general manager and hostess. Joe has been in love with her for just as long but because of the age difference and for the simple fact that she works for him he has not acted on his feelings for her. But how does Rain feel about him? As with all Pamela Clare books she gives you an exciting adventure right along with some sexy love scenes. You’ll have to read this for yourself if you want to know Joe and Rain’s story.

***I voluntarily reviewed this ARC for an honest review via NetGalley, this is my honest opinion and has not been influenced by the author, Publishers or NetGalley in anyway.*** Thank you!

This story was sweet and emotional. I loved the characters and the storyline. Great book!

This book was a sweet Christmas romance. The book delved into the history of the town and so many people were related to the founders of the town. It as very interesting to see who was who in this era. Joe was a relative of the rich guy who was rich, cruel and self absorbed. He really thought he could do whatever he wanted and often did. He had no thought for anyone who got in his way. Joe inherited his wealth and was determined not to be that way. Rain was also a descendent and had had a rough start. At 17 she had a new baby and had been abandoned by the father. Joe and Rain had feelings for each other for 20 years and never acted upon it. When they finally did, it was exposive. I couldn't put this book down, it was that good.

Close to Heaven
Colorado High Country Series - Book 5

By Pamela Clare
November 2017
Contemporary Romance


Rain Minear had met the challenges life had given her, and succeeded. She had raised a strong independent daughter who was now finding her own place in the world. She had her own home, a job that had gotten her to where she was today, and a boss that she loved. And not in the platonic sense.
Joe Moffat had certain rules he lived by. Many had to do with his upbringing and wanting to give back to the community. This was something that he had not learned from his parents. Instead of living the jet-setting life his money could give him, he owned and ran a bar in a small town. One of the most important rules he lived by was becoming harder and harder to follow. He would not be one of those men who hit on his female employees. No matter how difficult it was becoming to ignore his feelings for Rain.
When Joe learns that Rain is in danger, nothing can keep him from rushing to help however he can. When Rain needs a place to stay, there is nowhere he wants her to be, other than with him. And when a snowstorm keeps them indoors together, Joe must face his feelings for Rain and decide once and for all if Rain is simply his employee, or someone much more.
Close to Heaven was a wonderful Christmas romance. The employer - employee conflict is an important one. Considering that these two people have worked together for two decades, such rules can be adjusted, but I appreciated how important it was to Joe. That is Joe, trying to do the right thing, and rectify wrongs. Rain is the perfect heroine to shake up Joe's life and bring him beauty, happiness, and love. I enjoyed that we got to see Joe and Rain's courtship all the way to the very end. I hope that there are more Colorado High Country stories.


Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com