I love visiting Eternity Springs and this is no exception. Caitlin has decided to return to Eternity Springs and leaving the corporate world behind her and follow her dreams of opening a daycare and hopefully starting a family of her own. She meets newcomer mechanic, Josh. Josh has a past with lots of secrets but they can't deny the chemistry that they share so they have a "friends affair". Caitlin still hopes for so much more.

Love this town with quirky residents that come together to open their hearts for people in need. A great romance that I could not put down. This book is part of series but can be read as a stand alone.

Oh lord i loved how they met and how funny it was with her family. I love the family dynamics and can't wait for another story so i can see them poke their heads up again

Caitlin Timberlake is a fashion designer from New York City. She grew up in Eternity Springs, but after college wanted to spread her wings. It’s been eight years and she is starting to feel the call of home and family. At a destination wedding in Telluride she shares a gondola ride with a handsome stranger and his special needs dog, there is an immediate spark. His name is Josh and he attends the wedding as her Plus One.......Caitlin decides that she wants more of this guy, but he turns and walks out of her life. At least he thinks he does.

Josh Tarkington has a lot of secrets and terrible luck. He refuses to become close with anyone, he doesn’t want any more trauma in his life. He runs a gas station/garage in Eternity Springs and considered quite the catch.
Although very attracted to Caitlin, he figures she is heading back to New York and the temptation is gone......WRONG!

Caitlin quits her job, moves back to Eternity Springs with a new plan for her life. She wants to open a day care center, and convince Josh they belong together. Her parents are skeptical and Josh is scared. But the people of the Springs, especially Celeste, the “guardian angel”of the town and people is on their side. His secrets and demons won’t let go of him. But Caitlin will never give up, unless she is forced to.

This charming story can be read as a stand-alone, but the previous books in the series are equally entertaining.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, and Netgalley for allowing me to review.
Pat Fordyce

Will post at Romance Reviews Today in March.
http://romrevtoday.com/index.htm

THE FIRST KISS OF SPRING – Emily March
An Eternity Springs Novel
St. Martin’s
ISBN: 978-1-250-13170-6
March 20018
Contemporary Romance

Colorado – Present Day

Caitlin Timberlake is visiting Telluride for a wedding, and while playing tourist, she meets Josh Tarkington and the two hit it off. She soon learns he lives in Eternity Springs, where her parents currently live. Nothing happened between Caitlin and Josh beyond a few kisses but meeting him spurs her to change her career path. She quits her job in New York City and decides to move to Eternity Springs, where she’ll open a daycare. Oh, and pursue a romance with Josh. There’s just one problem: Josh isn’t interested in a committed relationship.

Josh settled down in Eternity Springs after an unsettled childhood and living through a tragedy in Oklahoma. While his auto repair business is doing well and he’s made friends with people in town, he’s managed to avoid romantic relationships. After Josh met Caitlin in Telluride, he never expects to see her again, and he’s surprised when she moves to town. She makes it clear that she wants him, and he can’t deny her, despite his reservations about relationships. Caitlin doesn’t ask for anything more from Josh beyond sex, but how will this play out if she’s hoping to have a future with him?

Caitlin Timberlake’s family is respected and well known in Eternity Springs, but she was raised in Denver. Caitlin had left Denver behind years ago to pursue her dreams in New York City. While she and Josh are getting to know one another in Telluride during their visit, they run into her parents, who are surprised to see her (she hadn’t told them she was there since it was a quick trip) and that she’s with Josh, who is fairly new to town. After Caitlin announces she’s moving to Eternity, her parents express concern over her plans, unaware that she is pursuing Josh. She might be nearly thirty, but they still think of her as their little girl. Can she make them understand that she’s a grown woman?

Josh rarely talks about his past. In THE FIRST KISS OF SPRING, each chapter begins with a journal entry that we soon learn is Josh’s from when he was younger. His words show the horror and heartbreak he witnessed, and readers will grow to care for him as the story unfolds. To those who know Josh now, he is honorable and hardworking, but inside he still suffers the emotional scars that were inflicted upon him. While Josh and Caitlin do end up in an affair, he never tells her that he loves her. How long will she endure a relationship where love is seemingly one-sided?

THE FIRST KISS OF SPRING is the latest tale in the long-running Eternity Springs series by Emily March, but like most of them, it can easily be read as a standalone. Readers who are familiar with the series will catch glimpses of characters from previous books and get caught up in who has children, etc. Above and beyond everything is the one central theme of each tale: Celeste Blessing is an angel in disguise. The wisdom she provides helps couples find their way to a happily-ever-after.

Josh’s past is grim, and he’s managed to make a life for himself, but the entrance of Caitlin into his life is a game changer for both. In THE FIRST KISS OF SPRING, the emotional journey of Josh and Caitlin will prove endearing to readers and makes for an enjoyable story.

Patti Fischer

Very sweet and heartwarming story. Felt very realistic. This is a book in a series, but easily reads alone. Perfect to curl up with and forget about chores. Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this arc in exchange of an honest review.

This book was such an enjoyable read with a good storyline and likeable characters that I had a hard time putting this book down until I read the very last page!

What a lovely title. I love spring. And I loved this book. As I come to realize with my second experience with Emily March’s Eternity Springs series, there is something special and magical in these stories that keeps me glued to the page.

It seldom happens to me, but sometimes I come across a book that awakens that love at first sight thing within me. And this was such a book. I loved both Caitlin and Josh’s characters from the very first moment, I remembered this whimsical town and the quirky community, sat back and enjoyed the ride. It was funny, it was sexy, it was heartbreaking. I’m not talking the ending, just the journey. I really enjoyed being back in Eternity Springs. Wouldn’t mind going back there again sometime.

If you like small town contemporaries like me, and you just love that tight knit community and friendship, a little magic along with your romance, then I think this series is for you. I adored Josh and Caitlin, Josh’s distant seeming character waiting to be peeled off layer by layer, and Caitlin’s bubbly and determined personality.

I’m adding four spoonfuls of this lovely story into my hodgepodge.

This is a sweet, contemporary, small town romance and works well as a standalone, even though it is the fourteenth in the series - I haven’t read any of the earlier books in the series and still enjoyed this one. It is different to many other stories as alternating chapters share information about the past and, for much of the story, you aren’t quite certain who has these memories, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to the overall story. Tragedy, thoughts of suicide and child abuse play important roles in the story so if any of these are triggers for you, I’d suggest avoiding this book. However, they are dealt with comparatively sensitively and really are key to some of the actions and interactions which occur.

The first time Caitlin and Josh meet is sharing, getting stuck in and rescued from a gondola ride. He has his cute wheelchair using dog with him and the two have plenty of time to connect as they await rescue. Their romance is well portrayed, with plenty of reticence, angst and turmoil occurring during their fraught journey towards their HEA together. Their journey is anything but smooth - there are plenty of potholes along the way to trip them up and drive them apart! Reviewing your personal life choices, starting in a new way, moving home and so much more all happen in this story which I have no hesitation in recommending to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance with plenty of drama! I’ll definitely be looking out for more by this author in future.

I requested and received a copy of this novel. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

To start off with I have not read any of the other books in this series but you don't need to, to be able to read this book. Josh has so much to overcome to be with the love of his life. Will Caitlin be able to stick it out to be with Josh? There is a fun wedding with steak, I mean who has steak at a wedding, awesome!! Caitlin makes big changes in her life but in the end they are what make her the happiest. This is a HEA book. This book also makes me want to read other in the series.


*Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this for my honest opinion*

I love Emily March and I loved this book! I think the way that Ms. March put journal entries in before each chapter really helped give the reader a better glimpse into what drove the character without having to wait for the reveal in the plot. I really liked that.
This is the story of Caitlin and Josh. They meet in a very cute way. They (Caitlin, Josh and his dog that uses a doggie wheel chair) share a ride in a gondola , which gets stuck. Instead of just meeting in passing, they have plenty of time to flirt with each other. Josh feels safe in doing so because Caitlin doesn't live around there. Whoops, things change! They soon have to deal with their attraction to each other on a daily basis.
Josh is a kind of dark character. He had a lot going on in his youth which leads him to believe he cannot have a relationship. When things get tough, the result may be one of the darkest places he's ever been. Caitlin's life is in an upheaval and the last thing she needs to deal with is a man that his withholding his past and his problems. Will any of that keep them from falling in love? Of course not, after all this is a romance novel! However, the path they take is a hard one and one worth reading. I really enjoyed this book.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

While I really like the fact that we see Josh and his battle with multiple issues from his childhood - including addition and family history of suicide, there were a couple of issues that I was not sure I would overcome and enjoy the story. I can say that I did like the journey that Josh had but still did not like my couple of issues!

Maybe it is part of the woo woo and Celeste but when Caitlin said that she knew that Josh was the man she was going to marry that just seemed like something a teenager would say so it didn't mesh for me. The other event that annoyed me was when Josh told Caitlin that he gave up and was ready to scratch an itch, and she just gave in. I really felt that she should value herself more than being treated like that.

Fortunately, the book picked up and the relationship seemed to progress until Josh was injured and had to face his personal demons again. Glad that Caitlin's dad finally had a decent talk with Josh which was a catalyst in his recovery.

I guess I was also annoyed that when Caitlin got bad news about her father, she immediately ran to Josh even after he treated her so badly. I had a hard time with what I consider a lack of self-esteem - just my opinion so maybe I am reading her wrong.

Overall, I liked the romance, there were a few references to people that I did not get so might help if you have ready the previous books in the series but not enough problems that you cannot read it as a stand alone.

I think the best thing that I liked about the book was the inspiration that you can overcome your past, problems, demons, and have a person that gives you hope - loved the analogy of Josh seeing Caitlin as the spring in his life!

First off, I should have read the description more carefully. This book was too steamy for me. Hence, the 3 star rating. Those steamy parts did not add to the story and could have been toned down. Now that said, I enjoyed the plot and the characters. The story line kept my attention and the writing was easy to read. The town of Eternity Springs sounds delightful as do the inhabitants. At times, I could guess where the narrative was leading, but that didn't spoil the story. It was a nice escapist read.

Is there anything Emily March writes that isn’t wonderful? Not in my book, and this latest edition of Eternity Springs is every bit as good as all the others. Caitlin Timberlake, daughter of Mac and Ali Timberlake, meets a cute guy in Telluride while at a wedding. He is a mechanic from Eternity Springs, (or is he?). Caitlin falls for him, he doesn’t believe he can have a successful relationship and of course, Josh and Caitlin fall for each other! But love never travels in a straight line. Ms. March weaves a story with heart and emotion that is so real. I have said before, and will say again, I wish I lived in Eternity Springs. If you like small town romances, with a lot of heart, this is the book ( and series ) for you.

Caitlin is moving back to Eternity Springs, CO. She is leaving her high stressed job to start a daycare. Her parents are not real enthused about the idea nor are they real pleased with her new choice of a boyfriend, Josh. But, when Josh saves a child from an oncoming car, many people change their tune. However, Caitlin’s father doesn’t. He even hires a private detective to find out more about Josh.

I fell in love with Josh from the get go! He is moody, good-looking, has a handicapped dog, and has a past which he doesn’t want anyone to know about. Now, how can this go wrong? When Caitlin enters his life, he is determined to keep her at arms length. You know…friends with benefits. Luckily, it doesn’t turn out the way he plans.

I enjoyed this tale, probably more than I should. It is simple, quick, and very charming. Sometimes you just need an entertaining romance to kick start your week. I have never read Emily March. But, when I saw the cover and the title I just had to give this a whirl! I am really looking forward to her other books. This story hit the spot.

I received this novel from Netgalley for a honest review.

Emily March welcomes spring with a dazzling romance set in Eternity Springs, a town of healing and new beginnings. Caitlin Timberlake is ready for a change of scenery from her big New York job and single life. After meeting and connecting with Josh Tarkington at her friend's wedding in Telluride, she is even more determined to see her dreams realized and snag her dream guy.

The First Kiss of Spring is filled with layers of pain, love, and hope. Caitlin's move home comes as a surprise to her parents and she has to convince them that she's serious about starting a business in Eternity Springs and hopefully starting her own family one day. When Josh finds out that Caitlin is starting her business next door, he knows his carefully created life is about to come crashing down. In most romances, the man usually pursues the woman but Caitlin flips the script by pursuing Josh with single-minded focus. It's fun to watch him try to resist her while she's basically got him wrapped around her finger!

This story is full of highs and lows that kept me turning the pages. When Josh gets hurt in a selfless act, he starts to relive his past which is presented in journal entries throughout the story and gives insight to his determination to not get involved with Caitlin. From the first chapter, I knew this wasn't going to be the average romance, and Emily March did not disappoint. With every turn in the novel I never knew what direction it was going to take or whether there could really be a happy ending to this story. I'm definitely sticking with this series as it continues and will get caught up on everyone's previous stories. It's a whole romantic world to explore! The Eternity Springs series is perfect for fans of RayAnne Thayne, Robyn Carr, and Jen Gilroy!
*ARC provided via Netgalley*

This is my first book by Emily March I have read.

First of all I didn't relise this was part of a series but can easily be read as a stand alone but will definitely be reading the other books.

This book had good characters and a good storyline the book just flowed. I did get slightly confused with all the characters but this book was an easy read.

Caitlin needs a break from the everyday big city and she feels like home is calling but she needs to make some decisions and break the news to her family. Her biggest worry is how they will take it. When she meets Josh it seems like there paths were meant to cross she just may need to convince him of that. Josh has some secrets very very deep secrets. When he meets Caitlin he's not ready for what she has to offer and also it seems that making a life altering decision brings his past right to his front door and the life he hoped to keep in the future. Can he survive this alter in his universe?

I really enjoy Emily March's style of writing, when you open a new book from her you never know what your going to get and what twist she's going to throw at you. In this book it was very much just that at first I was like wait what is going on but quickly realized that there was a new turn with every page and you needed to read it all to find out what was going on and the biggest reveal was yet to come. This book did deal with some very strong and tough subject and it worked so perfectly into the story. The story does have strong language and adult scenes. This story really did not disappoint at all and really sucks you in. I cant get enough of Eternity Springs and the fun and loving characters there. Hands down my favorite is Celeste and she did not disappoint in this book, if you haven't read any of the series don't be disappointed grab this one and you will only want more.

This is an impactful love story with real people and real life issues. Sometimes you come across a love story that isn't full of fluff but real people wrestling with real life issues. Their lives aren't always a pretty picture book story but you come to love the characters as they struggle with their lives and this book is that love story.

One of the things that held me spellbound was Author Emily March's Journal Entry that starts off each chapter. It was written by an unknown person and was dark and filled with pain. Along the way I guessed who it was but my brain felt such compassion for the person's life struggles and what they overcame.

This book was written with compassion and understanding. It deals with addictions and real struggles including failures. It shows people in real life crisis and it also shows that there are people out there that will love you if you give them a chance.

Caitlin is someone I want to be friends with. She is able to make a drastic change in her life to follow her heart. She's strong and at the same time soft hearted and loving. Her greatest strength is believing in someone who can't believe in themselves.

When I thought of this book and started to write the review I wasn't sure how to portray why I didn't give it a solid 5 stars but after thinking on for a while it became clear that at times the interaction between Caitlin and Josh was just too sweet for me. In no way did this distract from this story though.

I give this book 4.5 STARS

Caitlin Timberlake is starting a journey of going home to Eternity Springs. Her last thing to do is go to wedding in the town over. As she is exploring the town, she gets on the gondola. Josh Tarkington got on with his dog and the world turned. They laugh, joked and danced. Was the fairy tale ending or was it the beginning? If her dad had his way, it would be the ending. Caitlin is a forthright person. She will tell it to you like it is. Josh is not used to that kind of person. He is going to try to be worthy but you can not run from your past. His past roars to life and he becomes a person he is not proud of. Trust Celeste to set him on the right path. Love the ending!

It's always difficult for me to get a book and find out that it's part of a series, and that this series is already well advanced.
So many important stories to read... But still, I found the story of Josh and Caitlin interesting.
They were opposites and, as Caitlin knew from the beginning, they were perfect for each other.

But a novel never becomes good unless someone has a great secret to be revealed, right? And here we have Josh being the keeper of the secret, which can not only spoil the romance between the two, but even the way the other people in town will face it.

Still, it's a light novel and one that makes you want to read the previous books.
4 stars