This is a heartwarming and intriguing read that will resonate with fans of small-town romance, Christian fiction, and clean contemporary romance, offering a sweet and emotional journey of self-discovery, love, and redemption in a charming Appalachian setting.

I usually like Denise Hunter's books, quite a bit. This one just disturbed me and that was disappointing. I finished the book once, but didn't remember it was an ARC, so when I did remember, I tried to read it again so that I could give it a fair review, but I was too frustrated. Much of the story was great, but the premise of being unfaithful to your current boyfriend/brother's girlfriend was NOT. I tried, but I couldn't do it. It is cute other than that. The character development was good. The back story of reconnecting with her mother was beautiful and hard simultaneously, like real life is, nice job! But I really don't like being as uncomfortable as this book made me, so it wasn't worth it to me; I decided not to finish it the second time through. This is my honest review of the book I was excited to review. I will still give this author another go! This story just wasn't for me.

#RiverbendGap #NetGalley.

I loved this book! It's well-written, enjoyable, and a great read. Denise Hunter did a great job of writing in a way that captures the readers attention, and makes you not want to put it down until you're finished! I would highly recommend it!

I’ve had this book on my TBR list since it first came out, and I don’t know why I waited so long to read it. I fell in love with the Robinson family and with Riverbend. I immediately read the rest of the series and felt lost when I finished it.

Due to a personal difference in beliefs (WITH THE PUBLISHER) I will not be reviewing this book outside of Netgalley nor do I plan to support Thomas Nelson in the future due to their decisions of late and the lack of fiction with good Biblical values.

This does not mean I do or do not like the book, it just means I will not be reviewing books for this publisher anymore as I do not care to support them when I do not agree with the way they have left their former standards.

Die Beschreibung des Buches hat mich interessiert. Besonders die Schilderung des Beginns und dass ein Deputy Sheriff vorkommt, aber dann habe ich mitbekommen, dass es zwischen ihm und der Freundin seines Bruders knistert. Solche Konstellationen mag ich gar nicht und werde daher keine Rezension schreiben.

As always, Denise comes through with an excellent book and I will always instantly request her works on Netgalley. I just really wish I read the blurb for this one before I did my excited one-click for one of my fave authors! The other two books in this series are on my TBR as well and I did, thankfully, read those blurbs prior to requesting; however - this one was just not my cup of tea.

It's basically cheating wrapped up in a bow, y'all. Or sugar coated, so as to not to leave a bitter after taste in your mouth, but I still tasted it... Still tasted it. Cheating is cheating, is cheating, no matter how you spin it! And it's heartbreaking that it occurred within a family instead of with someone outside the home. That makes it worse, in my opinion.

We do get to learn a lot about forgiveness in this book though, and I really think that's a good redeeming quality. I know lots of people will enjoy this book, especially the ones that look for the love triangle tropes, but Denise has a target audience of Christian women, and I know it's that particular party that's going to be uneasy about this one. I'm moving on to #2 where (I'm praying) the cheating aspect of everything is absent.

Thanks netgalley for giving me the advanced pdf so that I can share my thoughts and opinions with y'all 💛

I always know I’m in good hands with a Denise Hunter’s romance. I absolutely loved Riverbend Gap, the first in this new Riverbend series, and all I know is that I CANNOT wait for what’s to come here.

This was the perfect, feel-good, easy romance that I didn’t know I was needing in my life. I absolutely loved our main character Katelyn and Cooper. They were so realistic and well-developed in their vulnerabilities and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way. Excellent characters with depth are a must for what constitutes a great romance read for me, and Hunter definitely hit that nail on the head here. It was definitely the characters that made this story for me, and the lovely setting, enjoyable small town vibes, and the wonderful writing and storytelling were just the icing on the cake!

A story about love, faith, and family, this emotional and heartwarming read is definitely worth picking up! It was so refreshing and I closed the book feeling content and with a smile on my face. Romance fans, run don’t walk to get your hands on Riverbend Gap! Thank you Denise Hunter for this phenomenal story!!

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the gifted e-copy.

Riverbend Gap is the first book in Hunter's Riverbend series and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and setting. It was fascinating to learn about the trail and all the things that surrounded that. :)

The romance was a tricky one and not a favorite. I felt so badly for Gavin, because he was the one most hurt from it. It was a sticky situation and one that I didn't particularly like, but I was glad that there was a (mostly) happy ending to it all.

All in all, I enjoyed the read, but wish the romance would have been different. I'm looking forward to continuing the series soon.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Denise Hunter is incredibly consistent, an underrated attribute in an author, I think. I sailed through this story with easy dialogue and a trail town setting that I loved.

Cooper and Katelyn's vulnerabilities are perfectly matched and make for a believable forbidden romance. (She's dating his brother!) Seeing each of their interior struggles and the reasons for their reluctance to own up to Cooper's brother and family made the story not only palatable, but had me eager to get to their happily ever after.

I appreciate how real everything about this story felt.

Bonus: The covers in this series are gorgeous!

Riverbend Gap

by Denise Hunter

I didn’t think a romance could be an actual page-turner for me, but Riverbend Gap surely was. Although there are a few dangerous, dramatic scenes, that was not the cause of my reluctance to put the book down. It was the characters!

All of the main characters are seeking love, stability, and trust. Katie, who spent most of her life in the foster care system, moves to Riverbend Gap in search of her biological mother. After the death of her brother, she needs a new start. She needs the love of a family. When Cooper, a deputy, finds her in a precariously balanced car on a cliff after a near-miss with a deer, they make an emotional connection. Unbeknownst to Cooper, Katie is dating his brother Gavin. The brothers have tried to live above the reputation of their alcoholic father all their lives, but it is not easy in a small town. Gavin has other personal issues that are devastating. No one wants to see him hurt even more. Clearly, there is romantic conflict as Katie and Cooper try to stamp out the sparks in their relationship while Gavin is initially oblivious to their attraction.

The Robinson family was blended when Cooper and Gavin’s mom remarried giving the brothers a sister Avery. Avery is a doctor who is also Katie’s boss in Avery’s medical clinic where Katie works as a nurse. The Robinsons are fiercely loyal to each other and well-respected in the community. Problems pile on as Cooper runs for sheriff, and the rumor mill in Riverbend Gap operates at full speed. The community is challenged when part of the Appalachian Trail is closed for repairs. Many businesses in the area depend on thru-hikers who stop to rest up, enjoy a good meal, and restock their packs.

The plot is well played out. I really wanted good things for Cooper, Gavin, and Katie, but it was like watching a train wreck and being unable to predict anything except a collision. Afterwards, how will they pick up the pieces? Will the Robinson family survive betrayal? Will Katie experience rejection once more by her mother? Can Cooper’s campaign for sheriff be salvaged at the ninth hour? The answers are all delightfully found in Riverbend Gap.

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

Rating: 5/5

Category: Romance

Notes: 1. Discussion questions are included.
2. This is #1 in the Riverbend Romance Series, a trilogy.
3. My next review will be on #2, and (sneak peak) I really liked it too!
4. Clean romance.

Publication: October 19, 2021—Thomas Nelson Fiction

Memorable Lines:

He stared into blue eyes that were as convincing as any he’d seen. But he also had an alcoholic dad, and he knew they were capable of lying to themselves—not to mention others—quite convincingly.

He sank deeper into the sofa cushions, wishing he could disappear into the crack with the Doritos crumbs.

Feeling like something a cat coughed up, she locked the door and turned off the light. Her chest was heavy with the crushing weight of Gavin’s pain. The hollow ache of guilt.

What a start to a brand new series. Found my eyes watering quite a bit during this one. I did have a hard time with the conflict between two of the characters and that surprised me. But I’ll be watching for the next book.

Good story, likable chapters. I did like the cast of characters, the small town charm and the fun setting. I look forward to reading the next two books in the series. I always enjoy Ms. Hunters writing style and storytelling.

RIVERBEND GAP is the first book in the Riverbend series by Denise Hunter. It is all about family and faith and totally heart tugging. It had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission. I had to know what was going to happen to Kate and Cooper and all the secondary characters. All of Denise’s characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again. You will also wonder how much heartache a person can stand before they completely break down and shatter.

RIVERBEND GAP is filled with family drama, forgiveness, mystery and romance. It is also an emotional rich story, so much so that it just might be the best novel that I have read by Denise Hunter so far. Kate is on the way to meet her boyfriend’s parents for the first time. She ends up hanging off the edge of a cliff after swerving off the road to avoid a deer. When Kate meets her biological mother, reliving the past, and the secrets that they both hold, made it hard to put down. Also, the fact that the setting is in North Carolina which is an added bonus for me.

RIVERBEND GAP starts off with a very tense situation that will have the reader holding their breath and if they are wearing pearls, they will be clutching them! Totally intense and scary! Kate and Cooper, meeting for the very first time under such a tense event, creates such an emotional bond. Cooper talks with Kate until help arrives, trying to keep her calm. But in the process, he feels something is special about Kate, almost an instant connection. This story is guaranteed to give you all the feels, trust me on that! Hang on people, RIVERBEND GAP is an intense and crazy ride.

RIVERBEND GAP is a quick read that you can easily read in one sitting and love every minute of it. It is one heck of a crazy emotional roller coaster ride. I have never met a Denise Hunter book that I didn’t love and once I started reading I knew I was going on one heck of an emotional journey! Whatever you are reading, put it down, and run and get this book! If you’ve never read a Denise Hunter novel (and you know who you are) this would be a perfect one to hook you!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

Katelyn is on her way to meet her boyfriend's family for dinner. Cooper is out riding his motorcycle when he sees the wreck. Cooper is a sheriff deputy and goes to check on the wreck. Katelyn's car is just hanging on before a drop off. Cooper calls for help and stays to keep her calm. When Cooper gets to his family home late for dinner, he finds that his brothers' girlfriend is late due to a wreck. The attraction between Katelyn and Cooper can't go anywhere due to her being his brothers first girlfriend since his divorce.
Cooper is running for sheriff, and someone is spreading rumors about him. Katie works for Gavin and Cooper's sister as a nurse. Due to a close-knit family Katie and Cooper end up spending time together.
I struggled with this story line, not really my cup of tea. If you are don't have feelings for someone don't keep seeing them romantically

I love Denise Hunter books. They are so well planned out, have such a great message and well written characters. This book is no exception. From the first scene to the last, I was holding my breath. Typically I don't like love triangles that include brothers, but this one was well written and very clean, so nothing happened that would make things incredibly awkward.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

Katelyn Loveland moved to Riverbend looking for family, instead she finds a love that could tear a family apart.

Katelyn finds her self in a precarious situation, teetering on the edge of a cliff while on her way to share a family meal with her new boyfriend. Deputy Cooper Robinson comes to her rescue, as they bond on the side of the cliff, Cooper loses his heart. But when he discovers that she is his brother's new girlfriend, he vows to not let his feelings for her go any further. Can they be a part of each other's lives without losing their hearts.

The first in a new series, we are introduced to the Robinson family who are a big part of their small community. Katie is new to town, hoping to reconnect with her long lost mother, and working for her college friend Avery Robinson as a nurse in her clinic. I really enjoyed meeting the Robinson family and getting to know the members of their family. I really liked the friendship between Katie and Avery, and how they are there for each other.

Cooper is running for Sheriff and along with that come unforeseen challenges that question his reputation, along with his growing feelings for Kate. This was a fast paced read with well developed characters and good interaction, though I'm not a huge fan of love triangle drama and I felt that I could see the conflict coming.

Overall, a romantic family drama, set in a charming small town, filled with second chances, faith and family.

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

4.5 stars

Oh, my how I loved this book. This is the sweetest book about family, love, and forgiveness. I cannot wait to read the future books in this series and I really want to move to Riverbend Gap right away.

Katie has had a rough life - she grew up in foster care after being abandoned by her mother at age 5; she never knew who her father was; her biological brother died a few months earlier leaving her completely alone without family. Katie reunites with an old college friend and takes a nursing job at her medical clinic in Riverbend Gap. The icing on the cake for her taking this job was that she found our her biological mother lived there also.

Katie's friend (and boss) decides to set her up with her brother, Gavin, who had just gone through a heartbreaking divorce after losing his only child in a car accident. Gavin has been in a dark place for a few years and the entire Robinson family is trying everything to pull him out of it.

But does the universe have other ideas for Katie? For Gavin? For the other brother Cooper? and for Katie's mom, Beth?

I cannot stress how much I enjoyed reading this book - the way the book flowed was beautiful - I wouldn't change one thing.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated above are mine without biases.

Wonderful and exciting book.
I have been a long time reader of Denise Hunter's books.
This book kept me entertained and I really enjoyed it.
You can feel the real emotions of the characters coming through.
It's realistic women's fiction that definitely belongs on your keeper shelf.
It's warm and has a feel good vibe. You'll root for the hometown hero who finds himself involved in a bit of a scandal not of his own doing.
There are some family dynamics that'll make you wonder how things are going to turn out.
I really couldn't put this down and highly recommend it to you.

Pub Date 19 Oct 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Oh my what a conundrum! Dating one brother and in love with the other? I had to keep the pages turning so see if this would end well. Very good.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.