Denise Hunter is always good for a sweet and inspirational romance story and Riverbend Gap did not disappoint. This is a story of finding home and belonging in the world. I thoroughly enjoyed the romance between the two main characters and can't wait to read the sequels in this series to find out what will happen with some of the side characters included in this novel.

Riverbend Gap
by Denise Hunter
Book 1 in the Riverbend series
Rating: 4/5

"All her life she’d been searching for a place to belong, a person to belong to, and she’d finally found him. But she couldn’t have him."

As someone who enjoys Denise Hunter's books, I was excited to read the first book in a new series. As dramatic as the beginning of the novel was, the rest of the story was all about the aftermath of what happened. I was immediately drawn into the story at the start - talk about an engaging hook.

The chemistry between the two main characters was palpable. I especially loved the hiking trip part. This new family, the Robinsons, was a lovely family that had its faults but still knew how to come together. I'm hoping that the other books will involve the other siblings. The setting of Riverbend sounds amazing - just look at that gorgeous cover! I'm always excited to visit new places through books and I can't wait to read more. I also enjoyed how the author was still able to weave her faith into the story in a nonthreatening way.

“Sometimes family isn’t the situation you’re born into but the people who’ve chosen to love you along the way.”

Highly recommend if you enjoy Christian contemporary romance with small town charm and lots of heart.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

This was a great book which is obvious to me since I stayed up till after 3 o’clock in the morning to finish it. They were very difficult issues in the book, one of which would usually be a dealbreaker for me. However, it was heartwarming and beautiful in spite of the heartbreak.

I love Katie and Cooper. I very much hope that we will continue to hear updates on them and I definitely hope that there will be additional stories to come for Gavin and for Avery.

A beautiful story of love, brokenness, heartbreak, hope, forgiveness and faith.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley Shelf and this is my honest review and opinion. I also listen to the audible version of the book which was indeed a winner.

Riverbend Gap is a warmhearted Christian romance about family and love. Family that has been dysfunctional in the past for some characters and family that is healthy and whole and loving.

Katelyn is wounded by her past but someone who is making a good life for herself. She has come to Riverbend Gap for a specific reason, dear to her heart and her past. When she is welcomed into the Robinson family's circle she delights in it. Avery Robinson is her best friend, Gavin is the man she is going out with and Cooper is the brother she actually finds she is falling for! Awkward!

Riverbend Gap is a town along the Appalachian Trail, and I found myself reaching for a map to show me its amazing extent. Riverbend Gap people look after those who walk along the way and they also rely on them to bring their town to life.

The plot moved along nicely, the characters were great, the tensions felt real and the mystery of a  little bit of deceitful play as Cooper vies for Sheriff added interest.

And we got our hard won happy ending.

So glad to see this is a first of a series. A new-to-me author that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Many tears were shed. A sweet love story with so much back story angst. I am eager to read the next one. I can certainly see this as a Hallmark movie. Delightful! Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a nice easy romantic read!
The characters are relatable, the setting of Riverbend Gap is ready and waiting for you to explore and the storyline held my interest!
I particularly like the hiking and outdoors feel that is true to ranch life!

Congratulations to Thomas Nelson and Denise Hunter! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#BookReview: Riverbend Gap by Denise Hunter

I was drawn by the beautiful cover of this book. The amazing views described in this book made me want to hike on the Appalachian Trail. We love to do walks and short hikes so I was interested to read this book.

Katelyn and Cooper met in an unexpected life threatening circumstance. Oh how I liked Cooper then. He was the best. Katie had personal things to settle. I like her sweet character. It took me awhile to warm up to them. Then there was the love triangle. I am not a fan of it. It pained me to see Cooper pine for Katie. I enjoyed how the Robinson's embraced Katie in their family. But I am glad how things turned out. It's a heartwarming family story. I do look forward to the next book. 3.5 stars

Thank you #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Lovely story with a lot of depth to the plot line. The characters were likeable and well developed. The story was fun, and sad, and happy and kept my interest the entire time. I really liked the story. Great book to snuggle up with a blanket and a cup of something warm, or to sit out in the sun.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

We were flying toward our vacation destination. It was a late flight and everyone on the plane was either asleep, trying to sleep, or being quiet. I took the opportunity to settle in and opened my Kindle to read Riverbend Gap by Denise Hunter. I read a few chapters before landing and three months later finished the book. I'm telling you this because I enjoyed the beginning so well that I didn't have to reread them. I continued the book as if I had never put it down.

Characters/Relationships:
I love the characters in Riverbend Gap. They have distinct personalities and believable conversations. The main character, Katelyn Loveland, is the perfect choice for this story. She is vulnerable, but resilient. As with any great character, Katelyn isn't perfect and whether her reactions and responses were good or bad, I think everyone can relate to her struggle with uncertainties.
There is also a wonderful family dynamic. Siblings, Avery, Gavin. and Cooper, have strong bonds. Part of the charm to these characters is wondering whether those bonds will break when their familial love is tested. I was sad to leave this story, but thrilled to learn another Riverbend Gap romance will be available in April 2022. I felt at home with these characters and can't wait to see their stories continue.

Setting:
I also felt at home in Riverbend Gap. It's a friendly trail town. It's a place where hikers can find good meals, replenish supplies and get rides to the next trail. I love the mountains and imagined Riverbend Gap to be beautifully surrounded by them. If you love Hallmark movies, then you'll love this cozy town with a close community atmosphere.

Plot:
The main story line didn't surprise me and that's was OK. I didn't mind. As a reader, you already know that plot outcomes can be predictable, but if the book is well written the reading journey to those outcomes are not boring. This was how it was while reading Riverbend Gap. The author did a fantastic job of keeping me interested even though I easily guessed the outcome.

Writing Style:
This is my first Denise Hunter book and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing. Recently I've been busy with projects that required heavy-duty thinking and this book was exactly what I needed for a respite. Hunter's writing style is perfect for an "I want to sip hot tea (or coffee), cuddle under a cozy blanket and read a great book." kind of day.

Spiritual Content:
It's very difficult to review a book that has the potential of being excellent, but then falls short due to controversial spiritual content. This is a Christian Fiction and when reading this genre, I expect certain qualities. Sadly, Riverbend Gap held some questionable factors.
Let's first address the term "the Universe". These two words seem insignificant, but when used to refer to a higher deity, it can be inappropriate in a Christian Fiction book. The second questionable factor is sexual tension between characters. I've asked before and I'll ask again, "How far is too far"?
I've been noticing the use of sexual teasing and the mention of lust more often in Christian Fiction. On one hand I find it very unnecessary. On the other, I realize that if Christian authors avoid difficult subjects then people will avoid their books. We all have to fight temptations and fighting temptation is the ultimate lesson of the story. I was pleased that the author showed God's hand in the progression of events.

Recommendation: If you love Hallmark movies then this book is for you. As a matter of fact, Denise Hunter has had books made into Hallmark movies. I

I received a free ebook from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review and the opinions expressed are my own."

This story had me yearning to reach the happy ending. It was a different kind of angst, as the heroine, Katie had more chemistry with her boyfriend's brother, Cooper, than her boyfriend Gavin. The family dynamics, the struggle to feel loved and belonging all played out throughout the story. This was my first Denise Hunter novel and I enjoyed the story. She writes a well-crafted story with multiple layers and themes that work cohesively to add depth and life. I was given a free copy by the publisher through Net Galley for my honest review.

In Riverbend Gap, Katelyn Loveland finds herself in a precarious situation when she swerves off the road to avoid hitting a deer only to find herself stuck on the edge of a cliff. Sheriff’s Deputy Cooper Robinson finds her and orchestrates her rescue, talking her down and getting to know her in the process. It’s only after the harrowing experience that Cooper learns that Katelyn is his brother’s new girlfriend. Katelyn and Cooper try to move forward as friends, both realizing that the connection and chemistry they share is unlike anything they’ve ever felt with anyone else. But Katelyn is Cooper’s brother’s girl, and Cooper would never hurt his brother by stealing his girl. Then Cooper’s campaign for Sheriff is threatened by scandal, and Katelyn is pulled into the middle of it costing Katelyn her most cherished relationships. Will Cooper be able to clear his name and find a way to be with the only woman he’s ever loved?

I read this book in record time. I couldn’t put it down once I got into it. The story, the characters, and the emotions pulled me in. I loved Katelyn and Cooper and the great chemistry they shared. I appreciate a heart-felt and clean romance, and this was one I really connected with. Over, a great story that I would definitely go back and read again.

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

This is a great romantic read, with a start that will have you on the edge of your seat.
A loving family is in danger of being split apart over a new woman in town.
I appreciated the reality of this storyline. Betrayal, hurt, love, forgiveness, and recognition of how traumatic childhoods continue to affect as adults were acknowledged and given time to work through.
This book also contains some very interesting history about the Appalachian Trail.
I highly recommend this read!

I really enjoyed this one and think the series is going to be amazing. I loved that the author broached a messy situation without shying away from the ugliness - the characters struggled, made mistakes, sought forgiveness, and found redemption - providing a great story arc. There was humour and grace throughout balancing the drama. Likeable characters in a well written setting.

3.5 stars

This is a difficult review to write because I have been a long time Denise Hunter fan, but I did not love this one as much as her others. It has all the things that I love in her books such as well developed characters, great dialogue, and a fabulous setting. That is why I cannot call this a bad book. I just had some personal issues with the plot line that involved a love triangle between a girl and the brother she was dating while she was falling in love with his brother. I am not a fan of love triangles in books in general especially when I think both guys are good guys as they were in this book and I felt like it was taken too far.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

A love triangle between brothers, very interesting direction.

I love the opening, you get drawn in quickly and firmly. The two main characters are drawn together in an intense situation that builds their attraction and bond.

The triangle. Brothers, not exactly the best situation but it is beautifully handled. Wonderfully written that it remains realistic, feelings and relationships were hurt, but grace was possible, forgiveness and moving forward. No one was made to look bad so that someone else looked better. Loved it.

Then there is the arc of abandonment, family trauma, forgiveness of another nature. So much goodness in one book.

The characters are great and I look forward to seeing them through the remainder of the series.

Riverbend Gap by Denise Hunter is book one in the Riverbend Romance series. Circumstances throw the two main characters together, but they soon learn that their love is forbidden since it would be a betrayal of someone they love. This book has such great depth, fascinating characters, and an intriguing plot. With side stories and some mysteries, this book will capture your interest throughout. Readers of sweet romance will adore this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

This is the start of a new series by Denise Hunter; I previously read the Bluebell Inn series and enjoyed it. This is another book in a similar vein - a clean romance where a ser of siblings are the primary characters, and I suspect each book will focus on a different sibling. Avery, Gavin, and Cooper are the siblings, and the other main character in this story is Katie- a woman who starts the book out by getting in an accident (on her way to hernew boyfriend's house for dinner) when she is trapped in her car, hanging off a cliff, and a law enforcement officer happens across her, Cooper. Cooper can't stop thinking about Katie, but he finds out there are complications and barriers to asking her out.

There are some other subplots - Katie wants to get to know her estranged mother who left her and her brother Spencer in foster care, due to her drug addiction, and Cooper running for Sherriff.

I enjoyed the start of this new series, and getting to know the characters. One of the things that make this book special is that it does not only focus on romance, but it also focus on the bonds of the siblings, and how they grow and strengthen as a family over time. Another winner from Denise Hunter!

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Riverbend Gap is the first book in Denise Hunter’s new Riverbend Romance series. Katelyn Loveland recently moved to Riverbend Gap, NC, for myriad reasons. She needed a change after losing her brother, Spencer, to heart disease. Her college friend, Avery Robinson, was now a doctor with her own clinic there and had asked Katie to come be her nurse. And, perhaps most importantly, the mother that had given Katie and Spencer over to the foster system now lived in Riverbend Gap.

Soon after the move, Katie was introduced to Gavin Robinson, Avery’s brother, and they began dating. On the day Katie is to meet Gavin’s family, she had traveled to her former hairdresser in Asheville, about 45 minutes away. On her trip back to Riverbend Gap, Katie swerved to avoid a deer, sending her spinning, landing precariously on a ledge. Deputy Cooper Robinson comes by the accident scene on his motorcycle and investigates, finding Katie’s small car hanging over the ledge. With no cell service, no tools, and a lot of hope, Cooper braces the vehicle as best he can and returns to the roadway to flag down someone to go for help. He then returns to the car and keeps Katie talking, trying to keep her calm. In these moments they each open up in ways they don’t generally do and Cooper is smitten. When he arrives at the family home for dinner later that evening, both Katie and Cooper are taken aback.

How is it that the only woman Cooper has ever met that made him feel this way is his brother’s girlfriend? As both have felt the sparks they work at keeping their distance, but are repeatedly thrown together by family, by Cooper’s sheriff campaign, and by fate.

This is a lovely new story from a very skilled storyteller. The characters are richly drawn and the Appalachian Trail setting is beautifully described. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

I really enjoyed meeting the people of Riverbend. These small-town vibes are the best and learning more about the people in them, the better. The growing affection between Kate and Cooper started to grow on me from the start. Throughout the book, I saw different aspects of love, friendship, and forgiveness. I am really excited to see what happens next for this family!!

Thank you, Thomas Nelson--FICTION, and NetGalley for the advance read.

I jumped at the opportunity to read Riverbend Gap from Denise Hunter. She’s one of my favorite authors, and this novel’s blurb pulled me in with my hometown roots.

First, I think the cover COMPLETELY embodies not only this novel, but Hunter’s inspiration for Riverbend Gap. See, Riverbend is a fictional Appalachain Trail town in the mountains of North Carolina. I grew up in upper East Tennessee, nestled in the mountains. It is like home was calling me in the form of a novel! I saw the cover and immediately thought: That cover screams Smoky Mountains! Then I read the blurb and was 100% all in.

The novel starts in a stressful moment where Katelyn’s car dangles precariously on the end of the road, while Cooper literally and figuratively talks her off the ledge. What ensues is a just LOVELY story of Cooper’s family, growth and redemption, and a change at true love. It is of course not without a large hitch in the plan: Cooper realizes Kate is his brother’s girlfriend.

This novel gives Virgin River vibes, so if that is your jam, grab this, because dare I say it is even better!? I would LOVE for this to be made into a mini-series! My daughter walked by while I was reading this and said, “Mama, that looks like the Smokies, and we have that towel!”

I am super exciting this novel is the beginnings of a series, because I will be reading all the Riverbend Gap stories Denise Hunter writes!