Mulberry Hollow is a perfect follow up to Riverbend’s Gap, but also great as a standalone novel! Avery has a chance encounter with a hiker who’s also a contractor. She gets much more in return than help on her carriage house renovation behind her clinic’s office. Once again, I enjoy the Robinson family in this series! I liked Avery’s character and her independence. Rugged Wes is the perfect complement to her. I had a love/hate relationship with Avery’s brothers, being skeptical of Wes. I look forward to reading Harvest Moon later this year and re-reading the entire series! 

Fans of Emily Conrad, Becky Wade, and Tammy L. Gray will love Mulberry Hollow!

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

Dr. Avery Robinson’s past defines her present and her future. After watching helplessly as her mother dies, young Avery vows to become a doctor and come back to her small town of Riverbend Gap and open a clinic. By the time she reaches 30, she has carried out her plan. But along with her thirtieth birthday comes the burden of the disease that killed her mom.

Avery has no plans of love, marriage, or childbearing. Nor does she want to take a blood test that would reveal whether she inherited her mom’s disease. She just wants to hire another doctor for her thriving clinic, raise money for more equipment, and figure out how to prevent her overprotective family from driving her crazy.

Wes Garrett knows what his future holds. As soon as he finishes hiking the Appalachian Trail in honor of Landon, the friend who lost his life while saving Wes, he’ll head to Albany, NY. Once there, he’ll court Landon’s sister, Lillian. He promised Landon he’d take care of Lillian, and marriage seems like a good way to fulfill his promise.

But when sickness sidelines Wes on the steps of the Riverbend Gap Medical Clinic, his well-laid-out plans run amok. Wes won’t go into debt, so he agrees to help the beautiful doctor renovate her carriage house to pay off his bill. But the more time he spends with Avery, the less appealing his mapped-out future feels.

What I Loved About This Book

Hunter’s sweet love story brings a small Appalachian community to life. Readers will admire Avery and Wes for their high standards and desire to do what is right. Avery’s interfering brothers bring moments of comic relief. While both Avery and Wes believe in God, they grow as they learn that God’s calling on their life can change in different seasons.

Fans of Joanne Bischof, Irene Hanon, and Emma St. Clair will enjoy Mulberry Hollow.

A story that will keep you reading until the end. The characters will become like family and you'll want to help them. They have personal problems that they share and help each other. Enjoyable

Mulberry Hollow is a sweet romance that I ended up really enjoying. Both Avery and Wes were very likable characters. I loved how they had an immediate connection, which led to friendship, before it led to romance. I also loved how Wes was so honorable when it came to his promise to his best friend. I did wish that he would’ve worked out what that would look like earlier in the story.

I also felt like a decision Avery made didn’t really make a lot of sense, especially considering her profession. But, in the end, I am glad I took a chance on this story because after reading book 1, Riverbend Gap, I wasn’t sure I was going to read any more books in this series. There was an issue in that story which I just couldn’t get past. Thank goodness this story had no such issues and I’m glad I took a chance on it! Even though this is book 2 of this series, it easily reads as a standalone.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Another winner in book two of the series. This time the story is about workaholic Dr. Avery Robinson, not that she could really help being on 24/7. As the only doctor in town she really has no choice and is driven to take care of her love ones and the town. She has several reasons why and is trying to get a grant and find the right person to fit in as a another doctor. Getting calls at all hours of the day and night is the normal, but finding a feverish man at the door of her clinic was a first.
Wes has the weight of the world on his shoulders, and the last thing he needs is to find himself flat on his back with a virus. Some how he made it to the next town and finds himself collapsing at the clinic and no one answering the door.
The story involves around the reasons why Avery is a workaholic and Wes always honors his debts and promises. A friendship develops and tough choices are made.
No problem reading as a standalone, but the Robinson family is also in this book and it is nice to have all the background information. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #Mulberry Hollow.

4.5/5⭐️

Hunter is one of my go-to authors for well-written, character-driven Christian-based fiction. This is a second in series, and again, she doesn’t disappoint.

Avery Robinson is a young doctor with her own clinic in a small North Carolina town. Having witnessed her own mother’s death by genetic disease at a young age, she’s grown up feeling guilty for her death as well as frightened by the possibility of succumbing to the same disease.

Wes Garrett, a hiker on the Appalachian Trail, meets Avery when he becomes ill while hiking. He has been exploited by his shiftless father and was recently asked (as a dying wish) to look after his best friend’s sister. He is a man of integrity who tries to always do the right thing.

As these two spend time together (Wes does some house repairs to pay off his medical bill), they discover a kinship and respect for the other which inevitably leads to love.

I loved Wes and Avery and am looking forward to Book 3. Sweet and enjoyable.

My thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson for providing me the free early arc of #MulberryHollow for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

Denise Hunter is one of my "auto" read authors. Mulberry Hollow is book two of her Riverbend series.
I highly recommend reading Riverbend Gap, before reading this one. Book one is about Cooper, book two is about Avery (his sister), and book three will be about Gavin (their brother).

Avery and Wes meet in unusual circumstances and hit it off almost immediately. Avery is very focused on her career and has a secret that is eating her up with worry. Wes is driven by guilt and grief and his obligation to care for his friends' sister. Neither one is looking for love and understands that their arrangement is temporary.

Mulberry Hollow is a quick read. It is a clean, slow-burn romance, sure to delight those who enjoy contemporary romance stories. It has some moments that will pull on your heartstrings. I can't wait to read Gavin's story and see how the series ends.

Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Denise Hunter's books are a delight and Mulberry Hollow falls in line. I read Riverbend Gap and have been waiting for this second book. Avery is such a wonderful character, showing such heart for others. Wes, the contractor she rescues, has a wonderful back story and great values. (There was one scene between them that made me uncomfortable. I won't give spoilers but wish the author would have written that scene differently.)

There were moments when you wondered if Avery and Wes would overcome their giving natures and see what was in front of them. The conflict and tension were there throughout the story and kept me reading way past my bedtime.

I received a complimentary copy of Mulberry Hollow from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own. #mulberryhollow #netgalley

I really enjoyed visiting Riverbend again. The Robinson's are a wonderful blended family that we met in Riverbend Gap, Book 1 in the Riverbend series. "My dad was married before, to my mom. But she passed away. Then he met Lisa and fell in love-Cooper and Gavin were part of the package."

"That's the thing about family-when conflicts occur, we talk things out and try to remember we love one another."

You can easily read each book as a standalone, but I enjoyed reading them in order to get the full story. Mulberry Hollow is Avery's story. "To some, this town was a place from which to escape. Goodness knew most of her schoolmates had felt that way. But to Avery, Riverbend, nestled in its guardian mountains, was a safe haven from the rest of the world."

Wes Garrett was hiking a famous trail through her town. He got pretty sick about 14 miles outside of town. Dr. Avery Robinson finds him literally on her clinic's doorstep. As he recovers, Wes and Avery have a delightful connection that they enjoy and yet know it can't go anywhere as he will be leaving soon.

Themes of duty, sacrifice, family, hard work and fear of a terrible diagnosis make this a compelling and intriguing story.

Denise Hunter is a very talented author and her fans and any fans of contemporary romance will really enjoy this story!

Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

This book with the setting of a small town along the Appalachian trail features Wes and Avery. Wes is completing the hike for a military buddy who died in combat. He gets sick and ends up at the doorstep of Avery's small clinic. While Wes is dealing with issues related to survivor guilt, Avery also has issues involving a possible medical issue of her own. The two really enjoy each other's company, but neither is in a position to carry things any farther. Their hearts may want one thing, but their brains say there's absolutely no chance for them together. They struggle with their love for each other vs. the feelings of what they think they should do.

This book was just awesome! I've been reading Denise Hunter for a few years now and her books are always sooo satisfying. The story has great character development--primary and secondary. The book carries you to Mulberry Hollow and inserts you into the town with all of it's negative and positive issues. This is a story of dedication, duty, sacrifice, friendship, forfeited love and long deserved love.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

Mulberry Hollow
by Denise Hunter
Book 2 in the Riverbend Romance series
Rating: 4.5/5

Yay for sequels! After loving Riverbend Gap from Denise Hunter, I was excited to read the next book Mulberry Hollow and discover Avery's story. However, this story can be read as a standalone but where's the fun in that? ;)

First, the book cover is stunning. I did not think they could outdo the first book's cover, but the design team did an amazing job and it looks like a place that I would love to visit.
Second, the premise got me because I am a soon-to-be doctor (I graduate in May) and was very interested to see how the author portrayed a small-town rural doc. Let's just say I feel like she did a great job. I also liked how the author was not afraid to address Avery's fears regarding her mother's illness and how it affected her. And since I've never read Wild or seen the movie - only seen that special Gilmore's Girl episode), it was interesting to address some of the conditions with Wes' character. Wes' background was also very interesting with his work overseas and with his PTSD. The author gave a brief glance at what living with PTSD was like for Wes.
Third, the chemistry between the two main characters was swoon worthy and so romantic. I loved them together and felt the bond between them.
Fourth, I always love when the author can weave their faith into the story and bring a message of hope and healing.

Highly recommend if you enjoy Christian romance with humor, small-town charm and second chances.

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.

A second trip to picturesque Riverbend, North Carolina, brings another peek into the lives of the Robinson family. Riverbend is a mountain town with the Appalachian Trail running right through it. Dr. Avery Robinson has been on a fast track to getting her medical clinic established for her small hometown and that is her life. She watched her mom die of a terrible disease that she has a fifty percent chance of having and she doesn't want to know if she has the gene, so no family plans. Wes Garrett is on a memorial trip on the Trail to finish what his best friend could not finish. Landon died in Columbia saving Wes' life in an explosion and Wes promised to take care of Landon's sister. When Wes got very sick on the Trail, he stumbled to Avery's clinic for help. Without money to pay his bill, he stayed to work on an apartment behind her clinic to reimburse her. But during the few weeks he was in Riverbend, neither Wes nor Avery planned on their attraction to each other. At any rate, they cannot go there. Not in their plans. And yet?
This is a great series with a likable blended family of two adult sons, Cooper (book 1), Gavin, and Avery, set with the lovely mountains in the backyard and the French Broad River running through the small tourist town. Romance with a swoon-worthy hero and a strong heroine and a touch of faith. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book is a real gift! Denise Hunter does not disappoint.

Although this is the second in a series, you really don't need to have read the first in order to enjoy this one.
The pacing and plot move nicely and the characters, Wes and Avery, are rendered in such a complex way that they come across a genuine people with real ups and downs.

The setting is lovely and evocative.

I enjoyed seeing how friendship can turn to love.

Highly recommended for fans of clean romance.

Mulberry Hollow is a sweet and clean inspirational romance. The main characters are likable and relatable as their friendship evolves into love. The author tackles some difficult situations and circumstances in each of the characters’ lives and she does a wonderful job of portraying the struggles and emotions authentically. The book has some fun and emotional moments that keep you turning the page.

Mulberry Hollow, by Denise Hunter, is the second book in the Riverbend trilogy. It can be read as a standalone, but since it references other couples and a shared history, I think it’s at its best when read after the first story, Riverbend Gap.

Mulberry Hollow was a gem and an absolute pleasure to read. I actually liked it even more than the first book, and was moved by Avery’s story. She’s an inspirational character: strong, resilient, hardworking, selfless and realistically optimistic. She’s the kind of woman I’d like to befriend so that I could glean from her example. I was actually sad to see her story end.

I also really liked Wes, her love interest, and found his story rather captivating. His blindsighted devotion to his friend and the resultant decisions were a bit frustrating, but I can understand his confusion and it proved to be yet another way he demonstrated his loyalty to those who mattered to him. I also loved the message of facing your fears, (which wasn’t portrayed flippantly) as well as an unknown and uncertain future, which I found to be especially encouraging.

The love that was portrayed between Avery and Wes was not only incredibly touching and felt authentic, but also told a powerful message that true love chooses to walk beside you even through the toughest of times. This is more relevant to real life than many of the improbable, unrealistic promises many romance novels make.

I loved this story, the setting, the family (despite the ridiculously overprotective brothers), the friendships and themes. I look forward to the next addition to the series.

Mulberry Hollow (Riverbend #2)
by Denise Hunter
Pub Date: April 19, 2022
Thomas Nelson
Thanks to the author, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for this great read! I love getting the ARC because I can read it before putting it on the shelf at our library. Denise Hunter doesn't disappoint with this one! It's the second in a series, and you will miss a great book if you don't read #1, but you can read it as a stand-alone.
Contractor Wes Mathews is nearly finished hiking the Appalachian Trail in honor of his recently deceased best friend when he falls terribly ill. He stumbles into the nearest town and soon finds himself indebted to the beautiful young doctor who owns the clinic. In lieu of payment, he proposes a trade that will keep him in town—and away from obligations to his best friend’s sister—for several weeks.

But as Avery and Wes spend time together, their friendship begins moving into unexpected territory. Soon they both begin to question their plans for the future. But will Wes be able to let go of the debt he owes his best friend? And will Avery find the courage to risk everything for love? This is a MUST READ! 5 stars

Another great story from Denise Hunter. The second book in the Riverbend Gap series did not disappoint. Although part of a series, it could be read as a standalone story, but the first book is as good as this one.

Avery is the town doctor whose mother died at a young age from Huntington disease. Since it's genetic, she has a 50% chance of developing it as she ages so has made a decision to never marry or have children, so as to save them from the heartache she experienced.

That is until she finds hiker Wes Garrett collapsed and sick on the front porch of her clinic one night. As she nurses him back to health they make a trade of his carpenter skills as payment for his medical bills. They become friends and as their relationship progresses, find it increasingly hard to ignore the growing feelings.

But, Wes is completing a hike of the Appalachian Trail in honor of his friend Landon, who gave his life saving Wes. A deathbed promise to watch out for Landon's sister Lillian is keeping Wes from moving forward with his relationship with Avery.

Can he forge a life with Lillian as he promised his best friend he'd watch out for his sister? Can Avery really face life without a husband and children because of her possibly getting a terminal illness? You'll want to read this story to find out and will enjoy the author's ability to transplant you to the location and imagine walking the downtown streets of Riverbend Gap.

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions.

Over the years, I’ve become a big fan of Denise Hunter’s. She has an easy, clean writing style that I simply love. This story was no exception.

There was a lot to like about this book…
-The ideal and picturesque town of Riverbend Gap…the descriptions of this town and its landscapes sucked me in and made me feel as if I’d been transported there. I want to sit in their backyard and listen to the river flow quietly at the edge of the property.
-Avery & Wes both had big, realistic life struggles they were working through. I think a lot of readers will connect with and relate to their experiences.
-We get glimpses of the characters we fell in love with in the third book.
-Beautiful family dynamics…who wouldn’t want to be a part of this family? Also, the role of the protective older brother was so sweet and charming!
-The promise and smooth setup for the third book, which will focus on Avery’s brother, Garrett.

I did feel it was a tad slow to start and show the connection between Avery & Wes, but I also felt it could’ve been attributed to the ARC format. It was difficult at times to know who was saying what. I could tell there were still editing and final proofs/corrections that will certainly be fixed before final publication.

Mulberry Hollow is a terrific sequel to Riverbend Gap! If you’re looking for something light-hearted & in the vein of a Hallmark movie, be sure to check this one out when it releases in April.

This is the second book in this series, and yes, it can be read alone, the author does a great job of filling us in, but you will be missing a great read.

The setting for this read is set in the small Appalachian town of Riverbend Gap, NC, and Dr. Avery Robinson, is the only doctor! Enter a sick. hurting, contractor, Wes Garrett, and both need to guard their hearts.

This was a page turner for me, and I never wanted it to end, I loved being with the entire Robinson family! Now I'm waiting for the next read in this series!

A book you don't want to miss!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

"Mulberry Hollow" is a breath of fresh air. Having read all of Denise Hunter's books, I am aware of her writing patterns. I understand how her stories flow. I love the way the stories of the all the characters intertwine with one another. Even though this story was about Wes and Avery, we still see characters from Riverbend Gap, and get to see their story continue.