Mulberry Hollow is a charming, compulsively readable romance novel. Denise Hunter never disappoints with her amazing ability to create delightful characters and make them fall head-over-heels for one another. This is the second book in the Riverbend series. Avery and Wes take center stage, although secondary characters from the first book in the family make regular appearances. Mulberry Hollow can be read as a stand alone, but I recommend reading book one first.
I feel the hero and heroine's struggles were well-written, particularly the tension between staying versus leaving. Hunter handles the moral and ethical implications of genetic testing and counseling for a grim diagnosis with tremendous ease. Wes is easy to love and one can't help but root for Avery too. I loved the sense of community and importance of a supportive family woven throughout the storyline.
This is a fantastic wholesome romance novel and I'd give it ten stars if I could.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions shared here are my own.

Mulberry Hollow
Denise Hunter
April 19, 2022

Avery Robinson is a physician in Riverbend Gap, in fact she is the only physician in the quaint community near the Appalachian Trail. When folks weren’t injured or ill within the town, hikers on the trail would wander in hoping for medical help. Such was the case for Wes Garrett. He was attempting to finish this long journey. His buddy that worked with him in South America building homes had lost his life protecting Wes from a bomb that exploaded near the worksite. He made promises to Landon as he lay dying. Wes intended to keep his word.
Upon coming home from her birthday celebration with her folks, she found him collapsed on the clinic door step. He was burning up with fever and he was certain every bone in his body was broken.
So begins Hunter’s warm-hearted 2nd novel in the Riverbend Romance series. If you read Katie and Connor’s story in Riverbend Gap, I am certain you will welcome her account of Avery, Riverbend’s hard working doctor who has yet to find love.
Mulberry Hollow will be published on April 19, 2022 by Thomas Nelson Publishers. I appreciate their allowing me to read and review the ARC provided by NetGalley. This is a wonderful tale of two strangers who meet by chance. This charming story is a tender tale that will keep you enthralled. Denise Hunter never fails to deliver an exceptional, moving novel. By all means, do enjoy this one.

Avery is a dedicated doctor in Mulberry Hollow on the Appalachian Trail. When she nearly trips over the body of a very sick hiker right on her front doorstep, her life changes dramatically. Wes is an honorable guy and is hiking the trail in memory of his friend who died saving Wes’s life. Avery has some personal medical issues that cause her to discount falling in love and marrying anyone. Wes feels duty-bound to foster a romantic relationship with his friend’s sister who is waiting for him in Albany, NY. Avery and Wes work through a series of misunderstanding as they navigate their relationship. Great story—4 stars!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I really liked this book. You could feel the love and support for the main character who is going through cancer treatment. I had an experience like this with my family, and I wish my experience had been more like this one, more of a web of support.

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

A story of courage and of daring to reach for what could be . . .

Avery Robinson’s life is complicated. A physician dedicated to caring for the tiny mountain town of Riverbend Gap, she’s sworn off love, relationships, and children of her own—in short, everything her heart dreams of.

Wes Garrett is willing to spend the rest of his life honoring the promise he made to the friend who died to save him. But when an unexpected illness lands him on Avery’s doorstep, will Wes sacrifice his own future to keep that promise? Or will love find a way to heal all wounds?

Denise Hunter’s books offer readers a sweet escape into a world rich with happily ever afters—and this one does not disappoint!

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

As one of my favorite authors, Denise Hunter never disappoints. A fun return to her Riverbend series in Mulberry Hollow. Readers of contemporary romance won't want to miss this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Mulberry Hollow by Denise Hunter takes us back to Riverbend Gap, North Carolina. The small town is conveniently situated along the Appalachian Trail. Wes Garrett is hiking the trail in memory of his best friend. When he becomes seriously ill outside of Riverbend Gap, he makes his way to the medical clinic run by Avery Robinson. Avery is the local doctor determined to take care of the town and visitors while dealing with the possibility of a genetic disease that took her mother when she was young. This is a story of loyalty and honor to a friend, Wes fulfilling his best friend’s dying wish, but at what price? It is heartwarming with some tough decisions to be made. Will duty win out over love? Can Avery open her heart to someone knowing she may have a debilitating disease? This is a book worth reading and I recommend it to those who enjoy a clean romance.

Avery just celebrated her 30th birthday and comes home to find a sick man on the front porch of her clinic. Wes just wants to get back on his hike again, but stays to work off his debt. This story starts off quick and these two main characters are fun to get to know. We see Katie, Cooper, Gavin, Lisa, Jeff and a few others. The refurbishing of the carriage house and Cooper and Gavin’s overprotectiveness add to the fun of the story. Avery struggles with her decision about her life throughout much of the story, which will pull some heart strings as well.
A complimentary copy was provided by Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own

Goodness - I loved the first book so much (Riverbend Gap) that I knew I wanted to read this book as well. It did not disappoint. This book revolves around Avery, the single doctor in town that has met all her career goals by age 30 - graduated high school early at 17, went to medical school and opened her own clinic in her hometown by the age of 30. Avery's mom died a horrible death from Huntington's disease and Avery knows she has a 50% chance of coming down with that same disease. But she refuses to get genetically tested - even though she already lives with the constant fear that she will develop the disease.

Wes is hiking the AT as a tribute to his fallen friend. His friend saved Wes' life when they were doing volunteer work in Colombia so he feels he owes him everything. Wes' promise to his dying friend was that he would take care of his younger sister, Lillian.

So now I've set the stage for a bunch of feelings - Wes feels indebted to take care of Lillian (even though his friend never defined what exactly he meant); Avery is scared of living, but she is also scared of dying from a horrible disease. The story between these two is just plain sweet. And I want to move to this North Carolina town because I just love it.

I'm hoping book 3 will be about Gavin - I have loved him since his heart was broken in the first book. I can't wait to read his story.

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

Denise Hunter is my guilty pleasure. I count down the days until her new books come out and put down other ones so I can read hers and once I get it, I can't put it down. Mulberry Hollow is another sweet love story about finding hope in darkness. While the second book in the Riverbend series, this can be read as a standalone. The characters, plot, and the small town setting engaged me right from the beginning. Definitely a must read for Denise Hunter fans.

I have long enjoyed the books by Denise Hunter and never miss one. This second book in her new series is the best! Filled with wonderful characters and a good plot, it is sure to please her many fans. This one centers on Avery’s story and it’s one that will tug at your heartstrings for sure. I enjoyed it so much.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion in this review is expressly my own.

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

Denise Hunter strikes again.

Mulberry Hollow is her second book in her Riverbend series and I have to say, this is just a perfect read. Denise shows her writing talent and I can't wait to read the third and final book in the series. There's just something about a series about siblings that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy on the insides.

The story follows Wes Matthews, a man who is haunted by his checkered path with a plan on how to get out of debt. Getting sick and meeting Avery wasn't part of that plan. He's not looking for romance when he's already made up his mind to marry a woman he has never met in order to fulfill his promise to his dead friend to take care of his sister. Avery isn't looking for romance either. She's already decided never to marry and never to have children.

If you want a heartwarming novel, look no further than literally ANYTHING by Denise Hunter.

This book is appropriate for ages 13 and up.

It’s time for another release by Denise Hunter! The second book in the “Riverbend Romance” series, Mulberry Hollow, is out!

This sweet small-town story is a great spring read. It works as a stand-alone even though it’s part of a trilogy. Physician Avery Robinson pursued a career in medicine after watching her mother waste away from a disease, she wants to offer her town hope and medicine. When Appalachian trail hiker Wes Garrett gets sick along the way and stumbles into her clinic on his way to fulfill a debt to an old friend, Avery must learn to conquer her own fears.

This was a quick, light read which was a great choice for me over break from school. I would recommend it for anyone also looking for a sweet small-town read to pull you out of the winter blues.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Net Galley for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review; all opinions are my own and were not required to be positive.

*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.*

This is such a great read! If you like slow burn romances, this is for you. A chance encounter…when Wes Garrett is hiking along the Appalachian trail, he becomes ill and winds up on the porch of Dr. Avery Robinson’s clinic. (From there, I was hooked!) It doesn’t take long for sparks to fly between the two of them. One of the great things about this novel, and really all of Denise Hunter’s novels, is that her characters are complex. It’s not an easy road for Wes and Avery - Wes lost his friend and is trying to keep a promise he made, while Avery is struggling with the possibility of a medical diagnosis of her own. There is just so much happening! Definitely recommend - 5 stars for sure.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was really good from start to finish. Avery was the local doctor who was desparately looking for another doctor to help with her clinic in this small town. She also was terrified she was going to die with the disease her mother died of. She was too scared to take the genetic test to see if she was prone to get it. As she was coming home from a family dinner there was a rugged, very bushy haired man on the doorstep of her clinic. He was quite sick and barely conscious. He was in the process of walking the Appalachian Trail to honor his buddy who had died protecting him in an explosion Wes slowly got better and began having feelings for Avery. They started hanging out. When he was better, he offered to work off his debt fixing up the carriage house for her. That would be where the new doctor would live if she ever found one.

The story kept me engaged all the way through. I loved Wes's commitment to Landon's sister that he promised on his death bed, even if it was misguided. Avery was very strong, but she had decided to not have a family just in case she would get sick later. Her father finally got through to her that yes, she had 50% chance of having the disease, but also 50% chance of not having it. Excellent story that I got through NetGally and am voluntarily leaving a review

Avery is the doctor in a small town clinic she runs in her hometown at the start of the Appalachian Trail, a very career driven woman living with the threat of developing Huntington’s Disease hanging over her head. Her mother developed the disease and died from it; Avery has a 50/50 chance of having inherited the gene but does not want to get tested to see if she Carrie’s the gene. Wes is hiking the Appalachian Trail to honor his friend’s memory, before heading up to Albany to look after his friend’s younger sister, and plans to make a new start there. The trouble is, neither Avery or Wes saw the other in their future - and after getting to know each other, they are not sure how a future together would work.

I became a fan of Denise Hunter’s books after reading the Bluebell Inn books - family oriented, sweet romances, with relatable characters. The Riverbend Romance trilogy does not disappoint and is a great follow up to this series. You really don’t need to read them in order, but I always like to for continuity. I liked the main characters, and their chemistry together seemed to develop very naturally - definitely a winner in my book!

I received an ARC of this story through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in the author’s Riverbend Romance series.
Doctor Avery Robinson has chosen to isolate herself romantically (and to some extent, in all her relationships) - because she is terrified. Her mother died young from a genetic disease, and Avery fears she will subject her loved ones to the same trauma she experienced. When she meets Wes - a contractor hiking the Appalachian Trail in memory of his best friend - she begins to question everything. Is there any chance she can have the life she always dreamed, if she can only let go of her fear?
I’m really enjoying the Riverbend series. The setting is lovely, the relationships are rich, and the characters have depth. There is fun dialogue and great backstory. Although part of a series, I believe you can read this book as a standalone; however, you’re always better off to read in order for a deeper understanding and enjoyment of each book.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

First let me say the book is fabulous. Denise Hunter has quickly become a favorite author. Guilt, guilt and more guilt is the main topic of this book. This is the second book in the Riverbend Romance series. Avery is a doctor whose career is all-consuming. As the only doctor in a small mountain town located just off the Appalachian Trail, she is constantly on call. She works to avoid facing the issues in her life - the illness that killed her mother and just might kill her. That is, if she has it - does she? She doesn't want to know. She also doesn't want to pass that on genetically or have a partner weighed down by taking care of her. But the real question is DOES she have the disease. She must get up the courage to have a genetic test. Wes is consumed with his own guilt. He feels responsible for the sister of his best friend. The friend that died saving Wes' life. Afterall, he promised as his friend took his last breath that he would take care of Lillian. He feels guilt for the crimes of his father. Guilt for wanting to stay in this little mountain town and get to know Avery better when he should move on and look after Lillian. Avery and Wes must come to terms with the guilt that is consuming their lives. Are they truly living or just existing? This book will make you reassess how you are living your own life. Are you living life to the fullest? Or just existing? The choice is yours.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Romance, sweet, contemporary; Christian, series but stand alone read
Beautifully drawn portrait of life and love. Avery, a small town physician has Wes fall on the doorstep of her small town practice in need of immediate aide one weekend after he becomes ill while hiking on the Appalachian Trail. Her small town is a stop on the trail. Wes' past, her present and future all combine to make a beautiful portrait of two honest hearts falling for each other despite some big obstacles. Avery has her health concerns, her family, and so many other things, Wes, the guilt and promise to his friend to care for his sister after his friend saves Wes' life.
Lovely pacing, compelling story, and loved how it all came together to draw their romance, her family, the town, and both Avery and Wes' past and present. Their future so beautifully bright. Loved the healing of both their hearts, the deeply poignant moments that pull your heart and make this so heartfelt and lovely to read. Wes working on the carriage house building back that into a lovely space and Avery and Wes building a relationship.
More of a 4.5 for me as a reader, but rounded up. Lovely, sweet romance and well developed characters, setting, and backstory made for a perfect read. The faith elements made for a lovely part of this novel as well, naturally and sweetly added.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.

Well I believe I just found my newest favorite author! This book was so refreshing and perfect for my beach trip this past weekend. The details and the fact that Denise doesn’t waver from too much “filler” just to finish the story, makes me love her style even more! You will simply not be able to put this one down until it’s over. A clean, romantic read that will leave you excited to find more of her books! (which I am currently doing now ha!)