All They Need to Know is book one in the brand series Gold Creek by Eileen Goudge.
I was excited to see that this was the start of a new series.
I enjoyed this novel.
This book was very well written. I loved Eileen Goudge’s writing style. Her descriptions were so vivid that I felt as though I were in the scenes with her characters. She does a very good job of showing the conflicting emotions and feelings of each character as well.

Thank You NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

One of my long-time favorite NYT bestselling authors is back with her 20th published novel, the highly anticipated and first in the dazzling new Gold Creek series, ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW.

With the author's unique winning narrative style, she takes us on a journey of a woman escaping a violent past, finding new friendships, romance, and tenuous sanctuary. This emotionally gripping novel, the first in the Gold Creek series, is a testament to the author’s storytelling powers, leaving readers eager for the next.

About...

Krystle Stanhope (changes to Kyra Smith) is fleeing and on the run from her abusive husband, Rory (a powerful man and District Attorney in Rochester, New York, with all the law enforcement in his pocket). She was married to the devil and had finally escaped. Will he track her down?

Full of fear, afraid he may catch up with her, she stops at a gas station, discovers a dog mistreated by its owner, rescues him, and takes him along on her journey. Her buddy (she names Ranger), due to his black markings, like the Lone Ranger, turns out to be a fierce protector as she drives cross-country to a mountain town in California in Gold Creek.

First, she is in a “Bates motel,” and then she winds up in an Air Stream on the sexy Coop Langston (landlord) property. She also meets a group of ladies called The Tattooed Ladies, who take her under their wing. They are so much fun!

~Frannie, a tattoo artist struggling with a troubled daughter.
~Suzy is a fashionista grandma with an estrangement from her son.
~Jo, a marriage collapsing.
~Marisol, bookstore owner longing for romance.

Kaya puts her artistic talents to good use and accepts a position as a police sketch artist. She is apprehensive about cops due to her husband and his relationships, but she wants to help other victims.

As Kayra becomes acclimated to her new life, she is still untrustworthy of others, especially with Coop; however, will she be able to trust him? Is she safe in her new life? Will Rory track her down? She knows if he does, she is dead.

My thoughts...

ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW is a gripping and emotional tale celebrating women's power, resilience, and strength in transforming from victim to survivor. It's a character-driven narrative that skillfully weaves together domestic suspense, family drama, female friendships, humor, and light romance, leaving readers feeling inspired and uplifted.

A riveting story of reinvention, second chances, and empowerment, with a smart, tough woman on the run from an abusive husband. The narrative is written with heart, humor, and a realistic view of domestic abuse, highlighting the fears and dangers. But amidst these, a cast of supportive characters provides comfort and reassurance to the readers. I appreciated the author's note.

I loved this book! I have been a huge fan of Eileen’s since her debut novel, Garden of Lies, back in 1989, which was an NYT instant bestseller, and I have read all her books since. I’ve witnessed her rise to stardom with each subsequent bestseller. Her 20th novel, ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW, is a testament to her enduring popularity. If you’re new to her work, you’ll also want to explore her sensational backlist and her delightful, yummy cookbook.

After reading ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW, I eagerly anticipate more from Gold Creek, Kyra, the gals, and Ranger (the dog) coming 2025! This book was a delight to read over the 4th of July holiday weekend, and I'm sure you'll love this cast of characters. Add this gem to your TBR list now. #CoverCrush

PS. I loved the wink to Bisbee, Arizona! (It’s a favorite of mine; I spent much time there working on a hotel project, researching its history, and naming it.)

Recs...

This exciting must-read series is for devoted fans of the author and those who enjoy works by Mary Ellen Taylor (Mary Burton), Nora Roberts, Karen White, Jessica Strawser (The Last Caretaker), Kimberly Belle (Dear Wife), Donna Ball (Ladybug Farm series) and Virgin River. (all favorites)

Interview...

Sign up for on my newsletter on my blog for my upcoming (Sept 24) #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A as Eileen shares some fascinating behind-the-scenes exclusives from the book and up-close and personal fun moments from this talented author!

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing, the author, and NetGalley for a digital reading and paperback copy in exchange for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Sept 24, 2024
Sept 2024 Must-Read Books
Sept Newsletter
#AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A

Great start to a new series. I enjoyed seeing independent, self-reliant women caring for one another. The dog and romance were bonuses. I look for to reading the next one. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

In Eileen Goudge's emotionally resonant novel "All They Need to Know," the central character, Kyra Smith, liberates herself from a tumultuous marriage to her domineering spouse, a District Attorney. Accompanied by her devoted rescue dog, she embarks on a journey to the charming town of Gold Creek, California, where she integrates into the nurturing community known as the Tattooed Ladies Club. This collective of women, each confronting their own adversities, aids Kyra in reconstructing her life as she navigates her traumatic history and gradually learns to reestablish her trust in others.

As Kyra carves out her place in Gold Creek, she uncovers new professional prospects and develops a budding romantic connection with Coop Langston, the local property owner. Nonetheless, her past casts a long shadow when her estranged husband locates her, jeopardizing the new life she has diligently cultivated. With the support of her friends and her burgeoning self-assurance, Kyra evolves from a victim into a resilient survivor. She confronts her anxieties and resolves to initiate divorce proceedings, yet her husband's vengeful actions place both her and her companions in peril.

The narrative delves into themes of resilience, camaraderie, and empowerment as Kyra traverses her path toward recovery. At times, there are superfluous details, but the story ultimately enthralls readers through its profound character development and emotional richness. Goudge’s depiction of Kyra’s transformation and the fortitude found within female friendships deeply resonates, establishing "All They Need to Know" as a poignant exploration of courage and fresh beginnings.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 STARS - All They Need to Know is a comfort kind of read. It's an easy-going story with a strong sense of community, a cute canine, a resilient main character in Kyra and topics that will give readers much to ponder and discuss.

The story follows Kyra, a woman on the run from her abusive husband who finds community, solace and love in a small town. The setting is quaint but it's the secondary cast that truly shines. Themes of abuse and trauma discussed with a light hand and my favourite part was the growing bond between a group of strong, independent women who surround and support Kyra. These 'Tattooed Ladies' will (hopefully) make for interesting future storylines.

While the story slows a bit in a couple of spots when the dialogue becomes a bit heavy, this was an enjoyably predictable read about resilience and finding a new way in life when the one you have isn't working for you. It has a wholesome small-town feel with a sweet clean romance (with a swoony fella) and a tense scene or two that will have readers eagerly turning pages.

With a feeling of home and new beginnings, readers will enjoy seeing Kyra find her own strength as well as friendship and love.

Disclaimer: Thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book which was given in exchange for my honest review.

As a fan of Eileen Goudge, I couldn’t wait to dive into ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW. The story follows Kyra Smith, who escapes an abusive marriage and ends up in Gold Creek, a small town in the Sierra Nevadas. As Kyra heals, she finds new friends, a fresh start, and a supportive community. I loved the setting and the storyline of finding hope and friendship in a new place—it gave me VIRGIN RIVER vibes. The suspense of Kyra’s fear of being found by her powerful husband kept me hooked. Definitely recommend for fans of Nora Roberts and Karen White. Can’t wait for more stories set in this town!

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

A familiar plot but the characters are good. Kyra and her dog Ranger are rebuilding her life with the help of her new friends-lot of positive vibes-but there's always the specter of her abusive ex. And he's on the way. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Not much new in this one.

I initially chose this book because I remember reading one by this author (many years ago!) and thoroughly enjoying it, reading far into the night. It was Garden of Lies. Since most authors improve their storylines and writing styles over time, I was excited to read this one.

The premise sounded promising. But, it didn't take long to get bogged down with unnecessary details. Example: a detailed description of the layout of a coffee corner in a hair salon. It was not relevant to the story, and, I didn't need to know about it. There were more. Detailed descriptions of outfits worn by other characters. Totally a waste of words which had no bearing on the plot.

But, I read on…….and, despite my negative comments above, I got pulled into the story. Kyra, the main character has run away, across the country, to escape a bad situation. She stops in a small town and makes a life for herself. There is a wonderful rescue dog involved, named Ranger. And a wonderful circle of supportive friends.

This story is about friendship, new beginnings, resilience, learning to trust.

After the rough start to the book, I enjoyed it. It was good to watch Kyra evolve into the strong woman, which was hiding within all along. I love Ranger, he could be called Super Dog. And, I especially loved the strong bond of the group of women. There are a few tense moments towards the end.

I'm rating this 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.

I did not realize that it is Book 1 of a series. I'm glad that it is a stand alone book. I'm not a fan of series. Usually, by the time the follow-up comes out, I have forgotten too much of the previous one to enjoy the next one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

An enjoyable, wholesome story about new friends who turn into a much needed family. And Ranger, the super pup, who keeps watch over Kyra as she makes a new home in a beautiful small town, Gold Creek, after leaving her controlling, abusive husband.

I would definitely recommend this book for fans of the Virgin River, Chesapeake Shores and Sweet Magnolia series. There’s a touch of sweet, clean romance as well as Kyra’s budding friendships with the members of the Tattooed Ladies Club. I want to have dinner in lovely Gold Creek with this diverse group of intelligent and interesting ladies!

This looks to be the first in a new series and I’m looking forward to the next book.

Thanks a bunch to Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing and author Eileen Goudge for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

What a wonderful and triumphant story. It’s so hard to get away from abusive marriages. With lots of support it can be done. I hope anyone in this situation learned some important things about survival! Very nicely written and you hang onto every page

I could not put this book down. A modern day novel of a heroine who comes to a town out west, beaten down and alone and takes charge of her life. She immediately meets a wonderful new group of friends in ‘ the tattooed ladies club “. You kind of know what’s coming as you delve deeper into the book, but you are on the edge of your seat when it does!!! Slightly different than Goudge books I have read in the past. Would definitely recommend it .

I really enjoyed this the story gripped me! The main character is on the run from her abusive husband & i adore that she rescued a dog along the way! Who doesn’t love a story where a cute dog is involved! This book definitely had me going through the motions! It was well written and really explored her journey and struggles along the way. Definitely recommend it i couldnt put it down!

What I liked about this story... Its been a very long time since I last read a book by this author (The Diary). I really enjoyed this story. The best part of this story for me was its laid back style of storytelling, so rather than being on the edge of my seat I was laid back but still wanting to figure out what was going on. More than anything it was the suspense build up that kept me turning the pages.

What I didn't like about this story... Most of the story was a little predictable to me, but that didn't spoil any of the enjoyment in reading this story. I just would have loved a bit more surprise.

Would I recommend... Most definately. Beautifully written and an interesting plot to get stuck into.

For fans of the Virgin River series, this one is for you because I immediately felt that same draw! A strong and resilient main character who has life trouble but finds herself in a town with people to be on her side. And throw in a cute and adorable dog story! I find EG books to be comfort food for my soul! Many thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review

Kyra is an art teacher as well as an abused wife and is on the run from her abusive husband. Rory is the assistant DA and as such has clout with the lawmen in their community and therefore gets away with anything. She lands in a small town in the Gold Country of California and immediately is taken in by a bunch of women, who only know that she's running from a bad situation. She gets two part-time jobs and a place to live; one of the jobs turns into a new career path. She also meets a man that she can trust, and when her ex tracks her down. she fights back, proving to both him and herself that she's no longer a pushover.

This started a bit slow but picked up -- I didn't want to put it down!

Kyra finally escapes from her abusive husband. She travels across country and ends up in California in a small town called Gold Creek. She is welcomed by everyone in town, yes, becomes popular and just when she feels she could trust and love another man her ex shows up. He is as violent as before, but she wants to fight. A predictable ending, but I still enjoyed it so very much. It was inspiring and I loved the characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When Kyra Smith, wakes up in the hospital, after the surgery she had to have, from the beating her husband gave her, she learned her husband made her car look like it was a car accident. She left with the clothes she had on, the money in her account, and left for a destination unknown. When she stopped for gas, she discovered an abused dog tied up, and rescued him. Together they became a team.
When she arrived in Gold Creek, she decided to stay there. She was beaten down from years of abuse, but the people in Gold Creek, welcomed her, and she got two part-time jobs, and connected with a group of women called the Tattooed Ladies Club. Although she still lived in fear that her husband would find her, she started to open up some, and she started to change, have more confidence, This is her journey of who she was, the changes that take place, and she became a sketch artist for the police department. When she was on the job, she got the shock of her life, and she had many choices to make. Reading the book will take you through some more of her journey, the decisions she makes, where she comes out, and what she faced, and who she is now.
I received an ARC from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley.

I enjoyed reading this story. I don’t think the focus was on the romance, but more on reinventing yourself, starting over your life and female friendships. The book was a bit idealistic on these fronts. The suspense wasn’t an overkill, that was realistic. The romance was slow and nothing over the top, just two people being attracted to each other and acting on it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.

Felt like this was a predictable trope, but enjoy the town and the people… I would have liked a bit more about the tattoo ladies!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

All They Need to Know has the makings of an intense romantic suspense novel. Unfortunately, for me, the book didn’t quite get there.

Krystle Stanhope leaves her husband after his latest round of physical abuse nearly kills her. He is a powerful District Attorney in Rochester, NY, one who has local law enforcement in his pocket and traps Kyra in her abusive marriage until she finds a way to flee. On the run with no destination in mind, she ends up across the country in a small town in California, where she quietly rebuilds her life under the alias Kyra Smith. With the help of a dog she rescued in her travels and and a group of women she meets in her new town (a group that calls themselves the Tattooed Ladies), she slowly establishes her new life.

As luck would have it, Kyra rents a small trailer on a property owned by a former cop. Weary of men in general and police in particular, she keeps her distance from the smart and attentive Coop Langston, who knows she’s hiding something but he doesn’t know what. Of course, there is an attraction there on both sides, one the Kyra fights as she is not only still married but mistrustful of men and law enforcement.

As Kyra’s job prospects change and she accepts a position as a police sketch artist, she has to tell her secret to her new boss. Instead of making her feel ashamed and unworthy as she anticipates, the chief shows her compassion and respect, which helps Kyra change her perspective from victim to survivor, and change her assumptions about law enforcement. As she helps other victims of crimes through her sketches, she becomes stronger and empowered and shares her secrets with her friends. Their unconditional care and support further strengthen her, until she finally comes clean with Coop and she can admit that she is attracted to him.

With this new confidence, she decides to meet her husband in a neutral and public place to tell him she is filing for divorce. He doesn’t show to this meeting but does send someone to follow her, unbeknownst to Kyra. He now has her location and shows up in California to claim her back. Kyra knows he is in town, and to keep Coop and her friends out of danger, she decides to rent a cabin in a remote area in the middle of a snowstorm instead of staying on the property of a former police officer where he could keep her safe. This is where the book makes a severe left turn for me. Like the sacrificial character in every horror movie, Kyra makes the decision that puts her most in danger. Ugh!!

She survives, of course, proving that she can defeat her biggest enemy on her own and can now live the life she chooses.

I like Eileen Goudge’s books but in the case of this one, I really wish she made a different story choice to show the reader Kyra’s character growth. I enjoyed the town’s idyllic setting, loved Coop and his family, and would be interested in more stories with the Tattooed Ladies.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.