Review - - Picnic in Someday Valley

Picnic in Someday Valley

by Jodi Thomas

Honey Creek - Book 2

Publisher: Zebra

Release Date: April 27, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

Marcie Latimer longs to run away from Someday Valley—especially since her ex-boyfriend spun a web of lies that almost led to tragedy in neighboring Honey Creek. Little wonder so many locals have turned their backs on her. But not Brand Rodgers. The quiet cowboy comes to listen every time she sings at Bandit’s Bar, offering a glimpse of safety and calm that Marcie’s rarely known.
 
After Texas Ranger Colby McBride saved Honey Creek’s mayor, Piper Mackenzie, from a fire, she claimed him with a kiss. That was five months ago, and Colby still isn’t sure where they’re headed. Piper loves her town—but does she love Colby? And is he even ready for what comes next?
 
Pecos Smith, Honey Creek’s emergency dispatcher, is grateful to have a new bride he adores and a baby on the way—even if one vital piece of the puzzle is missing. But as trouble comes stalking through the valley, lives will cross surprising paths. And Marcie, who’s always felt that a forever love was out of reach, might discover that Someday is the perfect place to find it . . .

PJ's Thoughts:

Reading this book really does feel like catching up with friends and neighbors at a Sunday afternoon picnic. Thomas is a master at creating communities, especially small Texas communities, then populating them with complex characters and intriguing storylines. I become invested in her characters, both primary and secondary; by the end of the book I feel as though I've made new friends. I find myself emotionally attached and am eager to discover where life will take them next. There are many such characters in Picnic in Someday Valley. And then there's the town itself. Thomas's descriptions are so detailed, her sense of place so acute that if I close my eyes, I can convince myself I'm actually there in Honey Creek. 

This is the second book in Thomas's Honey Creek trilogy. It can be read on its own but I encourage you to first read book one: Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe. Some of the continuing storylines begin in that book and carry through book two while others begin in book two and will hopefully carry through to the third book in the trilogy. My enjoyment of Picnic in Someday Valley was richer and my understanding of several characters (and character relationships) deeper after I read book one. Now I'm counting down the weeks until book three, Dinner on Primrose Hill releases on October 26th. I have no doubt it will be another enjoyable trip to Honey Creek where old friends welcome you back and new ones are ready to make your acquaintance.