Where the Creek Bends
by Linda Lael Miller
Publisher: Canary Street Press
Release Date: December 31, 2024
Reviewed by PJ




Madison Bettencourt has tried to assemble all the pieces of a perfect life, but nothing fits quite the way it should. She’s moved back home to Montana to care for her grandmother, who is slipping further and further away. And she’s called off her wedding, and worries her dreams of a family are fading with it.
As Madison rattles around her family home, childhood memories come flooding back. Bliss Morgan transformed eight-year-old Madison with her loyalty, and for a while, the two girls were as close as can be. But Madison never understood why Bliss suddenly vanished, leaving only a friendship bracelet and a message etched into a matchbook.
Before she can begin again, Madison must uncover what happened to Bliss, and Liam McKettrick—a widowed dad trying to repair his relationship with his two children—becomes her unlikely ally. He, too, understands the pang of regret. Yet there are mysteries that Madison hesitates to explore with anyone, and strange energies in Bettencourt Hall that blur the lines between past and present.
Poignant and utterly captivating, Where the Creek Bends shows that finding yourself begins with following your heart, no matter where it leads.
PJ's Thoughts:
I began reading Miller's McKettrick books more than twenty years ago. I loved the historical romances but it's been a while since I checked in with this family so I decided to give Miller's newest, Where the Creek Bends, a try. I was not disappointed.
This story is an enjoyable blend of women's fiction, sweet contemporary romance, and time-slip fiction. It's poignant, complex, and heart-tugging with well-placed bits of humor to prevent it from tilting too heavily to the angsty side though there is plenty of emotion.
I enjoyed the time-slip facet of the book with the author telling the inter-connected dual timeline stories of Bliss and Madison. I was surprised - but pleased - by the direction that part of the story took.
I was in Liam's and Madison's corner from the moment she charged into his saloon in a wedding dress. They were both so likeable, so deserving of a happily ever after, and carrying so much emotional baggage. I liked that Miller gave them time to work through their individual issues while getting to know one another.
My heart hurt so much for Liam and his children. I just wanted to hug them all; they had so much grief, anger, confusion, and forgiveness to work through. I was pleased that they were given the time and tools to make strides in a realistic way. No easy fixes.
Though the book ended on a hopeful note, I would have liked an ending that wasn't quite so abrupt. Maybe an epilogue. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am hoping Miller has plans to return to Montana for more McKettrick stories. And I wouldn't be at all disappointed if we got to catch up with Liam, Madison, and the kids along the way.
This author has written some of the most romantic episodes I have ever read. And I have no logical explanation for not reading anything by her in a very long time. Thank you for this review and for the reminder of what Ms Miller can do with words. You always seem to lead me in a direction that will put with good books. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIt had been a long time since I had read her too, Annette. I blame it on too many books, not enough time. Glad I made an exception for this one.
DeleteMiller was one of the early authors I read when I started reading romances. Her books do tend be be a bit of women's fiction also, which gives them more dimension. It has been a while since I've read one of her's and this one sounds like something I would really enjoy. Time travel and time slip stories are a favorite, so all the better. Thank you for the review.
ReplyDeleteI'm finding that the older I get the more I'm enjoying the books that are a blend of women's fiction and romance. I love the happy endings but, as you said, the added dimension of the character growth found in women's fiction increases my enjoyment.
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