No last names. No life stories. Those were the rules. Now a USA Today bestseller!
Once upon a time a cocky, copper-haired tourist sauntered into Zara’s bar. And even though she knew better, Zara indulged in a cure for the small-town blues. It was supposed to be an uncomplicated fling—a few sizzling weeks before he went back to his life, and she moved on.
Until an accidental pregnancy changed her life.
Two years later, she’s made peace with the notion that Dave From Brooklyn will never be found. Until one summer day when he walks into her coffee shop, leveling her with the same hot smile that always renders her defenseless.
Hockey star Dave Beringer has never forgotten the intense month he spent with prickly Zara. Their nights together were the first true intimacy he’d ever experienced. But the discovery of his child is the shock of a lifetime, and his ugly past puts relationships and family out of reach.
Or does it? Vermont’s countryside has a way of nurturing even tortured souls. The fields and the orchards—and hard won love—are Bountiful.
- ISBN10 1942444486
- ISBN13 9781942444480
- Publish Date 15 October 2017
- Publish Status Active
- Imprint Tuxbury Publishing LLC
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 314
- Language English
Reviews
Sam@WLABB
I was overjoyed, when I heard about this book, because I had wanted to know Zara better since we met her in the first book. I felt like there was a lot more to her, than we were seeing, and I was ecstatic to see her get her HEA.
Bowen gave Zara quite a hero. I felt like Zara had met her match with Dave. Besides their white hot chemistry, they had a great rapport. But all that emotional baggage kept getting in the way of them finding their forever together. It was sometimes maddening, but I think my heart grew slightly with each bit of progress they made reconciling with their pasts.
Bowen did a ton of things in this book, which were quite pleasing to me. She treated us to some new "views" of VT, while unfolding two love stories - one between David and Zara, and one between David and his baby girl. Watching that little girl win Dave's heart made my heart melt. There was a lot of "awww"-ing, believe me. We also got some great updates on Audrey and Griff, and from some family interactions, I now have some (separate) theories about Mae and Kieren. I hope these characters are explored in later books.
I was really surprised by the ending, but I loved it so much! The only thing Bowen could have done to make it better is add an epilogue. I am curious about the after. Since I am one book behind, I am holding out hope that I get an update on this little family sooner than later.
Romance Schmomance
I've been such a fan of this series, yes it can be read as a standalone, but trust me, read the rest of the books! I've loved each book so far. And Bountiful has easily been thrown into my re-read category. Most of the time, after I finish a book I really love, I go back and re-read my favorite parts because I love re-enjoying those moments.
Zara runs the bar owned by her uncle, going day by day, serving drinks and fending off the constant flow of men's advances. Until one day, a sexy someone walks in and makes it known that he wants her. Zara (at the time) was still dealing with a bit of heartbreak of her own, the last thing she wants is to get into something serious, but the chemistry between these two is undeniable. As persistent as he is, he slowly breaks down the walls Zara has built and quickly turns into an explosive night. What was originally supposed to be just one night turns into a much longer affair riding out the remainder of the summer AND his vacation time. They both know there's a deadline, but it doesn't mean their feelings stop there. After his departure, Zara was left with a little piece of the man that rocked her summer; a precious baby.
Dave Beringer has already decided that he'll be a bachelor for life, a professional hockey player going through casual hookups and moving onto the next. Heading to Vermont during the off-season for a little vacation, running into the beautiful local bartender that he can't take his eyes off of. After that one night together, he wants more nights like that before he heads back to reality. After leaving at the end of his vacation, Zara never left his thoughts. And it's not until two years later Dave is back in Vermont for some downtime and he runs straight into the woman from that memorable summer and learns much more during their little reunion.
I think Bountiful might be my favorite in the series. Zara is just an amazing and strong character, she wasn't loud and boisterous, but her presence held a lot. SHE could say so much without verbally saying anything at all. Her inability to hide her feelings, I kind of love that because Dave was able to pick up on that instantly and he remembers every little detail about her. As much as I loved the many moments between her and Dave, I loved the moments of their little family. Nicole is absolutely adorable and you can't help but fall in love her. She steals her dad's heart in an instant and despite how quickly Dave had to wrap his mind around his new reality, he adapted so gracefully and became the father that he needed to be to his daughter. He took that role over with ease and everyone will just swoon over daddy and daughter time. It'll just tug at your little heartstrings! This one is definitely a #RSFave for 2017 and I recommend it to everyone!
read my review | on the blog.
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stacey_is_sassy
It’s not really a sacrifice…
I think there’s a little switch in my brain that got turned on when I had kids. This switch made me think about my kids wants and needs before my own. Sure, I’ll give up alcohol for the health and well-being of my child. OK, I don’t really need a new e-reader when I could buy my boys new laptops. That overseas holiday we’ve been thinking of taking, who needs that when you can spend the same amount to watch your son play in the Nationals for baseball? For about two seconds you consider resenting these little hellions who forget to say thank you, but then, you just don’t. There’s no question, you just do it. It’s not really a sacrifice.
In Bountiful we meet Zara and Dave. Dave’s on holidays in Vermont and sees Zara and is instantly attracted to the beautiful, strong and determined woman. The more he gets to know her, the more time he wants to spend with her talking and doing other stuff. She’s not an easy woman to flirt with, but he’s kind of enjoying the challenge.
Zara is having a bit of a rough trot. She’s made some silly decisions in her life and she’s feeling regret, disappointment and loneliness. When Dave comes into her life, she decides to use him to make herself feel better for a little while. Mutual attraction and the knowledge that there’s an end date in sight, makes it even more appealing.
Life can change in the blink of an eye.
Babies change your focus. All your regrets and worries seem piddly when there’s this little person who relies on you for everything. Nicole became the focus of Zara's existence. When Dave comes back and realises there's a new person in his life, his focus changes completely.
I am a sucker for a bloke holding a baby. There was no problem for me picturing Dave and Nicole together. I just said to hubby the other day I miss seeing one of the boys (when they were babies) on his hip. There is nothing better than daddy and baby snuggled up napping together. I still get mushy-gushy when I pull out the photos of snuggle times.
I really enjoyed reading Bountiful. The characters, storyline and love story kept my attention from start to finish. I’ll be honest, I was thinking 4 stars throughout the whole story but the ending bumped it up to a solid 5 stars. It was refreshing to have a hero that obviously had his priorities straight. Sarina Bowen really showed her skill in that ending scene. I had no hesitations or doubts believing that this couple would make it and that their future was together. The storyline flowed well, the intimate scenes were steamy and the conflict and emotional scenes were never OTT.
Another great instalment to the True North series and I really hope Sarina Bowen treats us to a few more.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
leelu92
Very, very, very good. Still gathering my thoughts. Review to come.
*Copy provided for review by the author.