I knew I would have to read this once I saw the cover, like, it’s so beautiful, has a small town vibe, a sweet romance touch, and a dash of hope, don’t you think?

The blurb made me slightly wary, it’s not exactly encouraging to see that the main lady, Brooklyn is a single mom, and the lead guy, Derek is not a fan of Brooklyn, (a trope I somewhat dislike.). So with fifty/fifty good/bad expectations I started You’ll Think Of Me.
Soon I was so deep in the story I only stopped once there wasn’t enough light coming through my window in the van, and I had to stop reading.

4.5 stars

You'll Think of Me by Robin Lee Hatcher is a heartwarming journey of faith, new beginnings, trust and love.

Ten years ago, Brooklyn Myers escaped her father's abuse by eloping to Reno, NV with her then boyfriend Chad Hallston. Unfortunately, Chad abandoned her as soon she discovered she was pregnant with her now ten year old daughter Alycia. After learning Chad has unexpectedly passed away and left his family home to Alycia, Brooklyn returns to Thunder Creek, ID. Fighting the memories her small hometown resurrects, Brooklyn is surprised by how eagerly everyone welcomes them into their lives.

Unfortunately one of the few people who are not happy to see Brooklyn is her next door neighbor Derek Johnson. Derek was never her biggest fan when she was dating Chad and he has even more reason to dislike her now that she owns the land he was planning to buy. Trying to let go of his resentment over the end of his dream to expand his organic farming business, Derek is charmed by Alycia, but he remains deeply unhappy about Brooklyn's reappearance in his life.

Leaving Thunder Creek was just the first step in healing some of the wounds from Brooklyn's abusive and neglectful childhood. Physically abandoned by her mother and emotionally abandoned by her father, Brooklyn has trust issues and she struggles with low self-esteem. Although she has much more confidence now than when she was younger, returning to Thunder Creek brings up those unpleasant memories she has avoided for so many years. While she is emotionally and spiritually stronger, Brooklyn cannot help but be a little distrustful of Derek's motives for spending time with her and Alycia once she discovers he was planning to purchase her property from Chad.

Derek is finding it very difficult to let go of his disappointment that his dream of expanding his business will not come to fruition. He is also struggling to overcome his lingering dislike of Brooklyn and he is in no mood to show her any compassion for the difficulties she has endured. Despite his conflicted feelings towards Brooklyn, he is respectful of Chad's final request to be there for Alycia and he is immediately drawn to the vivacious little girl. However, as he spends time with Alycia, he gains a better understanding of Brooklyn's life both in the past and in the present. With his attitude toward her softening, Derek is rather surprised to discover he has romantic feelings for her. Since he has made no secret of wanting Brooklyn's property, is there any way she can trust Derek's interest in her is genuine?

You'll Think of Me is a captivating Christian romance that touches on many topics that will resonate with readers. Robin Lee Hatcher beautifully incorporates relevant Bible verses and passages that perfectly dovetail with the issues the characters are grappling to overcome and/or understand. The romance between Derek and Brooklyn is incredibly sweet and grows naturally from their friendship. An exceptionally uplifting and deeply affecting novel that will linger in readers' hearts and minds long after the last page is turned. ( )

The author the characters so real in this book, I felt I was watching a movie, or looking at real life. My heart broke for the young Brooklyn, all that happened to her, and then she raises a wonderful daughter, really correcting all the wrong parenting that happened to her. We find the difference is that she has become a Christian, and she really lives her faith.
A childhood friend, or acquaintance, comes to her rescue as she returns to Thunder Creek, Idaho, and you can see how he, Derek, is disappointed and yet happy to see her. We see how he didn’t like her as a child or young teen with his best friend becoming closer to Brooklyn, he was loosing his friend, and then when he again looses his hopeful land. Oh dear!
Brooklyn’s daughter Alycia is delightful, and at ten going on twenty, she is a child and yet she has a lot of compassion, and is there for others.
This story has so much going for it, and I hated to see it end, but there is another book coming, a stand alone, but set right here in Thunder Creek! You don’t want to miss this sweet read, a real enjoyment! ( )

Brooklyn Meyers is well acquainted with rejection and abandonment. Her mother, her father and even her husband, Chad, whom she grew up with and married, have all abandoned her. But somehow she’s managed to carve out a life with her daughter, Alycia. Then she receives word that Chad died and left her his family home in their hometown. She doesn’t really want to go back there but her good friend encourages her that this may be the Lord’s way of providing for their future. When she arrives, Brooklyn soon learns that Derek, Chad’s best friend, is a Sheriff as well as her neighbor. Derek Johnson loves organic farming and and was counting on Chad’s property to expand his business. That’s the agreement he and Chad made. Then Derek receives a letter from Chad's lawyer informing him that he gave the house to Brooklyn and asks him to be a father to Alycia. Derek understands about giving the house to Brooklyn but just how is suppose to be a father to Alycia? He never liked Brooklyn and blamed her for coming between him and Chad. But as Brooklyn and Derek help each other out and get to know each other better they both begin to see each other in a different light. One that just might change their future.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The book has a beautiful cover and contains a beautiful, relationship driven story. There were a few places where I thought it slowed a bit but it also felt like a natural timeline of events. I enjoyed watching the relationship build between Derek and Brooklyn. Derek was definitely my kind of hero. Brooklyn was so realistic and your heart goes out to her for all she’s been through. But the Lord put people in her path that helped her along the way, which made her faith grow. It’s encouraging to realize that’s what He does in our lives too. There’s a little bit of everything in this story. You’ll find humor, heartache and even a little suspense, which made if feel very well rounded. I encourage you to read the author’s note at the end. It gives you a little insight about the author and why she wrote the story. If you enjoy a heartwarming story then I recommend You’ll Think of Me.

*This complimentary copy was provided from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Some favorite moments:

“You’re right, Sandra. Love isn’t enough. Not if what you mean by love is that butterflies-in-your-stomach sensation. It takes ever so much more than that.”

Let go. Trust. Her breathing slowed. “I’ll try, God. I want You to be in control, but it’s hard not to hold on tight to those things that matter.

“Considered the possibilities first. Then look for solutions. If God can gave you a house, He can surely take care of all the other details.”

For more information about this book or other books by Robin Lee Hatcher, I encourage you to visit her website at https://robinleehatcher.com ( )