Mulberry Hollow by Denise Hunter

 Book Excerpt:

"Living life to the fullest always requires sacrifice.

Avery Robinson decided to be a physician after helplessly watching her mother lose a battle with a terrible disease. Avery guards her heart against love at the risk of developing the same illness. Nevertheless, she's driven to protect her loved ones as a workaholic doctor in the tiny mountain town of Riverbend Gap, North Carolina.

Contractor Wes Garrett is hiking the Appalachian trail in memory of the man who died saving his life when an illness racks his body. After an agonizing fifteen-mile hike to Avery's clinic, he collapses on her doorstep. He recovers to find himself in debt again, this time to a beautiful doctor.

When he decides to help her renovate a rundown carriage house, the obstacles to their attraction sprout like weeds—starting with the woman waiting for Wes at the end of the trail. Will he be able to relinquish the debt he owes his best friend? And will Avery find the courage to risk everything for love?"

The second book in Denise Hunter's popular Riverbend Romance series explores what it might be like to live fearlessly and free.

Title: Mulberry Hollow
Author: Denise Hunter
Series: Riverbend Romance #2
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Mulberry Hollow" by Denise Hunter

My Assessment:

'Mulberry Hollow' was a thoroughly gratifying, heartwarming, and emotional story that will keep your attention as you turn the pages. Along with the main characters, some wonderful secondary characters are well-developed, defined, and memorable, giving the reader a good read from start to finish. And let's not leave out the cat, Boot, and the interactions between Wes and his over-protective step-brother of Avery. By the way, 'Mulberry Hollow' is a neighborhood in Riverbend Gap, just off the Appalachian Trail.

It was good getting to know Dr. Avery Robinson, a workaholic doctor dealing with her difficulties, secrets, and issues, while finding another doctor who would come to Riverbend, North Carolina, to help her in her medical clinic. While this is accruing, what will happen when Wes Garrett passes out at Avery's clinic door needing medical help? Why was Wes hiking the Appalachian Trail to honor his friend Landon, who had passed away, and promised to take care of his sister Lillian? Why does Wes end up working for Avery to refurbish her carriage house? In this beautiful story, what were some heartbreaking decisions as they work through the pain Avery and Wes had to make while on this romantic journey? With Avery and Wes not looking for any relationship, what will happen when love finds a way? Be ready for a little bit of it all from 'laughter, tears, delight, and tenderness.'

You will have to pick up "Mulberry Hollow" and find out how well this author brings it all out for the readers, a beautiful read of sacrifice and love.

Thank you, Net Galley, and the publisher for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion of the read.