Romance Book Review: Robyn Carr's The Newcomer

Author: Robyn Carr
Series Connection: Thunder Point
ISBN: 978-0778314523
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: MIRA Books

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Richly themed book set in the backdrop of a small town on the Oregon Coast, this book goes in to detail on some of today's current family issues. Everything from adult relationships to first love stories to teen depression this book has it all and in some ways just a little too much of everything.

The story really doesn't center around one couple but three families. When "newcomer", Cooper, first comes to Thunder Point six months earlier he becomes involved in a relationship with Coast Guard helicopter pilot Sarah. Everything looks good for them at the end of the last book, but there is still trouble on the horizon. The question is can Cooper convince Sarah that he isn't just passing through or can he show her he's in it for the long haul.

And then there is Mac and Gina. Mac is a local sheriff deputy who takes care of the residents of Thunder Point. For the first time in a long time he takes a chance and takes his relationship with Gina to the next level. Unfortunately while there love is strong, their family lives aren't a bed of roses. Gina's daughter, Ashley becomes despondent after her boyfriend calls it quits and she becomes the mark for a vindictive new girlfriend. In the meantime, Mac's ex-wife comes to town to stir up trouble.

In the mix is Sarah's younger brother and Mac's daughter, who experience a little drama of their own. As well as, Mac's aunt and Gina's mother. All and all there is a lot to keep track of. That is pretty much the style of Robyn Carr's books, and while normally I don't mind, this time I was hoping to dig deeper into Mac and Gina's relationship, but there just isn't enough time for the author to do it all. Yes we learn about their lives through their family's interactions, but miss out on a developing relationship between the two.

You can't be too disappointed with Robyn Carr's style however since she is a well versed author with stories that build good characters and important relationship and current day issues that families deal with all the time. I'll keep reading the series, with the next one being "The Hero" coming out at the end of August, featuring two new characters. One we met in this book and another "newcomer" to Thunder Point.

Description:

With humor and insight, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr looks at letting go of the past—and knowing when you’ve found something worth building your future on.

Single dad and Thunder Point’s deputy sheriff “Mac” McCain has worked hard to keep everyone safe and happy. Now he’s found his own happiness with Gina James. The longtime friends have always shared the challenges and rewards of raising their adolescent daughters. With an unexpected romance growing between them, they’re feeling like teenagers themselves—suddenly they can’t get enough of one another.

And just when things are really taking off, their lives are suddenly thrown into chaos. When Mac’s long-lost—and not missed-ex—wife shows up in town, drama takes on a whole new meaning. They’re wondering if their new feelings for each other can withstand the pressure...but they are not going down without a fight.

Step into the world of Thunder Point, a little town on the Oregon coast where newcomers are welcomed, hearts are broken and mended, and the dramas of everyday life keep the locals laughing, crying and falling in love.