The Newcomer by Robyn Carr

June 24th, 2013 Kimberly Review 25 Comments

24th Jun
The Newcomer by Robyn Carr
Newcomer
by Robyn Carr
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads

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.

I was excited to return to the small town of Thunder Point in Robyn Carr’s second novel The Newcomer. Filled with fleshed-out characters, real-life drama, and a touch of romance I easily consumed this and look forward to visiting again. Three-word review: small-town, love, friendship

When we return to Thunder Point, Cooper is settling into his new beachfront property and the bar is up and running. He is still dating Sarah and life is good till life throws them a curve-ball. Mac McCain the deputy sheriff has started dating Gina James and the two are happily juggling their romance and the children but things are about to get rocky. With a tender romance budding can these two survive. The tale that unfolds kept me on edge as Carr touches on some sensitive subjects and opens old wounds.

One of the things I enjoy about Carr’s small-town series is the way she continues to flesh-out and molds her characters. We met Mac, Gina and their families in the previous book but this time we get inside their heads and watch them handled difficult situations. It makes them endearing.  A character I loathed in the first book reveals a softer side. Sarah is at a crossroads and must make decisions and we see her struggle. Cooper’s life changes and watching how he handles things made me fall for him even more. I really want to see their relationship develop further and I am hoping we see more in the next novel. The romance this time was very PG and I missed those heated scenes. The thread concerning Gina’s daughter was gut-wrenching and realistic. I love how Carr makes me connect and experience what the characters are feeling and why.

A lot of the residents in Thunder Point are having problems and facing decisions. Carr seamlessly delivers all of these carefully woven threads. Each thread is well developed and unravels naturally. You cannot help but become invested in the characters and this added a delightful suspense to the tale as I searched for a happy ending. I appreciated Carr’s research into some of the difficult situations her characters faced and the realistic way they were portrayed. While I haven’t yet felt the passionate connection to Thunder Point that I felt with Virgin River, I am slowly becoming caught up in the characters and cannot wait for book three.

Fans of small-town series with fleshed-out realistic characters are sure to enjoy The Newcomer and Thunder Point series. The Hero, the next book is due to release in August 2013.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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25 Responses to “The Newcomer by Robyn Carr”

  2. Jennifer Bielman

    Aww, this sounds like such a cute small town romance. I love when you can tell the author had done her research. Is this from the guy’s perspective? I haven’t read many of those.

  3. Vilia

    Sounds really engaging. I have only read Carr’s “Virgin River” so I might have to give her another shot.

  4. thegeekyblogger

    A friend gave me this book. She is determined for me to give Robyn Carr a whirl 🙂

  6. Jenny

    Yet another author I need to read more of Kimba! I’ve read one of her books, the name of it escapes me, but really enjoyed it! The small town setting was a particular highlight I remember, and this one is clearly in the same vein. LOVE. Must go check out your review of The Wanderer!

  7. Toni

    *sigh* Another series I am going to have to start. This sounds like an excellent summer read! Thanks for the great review, Kim!

  8. Debbie Haupt

    Loved, loved your review Kim, Loved how you gave it the three word review.
    Do you miss Virgin River ?

  9. scottreadsit

    I haven’t heard of this author or series but what a great review! I like this book’s cover because it’s designed well even though it’s simple.
    -Scott Reads It!

  10. candacerobinson

    I love, love, love small town stories! This sounds like a series I might really love. I haven’t read this author but I do recognize her, I know she’s a well-known author anyway.

  11. Nick

    I’m glad to hear that this series is still going well for you, Kim. If ever I’m in the mood for a cute contemporary set in a small-town, I’ll be sure to check this one out.
    I love it when an author continues to flesh out her characters throughout a series. It just shows how talented the author is because he/she is portraying a person in a realistic manner.

  12. kindlemom1

    It has been awhile since I have read a book by Carr, your review makes me want to pick one up and read it!

  13. Andrea

    I adored this book, too! I wanted more of Coop & Sarah, and feel happy w/the direction their relationship was headed. Mac and Gina are such a great couple and I’m happy for them. I was surprised by how much of the story was devoted to the teens. I do like their storyline, though.
    Great review. I can’t wait for The Hero!

  19. Heidi

    I always love books that are set in small town books, and this sounds like a nice romance for a summery afternoon.

  21. Lark

    Great review, Kimba! I completely agree on all counts. Can’t wait until book 3!

  23. Lark

    Lucky! I’m waiting for it to show up at NetGalley (which reminds me, I haven’t checked in a few days.)