What We Find by Robyn Carr

April 4th, 2016 Kimberly Review 68 Comments

4th Apr
What We Find by Robyn Carr
What We Find
by Robyn Carr
Series: Sullivan's Crossing #1
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Heat Level: One FlameOne FlameHalf a Flame

Join Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Virgin River and Thunder Point series, as she explores the healing powers of rural Colorado in a brand-new story of fresh starts, budding relationships and one woman’s journey to finding the happiness she’s long been missing. Between the urban bustle of Denver and the high-stress environment of a career in neurosurgery, Maggie Sullivan has hit a wall. When an emergency, high-risk procedure results in the death of a teenager, Maggie finds herself in the middle of a malpractice lawsuit—and experiencing levels of anxiety she’s never faced before. It’s in this desperate moment that Maggie’s boyfriend decides he can’t handle her emotional baggage, and she’s left alone, exhausted and unsure of what her future holds. One thing is certain, though: she needs to slow down before she burns out completely, and the best place she can think to do that is Sullivan’s Crossing. Named for Maggie’s great-grandfather, the land and charming general store at the crossroads of the Colorado and the Continental Divide trails have been passed down through the generations and now belong to Maggie’s estranged father, Sully. Though raised by her mother and stepfather after her parents divorced, Maggie has always adored Sully—despite his hands-off approach to fatherhood. When she shows up unannounced in Sullivan’s Crossing, he welcomes her with opens arms, and she relishes the opportunity to rebuild their relationship. But when Sully has a sudden heart attack, Maggie’s world is rocked once again. Consumed with his care, she’s relieved to find that Cal Jones, a quiet and serious-looking camper, has been taking over many of Sully’s responsibilities as he recuperates. Still, Maggie is suspicious of this mysterious man’s eagerness to help—until she finds out the true reason for his deliberate isolation. Though Cal and Maggie each struggle with loss and loneliness, the time they spend together gives Maggie hope for something brighter just on the horizon…if only they can learn to find peace and healing—and perhaps love—with each other.

well written Small-town smartfunny ROMANCE

What We Find by Robyn Carr is the first novel in the Sullivan’s Crossing series. Carr delivered a beautiful novel about love, family, loss and finding one’s self. Set against the trails of Colorado I quickly became wrapped up in the characters. What We Find had characters and banter that reminded me of early Virgin River books.

We begin the story in Denver where we meet Maggie Sullivan a thirty-seven year old neurosurgeon who has had a rough year. She is emotionally drained and financially strained. When her Doctor and co-worker tell her to take a leave, she packs up her bags and heads to her father’s place in Sullivan’s Crossing.

Sullivan’ Crossing hosts a general store and campground set along the Continental Divide trails in Colorado. It is owned by Maggie’s father Sully. Right away, I loved the setting for What We Find. The campground sits on the edge of a lake and is surrounded by woods and trails. I love small-town settings and was drawn to the characters we meet, including Maggie’s father, Sully.

Maggie is suffering on so many fronts, and Carr takes great care in fleshing her out. Underneath the hurt is a compassionate, bright, witty character I came to respect. Cal Jones a camper soon befriends her after Sully has a heart attack. A short break turns into an extended leave as Maggie spends the summer helping her father and reevaluating her life. Carr brought the daily life of this small camp town to life making me long to pack my bags and touch nature.

The friendship between Cal and Maggie slowly simmers into something more. The relationship began with snark and witty quips but evolved into something beautiful. Cal is a bit of a mystery and Maggie questions his aid. He refuses to say what Cal stands for, and of course, Maggie tries to find out by calling him Calvin, Clyde, Clinton and more it was hilarious. Their friendship soon turns to sweet kisses and I enjoyed watching it all unfold. Carr gives us Cal’s story and it touched me. She writes genuine characters and allows the reader to connect giving the stories and townsfolk depth.  The interaction between Maggie and Cal felt genuine and comfortable like a perfect summer night.

What We Find ended up being a tale that made me laugh one minute and shed tears the next. The setting was perfect, and I am looking forward to getting to know more of the secondary characters.

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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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68 Responses to “What We Find by Robyn Carr”

  1. Kay

    I am really loving the sound of that setting! I am glad you enjoyed this one! 😀

  2. Laura

    I’ve heard some great things about Robyn Carr but have not read one of hers yet. I will have to add her to my library list and reserve one asap.

  3. Jennifer

    I love that it made you laugh and also had some tear jerker moments. I just read “Me Before You” so maybe after reading a comedic buffer, I’ll check this one out. Good review 🙂

  4. Whitney

    What We Find sounds like the beginning of an interesting series, I might have ti look into it. Nice review.

  5. Lark

    I really liked this one, too, Kimba! And fell in love with Maggie, Cal, and Sully (and maybe a little with Tom Canaday, too.)

  6. Ksenia

    A friend of mine recommended Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series to me a couple of weeks ago. And now I see your review on her latest book. I definitely need to pick up a book by this author. The audiobook is narrated by Therese Plummer; I’ve heard she is good (she also narrated Virgin River series). While I’m a city girl I have a soft spot for stories set in small towns. And romance sounds so good. Great review, Kim!

  7. Rita

    I can’t wait! Just sounds like a good plot and I hope the characterization will continue to develop in the same interesting way as the series grows.

    I enjoy Ms. Carr’s books after years of holding off from reading them, thinking they might be predictable, formulaic stories like some other series I won’t name, but I was pleasantly surprised. I will definitely be reading this one, so thanks for a good review!

  8. Bookworm Brandee

    I’m thinking of spending a little birthday loot on this one, Kimberly. I love the sound of Maggie and Cal – how they’re working on themselves, their lives – and it’s set here in my backyard. Win-win! 😀

  10. Katiria Rodriguez

    Ohh great review I haven’t read a book by Robyn Carr yet, but I have great things about her books. And this one looks and sounds absolutely and utterly amazing! Thank you for your great post!

  12. Ro

    I used to read Ms. Carr’s work pretty regularly, and still have a few on my TBR pile. Ironically, when I was a kid, I used to dream of being a neurosurgeon, until reality set in, and the realization that my brain and my hands just weren’t steay enough. This sounds like a book I can seek my teeth into and loved the review. Hugs…RO

  15. Leona

    What We Find sounds like something I would want to curl up somewhere and read while it’s raining. Awesome review 🙂

  16. Annika

    I love a bit of snark and witty banter in romance, so this sounds like a good pick to me! Great review, thanks Kimberly!

  18. Katherine

    I love the sound of this one and the setting sounds especially amazing! I’ve read only one Robyn Carr book but I loved it and I really liked how complex her characters are. I’m looking forward to reading this one!

  19. Angela Adams

    Whenever I read a Robyn Carr novel with one of her small town settings, I want to move from the big city to a small town. Thanks for the review!

  20. Kristin

    Robyn Carr writes a GAZILLION novels!!! I don’t know how she does it, writes a new small town every series with new people and new stories! This one sounds fantastic b/c I love the setting sooooo much! I might have to break down and try Carr this time 😉 I know it will be good… 4 cuppa good! Great review!!!

  21. Heidi

    This is an author I have long wanted to try. I love that this made you laugh and cry from one page to the next.

  22. Lexxie

    I loved What We Find, too, Kim. I thought the characters and the slow-moving romance made the story magical 🙂

  23. Mary Kirkland

    It’s been a while since I’ve read one of her books but this sounds like a great book to start off a new series.

  24. kindlemom1

    Every time you read one of her books it makes me want to read one and then I never do, I seriously suck. 🙁 I will get to them someday, maybe over summer right?

  25. Tyler H. Jolley

    I am so drawn to this in multiple ways. One: Colorado, duh. Two: the doctor aspect. I’ve never had anything that, but when you learn about/hear about malpractice suits, it’s enough to freeze the blood in your veins. Thanks for the review, Kimba!

  26. lisa thomson-The Great Escape...

    This sounds like a sweet read, Kim. I’m ready for something a little romantic. The setting sounds lovely too and dare I say, it sounds like it could adapt to a movie quite nicely. Thanks for the recommendation and review.

  27. Sophia Rose

    I haven’t read a book by her for a while. Loved the Virgin River series. This campground town setting sounds great. Perfect for a summer read.

  28. Laurel-Rain Snow

    I am excited to find a book by this author at the beginning of a series, and I’ve been eyeing this one. I love the cover, the blurb, and your thoughts on it. Sweet, snarky, beautiful settings…a slow build to romance. Great ingredients! Thanks for sharing.

  33. Priscilla

    Oh wow, it looks like Maggie is dealing with a lot of things on her plate! I like smart and funny novels, so I’ve just added it to my tbr pile 🙂