Harlequin Spotlight: Review of His Hometown Girl by Karen Rock w/giveway

On tour with Prism Book Tours…

Welcome to my Book Tour stop for
His Hometown Girl

by Karen Rock
Mass Market Paperback, Large Print, 331 pages
March 1st 2014 by Harlequin

He’d always managed to best her…

Jodi Chapman will do whatever it takes to get top care for her autistic son. If that means going home and convincing local farmers to sell their land, so be it. Even if her biggest opponent, childhood rival Daniel Gleason, is equally determined to convince farmers to buy into his co-op plan. And he’s not playing fair.

Facing off against Daniel is the last thing Jodi wants. The attraction that’s always fueled their competitiveness is as strong as ever and just as distracting. But with both their futures on the line, and years of distrust between them, how can they ever be on the same side?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * eHarlequin * Book Depository

Howdy peeps.  I know its been awhile since I’ve actually had a Harlequin Spotlight so when I was offered to host Ms. Rock, I booked it specifically for this day.  I’m so glad that I did.  This is my first Heartwarming book and it will definitely not be my last.  Yes, Harlie likes them sweet at times and Ms. Rock delivers a sweet but emotionally charged story about childhood rivals that would almost stop at nothing to best the other.  And for what?  A piece of land?

Normally I like the reunited lovers trope but I don’t really think of it in this book in that trope.  I actually see it as that they never truly stop loving each other.  Yes, Jodi got married had a child but ultimately that child broke up the marriage.  Daniel never moved on with his life…at least to me.  He seemed stuck in the old ways.  While his sister had moved on and wanted a better life for herself.  Jodi did too but at what cost?  Yes, private schools/treatments are expensive but what impressed me the most was Sue and her unwavering response to Tyler and his needs.

While this is the old “trying to best the other one” routine, Ms. Rock makes it believable and relatable.  Unfortunately in the beginning I thought Daniel was just plain mean towards Jodi.  I honestly didn’t warm up to him until almost 3/4 of the book was finished.  I loved how he interacted with Tyler and made him somewhat normal. So he did have his graces.  I just didn’t like they way he handled seeing and dealing with Jodi in the beginning.

Also, Ms. Rock did her research when it came to Autism and Parkinson’s.  The scenes with Jodi and the uninformed public were great.  The plane scene really sticks with me.  I wish people would realize that not all children are perfect and quiet.  Kudos for Ms. Rock to put scenes in the book that are at times heartbreaking but also a great PSA.  In regards to Daniel and Sue’s dad, I really felt for him.  He was only doing what he thought was best for the community and his family.

Ultimately Jodi and Daniel’s story is about how a community comes together for the common good and what’s best for their “family”.  Not just their immediate family but their family community.  My mother grew up on a farm and my dad grew up on a small town.  They left but some of their siblings didn’t.  I understood the resistance by some and the willingness on the others.  It’s a tough choice to make and Ms. Rock didn’t sugarcoat it.

I’m sure I’m rambling but I really did enjoy the book.  Ms. Rock wrote realistic characters dealing with some heavy issues.  Autism, Parkinson’s, care for an aging parent and just trying to finally figure out what was truly important in life.  Plus, she made me miss Chicago.  *sniff*

If you are looking for a sweet, heartwarming romance this line from Harlequin will be just perfect for you.  It’s not quite Harlequin Romance and it doesn’t have the religious overtones of Love Inspired (which I love).  It’s in the middle dealing with every day folks, their community and home.

One last thing…I love Ms. Rock’s other works.  😉  And her sister in law’s too.  Just saying…you should check them out.

For more information about Karen’s upcoming books, check out her website, Facebook page, or follow her on twitter. She’d love to hear from you!

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter

Tour-Wide Giveaway

Grand Prize: Hand-stitched, authentic Amish quilt (uses their overlapping heart-stitching- pattern), with matching dust ruffle for a king-sized bed, signed copies of Wish Me Tomorrow & Camp Boyfriend, and some surprise swag (US Only)
1 – Paperback/ebook copies of Wish Me Tomorrow and Camp Boyfriend (format is winner’s choice, paperback for US Only) and $20 Amazon gift card
2 – ebooks of Wish Me Tomorrow and Camp Boyfriend (INT)
March 3 – 23

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3/3 – Tour Launch & Excerpt

3/4
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First Page to the Last

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Fiona’s Book Reviews
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3/7
Mel’s Shelves
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Reviews By Molly

3/9
My Devotional Thoughts
Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews
Tressa’s Wishful Endings

3/10
Giveaway Breaking News for Indonesia
That’s the Way it Goes

3/11
Getting Your Read On
Copywrite1985
Bottles & Books Reviews

3/12
The Wonderings of One Person
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3/13
Lola’s Reviews
I Would Rather Be Reading…
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3/14
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3/16 – Tour Grand Finale

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