Aspen Crossroads by Janine Rosche – Review & Giveaway

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Description:
Few in the community of Whisper Canyon have actually met Jace Daring, a handsome recluse who lives at Aspen Crossroads, the farm at the edge of town. But that doesn’t stop the rumors about the multiple women who live with him. He must protect the truth–that his farm-to-table restaurant will provide new livelihoods for women rescued from human trafficking–or he risks the safety and futures of those relying on him. But he can’t do it alone.

Haven Haviland has always been everyone’s safe place to fall until one mistake closes her counseling practice and leaves her open to the town’s gossip. Trusting men has gotten her in trouble before. However, accepting Jace’s job offer to mentor the rescued women seems like the perfect way to right her wrongs.

When the mayor’s campaign to clean up Whisper Canyon targets Aspen Crossroads, the restaurant comes under fire, dangers from the women’s pasts are awakened, and Haven’s sins are exposed for all to see. Jace would sacrifice himself to save Haven and the women under his care, but his efforts might not be enough. And in the end, it might not be the women most in need of saving after all.

Review:

Aspen Crossroads by Janine Rosche is the first book in her new Whisper Canyon Romance series.  Haven Haviland has lived in Whisper Canyon with her family all her life, and until recently she had a counseling practice for town residents who needed help.  Haven made a mistake allowing herself to have a one-night affair with a client, who lied to her, and the town turned on her.  She learns of the renovating of Aspen Crossroads into a family restaurant, and meets the new owner.

Jace Daring, lived in Whisper Canyon, when he was a child, and returns to fix up Aspen Crossroads.  Jace works for a company that gives women a second chance at life, after being rescued from human trafficking.  The mayor (who is bad, and also the one who lied to Haven) is determined to stop the renovating of the new restaurant, telling the townspeople, they are prostitutes, and will hurt the town image.

Jace meets Haven and when he finds out she ran a counseling practice, he hires her to work for Aspen Crossroads, to offer help for the ladies who have suffered from their past.   Haven has a hard time getting the women to open up to her, but slowly she will earn their respect, but it will take a while to get past their resentments.  I did like the ladies who were rescued from the human trafficking, such as Sonny, Rosalie and Jillian (who was the most difficult), and Haven’s Rarity was great (look forward to her story soon).  In a short time, Jace and Haven begin to have feelings for each other, with them also having to deal with the nasty rumors that the town gossips, not to mention the evil Mayor.

What follows are some heart-wrenching stories, for the ladies, as well as for Haven, whose family was not respected, due to her mother’s past.  But I loved Haven’s sisters and brother, and can’t wait for their future stories.   Whisper Canyon is split down the middle, with many townsfolk listening to the mayor, not looking at the true sensitive issues; then there are the Haviland family, their friends, and the church who know the difference between right and wrong. Jace, Haven, the ladies, and the rest of the good guys turn the table to stop the mayor and bring a peaceful solution.  Janine Rosche wrote a heartwarming and tense story, that was very well written. I suggest you read Aspen Crossroads.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

Janine Rosche’s publisher,  is offering a paper copy of ASPEN CROSSROADS to ONE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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