HIM Colt Atwood is going places, leaving the small town of Dillon Creek in his past after tragedy strikes. Anywhere but home, he searches for ways to fix the holes where the wind blows through him—and he fails time and time again. It isn’t until Colt gets injured and returns home to face his family, his brothers, and the reasons he left in the first place that he realizes that only she can fix … only she can fix the wind.
HER
It was easy for Anna Cain to leave Dillon Creek for college in the city. After she and Colt made love and he left, she needed something to take her away from the only place she’s ever known.
Anna doesn’t expect to go back home to Dillon Creek, but when she’s made an offer she can’t refuse, she knows she has to take it. Go back to face the pieces of her broken family, to the tragedy she left behind, and him—the only man who always said she was more.
Will Colt and Anna be able to repair what went so terribly wrong, or will go down in the storm they started all those years ago?
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J. Lynn Bailey is a new to me author but I’m always on the hunt for new authors that I fall in love with their writing style and their characters. Taking Anna is the first book in her all-new Dillon Creek series and is a contemporary, second chance romance.
Dillon Creek, California is your typical small town. Everyone knows everyone. Everyone knows everyone’s history. And everyone is in everyone’s business. Anna and Colt grew up as best friends that slowly became more. But when tragedy struck this small town and Colt’s family, the far-reaching ramifications tore them apart. Now a famous NBA star who’s recovering from a pretty severe injury, Colt’s come home to recover. Can they face their past and move on, or will the past be too much to overcome?
Now, I’ve never read any other of this author’s books so I don’t know if it’s a new style or her typical style of writing, but there was also a secondary story unfolding amongst the older generation of this town. I was a little confused at first, but after a few chapters, I was really drawn into this secondary plot and cast of characters.
NICUnurse’s Rating: I love small-town romances and I love second chance romances. So when you put them together, I get a little excited. And when the author doesn’t write the story the way I think it will go, that’s even better. While Anna and Colt’s story did eventually end up where I thought it would, this author had a lot more to their story than breaking up and making up. Beyond the HEA, Taking Anna takes you on a journey of grief and how grieving looks different in each of us. There were times I was literally crying real tears over how this one tragedy shook this tiny town and everyone that lives there. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to book two!
I give Taking Anna by J. Lynn Bailey 4 out of 5 stars!
J Lynn Bailey is fast becoming my favorite author. With each new book, she draws me in and leaves me anxiously awaiting her next. Taking Anna is sweet, sensual and gives the reader a glimpse of small towns and big dreams.
Buy this book! You won’t be disappointed.
I was given an ARC copy for my honest review.
Taking Anna is the first book in the Dillon Creek series written by the amazingly talented J. Lynn Bailey! Book one follows the story of Anna and Colt and their second chance romance! After tragedy forced them apart years ago will they come back together and find what they once had? You would be crazy to pass this one up and not find out for yourself!!
Definitely a MUST read for 2020!!
I am always excited for a new book by J Lynn Bailey because I know she can deliver small town romance like no other. Taking Anna was a pleasant surprise – I was initially caught off-guard with the parallel stories and different generations/characters; but as the stories unfold, you realize how they are all interwoven and it was told brilliantly.
“Sometimes, we just don’t have enough time with the people we love. Sometimes, we have to take the risk of heartbreak, take the chance, if we know it’s the real deal.”
The story of Anna Cain and Colt Atwood isn’t only one of second-chance, small-town romance. It delves so much deeper. It is about taking risks, loyalty, and living life as if there is no tomorrow. Not only did I love the story of Anna and Colt – but I loved how their story reiterated the power of family, friendships, and true love. These characters were put to the test in many ways throughout this book, and only when they looked deep within themselves did true relationships survive and flourish.
I absolutely loved Colt Atwood and his infinite love for Anna. The flashback stories of them when they were young were so endearing and made me swoon and fall for him more and more; and I adored Anna and her sass, confidence, and determination. She never held anything back and when she stood up to those who wronged her I was standing and cheering for her. When they were together, it was natural, real and oh so easy. They felt like lifelong friends and lovers from the first pages and throughout the entire book. I never doubted the deep love they had for each other and I only wanted a happy ending for them!!
This book will have you swooning and sighing, and held to the pages to put together the missing pieces of the story. When it all comes together, it is worth it. If you love small-town, second-chance romance, then this one is for you! Well done once again J Lynn Bailey!
If there is someone who knows how to write that small town vibe in books it’s J. Lynn Bailey. From the gossip to the unwavering friendships she captures everything. Taking Anna gives you a taste of it all.
There seems to be a lot going on in this story from the very beginning but trust the journey. It is all there for a reason and Bailey brings it all together beautifully. Every character and their actions have their important spot in this story.
Taking Anna is an emotionally packed story of tragedy, love and hope. It brings out so many emotions throughout and you find yourself going back and forth from wanting to shake certain characters to get them to wake up to just wanting to take away all the pain in this small community. I have a feeling as this series goes on we have only touched the surface on the tragedy that rocked so many people
4.5 stars
Oh if you’re like me and LOVE second chance, small town romance then Taking Anna is for you!!!
I loved this story!! It has it all…small town gossip, rumer mill, sexy country men and heartache. Colt and Anna both fighting their own personal hell and both handling it differently. One’s way hurts the other and boy do you feel the pain.
I really don’t know how Anna had the energy to just keep going with everything she was/has been dealing with not only with Colt but within her own family. I truly felt for her.
Colt just couldn’t handle the cruelty of life and his way of coping is his downfall.
So many characters and they all play their roles so well. You quickly fall in love and want to be part of the Dillon Creek Ladybugs meetings!
Be ready to fall in love and you’ll be wanting more by the last page.
“All we’re guaranteed is today. Just twenty-four hours—nothing more, nothing less…”
Once again J Lynn Bailey delivers an absolutely beautiful friends to lovers – second chance- love story!! The first book in the Dillon Creek Series introduces Colt, Anna and a magical small town!
He is haunted by his past. She is hurt because of his actions. They are in love and even though they tried to stay away, they can’t stop fate.
Every single one of their interactions, every word they exchange is real, emotional, sweet, I could not put the book down for a sec!
Loved everything about this story, the old ladies are hilarious and wise!! The families, the friends! The only problem I have with it is that the second book releases in June!!!!!!
Can’t recommend it enough!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book! This book is one of those that keeps you from your chores and your to do lists. It’s a can’t put it down until you finish kind of book! My very favorite kind! Thank you for another great read, J. Lynn Bailey! I loved the multi-generations of love, the twists, the cliff hanger, the perfectly imperfect people, and the sweet little town of Dillon Creek. I seriously can’t wait until the next book in this series. I NEED to know what happens next.
This is the perfect book for a quick escape to Dillon Creek. Enjoy!
4.5 stars
Taking Anna was a wonderful start to what is looking like a great series. Like in many of this author’s stories, this one was full of a wide range of emotions, good and bad, an amazing small town feel and main characters that love each other so much that my heart just burst when they finally reached their happily ever after.
Anna Cain and Colt Atwood’s story is a second chance romance with so much angst involved but you still feel the intense love they feel for each other. The reason for the separation and pending reunion was so heartbreaking. The two of them tried so hard to move on, but like the whole town of Dillon Creek knew, it has always been Colt plus Anna. Unfortunately there are trials and tribulations in their journey and some of the actions I initially felt was unforgivable but this author had a way to allow me to look past it. And the inner strength of the characters really shined.
There is a continuing storyline that affects the town and this definitely makes you invested in this series. Since this is the first book in the series, there are many introductions of secondary characters and I can not wait to continue on with the storyline.
Overall I loved the book, I did take ½ a star away because of some of my own reactions to the actions of one or more of the characters, but my heart did sympathize for everything they had endured. I still feel that Taking Anna was a fantastic read and definitely recommend it.
This is such a good book!
It will draw you in, from the very beginning,
& keep you reading till the end. It’s a captivating & heartwarming story, filled with love, laughter, tears & small town charm.
Such great characters & intriguing story line.
I truly loved reading it!
A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!