Blackberry Summer

Blackberry Summer
RaeAnne Thayne

Clair Bradford needed a wakeup call. What she didn’t need was a tragic car accident. As a single mom and the owner of a successful bead shop, Clair leads a predictable life in Hope’s Crossing, Colorado. So what if she has no time for romance? At least, that's what she tells herself, especially when her best friend's sexy younger brother shows up back in town as the new chief of police.But when the accident forces Clair to slow down and lean on others—especially Riley McKnight—she realizes, for the first time, that things need to change. And not just in her own life. The accident – and the string of robberies committed by teenagers that led up to it – is a wake-up call to the people of Hope.The sense of community and togetherness had been lost in tough years. But with a mysterious "Angel of Hope" working to inspire the town, Riley and Clair will find themselves opening up to love and other possibilities by the end of an extraordinary summer….

Praise for the novels of USA TODAY

bestselling author

RaeAnne Thayne

“Mystery, romance, vivid characters and a

wonderful story; really who could ask for more?”

—Debbie Macomber,

#1 New York Times bestselling author

“A solid plot, realistic, compelling characters and

strong tension make this story hard to put down.”

—RT Book Reviews on A Cold Creek Baby

(4 ½ stars)

“A richly plotted story with characters

that are easy to care about, this one is as emotional

as it is funny. Keep some tissues handy.”

—RT Book Reviews on A Cold Creek Holiday

(4 ½ stars)

“Sure to touch many hearts with its wonderfully

sweet romance and exquisitely written characters.”

—RT Book Reviews on

The Cowboy’s Christmas Miracle (4 ½ stars)

“Well-developed characters,

plus plenty of raw emotion—and humor—

add up to one of the author’s finest books.”

—RT Book Reviews on His Second-Chance Family

(4 ½ stars, Top Pick)

“A warm, wise story with

emotionally complex and intriguing characters.”

—RT Book Reviews on The Daddy Makeover

(4 ½ stars)

Dear Readers,

More than twenty years ago, my husband and I bought our first home in a small rural Utah town. At the time, we were focused on the charm and potential of the old house itself, too young and naive to think much about the neighbors or the community we were joining. We made friends, had our first child, settled into small-town life.

We didn’t truly realize the importance of community until after we had our second child, who was born with serious medical complications. Suddenly our neighbors and friends rallied around us with countless acts of kindness. Meals and lawn-mowing, a quick note of encouragement, a basket of home-baked treats. During our most difficult moments in the years since, our neighbors and friends have always stepped in to buoy us up.

We have seen the very best of people and we have also learned that a few determined souls can lift and strengthen an entire community, causing ripple-effect kindnesses and bringing everyone together. That’s the message I hope readers take away from Blackberry Summer—that when we reach beyond ourselves, even just a tiny step outside our comfort zone, together we can change lives.

All my best,

RaeAnne

Blackberry Summer

RaeAnne Thayne

As always, to my wonderful husband and children,

who fill my life with laughter and love.

Special thanks to Nicole Jordan for a hundred

different things, but mostly for believing in me.

Blackberry Summer

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE