What We Find. Robyn Carr

Published: Harlequin
Date: 5th April 2016
Format: e-ARC
Pages: 352
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher via NetGalley & Little Bird Publicity
Rating:
                          

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.

What We Find is the first book in Robyn Carr's new Sullivan's Crossing series. Sullivan's Crossing is where Sully runs a campsite and where is daughter - neurosurgeon Maggie comes to escape a particularly stressful time, to regroup and examine her heart.

She meets up with Cal who is a bit of a mystery man - he too is taking time out and just being - to all intents and purposes an odd job man. Maggie has quite a bit of fun trying to find out about Cal and what his full name is - one she is actually not likely to guess. She wants to google him to find out about him! In the fullness of time of course she finds out it all.

Cal and Maggie are great people, and Maggie especially has parents that care for her and love her. In her exploration of herself and who she is, she has that brought home to her - how much they have loved and cared for her. Cal is a great influence, he is all about finding your purpose in life and doing 'what fills the well'. Indeed that is a theme that this book explores well. 

Another detail that grabbed my attention was the suit case against Maggie. A gifted surgeon put through hell because she had to make lightning decisions. I think my favourite part of this book was the judge's summing up of his decision. However Robyn Carr highlights both sides of the case and the grief of parents losing a child. 

I enjoyed the setting, the characters were believable and endearing and I definitely look forward to where the author will take this series next. Please RC give us a little more of Maggie and Cal while doing it!