The Newcomer

The Newcomer was another thoroughly enjoyable read from Robyn Carr's new Thunder Point series. I only have one small complaint which I'll get out of the way right here at the start. I wish that the cover blurber had found a better way to synopsize these first two books in the series. Readers are left with the impression that The Wanderer is Cooper and Sarah's story, while The Newcomer is Mac and Gina's story, but this really wasn't the case at all. Both books are more like serial dramas with ensemble casts, and both sets of couples play about equal roles in each book. Robyn Carr's Virgin River series had plenty of side plots, but for the most part, did have a “main” hero and heroine which each book focused on, so this is kind of show more different for me as a romance reader. I had felt like The Wanderer ended rather abruptly, with Cooper and Sarah's romance having more of an HFN rather than an HEA feel, and Mac and Gina's romance had already heated up well beyond friendship by the end of that book too. With that being the case, I guess it wasn't too surprising that both these couples shared the stage again in The Newcomer, working to overcome additional difficulties and growing their love. In all honesty, this didn't diminish my overall enjoyment of the novel, as evidenced by my 5-star rating. Still, I can't help having a preference for one couple being the main focus and hope that future books will lean more in that direction, or at the very least, that the blurbs will be clearer about the content.

At the end of The Wanderer, Sarah and Cooper had gotten their “I love yous” out of the way, but there was no clear path for their future. Due to a cheating ex-husband and a bitter divorce, Sarah was a commitment phobic, and basically still is when The Newcomer opens. Their relationship is solid, but when Sarah gets advance warning from her boss that a transfer to a Coast Guard command position somewhere on the east coast is coming down the pipeline in the next few months, she completely keeps it to herself. She spends a lot of time brooding and worrying, while trying to decide whether to accept the promotion or resign her commission for the sake of her brother, Landon, and her growing relationship with Cooper. Cooper and Landon see the change in her mood but are helpless to do anything about it, because she won't open up to them. A part of me understood that she'd been making these types of decisions alone all her adult life, but another part of me couldn't help wishing she would trust Cooper enough to share the burden. As evidenced by how things turned out in the end when she finally did tell him, he could have helped her and made her feel more secure. At the same time, Cooper receives an urgent phone call from the husband of an ex-girlfriend, asking him to come right away to the bedside of his dying wife. When he arrives, the woman makes a shocking confession which turns Cooper's world upside down, but ultimately, he adjusts beautifully to the changes in his life that this unexpected development brings. Again, my only small complaint in all this was Sarah. When Cooper started the same brooding act that she'd been giving him, she eventually insists that he tell her what's going on, which I thought was a little hypocritical on her part. In the end, everything worked out pretty nicely, although the decision about Sarah's transfer was left up in the air. I expect that to be resolved in the next book, and overall was still happy with where things wrapped up for them. It felt like a more solid HEA this time.

As I mentioned earlier, Mac and Gina's relationship had already heated up quite a bit in The Wanderer, so most of what happens with them in this book has to do with family issues. Mac's ex-wife shows up in Thunder Point out of the blue after ten years, claiming to want to reconnect with her children, but Mac's not buying it. He and his kids weather through a torturous family meeting with Cee Jay, who turns out to be quite the piece of work. When the children react badly to her sudden reappearance, she blames Mac for turning them against her, even though he's always been extremely careful not to badmouth her in front of them. When her real reasons for being there finally surface, it didn't surprise me at all. Gina has her own worries and struggles to deal with when her teenage daughter, Ashley, suffers a mental breakdown. In spite of their respective problems, Mac and Gina manage to carve out a little alone time, which was quite romantic, but best of all was how things wrapped up for them. I even got a little teary-eyed right at the end.

Some of the most prominent secondary story lines were for the teen characters. Sarah's brother, Landon, and Mac's daughter, Eve, who've been in a fairly long-term relationship have a little scare, so there's plenty of discussion of teen pregnancy and safe sex. However, there is also lots of angst when Ashley is thrown into a deep depression after her now-college-freshman boyfriend breaks up with her and his new girlfriend does something cruel and spiteful. Ashley has a very difficult time coping with all of the drama, but ends up finding a surprising ally who treats her with the respect she deserves. I'm happy to say that she comes out the other end better for having gone through this trying experience, and she becomes a very mature young lady. She also finally gets to meet her biological dad. The other prominent secondary plot revolves around Spencer, the widower of Cooper's ex-girlfriend. He's a great guy, but I can't say too much more about him without giving away some spoilers. Suffice it to say that he's moving to Thunder Point and becomes the hero of the next book in the series, The Hero, due for release in August 2013.

Robyn Carr has always written emotional stories, but this one seemed a little more so than usual. In fact, the first half or so was almost depressing. Before I even made it to that halfway point, two characters had died. Granted they were both minor characters, so the connection wasn't as great as it would have been with a main character, but it was still a downer. Add to that Ashley's depression and the turmoil Mac's ex caused, and the first part of the story was pretty heavy. I wasn't overly bothered by it though, because oftentimes, going through challenges like this can make the resolution and happy times sweeter. In many ways this was definitely the case, and the second half of the book was still serious and emotional at times, but not in the same way. I'd say that all the characters who suffered trials experienced a measure of happiness in the end, some more so than others. This is what I read these types of stories for, and Robyn Carr certainly didn't disappoint. The Newcomer maybe wasn't exactly what I was expecting based on the blurb alone, but it was still a lovely read full of understated romance, drama, and passion. I challenge any fan of small-town romance not to fall in love with Thunder Point too. This beachfront community has a relaxed atmosphere that has become a character unto itself much like Virgin River did. I can't wait to go back for another visit when The Hero is released.

Note: I received a copy of this book from the author's publicist via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. show less

Very good book. As always there is a depth to the characters and story that is different than most. They are real people dealing with the same issues the rest of do - tight budgets, teenage drama, finding time for your significant other.

This one picks up a few months after The Wanderer ends. Mac and Gina are continuing to develop their relationship. It isn't easy to spend time together with as busy as their lives are. Just as things are looking up for them Mac's ex-wife comes to town. Ten years after she deserted the family she's back, claiming to want to make amends. Mac doesn't trust her and investigates what she's been doing since she left. Meanwhile, her appearance is creating some emotional problems for Mac's daughter Eve, which show more Mac deals with very well. He also makes sure that Gina has no insecurities about CJ's reappearance. Gina is dealing with some family issues of her own. Her daughter Ashley is suffering through a bad breakup with her boyfriend. Gina has to track down Ashley's father who she hasn't seen since before Ashley was born. Both Gina and Mac need to decide the future of their relationship.

Cooper and Sarah are still enjoying each other's company. Coop never expected to be so content staying in one place but he's made a home for himself in Thunder Point. He has made friends and has what looks like it could be a permanent relationship with Sarah. He's an excellent mentor and role model for her brother Landon and other teens in the area. Partway through the book he gets thrown an unexpected curveball that turns into a life changing event. He has to decide how that change will impact his relationship with Sarah. At the same time things are changing for Sarah. She has always been independent and self-reliant, refusing to depend on anyone else for her needs. She has been her brother's guardian for ten years and is happy with the way he has settled down in Thunder Point. Her relationship with Cooper is going great even though she has been trying to keep her work and personal lives separate. When she gets news of a possible transfer she keeps it to herself as she worries and wonders about the effect it could have on all their lives. She is going to have to open up with both Coop and Landon soon as decisions will have to be made.

There is plenty going on with other members of the town also as they are all connected throughout the book. Mac's Aunt Lou still has her own relationship going on as well as dealing with worry about her family when CJ returns. Her closeness with Eve is apparent when Eve goes to her with worries of her own. Lou also spends some time with an old adversary as they work together with Gina's mother. We meet Spencer and Austin, through Cooper, and they end up playing a part in Thunder Point's future.

One of the best storylines is Ashley's. In the first book her romance with Downey is sweet as he gets ready to head off to college. He's been a big part of her life for the last couple years. He has watched out for her, protected his younger brother and was a large part of solving a mystery in the first book. But going off to college has changed him and not for the better. When he breaks things off with Ashley in a very cruel manner she doesn't take it well. Add in problems with a jealous new girlfriend, sexting and bullying and Ashley ends up in a very bad place emotionally. I loved seeing the realism of the way the issues were dealt with. It was good to see Ashley come out the other side much stronger. I also loved her developing friendship with Downey's brother Frank. He goes a long way toward healing her self esteem and opening her eyes to a better future. I'm looking forward to seeing more of him. show less

To write that his book was disappointing is an understatement. It took me reading about 30% of the story for it to get even remotely interesting, but then the interesting parts were buried and sandwiched in between a whole of excess writing that went nowhere. This book should have been significantly edited and probably combined with the first book in the series. Newcomer lacks a climax, has too many tension points and a bizarre ending. I have only been disapointed by Robyn Carr one other time [b:Redwood Bend|12396192|Redwood Bend (Virgin River, #18)|Robyn Carr|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320273713s/12396192.jpg|17377387] but my boredom with that book is not comparable to my experience in reading the Newcomer.

Newcomer has show more conversations, scenes and situations that simply go nowhere and add nothing to the plot. But worse than going nowhere these scenes are boring! And the book is rarely sweet or sexy but instead is just boring. And as my friend Leea pointed out -- at this point in the story, who is the Newcomer? I believe Carr intends Cooper to be the newcomer as he is referred to as such at one point in the book, but there are so many characters in this novel who could also be a newcomer.

There are a few nuggest and storylines that moved me emotionally but they were so diluted by a failure to edit they could not save the book. I am proud of myself for finishing this book, it was a feat.

I do think Robyn Carr fans will be disappointed by this book. Anyone who is not a fan of Robyn Carr or who has never read her, will definitely not enjoy this book. I think I am going to stick with her backlist for awhile. show less

I still struggle a bit with the fact that this new series of Robyn's is not a traditional romance one. There are multiple romances going on throughout each book and all of them tend to receive equal pages so none really are as featured as the back blurbs might indicate. Despite my struggles Carr's new series does tend to work. Readers just have to understand that if you're looking for a romance where one couple is featured to the Happily Ever After completion they will not find it here. What also works is Carr's ability to create compelling characters and a strong community setting making them extremely real to her readers.

The town of Thunder Point is quaint and a place the reader will long to visit to see and her descriptions of the show more ocean and beach backdrop are intriguing. The characters' lives are often tremulous and filled with drama but nicely balanced with strength and total likability.


Specific to this installment I did feel that some of the drama felt overwhelming, Ashley's life in particular. The girl just couldn't catch a break and went through hell in this book. Despite what she went through she came out just fine in the end. My biggest problem with all of the drama surrounding her life was once she was out of crisis mode it seemed much of her reasoning felt a bit too mature for her age. Perhaps this was Robyn's way of making Ashley just a one of a kind intelligent and mature young adult but it rang just a little unlikely to me.

In addition, the romance between Cooper and Sarah had two major snafus yet one of them was left dangling at the end making it necessary for the readers to read the next installment to see what happens. However, the romance between Mac and Gina blossomed into a lovely relationship and the reader can't help but cheer them on as they got closer and closer.

Despite these things I had issues with this was a really good book with an intensity that will play with the reader's emotions in a good way. A new reader could pick up this book without reading the first one but if read in order the reader will have more of an appreciation of the character developments. show less

THE NEWCOMER is the final book I read in 2014, and with just a few hours before the new year starts, it’s my last review posted too! This is the second book in Robyn Carr’s Thunder Point series, set in a small town on the Oregon coast. This book is not a typical romance that only focuses on the main couple, Mac and Gina. Instead, it’s the continuing saga of Thunder Point’s residents that began in book one.

This book was heavy on family drama, particularly with issues facing teenagers today. Talk about a heartrending, emotional roller coaster ride! I enjoy how Robin Carr’s writing style pulls me into the middle of things and makes me care so much about the characters. There was a lot going on in this book, but the story flowed show more smoothly and kept me hooked until the end. THE NEWCOMER was an enjoyable read for me, but be warned that romance does not take center stage, but it’s not glossed over either.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. show less

This is an unusual romance in that it doesn't really focus all that much on the hero and heroine; instead, the focus is on the town in which they live. For those who have read The Wanderer, this book carries on the story of Sarah and Coop in interesting and unexpected ways. It also highlights the difficulties of two single parents trying to find romance amid a messy situation. I was taken aback by the chances to Downy's character given that he was such a good guy in the last book, and I also thought that the story of Mac's ex-wife was a little unresolved- hence the four stars rather than five. That said, an excellent addition to the Thunder Point canon, one that has whetted by appetite for the next installment.

Robyn Carr's The Newcomer follows the ups and downs in the lives of several inter-connected families. The newcomer is beach bar owner Cooper, who is trying to find his place in the lives of the townspeople as well as his girlfriend, Sarah, and her brother, Landon. When his past makes a shocking interjection into his present, this becomes even more challenging. At the same time, Sarah is struggling with some changes of her own as she struggles to give Landon every opportunity in life. Landon's girlfriend, Eve, is dealing with some serious issues of her own. Her father is the Deputy Sheriff. Her mother suddenly reappears 10 years after abandoning the family, just when her father has finally found love again with Gina. Meanwhile, Gina, show more whose daughter, Ashley, is Eve's best friend, is dealing with a crisis of her own after Ashley's first love breaks her heart. All of their stories overlap, and they are a testament to the power of love and family to overcome any obstacle.

This is not the type of novel that I typically read. To me, it feels like a print soap opera, and I'm not much of a soap opera fan. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It wasn't hard to get caught up in the characters' lives. I especially identified with Gina as I have a teen daughter who has recently undergone a similar mental health crisis. Being from a small town myself, I could definitely relate to how everyone's lives intersected so frequently, and also how tragedy and celebration bring people together. By the end I was really rooting them all on.

There were really only two things that somewhat annoyed me. It was only on page 250 that we finally find out who the title refers to. I guess I probably should have figured it out by then, but since Cooper has been in town for a while and has a business, I really didn't consider him a newcomer at all. I'm not sure that title completely fits the book, if that makes sense. Also, there were some things that were really repetitive. For example, I lost count of how many times the reader is told, in nearly the exact same words, that Carrie, Gina's mother, who owns a catering company, has a contract with Cooper to supply his bar's food. show less