Step into the cozy, heartwarming world of Broken Roads, where small-town charm and second chances spark unforgettable romance! Written by bestselling author Carolyn Brown, this contemporary romance series set in Buckhorn, Oklahoma, weaves tales of love, trust, and redemption. From 2007 to 2009, its five novels captured readers with emotionally rich stories and relatable characters navigating broken pasts to find hope.
Whether you’re a romance enthusiast or new to the genre, Broken Roads offers a delightful escape into a world where love conquers all, wrapped in Southern wit and heartfelt moments. Let’s explore how this series began, its captivating stories, and why it continues to charm readers.
How Broken Roads Began
Carolyn Brown, a New York Times bestselling author known for her cowboy romances and women’s fiction, launched the Broken Roads series in 2007 with To Trust. Raised in Southern Oklahoma, Brown drew inspiration from the tight-knit communities and rugged landscapes of her home state. Her knack for crafting authentic, down-to-earth characters shines in this series, which she wrote to explore how love can heal even the deepest wounds. Published by Montlake Romance, the series quickly gained a loyal following for its blend of humor, heart, and small-town allure.
The Heart of Broken Roads
The Broken Roads series spans five standalone novels: To Trust, To Commit, To Believe, To Dream, and To Hope. Each book introduces new characters in Buckhorn, Oklahoma, a sleepy town where gossip travels fast and hearts mend slowly. In To Trust (2007), Dee Hooper returns to Buckhorn after a failed marriage, reconnecting with childhood friend Jack Brewer, who’s secretly loved her for years. Their journey from friendship to romance sets the series’ tone of healing through love.
To Commit (2008) follows Stella Brannon, who, after a painful divorce, inherits her grandmother’s inn in Sulphur, Oklahoma. She vows to avoid love until she meets Rance Harper, a rugged rancher with his own trust issues. Meanwhile, To Dream (2009) brings Greta Fields, a city girl forced to serve community service in Sulphur after a car accident, into the orbit of deputy Kyle Parsons. Their opposites-attract dynamic crackles with tension and charm. Themes of trust, forgiveness, and second chances run through each story, elevated by Brown’s witty dialogue and vivid depictions of Oklahoma’s rural beauty.
Brown’s storytelling blends humor and heartache, with Buckhorn’s quirky residents—like feisty grandmothers and meddling neighbors—adding warmth. The series’ standalone structure makes it easy to dive in anywhere, though recurring characters tie the books together for dedicated fans. The setting, rooted in Oklahoma’s small-town culture, grounds the romance in a relatable, lived-in world.
Why Broken Roads Resonates
Broken Roads stands out in contemporary romance for its authentic portrayal of flawed, relatable characters. Fans praise Brown’s ability to make every love story feel personal, blending steamy chemistry with emotional depth. The series’ focus on redemption resonates with readers seeking stories of hope and renewal. Its Oklahoma setting, infused with Southern hospitality and country music references, adds a unique flavor that distinguishes it from urban romance tales.
Though not as widely known as Brown’s later series like Spikes and Spurs, Broken Roads has a devoted following, with readers on Goodreads calling it a “clean, heartfelt read.” Its legacy lies in its timeless appeal, proving that love can bloom in the unlikeliest places. For romance fans, it’s a hidden gem worth discovering.
- Publication Years: 2007–2009
- Number of Books: 5
- Genre: Contemporary Romance
- Setting: Buckhorn, Oklahoma
Grab To Trust and dive into Broken Roads’ world of Southern romance! Whether you’re curling up with a paperback or e-book, Carolyn Brown’s heartfelt stories will leave you smiling and believing in love’s power to heal.