Step into the cozy, heartwarming world of Hope’s Crossing, where a small Colorado mountain town weaves stories of love, healing, and community! RaeAnne Thayne’s beloved contemporary romance series, centered around a charming bead store called String Fever, captures the magic of second chances and the bonds that tie a town together. With its uplifting narratives and a mysterious benefactor known as the Angel of Hope, this seven-book saga invites readers to find solace in the power of connection.
From the rugged beauty of the Rockies to the warm glow of a tight-knit community, Hope’s Crossing is more than a setting—it’s a feeling. Whether you’re a romance enthusiast or simply craving a story that feels like a hug, this series delivers. Let’s explore how it all began, its heartfelt stories, and why it continues to charm readers.
How Hope’s Crossing Began
RaeAnne Thayne, a New York Times bestselling author inspired by the stunning northern Utah mountains, crafted Hope’s Crossing to reflect the warmth and resilience of small-town life. Launched in 2011 with Blackberry Summer, the series was born from Thayne’s love for stories about real people navigating life’s trials to find lasting love. Her vision was to create a place where shared challenges strengthen a community, much like colorful beads strung together, with the enigmatic Angel of Hope adding a touch of magic to each tale.
Thayne’s background in journalism and her passion for romance novels shaped the series’ authentic, relatable characters. Drawing from her surroundings, she transformed a fictional former silver-mining town into a vibrant tourist destination, setting the stage for stories that resonate with hope and heart.
The Heart of Hope’s Crossing
The series kicks off with Blackberry Summer, where single mom Claire Bradford, owner of String Fever, faces a tragic car accident that shakes her predictable life. As she leans on the new police chief, Riley McKnight, Claire discovers that change can lead to love. In Woodrose Mountain, occupational therapist Evie Blanchard helps single dad Brodie Thorne’s daughter recover from the same accident, finding her own path to healing. Sweet Laurel Falls follows Maura McKnight-Parker, grappling with loss, as her first love, Jackson Lange, returns, revealing a shared past. Finally, All Is Bright, the series’ 2022 finale, sees architect Sage McKnight redesigning a home for a reclusive former baseball player, Mason Tucker, sparking holiday romance.
At its core, Hope’s Crossing explores themes of community, resilience, and second chances. The bead store, String Fever, serves as a hub where women craft jewelry and support each other, symbolizing the town’s interconnectedness. Thayne’s clean, wholesome style blends romance with family drama, set against a picturesque Colorado backdrop that feels like a character itself. The Angel of Hope, a mysterious figure who aids townsfolk in need, adds a thread of intrigue, tying each story together with acts of kindness, from cash-filled envelopes to gifted cars.
The setting—a transformed mining town now bustling with tourists—grounds the series in a relatable yet idyllic world. Thayne’s vivid descriptions of mountains, trails, and cozy shops make Hope’s Crossing a place readers long to visit, while her focus on emotional healing resonates universally.
Why Hope’s Crossing Resonates
Hope’s Crossing has carved a special place in contemporary romance, earning praise for its heartfelt storytelling and relatable characters. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon laud its ability to balance emotional depth with uplifting resolutions, with over 29,000 ratings averaging 4.13 stars. Thayne’s skill in weaving community dynamics into personal love stories has made the series a go-to for readers seeking comfort and connection.
Its lasting appeal lies in its universal themes—love, loss, and the courage to start over—paired with the unique touch of the Angel of Hope. By celebrating the strength of small-town bonds, Hope’s Crossing reminds us that even in tough times, hope can shine through, making it a timeless escape for romance lovers.
- Publication Years: 2011–2022
- Number of Books: 7
- Genre: Contemporary Romance
- Awards: Multiple RITA Award nominations for RaeAnne Thayne
Ready to fall in love with a town that feels like home? Grab Blackberry Summer and dive into Hope’s Crossing’s heartwarming world of romance and resilience!