I do like a book where we get to meet a great gaggle of characters and find ourselves caring about them all.
Especially where there is a group that comes together to be there and aid all the others.
I'm in awe of anyone that finds a way to run and find freedom from abuse. It's horrific to stay but often impossible to leave.
I was rooting for our character from the start. She then added a dog to the mix and I was totally invested in her being OK.
I can't imagine the damage done by abuse and the bravery it must take to find a place of peace and trust. Where she ends up traveling to, seems to be just that kind of place. And the little gang of woman that embrace her are all brilliant. I'd love for the author to write all their stories too. And would happily get stuck into this as a series to keep coming back to. 😊
It was strong and tender and kept me just the write side of anxious at times! Oh and add in romance.
This is a Superb author I'm only disappointed this is first of her.

Strong, independent women, helping each other. Such great characters, I loved all of them all, including Ranger, the dog. I enjoyed this book so much. I am hoping there will be more books by this author and it will be a series, exploring more of the characters in this book. I'd love to revisit.

A theme I’ve read before but the author brought in plenty of interesting characters. Enough tension to make you read faster and a romance thrown in so what’s not to like?

I’m quite positive that this was my first time reading a book by Eileen Goudge. All They Need To Know was a very enjoyable story that grabbed my attention right from the start and kept me captivated the whole way through. I loved the authors writing style, it was smooth and seamless and easy to read. This is a story about Krystal Stanhope who is on the run and hiding out from her abusive husband. She changes her name to Kyra Smith, swaps her BMW in for a clunker and has the courage and strength to travel cross country. Along the way, on a pit stop to use the bathroom at a little gas station, she steels herself a dog that she found chained out in the hot sun with nothing to eat or drink and looking like it had been starved for quite some time. These two become fast friends and partners throughout the story. They end up settling down in the small town of Gold Creek where they meet the nicest people. A group of women known as The Tattooed Ladies become her best friends. This is a story of a woman’s strength, courage and ability to change when needed when it comes to survival. It’s also about finding friendship, trust and learning to have faith in love again after being horribly mistreated. I really liked this story, I loved all the characters and I’d really be interested in reading more about them if the author was to write another book including them. I’d like to thank NetGalley for the arc that I obtained off the Read Now section. This book was a great read in my opinion and I’m giving it a 5 star rating!

This book was only ok for me. It was entirely too predictable for my liking, and so many of the thoughts of the main character, Kyra/Krystal were repeated. Over and over and over.

If you're reading the book you know her fears. You dint need to reread them constantly. Maybe that's just me.

Ranger was the best part of the story for me!! And that's really saying something because I'm terrified of dogs, although I love them so.

It would be 50/50 on if I'd recommend this book.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

All They Need to Know by Eileen Goudge is about smart, successful women who care about family and friends. This book has suspense and romance that makes it even more enjoyable. I always love her books!

All They Need to Know by Eileen Goudge is a lovely book. i was hooked from start ad this will stay with me for awhile

thanks netgalley and lake union. all thoughts are my own

This book was excellent. It hooks you right from the start. It’s a story about resilience, friendship, and starting over. A girl escaping a trouble past finds friendship and love in her new town. This book will remind you of the friendship in Sweet magnolias by Sherryl Woods. I hope Eileen Goudge plans to make this into a series. You will fall in love with all the characters

All They Need to Know by Eileen Goudge is a lovely book about the strength of women and the bonds of friendship. The main character Kyra Smith, also known as Krystal Stanhope has left her extremely abusive husband Rory Stanhope, the powerful District Attorney of Rochester, NY, after another extremely brutal beating which necessitated the removal of her spleen. Kyra took her savings and ran, hoping to stay under the radar of her husband. She ultimately landed in Gold Creek, CA, a quaint tourist town where she met an eclectic group of women who immediately welcomed her into their community as well as The Tattooed Ladies Club; the members Frannie, Suzy, Marisol and Jo soon became very special to Kyra. I enjoyed the characters very much as they seemed to come alive through the pages. I did find the book to be a bit predictable, yet so we'll written that it didn't impede my reading pleasure. I am not a big fan of women's fiction, yet thoroughly enjoyed All They Need to Know. Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read an ARC; this review reflects my honest opinion. 4 Stars.

Rounding up from 4.5 stars

This novel is labeled "Women's Fiction", but there's some suspense and action too.

It's the classic woman running from an abusive husband who has police connections.

I absolutely love the ladies in the "Tattooed Ladies Club". Their characters are so vibrant and easy to picture. I wish I had a group of friends like them!

This book is a standalone and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

All They Need to Know is book one in the brand series Gold Creek by Eileen Goudge.
I was excited to see that this was the start of a new series.
I enjoyed this novel.
This book was very well written. I loved Eileen Goudge’s writing style. Her descriptions were so vivid that I felt as though I were in the scenes with her characters. She does a very good job of showing the conflicting emotions and feelings of each character as well.

Thank You NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

One of my long-time favorite NYT bestselling authors is back with her 20th published novel, the highly anticipated and first in the dazzling new Gold Creek series, ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW.

With the author's unique winning narrative style, she takes us on a journey of a woman escaping a violent past, finding new friendships, romance, and tenuous sanctuary. This emotionally gripping novel, the first in the Gold Creek series, is a testament to the author’s storytelling powers, leaving readers eager for the next.

About...

Krystle Stanhope (changes to Kyra Smith) is fleeing and on the run from her abusive husband, Rory (a powerful man and District Attorney in Rochester, New York, with all the law enforcement in his pocket). She was married to the devil and had finally escaped. Will he track her down?

Full of fear, afraid he may catch up with her, she stops at a gas station, discovers a dog mistreated by its owner, rescues him, and takes him along on her journey. Her buddy (she names Ranger), due to his black markings, like the Lone Ranger, turns out to be a fierce protector as she drives cross-country to a mountain town in California in Gold Creek.

First, she is in a “Bates motel,” and then she winds up in an Air Stream on the sexy Coop Langston (landlord) property. She also meets a group of ladies called The Tattooed Ladies, who take her under their wing. They are so much fun!

~Frannie, a tattoo artist struggling with a troubled daughter.
~Suzy is a fashionista grandma with an estrangement from her son.
~Jo, a marriage collapsing.
~Marisol, bookstore owner longing for romance.

Kaya puts her artistic talents to good use and accepts a position as a police sketch artist. She is apprehensive about cops due to her husband and his relationships, but she wants to help other victims.

As Kayra becomes acclimated to her new life, she is still untrustworthy of others, especially with Coop; however, will she be able to trust him? Is she safe in her new life? Will Rory track her down? She knows if he does, she is dead.

My thoughts...

ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW is a gripping and emotional tale celebrating women's power, resilience, and strength in transforming from victim to survivor. It's a character-driven narrative that skillfully weaves together domestic suspense, family drama, female friendships, humor, and light romance, leaving readers feeling inspired and uplifted.

A riveting story of reinvention, second chances, and empowerment, with a smart, tough woman on the run from an abusive husband. The narrative is written with heart, humor, and a realistic view of domestic abuse, highlighting the fears and dangers. But amidst these, a cast of supportive characters provides comfort and reassurance to the readers. I appreciated the author's note.

I loved this book! I have been a huge fan of Eileen’s since her debut novel, Garden of Lies, back in 1989, which was an NYT instant bestseller, and I have read all her books since. I’ve witnessed her rise to stardom with each subsequent bestseller. Her 20th novel, ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW, is a testament to her enduring popularity. If you’re new to her work, you’ll also want to explore her sensational backlist and her delightful, yummy cookbook.

After reading ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW, I eagerly anticipate more from Gold Creek, Kyra, the gals, and Ranger (the dog) coming 2025! This book was a delight to read over the 4th of July holiday weekend, and I'm sure you'll love this cast of characters. Add this gem to your TBR list now. #CoverCrush

PS. I loved the wink to Bisbee, Arizona! (It’s a favorite of mine; I spent much time there working on a hotel project, researching its history, and naming it.)

Recs...

This exciting must-read series is for devoted fans of the author and those who enjoy works by Mary Ellen Taylor (Mary Burton), Nora Roberts, Karen White, Jessica Strawser (The Last Caretaker), Kimberly Belle (Dear Wife), Donna Ball (Ladybug Farm series) and Virgin River. (all favorites)

Interview...

Sign up for on my newsletter on my blog for my upcoming (Sept 24) #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A as Eileen shares some fascinating behind-the-scenes exclusives from the book and up-close and personal fun moments from this talented author!

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing, the author, and NetGalley for a digital reading and paperback copy in exchange for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Sept 24, 2024
Sept 2024 Must-Read Books
Sept Newsletter
#AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A

Great start to a new series. I enjoyed seeing independent, self-reliant women caring for one another. The dog and romance were bonuses. I look for to reading the next one. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

In Eileen Goudge's emotionally resonant novel "All They Need to Know," the central character, Kyra Smith, liberates herself from a tumultuous marriage to her domineering spouse, a District Attorney. Accompanied by her devoted rescue dog, she embarks on a journey to the charming town of Gold Creek, California, where she integrates into the nurturing community known as the Tattooed Ladies Club. This collective of women, each confronting their own adversities, aids Kyra in reconstructing her life as she navigates her traumatic history and gradually learns to reestablish her trust in others.

As Kyra carves out her place in Gold Creek, she uncovers new professional prospects and develops a budding romantic connection with Coop Langston, the local property owner. Nonetheless, her past casts a long shadow when her estranged husband locates her, jeopardizing the new life she has diligently cultivated. With the support of her friends and her burgeoning self-assurance, Kyra evolves from a victim into a resilient survivor. She confronts her anxieties and resolves to initiate divorce proceedings, yet her husband's vengeful actions place both her and her companions in peril.

The narrative delves into themes of resilience, camaraderie, and empowerment as Kyra traverses her path toward recovery. At times, there are superfluous details, but the story ultimately enthralls readers through its profound character development and emotional richness. Goudge’s depiction of Kyra’s transformation and the fortitude found within female friendships deeply resonates, establishing "All They Need to Know" as a poignant exploration of courage and fresh beginnings.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 STARS - All They Need to Know is a comfort kind of read. It's an easy-going story with a strong sense of community, a cute canine, a resilient main character in Kyra and topics that will give readers much to ponder and discuss.

The story follows Kyra, a woman on the run from her abusive husband who finds community, solace and love in a small town. The setting is quaint but it's the secondary cast that truly shines. Themes of abuse and trauma discussed with a light hand and my favourite part was the growing bond between a group of strong, independent women who surround and support Kyra. These 'Tattooed Ladies' will (hopefully) make for interesting future storylines.

While the story slows a bit in a couple of spots when the dialogue becomes a bit heavy, this was an enjoyably predictable read about resilience and finding a new way in life when the one you have isn't working for you. It has a wholesome small-town feel with a sweet clean romance (with a swoony fella) and a tense scene or two that will have readers eagerly turning pages.

With a feeling of home and new beginnings, readers will enjoy seeing Kyra find her own strength as well as friendship and love.

Disclaimer: Thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book which was given in exchange for my honest review.

As a fan of Eileen Goudge, I couldn’t wait to dive into ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW. The story follows Kyra Smith, who escapes an abusive marriage and ends up in Gold Creek, a small town in the Sierra Nevadas. As Kyra heals, she finds new friends, a fresh start, and a supportive community. I loved the setting and the storyline of finding hope and friendship in a new place—it gave me VIRGIN RIVER vibes. The suspense of Kyra’s fear of being found by her powerful husband kept me hooked. Definitely recommend for fans of Nora Roberts and Karen White. Can’t wait for more stories set in this town!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A familiar plot but the characters are good. Kyra and her dog Ranger are rebuilding her life with the help of her new friends-lot of positive vibes-but there's always the specter of her abusive ex. And he's on the way. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Not much new in this one.

I initially chose this book because I remember reading one by this author (many years ago!) and thoroughly enjoying it, reading far into the night. It was Garden of Lies. Since most authors improve their storylines and writing styles over time, I was excited to read this one.

The premise sounded promising. But, it didn't take long to get bogged down with unnecessary details. Example: a detailed description of the layout of a coffee corner in a hair salon. It was not relevant to the story, and, I didn't need to know about it. There were more. Detailed descriptions of outfits worn by other characters. Totally a waste of words which had no bearing on the plot.

But, I read on…….and, despite my negative comments above, I got pulled into the story. Kyra, the main character has run away, across the country, to escape a bad situation. She stops in a small town and makes a life for herself. There is a wonderful rescue dog involved, named Ranger. And a wonderful circle of supportive friends.

This story is about friendship, new beginnings, resilience, learning to trust.

After the rough start to the book, I enjoyed it. It was good to watch Kyra evolve into the strong woman, which was hiding within all along. I love Ranger, he could be called Super Dog. And, I especially loved the strong bond of the group of women. There are a few tense moments towards the end.

I'm rating this 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.

I did not realize that it is Book 1 of a series. I'm glad that it is a stand alone book. I'm not a fan of series. Usually, by the time the follow-up comes out, I have forgotten too much of the previous one to enjoy the next one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

An enjoyable, wholesome story about new friends who turn into a much needed family. And Ranger, the super pup, who keeps watch over Kyra as she makes a new home in a beautiful small town, Gold Creek, after leaving her controlling, abusive husband.

I would definitely recommend this book for fans of the Virgin River, Chesapeake Shores and Sweet Magnolia series. There’s a touch of sweet, clean romance as well as Kyra’s budding friendships with the members of the Tattooed Ladies Club. I want to have dinner in lovely Gold Creek with this diverse group of intelligent and interesting ladies!

This looks to be the first in a new series and I’m looking forward to the next book.

Thanks a bunch to Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing and author Eileen Goudge for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

What a wonderful and triumphant story. It’s so hard to get away from abusive marriages. With lots of support it can be done. I hope anyone in this situation learned some important things about survival! Very nicely written and you hang onto every page