Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Carson's Bayou #6

Family Smarts and Runaway Hearts

Rate this book
If Quinn discovers Ollie’s past, will he abandon her, like everyone else?

Ollie Robinson is no coward, but when an impossible choice turns the entire town against her, she hits the road, running away without a plan and nowhere to go.

Quinn Lewis is happy living alone, his life is simple and uncomplicated—exactly how he likes it, but when he finds a woman hiding in his truck, he can’t let her sleep on the street. Even if she seems the opposite of uncomplicated.

Ollie is determined to never need another person again—but with no other choice, she reluctantly accepts Quinn’s offer to help—but only until she gets back on her feet.
Ollie’s determined keep their relationship strictly as friends, but her heart has different plans. Can her love for Quinn help him look beyond her past, or will she be forced to run again?

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2023

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

K.C. Hart

19 books123 followers
KC Hart, author of Christian Contemporary Small Town Romance with a southern twist and Christian Cozy mysteries, has been married to Mr. Wonderful for thirty-nine years. She has three daughters, three grandsons, and one beautiful granddaughter.

KC sincerely believes that well-written Christian fiction can change lives. When a novel has strong Christian principals woven intricately into a well-written plot, the reader bonds with lifelike characters who struggle with trials, temptations, and struggles that the reader identifies with. The reader identifies with these characters because she’s been there. Everyone has fallen. That’s why everyone needs a Savior.

Then, when these same characters turn to Christ the Savior to bring them through these dark moments, the reader finds hope. KC believes the story reminds the reader why she must lean on the Lord in her trying situations. Through the book’s structure showing Christianity as the positive light for good that KC knows to be true, the reader also sees why she needs to be the hands and feet of Christ to others.

KC strives to show how the Lord uses situations, people, and His Word to bring the lost to Him, and mold, prune and grow His children. She tackles challenging situations, powerful emotions, and spiritual warfare through engaging stories and true-to-life characters.

All of KC's books are free of sex, gore and foul language. Her books are full of small town charm and share the light of Christ in a way that is natural to the story.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
30 (81%)
4 stars
7 (18%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa.
243 reviews5 followers
May 27, 2023
Another God filled story by KC!

Olivia finds herself in a spiritual conflict when trying to do right by her family.
Quinn holds his composure when he finds the floorboard stowaway Olivia and does all he can do to help her when he hears her story.
The characters in this book, as with all of this authors books are so relatable and realistic. The way she can weave real life situations in a Christian walk is remarkable.
If you like romance, God speak with a little suspense thrown in, then you will love this story.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. My opinion is my own.
18 reviews2 followers
May 26, 2023
Once again another great book by KC Hart. She keeps you guessing throughout the book. What has Ollie done in her past? Why is she hiding? When you finish you feel like you've had a Sunday School lesson on Jesus's forgiveness for us and how we should forgive others. It warms your heart when Quinn realizes he should learn to trust God in everything and stop trying to live his life without God's guidance. Love this Carson's Bayou series.
Profile Image for Jessica Grewe.
222 reviews
June 2, 2023
This sweet story had me in tears and, at the end, on the edge of my seat. Hart did an excellent job of weaving God’s Grace and forgiveness throughout the book. It’s an easy read and will hook you in immediately. I highly recommend this book, the last of the series.
2 reviews
May 29, 2023
K. C. Hart's newest, "Family Smarts and Runaway Hearts", is another hit. Hart has relatable characters, authentic emotions, a bad guy, and just the right amount of romance!
Profile Image for Patty Duplechin.
643 reviews6 followers
August 6, 2023
Olivia Robinson, decides to run away after she leaves her fiancé at the alter. She’s learned of some bad things about her ex-fiancé. She’s afraid of him. Now the whole town turned against her so she leaves. She sneaks into the truck of Quinn Lewis, when she learns he’s heading home to Louisiana. He was working in town. He decides to head home because he’s missing his family.
When he realizes he has a stowaway, he ask her what she’s thinking of stowing away. So she tells a lie to Quinn about being pregnant and all she needs is a place to stay until she finds a job. She’ll let her family know where she is when she’s settled. She’ll confess to Quinn later. Once she tells him that, he couldn’t let her go off all alone, so he let’s her stay with him. Even though he likes his peace and quiet and is a loner. Quinn and Ollie spend time together. They have chemistry. They know they shouldn’t cross that line. Will Quinn forgive her for the lies when she confesses? She is turning his life upside down. Will she be able to protect her family? Will her family find her? Will she be safe? Will God forgive her for the lies? Will Quinn turn to God? Will the townspeople forgive her? Ollie has a good reason. All they need is to Let Go and Let God. Wonderful characters. Both deserve to have forgiveness, find true love, and have a chance to have their own families. If you love Christian, sweet stories with a twist, this one is for you. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.
117 reviews5 followers
May 31, 2023
Ollie is running away. She has no choice. And Quinn happens to be leaving so she decides to stowaway in his truck. She just has to stay quiet enough that he is too far away to turn right back around when he finds her.
Quinn is headed back home to Carson's Bayou. To find a wife. One of those church going ladies. But what he finds instead is a stowaway!
While I am pretty sure I would be freaking out if I found a stowaway in my car I love how Quinn embraces the situation and realizes that this girl needs his help. So, after she explains the reason why she needs to get away he brings her home with him. And that is where the twists and turns begin.
Quinn likes Ollie and wants to help her out. And she is a church going gal! Only problem is that she has been lying to him the whole time.
I love how KC Hart wove the message of God within the pages of this book. She did it without it seeming forced but it was still out front in the story. And what I liked about that is that she used the struggling characters, the ones still doing wrong to tell a wonderful faith story. It showed how we are all human and oh my, can we mess up God's plan when our plan seems safer. Hint, the author does a great job showing that God's plans are always better!
580 reviews8 followers
June 1, 2023
KC has combined a captivating story with a strong Christian message of God’s love for His people. The writing style and ‘plot-pace’ are excellent, giving the reader a ‘taste’ of Southern life-styles and the strength of family values and support.

Ollie stows away in Quinn’s truck to escape from Red Creek after she is shunned by the townsfolk for leaving golden-boy Jonah at the altar, seemingly without reason. Although she embraces Christianity with great fervour, and makes herself indispensable in Quinn’s home and life in Carson’s Bayou, she is unable to be honest with him. He is attracted to her innate goodness and wants to get to know the real Ollie…

I always enjoy books with small-town themes and this novel, with its added core of Christian beliefs, fulfilled all my expectations. I was given an advanced review copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Clara K Page.
675 reviews8 followers
June 2, 2023
Loved, loved, loved this book. Loved how the book started interesting idea. I loved the story, the characters were great, especially Quinn he was such a sweetheart. Ollie was a mystery and at first I didn't know how I felt about her but came to love her also. Loved the humor, the mystery...romance of course. I loved that the book kept turning you to God and how He works in our lives and His forgiveness and continued love.
July 3, 2024
KC Hart is an amazing author

Just finished this series (sad it’s over) loved every book. Looks like the Robinson clans will live on in the next series though. I started with the Katy Cross series and didn’t think this would measure up but WOW. I think she is my new favorite author. Ready to start Our Head Strong Love. I love how her books do not over introduce the characters you get to know them as you read make the book start strong and finish stronger.
Profile Image for Evelyn Foreman.
501 reviews22 followers
May 27, 2023
I’m smiling as I write this review because that’s just what this author’s writings evoke. The creativity in each plot, each character, all form a piece of a wonderfully crafted puzzle that leaves the reader with a sense of completeness, satisfaction. And the thread of God’s love woven throughout frames the finished puzzle, pointing each and everyone to The Answer.
23 reviews
May 31, 2023
KC Hart has done it again! With a catchy title and unique characters she paints a picture of a desperate woman and a man who only wants to go home and live his content life. She deliberately becomes a stowaway in his truck to get out of town.
Read the continuing story of Carson's Bayou, Louisiana, for an entertaining romp with a God-centered man and a wacky woman.
749 reviews7 followers
June 2, 2023
Once I started this book I did not want to put it down. I found Olivia wanting to protect her family to be a wonderful quality and her idea of running to see if that would solve it. Which is the start of a very intriguing story that the author does a beautiful job of telling. The characters are well written and, with all the elements in the story, makes the story a must.
Profile Image for Lori Chasko.
135 reviews19 followers
May 27, 2023
This book was another great one in this series by the author and really draws you in to keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters can and do speak their minds at times just like any other family. The author did a wonderful job!
8 reviews
June 2, 2023
Family Smarts and Runaway Hearts

I cannot recommend this book enough. There are many twists and turns to keep you focused on the story. I loved the way the Christian life is explained. Its so simple anyone can understand. KC Hart's best book yet!!
28 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2023
God Knows All!

Heartwarming book. Funny in places, relatable in many circumstances. God loves us all and welcomes us back to His arms no matter what we do. He is ready to forgive us when we repent. Well written and entertaining. Thanks KC.
104 reviews
June 5, 2023
Wow! Every Book I read by K.C. is Outstanding. This one kept me on the edge of my seat. I Love how she weaves God's Love through Her Stories. Thanks K.C. for having me on Your ARC Team.
Profile Image for Keren Herrera-Lyles.
294 reviews19 followers
July 1, 2023
Mrs. KC Hart has done it again. A story that you'll love and enjoy the characters. She has such a way to deliver God's love in it that is wonderful. And to be the last story in the series of Carson Bayou, I'm speechless.

Ollie is a young lady that when put in a hard spot she tends to lie to feel safe. She has a loving father and 3 brothers. Who in a jump will have her back. But when she finds out the truth of the man she is about to marry she tries to find a way to solve the situation only to find herself on the run.

Quinn, a single young man, that is working in the construction project of the guy that Ollie was to marry. He finds feeling lonely and wanting what his brother have a family. He decides to head home only to discover the next morning in his truck's floor a little surprise.

Ollie and Quinn seem to have a connection besides Ollie being the girl that cooked his lunches in the lunch truck on the construction site. They both realize that they need God more in their hearts that both really believe. But with every little lie Ollie says, Quinn starts to question his feelings for her. After some detours of suspense, mystery and heartfelt feelings this story will wrap you in it. And you'll love the transformation of Ollie and the sweet spirit of Quinn.

Mrs. KCHart just knows how to master a story that captivates you with characters you feel connect to. She is a master of weaving together stories with a dash of mystery, suspense, friendship, love and God's message that you just can't get enough. You get the feeling of jumping into the story and be in that cozy town of Carson Bayou and become friends with the characters.

Highly recommend the series and the author. Stories with realistic events and characters as sweet as a southern pie.

I received an e-arc of the story from the author/publisher. A positive review was not required. All stated her are my own personal thought.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.