Lisa Deon

The Carriage Trade is a poignant romance story about a woman who has suffered a brain injury and lost her family in a tragic accident, and her struggle to get her life back on track with the help of a good friend who has been in love with her for a long time but doesn't realize it until it may be too late. Written in the third person narrative, the reader follows the story of Carlin "Carlos" Farley and Bill Fantazma, from their friendship and business relationship, to the aftermath of Carlin's accident and struggle to recover, to the discovery of a love that has simmered beneath the surface.

Rich in detail and descriptions, the author provides the reader with an intriguing look into the horse carriage business, the realistic struggles a person goes through when recovering from a traumatic brain injury and physical disabilities, and a longtime friendship that has to overcome buried secrets and a dark past in order to allow a chance for love.

The author has created a cast of complex characters whose diverse personalities leap off the pages, you can't help but get drawn into their story and embrace their struggles and feelings. The characters' dialogue and interactions are realistic and engaging, the author transports you into their lives as they deal with real life issues. Note that there is strong language throughout the story, I personally don't have a problem with this, but I thought I would give a heads up to forewarn readers who do not like to read stories with explicit language.

The Carriage Trade is a realistic story that has a serious tone mixed in with the humor and the romance. It is a compelling story that will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride full of twists and turns that will keep you engaged and guessing until the end.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Virtual Book Tour Cafe.

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This is the story of a woman who has it all including a husband she wants to leave. Fate takes part in helping her but at a cost. She loses her husband and her small child as well as some physical functions and her memory. She struggles against so much trying to be the woman she was before. Lisa Deon creates a moving novel in The Carriage Trade.

This book had its funny moments but was most of the time very serious. I found myself crying as Carlin struggles to speak to those around her, adapts so well to having only one foot, and tries to understand what put her in that situation. The characters are very well developed and draw you in to them. You'll find yourself in love or hating them so easily.

There is a lot of language in this book. When I say a lot, I mean a lot. The F-bomb is dropped many times. There is nothing explicit about this book aside from the language.

I would say this book is a great story about the struggles of one's past and dealing with physical disabilities. It is a love story as well as a story of survival and friendship. A must read.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of The Virtual Book Tour Cafe' and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by The Virtual Book Tour Cafe', no payment was received by me in exchange for this review nor was there an obligation to write a positive one. All opinions expressed here are entirely of my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides… (más)