Ava MilesReseñas
Autor de Nora Roberts Land (Dare Valley, #1)
Reseñas
Dear Blake. How can you NOT love a hero who gives up as much as he gave up in order to win Natalie back again? How can you NOT love a man who is that patient and loving and tender. That's not to say that Blake doesn't have his own issues or is perfect. He's not, but wow, what a wonderful testament to the power of love. Blake does his own growing and changing throughout the book too, tho' his is not quite as dramatic as Natalie's.
As with all of Ms. Miles's "Dare Valley" novels, the surrounding community and the families and friends of the hero and heroine provide the much needed support that anyone needs when dealing with grief and loss. The characters are well-rounded, the story line believable and the writing is crisp, clean and well done.
I highly recommend this book to anyone in the mood for a contemporary romance with a great set of characters.
I received an ARC edition from Ava Miles in exchange for my honest review. My review was not influenced by this and all conclusions and opinions are my own.
The Fountain of Infinite Wishes is the latest installment in the Dare River series by Ava Miles. Once again, Ms. Miles has brought us a phenomenal story.
Brief Synopsis: Shelby McGuinness, along with her sister, Sadie, wants to find her father who left their family when she was 2 and Sadie was just an infant. She hires Vander Montgomery, a private investigator in Nashville, to find him. Sparks fly between the two and a romance is born.
Review: I absolutely loved this book. While I'm personally more like Sadie in temperament, I thoroughly enjoyed Shelby. She's vivacious and daring without being too impulsive. Her personality just sparkles off the page. She and Vander are attracted to each other from the start, but Vander is resolute in his ethics and will not date her as long as she is a client. It makes for interesting meetings between the two of them at times. Both characters are well-developed, complex characters. We learn a lot about their beliefs and hopes and past lives. They rely on each other for support and comfort even when they don't realize they're doing so; even before they started dating.
The only thing that disappointed me was how shocked and appalled the characters were upon meeting someone who is morbidly obese. I realize that's not how these characters choose to live their lives, but their reactions to me seemed too harsh. I would have thought that their mama, being a reverend, would have had them do service work in poor areas similar to the one this person lived in; that they would have been more used to dealing with those situations and feelings than they seemingly were. They did show compassion to the person, but their reactions almost seemed more harsh with that than they were towards the horrible reason why their father left (which was far worse, but I won't spoil it).
However, that was just a short piece of the story. While it disappointed me, the story and the characters generally were just wonderful. That piece is the only reason why this story didn't receive 5 full stars because I simply loved the rest of the story.
I enjoy the Dare River setting and characters. In fact, I think it's my favorite out of the three series Ms. Miles writes, so I always enjoy "coming home" to these stories and characters. I enjoy the fact that even this particular story is about Shelby and Vander, we see the rest of the family from time to time. Some more than other of course, but we get a glimpse at all the extended family which made me happy.
The descriptions of the various settings in this book balance well with the descriptions of the characters. Ms. Miles is very talented in that way. She gives us enough detail that we can imagine the scene, but doesn't over saturate the scene in our own imaginations.
The story line moved along at a decent pace. I was pleased that Vander didn't ask Shelby out until after he'd finished with finding her father. It was one of his many fine qualities. I also appreciated the way the family gathered around each other upon learning the horrible reason their father left I was very happy to see that they didn't take their negative feelings out on one another, but rather found comfort from each other.
If you enjoy stories about family, people finding each other, friendship, and a bit of romance, I'd highly suggest picking up this title. Enjoy!
[I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.]
Originally posted on: Valerie's Musings
This book focuses on quarterback Jordan Dean and his childhood sweetheart, Grace Kincaid. Jordan and Grace have always been the "golden couple". They've been together through thick and thin with Jordan's career in football and Grace's career as a chef. As Jordan's gotten more and more famous, Grace is having a harder time dealing with the by-product of that fame, the paparazzi and tabloid journalism. Eventually, it becomes too much for Grace, she breaks it off with Jordan, and flees to Italy. Months go by and when Grace returns from Italy, she meets with Jordan to tell him that she's pregnant. This is when the story really takes off as it has both of them dealing with still being in love with each other, but her still having a hard time with his popularity. Him wanting to keep her and their baby safe but stymied on how to do it. It's a fabulous story line that moves along at a decent pace, neither too slow or too fast.
While both characters are richly complex and well-rounded, I definitely connected more with Grace at the beginning, probably because I'm introverted and not comfortable in the spotlight either. I wasn't so sure about Jordan at first, but as the book went on, I grew to love him even more than Grace. He cares so deeply and yet, like many men, he's so afraid of being vulnerable in front of Grace. Yet, it's only by being vulnerable that he and Grace connect at a deeper level.
It's a great romance on top of being a wonderful insider's look at what fame and the spotlight must feel like to some spouses of sports stars, male or female. I loved the ending and I'm looking forward to the next one in this series! Pick it up and read it. It's a great feel-good story!
[I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review. My review was not influenced by this, nor was I compensated for my review. All opinions and conclusions are my own.]
Originally posted on: Valerie's Musings
Moira and Chase are both strong, independent personalities. Watching them learn how to balance trust and love with still remaining independent was fascinating. I loved the fact that when Chase was opening up his heart and soul to Moira, she didn't try to use platitudes or pat answers to make things better. Instead, she sat with him, held him when he cried, and was just there. As a survivor of trauma, I can testify that there is no better feeling than to have someone you love, whether relative, friend, or significant other, just be there. There's no need for words or reassurance. There's just a need to have someone to listen. That's exactly what Moira does for Chase and it's one of the greatest gifts she could give him.
Being back in the familiar setting of Dare Valley was lovely. When you read a book in a favorite series, it's like "coming home" in a sense. This book was no exception to that. Similarly, it was great to see the majority of the extended Dare Valley family.
The only thing I didn't like in this one is that I didn't like how Evan was "handling" Chase. Forcing someone to face their past is not always a good thing; it's easy for such "good intentions" to backfire and for the intended person to become even more embittered and hardened. Luckily, it worked out this time around and Chase was able to heal, not only from this newer trauma, but from the trauma in his earlier life.
As is usually the case, we got a "sneak peek" at the next book in the series by seeing interactions between the next couple to be featured. After seeing how J.T. & Caroline interacted together, I'm very excited for their book!
All-in-all, it was a great book and I highly recommend it!
** I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.**
Originally posted by: Valerie's Musings
Ameila Ann's passion for helping those women (and men) who are in domestic violence situations shows through in everything she does. The additions she makes to the benefit concert at the end of the story, the lengths she goes to in order to get a woman and her children out of an abusive situation, etc. It all adds up to her being one of those extra special people in the world who have realized their calling and will do anything to be successful in it.
Clayton is well, Clayton. He's gruff, he's abrupt, he's annoying at times, but under all the gruffness is a good man evidenced by the fact that he comes when Amelia Ann needs him the most.
Even tho' Ameila Ann works with victims of domestic abuse, the book does not have a depressing feel to it. Ms. Miles works hard to provide the information needed to be realistic but balancing out with more positive scenes and she succeeds.
I don't want to give anything away in the story, so I better stop now. Read it. You won't be disappointed (and if you're as emotional as I am, have some tissues nearby).
A wonderful visit back to Dare Valley. This set of novellas describing the weddings of Meredith & Tanner; Jill & Brian; Mac & Peggy; and Rhett & Abbie, felt like a wonderful visit with old friends. I laughed and I cried, but overall I enjoyed it all.
Other than the fact that I would've loved to have seen these stories as epilogues to the books involving these couples, there's not much I would've changed. There was enough detail to keep your attention without being too overwhelming for those who don't care to focus on all the details that go into wedding planning.
If you're picking this book up expecting there to be lots of controversy and conflict (since the title is "Daring Brides"), you'll be disappointed. While it isn't filled with those types of "Daring Brides", it is filled with brides who do things their own way, who are their own woman and who are unapologetic about it. These stories are sweet, brilliant, lovely descriptions of the weddings of the first four couples in the Dare Valley series and are a great way to revisit those old friends. If you haven't read the first four books in the Dare Valley series (Nora Roberts Land; French Roast; The Grand Opening; and The Holiday Serenade), go out and get them today so you can enjoy this book even more! :)
(I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.)
The Moonlight Serenade is the 11th book in the Dare Valley series by Ava Miles. It's a short novella designed to tell the rest of Rhett & Abbie's story which was partially told in book 3, The Grand Opening and book 4, The Holiday Serenade. It was a delightful short read.
It's a very character-driven story line which means that there aren’t that many setting descriptions, which is fine. The story moves along very quickly, which you expect because it’s just a novella and a short one at that.
We get to learn a little more about Rhett and Abbie in this story and see the beginnings of their courtship/relationship. It was great to read"the rest of the story", as Paul Harvey always said. It was lovely to read how they first came together, how they handled their fledgling relationship, and knowing how the first half of their courtship/relationship ended. It answers some questions that are answered in those first few Dare Valley books.
The novella is so short, there's not much I can say about it without giving away spoilers! If you've read other books in the Dare Valley series, you'll enjoy this first half of Rhett & Abbie's story. If you haven't read any of the others, I suggest starting at the beginning.
Our hero Jake suffers from PTSD and is looking to find ways to cope. He's already been through several therapists and different types of therapies, but in this book, he ends up working with Reverend Louisa, who we've met before in the other books in this series. Jake doesn't believe there's much hope, but working with Louisa, together with dating Louisa's daughter, Susannah, he experiences breakthroughs like he never has before.
THIS book is what I was so hoping to see when Ms. Miles published "The Chocolate Garden". This book accurately portrayed PTSD and the struggles that arise from it. Whereas I felt like "The Chocolate Garden" glossed over some of the difficulties of surviving domestic violence and entering into a new relationship after an abusive relationship, this book NAILED all the struggles and such that come with PTSD. Jake's feelings about himself and the brokenness he feels is all very indiciative of what many PTSD sufferers feel. I know. I am one. The brokenness, the self-loathing, the feel that others are better off without being in a relationship with you, everything.
And yet, Susannah sees past all that and loves the man that Jake is, not all the lies that PTSD tells him about himself. He ends up seeing Susannah as his miracle, helping pull him out of himself and back into the world. Each and every one of us has someone who either has worked such a miracle in our lives or who will work such a miracle one day. Not necessarily a romantic someone, but someone who pulls you up out of the depths when you can't find the way out yourself.
It's not an easy book to read given all of Jake's struggles. If you struggle with PTSD yourself, like I do, you may find this book hitting very close to home. I certainly did. I cried more with this book than I have in a long, long time. But it's totally worth it. Take your time but read it. Give yourself breaks to process, but don't hide from this book because of its subject matter. It's too good to pass up.
The plot, the setting, the characters, everything about this book was phenomenal. One of Ms. Miles' best books EVER. Read it. You won't forget it or regret it.
**I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review. All conclusions are my own.
Dear Blake. How can you NOT love a hero who gives up as much as he gave up in order to win Natalie back again? How can you NOT love a man who is that patient and loving and tender. That's not to say that Blake doesn't have his own issues or is perfect. He's not, but wow, what a wonderful testament to the power of love. Blake does his own growing and changing throughout the book too, tho' his is not quite as dramatic as Natalie's.
As with all of Ms. Miles's "Dare Valley" novels, the surrounding community and the families and friends of the hero and heroine provide the much needed support that anyone needs when dealing with grief and loss. The characters are well-rounded, the story line believable and the writing is crisp, clean and well done.
I highly recommend this book to anyone in the mood for a contemporary romance with a great set of characters.
I received an ARC edition from Ava Miles in exchange for my honest review. My review was not influenced by this and all conclusions and opinions are my own.
The Fountain of Infinite Wishes is the latest installment in the Dare River series by Ava Miles. Once again, Ms. Miles has brought us a phenomenal story.
Brief Synopsis: Shelby McGuinness, along with her sister, Sadie, wants to find her father who left their family when she was 2 and Sadie was just an infant. She hires Vander Montgomery, a private investigator in Nashville, to find him. Sparks fly between the two and a romance is born.
Review: I absolutely loved this book. While I'm personally more like Sadie in temperament, I thoroughly enjoyed Shelby. She's vivacious and daring without being too impulsive. Her personality just sparkles off the page. She and Vander are attracted to each other from the start, but Vander is resolute in his ethics and will not date her as long as she is a client. It makes for interesting meetings between the two of them at times. Both characters are well-developed, complex characters. We learn a lot about their beliefs and hopes and past lives. They rely on each other for support and comfort even when they don't realize they're doing so; even before they started dating.
The only thing that disappointed me was how shocked and appalled the characters were upon meeting someone who is morbidly obese. I realize that's not how these characters choose to live their lives, but their reactions to me seemed too harsh. I would have thought that their mama, being a reverend, would have had them do service work in poor areas similar to the one this person lived in; that they would have been more used to dealing with those situations and feelings than they seemingly were. They did show compassion to the person, but their reactions almost seemed more harsh with that than they were towards the horrible reason why their father left (which was far worse, but I won't spoil it).
However, that was just a short piece of the story. While it disappointed me, the story and the characters generally were just wonderful. That piece is the only reason why this story didn't receive 5 full stars because I simply loved the rest of the story.
I enjoy the Dare River setting and characters. In fact, I think it's my favorite out of the three series Ms. Miles writes, so I always enjoy "coming home" to these stories and characters. I enjoy the fact that even this particular story is about Shelby and Vander, we see the rest of the family from time to time. Some more than other of course, but we get a glimpse at all the extended family which made me happy.
The descriptions of the various settings in this book balance well with the descriptions of the characters. Ms. Miles is very talented in that way. She gives us enough detail that we can imagine the scene, but doesn't over saturate the scene in our own imaginations.
The story line moved along at a decent pace. I was pleased that Vander didn't ask Shelby out until after he'd finished with finding her father. It was one of his many fine qualities. I also appreciated the way the family gathered around each other upon learning the horrible reason their father left I was very happy to see that they didn't take their negative feelings out on one another, but rather found comfort from each other.
If you enjoy stories about family, people finding each other, friendship, and a bit of romance, I'd highly suggest picking up this title. Enjoy!
[I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.]
Originally posted on: Valerie's Musings
This book focuses on quarterback Jordan Dean and his childhood sweetheart, Grace Kincaid. Jordan and Grace have always been the "golden couple". They've been together through thick and thin with Jordan's career in football and Grace's career as a chef. As Jordan's gotten more and more famous, Grace is having a harder time dealing with the by-product of that fame, the paparazzi and tabloid journalism. Eventually, it becomes too much for Grace, she breaks it off with Jordan, and flees to Italy. Months go by and when Grace returns from Italy, she meets with Jordan to tell him that she's pregnant. This is when the story really takes off as it has both of them dealing with still being in love with each other, but her still having a hard time with his popularity. Him wanting to keep her and their baby safe but stymied on how to do it. It's a fabulous story line that moves along at a decent pace, neither too slow or too fast.
While both characters are richly complex and well-rounded, I definitely connected more with Grace at the beginning, probably because I'm introverted and not comfortable in the spotlight either. I wasn't so sure about Jordan at first, but as the book went on, I grew to love him even more than Grace. He cares so deeply and yet, like many men, he's so afraid of being vulnerable in front of Grace. Yet, it's only by being vulnerable that he and Grace connect at a deeper level.
It's a great romance on top of being a wonderful insider's look at what fame and the spotlight must feel like to some spouses of sports stars, male or female. I loved the ending and I'm looking forward to the next one in this series! Pick it up and read it. It's a great feel-good story!
[I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review. My review was not influenced by this, nor was I compensated for my review. All opinions and conclusions are my own.]
Originally posted on: Valerie's Musings
Moira and Chase are both strong, independent personalities. Watching them learn how to balance trust and love with still remaining independent was fascinating. I loved the fact that when Chase was opening up his heart and soul to Moira, she didn't try to use platitudes or pat answers to make things better. Instead, she sat with him, held him when he cried, and was just there. As a survivor of trauma, I can testify that there is no better feeling than to have someone you love, whether relative, friend, or significant other, just be there. There's no need for words or reassurance. There's just a need to have someone to listen. That's exactly what Moira does for Chase and it's one of the greatest gifts she could give him.
Being back in the familiar setting of Dare Valley was lovely. When you read a book in a favorite series, it's like "coming home" in a sense. This book was no exception to that. Similarly, it was great to see the majority of the extended Dare Valley family.
The only thing I didn't like in this one is that I didn't like how Evan was "handling" Chase. Forcing someone to face their past is not always a good thing; it's easy for such "good intentions" to backfire and for the intended person to become even more embittered and hardened. Luckily, it worked out this time around and Chase was able to heal, not only from this newer trauma, but from the trauma in his earlier life.
As is usually the case, we got a "sneak peek" at the next book in the series by seeing interactions between the next couple to be featured. After seeing how J.T. & Caroline interacted together, I'm very excited for their book!
All-in-all, it was a great book and I highly recommend it!
** I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.**
Originally posted by: Valerie's Musings
Ameila Ann's passion for helping those women (and men) who are in domestic violence situations shows through in everything she does. The additions she makes to the benefit concert at the end of the story, the lengths she goes to in order to get a woman and her children out of an abusive situation, etc. It all adds up to her being one of those extra special people in the world who have realized their calling and will do anything to be successful in it.
Clayton is well, Clayton. He's gruff, he's abrupt, he's annoying at times, but under all the gruffness is a good man evidenced by the fact that he comes when Amelia Ann needs him the most.
Even tho' Ameila Ann works with victims of domestic abuse, the book does not have a depressing feel to it. Ms. Miles works hard to provide the information needed to be realistic but balancing out with more positive scenes and she succeeds.
I don't want to give anything away in the story, so I better stop now. Read it. You won't be disappointed (and if you're as emotional as I am, have some tissues nearby).
A wonderful visit back to Dare Valley. This set of novellas describing the weddings of Meredith & Tanner; Jill & Brian; Mac & Peggy; and Rhett & Abbie, felt like a wonderful visit with old friends. I laughed and I cried, but overall I enjoyed it all.
Other than the fact that I would've loved to have seen these stories as epilogues to the books involving these couples, there's not much I would've changed. There was enough detail to keep your attention without being too overwhelming for those who don't care to focus on all the details that go into wedding planning.
If you're picking this book up expecting there to be lots of controversy and conflict (since the title is "Daring Brides"), you'll be disappointed. While it isn't filled with those types of "Daring Brides", it is filled with brides who do things their own way, who are their own woman and who are unapologetic about it. These stories are sweet, brilliant, lovely descriptions of the weddings of the first four couples in the Dare Valley series and are a great way to revisit those old friends. If you haven't read the first four books in the Dare Valley series (Nora Roberts Land; French Roast; The Grand Opening; and The Holiday Serenade), go out and get them today so you can enjoy this book even more! :)
(I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.)
The Moonlight Serenade is the 11th book in the Dare Valley series by Ava Miles. It's a short novella designed to tell the rest of Rhett & Abbie's story which was partially told in book 3, The Grand Opening and book 4, The Holiday Serenade. It was a delightful short read.
It's a very character-driven story line which means that there aren’t that many setting descriptions, which is fine. The story moves along very quickly, which you expect because it’s just a novella and a short one at that.
We get to learn a little more about Rhett and Abbie in this story and see the beginnings of their courtship/relationship. It was great to read"the rest of the story", as Paul Harvey always said. It was lovely to read how they first came together, how they handled their fledgling relationship, and knowing how the first half of their courtship/relationship ended. It answers some questions that are answered in those first few Dare Valley books.
The novella is so short, there's not much I can say about it without giving away spoilers! If you've read other books in the Dare Valley series, you'll enjoy this first half of Rhett & Abbie's story. If you haven't read any of the others, I suggest starting at the beginning.
The Calendar of New Beginnings by Ava Miles is the ninth in the Dare Valley series. This book finds us spending time with Andy Hale and Lucy O'Brien, who have been best friends since kindergarten. How many people in this world can say they're lucky enough to have remained friends with someone from kindergarten, much less a best friend? I'm thankful that I can say I still have a friend from kindergarten. We've lost contact a couple of times but we always find each other again. It's so wonderful!
I really enjoyed Andy & Lucy's story about that scary transition between friendship and love. I thought Ms. Miles handled all the worries and fears that one faces in that situation quite well. It was shown and talked about, but it didn't over-power the scenes or the book. I also thought how the characters took into account the needs and feelings of Danny, Andy's son, was also very authentic.
I found all the things that Lucy is going through with being a photographer but having her vision damaged to be very fascinating as well. I'm a photographer, albeit an amateur one, and learning about the way Lucy has honed her skills and how she's dealing with the adversity of having her vision damaged felt real, raw, and honest to me. My main job is in a library. I can only imagine how I'd feel if through some freak accident, I wasn't able to work in a library anymore. It's daunting to think about and that anguish shines through in Lucy without over-taking the story.
I'm thrilled that Ms. Miles has started including a map of the town in her Dare Valley series as well. I love maps in general. The use of them for fictitious places helps me get into the story better as I'm able to visualize where people are moving to and from around the town.
Yet, despite how well-written it is and how wonderful the story line is, there's something about the book that just feels "off" to me. I'm not even sure what it is. There is more family conflict in this one which may be setting off my inner anxiety about such things. Also, Moira, Andy's sister, who is also the main heroine in the next Dare Valley novel, was more active in this one, but she has a pretty substantial role in the story so it's not like she's showing up with no purpose. I don't know what it is that I'm feeling; it's just "off" somehow. That's why I only gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
I certainly recommend this book to anyone interested in a good romance novel. It is well-written, it is highly enjoyable, and it's entirely probable that you won't feel like it's "off" at all. All in all it's another great addition to the Dare Valley series.
[** I received a free ebook copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review. My review was not influenced by this, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions and conclusions are my own. **]
Originally posted on: Valerie's Musings
I also was very surprised that Tammy didn't come flat out and confront Amelia Ann after she realized that her Mama hadn't been the one to betray her. After all, there are only so many "close female relatives" in the family. But, I did enjoy the way her Mama actually stood up to Sterling for Tammy and the reconciliation that is slowly forming there.
Overall, I still enjoyed the book and look forward to continuing on with the series with "Fireflies & Magnolias" when I can purchase it.
Jane & Matt are both down to earth characters and very likable. I think fear that Jane had about her past coming to light is a fear that many of us have and it was portrayed accurately and sensitively.
The writing is crisp, clean, and well done as I've come to expect from Ms. Miles' books. The whole series is excellent! Check them out and see!
I also was very surprised that Tammy didn't come flat out and confront Amelia Ann after she realized that her Mama hadn't been the one to betray her. After all, there are only so many "close female relatives" in the family. But, I did enjoy the way her Mama actually stood up to Sterling for Tammy and the reconciliation that is slowly forming there.
Overall, I still enjoyed the book and look forward to continuing on with the series with "Fireflies & Magnolias" when I can purchase it.
The Calendar of New Beginnings by Ava Miles is the ninth in the Dare Valley series. This book finds us spending time with Andy Hale and Lucy O'Brien, who have been best friends since kindergarten. How many people in this world can say they're lucky enough to have remained friends with someone from kindergarten, much less a best friend? I'm thankful that I can say I still have a friend from kindergarten. We've lost contact a couple of times but we always find each other again. It's so wonderful!
I really enjoyed Andy & Lucy's story about that scary transition between friendship and love. I thought Ms. Miles handled all the worries and fears that one faces in that situation quite well. It was shown and talked about, but it didn't over-power the scenes or the book. I also thought how the characters took into account the needs and feelings of Danny, Andy's son, was also very authentic.
I found all the things that Lucy is going through with being a photographer but having her vision damaged to be very fascinating as well. I'm a photographer, albeit an amateur one, and learning about the way Lucy has honed her skills and how she's dealing with the adversity of having her vision damaged felt real, raw, and honest to me. My main job is in a library. I can only imagine how I'd feel if through some freak accident, I wasn't able to work in a library anymore. It's daunting to think about and that anguish shines through in Lucy without over-taking the story.
I'm thrilled that Ms. Miles has started including a map of the town in her Dare Valley series as well. I love maps in general. The use of them for fictitious places helps me get into the story better as I'm able to visualize where people are moving to and from around the town.
Yet, despite how well-written it is and how wonderful the story line is, there's something about the book that just feels "off" to me. I'm not even sure what it is. There is more family conflict in this one which may be setting off my inner anxiety about such things. Also, Moira, Andy's sister, who is also the main heroine in the next Dare Valley novel, was more active in this one, but she has a pretty substantial role in the story so it's not like she's showing up with no purpose. I don't know what it is that I'm feeling; it's just "off" somehow. That's why I only gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
I certainly recommend this book to anyone interested in a good romance novel. It is well-written, it is highly enjoyable, and it's entirely probable that you won't feel like it's "off" at all. All in all it's another great addition to the Dare Valley series.
[** I received a free ebook copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review. My review was not influenced by this, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions and conclusions are my own. **]
Originally posted on: Valerie's Musings
Dnf
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Our hero Jake suffers from PTSD and is looking to find ways to cope. He's already been through several therapists and different types of therapies, but in this book, he ends up working with Reverend Louisa, who we've met before in the other books in this series. Jake doesn't believe there's much hope, but working with Louisa, together with dating Louisa's daughter, Susannah, he experiences breakthroughs like he never has before.
THIS book is what I was so hoping to see when Ms. Miles published "The Chocolate Garden". This book accurately portrayed PTSD and the struggles that arise from it. Whereas I felt like "The Chocolate Garden" glossed over some of the difficulties of surviving domestic violence and entering into a new relationship after an abusive relationship, this book NAILED all the struggles and such that come with PTSD. Jake's feelings about himself and the brokenness he feels is all very indiciative of what many PTSD sufferers feel. I know. I am one. The brokenness, the self-loathing, the feel that others are better off without being in a relationship with you, everything.
And yet, Susannah sees past all that and loves the man that Jake is, not all the lies that PTSD tells him about himself. He ends up seeing Susannah as his miracle, helping pull him out of himself and back into the world. Each and every one of us has someone who either has worked such a miracle in our lives or who will work such a miracle one day. Not necessarily a romantic someone, but someone who pulls you up out of the depths when you can't find the way out yourself.
It's not an easy book to read given all of Jake's struggles. If you struggle with PTSD yourself, like I do, you may find this book hitting very close to home. I certainly did. I cried more with this book than I have in a long, long time. But it's totally worth it. Take your time but read it. Give yourself breaks to process, but don't hide from this book because of its subject matter. It's too good to pass up.
The plot, the setting, the characters, everything about this book was phenomenal. One of Ms. Miles' best books EVER. Read it. You won't forget it or regret it.
**I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review. All conclusions are my own.