Jen Gilroy

Life hasn’t turned out the way Cole or Mel had envisioned it. An injury and and accident respectively has sidelined these equestrian lovers, and now they are trying to again find that spark that will bring their passions back alive, and will direct their uncharted paths.

I love when a character in a story falls in love with a ready-made family, taking up a parental roll that is needed in that child’s life. It shows a strong character and always endears me to that person, and this is what I found in Cole. I was struggling to connect with these characters for some unknown reason, especially at the beginning of the narrative, but seeing Cole interact with sweet, precocious Skylar, and fall in love with both her and her mother, really captured my heart.

Friendships are at the heart of this novel, so it’s no surprise that The Sunflower Sisterhood was one of my favorite parts. There is nothing better than seeing women supporting one another, while also supporting their community, and this groups camaraderie was inspiring, and a delight to read. I also loved Joy Carter, Cole’s widowed mother, and getting to hear her heart throughout the story as she navigates widowhood and being a single mom and grandmother.

I also have to add this random little tidbit that I found truly charming. One of the horses on the Cole ranch is named Daisy-May, which so happened to be one of my nicknames in high school! Very cute and further endeared me to this story.

Though it did take me a bit to get into this story, and connect to these characters, once I was in I was hooked. The sweet, small town feel mixed with lovable characters and chill vibes made this a delectable escape.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.… (más)

Something I've always liked about this author's writing is her ability to pen a story that draws you in from the start, encircling you with small town charm. They invite you in for a spell while they work their magic, and though the stories are more life than fantasy driven, it doesn't mean that the characters wishes can't come true. Take today's story...

From the moment I cracked the cover, I already felt like I had known Annie and her sister for years. You could feel their connection, their familiarity with the town and the people that call it home, making you a part of that community in an instant. When the tall, dark, and handsome stranger strides in, you can feel your own heart race for a moment, while understanding that his real purpose there was for something more than the "zing" reaction caused...yet you're content in the knowledge that though semi-tabled, it is a topic of conversation that will be pursued (*giggle*). As things progress and the potential for changes builds, you can't help but wonder what the future will bring for them all, and yet you're still so consumed with the present, you simply can't let it go.

In the end, I adored the charming setting of Irish Falls, and the magic that this little town holds not only in natural beauty, but the beating hearts within its boundaries. There is much to learn regarding second chances, following dreams, and letting others into your heart, and many of those lessons can be carried right off the page into the real world...but then again, why hurry back?… (más)

With dual timelines and multiple points of view set in modern and WWII England The Sweetheart Locket is a gripping and intriguing read! The writing and the way the book is laid out, it draws the reader in. The adventure that Willow goes on is really something. And with the glimpses from present to past it amps up the suspense. There were many times I felt like I was there with Willow. The book is full of family's secrets, courage, determination, and love! Overall it was a beautiful written story that I couldn't read fast enough!

Thank you HFVBT and Jen Gilroy for sharing this fantastic story with me!
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