Friday, August 9, 2019

Book Review: Where We First Began

Where We First Began by Rebecca Elise



Publisher & Release: Red Adept Publishing, July 1, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day & 1836, Texas

Genre: Historical Romance/Time Travel

Book Length:  250 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

When Aubrey Harrison wrecks her truck on the side of a dark Texas highway, she wakes up in the year 1836, in another woman’s life—someone who looks just like her. Struggling to understand her new reality, Aubrey connects with Tapley, a handsome cattleman with a tragic past. As Mexican soldiers begin to fill the small settlement, Aubrey recognizes the first sign of a deadly battle yet to come. A bargain to save her new family’s cattle business leads to murder, and Aubrey is forced to take shelter within the walls of the Alamo, even though she knows that’s the worst place she could be. The fate of Texas was sealed before the battle ever began, but with it, a new love may now be lost somewhere between the past and the present. An attempt to change fate comes with the high price of Aubrey’s future, but she’s determined to give history a fight it will never forget.

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Vikki’s Musings

This is the first book I have read by Rebecca Elise, and I must say it was quite an adventure. I love Time Travel novels, so when the author asked if I would be interested in reading and reviewing Where We First Began, I eagerly accepted. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

This is a fast-paced story with a good bit of action. The writing flows well, and has moments, where emotions run high; the plot is intriguing. There is excellent historical detail and good amount of historical detail, involving the attack on the Alamo. 

Aubrey Harrison’s character lacks enough development, so I never truly became vested in her character. Perhaps, it’s because she goes from the present to the past, and at times, it’s a bit jarring. I would have liked more confusion and bewilderment in her internal thoughts both in the past and the present. 

Tapley Holland is an interesting hero, and no doubt, he’s an honorable character. Again, I would have liked more development. That may be because Ms. Elise only gave me the heroine’s POV since this novel is written in first person. I’m not overly fond of first person POVs. That kept me from becoming fully invested in his character.

The romance between Aubrey and Tapley lacks passion. I didn’t feel a strong emotional connection between them, especially in the present because they don’t spend much time together in that time. It is stronger in the past while they are running for their lives.

I thoroughly enjoyed the historical aspect of this book. The battle scene in the Alamo is outstanding and brought tears to my eyes. It put me right in the middle of the action, making this a very worthwhile reading experience. 

If you love historical fiction and find Texas history fascinating, then you will enjoy Where We First Began. While the romance is not as strong as I would have liked, I did see them together as a couple. This is a fine debut novel, and I can see a bright future for Ms. Elise. Happy reading!

Author Bio:


Rebecca Elise is a Texas based romance author. Her debut romance, WHERE WE FIRST BEGAN, was released from Red Adept Publishing in July 2019. 

In addition to writing, Rebecca has worked in publishing as a Literary Agent for over five years. When she's away from books, she is an Army wife, science teacher, toddler chasing Mom, and equestrian. The military moves her family way too much. She lives in El Paso, Texas with her family. 
Rebecca graduated from Texas A&M University with a BA in Science, and a Minor in Business. Since then, she's earned her Master’s certificate in Children’s Literature, and her Master's in Early Childhood Education and Literacy. 
Rebecca is a supporter of diversity and inclusion in publishing, and she is a member of SCBWI NM. 

Social Media Links:

Twitter: @R_Elisewrites
Website:Rebeccaangusbooks.com
Instagram:@Rebeccaangusbooks


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