Romance Writer and Lover of Books...Vikki Vaught: Sharon Sala

Showing posts with label Sharon Sala. Show all posts

Sunday, February 21, 2021

Book Review with Featured Author: Somebody to Love by Sharon Sala

Somebody to Love by Sharon Sala

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks, February 23, 2021

Setting: Blessings, GA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 303 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.25 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

Welcome to Blessings, Georgia! Whether you've lived here your whole life, you're returning after years of being away, or you're new in town, you're sure to find the love in a small town happy ending you're looking for.

Fifteen years ago, a family member stole the money Hunt Knox had saved for college, while three of his siblings and his father hid the truth and told him to get over it. Betrayed by their lies and thievery, Hunt joined the army and wound up flying Apache helicopters in Iraq. Now, he's a chopper pilot for an oil company in Houston, Texas, his father has been dead for six years, and he's finally returning home to Blessings at his mother's dying request.

Ava Ridley, the little girl Hunt's mother used to babysit, has grown up and is a nurse at his mother's bedside when he arrives. Ava is overjoyed to see him. She had a huge crush on him when she was young. And as the two spend more time together, Ava's crush grows to be even more.

Through secrets, lies, family betrayal, and difficult choices, Hunt's not sure he and Ava can make it together in Blessings. But everybody loves somebody, and Hunt isn't willing to lose the one person who makes their small town feel like his forever home.

Grab some sweet tea and sit awhile: This sweet contemporary romance has family betrayal, childhood crushes, a veteran hero, and a second chance to get everything right.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Somebody-Love-Blessings-Georgia-Book-ebook/dp/B08DHPSRT8

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/somebody-to-love-sharon-sala/1137202149

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/somebody-to-love-32

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sharon_Sala_Somebody_to_Love?id=OwkUEAAAQBAJ

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54221756-somebody-to-love?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=5W5RiINifJ&rank=1

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/somebody-to-love-count-your-blessings-with-this-emotional-southern-small-town-romance-between-a-veteran-hero-and-the-girl-he-used-to-love-blessings-georgia-book-11-by-sharon-sala

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the electronic copy of Somebody to Love by Sharon Sala. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this engaging novel prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced them.

Somebody to Love is a lovely addition to the Blessings, Georgia series. The characters are endearing, and the plot is fascinating. I love the small town of Blessings, and all the amazing characters I’ve grown to love as I read this captivating series.

At first, it took a bit of time to get used to Ms. Sala’s writing style, since so many characters have a point of view, and it changes quickly and often. Now that I have adjusted, I no longer find it distracting. In fact, I enjoy it.

Ava Ridley is the heroine in this story, and I quickly became vested in her character. She’s determined and loyal to her friends and family. She also has an excellent moral set of rules she lives by.

Hunt Knox is our hero, and he has all the characteristics that I most admire. He’s burdened by the past, but he still looks after his siblings when has mother asks him to do so on her deathbed. When he sees Ava, after being gone for years, he’s immediately drawn to her. I loved his conviction regarding his feelings toward her. It’s unwavering.

The romance between Ava and Hunt is sweet, and the attraction is strong. The love scenes are more about the emotions and not the physical aspect of making love. I enjoyed their love story and wanted them to have a lovely happy ending!

If you enjoy small town romances with characters that will grab you and not let go, and an emotional plot, then you will love Somebody to Love as much as I do. This is an amazing series, and I highly recommend you read this book and the others in it. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Sharon Sala is a long-time member of RWA, as well as a member of OKRWA. She has 115 books and novellas in print, published in six different genres – Romance, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, and Women's Fiction and Non-Fiction. First published in 1991, she's an eight-time RITA finalist, winner of the Janet Dailey Award, five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine, five time winner of the National Reader's Choice Award, and five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer's Award of Excellence, winner of the Heart of Excellence Award, as well as winner of the Booksellers Best Award. In 2011 she was named RWA's recipient of the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2017 Romance Writers of America presented her with the Centennial Award for recognition of her 100th published novel. Her books are New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly best-sellers. Writing changed her life, her world, and her fate. For book list, go to her website: www.sharonsala.net

Social Media:

Website: www.sharonsala.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharonkaysala/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sharonsala1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonkaysala/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?rs=ac&len=2&q=sharon sala&eq=sharon sala&etslf=9049&term_meta[]=sharon|autocomplete|1&term_meta[]=sala|autocomplete|1

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sharon-sala

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/40570.Sharon_SalaFacebook:

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Book Review with featured author: Once in a Blue Moon by Sharon Sala

Once in a Blue Moon by Sharon Sala

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks Casablanca, August 25, 2020

Time and setting: Present Day, Blessings, GA

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Women’s Fiction

Length: 300 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sharon Sala brings you back to Blessings, Georgia

How often do you find a love like this?

Cathy Terry is tired of running. Full of fear and hope, she backpacked across the country to Blessings, Georgia, not knowing if or when her abusive ex-husband would catch up to her. In Blessings she glimpses a safe haven and the closest feeling to home she's had in a long time—even more so when she meets Duke Talbot. The sweet, strong, and handsome rancher provides a shoulder to lean on. The stakes get higher as the community embraces her and her relationship with Duke deepens—but can Cathy claim a new home and family before her past claims her?

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Once-Blue-Moon-Blessings-Georgia-ebook/dp/B082L5W3G8

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/once-in-a-blue-moon-sharon-sala

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/once-in-a-blue-moon-45

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49300702-once-in-a-blue-moon?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=LqjTrDwqIE&rank=3

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/once-in-a-blue-moon-blessings-georgia-book-10-by-sharon-sala

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of Once in a Blue Moon by Sharon Sala for the purpose of reading and reviewing prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and no one has influenced them.

I have now read quite a few books in this amazing series. At first, it took a bit of time to get used to Ms. Sala’s writing style, since so many characters have a point of view, and it changes quickly and often. Now that I have adjusted, I no longer find it distracting. In fact, I enjoy it.

Once in a Blue Moon is a delightful romance that kept me engaged from the first page to the last. The plot is so unique, and the characters are real, both are heartwarming and touched my heart. This book has a bit of it all. It gives a great feel to small town USA and the endearing characters in Blessings, Georgia. Once in a Blue Moon even has a bit of suspense, which I’ve come to expect in Ms. Sala’s books, and a wonderful love story to enhance my reading experience.

Cathy Terry’s character is spunky, a true survivor. Her ex-husband refuses to leave her alone, so she takes matters into her own hands and disappears, hiking across the country and landing in Blessings, Georgia. I loved her surprise when she meets the citizens and her amazement when she welcomed with open arms. As the survivor of an abusive husband, she deserves to find her soulmate.

Duke Talbot is a true southern gentleman and a charming hero who touched my heart from the first scene. His determination to get to know the mysterious Cathy quickly endeared him to me. He’s such a protector, going out of his way to embrace a stranger in trouble.

The romance between Cathy and Duke is sweet, and the attraction is strong. It centers the love scenes more on the emotions and not the physical aspect of making love. I enjoyed their love story and wanted them to have a lovely happy ending!

If you like small town USA stories with an endearing set of characters, along with a great romance, then you will love Once in a Blue Moon as much as I did. Each book in this series is better than the last. Although Once in a Blue Moon reads as a stand-alone, I strongly suggest reading the books in order to capture the essence of this wonderful and quirky small town. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharonkaysala/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sharonsala1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonkaysala/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?rs=ac&len=2&q=sharon sala&eq=sharon sala&etslf=9049&term_meta[]=sharon|autocomplete|1&term_meta[]=sala|autocomplete|1

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sharon-sala

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/40570.Sharon_Sala

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Book Review: The Way Back to You by Sharon Sala

The Way Back to You by Sharon Sala

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks Casablanca, December 31, 2019

Time and setting: Present Day, Blessings, GA

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction

Length: 352 Pages

Heat Level: Mild

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

What do you do when your whole life is turned upside down?

Sully Raines sets out to find his birth mother, and ends up in Blessings, Georgia. A new surprise awaits him here, but of the best kind—his childhood sweetheart, whom he hasn't seen since she moved away when they were teens, is living in Blessings now. He's not sure she's as happy to see him as he is to see her, but it's been a lot of years, and a lot of water under the bridge...

Sully's heartfelt search for answers about his past might just turn out to be the key to his future...

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Way-Back-Blessings-Georgia-Book-ebook/dp/B07THCM4ZT

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-way-back-to-you-sharon-sala

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46643083-the-way-back-to-you

Vikki’s Musings

What a marvelous addition to the Blessings, Georgia series. Thanks goes to the publisher, via Net-Galley for the opportunity to read and review prior to publication. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

The Way Back to You is a delightful romance that kept me engaged from the first page to the last. The plot is so unique, and the characters are real, both are heartwarming and touched my heart. This book has a bit of it all. It gives a great feel to small town USA and the endearing characters in Blessings, Georgia. The Way Back to You even has a good bit of suspense, which I’ve come to expect in Ms. Sala’s books, and a wonderful love story to enhance my reading experience.

Melissa Dean is a unique character. At first, she seemed too caught up in her late husband she’d lost twenty years before, but that soon proved to be a misconception on my part. She is a hard-working small businesswoman who just believes she’s too old to find romance, now that she’s finally come out of the fog of grief. I could feel the thrill she experienced when she realizes her rescuer is none other than her first boyfriend. Just loved her reaction so much.

Sully Raines is the hero, and he’s on a mission to find his birth mother. The only woman he’d ever known left a letter and information regarding his adoption when she passes. That was the first he’d heard of it. He’s recently retired from the Kansas City Fire department, so he has the time and resources for his search.

He follows the minimal leads he has to Texas, then New Orleans where he speaks with one of Janie Chapman’s—she’s his birth mom—ex-husbands. He now has a last known address in Blessings, Georgia. When he arrives in Blessings, he checks into a quaint bed & breakfast, then heads to a café for a meal. He witnesses a horrific car crash and reacts quickly to save a woman from a smoking car. Imagine his surprise when he realizes it’s his childhood sweetheart, one he has never forgotten.

Sully is an awesome hero. Not only is he brave and fearless, he’s a man who doesn’t give up. His determination to find his birth mother is amazing. His pursuit of Melissa is sweet and fulfilling. I truly loved his character.

The romance between Melissa and Sully is one of the most endearing I’ve read recently. They are so obviously drawn to each other, and both characters have strong romantic feelings for each other from the first time they see each other again. I thoroughly enjoy Ms. Sala’s love scenes, while they are sexual, they focus on the feelings and not the act itself. I could feel the emotions each character had for the other.

If you enjoy romances with an outstanding group of characters that will touch your heart, and a beautiful love story with an added mystery to solve, then you will love The Way Back to You as much as I did. I can’t wait to read the next book in this fantastic series. I have totally fallen in love with Blessings. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Social Media:

Website: https://sharonsala.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharonkaysala/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonSala1?lang=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonkaysala_/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?rs=ac&len=2&q=sharon sala&eq=sharon sala&etslf=9049&term_meta[]=sharon|autocomplete|1&term_meta[]=sala|autocomplete|1

Monday, June 24, 2019

Book Review: A Rainbow Above Us by Sharon Sala

A Rainbow Above Us by Sharon Sala

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks, June 25, 2019

Time and setting: Present Day, Blessings, GA

Genre: Contemporary Rural Fiction, Romantic Elements

Book Length: 352 pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

What will it take to bring people together?

Hurricane Fanny left no one in Blessings, Georgia unscathed—including Rowan Harper, the only surviving member of her family. Rebuilding her life now seems almost impossible.

Bowie James comes back to help repair his grandmother's house, but he doesn't intend to stay long. He and his mother were forced out of Blessings a decade ago, and he's neither forgiven nor forgotten those responsible.

But Rowan is kindhearted, beautiful, and lost, and Bowie discovers that he can entrust her with his deepest secrets. If only their love could bring hope and healing to everyone around them, maybe they'd be willing to give it a chance...

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Rainbow-Above-Blessings-Georgia-Book-ebook/dp/B07MZHH249

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42366202-a-rainbow-above-us

Vikki’s Musings

This is the eighth book in the Blessings, Georgia series by Sharon Sala. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review, I eagerly accepted since I’d read the previous books and enjoyed them. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

I quickly became fully vested in the characters and the plot. The pacing is incredibly fast, moving from one story line to another. There is a lot of head hopping. Sometimes from one sentence to the next. By now, I have grown used to it and didn’t find it as disconcerting. I enjoyed so many different perspectives, however, there isn’t a great deal of deep character development.

While Rowan’s character doesn’t have much depth, she’s such an endearing individual, it didn’t matter. She’s a simple, somewhat naïve young woman who has lived in isolation on a farm with her father. When she loses her daddy and is left homeless after the hurricane in the last book, Pearl and Ella James takes her under their wing. She’s grateful for their kindness and does anything to help them in return. I loved her open heart and sweet nature.

Bowie James is a great hero. He left Blessings after receiving a near-death beating from family because he looked too much like them, and since he’s a bastard, his father wants him gone. Shortly after he and his mother ran, she committed suicide, so Bowie had to make his way alone. Even though he had lots of reasons to stay away from Blessings, when his grandmother and aunt need him, he returns.

His willingness to help restore his grandmother’s house touched my heart. When he’s attacked on his first day in Blessing by the same uncles who gave him his beating, he handles it quickly and the men are arrested. His nephew keys his car in retaliation and is arrested, but when the fifteen-year-old wants to make restitution by working to cover repairs, he immediately takes him under his wing. He’s able to look beyond the boy’s actions and find the good in him.

The romance between the hero and heroine is sweet and tender. Even though it moved quickly, it still felt right. The chemistry is strong and very pleasing. Bowie has craved family ever since he left Blessings, and with Rowan, he’s found someone who is willing to follow him anywhere. They are perfect together.

The Uncles and his father are the villains of this story. The sad truth that the uncles have allowed their father to rule their lives, play a significant role in this book. Their women finally have their eyes opened to their deplorable behavior. The father’s wife, Cora, leaves him and turns her back on her sons. This is a huge eye-opener for them and has the sons examining their behavior, which is always a good thing!

If you enjoy a story with engaging characters and an intriguing plot, then you will enjoy A Rainbow Above Us. You will need to read carefully to follow all the different story lines, but it’s worth it. I look forward to reading the next book in this interesting series. Happy reading!

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Book Review: Forever my Hero by Sharon Sala

Forever my Hero by Sharon Sala

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks Casablanca, February 26, 2019

Time and setting: Present Day, Blessings, GA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length: 384 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 3.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

Every storm they've weathered...has led them to each other

Dan Amos lost his wife and son years ago, when they inadvertently got in the way of a death threat meant for him. He's never had eyes for anyone since, and he doesn't want to. But fellow Blessings resident Alice Conroy sparks something inside him...

Newly widowed, Alice was disillusioned by marriage and isn't looking to fall in love anytime soon. Then a tropical storm blazes a path straight for the Georgia coast, and as the town prepares for the worst, Dan opens his heart and his home. The tempest is raging, but Alice and Dan are learning to find shelter...in each other.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Forever-Hero-Blessings-Georgia-Book-ebook/dp/B07J6FJM74

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41966574-forever-my-hero

Vikki’s Musings

This is the seventh book in the Blessings, Georgia series by Ms. Sala. when I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, I eagerly accepted since I’d read the previous books and enjoyed them. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

I quickly became vested in the characters and the plot. The pacing is good and there was no sagging middle, which is a very good thing. One thing I did find disconcerting was a lot of head hopping. sometimes from one sentence to the next. that is the main reason I gave this book a little lower rating.

Alice is a wonderful heroine with all the characteristics I most admire. She has a fearless spirit, and while she has great reason to want to give up, she does not. She is an amazing mother, fiercely protective of her children, determined to give them the best. Although, she had a rough marriage with her late husband, she is willing to open her heart to love again.

Dan is a great hero. he is an honorable guy who doesn’t allow his tragic past to color his view of the world. I liked the way he looks out for others, including Alice. I truly admired him a great deal and wanted him to find his happy ending.

The romance between the hero and heroine is sweet, and even though it moved quickly, it still felt right. The chemistry is strong and very pleasing. The love scene is well written and enjoyable.

If you enjoy a story with engaging characters and an intriguing plot, then you will enjoy Forever my Hero. While I am not overly fond of Ms. Sala’s head hopping and giving so many characters a point of view, I will definitely read more books by her. Happy reading!

Excerpt:

School was officially out for the day, and parents were standing outside their cars, making sure they were in plain sight today so that their children would not be afraid.

Dan was on his way back to his truck when Alice got out. She waved at him, then stood out on the sidewalk so Patty could see her. She would be looking for their car, not Dan Amos’s truck.

Dan jogged over to where she was standing and tossed his crowbar into the truck bed.

“You were amazing,” Alice said. “I was afraid you would get hurt, too.”

He grinned. “It appears I haven’t lost my roping skills.”

Alice’s eyes widened. “I thought you were a lawyer before you came here.”

“I was once, but I grew up on a ranch in Texas. My parents still live on it, but both of my brothers run it now. When we were kids, we all worked the ranch,” he said.

“So I guess you ride horses, too?” she said.

Grinning, Dan pointed to his boots and belt buckle. “Yes, ma’am. This stuff’s not for show.”

Alice laughed and then heard the bell ring and turned toward the school. Within moments, kids began emerging through the front doors. “Here they come,” she said.

Dan was still trying to get past how her laugh made him feel when the children began coming outside. To his surprise, there was actually a kind of order to their exit. Teachers walked with part of the students toward buses, while other teachers walked with the in-town riders. He was wondering who would be driving the injured driver’s bus when he saw a man come jogging out behind some of the kids and head that way.

“That’s the PE coach. I’ll bet he’s going to be the substitute driver,” Alice said, and then pointed. “There’s Patty! Oh…she doesn’t see my car.”

“We’ll fix that,” Dan said, and once again, he picked Alice up by the waist and swung her up and into the truck bed. Now she was heads above everyone. “Wave! She’ll see you,” Dan said.

Alice’s heart was hammering as she turned and waved, and then kept on waving until suddenly Patty saw her, smiled, and waved back.

“She saw you, right?” Dan asked.

“Yes, she did! Thank you so much.”

“Ready to get down?” he asked.

She nodded.

This time, he let the tailgate down and then held out his arms. She sat down on the tailgate, then he lifted her off and set her on her feet.

“We should have driven my car. Then you wouldn’t have to be helping me up and helping me down,” she said.

“What’s the fun in that?” he asked, grinning as he set her back into his front seat.

She was a bit taken aback by the teasing, then laughed. Moments later, they began moving up in line along with everyone else. Within a couple of minutes, they were at the loading zone. Dan jumped out and opened the back door of his truck.

“One more Conroy girl to load up, and then we’re good to go,” he said as Patty came running.

As soon as she was buckled in the back seat, she started talking.

“Mama, a girl named Shirley threw up on teacher’s shoes at lunch. I got a happy face on my workbook page and skinned my knee at recess! Did you know there were mean dogs at our school? Will they come back? I might be a’scairt tomorrow.”

Dan was grinning. “Does she ever stop to take a breath?”

“Rarely,” Alice said, then turned around to look at Patty. “Good for you for getting a happy face. That makes Mama’s face happy, too. We did know about the dogs. Mr. Amos saw the dogs and ran to help the bus driver. He stopped the dogs, and the police came and took them away. You don’t have to be scared about anything, okay?”

“Okay, Mama. Thank you, Mr. Amos.”

“You’re welcome, Patty.” Then he glanced at Alice. “Do you need anything before I take you home?”

“No, thank you. We have all we need,” she said.

“Okay then,” he said, and turned left at the stop sign by the school.

“Mama, is Charlie gonna have to walk home by himself? Won’t he be a’scairt, too?”

Alice shook her head. “Charlie walks home every day, and no, he won’t be scared. Charlie is a big boy, remember?”

Patty nodded.

Dan smiled as he drove, enjoying the little girl’s chatter and Alice’s calm demeanor. He was actually disappointed when he reached their house and pulled up into the driveway.

“Well, ladies, you’re home. Alice, if you will bear with me one more time, I’ll help you two out and see you to the door like the gentleman my mama raised me to be.”

He circled the truck, helped Alice down first, and then Patty. Once Patty’s feet touched the ground, she was running toward the house and already on the porch, airing her cheerleader skills by running from one end of the porch to the other, cheering as she went.

Dan laughed out loud at the surprised expression on Alice’s face.

Alice sighed. “Don’t encourage her.”

“Is that even possible?” he asked, as he helped her up the steps. “House key?”

She handed it to him. “It’s the one with the pink nail polish on it, remember?”

“Got it,” he said, unlocked the front door, and then stood back out of the way as Patty danced through the doorway and into the house. Dan was still grinning as he dropped the key ring into Alice’s palm. “It has been a pleasure to spend this time with you and your mini me, Ms. Alice. Maybe we could do this again sometime when there’s nothing else calling your attention.”

Alice was so shocked by the invitation that she forgot to answer.

Dan hesitated. That wasn’t the response he was hoping for. “Uh…so, is that a silent yes, or a silent no?”

She blinked. “Oh. I’m sorry. Uh…it’s a yes, and thank you?”

His heart skipped a beat. Here he was, wanting to kiss her again. He settled for a touch on her forearm. “Take care of that hand,” he said, and left before he made a bigger fool of himself or she changed her mind.

He was on his way home before the shock of what he’d done finally hit. “I cannot believe I asked her on a date.” He drove a whole block farther. “I can’t believe she said yes,” he added. He got home and all the way inside his house with one last question yet unasked. Was tomorrow too soon?

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Friday, August 24, 2018

Book Review: Come Back to Me by Sharon Sala

Come Back to Me by Sharon Sala

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks Casablanca, August 28, 2018

Time and setting: Present Day, Blessings, GA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length: 320 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

After a crime pitted their families against each other, high school sweethearts Phoebe Ritter and Aidan Payne were forced to say a tearful goodbye. Phoebe stayed behind in Blessings, Georgia, while Aidan and his father left town for good.

Twenty years later, after the death of his grandfather, Aidan comes home to Blessings—only to discover he has a nineteen-year-old son. Aidan is hurt but thrilled to meet Lee. And as Aidan and Phoebe spend more time together, they realize their old feelings are as strong as ever. But with a complicated past riddled with drama and betrayal, can they truly forgive and forget?

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Come-Back-Me-Blessings-Georgia-ebook/dp/B079K3467D

B&N: http://bit.ly/2KRrnvO

Apple: https://apple.co/2JuiY0x

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38358088-come-back-to-me

Excerpt:

Seeing the porch light on as she pulled up to the house was just like old times. He'd done that since he'd been old enough to stay home alone, and she'd missed it. She grabbed her things, ran up the steps, and let herself into the house.

"I'm home," she yelled.

"Me, too," he yelled back.

She laughed. Just like old times. She left her purse on a table as she hurried into the kitchen, and found Lee at the stove, heating up food.

He gave her a big hug.

"I waited for you," he said. "Go change and get comfy. I'll set the table while you're gone."

"Wonderful!" Phoebe said, and hurried down the hall to her room.

She changed out of work clothes into a pair of shorts and an old t-shirt, and changed work shoes for sandals, washed up and hurried back to the kitchen.

"You cooked," she said, eyeing the table and the inviting food.

"I just added some baked beans and fries to the ribs and slaw. Sit, Mom. Let me wait on you tonight."

"I won't argue," Phoebe said, and smiled at him when he brought glasses of sweet iced tea to the table, followed by the food.

After filling their plates, they began to talk as they ate.

"My grade point for the year is 4.0 and I was accepted into an accelerated Physics program next semester," Lee said.

Phoebe beamed. "Oh, Lee, congratulations. I'm so proud of you. I know you didn't get that from me."

Lee took a deep breath. "Did I get it from my father?"

Phoebe's smile slipped a little. The sorrow she lived with was once again, evident on her face.

"Yes. He was very smart."

Lee ate a few more bites, then took his phone from his pocket, pulled up the picture, and pushed it toward her.

Phoebe smiled. "A new girlfriend?"

He shook his head, then waited as she looked down.

Her fork clattered onto the table. She pressed a hand over her mouth, but it didn't muffle the moan.

He grabbed her arm. "Mom. Are you okay?"

"Where did you...oh my God. That's the store parking lot."

She looked up. "You took this today."

He nodded. "I saw him by accident. Wasn't for sure, so I took a picture, then came home and compared it to yours. He's older, but it's him, isn't it, Mom? That's my father."

She nodded, then started to cry.

Across town, Aidan was already asleep, more at ease in this old house in Blessings, than he was in his New Orleans home, sleeping with the best security system money could buy. But there was no way to control where sleep took him, or enough locks on a door to keep Phoebe out of his dreams.

****

He saw Phoebe running toward him. He'd been waiting for days and days for her to come but she had not. She'd been part of the people who'd shunned them, and seeing her now, the pain in his heart hurt so much it was hard to draw breath.

"I'm sorry," she said.

He hardened his heart and turned away.

"Don't leave," she cried. "I'm sorry, so sorry."

He remembered how soft her lips were against his mouth, and how her body curled into his when they embraced, and kept walking.

"Aidan, please," she begged.

He wanted to bury his face against her hair and cry, but he didn't, and then the dream hit fast-forward and they were driving away and she was running behind them, but this time she didn't stop. She was behind their car as they drove out of town. She was running right behind their car all the way to the interstate, and then all of a sudden she was gone. He turned around in the seat, searching for sight of her, but she had disappeared.

He was screaming at his Dad, "turn around, turn around. We can't leave Phoebe behind."

Vikki’s Musings

Sharon Sala is fast becoming an auto-buy author for me. I truly enjoy the Blessings series so was pleased when I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Come Back to Me is a heart-warming second chance romance, one of my favorite troupes. As always, Ms. Sala weaves the many engaging characters throughout the story. While at times, I had to slow down my reading when she goes from one character’s POV to another, I am becoming used to her writing style.

Phoebe’s character is endearing, and she is a nurture which is my favorite archetype. Her willingness to put her life on hold for her son is a selfless act few women would make. If that was her only reason she has not allowed a man in her life, I might have a harder time believing it. Her love for Aidan just would not die. Since I’m a romantic at heart, this melted me into a puddle of goo.

Aidan is a mix of the warrior and best friend archetype and a refreshing change from the typical male hero in most romances. I loved him from the start. His sincerity and willingness to take responsibility for his part in what happened between him and Phoebe stole my heart.

The romance between Phoebe and Aidan is a deeply emotional one that tugged at my soul. Yet there is a playful side to it as well. I truly wanted them to find their happy ending.

If you enjoy small town romances with an array of delightful and funny characters with a beautiful love story added in, then you will love Come Back to Me as much as I did. I look forward to more novels set in the quaint and friendly town of Blessings. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Sharon Sala is a long-time member of RWA, as well as a member of OKRWA. She has 115 books and novellas in print, published in six different genres – Romance, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, and Women’s Fiction and Non-Fiction. First published in 1991, she’s an eight-time RITA finalist, winner of the Janet Dailey Award, five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine, five time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award, and five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence, winner of the Heart of Excellence Award, as well as winner of the Booksellers Best Award. In 2011 she was named RWA’s recipient of the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2017 Romance Writers of America presented her with the Centennial Award for recognition of her 100th published novel.

Her books are New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly best-sellers. Writing changed her life, her world, and her fate.

For book list, go to her website: www.sharonsala.net

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