Book Review with Featured Author: The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle

 

Publisher & Release: Waterbrook, May 11, 2021

Setting: Carolina Coast

Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction

Length: 347 Pages

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

“A beautiful story full of love, loss, and second chances.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber

A touching novel of a friendship that crosses generations, and learning how even the smallest gifts can change a life for good, from USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle.

Two years after her husband’s death, Amanda Whittier has two children to raise alone, an abandoned dream of starting a business, and a fixer-upper cottage by the sea. She has no room in her life for anything else and little interest in moving on after losing the man she loved. 

Paul Grant is a relative newcomer to the area, and his work with former military dogs needing rehabilitation has been good for the town. Though he loved once before, he’s convinced he’s not suited for romance and is determined to find meaning—alone—through his work and role in the community. 

Widowed Maeve Lindsay was born and raised on Whelk’s Island. Spirited, kind, and a little mischievous, she pours her life into the town. But she carries a secret that shapes her every move. 

Together, these three souls find encouragement in the most mysterious places and discover a love that’s bigger than their pain, healing their wounded hearts in ways none of them could have hoped for or expected.

 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Shell-Collector-Novel-Nancy-Naigle-ebook/dp/B08HLB7Y3N

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-shell-collector-nancy-naigle/1137597639

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-shell-collector-6

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Nancy_Naigle_The_Shell_Collector?id=roP7DwAAQBAJ

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Shell-Collector-Audiobook/0593400208?qid=1619984913&sr=1-2&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_2&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=5X9MHK2NMAQ0NTVHKX5G

 

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56579723-the-shell-collector

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-shell-collector-by-nancy-naigle

 

Vikki’s Musings

 

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this heartwarming novel prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced my rating.

The Shell Collector is another heartfelt story with endearing characters and a plot that will touch your heart. The pacing pulled me in from the first page to the last. Ms. Naigle has set this novel in a small coastal beach town with a close community.

Amanda Whittier is the heroine, and I quickly became enmeshed with her character from the start. I loved her courage, her stamina and determination. When she befriends Maeve, my heart melted. Her love of her adorable children is admirable, and although her grief is deep from the losing her husband, she doesn’t allow it to pull her under.

 Paul Grant is the hero, and he has the characteristics I most admire. Not only is he ex-military, but he’s also a dog lover and has formed a company to rehabilitate ex-military animals. When he meets Amanda on the beach, it amazed him. The last time he’d seen her was at her husband, and his best friend’s, funeral, where she placed the blame on him for Jack’s death.

 Maeve Lindsay is the third major character in this tale, and she’s feisty, quirky and will steal your heart. Her love and unconditional acceptance of Amanda is amazing, and her deep relationships with the folks in their community are heartwarming.

 The romance between Amanda and Paul is not the central focus of this novel, but added to my enjoyment. While they have a good bit of angst to overcome from their past, they don’t antagonize each other. I enjoyed their romance and wanted them to find their happy ending.

 If you enjoy novels that deal with grief, friendship and unconditional love, and with characters that will grab your heart, then you will love The Shell Collector as much as I did. I always know I’m in for an emotional reading experience with one of Ms. Naigle’s novels. Happy reading!

 

Author Bio:

 

USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle whips up small-town love stories with a dash of suspense and a whole lot of heart. She began her contemporary romance series, Adams Grove, while juggling a successful career as an SVP for Bank of America and life on a seventy-six-acre goat farm. 

 

Now enjoying an early retirement from the financial industry, she devotes her time to writing, antiquing, cooking, trail riding on her Palomino, and the occasional spa day with friends. A native of Virginia Beach, she now calls North Carolina home. 

 

Best known for her small town stories set in Adams Grove, Sweet Tea and Secrets leads off this small town series. Stay tuned for news about the release of Porch Swings and Promises.

 

Nancy writes romance and women's fiction for Montlake Romance and St. Martin's Press and enjoys the diversity of adding mysteries to her list of accomplishments through Crossroads Publishing House. She's also working on several projects with Hallmark. Watch for Nancy's novels, Christmas Joy, Christmas in Evergreen and Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa on Hallmark Channel, and Hope at Christmas, on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. New in 2020, The Secret Ingredient made its Hallmark Channel debut, and stay tuned for news about the movie based on Sand Dollar Cove.

​

Sign up for Nancy's newsletter at the bottom of this page to be the first to hear about the new movie.

 

Social Media:

Website: https://www.nancynaigle.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NancyNaigle

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nancynaigle/_created/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nancy-naigle

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4575284.Nancy_Naigle

 

Book Review: Tucker, Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas by Emily March

Tucker Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas by Emily March

Publisher & Release: St. Martin’s Press, February 25, 2020

Time and setting:  Present Day, Texas

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 329 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating:  4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

In Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas, New York Times bestselling author Emily March presents a brand new arc set in the Lone Star State that features a family-linked trilogy within the author's romantic series.

Hope springs eternal in this enchanting Texas town.

Meet Gillian Thacker. Her business: Bliss Bridal Salon. Her passion: Weddings. Her own wedding: It’s complicated. Life isn’t turning out like she’d planned. The last thing she wants is for a real-life hero to ride to her rescue when an unexpected event puts her entire future in Redemption, Texas, at risk. So what’s a broken-hearted bridal expert to do? Maybe a new set of survival skills is exactly what she needs…

Tucker McBride has been proud to call himself a U.S. Army Ranger. But now that his days of service are over, he’s decided to put his expertise to use by founding a wilderness skills training school. He sets up shop in Redemption, next to Bliss Bridal, and so begins life: Part Two. Marriage has been pretty low on his agenda, but as soon as he meets Gillian, Tucker can’t help but contemplate the ultimate challenge: Convincing the reluctant bride to take his hand and leap into the adventure of a lifetime. . .until death do they part.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Eternity-Springs-McBrides-Texas-Tucker-ebook/dp/B07SCTC5Q3

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/eternity-springs-emily-march

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46039699-tucker

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks go to the publishing and Net-Galley for the chance to read and review Tucker Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas by Emily March before publication. My opinions are my own, and no one has influenced them in any way.

I recently found Emily March’s Eternity Springs series, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. I immediately snagged Tucker when I found it on Net-Galley. As with the other books, Tucker pulled me in from the first page and held me engaged until the last page. The pacing is steady and worked well for this story. I loved the McBrides in Texas as much as the characters in Eternity Springs.

Gillian Thacker’s character has a good deal of depth, making her a compelling character. She’s independent and wants her new business venture to succeed. I never liked her fiancée from the start, so I was glad when their engagement ended. I felt her anger and frustration over how it dissolved though.

Tucker McBride is a great hero with many facets to his character. He had a career as a U.S. Army Ranger and was smart enough to realize when it was time to leave. He still suffers from what happened while a ranger, but his determination to move beyond it is inspiring. Although attracted to Gillian, he keeps his distance until she breaks off her engagement. Then he pursues her, determined to win her heart.

I thoroughly enjoyed the romance between Gillian and Tucker. It’s clear from their first meeting they are perfect for each other. He’s so patient with Gillian and accepts she needs time to trust her feelings after her breakup. They captivated me, and I was so pleased they found their way to each other.

If you enjoy romance with a character-driven plot and touching base with past characters from the Eternity Springs series, then you will love Tucker as much as I did. While this can easily be read as a stand-alone novel, I encourage you to read Ms. March’s Eternity series. It’s amazing. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Emily March is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels, including the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series. Publishers Weekly calls March a "master of delightful banter," and her heartwarming, emotionally charged stories have been named to Best of the Year lists by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Romance Writers of America. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Emily is an avid fan of Aggie sports and her recipe for jalapeño relish has made her a tailgating legend.

Social Media:

Website: https://emilymarch.com/

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

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/emilymarch/boards/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/emily-march

Book Review: Finn by Melody Anne

Finn By Melody Anne

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, October 8, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, Seattle

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Military Romance

Length: 279 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating:  4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Finn Anderson is a loyal military veteran who has no desire to live a life of luxury and ease, but sometimes a person doesn’t get a choice. His life is flipped upside down when he and his four brothers learn they’re long-lost relatives of the absurdly famous and wealthy Joseph Anderson. The eccentric but generous billionaire puts the brothers to work building a new veterans center, and that’s not all: Joseph won’t stop until each nephew finds love.

Finn has never expected or wanted an easy life, and he struggles with his early retirement from the elite SEAL team. But when a very confident Brooke Garrison literally sweeps him off his feet during a self-defense class he’s teaching, he thinks less about his past and more about a brand-new future.

If Finn knows anything for certain, it’s that he can’t let this woman get away. Though Brooke is tough and compassionate, the loss of her brother has left her vulnerable. She isn’t sure she can risk loving and losing another person in her life, including a very determined ex-SEAL. Can the two of them look beyond their past wounds and embrace what they’re feeling?

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Finn-Anderson-Billionaires-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07Q6YTQJ7

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finn-melody-anne

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44769459-finn

Vikki’s Musings

Finn is the first book in Melody Anne’s newest series. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review, the book description sounded interest, so I accepted. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

This is another sexy romance by Ms. Anne. I enjoyed the unique twist in this contemporary romance. There are four brothers, and they find out they have an uncle they’ve never met. Joseph Anderson proposes they work with him on a project to help veterans. Finn is the oldest of the four brothers and has recently left the Navy, after he received injuries that prevent him from continuing his career as a Navy SEAL. 

Brooke Garrison’s character is a Physician’s Assistant who wants to help people. I liked her quite a lot. She has plenty of spunk and spice, whether she’s with her friends or the new hot guy in her life. 

Finn Anderson is a yummy hero. He makes up his mind that Brooke is the woman for him, and he pursues her with a vengeance. He does not give up, even when Brooke tries to push him away.

The romance between Brooke and Finn blazes hot and fast. I loved the banter and flirting between the pair. I could easily see them together as a couple and wanted them to find their happy ending.

If you enjoy contemporary romance with lively characters and an intriguing plot twist, then you will enjoy Finn. I liked meeting all the brothers and look forward to reading their stories in the additional books in this new series. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Melody Anne is a NYT best-selling author of more than 50 books including contemporary romance, erotic romance, young adult, thriller books.

As an aspiring author, she wrote for years, then officially published in 2011, finding her true calling, and a love of writing. Holding a Bachelor's Degree in business, she loves to write about strong, powerful businessmen and the corporate world.

When not writing, she spends time with family, friends, and her many pets. A country girl at heart, she loves the small town and strong community she lives in and is involved in community projects.

To date, she has over 7 million book sales and has earned multiple placement on varying best seller lists, including NYT's, USA Today, and WSJ, being an amazon top 100 bestselling author for 3 years in a row, as well as a Kobo and iBooks best-seller. But beyond that, she just loves getting to do what makes her happy - living in a fantasy world 95% of the time.

Social Media:

Website: https://www.melodyanne.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authmelodyanne

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authmelodyanne/

Book Review: Big Chance Cowboy by Teri Anne Stanley

Big Chance Cowboy by Teri Anne Stanley 

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks, August 27, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, Texas

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 384 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

At Big Chance Dog Rescue,
Even humans get a second chance

After a disastrous mistake disbanded his Army unit, Adam Collins has returned home to Big Chance, Texas. He just wants to sell the family ranch, set up his sister and grandfather with the funds, and then ride off into the sunset. 

Lizzie Vanhook has landed back in her hometown, heartbroken and jobless. Adding to her troubles is the unruly stray who's claimed her as his own. Lizzie knows she's in over her head. Enter Adam—not only does he work with dogs, he's also tall, dark, handsome, and the one who got away...

Adam wants nothing to do with other people, much less dogs. But when his old flame asks him to help her train her scruffy dog, he can't say no. As his reluctant heart opens up, the impossible seems possible: a second chance with the woman he's always loved in a place where he, his friends, and the other strays who show up can heal and call home, Big Chance, Texas.

More praise for Big Chance Cowboy:
"Love...and puppies... Be prepared to fall in love with this cast of characters and this book." —JENNIE MARTS, USA Today bestselling author of the Cowboys of Creedence series

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Iu7auY

B&N: http://bit.ly/2IHFq5E

Apple: https://apple.co/2Pih8jC

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/2PhdFlC

BAM: http://bit.ly/2Phdd6U

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2ZNSige

Walmart: http://bit.ly/2Z1nOKB

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46204885-big-chance-cowboy

Vikki’s Musings

Big Chance Cowboy is the first book in Teri Anne Stanley’s new series, Big Chance Dog Rescue. I adore dogs, so when I read the book description, I eagerly accepted the invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

This is the first book I have read by Teri Anne Stanley, and I thoroughly enjoyed this emotionally-charged romance. The premise for this book is excellent and very believable. The secondary characters are intriguing, and I can’t wait to read their stories. The pacing is perfect and kept me turning the pages.

Lizzie Vanhook’s character is immediately appealing. Her sassy, yet vulnerable personality, is endearing, and I fell in love with her right away. No wonder she has a poor body image! Not only did her ex-boyfriend constantly harp on her weight, he also made light of her career goals as well. While his character is not actually in this book, Ms. Stanley gave me enough in Lizzie’s backstory to make me detest the jerk. The heroine deserved much better, so I truly wanted her to find her happy ending.

Adam Collins is my favorite kind of hero. He’s tortured and has shouldered a ton of guilt when his k-9 didn’t sense the explosives that killed and injured several of his team. My heart ached for him. He’s such a great guy and was not responsible for the explosion. I also wanted him to get the girl!

Lizzie and Adam knew each other in high school and even shared an intimate moment, but he left for the army, leaving a heartbroken Lizzie behind. When they meet again, the sparks fly immediately. The chemistry between them is combustible, and I loved the banter between the pair. They are perfect for each other.

Big Chance Cowboy sets up the rest of the books in this series. His teammates who show up at his ranch are as broken as Adam, with not only emotional scars, but physical ones as well. Each one of the guys will make great heroes!

I must mention the amazing dogs. D-Day, the rescue Lizzie can’t resist when he hops in her car uninvited and won’t leave, Loretta and her adorable newborn puppies that Adam and Lizzie save when they find her torn up, clearly used and abused by a dog fighting ring, and last but by no means least, Patton, the rescue who ends up tied to the mailbox, all will make outstanding service animals. I can’t wait to see the guys train these remarkable dogs.

If you enjoy contemporary romance with plenty of heart and characters you’ll want to love, then you’ll be as delighted as I with Big Chance Cowboy. I can’t wait to see which of these great guys will be the next hero. Happy reading!

EXCERPT:

Houston was three hours and a couple of broken dreams behind her when Lizzie Vanhook crossed the Chance County line, right about the same time the Check Tire Pressure light in her dashboard blinked on.

Crap.She’d been in the homestretch. There was something symbolic about an uninterrupted beeline home, to the place she planned to find her center of gravity. Maybe start doing yoga. Eat all organic. Drink herbal tea and learn to play the pan flute.

Flipping the turn signal, she pulled into Big America Fuel and stopped near the sign for Free Air. She stepped out onto the cracked gray asphalt and bent to search for the pressure gauge her dad always insisted she keep in the pocket of the door but came up empty.

She abandoned the driver’s side and went to the passenger door, hesitating when she noticed the dog leaning against the nearby air pump. The bigdog. It was missing some significant patches of hair, and the rest was black and matted. Its big, shiny teeth were bared in what she hoped was a friendly smile. Its football-player-forearm-sized tail thumped the ground, raising a cloud of sunbaked, Central Texas dust. Lizzie sneezed. The dog stopped wagging and raised an ear in her direction.

“Good boy,” she told it, hoping that was the right thing to say. It was one thing to misunderstand the intentions of a tiny fuzzball of a dog and need a few stitches. Ignoring a warning from something this size could be lethal. It had to weigh at least a hundred pounds.

She kept the beast in her peripheral vision while she bent to search for the tire gauge. Ah ha!

“Y’all need some help?”

“No!” Lizzie straightened and turned, the pressure gauge clenched in her raised fist.

“Whoa there!” A sun-bronzed elderly man, about half Lizzie’s size, held his hands in front of him in a gesture of peace.

“I’m sorry,” she said, relaxing slightly. “The dog—” She gestured but the thing was gone.

“Didn’t mean to scare you, darlin’,” the old man said, tilting hisBig Americaball cap back. “We’re a little slow today, so I thought I’d check on you.” He indicated the vacant parking lot.

“It’s fine,” she said. She should remember she was back on her own turf, where it was way more likely that a stranger at a gas station really didwant to help you out rather than distract you and rob you blind. “It’s been a long drive, and I’m a little overcaffeinated.”

“No problem. You local?”

“Yes,” Lizzie said. Even though she’d been gone for years, it was about to be true again.

The attendant squinted at the tool she carried. “You got a leaky tire?”

“I don’t know.” She stooped to unscrew the cap of the first valve. “The little light went on while I was driving.” Nope.That one wasn’t low. She put the cap back on and continued her way around the car while her new friend followed, chatting about Big Chance. He wondered about the likelihood the Chance County High School quarterback would get a scholarship offer. Lizzie had no idea; she hadn’t been keeping up. He speculated on the probability that the Feed and Seed might close, now that there was a new Home Depot over in Fredericksburg. She expected she’d hear about it from her mom and dad if the local place was closing and wondered if her friend Emma still worked there.

It had been ages since Lizzie had spoken to Emma, and a wave of guilt washed over her. Finally, the last valve was checked, and she screwed the cap back on. She reached through the open window and dropped the tire gauge on the passenger seat while she said “Everybody’s full. Must be a false alarm.” She wrinkled her nose as she caught a whiff of the interior of her car. Sheesh.The service station probably sold air fresheners; maybe she should invest in one. Compared to the breezy, wide open spaces of home, her car smelled like an inside-out dead deer. She wanted to get home, though, so she decided to deal with it later.

It wasn’t until she was backing out onto the main road that she realized the awful smell inside her vehicle wasn’t just long-drive funk. There was something—something big and black and furry—sitting in the middle of her back seat, panting and grinning in her rearview mirror.

***

Excerpted from Big Chance Cowboy by Teri Anne Stanley. © 2019 by Teri Anne Stanley. Used with permission of the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca, an imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc. All rights reserved.

Author Bio:

When Teri Anne Stanley isn’t writing sassy, sexy, love stories from her home, she’s probably doing some sort of arsty-crafsty thing and hanging with Mr. Stanley, her three favorite children, and the dogs. Sometimes she’s masquerading as a day job science geek. She’s definitely not cooking or cleaning. Visit her online at www.teriannestanley.com. Teri Ann lives near Sugartit, Kentucky (which is between Beaver Lick and Rabbit Hash. Seriously). 

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Always for You: Jack by Alexis Morgan

Publisher & Release: Loveswept, April 19, 2016

Time and setting:  Present Day, Pacific Northwest

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length: 254 pages

Heat Level: Warm

Rating: 3 Gold Crowns for Romance 4.5 Gold Crowns for Family Fiction

Book Description: 

No one understands family loyalty like Jack McShane. He’d do anything to honor his foster father’s last wishes, even if it means putting his own plans on hold to manage Joe’s construction business. An ex–Special Forces operative, Jack thrives on the thrill of globe-hopping rescues. But now he’s needed closer to home. His foster mother has her hands full with a troubled teen, and when Jack meets the hired tutor, he discovers a woman who stirs his protective instincts—and his deepest desires.

Caitlyn Curtis knows that good looks can hide a hot temper. After an abusive marriage crushed her dreams of a happy ending, she swore off men—until one intoxicating dance in Jack’s strong arms breaks down every emotional barrier. Tough but tender, he leaves Caitlyn yearning for more of his gentle seduction. Despite the violence he’s seen, Jack is a good man. And even though passion can be dangerous, the promise of Jack’s kiss tempts her to believe that love is a risk worth taking.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Always-You-Jack-Sergeant-Novel-ebook/dp/B012KJXI6Q

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28234041-always-for-you

Vikki’s Musings

Okay. This novel is a mixed bag for me. If I had read this novel as family fiction, then I would have probably given this book more stars. The writing is good and so is the pacing. I was engaged from the start until the end. I just wanted more depth to Caitlyn and Jack.

I loved Ricky and his story line. The depth of Ricky's character is awesome. I could feel his anguish over his neglectful, uncaring mother who put her own wants and desire far above her only son’s. I was truly happy Ricky found unconditional love from the family he went to live with after the brutality he suffered at the hands of his stepfather.

I liked Jack’s character a great deal and his relationship with Ricky. His determination to help a troubled kid is commendable. I enjoyed his relationship with his mother and foster brothers a great deal. Near the end, his reaction to what happens to Ricky is a bit over exaggerated. While I believe he loves Caitlyn, but his emotions are lackluster. Now, as I mentioned previous, if I had read this book expecting the story to be about a kid in foster care and a man who grew up in the system who is willing to help him, then the lack of depth to the romantic element would not have bothered me as much.

I enjoyed Caitlyn’s character quite a lot. Her desire to help Ricky is also commendable. She is a great fit for Ricky and Jack. I believe she has a heart-wrenching backstory, but it was breezed over with no depth to it. Since this is supposed to be a romance, I wanted more.

Here is my problem with this book. This is supposed to be a romance, but it is not. While the story does have romance, it is not the central theme of this book and is a must for this one to be categorized as a romance. Ricky's situation is the central theme. Also, this book shows a family coming together, offering a troubled teen unconditional love.

Bottom line, Caitlyn, and Jack should have had a lot more time together delving into their personal struggles revolving around the two of them falling in love. That part had no depth and I felt very little chemistry between them.

I did enjoy this book, but just would have liked to know going into it that it is fiction, not romance. It does have a HEA at the end, but it seemed to be more of an afterthought and felt rushed. Overall, I can recommend Always for You: Jack as long as you are looking for a feel good story about a troubled teen and the people who come into his life willing to help him. Happy reading!

Book Review: Saving Jake by Sharon Sala

Saving Jake by Sharon Sala

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks Casablanca, October 4, 2016

Time and setting: Present Day, Blessings, Georgia

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length:  320 Pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 4.25 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

There is always hope

After eight years in the Marines, Jacob Lorde returns to Blessings, Georgia, with no plans other than to hole up in his empty house and heal what's left of his soul. But with a charming next door neighbor and a town full of friendly people, keeping to himself is easier said than done.

As long as you can come home

Laurel Payne understands far too well what Jake is going through, after witnessing her late husband experience similar problems. She's in no hurry to jump into another relationship with a complicated guy, but their attraction is undeniable-and perhaps exactly what both of them need.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Saving-Jake-Blessings-Georgia-Book-ebook/dp/B01ENNQ23I

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28389302-saving-jake

Vikki’s Musings

This is the first book I have read by Sharon Sala, and I quite enjoyed Saving Jake. I always enjoy romances with ex-military men who usually have trouble adjusting to civilian life, especially if they experienced the ravishes of war, so when I received a request for the publisher via Net-Galley to read in exchange for an honest review, I eagerly accepted.

Jacob Lorde has returned to Blessings, Georgia after the end of his military career when he stepped on an IED which changed his life. When a delightful little girl shows up at his home, he is enchanted and soon becomes just as enchanted with her mother.

Laurel Payne is a widow. Her husband came back from the war, but could not leave the nightmares behind, and took his life in a most horrendous way. His family blames her for their son’s death. She has not had an easy time of it with her young daughter, Bonnie, to raise.

While the last thing Laurel wants is to become involved with another man suffering from PTSD, she finds herself drawn to her new neighbor, and Bonnie is determined to have him in her life. Can she chance a relationship with Jacob, or should she play it safe?

Saving Jake is a story of overcoming adversity and taking a second chance at love. It’s a story of family and community. The pacing is steady and the romance slowly grows between these two emotionally scarred people.

Laurel gained my sympathy early on. She is a devoted mother, willing to make sacrifices to ensure the safety and well-being of her adorable little girl, Bonnie.  She is dedicated to her parents and her community. I loved how she eventually opens up to Jacob and lets him in.

I always love a tortured soul, and Jake is definitely that. Not only does he have physical impediments, he suffers from PTSD and tremendous guilt over losing several of his fellow soldiers. He shows a great deal of courage and determination to get on with his life. He is so tender and caring to Bonnie, and he quite stole my heart from the start and held it through the end.

If you are looking for a romance with a bit more substance, then you will enjoy Saving Jake as much as I did. The characters are great, especially the little girl, Bonnie. While at times I did struggle with so many characters having POV, it did add an interesting twist to the story. Happy reading!