Eight years ago, Erin Donahue had it all—her own city apartment, a career in photography, and a man who’d do anything for her. But things change. Fate steps in. Now, living in the small town of Destiny, IL, Erin embraces her new life, free of hurting anyone else. She’s all alone, and she likes it like that. Independent, strong…and broken. Until a handsome, divorced rancher drives up her lane and drags her back into a past she wants to forget.
A forbidden crush born long ago…
In Afghanistan, Slade Callahan tucks Erin into his dreams and his heart. Guilt plagues him for wanting her when she isn’t his to want. She belongs to his older brother. But when Erin breaks his brother’s heart, she never realizes she’s breaking two. Honor keeps him from going after her. Discharged from the Marines, Slade moves on with his life and lets her go. Until tragedy strikes. His brother is dead. Found in his car with two letters…one to his wife—and one to Erin.
A letter full of hope and secrets…
Erin and Slade come together, fighting a love that won’t let go. Tormented by guilt, shame, anger, and the need to forgive, walls slowly crumble. Setting off a firestorm of buried passions, they embrace the truth in the stars. But their journey is only beginning when the letter is read. Decisions must be made. Is Erin strong enough to accept herself and trust in this beautiful love, or will she repeat history with another Callahan man?
“This book was an ARC given to me by the author Nancy Glynn in exchange for a honest review”
This was a book I had picked up after a long reading slump to try and get me out of it and I am so glad that this author gave the book to me to read because it sure did.
I have always loved the contemporary romance genre but, I was not too sure how I would relate to a book with the characters a lot older than I am. But the characters were not only relatable but they took me on the story with them. It was a ride that I did not want to get out of and I wanted everyone to reach safely at the end.
What I loved about this story was that it was real. The characters were flawed and their flaws were not sugar coated. They were clearly flaws and though the characters would not have been the same without them, they were working on those flaws.
As most contemporary romance novels, it did have a happy ending but, the happy ending was not easily achieved. The characters had to go through a lot of struggles to reach that successful end goal.
All the characters in this book made it the book it is. Todd, Slade, Erin, Wendy and even the supporting characters like Judy, Harry, Mack, Nick and Rachel. They all made the story what it was as a final product.
I loved Erin and Slade’s love story. It wasn’t quick. It had been boiling for a few years. It was really hot. You could feel the sexual tension sizzling under the surface and when it caught fire. Whew!! I had to fan myself with something. But, besides the sexual tension, there was something in their relationship which made it special. Maybe it was the conversations between them or the way the two of them were always there for each other or just that overall feeling of pure happiness when they were not around each other. Sure their relationship was not perfect but that just made it all the more better. Sometimes you need a bump in the road to see the strength of a relationship.
Wendy was not a villain as such. Todd’s wife, she was just an obstacle standing in the way. There was nothing wrong with her, to be honest, I just felt bad for her. She had just been a recipient of unfortunate circumstances and she just did not know how to handle it. I loved Jacob, Todd and Wendy’s son!! He was the sweetest boy ever.
My favourite part of the book was when Erin was taking pictures and making memories through her camera. She was a great photographer and I feel its very important to capture memories and keep them because time flies.
I think one of the most important lessons in this book was forgiveness and letting go and there were a few lines I really loved in this book.
One line was what Todd had written in his letter. I think this applies to everyone who is going through rough times. Someone needs to say that to all of them “ Forgive yourself. You are perfect just the way you are. Believe that.” I think everyone needs to hear that at least once in their life and I am glad Nancy Glynn put that in there.
Anyways, overall this book was amazing and it is completely worth buying. So any contemporary romance lovers out there who are looking for a happy ever after but, also want to curl up and shed some tears on the unfairness of life. This book is for you so, take the risk and read the book. It will be worth your time.
Buy the book : Amazon
To back up this review, if I may, I would give it a 3.5 star rating.
ReplyDeleteIt begins with a bang and a main character, Erin, finding out shocking news about a past love. Feeling rattled by this after spending so much time trying to get over it and have the brother invaded her space, she finds herself at loose ends.
The author could have ended this quickly, but did an excellent job dragging out what is enclosed in the letter. The repercussions it has on the surviving brother, Slade, isn't what you expect, especially considering the connection built between Erin and him. On the other hand, how Wendy, the wife of Todd (the one who died) lashes out is predictable.
The author did a phenomenal job depicticting scenes, as well as the characters. As a reader, I felt as though I was living through each character. The romance built quickly, was sweet and as a reader, I had high hopes for things to work out well with them.
I know some may say the ending is a bit unfinished (I won't say more so I don't give it away), but for me, it kept it more real. However, the issues I do have is that at times, the pace slowed down so much that I feel bored or things were a bit too predictable. If it wasn't for these things, I would have given this a full four stars. I would still say it is a good book to read and well-worth the time if you enjoy this type of book.