E. C. Jackson

Hands down my favorite installment in the series, and probably the most uplifting one too. The writing is smooth, and the story flows well. It doesn’t feel rushed or have any real lulls. The characters are complex and believable. (You’ll find yourself despising Quince, but despite how horrible he is, you might’ve known someone like him at one point in your life, or at least heard about someone like him). Tempia and Corey were clearly meant to be together, but it’s understandable show more things would be bumpy after how things started for them. Their faith buoys them, and helps them navigate their troubled reunion. If you enjoy feel-good romances with some bumps in the road, you’ll want to grab this. show less

An uplifting second chance Christian romance, this will tug at your heart strings from the opening chapter. Sadie and Kyle feel so real that you could easily meet them on the street. Sadie is going through something many people have experienced - letting the right one get away because someone else charmed you, only to find out too late you made the wrong choice. I loved the journey that both Sadie and Kyle had to take to try and heal the hurt between them, it felt very organic and not forced show more or rushed. God and faith are woven into the story, and enhance it, without overwhelming it. I’d say the author’s writing overall has definitely improved since book one, and I’m looking forward to reading more in this series! show less

This was a well-written, emotional romance. My only serious complaint (and the reason I gave it four stars) is Luke is throwing up serious red flags from the moment we first get his POV. The way the story opens with Tara, I was expecting a sweet life after loss story. Not quite what this was, but it was close. Luke (and the story), moves quickly, and some of the peripheral characters made my skin crawl. I really liked Tara, and my heart went out to her. Not just for the loss of her parents, show more but her experiences when it came to dating. I loved Tara's group of friends, and I really think they care about her and want her to be happy. show less

I have read other books by this author and was very pleased with her writing style. In this book she takes situations and uses her characters to show the ups and downs of a marriage. The first chapter was abrupt to me as we suddenly find the two main characters married and this begins their journey. I wasn’t sure I really liked either Pamela or Mark. They both seemed selfish and stubborn. To my surprise I realized why I didn’t like them. They were a mix of me at the beginning of my show more marriage. Oh yes I was stubborn, needed to be told over and over that I was loved and boy was I jealous.

I really liked the list they made at the beginning of their marriage. Everything on the list would be good for every couple to follow. I can’t believe the big surprise waiting for Pamela when her and Mark come home from their honeymoon. A lack of communication is huge in this marriage and it causes friction that at times I wasn’t sure could be fixed. But in the midst of all their fights, harsh words and pride was hope. Yes this book is all about hope. We need to never give up and constantly believe that nothing is impossible with God.

The author gives us a glimpse of Mark’s childhood which to me set the stage for him to fail in relationships unless he learns to forgive and trust his wife. I liked watching Mark slowly begin to have a real relationship with his parents. It made sense why he desired to spend a lot of time with Pamela. He had never had anyone when he was growing up give him much attention and he craved that so much it almost felt like he was too clingy with Pamela.

Pamela is a driven woman who spends more time at her shop than with her husband. I had to wonder why she didn’t want to be with him and then I thought maybe she is afraid of rejection. There are a few surprises in the story that does change both Pamela and Mark’s view of marriage. With family problems, insecurity and pride this couple seemed doomed from the start. But there is always hope.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. show less