Tracey Alvarez

This book started out strong. I was really into the story and the potential romance. It lost me a little in the middle with a few too many characters and small side stories. The ending was good. I loved the New Zealand setting and the second chance aspect. Even though we are filled in with what happened in the past to break the couple apart, I never did feel fully invested in their romance. I am going to continue on to the next book in the series.

I loved this New Zealand Island romance. What a wonderful experience. The writing was so vivid I could see the images and walk along side these fabulous characters. This was like taking a vacation without the cost and long flight. The characters, there is no way you can't help but admire, like and wish the best for them. They have realistic problems, and deal with them is easy to believe ways, and even have believable sex. Yes you heard that right, there were no extreme unrealistic show more descriptions or actions- thank the gods ! I'm off to read another from this author. show less

We all have them – the authors we love to read and the treasured books they write - Tracey Alvarez and her books have become one of mine. With wonderful characters, believable plots, gorgeous New Zealand locations, romance that warms the heart and stories that always make me happy each book is a keeper and I always look forward to the next book’s arrival.

Dr. Owen Bennett is the only family member available to take in his orphaned nieces and nephew after his mother suffers a medical show more emergency. With his busy schedule and rigid lifestyle children don’t fit in easily and become more of a weight than a blessing when the babysitter he lined up bails on him. Gracie Cooper steps into his life at the perfect moment in time. She is a bit of a wanderer, between destinations, has worked as an au pair, and is back in New Zealand for her brother’s wedding. She is just what Owen needs to care for the children who are his responsibility and the money he pays her will go far to assist her in paying back her school loans. Little do the two of them know when their business relationship begins that they are heading into more than an employer-employee relationship.

Owen and Gracie have issues from their youth that impact who they are in the present. Owen’s vagabond childhood has made him want more structure and rules in his life as an adult. Gracie’s rigid demanding father is part of the reason that she tends to flee confrontation. Though they are attracted to one another there are questions in both of their minds about the direction their futures should and will take.

I loved this book. Owen and Gracie were such wonderfully vibrant multi-dimensional characters that I hated to say goodbye to at the end of the story; and then there were the three children, the grandparents, the characters from previous books in the series and those I hope will get their own books (Sam, Isaac, Daniel, Vee, Natalie and probably others) that kept me reading without a break until I finished. I think that this may be the best book in the series so far. I can’t wait to see who has their story told next!

I requested a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own. show less

Superb writing and wonderful support characters in a delightful setting provided the backdrop for Harley and Bree in this, their second chance at a happily ever after, love story. I always look forward to returning to this small coastal New Zealand town where love doesn’t always come easily but if and when it does the story is magnificent and definitely worth reading.

Harley and Bree grew up in the same small town with many of the characters that show up in previous books in this series. show more They have close strong friendships that have developed over the years. When Harley and Bree went to college a physical relationship developed between them even though Bree knew going into it that Harley never wanted to marry or have children. She took the risk that she might be the one that could change his mind. Nope…off to New York he went when his big art opportunity arrived leaving her behind with a broken heart and a situation to deal with.

Ten years later Harley returns home for a burial, to regroup and to try to find his artistic muse. Bree is there along with his family and all of his old friends. Bree’s mother breezes into town dropping a bombshell and shortly thereafter her sister arrives with her nine year old son surprising not only Bree but others on the island, too.

This is not just a love story. There is complexity and layers that are revealed as the story is told. It deals with:
* the concept of family and what family is and can be.
* the fact that hurts from childhood linger and can fester if not dealt with. * the idea that some friends and family may be able to bridge some of those hurts.
* the truth that friendships can be deep or superficial - and some friends can be as close as or closer than family.
* the fact that love doesn’t always arrive as a thunderclap along with lightning but that it can grow and develop and over time and be earned – especially if it once was tossed aside.

I love this author and her writing and look forward to reading the next book in this series. I want to thank her for the free copy of this book to read and review in exchange for my honest review. show less