Yesterday’s Tides - by Roseanna M. White: Book Review

Title: Yesterday's Tides
Author: Roseanna M. White
Pages: 432
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publishing Date: January 24th 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction
Themes: WWI, WWII, Christian, Romance
Format: Kindle
Rating: 4

 

GoodReads Synopsis:

In 1942, Evie Farrow is used to life on Ocracoke Island, where every day is the same--until the German U-boats haunting their waters begin to wreak havoc. And when special agent Sterling Bertrand is washed ashore at Evie's inn, her life is turned upside down. While Sterling's injuries keep him inn-bound for weeks, making him even more anxious about the man he's tracking, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own.

Decades earlier, in 1914, Englishman Remington Culbreth arrives at the Ocracoke Inn for the summer, but he doesn't count on falling in love with Louisa Adair, the innkeeper's daughter. When war breaks out in Europe, and their relationship is put in jeopardy, will their love survive?

As Evie and Sterling work to track down an elusive German agent, they unravel mysteries that go back a generation. The ripples from the Great War are still rocking their lives, and it seems yesterday's tides may sweep them all into danger again today.

Bestselling and award-winning author Roseanna M. White whisks you away to two periods fraught with peril in this sweeping and romantic dual-time tale. 

My review of Yesterday's Tides:

This dual timeline novel follows two women during the First World War (in 1912) and the Second World War (in 1942). I enjoyed following both stories, but especially the one during the year 1942.

Ignoring the very large number of characters, so large that I had to create a list of them to keep track, the novel flows smoothly. As you read more of the stories, you get familiar with all the characters. It's more a plot driven novel, but you do get to see the characters' development throughout. The mystery aspect of the novel, not knowing for sure whom to trust, the intrigue with the war spies and war intelligence made me turn the pages faster.

Besides the romantic plot line, where we learn about Evie Farrow's and Louisa Adair's love stories, the novel deals with themes of racism, class divisions, multiple generations, and war intelligence. The best thing was reading to see how the two story lines converge and how the characters connect with one another. It was a wonderful reading experience. I admit starting this hoping for an easy read during a weekend, but there is substance to the story, and a couple of weeks later, I still think about this story sometimes. 

For fans of historical novels, especially set during either of the two world wars, this is a good choice of reading material. In the note at the end of the novel, the author does mention how these characters are in fact characters from her previous works. I haven't read anything by her before, but I didn't feel like there was a lack of depth to the way the characters were constructed. However, those familiar with her other novels will probably get an extra level of enjoyment recognizing other characters.

I received a free e-book copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, via Net Galley. However, all thoughts expressed in this review are my own.

Meet Me in the Margins - by Melissa Ferguson: Book Review

Title: Meet Me in the Margins
Author: Melissa Ferguson
Pages: 320
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publishing Date: February 2nd 2022
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Themes: Books about books
Format: Kindle
Rating: 4*

 GoodReads synopsys:

Savannah Cade is a low-level editor at Pennington Publishing, a prestigious publisher producing only the highest of highbrow titles. And while editing the latest edition of The Anthology of Medieval Didactic Poetry may be her day job, she has two secrets she’s hiding.

One: She’s writing a romance novel.

Two: She’s discovered the Book Nook—a secret room in the publishing house where she finds inspiration for her “lowbrow” hobby.

After leaving her manuscript behind one afternoon, she returns to the nook only to discover someone has written notes in the margins. Savannah’s first response to the criticism is defensive, but events transpire that force her to admit that she needs the help of this shadowy editor after all. As the notes take a turn for the romantic, and as Savannah’s madcap life gets more complicated than ever, she uses the process of elimination to identify her mysterious editor—only to discover that what she truly wants and what she should want just might not be the same. Melissa Ferguson’s latest—a love letter to books, readers, and romance—will leave fans laughing out loud and swooning in the same breath.

 

 My thoughts:

Likes:⁠
- a love story set in the world of publishing⁠
- the two main characters' alter-egos talk through notes and post-its⁠
- the hidden room!⁠
- the female main character: there are a few funny comments she makes⁠
- literally laugh out loud moments⁠
- work best friend who has a life outside work⁠
- redeemed sisters relationship⁠
⁠
Dislikes: ⁠
- the female main character's family⁠
- the predictability, at times⁠
- rather cheesy, but I knew that going in⁠
- not much depth over-all⁠
- the sister's fiancé. ugh!⁠

 I received a free copy of the e-book of this novel from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

One Italian Summer - by Rebecca Serle: Book Review

Title: One Italian Summer
Author: Rebecca Serle
Pages: 272
Publisher: Quercus Books
Publishing Date: March 1st 2022
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Themes: Italy, Time Travel
Format: Kindle
Rating: 3.5*

 

The one thing this novel does wonderfully is make the reader feel as if they're in Italy. I loved everything about that setting: the elegant hotel, the staff there, the food, the views. The author did a wonderful job writing Italy in this book.

I wholeheartedly disliked Katy, the main character. She's selfish and self-absorbed, swimming in her own grief only, disregarding other people. The way she speaks and behaves towards her husband made me raise my eyebrow and cringe at the same time. Katy claims her mother was the one great love of her life, and her passing away took everything that has ever meant anything to her away. I didn't get the same sentiment from her mother towards her, though. Katy seems to regard her father as a second class member of the family. Finding out that her mother had a life before she gave birth to her daughter comes as a total shock to Katy. She's a spoilt, immature 30 year old woman. She's quick to "fall in love" with a man she's known for a total of three days in Positano, and cheat on her husband.

Sure, some of her actions might be excused (might!) due to the weird time travel thing the author chose to include. I get it - it's also how we got to know Carol, Kathy's mother, before she became the domestic-goddess-housewife-on-a-pedestal her daughter insists she was. I actually liked learning more about Carol's character as a young person; she's a better one that the one Katy keeps telling us about as a woman, wife and mother. However, this time-travel bit was surprising and I'm not totally sold on it.

It's an interesting novel, but don't expect to like the main character. If you want to read a novel set in Italy and actually feel the setting, this is a good choice.

I received a free e-book copy of the novel from the publisher. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Lockdown on London Lane - by Beth Reekles: Book Review

Title: Lockdown on London Lane
Author: Beth Reekles
Pages: 64
Publisher: Wattpad Books
Publishing Date: February 1st 2022
Genre: Contemporary romance
Format: ebook
Rating: 3*

 

Reading this novel on the brink of the two year anniversary of the worldwide lockdown brought to the surface some feelings and memories, let me tell you!

The novel follows the lives of a handful of residents of a block of flats that goes in quarantine for a week because a resident tested positive. It's a fast read, and it obviously gave me March 2020 flashbacks when the whole world went into lockdown. It was also interesting to read it with the lenses of knowing what was coming and how the world would be affected. ⁠

The stories are different, but they are all connected by the same theme: romantic love. It's fun to see people fall in love; what should have been a one time thing become something promising for the future; married people dealing with their issues; friendships being tested. It's an enjoyable read, it does read fast, but it's also got substance; it's not just another romance novel. I think it dealing with the early days of the pandemic gave it more weight. 

 

I received a free e-book copy of the novel from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

What You Wish For - by Katherine Center: Book Review

Title: What You Wish For
Author: Katherine Center

Pages: 320

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Publishing Date: July 14th 2020
Genre: Women's Fiction, Romance

Format: Kindle

What you wish for started on a merry tone, despite the tragic event that opens the story. The novel reads as if the narrator, who is the main character, Samantha Casey tells a story to a friend. Sam is a 28 year old woman, a librarian at an elementary school in Galveston, Texas. However, she talks and feels and behaves like a much younger woman, often times downright immature. This made the novel read like almost like a YA novel, but with adult characters.

It has a small town vibe to it, with a tight knit school community, all working to make the school a colorful and joyful haven for the kids. We learn mostly about Samantha, her guardian parents Max and Babette, her best friend Alice, and her crush Duncan, whose presence at the school is the plot of the story. We learn everything about Duncan through the lenses of Sam’s obsession with him. I mean, obsession. As I finished the novel I thought it was cute the way it ended, but looking at it objectively, it’s weird and cliché how things worked out for those two, as for all the other characters.

I can’t explain it, but although nothing really surprised me, not even the perfectly tied ending, I still enjoyed this one. I think it’s because I knew I was reading a romance novel, and I wasn’t expecting too much heaviness, or at least not heaviness met with pessimism. Or maybe it’s because we’re thrown right into the middle of two people’s stories, people who struggle to make sense of their lives, and one can’t really judge that.

I appreciated the themes of PTSD, epilepsy, school shooting and security, but these were in stark contrast with the over-joyous, we-try-maybe-too-hard-to-make-the-school-happy vibe. The focus is only on Samantha, her thoughts, her feelings, her wants, her needs, despite using “us” and “the school” to expand her opinions to other characters. The themes dealt with bring a serious note to a novel that focuses more on creating your own happiness and striving to hold on to hope and optimism.

By the half-point of the novel I just let myself go with the flow: everything was whimsical (especially the library, according to Samantha), silly things happened, old-Duncan’s personality and antics were sounding weirder and weirder, and the whole school was longing for a friendly clownish school. I wish we had learned more about what the kids thought about all that was happening.

It’s not the deepest book, clearly. Yet, it is a light summer read. If you’re looking for a happy ending novel, set in a small town, with romance and chemistry galore, this might be for you. I know I got all the warm, fuzzy feelings as I was reading it.

Disclaimer: I received a free e-book copy of the novel from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

List of characters {contains spoilers!}:

Samantha Casey - 28 year old woman. she's a librarian at Kempner School in Galveston, TX. she's had a crush on Duncal Carpenter for six years. they were work colleagues at Andrews Prep School

Duncan Carpenter - new principal. focused on school security because he has PTSD- he was shot at school and almost died. a student died.

Max and Babette Kempner - school founders. Max dies on his 60th birthday.

Tina Buckley - Max and Babette's daughter

Kent Buckley - her husband

Clay Buckley - their third grade son

Alice - Sam's best friend. a math teacher. her fiance Marco is in the navy- deployed.

Helen and Jake - Duncan's sister and brother-in-law. Jake is blind. He's the host of Everything's Invisible podcast. Vicky and Addie are their daughters.

Alma Underwood is Not a Kleptomaniac - by Lacey Dailey: Book Review

Title: Alma Underwood Is NOT a Kleptomaniac
Author: Lacey Dailey
Pages: 264
Publisher: Lacey Dailey Books
Publishing Date: September 30th 2019
Genre: Young Adult, Romance

Format: Kindle

I enjoyed this YA novel, but you have to be in the right frame of mind for a YA romance.

I liked how there were no two characters alike. The Underwood family is quirky and fun and downright funny! Alma's friend, Arthur, and her brother, Jackson had the funnies lines and attitudes. It was so fun to see the dynamic of the family and how well each character stayed true to their nature. As for Alma, she's a sweetheart, at times way too good, almost perfect, but I'd like to have her as a loyal friend.

As all well done YAs, this one deals with serious topics such as home runaway, grief, death, first love. I liked how the author threaded these and how she approached them.

There are a few things I didn't like. The first one is the language. There were a few instances where I frowned upon the words used in conversation by Rumor and his Josh. It didn't read authentic and it made Rumor, the male main character, seem shallow. Speaking of language, I wonder if this is the way people aged 17-18 speak like, all mature and deep and I-have-lived-and-seen-things wise.

Then there's a scene towards the end {Spoilers!} where Rumor learns some news and he and Alma have a fight. Actually, he yells and Alma takes the punches. Keep in mind these two kids know they love each other, but boy here, enraged as he is, spews cruel words at her. I did not appreciate that, and no matter the reason, I don't think that's normal. Honestly, that was the point where I really hoped this would not be a happy ever after. Had I been Alma, I would have packed the boys' duffel bag and send him to his grandpa in a heart beat. Don't come at me with love and stuff!

And now the thing that really bothered me - all.the.physical.touching. I get this is a YA novel and this is how they show their love. But people, these two kids don't know if they are girlfriend and boyfriend by the 85% of the novel! YET they can't keep their hands off each other. That bothered me so much! It made their relationship look like infatuation, not real love, and that is a shame because it started out cute and nice.

Disclaimer: I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed in these reviews are mine.

The Girl He Used to Know - by Tracey Garvis Graves: Book Review

Title: The Girl He Used to Know
Author: Tracey Garvis Graves
Pages: 304
Publisher: St Martin Press
Release Date: 2nd April 2019
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Women's Fiction
Format: Kindle

{GoodReads Synopsis}

Annika (rhymes with Monica) Rose is an English major at the University of Illinois. Anxious in social situations where she finds most people's behavior confusing, she'd rather be surrounded by the order and discipline of books or the quiet solitude of playing chess.

Jonathan Hoffman joined the chess club and lost his first game--and his heart--to the shy and awkward, yet brilliant and beautiful Annika. He admires her ability to be true to herself, quirks and all, and accepts the challenges involved in pursuing a relationship with her. Jonathan and Annika bring out the best in each other, finding the confidence and courage within themselves to plan a future together. What follows is a tumultuous yet tender love affair that withstands everything except the unforeseen tragedy that forces them apart, shattering their connection and leaving them to navigate their lives alone.

Now, a decade later, fate reunites Annika and Jonathan in Chicago. She's living the life she wanted as a librarian. He's a Wall Street whiz, recovering from a divorce and seeking a fresh start. The attraction and strong feelings they once shared are instantly rekindled, but until they confront the fears and anxieties that drove them apart, their second chance will end before it truly begins.

As I was reading I kept thinking that this is one of those feel-good books, where you witness two characters' lives and love story. There is more to this, of course. Annika is an autistic woman and this makes many things more difficult and challenging for her. I adored her! Jonathan, the other half of the love story, is a guy who sees Annika's awesomeness and falls in love with her. I adored him! Basically, there is no bad character for me in this novel.

By the time I crossed the half point of the novel, I was worried that things seemed to be heading in a too good to be true direction: where is the twist? the drama? the unexpected something? It comes when you see the date at the beginning of one of the chapters: September 8. And the year 2001. So that's why this story is set so many years ago! I literally stopped reading, closed the book, and whispered: "oh, my God! I hope not!" Because 9/11 can only mean one thing.
It was a good novel, it was funny and Annika was an endearing character, as was her best friend, Janice (if I remember correctly...)

One thing that bothered me was all the explicit love scenes; the graphic depictions could have been left out and nothing of the romance of the story would have been lost. In order to understand that Annika and Jonathan's love story was possible, I am sure we could have done without being given all the details of their intimate moments. Annika would have cringed had she seen this part of her life exposed. Just sayin'. It seemed that their story was hard to believe possible, so we needed to be proven through detailed love-making that see? they can be a normal couple. It was a belittling of the characters.

Other than this unfortunate part, I enjoyed this novel. Annika reminded me of Eleanor Oliphant of Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine, but this is only because these two novels are the only ones with an autistic character.

I received a free e-book copy of the book from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

You'd Be Mine - Erin Hahn: Book Review

Title: You'd Be Mine
Author: Erin Hahn
Pages: 256
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Release Date: 2nd April 2019
Genre: YA, Romance, Contemporary, Country Music
Format: Kindle

{Good Reads Synopsis} 

Annie Mathers is America’s sweetheart and heir to a country music legacy full of all the things her Gran warned her about. Superstar Clay Coolidge is most definitely going to end up one of those things.

But unfortunately for Clay, if he can’t convince Annie to join his summer tour, his music label is going to drop him. That’s what happens when your bad boy image turns into bad boy reality. Annie has been avoiding the spotlight after her parents’ tragic death, except on her skyrocketing YouTube channel. Clay’s label wants to land Annie, and Clay has to make it happen.

Swayed by Clay’s undeniable charm and good looks, Annie and her band agree to join the tour. From the start fans want them to be more than just tour mates, and Annie and Clay can’t help but wonder if the fans are right. But if there’s one part of fame Annie wants nothing to do with, it’s a high-profile relationship. She had a front row seat to her parents’ volatile marriage and isn’t interested in repeating history. If only she could convince her heart that Clay, with his painful past and head over heels inducing tenor, isn’t worth the risk.

Erin Hahn’s thrilling debut, You’d Be Mine, asks: can the right song and the perfect summer on the road make two broken hearts whole?

{My Thoughts}

It was cute, but not believable, not even for a YA novel. I am sure things don't work out so easily for young artists. I know too little about country music, except for what I learned from movies/ TV shows and books, but even I sense there is a bit more to getting into the high ranks of it. The fact that Clay's growl into the mic was pure art makes me raise an eyebrow and narrow my eyes. And question country music.

As for the love story, pure teenagehood. All about physical attraction and too little interest for each other's depth. The two main characters were so out of sync at times but then suddenly so engrossed in each other it was confusing. They acted immature, although that can be overlooked when thinking of 18 year-olds; but then don't act like you are mature and know what life is all about. I felt for their loss of family, but there could have been a bit more meat on the bones of this angle. 

The serious angle of drinking and drugs could have been treated more seriously. Clay too easily gets over his one-year long pattern of drinking, just to drop it of his own accord because he's on a farm, listens to the right songs on Annie's old iPod, and Annie's grandad has a talk with him. Highly unlikely. And speaking of the slim substance of the novel, there were episodes when the story read like a bunch of fragments written separately and then put together to make a novel. I didn't see the fluidity of the plot, which is pretty meager, if you think about it. And the constant repetition of "I'm not good for him/ her" or "I will be the destructive force for him/her" grew tiring after a while. Two kids pining after one another, but being kids, they need 250+ pages to end up together.

The mixing of religion into the story was the element that was needed to create a complete Southern image. Coming from a religious/ Christian background, I don't see a world in which God and Clay and Annie's choices could coexist. 

For readers into country music, for those looking for an easy read, or a road trip sort of novel, this is a nice choice. I watched A Star is Born not long ago and I am still listening to its soundtrack, so this novel came as a different perspective on the whole music industry.

PS. As I read the lyrics Annie and Clay wrote I kept thinking there would be so cool to listen to them or listen to a playlist that goes with the novel. Guys, there is a playlist! On the author's website there is one. Here it is. It would also be nice to see a film adaptation of this. I'd totally watch it.

I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

The Best of Us - by Robyn Carr: Book Review

Title: The Best of Us
Series: Sullivan's Crossing
Author: Robyn Carr
Pages: 384
Publisher: Harlequin - Mira
Release Date: January 8th 2019
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Format: Kindle

In the fourth book in the Sullivan's Crossing series, Robyn Carr presents the going-ons in the small town of Timberlake, CO. Because I haven't read the first three book in the series, there were a lot of characters I kept losing track of. I had to make a characters' list, and how they were related. Although the author tried to naturally pepper in info about them all, you could still see there were details that you were missing as a reader. However, it wasn't something to stop you from enjoying the novel, if this is your typical genre.

It's not mine, I am picky with my romance books, but I'm a sucker for a pretty cover. And this one has a preeeeetty cover. 

The novel starts calmy, in a typical small town way. Warm and fuzzy feels, the town is homey, the kind where people greet eachother and everyone knows everybody. The characters are likeable, nice and kind, the kind for whom you want nothing but the best. Of course, as mentioned, the long list of them is a tad daunting and I am still not very sure who is married to who. But that can be overlooked.

Although it started so nice, it suddenly turned into people being in so dire need to remove their clothes and just be in bed together. Ummkay! The main character, Dr. Leigh Culver, a woman who hasn't been in a serious relationship for quite some time, finds herself sleeping with the town's bar keeper, Rob, and becoming pregnant with his child due to... wait for it... a faulty anticonceptive overlooking on her part. It's highly unbelievable. But the two of them are mature... actually scratch that, only Rob is, because Leigh behaves like a teenager. In love are also Helen, Leigh's aunt, and Sully, the campground owner. Sparks fly and they too find themselves in bed in a matter on weeks. Love, man! To be honest, Helen and Sully's romance is more believable than Rob and Leigh's, plus they are cute and you just have to root for them.

Speaking of unbelievable, the characters are all mature and think clearly, and everybody does the right thing sooner or later. Small drama with a teenage couple, Finn and Maia, when the doctors discover she has a tumour, but is operable and she's fine in the end. Those two 18-years-olds are mature and every parent's dream. So cute! The award for the most annoying characters goes to Helen, Leigh's aunt. She acts like too good for this world. I know she did a lot of things for Leigh, but I don't like her. The only moment I rooted for her was when she told Leigh she will not help her raise a kid at 50+ years old.

It didn't real like real life at all. It read cozy and a bit of "oh, no!" but all is solvable in the end, don't you readers worry. It read so fast, I kept reading because I was engrossed in it, I really was! But the moment I realised everybody acted so cool and they took everything in stride despite a relatively conservative life thus far, well, I just don't buy it. I read the final quarter of the book just wanting to see where it led: spoiler: a happy ending all around. Shocker, huh?

I may be sarcastic and mocking towards this one, but for those you like cozy romance and happy endings, this is the perfect read. And since it's number four in the series, there is more cozyness to be had at Sullivan's Crossing.

2.5*

I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Castle on the Rise - by Kristy Cambron: Book Review

Title: Castle on the Rise
Series: Lost Castle
Author: Kristy Cambron
Pages: 384
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: February 5th 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian
Format: Kindle

It was an enjoyable read, although I can't say it was a favourite. It's the second novel in a series, and I am now sure if my just OK opinion of the book had to do with not having read the first novel.

The story starts with the present day, in Ireland, and then it adds two other, one from 1916 and one from 1797/98, both past points of view presenting the actions of those who fought for Ireland's freedom. I knew almost nothing about Ireland's past, except from what I learned from other novels, so the historical aspect was welcome. However, I had to google a lot of information. At times the novel was too stuffed with facts and name-dropping that I felt a bit lost - who were all these people and what's so important about this date or this event in history? Thank you, Google.

There were a lot of characters and I am sure they were not mentioned in the first novel because of the three points of view [pov] in this novel, only one makes references to the first book in the series. I had to make a list of characters and what happened to each one and how they related and... let me just say that it's not fun when you have to keep a list with you to make sure you don't forget who's who. The chapters alternated between the three points of view, and that had the effect of keeping me interested in each story because most of the time a chapter ended with a (small-ish) cliff-hanger. I can't say which point of view was the best, but together they worked just fine. Until about halfway into the novel I had no idea how exactly they interconnected, but it made sense in the end. 

Towards the end I felt like I had spent too much with the book, and I was eager to read it already. Not because it wasn't good, but because I just wanted the novel to end. For the most part I was sure there'll be a happy end on all three levels. 

I reckon this is intended for a Christian audience, however I kept forgetting that. If what you're after is a historical Christian romance I am not sure this is the book for you. There is beer and drinking, and although the pub is presented as a vital part of Ireland's life I can't help but think that a pub is not a Christian place. As for the three romantic relationships, one for each POV, they were OK, albeit not as innocent as Christian standards suggest is best. There are few mentions of God, and when any of the characters reference to Him it's in an inspirational way, not very deep. It's like an afterthought just to remind the reader that this is, in fact, a Christian story.

A fine read, full of info, it made me step a bit outside my usual historical fiction box. And for a book to make me google something because I am curious is something!
3*

I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

If Not for You - by Debbie Macomber: Book Review

Title: If Not for You

Author: Debbie Macomber

Publisher:

Number of pages:

Publishing Date: 21.03.2017

Spoilers ahead! Be warned!

If Not for You is the love story of two unlikely to make it work people. As you read, you realise that is true, it's very unlike that they will last, and that is not only because they come from different backgrounds, but because they are so immature, childish, and over-exaggerating that only in a romance could they make it work. Happy reading!

I tried to come to this novel unhindered by the fact that is was romance, and women's fiction, and chick lit. I had read a Debbie Macomber before, and it had been a cute read. This time around, yes, there were some things that I did like about this novel, such as:
* The main character was OK, I liked the way she ended up in a new city, namely Portland, OR.
* There were some mildly funny scenes
* I especially liked the story of Sunshine and Peter, mostly Sunshine's character. Probably the most likeable and down to earth character.
* Although it wasn't a gripping novel, I was still curious how things will turn out, despite the air of predictability it had.

And sure enough, there were things I did not like, nor did I think believable. They certainly read like something you'd see happening in a movie or a novel like this, despite the characters' remarks that such things don't happen to them, but only in fiction.
* Sam was immature, a teenager-like character who wanted to appear in control of his life. Despite his bad past and hurtful situations, he over-exaggerated mostly everything.
* Beth was a fix-everything kind of person, and I agreed with Sam's harsh observations that she shouldn't mingle in everyone's lives. But of course! everything she did works out just fine in the end. Convenient!
* Their love story is that of two teenagers. I am sorry, but I was not impressed. Overly infatuated with one another. Had it not been for that accident, there wouldn't be a story to tell, and maybe it would have been for the best. Harsh, I know, but I was not goo and aww over their love.
* At some point there seemed to be an unnecessary repetition: the author mentioned Sunshine and Ellie's rift in relationship, and twice she compared it with the large gap of the Grand Canyon. We got it the first time. Another thing, when Beth told Sam about her talk to Peter, Sunshine's first love, he offered his opinion and she told him about her opinion about Sunshine's ex-lover. Some chapters later, Beth brings up the same discussion and acts as if this is fresh news, despite talking about the same man before.

I am always overly judgmental when it comes to romance, but I am sure those who are fans of this genre will like this novel. For me it was an OK read, easy for a lazy day around the house. The fans of Debbie Macomber will surely appreciate it come March, I am sure. It's cute and darling, and it gives you warm feelings.  

Now someone tell me why I keep reading novels I know are not my go-to genre?!

I received a free advanced e-book copy of this novel from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.