Review: Beautiful debut story!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 18, 2013
When looking at a contemporary romance novel like “Not Alone,” I’m usually looking for a few things – relatable characters, captivating storyline, perfect blend of emotions and of course, the happily ever after. I’m not a major critic, believing that there is a talent in just believing in yourself enough to put pen to paper but I do have standards.With all that said, I was extremely surprised to learn this was Amber Nation’s debut novel. “Not Alone” is the  touching story of Emmalynne Morgan and Grady Finnegan, two slightly cracked souls, not consciously seeking out one another but needing each other all the same.Emmalynne Morgan is a single mom to 9 year old Tucker. Widowed for five years, “Not Alone” begins with a very telling scene between Emmalynne and her late husband Brock. Needless to say, you will read how horribly mean and degrading he was to her prior to his death. Not being your typically desired size 6 female, Emmalynne is very self-conscious about her weight as well as the scars and limp that left her a widow.Grady is ex Special Forces and all that includes. At 32, he finds himself starting over after suffering a career ending injury while on a mission. Moving from New York to Georgia to held at his Uncles bar, he leaves what he thought was his future and a cheating ex-girlfriend.The first moment that Grady and Emmalynne see each other, you can feel the sparks! It’s not love at first sight but it is definite attraction and a pull that overwhelms Emmalynne and inspires Grady. As Emmalynne tries to continue her life of amazing friends, and wonderful son and her prized bookstore, Grady does his best to let her know he is interested and a date is definitely in her future.Just as Emmalynne opens her heart to Grady, his past comes rearing its ugly head causing devastation. Giving Emmalynne’s history, she immediately believes the worst and can’t trust her heart. At the same time, someone begins terrorizing Emmalynne, causing destruction and fear in her life."Not Alone" takes you through the whirlwind romance of Grady and Emmalynne and their struggles to accept the past and move on with their future. It's a story of forgiveness and strength, friendship and love and most of all ~ family and friends. It's a definite must read.On a side note, Emmalynne's relationship with her son is beautifully written and integral to the story. As a single mom, I value an author who writes about the struggles but also the many rewards that go along with being a mom. Good thing most of us have amazing friends like Tess and Toby!Favorite Quotes:"Who would ant someone so overweight and broken, not just my heart, but a mangled leg as well?'"You look beautiful tonight, Emmalynne. I meant to tell you when you opened the door, but kissing you was my only priority at the time.""If you keep letting out those agonizingly sexy groans every time you take a bite, I'm going to rush you back to your house and fXXX you senseless. And I know you aren't ready for that.....yet......""He might have been your husband but he treated you like sxxx. You should be given the world. You deserve everything and more Emmalynne.""How did I get so lucky to become your mom? You are my whole heart, Tuck."