Review: Southern Embrace
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 19, 2013
Southern Embrace is the poignant story of love, loss, heartbreak and second chances.The story opens with nineteen year old Savannah (Van) getting over the heartbreak of her high school sweetheart, Lance Peterson moving out of state. Van's best friend Nichole (Nikki) encourages her to put Lance in the past and move forward with her life. While at a club, Van meets twenty-seven year old Stephan Grant, there is a mutual attraction between them. Fast forward three years, twenty-three year old Van is grieving over the death of her husband Stephan from a car accident. Once again best friend Nikki is encouraging Van to move forward with her life. A chance meeting brings Van and Lance together again, but Van wants nothing to do with the man who had once broke her heart. Can Lance find a way back into Van's heart? Will Van be able to move past her husband's death for a second chance at love?Author Tamaria Soana weaves a beautiful story of love, loss and second chances. Written in the third person narrative and set in Georgia, the reader follows Savannah's emotional journey of love, heartbreak, loss and gaining a second chance at love. This poignant short novella will pull at your heartstrings, you can't help but feel for Van as she overcomes the traumatic adversities in her life, the intensity of her emotions is palpable and will have you reaching for the tissues. With the loving support of her best friend Nikki, Van is able to move forward in her life and open herself up to a reunion with her ex-high school sweetheart Lance Peterson. I loved the easy flow of the story, it captivates you and sweeps you along as Van moves through the stages of grieving and getting her life back on track. Her love and loyalty for her late husband is inspirational, but her ability to open herself up to renewing a friendship and possible romantic relationship with Lance was heartwarming and left a smile on my face. This short novella was an enjoyable read, it will simply touch your heart.Southern Embrace is a heartfelt romantic novella that is a wonderful testament to the power of love and second chances.Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review.