Review: Second book - brother Sam
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 19, 2014
Laugh by Mary Ann Rivers is the second book in the Burnside series.  This book is about the oldest brother, Sam.  Readers met Sam in the first book in the series “Live” which was Destiny’s story.  Frankly, I thought Sam was a controlling jerk.  I wasn’t sure how the author was going to redeem him in his own book; but I was willing to read it and give Sam a second chance.Mary Ann does a thorough job of describing characters with realistic flaws, attitudes, emotions; and, in this case, a chronic condition of ADHD.  Sam couldn’t have been more real to me as I read his and Nina’s story.  He wants to make everything around him the “best” it can be – it has to be right.Nina Paz is a strong, independent woman who had to learn how to live her life all over again after her husband died in Afghanistan.  In fact, she did an amazing job of embracing life and living every day being a part of as much as life offers to her.  Being an organic farmer provides her with an opportunity to be a part of the community and a give herself roots to enjoy each day.The supporting/secondary characters were so well developed.  The story would not, could not have been complete without.  All of them helped the plot to move.  Their insights and “help” steered the dynamics between Sam and Nina to become the loving and laughing couple that they became by the end of the story.If you enjoyed the first book in the series, don’t miss this one.  It was worth it.I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Random House in exchange for an honest review.