Review: Wonderful and Unexpected
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 10, 2013
This book completely took me by surprise. I expected it to be a paranormal style romance, with a lot of focus on figuring out how Tyler came to be in the 21st century. Whilst this story starts with that sort of feel, it develops into much more than that, and becomes a wonderfully crafted story about guilt, redemption, faith and love.Stacy has moved around all her adult life as a photographer, capturing the brutal moments in warzones. When her partner is killed in front of her, she returns home and lives with horrible guilt, as she blames herself for his death. Stacy was such a strong person, she's been through a lot and manages to keep going. Although she's living something of an empty life and locks her emotions away, but that changes when she sees Tyler emerge from the smoke at a civil war re-enactment.Tyler thinks that the re-enactment is the battle, and can't fathom what's happening. He believes that he is T. R. Sheridan- the poet who died in the Civil War. Stacy feels an instant connection with him and takes him under her wing. She recognises another lost soul, and feels that he is her second chance- her chance to redeem herself.Both of them struggle with guilt, and understand the trauma of war. Together they work out exactly who he is- and what is going on. They also have a slow- burning romance, that helps them both re-discover the joy that can be found in life.I have to give credit to Tanya Stowe for making this story so totally believable, it flows wonderfully. The romance was sweet and clean- don't expect any torrid love scenes! The romance builds nicely, although personally I would have liked to feel that chemistry a little bit more.I received a copy of this book from the author, in exchange for my honest opinion.