Review: Reviewed for Cocktails and Books
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 9, 2013
Victoria James paints a poignant picture using words in this story of unrequited teen love and the losses that happen to all of us as we journey through life. I absolutely fell in love with these characters and you will too.Holly Carrington is promoted at work and in the next few moments her joy is overtaken by intense sorrow after being informed that her sister and brother-in-law are dead. Holly takes custody of her niece and returns to her hometown to remodel her grandmother's house and sell it. She has chosen Quinn Manning's company to do the renovations. Quinn is the man Holly has loved all of her life. It's too bad he turned down an opportunity to be in a relationship with her when she was 18.This is the classsic the one that got away story with a twist that involves an adorable baby girl, Ella. I loved that both characters were honest, had integrity, and courageously shared their vulnerabilities. I enjoyed how the author allowed the reader to understand the backsory to Quinn and Holly's romance. Quinn was such a strong, sensitive character that showed love for Holly and Ella. Holly experienced the loss of her parents, grandparents, and her sister. She was afraid to open up and love anyone because she felt that it would destroy her to lose anyone else. For anyone that has ever felt the loss of someone you loved with all of your heart it's easy to see how Holly would withdraw from an emotional attachment with Quinn. Quinn felt that he was undeserving of happiness because he wasn't a good husband to his former wife.Through the pages you can see how their love helps each one to heal and find the courage to love each other and take ""a risk worth taking"". There were some romantic scenes and definitely chemistry that crackled between them. The real treasure is the emotional connection between the two of them. The story is well written and the characters will stick with you long after you put the book away.Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books