Review: Brilliant poignant novella
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 23, 2013
MY REVIEWI received this e-book from the Author Rachel Hanna via Goddess Fish Promotions in exchange for my honest review and posting it as part of the blog tour.So the blurb on Goodreads actually states that "This story is a contemporary romance in the New Adult genre." which I agree with to a point, that yes it would fit into that genre but I think maybe labeling as New Adult may put off some older generation readers, which would be such a shame as I believe this book is a brilliant read for a wide age range.Now the cover has a scenic view of what according to the book must be Madison Falls, it also has a male and female which fit the description of what I would imagine Grant Brady and Bella Clay to look like. So the cover fits the book in that way. However to me the cover suggests the book to be a contemporary romance for an older reader rather than one aimed at the New Adult age group. Would I pick this book up from a book store shelf? Yes but honestly I would be picking it up with a view to buying it for my mum rather than myself or a younger relative. To sum up I'd say I think perhaps the cover could do with a slightly more modern, younger vibe cover to appeal to the NA market.The blurb gives a great outline to the book and yes definitely made me want to read the book. It's basically the story of two sisters, the eldest Bella, and Lori. When their mother is killed by a drink driver they are put into care where they are passed from unsuitable home to unsuitable home. Naturally as the eldest Bella assumes the role of protector and takes it upon herself to draw the unwanted attentions from Lori to herself so ends up taking the brunt of the abuse. Years later to make ends meet and to help her sister Lori financially as she is now a single mother, Bella ends up taking a less than desirable job to make decent money, something she regrets everyday. Just as Bella is thinking her life cannot get any worse she receives a telephone call saying her sister has been killed in a car accident. Of course Bella is Lori's only relative and so now the sole guardian of little Ethan. Bella has a tearful journey to Madison Falls and the heartbreaking job of explaining to young Ethan what has happened to his mother. The rest of the book tells how Bella copes with this latest change in her life, how she takes this opportunity to escape from her past degrading job and become a mum to Ethan. There's so much more in this book but I believe you really should read it for yourselves, for me to say anymore would truly spoil the special, emotional experience of reading this book. The book has you smiling, sighing, scowling and sniffling into a tissue's too.I love the main characters of Bella, and Ethan and their relationship, the way fate has thrown them together and how they make a little family and life of their own. I also love the character of the honest, hard working, and non judgmental Grant.So did I enjoy the book? Yes, even more than I expected to. Would I recommend this book? I have already recommended it to my mum. Would I read a Bk#2? I think I would if there was one, though this one sort of wrapped up all the loose ends quite nicely so I doubt there will be. Would I read more by Rachel Hanna? I think I will yes, and I know I have discovered an Author my mum will love too, so I'm sure to be reading more titles by Rachel.