Reviewed by: ?wazithinkin
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Approximate word count: 100-105,000 words
Availability
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Author:
T.L. Haddix was born in Hazard, Kentucky, a small town in the
heart of Appalachia country. She states, "Growing up, I wanted to be
everything - astronaut, police officer, doctor, teacher, reporter, psychologist
- there was no clear choice for me. I wanted to do it all. Becoming a writer
has allowed me to do just that, because I can live vicariously through my
characters." She now lives in southern Indiana
Description:
Badly
scarred from emotional wounds that have never healed, Owen Campbell has become
a mysterious recluse. Determined not to let anyone close enough to hurt him
again, he lives in a prison of his own making. Sarah Jane Browning is the girl
across the Hollow, the girl next door. When she breaks the rules and trespasses
onto his land, Owen’s willpower is shaken. When tragedy strikes, both are
forced to reevaluate their circumstances. Owen’s secrets could tear them apart
forever.
Appraisal:
This
story opens with a scene from Sarah’s past where we are given a peek at Sarah’s
family and what life was like for them in the heart of the Appalachian
country in the late 1950s and 60s. The characters are well developed and
endearing. It didn’t take long for me to enjoy their company and feel their
pains. The dialogue was authentic and humorous at times, especially the
conversations between Sarah and her mother Eliza. The author’s descriptive
prose was stellar; you can tell this area of the country holds a special place
in the author’s heart. I loved the paranormal twist that the author gave Owen;
it truly made the suspension of belief easy to accept and drew me in to the old
Appalachian folk tales. I loved everything about his character. Owen’s journey
to his own acceptance is what makes this story exceptional.
There
are many twists in the plot and when a devastating tragedy strikes Sarah’s
family while Owen is away dealing with his uncles’ misfortune, things get
complicated. I began to wonder if Sarah would ever be given the chance to know
Owen’s secrets or if Owen would have enough faith in himself to trust Sarah
with them. I had completely forgotten I was reading a romance and one of the
elements of a romance is a Happily Ever After.
FYI:
This book contains adult
language and sexual situations that may be offensive to some.
Format/Typo Issues:
I received and read a
promotional copy prior to all edits being done, therefore I can not judge in
this area.
Rating: ***** Five stars
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