A story of mistakes, secrets and second chances in a small town.
When is it right to make a life-changing decision for another person? This is the situation that Tash finds herself in when she discovers herself pregnant by her up-and-coming successful musician boyfriend Kody. It is a decision that has consequences years down the track not only for herself but her daughter Isla and her ex Kody when their lives are thrown back together 13 years later.
Secrets and lies, once unearthed can cause a myriad of pain and problems. I felt that Isla handled the whole finding out who her dad was remarkably well, I certainly don’t think many 13 year-olds would take it in their stride as she did. Kody on the other hand, whilst thrilled at finding out he has a daughter is furious at not knowing and missing out on 13 years of his daughter’s life but also wracked with guilt about the fact he may well never have had his career if he had known.
Kody has come to town to hide and is dealing with his own trauma before this secret is thrown on him. This was a story of healing, of coming to terms with unexpected situations and of forgiveness, for self and for others.
I thought this was an enjoyable rural romance and I loved the characters in this novel, I must go back and read book one Long Way Home so as I can read Ruby and Connor’s story. The supporting cast were really great friends to Tash and she was lucky to have had their support for the past 13 years.
It is not only Tash, Kody and Isla’s story though, it is also Jane’s story and hers is a sadder story. One of the popular girls in high school, she made a name for herself as selfish and nasty in many people’s eyes, she has a truly horrible mother, who even after finding out why she was as she was, didn’t make me like her anymore. Jane is realising that the life she has led since high school is not one conducive to happiness and she decides it’s time to make some changes. At the same time, she bumps into a guy she was at odds with back in high school and they now need to work together and navigate a potential attraction. I grew to like Jane more as the story progressed as she tried to make up for the things she had done in the past.
I liked both of the story arcs in this novel they are tackle everyday issues and realities that many face and I enjoyed seeing them all grow and change and learn from past mistakes.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for a digital copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
Claire's Reads and Reviews 