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Saturday, July 17, 2010

Review - Still the One by Robin Wells

"...read this story and allow the warmth to bloom in your own heart."
Still the One by Robin Wells
    Still the One
  • Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
  • Publisher: Forever; 1 edition (May 1, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0446555983
  • ISBN-13: 978-0446555982
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4.5 of 5

Product Description
Robin Wells takes us back to Chartreuse, Louisiana, for a deeply moving story of forgiveness and second chances. After Katie Charmaine's husband is killed in Iraq, all she has left is a closet full of his clothes, a few pictures, and fond memories. She not only lost her love, but her last chance to have the children she's always wanted. Until Zack Ferguson shows up in town . . . with the daughter Katie gave up for adoption nearly seventeen years ago.  Zack Ferguson has never forgotten Katie, or the one magical night they spent together. Seeing her again brings up a tidal wave of emotions: regret over the way he left her, anger at the secret she kept, and desire he hasn't felt in years. But he's in town for Gracie. Their daughter is sixteen, angry at the world, and-worst of all-pregnant. She needs the love of her two parents now more than ever. Can these three forgive the hurts of the past and open their hearts to each other?

Review: This may have started just a little bit slowly but once I got past that I was definitely enthralled.  Two words can describe this: Just lovely.

Katie fell in love with Zack at age 17.  She got pregnant during their first love encounter; then Zack disappeared.  Kate gave her baby girl up for adoption so Grace would have a better life. Although Kate's childhood was empty of love, she grew into a beautiful woman who is gracious and loving to others. She was blessed with a wonderful marriage that was full of love on both sides but her husband died in Iraq leaving Kate alone with nothing but memories.

Zack grew up in an abusive home and has no belief in love or commitment. Although he cared for Katie that summer of teenage love, he never intended anything permanent. He didn’t mean to abandon Katie but circumstances dragged him away and he thought it would be best for her if he stayed out of her life.

Imagine Kate’s feelings when Zack moves to town with 16 year old Gracie...who is pregnant. Grace is grieving the loss of her parents and is an extremely hurting, bitter and rebellious teenager.  Kate, with her fountain of love, is thrilled to meet her daughter even if Grace refuses to acknowledge her as mother. And Kate might want to resist Zack but that old chemistry never left them.  Can Kate risk being hurt again by a man who doesn’t believe in ever-afters? Even if Kate can move beyond mourning her husband, what can become of any relationship with Zack except heart ache? Is it possible for Zack to change how he feels about commitment especially when he sees the expanse of Katie’s love?

As these three struggle to find some even ground, there is a side story for Katie’s separated in-laws. The author does a beautiful job in showing the misery of anger, bitterness and loneliness and the opportunities for peace and happiness if we are willing to embrace love.The characters have a true sense of realism. It brought to mind several emotional memories from my own life.

I loved this expression: “Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a choice.  You have to want to be in a relationship.” There are several other wonderful expressions that are worth remembering. I recommend you read this story and allow the warmth to bloom in your own heart. (And you might need a tissue or two.)
xxx
Check out the Giveaway - five copies to lucky winners.

CymLowell

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