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laksita's review against another edition
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This book was frustrating to read.
I understand that Harper’s mellow and sort of ‘doormat’ character was kind of the point of the story—her character growth was essentially the plot here—but it WAS frustrating to read.
And my problem was the way the author portrayed her character growth. I was waiting for Harper to finally call Axel out on his ultimate hypocrisy and the emotional abuse he’d inflicted on her over the years, but… no. Instead the author made Harper go with the whole “I’ve finally realized I was not happy and I will never be happy with you!!! So I’m done” speech. Like. Huh??? This author literally made Harper spout ANYTHING but the real problem with Axel???
I understand that Harper’s mellow and sort of ‘doormat’ character was kind of the point of the story—her character growth was essentially the plot here—but it WAS frustrating to read.
And my problem was the way the author portrayed her character growth. I was waiting for Harper to finally call Axel out on his ultimate hypocrisy and the emotional abuse he’d inflicted on her over the years, but… no. Instead the author made Harper go with the whole “I’ve finally realized I was not happy and I will never be happy with you!!! So I’m done” speech. Like. Huh??? This author literally made Harper spout ANYTHING but the real problem with Axel???
triciadea's review
5.0
Oh. My. Goodness.
Brenda Novak has pretty much ruined me for at least the day. I just finished Christmas in Silver Springs, and I'm now caught up in the Silver Springs series. If you haven't read this series, you definitely should.
Tobias spent the last 13 years of his life in prison. He grew up there. Now, he's been out for five months and is trying to build a good life for himself in Silver Springs. Harper is the ex-wife of a rock star who is trying to learn how to rebuild her life, as well. They are almost immediately drawn to each other, but can this relationship last once she finds out about his past?
The other relationship that is developed is the friendship and bond between Tobias and Atticus, the boy he shot when he was only 17 and under the influence of drugs. Can or will Tobias ever be able to forgive himself for what he'd done all those years ago?
When I tell you Brenda Novak wrecked me... geez. I was hoping to get one more book in before 2019 is through... but I'm not so sure that's going to happen. I need time to process how I feel. I think I was more invested in the Tobias and Atticus relationship than I was the relationship between Tobias and Harper.
Mrs. Novak... thank you for such a wonderful story.
Brenda Novak has pretty much ruined me for at least the day. I just finished Christmas in Silver Springs, and I'm now caught up in the Silver Springs series. If you haven't read this series, you definitely should.
Tobias spent the last 13 years of his life in prison. He grew up there. Now, he's been out for five months and is trying to build a good life for himself in Silver Springs. Harper is the ex-wife of a rock star who is trying to learn how to rebuild her life, as well. They are almost immediately drawn to each other, but can this relationship last once she finds out about his past?
The other relationship that is developed is the friendship and bond between Tobias and Atticus, the boy he shot when he was only 17 and under the influence of drugs. Can or will Tobias ever be able to forgive himself for what he'd done all those years ago?
When I tell you Brenda Novak wrecked me... geez. I was hoping to get one more book in before 2019 is through... but I'm not so sure that's going to happen. I need time to process how I feel. I think I was more invested in the Tobias and Atticus relationship than I was the relationship between Tobias and Harper.
Mrs. Novak... thank you for such a wonderful story.
kle105's review
4.0
Tobias broke my heart. He was so amazingly patient, kind, understanding, and selfless. With his past he didn't think he deserved love or a second chance. However, when he sees Harper he sees a similar sadness in her, and can't help but try and brighten her day. He only offers friendship, not even daring to hope that someone like Harper would even give him a chance.
Harper is the wife of a rock star, well soon to be ex. Her husband seems to think he can do better, with his life on the road and many groupies to choose from being tied down is just not for him. It is not until he thinks she is moving on does he show any regret.
Harper and Tobias are drawn to each other. Tobias with his peaceful calm energy, and simple nature it makes Harper feel normal again. He still fears that when she finds out about his past, she won't accept him. So many times I just wanted to give him a virtual hug. I loved their chemistry, the moments of happiness they found, and Harper's daughters were so precious.
I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Harper is the wife of a rock star, well soon to be ex. Her husband seems to think he can do better, with his life on the road and many groupies to choose from being tied down is just not for him. It is not until he thinks she is moving on does he show any regret.
Harper and Tobias are drawn to each other. Tobias with his peaceful calm energy, and simple nature it makes Harper feel normal again. He still fears that when she finds out about his past, she won't accept him. So many times I just wanted to give him a virtual hug. I loved their chemistry, the moments of happiness they found, and Harper's daughters were so precious.
I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
yarnadine's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
jhunt20's review against another edition
Libby hold expired- will rent again. Chapter 11
alwaysbooking's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 it's all for the kids stars!!!
Tobias broke my heart, from the very beginning this character reached right out and grabbed my heart strings. His background and everything he’s been through was obviously a big mess up. However, he has come out a sort of better man for it, obviously he can’t see he is a better man. He is so sweet to every single person around him. Not one single person had a bad thing to say about him, well I stand corrected maybe one person. Even then she may be swayed by then end of the book. I love how he backed off when Harper needed time to figure things out with her Ex. Ugh all the hearts for this hero.
Harper was such a conflicted character for me, there were so many times I really enjoyed her and so many times I wanted to smack her. I realize she wants to work things out with her Ex maybe for the kids, but I feel like maybe she was emotionally abused by him and doesn’t realize it, so I tried to give her so leeway. Her sister was an amazing rock for her, and I loved that relationship. I enjoyed seeing Harper come into her own with or without Tobias’s help.
This is my first venture into Silver Springs and I loved the set up of the town and all of the people. I’ll go back for the next book if there is one. Thank you to NetGalley, MIRA and Brenda Novak for a copy in lieu of my honest review.
find more reviews at alwaysbooking.wordpress.com
Tobias broke my heart, from the very beginning this character reached right out and grabbed my heart strings. His background and everything he’s been through was obviously a big mess up. However, he has come out a sort of better man for it, obviously he can’t see he is a better man. He is so sweet to every single person around him. Not one single person had a bad thing to say about him, well I stand corrected maybe one person. Even then she may be swayed by then end of the book. I love how he backed off when Harper needed time to figure things out with her Ex. Ugh all the hearts for this hero.
Harper was such a conflicted character for me, there were so many times I really enjoyed her and so many times I wanted to smack her. I realize she wants to work things out with her Ex maybe for the kids, but I feel like maybe she was emotionally abused by him and doesn’t realize it, so I tried to give her so leeway. Her sister was an amazing rock for her, and I loved that relationship. I enjoyed seeing Harper come into her own with or without Tobias’s help.
This is my first venture into Silver Springs and I loved the set up of the town and all of the people. I’ll go back for the next book if there is one. Thank you to NetGalley, MIRA and Brenda Novak for a copy in lieu of my honest review.
find more reviews at alwaysbooking.wordpress.com
bre_louise's review against another edition
4.0
Reviewed for A Book Nerd, a Bookseller and a Bibliophile
This is my first Brenda Novak book and it definitely will not be my last. This book is part of a series and I feel the need to read them all after reading this one.
Christmas stories are my favorite. Tobias won my heart from the very beginning and Harper balances him out perfectly. This book is an emotional rollercoaster but once I started, I could not put it down. This is a must-read this holiday season!
This is my first Brenda Novak book and it definitely will not be my last. This book is part of a series and I feel the need to read them all after reading this one.
Christmas stories are my favorite. Tobias won my heart from the very beginning and Harper balances him out perfectly. This book is an emotional rollercoaster but once I started, I could not put it down. This is a must-read this holiday season!
melinda1962's review against another edition
5.0
I will be reading this again every Christmas. This is a book like none other I’ve read. The characters are so deep. I almost wanted to cry for their sadness. I want to pick it up again right now, that’s how much I love this book. The perfect Hallmark Christmas movie in book form, but with sex.
rowdyroo762's review against another edition
5.0
I liked this book. I usually read romantic suspense rather than just romance books, but this one felt like there was suspense involved. Brenda was very good at expressing her characters feelings and motivations for moving forward or holding still. They felt like real people making decisions in their lives. A very enjoyable read.