Book Review ~ Return to Love (Endless Love Series Book 2) by Kathleen Shoop ~ Blog Tour & Giveaway

Synopsis

Sweet Romance… Fresh off their whirlwind nuptials and unexpected, but joyous pregnancy, April and Hale Abercrombie are gleeful about their life together. But, while Hale is serving his country in Vietnam, he receives news of the loss of their newborn daughter.

Back home on leave, Hale can barely wait to hold his wife. Their reunion is passionate and their physical connection, strong and soothing. His embrace, his touch, and his love are just as perfect as April remembered. But nothing, not even Hale, can ease April’s heartache.

Hale stumbles through his attempts at convincing her that their future will be rich and full of wonder despite their loss. His good-hearted, but take-charge approach causes her to retreat. Even in grief, April recognizes Hale’s earnestness, yet she can’t help but distance herself from him. With only a short time before Hale must return to war, the couple begins to understand that hope starts with them—that the bliss they once knew will return only if they are willing to trust again.

Set on the beaches of the Outer Banks, Return to Love is the second book in the Endless Love series. Book one, Home Again, was named a finalist in the 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

My Thoughts

Return to Love was such an emotional story to read.  It centers around the loss of a child at birth and the emotional and psychological toll it can take on the mother and those who love her.  It is especially hard when your spouse is away serving his country in the midst of the Vietnam War.

At a time in history when women where just told to deal with it and move on, I found myself getting really angry at the insensitivity of the medical community and how they dealt with still-born children and the mothers.  It was downright appalling and made me ill just to read about it.  Thankfully in this story, an 'angel', named Nurse Peters, realizes there is a major flaw in the system and provided much needed sympathy, understanding and a caring attitude towards her patients, even risking her job to do so.  Another 'angel' in this story is Martha.  Her way of keeping April busy to try and get her back to a somewhat normal existence was absolutely awesome.

This book tackled a very tough issue and Ms. Shoop managed to write about it in a graceful and beautiful manner.  With her vivid descriptions of the scenery and characters who are well developed, it was so easy to get drawn into this heartbreaking story.  I fell in love with Hale and April in Home Again and this story made me love them even more.  Their marriage was tested in this story and they made it through despite the odds.  I can not wait to read the next installment of this beautiful series.

My rating:  5 out of 5 stars

Purchase Links

* Amazon.com * Amazon.co.uk * 
*Barnes and Noble *

About the Author

A Language Arts Coach with a Ph.D. in Reading Education, Kathleen lives in Oakmont, Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.


Kathleen has also written Love and Other Subjects, award winning After the Fog and her debut novel, The Last Letter, garnered multiple awards in 2011.  The author's stories have also appeared in several of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

Author Links

* Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest  * Google+ * Goodreads *

Also available

Endless Love series. Book one, Home Again

1969-- Set on the shores of the Albemarle Sound, April Harrington has fond memories of summers at her family home, Bliss. After her fairytale wedding disintegrates, it becomes her refuge—the one place where she can attempt to pull the unraveling threads of her life back together. Unbeknownst to April, the stately house has been neglected in recent years. The once-sturdy roof is leaking in a few dozen places, and the wharf is rotting. Nothing is the same as she remembers. Nothing except for Hale, a Viet Nam pilot who is haunted by a dreadful secret, and who is also her brother’s best friend, a brother killed in the conflict that is tearing the country apart.

In Hale’s presence, April finds familiarity and solace. They share grief for a lost loved one, and from the comfort of Hale’s arms, passion blooms. Yet, April’s future is unresolved. Her wealthy, arrogant almost-bridegroom wants her back and the ghosts of Viet Nam are whispering to Hale. Can they find new love in an old treasured home, the kind of affection and trust that lasts forever?

Click HERE to see my review of Home Again

Purchase Links

Home Again

* Amazon.com  *  Amazon.co.uk *
   * Barnes and Noble *

Book Tour Dates

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

Giveaway

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY !!

THREE Lucky Winners will each receive a $15 Amazon Giftcard,

courtesy of author of Return to Love, Kathleen Shoop

Ending on Sunday 7th September at 11.59pm EST

Open Worldwide

Enter  Below & Good Luck !!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal! ~ Catching Cassidy (Harborside Nights Series) by Melissa Foster

**READERS** 
Melissa Foster is proud to announce her New Adult Romance series releasing in April 2015! 

The first book, CATCHING CASSIDY, is NOW AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER HERE!

CATCHING CASSIDY  -  HARBORSIDE NIGHTS, Book One 

Wyatt Armstrong never imagined that instead of celebrating his college graduation, he and his twin sister would be dealing with the death of their parents. Then again, Wyatt had never been one to think past tomorrow. He heads to their summer home in Harborside, Massachusetts, with his best friend Cassidy Lowell in tow, to spread his parents’ ashes and to try to figure out his next step. 

Six foot two, infuriatingly handsome, and flirtatious, Wyatt Armstrong has always been there for Cassidy, helping her pass her classes and fend off unwanted advances, while driving her insane with his one-night stands—but that’s what best friends are for, isn’t it? Having each other’s backs. There was never any doubt that she would accompany him to his family’s summer home—even if her jealous boyfriend is giving her hell for it. But he doesn’t have anything to be jealous of…or does he? 

It’s impossible to ignore the sizzling heat between them as Wyatt and Cassidy get even closer, but Cassidy knows Wyatt’s past, and she has a real job to begin in the fall. Wyatt may be a sure thing for the summer, but Cassidy needs more. For the first time in his life, Wyatt is forced to look toward the future if he doesn’t want to lose the one woman who’s shared his past and owns his heart.

PREORDER HERE

Melissa Foster is the award-winning author of a number of International bestselling novels. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women's Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Cafe. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success.

Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children, she's written for Calgary's Child Magazine and Women Business Owners Magazine, and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa's interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on The Women's Nest or her personal website

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Summer Beach Reading Party! ~ Huge eBook Giveaway (10 Winners)!!!

Your invited to our Summer Beach Reading Party!

Come on over,  pour yourself a drink, relax and enjoy these great Summer reads

After a hard day at work, caring for children, or gardening, you deserve a night of pleasure! 
Open your Kindle or turn the pages of these great books for summer. 
Whether you're enjoying the sun on the beach reading or simply curled up in your favorite chair - let us tempt you with these awesome summer reads... 

 
Young Adult Summer Reads

(FLEDGLING IS CURRENTLY FREE)

      

Hot Summer Romance Books

    

(SISTERS IN LOVE / LOVERS AT HEART ARE CURRENTLY FREE)

        

Thriller / Adventure Beach Reads

  

These awesome authors have come together to offer 

a super combined giveaway

Check out the prize packs you could win below the Rafflecopter Form
Ending on Friday 1st August at 11.59pm EST

Enter Below & Good Luck !!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

1st Prize
The Girl Who Swam to Atlantis by Elle Thornton
The Stream by A. R. Silverberry
The Curvy Girls Club by Michele Gorman
The Collector of Dying Breaths by M.J. Rose
Return to Love by Kathleen shoop
Taming Romeo by Rachelle Ayala
Into the Light by Amy Manemann
Game of Love by Melissa Foster
Taken by Love by Melissa Foster
Entertaining Angels by Emerald Barnes
Prodigy by Natasha Brown (book 2 of the Shapeshifter chronicles)
Emergent by Natasha Brown (book 3 of the Shapeshifter chronicles)

2nd Prize
The Girl Who Swam to Atlantis by Elle Thornton
The Stream by A. R. Silverberry
The Collector of Dying Breaths by M.J. Rose
Return to Love by Kathleen shoop
Taming Romeo by Rachelle Ayala
Into the Light by Amy Manemann
Game of Love by Melissa Foster
Taken by Love by Melissa Foster
Entertaining Angels by Emerald Barnes
Prodigy by Natasha Brown (book 2 of the Shapeshifter chronicles)
Emergent by Natasha Brown (book 3 of the Shapeshifter chronicles)

3rd Prize
The Girl Who Swam to Atlantis by Elle Thornton
The Collector of Dying Breaths by M.J. Rose
Return to Love by Kathleen shoop
Taming Romeo by Rachelle Ayala
Game of Love by Melissa Foster
Taken by Love by Melissa Foster
Prodigy by Natasha Brown (book 2 of the Shapeshifter chronicles)
Emergent by Natasha Brown (book 3 of the Shapeshifter chronicles)

4th & 5th Prize
The Girl Who Swam to Atlantis by Elle Thornton
Prodigy by Natasha Brown (book 2 of the Shapeshifter chronicles)
Emergent by Natasha Brown (book 3 of the Shapeshifter chronicles)

6th - 10th Prize
The Girl Who Swam to Atlantis by Elle Thornton

Enjoy your reads !!

Book Review ~ Home Again (The Endless Love Series) by Kathleen Shoop

Home Again

(The Endless Love Series) 

by Kathleen Shoop

1969-- Set on the shores of the Albemarle Sound, April Harrington has fond memories of summers at her family home, Bliss. After her fairytale wedding disintegrates, it becomes her refuge-the one place where she can attempt to pull the unraveling threads of her life back together. Unbeknownst to April, the stately house has been neglected in recent years. The once-sturdy roof is leaking in a few dozen places, and the wharf is rotting. Nothing is the same as she remembers. Nothing except for Hale, a Viet Nam pilot who is haunted by a dreadful secret, and who is also her brother's best friend, a brother killed in the conflict that is tearing the country apart. In Hale's presence, April finds familiarity and solace. They share grief for a lost loved one, and from the comfort of Hale's arms, passion blooms. Yet, April's future is unresolved. Her wealthy, arrogant almost-bridegroom wants her back and the ghosts of Viet Nam are whispering to Hale. Can they find new love in an old treasured home, the kind of affection and trust that lasts forever?

Set in 1969, when the Vietnam War was taking place, April Harrington finds herself leaving her asinine fiancé at the alter and going back to her family’s vacation home, Bliss.  Because Bliss has so many good memories associated with it, April hopes to find refuge and try to pull her life back together.  When she returns, she finds the family home in a state of neglect, as her parents used all the money they had to finance her wedding.  With that guilt and the guilt she has harbored for her deceased brother, Andrew, April feels her life unraveling.  The only familiar comfort she finds is in Hale, a long-time friend to both her and Andrew.  But Hale has his own guilt and demons bringing him down – and a secret that may ruin the relationship he has and the love he wants from April.  Can April and Hale find peace and love that truly lasts forever? 

Home Again by Kathleen Shoop, although short, packed so many emotions – happiness, sadness, guilt and most of all love. I absolutely loved this beautiful story!  It was so easy to get carried away in the drama that unfolded within the pages of this book. April and Hale make the perfect couple and I was cheering them on from the very beginning. They both deserved a happily ever after we all crave.   Home Again is a short and sweet story that I would recommend to anyone who loves a timeless romance.  

My rating:  4 out of 5 stars

* Amazon * Barnes & Noble * 

After the Fog is the second novel by bestselling Kindle author Kathleen Shoop. Her debut novel, The Last Letter, garnered multiple awards in 2011.

A Language Arts Coach with a Ph.D. in Reading Education, Kathleen lives in Oakmont, Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.

* Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest *