Release Date: January 13, 2020
Cover Design: MadHat Studios
Model: Aidan Stewart
Photographer: R+M Photography
Synopsis
While flying home after a phone call that left me heartbroken, a row to myself would have been ideal. Instead, I was unknowingly sitting shoulder to shoulder with a strikingly attractive single dad and ex-Marine. I could have pretended not to notice the man, but there was something familiar about him.
It didn’t take long before I pieced together where I knew him from or why he was back in my life.
With chaos holding me hostage, I wanted to hide but couldn’t avoid Brett Pearson, our old family friend, and my teenage crush, because he kindly offered to help out with my family’s business—The Barrel House.
Handling my father’s distillery would be a distraction from my brutal reality. Except, I never paid close attention to the art of making bourbon, unlike Brett, who was full of bourbon knowledge. He offered to teach me a thing or two, but all I could focus on was the way his lips moved when he spoke to me.
I needed to grieve, and my head was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but my heart was splitting at the seams.
Bourbon was spilled, drinks were shared, but could passion ignite from a dying last wish?
It didn’t take long before I pieced together where I knew him from or why he was back in my life.
With chaos holding me hostage, I wanted to hide but couldn’t avoid Brett Pearson, our old family friend, and my teenage crush, because he kindly offered to help out with my family’s business—The Barrel House.
Handling my father’s distillery would be a distraction from my brutal reality. Except, I never paid close attention to the art of making bourbon, unlike Brett, who was full of bourbon knowledge. He offered to teach me a thing or two, but all I could focus on was the way his lips moved when he spoke to me.
I needed to grieve, and my head was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but my heart was splitting at the seams.
Bourbon was spilled, drinks were shared, but could passion ignite from a dying last wish?
Goodreads
My Review
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
First of all, I think it bears pointing out that the blurb on this book, while beautifully written, just scratches the surface and only hints at what's in store for the reader. Its done in such a way, though, that an astute reader will pick up on the undercurrent and realize that this one goes deep. This is a phenomenal, emotional read that I highly recommend, but knowing that some topics are sensitive for some readers, it's only fair to share that while this book is about finding love, it's about finding love in the midst and aftermath of loss, grief and pain.
Had I found this book a year ago after losing my father, or this past April after nearly losing my husband, I would not have been able to make my way through it. I’m not usually an emotional person and rarely cry over a book, but I had tears in my eyes most of the way through this one.
Having said that, I saw every bit of the grief, pain and emotion that I had experienced through my own circumstances portrayed so accurately in this story, it’s as if the writer was looking deep into my soul and recording what she saw, right down to the paralyzing fear and the compulsive busyness in an effort to escape thoughts and feelings. It’s so superbly done and beautifully handled that all of those feelings welled back up to the surface, with my heart suspended in a bitter sweetness, then leaving me with a closure so effective that a calming peace and joyful gratitude are all that remained.
I can always, always count on a heart-rending, poignant journey when reading this lady's work. She has a way of infusing her heart and soul into her manuscript that reaches deep inside the reader and makes her books an all-consuming experience, rather than simply a ‘read’. I feel like my emotions have been pureed in a blender, but I’m left with characters who will live forever in my soul, a quiet fulfillment, and a sense that a part of me is transformed for having had this experience.
Melody and Brett's story is stunning and powerful, and the symbolism between the bourbon-making process and personal relationships is meaningful and memorable. This story is gut-wrenching and sorrowful, yet shares profound insights into loss and grief while offering wisdom on healing, celebrating life, and reclaiming happiness. Easily one of my top reads for this new year and worthy of far more than five stars, it’s impossible to read this consuming, emotional story without your heart being forever changed.
This is one you won't want to pass up, so grab your copy using the below links (psst, it's in Kindle Unlimited) then scroll down for a fantastic giveaway and information on connecting with the author. Until next time, dear reader
Much love between the covers,
BookAddict
*See my other reviews here.
AMAZON TOP 500 REVIEWER
Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card
Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b1257f8d569/?
About the Author
International Bestselling Author, Shari J. Ryan is a writer of Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romance, and Romantic Comedy. Throughout the last seven years of her writing journey, Shari has written more than twenty emotionally charged novels ranging from Rockstar Romances and Medical Romances to Historical Fiction.Shari is happily married to her own superhero--a former Marine who has inspired many of her stories. Together, they have two beautiful little boys.
Shari's active imagination allows her to create characters with depth and raw emotion as they journey their ways to a happily ever after.
Connect with Shari
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