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mar_cortz's review
3.0
Before I get started with this review there a few things I should mention:
- I love this author, I’ve read almost all books she has published and as expected this book has been in TBR for like forever.
- I like reading low stars reviews and specially spoilers. I don’t consider myself strong enough to fog blind I need guaranteed HEAs and feel at least marginally prepared for the journey when I pick a new book.
- That said this review is full of all the spoiler I wish I have found before starting this book, if you are not like me and can’t enjoy a book knowing what’s awaiting you, it’s not too late to go back and check another review spoiler free.
This book is 3.5 ⭐️ for me and here is why:
Ophelia is a primary teacher who lost her job, recently got divorced and used all her saving to try to save her parents restaurant from closing down. As an only child she is doing everything she can to help her parents and when an incredible job opportunity presents itself to become a nanny of two kids under 7 for 6 months and get a huge paycheck at the end she goes for it.
This is where we meet Ronan, a single dad who lost his wife to cancer not so long ago and it’s looking for someone to take care of his kids Connor and Amie.
Once she gets hired she has to move in to an small island in the coastal Maine to live and take care of the kids, this is where things turn interesting right after she gets hired Ronan kills himself and leaves everything setup for Ophelia to be the legal guardian of his kids for the next six months until his brother takes full custody of them IF he accepts to do so.
Ronan’s decision turns Ophelia’s life upside down and this basically what the book is about. For a long time I refused to believe Ronan was dead but he was and even though he left a letter for Ophelia and his wife’s journal to explain who is Sully and why he was never mentioned we don’t get to understand the events that lead to the present until the last 25% of the book.
For a long time it feel super slow paced and like nothing meaningful was happening and even though I love slow burn romances I had a hard time connecting with the characters and the events and get excited as Ophelia made progress and got more and more involved with Sully.
The final spoiler that basically explains everything was a bit predictable but that’s okay after Ronan’s situation I could not stand another even like this.
It was heartwarming to see these two characters finally make it and get their HEA and I must confess she got me with that epilogue. That letter got me crying my heart out because at the end of the day you can understand all the events that took these characters through this journey.
I wish we could have had more of Ophelia interacting with the kids, some of the reviews said she was a bad Nanny and I don’t think that’s the case, I think she did the best she could coping with a difficult situation that seemed to pull her into different directions several times throughout the book.
Also, I don’t think Sully was the worst hero, yes he was an asshole and infuriating and stubborn and a complicated man who thought there was nothing to look for in life, who thought all was lost and pointless and deal with his inner demons as best as he could.
I wish we could have had more of Ronan and why he was so certain Ophelia was right for Sully, he seemed to know a lot more than he let on but how? This question will haunt me for days.
Finally, I do think it was a brilliant idea these twin brothers who did so many things for love and I really wish I could have connected with these two characters that deserved so much happiness :)
- I love this author, I’ve read almost all books she has published and as expected this book has been in TBR for like forever.
- I like reading low stars reviews and specially spoilers. I don’t consider myself strong enough to fog blind I need guaranteed HEAs and feel at least marginally prepared for the journey when I pick a new book.
- That said this review is full of all the spoiler I wish I have found before starting this book, if you are not like me and can’t enjoy a book knowing what’s awaiting you, it’s not too late to go back and check another review spoiler free.
This book is 3.5 ⭐️ for me and here is why:
Ophelia is a primary teacher who lost her job, recently got divorced and used all her saving to try to save her parents restaurant from closing down. As an only child she is doing everything she can to help her parents and when an incredible job opportunity presents itself to become a nanny of two kids under 7 for 6 months and get a huge paycheck at the end she goes for it.
This is where we meet Ronan, a single dad who lost his wife to cancer not so long ago and it’s looking for someone to take care of his kids Connor and Amie.
Once she gets hired she has to move in to an small island in the coastal Maine to live and take care of the kids, this is where things turn interesting right after she gets hired Ronan kills himself and leaves everything setup for Ophelia to be the legal guardian of his kids for the next six months until his brother takes full custody of them IF he accepts to do so.
Ronan’s decision turns Ophelia’s life upside down and this basically what the book is about. For a long time I refused to believe Ronan was dead but he was and even though he left a letter for Ophelia and his wife’s journal to explain who is Sully and why he was never mentioned we don’t get to understand the events that lead to the present until the last 25% of the book.
For a long time it feel super slow paced and like nothing meaningful was happening and even though I love slow burn romances I had a hard time connecting with the characters and the events and get excited as Ophelia made progress and got more and more involved with Sully.
The final spoiler that basically explains everything was a bit predictable but that’s okay after Ronan’s situation I could not stand another even like this.
It was heartwarming to see these two characters finally make it and get their HEA and I must confess she got me with that epilogue. That letter got me crying my heart out because at the end of the day you can understand all the events that took these characters through this journey.
I wish we could have had more of Ophelia interacting with the kids, some of the reviews said she was a bad Nanny and I don’t think that’s the case, I think she did the best she could coping with a difficult situation that seemed to pull her into different directions several times throughout the book.
Also, I don’t think Sully was the worst hero, yes he was an asshole and infuriating and stubborn and a complicated man who thought there was nothing to look for in life, who thought all was lost and pointless and deal with his inner demons as best as he could.
I wish we could have had more of Ronan and why he was so certain Ophelia was right for Sully, he seemed to know a lot more than he let on but how? This question will haunt me for days.
Finally, I do think it was a brilliant idea these twin brothers who did so many things for love and I really wish I could have connected with these two characters that deserved so much happiness :)
kate_and_books's review
4.0
SPOILER FREE REVIEW.
I love crying in the rain. Because when I do, no one can hear the pain. Or see the tears streaming down my face. -Unknown-
It has been a long time where I have felt so emotional about a book. It’s hard to put into words how I actually feel about this book. Got some real soul searchin’ going on here.
For the sake of keeping things under wrap in regards to the book I won’t be naming the characters let’s just go with the heroine and the Hero.
Our heroine needs a job after losing hers as a teacher she applies for a position to look after two young children. After the interview our heroine is actually unsure whether she wants the job or not but to save her family’s restaurant she takes it and moves out to Maine, to the Causeway.
Our heroine adapts to her life for the next six months but with that twist holy shite Ms. Hart I didn’t see that coming and it took a chunk of my heart right out combined with that letter? Well bugger me, I was slayed. It stayed that way for a long time during the book. Our heroine is tested in many ways and to each one she rises to the challenge. She is strong, kind, patient, courageous, and intelligent. Well you get my drift.
Our Hero is a whole different matter. He is ornery, a hermit, he is a shattered kaleidoscope a mess of a man who up to now has been happy with the life he has been leading. He is brutally honest, fearless and did I mention ornery?
“You’re looking pretty gray. Do you think you can be cordial for a couple of minutes while I check your temperature?” “Sure. As long as you don’t try to stick a thermometer up my ass.” “I promise that, that’s the very last thing I plan on doing.”
But realizing that he wants to be more and to be seen for whom he is.
“I’m not bored,” he said slowly, his voice low. “I haven’t been bored for a single second in your company, Lang. From day one you’ve intrigued me.”
And he owns the fact that he is broken, but aren’t we all in some way? Our Hero sacrificed a lot. Gave up on something that he thought would still be there and it backfired majorly. Sometimes things are unforgiveable. But for all his flaws he is a knight with tarnished and battered armour.
Our heroine doesn’t want to be attracted to the hero but in the end how can she not. All of his flaws
are what make him who he is and well I love him. But our heroine realizes that.
He was mint and strawberry, chocolate and pistachio all rolled into one.
Once our Hero stopped being ornery he became more than likeable.
“So don’t walk away for good. I get it if you have to walk away for now. But make sure you come back, okay? This isn’t done yet and you know it.”
Based in Maine on an island filled with mystery, eeriness, and wild, rugged with a gothic vibe and surrounded by a tightknit community this has the perfect setting. A setting with a story that is un-put-down-able that makes you question everything that you are reading.
Then there are more twists and turns to come that leave me devastated, heartbroken, empty and wishing that things could be different but then we wouldn’t have witnessed something so beautiful.
This is a story that spans over years, it is dark, painful, and gritty and effects everyone.
Oddly enough the author hit the exact balance when it came to there being humorous and bantering moments and when there was a seriousness to the book which is admirable because not everyone can get that balance right.
This whole book could have gone utterly epically and hopelessly wrong but all the factors that should have caused it worked in its favor.
That 5 star read was within finger grasping but I could never fully grab on to it. Which is a crying shame. The end felt rushed to some extent. I was missing depth to their relationship. There is one important fact that I thought they should have spoken about. It seemed to be important to me.
Book received by Trsor Promotions in exchange for an honest review.
Review can also be found @ http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blogspot.de/2016/10/between-here-and-horizon-by-callie-hart.html
I love crying in the rain. Because when I do, no one can hear the pain. Or see the tears streaming down my face. -Unknown-
It has been a long time where I have felt so emotional about a book. It’s hard to put into words how I actually feel about this book. Got some real soul searchin’ going on here.
For the sake of keeping things under wrap in regards to the book I won’t be naming the characters let’s just go with the heroine and the Hero.
Our heroine needs a job after losing hers as a teacher she applies for a position to look after two young children. After the interview our heroine is actually unsure whether she wants the job or not but to save her family’s restaurant she takes it and moves out to Maine, to the Causeway.
Our heroine adapts to her life for the next six months but with that twist holy shite Ms. Hart I didn’t see that coming and it took a chunk of my heart right out combined with that letter? Well bugger me, I was slayed. It stayed that way for a long time during the book. Our heroine is tested in many ways and to each one she rises to the challenge. She is strong, kind, patient, courageous, and intelligent. Well you get my drift.
Our Hero is a whole different matter. He is ornery, a hermit, he is a shattered kaleidoscope a mess of a man who up to now has been happy with the life he has been leading. He is brutally honest, fearless and did I mention ornery?
“You’re looking pretty gray. Do you think you can be cordial for a couple of minutes while I check your temperature?” “Sure. As long as you don’t try to stick a thermometer up my ass.” “I promise that, that’s the very last thing I plan on doing.”
But realizing that he wants to be more and to be seen for whom he is.
“I’m not bored,” he said slowly, his voice low. “I haven’t been bored for a single second in your company, Lang. From day one you’ve intrigued me.”
And he owns the fact that he is broken, but aren’t we all in some way? Our Hero sacrificed a lot. Gave up on something that he thought would still be there and it backfired majorly. Sometimes things are unforgiveable. But for all his flaws he is a knight with tarnished and battered armour.
Our heroine doesn’t want to be attracted to the hero but in the end how can she not. All of his flaws
are what make him who he is and well I love him. But our heroine realizes that.
He was mint and strawberry, chocolate and pistachio all rolled into one.
Once our Hero stopped being ornery he became more than likeable.
“So don’t walk away for good. I get it if you have to walk away for now. But make sure you come back, okay? This isn’t done yet and you know it.”
Based in Maine on an island filled with mystery, eeriness, and wild, rugged with a gothic vibe and surrounded by a tightknit community this has the perfect setting. A setting with a story that is un-put-down-able that makes you question everything that you are reading.
Then there are more twists and turns to come that leave me devastated, heartbroken, empty and wishing that things could be different but then we wouldn’t have witnessed something so beautiful.
This is a story that spans over years, it is dark, painful, and gritty and effects everyone.
Oddly enough the author hit the exact balance when it came to there being humorous and bantering moments and when there was a seriousness to the book which is admirable because not everyone can get that balance right.
This whole book could have gone utterly epically and hopelessly wrong but all the factors that should have caused it worked in its favor.
That 5 star read was within finger grasping but I could never fully grab on to it. Which is a crying shame. The end felt rushed to some extent. I was missing depth to their relationship. There is one important fact that I thought they should have spoken about. It seemed to be important to me.
Book received by Trsor Promotions in exchange for an honest review.
Review can also be found @ http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blogspot.de/2016/10/between-here-and-horizon-by-callie-hart.html
nastja_m's review
5.0
Callie Hart knows her stuff.
I adore how intricately she weaves her plots, suffusing them with flawed, believable characters, emotional depth, and true romance.
There’s humor and heartbreak and action and psychology.
The inspired writing doesn’t hurt.
I’m such a fan.
★★★★★ stars
I adore how intricately she weaves her plots, suffusing them with flawed, believable characters, emotional depth, and true romance.
There’s humor and heartbreak and action and psychology.
The inspired writing doesn’t hurt.
I’m such a fan.
★★★★★ stars
laughlinesandliterature's review
4.0
This book was heartbreaking, but by the end it had mended all those broken pieces. As a parent it was so hard to me to read about the things that Connor and Amie went through. I was so glad that Ophelia had such a loving and giving heart, and was able to see through the most horrible of situations and still put the kids first.
The romance in this book was surprising and not at all what I expected given the novel’s blurb, it still made me tear up at the lengths that each character would go to. What really cemented this book for me in being separate from the standard romance novels was the deft way that the author wrote the characters. Ophelia was not really anything like I expected. She was more than just a woman who loved kids, and needed money. In fact the initial premise for Ophelia to take on the job was quickly left behind, and the true plot of the book unfolded. This book wasn’t new in it’s plot, but it was a fantastically well-written book, and Callie Hart made me feel everything for these characters.
The side characters also left nothing to criticize or critique. Unique in their flawed approaches it was refreshing to have every character have their good points and bad. There were quite a few plot twists that left me kind of gasping because my heart was hurting for the characters. My only critique would be how quickly the end came together and was wrapped up so neatly. I don’t have any problem with it in general, but the ending felt rushed. I have to break my rule again for this author and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
*This review was first posted on Moonlight Gleam Reviews http://moonlightgleam.com/2016/12/between-here-and-the-horizon-by-callie-hart-review.html*
The romance in this book was surprising and not at all what I expected given the novel’s blurb, it still made me tear up at the lengths that each character would go to. What really cemented this book for me in being separate from the standard romance novels was the deft way that the author wrote the characters. Ophelia was not really anything like I expected. She was more than just a woman who loved kids, and needed money. In fact the initial premise for Ophelia to take on the job was quickly left behind, and the true plot of the book unfolded. This book wasn’t new in it’s plot, but it was a fantastically well-written book, and Callie Hart made me feel everything for these characters.
The side characters also left nothing to criticize or critique. Unique in their flawed approaches it was refreshing to have every character have their good points and bad. There were quite a few plot twists that left me kind of gasping because my heart was hurting for the characters. My only critique would be how quickly the end came together and was wrapped up so neatly. I don’t have any problem with it in general, but the ending felt rushed. I have to break my rule again for this author and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
*This review was first posted on Moonlight Gleam Reviews http://moonlightgleam.com/2016/12/between-here-and-the-horizon-by-callie-hart-review.html*
jen286's review
4.0
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
I really enjoyed Between Here and the Horizon. I loved that the story didn't play out how I expected. Not at all. It was awesome. There is a lot of backstory and things that happen that I didn't expect, but I don't want to spoil the surprises. So I am not sure how much I can say about this story. Some slight spoilers ahead so if you don't want to know anything (recommended!) then don't read on!!
Lang needs money to help save her family so when she is offered a lot of money to take care of some kids for six months on a remote island she can't turn it down. This money would help her family so much. This money would mean she wouldn't have to work as hard as she does. This money is everything.
Only when she shows up on the island things don't go the way she planned. I loved the story here. I loved Lang and the guy she ends up with. He is a bit of a recluse, locking himself away from everyone. Even though she doesn't want to, she starts caring for him. She was so sweet and kind and wonderful.
And Mr. Recluse? He was also amazing. I loved how he is not one for half-truths, will call things like he sees them, can be really grumbly and cranky, but underneath it all is so sweet. He has some secrets, a past that hurt him that he hasn't really been able to move on from until Lang shows up. She makes him start to feel like he could be his old self again which scares him. He has been alone, cut off everyone else on the island for so long he doesn't really know how to let people in again. Oh, he was great!
Lang and her man were so perfect together. Perfect in their imperfect situation. And the epilogue? Kill me now. Seriously. Her mystery man is soooo sweet! I seriously loved him so much!! He is still a bit fragile even at the end, but oh it was wonderful. A really great read.
I really enjoyed Between Here and the Horizon. I loved that the story didn't play out how I expected. Not at all. It was awesome. There is a lot of backstory and things that happen that I didn't expect, but I don't want to spoil the surprises. So I am not sure how much I can say about this story. Some slight spoilers ahead so if you don't want to know anything (recommended!) then don't read on!!
Lang needs money to help save her family so when she is offered a lot of money to take care of some kids for six months on a remote island she can't turn it down. This money would help her family so much. This money would mean she wouldn't have to work as hard as she does. This money is everything.
Only when she shows up on the island things don't go the way she planned. I loved the story here. I loved Lang and the guy she ends up with. He is a bit of a recluse, locking himself away from everyone. Even though she doesn't want to, she starts caring for him. She was so sweet and kind and wonderful.
And Mr. Recluse? He was also amazing. I loved how he is not one for half-truths, will call things like he sees them, can be really grumbly and cranky, but underneath it all is so sweet. He has some secrets, a past that hurt him that he hasn't really been able to move on from until Lang shows up. She makes him start to feel like he could be his old self again which scares him. He has been alone, cut off everyone else on the island for so long he doesn't really know how to let people in again. Oh, he was great!
Lang and her man were so perfect together. Perfect in their imperfect situation. And the epilogue? Kill me now. Seriously. Her mystery man is soooo sweet! I seriously loved him so much!! He is still a bit fragile even at the end, but oh it was wonderful. A really great read.
darianleeanne's review
5.0
Read this book
It was an absolutely thrilling journey this book took me on. So well written and heartbreaking. By the end I was in tears.
It was an absolutely thrilling journey this book took me on. So well written and heartbreaking. By the end I was in tears.
magskabs's review
5.0
All I can say is WOW!!
I went into this expecting it to be the typical contemp. romance due to the blurp, but boy was i surprised. I would recommend starting this book when you have time to sit back and read for a few hours. Callie did a wonderful job sneaking that plot twist in, it was unexpected and left you reeling. I'll admit I wanted to jump into the book and kill Ronan my self lol. Ophelia was well developed and didn't get annoying as other heroine's usually do within the first hundred pages of the book. Sully was too! Unlike other hero's who are typically asshole's 99.9% of the book then magically fall in love, he was upfront with her once he recognized his feelings for her.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for something different. You'll get it! It didn't feel rushed and flowed well.
I went into this expecting it to be the typical contemp. romance due to the blurp, but boy was i surprised. I would recommend starting this book when you have time to sit back and read for a few hours. Callie did a wonderful job sneaking that plot twist in, it was unexpected and left you reeling. I'll admit I wanted to jump into the book and kill Ronan my self lol. Ophelia was well developed and didn't get annoying as other heroine's usually do within the first hundred pages of the book. Sully was too! Unlike other hero's who are typically asshole's 99.9% of the book then magically fall in love, he was upfront with her once he recognized his feelings for her.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for something different. You'll get it! It didn't feel rushed and flowed well.
xobooktrovert's review
5.0
Reread: 03/04/2018
Still ah-mazing!
First Read: 08/08/2017
Just when Ophelia Lang thought her life couldn't get worse, it somehow did. She had just recently went through a divorce where her husband broke her heart and tried to rob her blind. Due to the failing economy, she had lost her job as a teacher. Now her parents' restaurant is going under and she can't just sit by and watch it close. At least she had been smart enough to put back 15 percent of her paycheck, but her funds are drying up. She's desperate.
Now, she's found herself on a plane flying from California to New York for a job interview. Enter Ronan Fletcher. A business tycoon that would be an attractive man if it wasn't for his sour attitude. He needs a live-in nanny for his two children. That would require Ophelia to move from sunny SoCal to a tiny island off the coast of Maine. Her parents would be devastated, but it was only for six months. The money she would earn at the end of those six months would solve a lot of their financial troubles.
Who would have thought the first 24 hours on this island would change her life forever? I sure the hell didn't!! Callie Hart, you are brilliantly twisted! Ophelia finds herself in a even bigger dilemma and is extremely torn. But she has to stick it out for the children - and for Ronan. She now has six months to mend this broken family. She will get through to him. She has no choice.
GUYS, YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK! I am so upset that I cannot talk about my favorite part of this book - because of spoilers. I am not cruel! But trust me when I say that this book is AMAZING. There are twists and turns around every page and it will grab hold of you. From the first couple of chapters, you will learn to expect the unexpected. Callie Hart blew me away with her writing.
The narrator of the audiobook was WONDERFUL! Julia Farmer is a master of accents and storytelling. I highly recommend you opt for the audio.
5 stars!
Still ah-mazing!
First Read: 08/08/2017
Just when Ophelia Lang thought her life couldn't get worse, it somehow did. She had just recently went through a divorce where her husband broke her heart and tried to rob her blind. Due to the failing economy, she had lost her job as a teacher. Now her parents' restaurant is going under and she can't just sit by and watch it close. At least she had been smart enough to put back 15 percent of her paycheck, but her funds are drying up. She's desperate.
Now, she's found herself on a plane flying from California to New York for a job interview. Enter Ronan Fletcher. A business tycoon that would be an attractive man if it wasn't for his sour attitude. He needs a live-in nanny for his two children. That would require Ophelia to move from sunny SoCal to a tiny island off the coast of Maine. Her parents would be devastated, but it was only for six months. The money she would earn at the end of those six months would solve a lot of their financial troubles.
Who would have thought the first 24 hours on this island would change her life forever? I sure the hell didn't!! Callie Hart, you are brilliantly twisted! Ophelia finds herself in a even bigger dilemma and is extremely torn. But she has to stick it out for the children - and for Ronan. She now has six months to mend this broken family. She will get through to him. She has no choice.
GUYS, YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK! I am so upset that I cannot talk about my favorite part of this book - because of spoilers. I am not cruel! But trust me when I say that this book is AMAZING. There are twists and turns around every page and it will grab hold of you. From the first couple of chapters, you will learn to expect the unexpected. Callie Hart blew me away with her writing.
The narrator of the audiobook was WONDERFUL! Julia Farmer is a master of accents and storytelling. I highly recommend you opt for the audio.
5 stars!
akristinab's review
5.0
Actual Rating 4.5 Stars
I won a copy of this book from a Facebook giveaway. I was looking for something new to read and entered on a whim and honestly had no clue what the book was about until after I won. After reading the synopsis I still had no clue what to expect, and honestly I don't think ANYONE can anticipate what really happened. I was crying my eyes out before I even read 30% of it. But holy crap I haven't been that blindsided by a book in a really long time and it was awesome to read something so unique. I really loved this book, even if it ripped my heart apart a little bit. Before I even finished I knew it'd be a book that I'm constantly suggesting to people.
Bittersweet is probably the best word to describe this book, because while it was immensely sad, it was also something that feel like everything ending in the way it was always meant to be.
I won a copy of this book from a Facebook giveaway. I was looking for something new to read and entered on a whim and honestly had no clue what the book was about until after I won. After reading the synopsis I still had no clue what to expect, and honestly I don't think ANYONE can anticipate what really happened. I was crying my eyes out before I even read 30% of it. But holy crap I haven't been that blindsided by a book in a really long time and it was awesome to read something so unique. I really loved this book, even if it ripped my heart apart a little bit. Before I even finished I knew it'd be a book that I'm constantly suggesting to people.
Bittersweet is probably the best word to describe this book, because while it was immensely sad, it was also something that feel like everything ending in the way it was always meant to be.