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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
I always know I am going to get something emotional, addicting and all consuming when I start a Melanie Harlow book, but this one took the cake. It was a romance of unspoken nature...but what I did learn or think on hard was judging things I know nothing about. It was a lesson in realizing that not everything placed in front of you can be deemed right or wrong. I have always known if you don't walk in their shoes don't judge them. This was that case.
From the outside looking in this was a romance that would be judged harshly, but when you get to the real story, the fact that Drew always stole the show while Wes allowed him to. When you learn who loved whom first, you start hoping. Hoping that Wes can get the happily ever after he has let everyone else have. That he can put himself and his happiness first. But the one thing he wants has so many strings attached. The relationship that Hannah has with her mother in law was SO familiar, lol. She was all things I understand. After 23 years with my husband and giving 4 grandbabies, I still struggle to be enough. This book was so personal, raw in a way that had you invested in what was going to happen. Forbidden, but right.
From the outside looking in this was a romance that would be judged harshly, but when you get to the real story, the fact that Drew always stole the show while Wes allowed him to. When you learn who loved whom first, you start hoping. Hoping that Wes can get the happily ever after he has let everyone else have. That he can put himself and his happiness first. But the one thing he wants has so many strings attached. The relationship that Hannah has with her mother in law was SO familiar, lol. She was all things I understand. After 23 years with my husband and giving 4 grandbabies, I still struggle to be enough. This book was so personal, raw in a way that had you invested in what was going to happen. Forbidden, but right.
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
It was good. I got emotionally invested. But there were some things I didn’t care for. I mean it seemed like they were in limbo for a while and then I just didn’t like when they came back together. I don’t know. It didn’t seem right or something... I just pictured something different.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wow! What a story. When I tell you that it had my attention from the very beginning, it did. I didn't put the book down. Finished in one day. The whole premise of the story was so interesting. Hannah was married to Drew who has an identical twin but sadly he dies unexpectedly at an early age. I can't imagine how it would feel to see his twin brother around and what feelings that would lead to. Wes was an amazing character. Selfless and giving at the expense of his own happiness, he gets a second chance. There were some characters in this story that completely frustrated me but that just added to the drama and angst and I loved it! Forbidden romances get me EVERY time and this one... well, I just don't have the words. This is a must read for you for sure!
You can never do wrong with Melanie Harlow’s books.
The widow who falls in love with her late husband twin brother is a difficult trope to execute. It is usually very cliche, the slow burn is extremely long that gets you bored, or the widow moves on so fast it gives you a whiplash.
Trust Melanie to do it right.
There is nothing new or different, your regular small town gossips, the insufferable mother in law, the therapy group for widows, a whole lot of shame and regret.
I like how Harlow writes children in her books, they are realistic, true to their age, and adorable. Nothing worst than reading a 2 pages monologue by a 4yo.
Why 3 stars if I liked it?
Unlike any other books by Harlow, I found the main female character flat, bland, like a leaf in the wind. And it is not because she’s grieving, it’s because I didn’t see enough of her life that made me admire her, or that made me feel like she had character at all.
She spent the whole book being scared, hot and cold, and her internal dialogue had my eyes rolling.
The widow who falls in love with her late husband twin brother is a difficult trope to execute. It is usually very cliche, the slow burn is extremely long that gets you bored, or the widow moves on so fast it gives you a whiplash.
Trust Melanie to do it right.
There is nothing new or different, your regular small town gossips, the insufferable mother in law, the therapy group for widows, a whole lot of shame and regret.
I like how Harlow writes children in her books, they are realistic, true to their age, and adorable. Nothing worst than reading a 2 pages monologue by a 4yo.
Why 3 stars if I liked it?
Unlike any other books by Harlow, I found the main female character flat, bland, like a leaf in the wind. And it is not because she’s grieving, it’s because I didn’t see enough of her life that made me admire her, or that made me feel like she had character at all.
She spent the whole book being scared, hot and cold, and her internal dialogue had my eyes rolling.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW***
5 Love Wins CROWNS
Based on this synopsis, I fully expected Melanie Harlow to bring the angst and to bring me to tears, and while there are many sad moments, I found From this Moment to be a story of love and healing and hope for the future versus one of sadness and despair.
The heroine and widow of the story, Hannah has suffered a loss that unfortunately many woman deal with and one no one wants to imagine. From this loss, she has shielded her heart from any form of love and any type of relationship with the exception of her daughter. Her emotional state in the beginning of the novel, while it is one I have never personally experienced, is one that connected me to her as a character. I can sympathize with her emotional state. I can understand how she feels about the world, her husband, and her future. Her desire to get up and "live" for her daughter and the well-being of her daughter is one most parents will understand. Her emotional struggle upon seeing Wes and spending more time with him is also a delicate situation, and I thought Melanie Harlow did a fantastic job with honoring the budding relationship between Wes and Hannah and not demeaning or downplaying the marriage of Hannah and Drew, which sometimes happens in these types of tropes. I loved that Hannah, once she decides on how she feels, never waivers on her feelings. Now, that doesn't mean her decisions and course of action doesn't change, but her feelings, what she admits to herself, don't, and I found that to be incredibly likable.
Wes is truly the perfect hero to come and begin the healing process with Hannah. Not only does he heal her but he also heals the daughter as well as the entire family. He is sweet, compassionate, and understanding nature makes him the perfect man to give Hannah and Abby the future they and he deserves. Underneath that sweet man, though, is a kinkier side I never expected based on how we see him publicly and with Abby. When these two are alone, readers really get to see a much more domineering and adventurous side to his character. Although, there are times that his compassion and understanding mucks everything up, his torment over it is felt, and readers root for him to resolve the issues because they love him.
From This Moment has a hard story-line to sell. Like Lenore, society tends to judge, verbally and non-verbally. We don't understand how someone falls in love with a brother of a deceased husband, but Melanie Harlow takes a step further by making them identical twins. It added a whole new layer of controversy and issues for the couple. This author, however, does an amazing job and showcasing that love can't be contained or controlled. She gives each relationship its just dues, and she never discredits one brother or relationship for the other. And although readers may walk into the story with preconceived notions about what is proper, they will leave the story fully believing that love wins, that these two deserve each other and the happiness they provide one another. It is truly a touching and tender story, one of my favorites.
Melanie Harlow continues to be one of my one-click authors. This particularly series of angsty, inter-connected standalones has shown me another side of her writing, where she tackles loss and heartache, exemplifying how love heals and makes a person whole again. Each book personifies the essence of love and exhibits how we can get through anything if we open our hearts.
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ARC recevied in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
5 Love Wins CROWNS
Based on this synopsis, I fully expected Melanie Harlow to bring the angst and to bring me to tears, and while there are many sad moments, I found From this Moment to be a story of love and healing and hope for the future versus one of sadness and despair.
The heroine and widow of the story, Hannah has suffered a loss that unfortunately many woman deal with and one no one wants to imagine. From this loss, she has shielded her heart from any form of love and any type of relationship with the exception of her daughter. Her emotional state in the beginning of the novel, while it is one I have never personally experienced, is one that connected me to her as a character. I can sympathize with her emotional state. I can understand how she feels about the world, her husband, and her future. Her desire to get up and "live" for her daughter and the well-being of her daughter is one most parents will understand. Her emotional struggle upon seeing Wes and spending more time with him is also a delicate situation, and I thought Melanie Harlow did a fantastic job with honoring the budding relationship between Wes and Hannah and not demeaning or downplaying the marriage of Hannah and Drew, which sometimes happens in these types of tropes. I loved that Hannah, once she decides on how she feels, never waivers on her feelings. Now, that doesn't mean her decisions and course of action doesn't change, but her feelings, what she admits to herself, don't, and I found that to be incredibly likable.
Wes is truly the perfect hero to come and begin the healing process with Hannah. Not only does he heal her but he also heals the daughter as well as the entire family. He is sweet, compassionate, and understanding nature makes him the perfect man to give Hannah and Abby the future they and he deserves. Underneath that sweet man, though, is a kinkier side I never expected based on how we see him publicly and with Abby. When these two are alone, readers really get to see a much more domineering and adventurous side to his character. Although, there are times that his compassion and understanding mucks everything up, his torment over it is felt, and readers root for him to resolve the issues because they love him.
From This Moment has a hard story-line to sell. Like Lenore, society tends to judge, verbally and non-verbally. We don't understand how someone falls in love with a brother of a deceased husband, but Melanie Harlow takes a step further by making them identical twins. It added a whole new layer of controversy and issues for the couple. This author, however, does an amazing job and showcasing that love can't be contained or controlled. She gives each relationship its just dues, and she never discredits one brother or relationship for the other. And although readers may walk into the story with preconceived notions about what is proper, they will leave the story fully believing that love wins, that these two deserve each other and the happiness they provide one another. It is truly a touching and tender story, one of my favorites.
Melanie Harlow continues to be one of my one-click authors. This particularly series of angsty, inter-connected standalones has shown me another side of her writing, where she tackles loss and heartache, exemplifying how love heals and makes a person whole again. Each book personifies the essence of love and exhibits how we can get through anything if we open our hearts.
--------
ARC recevied in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
4.5, Love is Everything Stars!!
“All I could think was he wants me, he wants me, he wants me. Enough to walk here in the dark. Enough to ask for another chance. Enough to admit he’d made a mistake and couldn’t stop thinking about me. All my walls fell.”
“I’ve always wanted you. From the moment I saw you, only I was too chicken shit to do anything about it. I didn’t know what to say or how to say it. I just knew you were the most perfect girl I’d ever met, and I would have done anything to be with you.”
“Tell me you feel nothing for me, Hannah, and I’ll go. Tell me you could never be happy with me. Tell me I could never be what you want.”
Oh, man! When I first read the synopsis of this book, I just knew it was going to be a tough one. A story that was going to consume my every thought and burn its way into my soul. A story of complicated second chances and a romance that withstands a lifetime. From This Moment was all of that and so much more.
From the moment I started reading this book, I was consumed. My heart ached for the loss that Hannah had experienced. I can not even begin to imagine the pain and heartache of losing your husband, only to have his twin brother to return to town. Seeing each other is unavoidable and in an effort to move on and get past her grief, Hannah agrees to let herself and her daughter spend some time with Wes. Only being around Wes stirred up feelings that Hannah long forgot about. Slowly, Wes was bringing Hannah back to life and before you know it, Wes and Hannah had developed a beautiful connection that just had to be explored… Now, I know that Hannah and Wes’ situation is pretty unique and is a bit taboo, but I promise if you give it a chance, you will see just how wonderfully this story actually works.
I really enjoyed Hannah and Wes together. I thought they shared a really beautiful and honest connection with each other. You could tell that their feelings were real and genuine. I loved seeing their devotion and love for one another. Their journey to happily ever after was not an easy one. They had many obstacles standing in their way that they had to overcome and I couldn’t help but root for these two to find some happiness.
From This Moment is a beautiful and unique second chance romance. It is incredibly well written and consuming. This story is totally easy to lose yourself in. The plot was intriguing and had me glued to the pages. I loved the characters and found them very easy to connect with. This book entertained me, played with my emotions and left me with a big smile on my face. I honestly couldn’t get enough. I thought this book was a terrific read and would definitely recommend checking it out.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
“All I could think was he wants me, he wants me, he wants me. Enough to walk here in the dark. Enough to ask for another chance. Enough to admit he’d made a mistake and couldn’t stop thinking about me. All my walls fell.”
“I’ve always wanted you. From the moment I saw you, only I was too chicken shit to do anything about it. I didn’t know what to say or how to say it. I just knew you were the most perfect girl I’d ever met, and I would have done anything to be with you.”
“Tell me you feel nothing for me, Hannah, and I’ll go. Tell me you could never be happy with me. Tell me I could never be what you want.”
Oh, man! When I first read the synopsis of this book, I just knew it was going to be a tough one. A story that was going to consume my every thought and burn its way into my soul. A story of complicated second chances and a romance that withstands a lifetime. From This Moment was all of that and so much more.
From the moment I started reading this book, I was consumed. My heart ached for the loss that Hannah had experienced. I can not even begin to imagine the pain and heartache of losing your husband, only to have his twin brother to return to town. Seeing each other is unavoidable and in an effort to move on and get past her grief, Hannah agrees to let herself and her daughter spend some time with Wes. Only being around Wes stirred up feelings that Hannah long forgot about. Slowly, Wes was bringing Hannah back to life and before you know it, Wes and Hannah had developed a beautiful connection that just had to be explored… Now, I know that Hannah and Wes’ situation is pretty unique and is a bit taboo, but I promise if you give it a chance, you will see just how wonderfully this story actually works.
I really enjoyed Hannah and Wes together. I thought they shared a really beautiful and honest connection with each other. You could tell that their feelings were real and genuine. I loved seeing their devotion and love for one another. Their journey to happily ever after was not an easy one. They had many obstacles standing in their way that they had to overcome and I couldn’t help but root for these two to find some happiness.
From This Moment is a beautiful and unique second chance romance. It is incredibly well written and consuming. This story is totally easy to lose yourself in. The plot was intriguing and had me glued to the pages. I loved the characters and found them very easy to connect with. This book entertained me, played with my emotions and left me with a big smile on my face. I honestly couldn’t get enough. I thought this book was a terrific read and would definitely recommend checking it out.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
I completely forgot that I bought this months ago, it was buried deep in my tbr pile. Another great story. I can’t believe it took me so long to read it. Oy soooooo much breaking of the heart. This was for sure an emotional one. I only had a wee small problem, I didn’t really like Hannah. She just wouldn’t get out of her head and it drove me crazy here and there. But besides that, I still loved the story.