Reviews

Until Then by Heidi McLaughlin

trudyd's review

Go to review page

5.0

Warning!!! Until Then may result in a book hangover. I finished this book more than 24 hours ago but feared writing the review would take away the bliss, the satisfaction, the extreme pleasure I felt from reading Until Then. I want to remain in the Zen moment but I also want others to get excited about reading this amazing story. I have waited for Graham's story and it was worth every day, every minute I have waited.

I have waited because Graham deserves a happily ever after. Graham has earned a happily ever after. Graham deserves a life, a better life than what he has been living. Graham gave up his life, his dreams, his love over fifteen years ago in order to support his family. His twin, Grady, survived a tragic boat wreck but the town's perfect son did not. Graham now serves the alcohol at The Whale Spout that is brother drowns his sorrows.

I couldn't help it. I had to read it again. Best decision ever!!!

The author created a beautiful second chance romance that grabbed me from the very beginning. My heart bled for Graham as he struggled to be what his parents needed, leaving himself behind. I cried for his lonely heart, hoping he would find love again. I swooned over Graham when he realized his first love, was his only love.

Graham's journey to Rennie was filled with obstacles. Let's face it anything worth having shouldn't come easy, you should have to work for it. The author made them both work for their happily ever after. She created a world that the reader can escape within. The scenery is that vacation you always wanted but just couldn't find. The memories of their past had the reader belonging. What could be better than being part of the story?

2/20/2021 OH My Goodness!!!! Grab the audiobook. AMAZING. Loved IT!!!

2/24/22 listened to the audiobook again. I can't wait for Grady's story. Three books will be glorious binge listen.

nicki_theoverflowingbookcase's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Everyone has that special person in their life that they wished they could have had more with. The would of, should have but didn't is a regret that surrounds the friendship of Rennie and Graham. Their connection lasted through time but neither one of them told the other of their true feelings, but when a chance encounter happens and Graham leans on Rennie to get through a family crisis the flood gates instantly open and the future is theirs for the taking. Will Rennie admit to Graham and to herself that true love really does happen? Will Graham once again put his family first above the one thing he truly wants in life? With high emotion at every turn of the page this was an awesome book. Family dynamics are put to the test and the reader gets more insight into Grady's past as well. The reader will instantly fall in love with Cape Harbor.

_one_more_chapter's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

One of the very best second chance romances I've read this year, Graham and Rennie's story is like discovering the heart of the ocean. Book 2 in the Cape Harbor series plunges readers into an emotional journey with these characters who are long overdue for some calm waters along the way. This must read will have you wishing you could pull up a stool at the Whale Spout and bask in all that is this charming seaside town. Five stars for an excellent follow up that leaves me excited for more novels in this series!

erinremen's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

A sweet, romantic and emotional tale of love, missed chances and having the courage to speak up and take a chance on your happily ever after. Rennie and Graham have always had a connection, a bond that even time and separation cannot break. After the tragic death of a friend they find themselves torn apart, their lives going I'm completely different directions. Until one day she walks back into town and it changes everything. Obstacles around and life may just get in the way if they let it, or they may just have the courage to take a chance on each other. A beautiful story full of heartbreak, loss, friendship and love.

ea82625's review against another edition

Go to review page

medium-paced

4.5

I enjoyed listening to this book through KU. I thought the narrator did a really good job with both characters. The book was good and I liked the building of the relationship between the main characters. The drama was a bit high, from the brother, to the job, to the boyfriend, but it kept the story moving and not boring. 

donnareadathon2021's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

The story
Rennie is a Seattle divorce attorney, working long hours in her single, childless mid-thirties. Her best friend Brooklyn has moved back to small town Cape Harbor, and she has seen her first love Graham when she’s been to visit. When Graham’s alcoholic twin brother ends up in hospital in a bad way, Rennie rushes to be by his side. It’s the start of a reconnection for the two, but can they make a go of it?

My thoughts
I read the first book in this series in 2021 and have had the follow up waiting on my Kindle since then. It’s a lovely, small town, second chance romance, but also deals with the family dynamics following a traumatic event. Graham’s life, Brooklyn’s life and that of their friends were all affected on the night that they mutual friend Austin went missing at sea. Plenty of emotion, and a great storyline, it’s a goodie

syndi3's review against another edition

Go to review page

sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

 Until Then is a sweet, small town, second chance romance. Not a typical dramatic second chance romance but with a lot of family drama in the middle. 

What really floored me is Graham. He sacrificed everything to return back home to take care his family. Especially his brother. There are some loss, family issues and letting go. Miss McLaughlin done a good job bringing Graham to life. He is a perfect man. 

I usually have problem with the slow pace of the story, but to my surprise, I enjoy Until Then very much. 

Overall a very good book. 

wchappus's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

4.5 stars

smbmar's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

So this book took me forever to get into. I’m not sure if it was me or what but I did take a few tries at it. I’m really glad I stuck with it because it was a great storyline. However, I still prefer other books from this author as my favorites.

bookdrgn's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Heidi has a great talent in creating three-dimensional places that become an extra character. Cape Harbor is lively and full of fun people, great locations and it’s terrific to return to Graham, Bowie, and the group, like reconnecting with old friends.
I enjoyed the glimpse of Rennie’s character we got in After All and her book didn’t stray far from it. She’s driven, smart, and loyal to those she loves. I love how Rennie reacted when Theo’s true nature was revealed. She is woman, hear her roar.
Graham is a character I feel for. He gave up everything to come home and help with his addict brother. He’s running between his business, friends, his parents, and his brother. Made more difficult when their father has blinders on.
Graham and Rennie’s chemistry was clear in the previous book and I enjoyed reading their relationship in full. They mesh and bring out the best in each other. They are supportive without complaining and drop everything when one is in need.
I’m still expecting Austin to turn up alive, mostly because his body hasn’t been found and I have a wild imagination.
As much as I loved Bowie and Brooklyn, Until Then is my current favorite book in the series.

I received a free copy of this via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.