A review by turquoiseavenue
Never Fall Again by Lynn H. Blackburn

4.0

Author Lynn H. Blackburn brings the mountains of North Carolina alive in a brand new release and the first book in her Gossamer Falls series, Never Fall Again. Readers are transported to a small town where family is both friend and enemy, friends are family and new beginnings are happening.

HIGHLIGHTS:
-Single Mom, Pottery Artist Heroine with a Dark Past
-Former Marine, Construction Business Owner Hero
-A Darling Five Year Old Girl
-A Sweet Golden Retriever
-A Small Town and Mountainside Retreat Setting
-Taking a Risk on Love Again

While reading this story my personal affinity for the mountains of N. Carolina grew. I thoroughly enjoyed the setting and strong elements of family, roots and heritage woven into this novel.

It took me until about two-thirds of the way through the novel to become truly invested in this story, but the growing relationship between Callum “Cal” Shaw and single-mom, Landry Hutton, was what kept me coming back for more. Cal is a worthy hero with heartache holding him from risking his heart to love again, so the redemption, love and second chance for him was rewarding. He won me over and I enjoyed the way he cared for Landry and her young daughter, Eliza. The secondary characters were all fantastic, as well with their own backstories that sparked my interest.

There’s a beautiful element of found family in this story that was perhaps the most important factor for me. With subtle threads of faith and sweet family members who go out of their way to welcome Landry into their fold, I felt the book spoke volumes of southern hospitality and mountain families.

I found the suspense in this story to be mild compared to others by this author and for the genre, making this read more like a romance. Nonetheless, there was a subtle hint of apprehension, or expectation, that I liked.

Overall, a great, standalone read for readers who enjoy mountain settings, sweet romance, a hint of suspense and wonderful stories of hope, new beginnings and family.

Content and Trigger Warnings: Past-trauma from abusive relationship (light). Stalking.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.