There has been very few authors throughout my book blogging journey that I've gotten the opportunity to work with right from the beginning of their writing career, and I feel so blessed that Mandi Blake has been one of those few. She continues to amaze me with how much she grows in her storytelling capabilities with each and every release, and The Other Side was so much more than I was remotely prepared for. This heart wrenching, swoon worthy tale is truly unlike anything she's ever written before, and I adored it from start to finish.
The reader follows our protagonists, Thea Howard and Brett Patton, who are basically from modern day Hatfield and McCoy type families. They fell in love years prior, but their destructive families tore them apart. When a chance encounter brings them back together, Thea's not sure they'll ever be able to move past their sinister upbringings, and find their way to happily ever after. However, Brett is determined that he's not letting Thea go this time, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to find a way to their forever future.
With many heartwarming moments, a sinister plot that twists and turns around every corner, a sweet and swoon worthy second chance romance, and a lovely emphasis on faith and friendship, The Other Side is truly Mandi Blake at her best. I loved how this is unlike anything she's ever written before, and I truly don't believe she could write a bad book if she tried. Thea and Brett's story pulled at my heartstrings and brought a big smile to my face, and I adored every single moment of it.
If you're in the mood for a sweet and clean faith based read that focuses around redemption, second chances and an illustration of the idea that no one is ever too broken to be mended by Jesus' love and sacrifice, then this is definitely the book for you.
Final Rating: 5/5.
I can't possibly recommend this one enough, and I will now be waiting (not so) patiently for the release of book six! It can't possibly come quick enough.
Thanks so much to Mandi Blake for allowing me to read and review this title!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.