What do you think?
Rate this book
Tallgrass #3
A Love to Call Her Own
It's been two years since Jessy Lawrence lost her husband in Afghanistan, and she's never fully recovered. Drowning her sorrows didn't help, and neither did the job she'd hoped would give her a sense of purpose. Now trying to rebuild her life, she finds solace in her best friends, fellow military wives who understand what it's like to love — and lose — a man in uniform . . . and the memory of one stolen night that makes her dream of a second chance at love.
Dalton Smith has known more than his fair share of grief. Since his wife's death, he revels in the solitude of his cattle ranch. But try as he might, he can't stop thinking about the stunning redhead and the reckless, passionate night they shared. He wasn't ready before, but Dalton sees now that Jessy is the only woman who can mend his broken heart. So how will he convince her to take a chance on him?
Dalton Smith has known more than his fair share of grief. Since his wife's death, he revels in the solitude of his cattle ranch. But try as he might, he can't stop thinking about the stunning redhead and the reckless, passionate night they shared. He wasn't ready before, but Dalton sees now that Jessy is the only woman who can mend his broken heart. So how will he convince her to take a chance on him?
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
About the author
Marilyn Pappano
195 books125 followersAward-winning and bestselling author, international traveler, feted at a Hollywood premiere . . .
All true . . . but my regular life is a whole lot more routine. Deal with the five big puppers who share our house, babysit our grandson, battle the jungle that is our yard, pray for summer in winter and dream of winter in summer, and hunker down at the computer -- that's my real life.
I grew up in Oklahoma and had the fun of living in Georgia, Alabama, California and the Carolinas, thanks to my husband's Navy career. When he retired, we came home to Oklahoma and have lived in the same house for seventeen years. That's a real "Wow!" for someone used to the nomadic military life.
Writing was the perfect career for all that moving. Have computer, will travel. I've set books, or part of them, in every state we've lived in and been inspired by every place I've ever been. I've now written somewhere around 80 books, and I think I've got only about 8,000 stories left to tell.
My biggest hobby is starting new projects -- starting. Not completing. I'm still not done with the cross-stitched Army seal I started when our son joined out of high school. He did tours in Georgia, Colorado, Korea, Italy, Iraq, Afghanistan and Louisiana, and has been out for a few years. So I'm a little slow.
I like to think about getting organized, painting my living room in cool beachy colors, and turning my entire five-acre yard into a garden. I also dream about having every room in my house clean at exactly the same time, but I live by the motto of the woman who taught me to quilt: A clean house is the sign of a bored woman.
And I've never been bored.
All true . . . but my regular life is a whole lot more routine. Deal with the five big puppers who share our house, babysit our grandson, battle the jungle that is our yard, pray for summer in winter and dream of winter in summer, and hunker down at the computer -- that's my real life.
I grew up in Oklahoma and had the fun of living in Georgia, Alabama, California and the Carolinas, thanks to my husband's Navy career. When he retired, we came home to Oklahoma and have lived in the same house for seventeen years. That's a real "Wow!" for someone used to the nomadic military life.
Writing was the perfect career for all that moving. Have computer, will travel. I've set books, or part of them, in every state we've lived in and been inspired by every place I've ever been. I've now written somewhere around 80 books, and I think I've got only about 8,000 stories left to tell.
My biggest hobby is starting new projects -- starting. Not completing. I'm still not done with the cross-stitched Army seal I started when our son joined out of high school. He did tours in Georgia, Colorado, Korea, Italy, Iraq, Afghanistan and Louisiana, and has been out for a few years. So I'm a little slow.
I like to think about getting organized, painting my living room in cool beachy colors, and turning my entire five-acre yard into a garden. I also dream about having every room in my house clean at exactly the same time, but I live by the motto of the woman who taught me to quilt: A clean house is the sign of a bored woman.
And I've never been bored.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 13, 2020
2,5 / 5
Bu türü sevenler eminimki benden daha çok seveceklerdir kitabı. Ama bana bu kadar çok depresif ruhun birbirini bulup yıldırım aşkına düştükleri küçük kasaba hikayesi olayı fazla geldi. Belki seriyi arka arkaya okumasaydım daha az sıkılabilirdim 🤔 Bir de 3.kitabın sonunda Tanrı Amerikayı korusun Haleluyaaa kardeşim diye bağırasım geldi 😜
Bu türü sevenler eminimki benden daha çok seveceklerdir kitabı. Ama bana bu kadar çok depresif ruhun birbirini bulup yıldırım aşkına düştükleri küçük kasaba hikayesi olayı fazla geldi. Belki seriyi arka arkaya okumasaydım daha az sıkılabilirdim 🤔 Bir de 3.kitabın sonunda Tanrı Amerikayı korusun Haleluyaaa kardeşim diye bağırasım geldi 😜
September 4, 2014
Swamped with grief and guilt after her husband was killed in action in Afghanistan, Jessy has coped by hitting the bottle and picking up nameless men for meaningless hook-ups. The one positive in her life is the Margarita Club, a group of women who, like her, have lost their husbands.
Dalton's wife committed suicide after both her legs were blown off by a roadside bomb. Carrying his grief he has isolated himself on his ranch and avoided people preferring the company of his animals.
Jessy and Dalton both have baggage, they both have secrets, but together they manage to find the motivation to try to move on with their lives.
I have a great deal of respect for Marilyn Pappano. The issues of depression, grief, ptsd which she is exploring in this series have been attempted by other authors, but I don't think any of them get it like she does. She gets that depression doesn't just manifest itself in one way but in dozens of ways.
There are things in this series I am not entirely comfortable with. The author is plainly a christian and that comes through in her books, but for writing these subtle and nuanced books I'm more than willing to choke on my discomfort. A Love to Call Her Own is another great contemporary romance in a series that are all personal favourites.
Dalton's wife committed suicide after both her legs were blown off by a roadside bomb. Carrying his grief he has isolated himself on his ranch and avoided people preferring the company of his animals.
Jessy and Dalton both have baggage, they both have secrets, but together they manage to find the motivation to try to move on with their lives.
I have a great deal of respect for Marilyn Pappano. The issues of depression, grief, ptsd which she is exploring in this series have been attempted by other authors, but I don't think any of them get it like she does. She gets that depression doesn't just manifest itself in one way but in dozens of ways.
There are things in this series I am not entirely comfortable with. The author is plainly a christian and that comes through in her books, but for writing these subtle and nuanced books I'm more than willing to choke on my discomfort. A Love to Call Her Own is another great contemporary romance in a series that are all personal favourites.
June 30, 2020
Güzel bir seri bence, karakterlere alıştıkça daha da sevdim. Kadınlar kulübünün özelliği her birinin savaşta asker eşlerini kaybetmiş olmaları ve kitaplar ilerledikçe her biri aşkı yeniden buluyor ya da bulmaya çalışıyor. Bize göre biraz milliyetçi olsa da ben yine de severek okudum üçünü de.
October 22, 2016
Good story of second chances and new beginnings. We saw a lot of Jessy in the previous book, A Man to Hold on To, where she is struggling to deal with death of her husband, mostly by drinking away the pain and sleeping with strange men. One of those encounters still haunts her. She got fired from her job at the bank, and knows she has to do something to pull herself out of the pit her life has become.
Dalton has been dealing with his own losses. Most notably was the death of his wife in the war. Everyone believes she died a hero, but he's haunted by the fact that she chose to die rather than come back to him. He's also still bitter about the way his twin brother had left years ago. So he copes by focusing on his ranch and avoiding people. However, he can't forget the night he spent with Jessy. The revival of feelings he'd forgotten makes him believe he's ready to start living again.
I really liked Jessy. Once she hit rock bottom, she knew she had to make changes and she was determined to do so. The first thing was to quit drinking. I loved the realism of seeing what a struggle it was for her, hour by hour and day by day. I did wish that she had confided in her margarita sisters sooner, as their support would have helped. But she has some pretty bad self-esteem issues, and she was really afraid that they would judge her. She's also embarrassed every time she sees Dalton, remembering her actions of that night. As many problems as she has, she is a really nice person with a soft heart. I loved seeing her step in to help Patricia, a new widow, when she could just as easily have looked away. She's always there when her friends need her. I also really liked seeing her get so involved with the animal shelter. It was sweet to see how she bonded with Oliver.
I also really liked Dalton. He has a hard road dealing with his grief over Sandra, especially considering the secret he is keeping about her death. He is fully eligible to join the Tuesday Night Margarita Club as a spouse of a deceased veteran, but as a guy doesn't really feel comfortable with it. In a previous book, A Hero to Come Home To, he had connected with Dane, which helped some. Their developing friendship has begun the process of bringing him back into contact with people.
I liked seeing Dalton and Jessy get together. Things were a little awkward at first, with the memory of that one night between them. I liked that they both owned up to their own parts in it, without blaming the other. Once they got past that initial awkwardness, they agreed that they wanted to see what might be there between them. I loved seeing them take the time to get to know each other, resisting the urge to give in to the heat that was still there. Once they did, I loved seeing the rapid progression of their feelings. Jessy began to feel that maybe she really did deserve to be happy, that she wasn't as big a screwup as she had thought. Dalton allowed himself to trust again. There are still some challenges to their relationship, including his mother's reaction and the unexpected arrival of Dalton's twin brother. I loved the ending, as Jessy stood up to her worst fears and refused to give in to them. I loved Dalton's reaction, and what he said in return.
There was also a secondary story going on with another one of the margarita sisters. Lucy dealt with her issues by eating, which created a whole new set of problems for her. She is a neighbor of Patricia's and is there to help her through the stress of dealing with her husband's death. Lucy also takes it upon herself to contact Patricia's estranged son, and guilts him into coming to Tallgrass to help his mother. Ben isn't happy about it at first, but the longer he's there, the closer he and Patricia get to mending their relationship. Lucy is interested in Ben from the beginning, which motivates her to make some changes in her life. Ben becomes more intrigued by Lucy as the days go on. I enjoyed their interactions and am looking forward to seeing what comes of it.
Dalton has been dealing with his own losses. Most notably was the death of his wife in the war. Everyone believes she died a hero, but he's haunted by the fact that she chose to die rather than come back to him. He's also still bitter about the way his twin brother had left years ago. So he copes by focusing on his ranch and avoiding people. However, he can't forget the night he spent with Jessy. The revival of feelings he'd forgotten makes him believe he's ready to start living again.
I really liked Jessy. Once she hit rock bottom, she knew she had to make changes and she was determined to do so. The first thing was to quit drinking. I loved the realism of seeing what a struggle it was for her, hour by hour and day by day. I did wish that she had confided in her margarita sisters sooner, as their support would have helped. But she has some pretty bad self-esteem issues, and she was really afraid that they would judge her. She's also embarrassed every time she sees Dalton, remembering her actions of that night. As many problems as she has, she is a really nice person with a soft heart. I loved seeing her step in to help Patricia, a new widow, when she could just as easily have looked away. She's always there when her friends need her. I also really liked seeing her get so involved with the animal shelter. It was sweet to see how she bonded with Oliver.
I also really liked Dalton. He has a hard road dealing with his grief over Sandra, especially considering the secret he is keeping about her death. He is fully eligible to join the Tuesday Night Margarita Club as a spouse of a deceased veteran, but as a guy doesn't really feel comfortable with it. In a previous book, A Hero to Come Home To, he had connected with Dane, which helped some. Their developing friendship has begun the process of bringing him back into contact with people.
I liked seeing Dalton and Jessy get together. Things were a little awkward at first, with the memory of that one night between them. I liked that they both owned up to their own parts in it, without blaming the other. Once they got past that initial awkwardness, they agreed that they wanted to see what might be there between them. I loved seeing them take the time to get to know each other, resisting the urge to give in to the heat that was still there. Once they did, I loved seeing the rapid progression of their feelings. Jessy began to feel that maybe she really did deserve to be happy, that she wasn't as big a screwup as she had thought. Dalton allowed himself to trust again. There are still some challenges to their relationship, including his mother's reaction and the unexpected arrival of Dalton's twin brother. I loved the ending, as Jessy stood up to her worst fears and refused to give in to them. I loved Dalton's reaction, and what he said in return.
There was also a secondary story going on with another one of the margarita sisters. Lucy dealt with her issues by eating, which created a whole new set of problems for her. She is a neighbor of Patricia's and is there to help her through the stress of dealing with her husband's death. Lucy also takes it upon herself to contact Patricia's estranged son, and guilts him into coming to Tallgrass to help his mother. Ben isn't happy about it at first, but the longer he's there, the closer he and Patricia get to mending their relationship. Lucy is interested in Ben from the beginning, which motivates her to make some changes in her life. Ben becomes more intrigued by Lucy as the days go on. I enjoyed their interactions and am looking forward to seeing what comes of it.
September 14, 2014
http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jerjen
A Love To Call Her Own by Marilyn Pappano is an emotional story of love, forgiveness and second chances. It’s a story of forgiving others as well as forgiving yourself.
Jessy Lawrence is a widow who lost her husband in combat. A husband that she no longer loved in the way a wife should love her husband and had planned on divorcing him when he came home. That never happened, though, because he died instead of returning home. So now she feels tremendous guilt. She has lost her family because she did not fit the mold that her parents had of how her life should be. She has lost her job at the bank, because she could not always be nice to irritating customers. She is an alcoholic who goes out and picks up men and does not remember what happened the next day. Jessy is struggling with the woman she has become and the woman she wants to be.
Dalton Smith is struggling, too. He lost his wife in combat, and although everyone thinks his wife died a hero, only Dalton knows the truth. He cannot bear to tell her family or his family the truth, because he does not want them to know the pain of the truth. So he lives with the secret. He has also lost his twin brother. Not to death but to the fact that his twin left home in the middle of the night, with Dalton’s girlfriend. He lives with so much anger and guilt that his life is totally negative and depressing. He is a loner who really wants to change his ways and find someone to make a future with.
Jessy and Dalton had a one night stand after both had been drinking and meeting each other. Neither can forget the other, but both are ashamed of their behavior. When they meet again, both find they are attracted to each other but are afraid to pursue the attraction. Jessy does not feel worthy of anyone’s love and Dalton is still too bitter. Will they be able to work through their feelings and take a chance at second love?
Jessy is not alone in losing her husband. She belongs to a group of women who have also lost loved ones and the have bonded together to support and encourage each other. When someone else’s husband is killed in combat, Jessy begins to open up and deal with her own feelings on losing her husband. Through her friendship with the Margarita Girls, she learns to accept her flaws and past and to begin to forgive herself.
Marilyn Pappano creates heartwarming characters who really pull on the heartstrings. The characters are well rounded, well developed and three dimensional. Jessy puts up an outward appearance of being strong and tough, but inside she is full of doubt, regrets and self loathing. Dalton has an outward appearance of being strong and uncaring preferring to be alone. But inwardly he wants to find love and to be able to turn his life around to include forgiveness. These are things that people struggle with everyday. They did not feel like characters in a book but people that you would meet everyday and that you might call your own friends. The supporting characters are an important part of the story and they all have stories to tell. It would be impossible to read the story and not care what happens to everyone. The characters were very easy to like and to root for.
The subject of the book is a very serious heartbreaking one, and very much one from current headlines. I have been fortunate to not have any loved ones lost in the military but this book brings the subject and feelings involved very close to home as an American. It helps you remember that there are many people who have lost loved ones and need to pick up their lives and continue on life’s journey alone. And it reminds you what a difficult journey it is. That was one of the things I most liked about the book.
The writing style flows smoothly and it is a very well written book. The characters, the emotions involved and the realistic look at life is displayed very realistically. This book could have been twice as long as it was and I would have happily continued to read it until the end.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading fiction that tells a story of living, loving and forgiveness. The book would be a good read for anyone, it is clean and a appropriate for a young adult. I have not read any other books by this author but I am looking forward to reading the others in the Tallgrass series. A Love To Call Her Own is one of the best books I have read this summer.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jerjen
A Love To Call Her Own by Marilyn Pappano is an emotional story of love, forgiveness and second chances. It’s a story of forgiving others as well as forgiving yourself.
Jessy Lawrence is a widow who lost her husband in combat. A husband that she no longer loved in the way a wife should love her husband and had planned on divorcing him when he came home. That never happened, though, because he died instead of returning home. So now she feels tremendous guilt. She has lost her family because she did not fit the mold that her parents had of how her life should be. She has lost her job at the bank, because she could not always be nice to irritating customers. She is an alcoholic who goes out and picks up men and does not remember what happened the next day. Jessy is struggling with the woman she has become and the woman she wants to be.
Dalton Smith is struggling, too. He lost his wife in combat, and although everyone thinks his wife died a hero, only Dalton knows the truth. He cannot bear to tell her family or his family the truth, because he does not want them to know the pain of the truth. So he lives with the secret. He has also lost his twin brother. Not to death but to the fact that his twin left home in the middle of the night, with Dalton’s girlfriend. He lives with so much anger and guilt that his life is totally negative and depressing. He is a loner who really wants to change his ways and find someone to make a future with.
Jessy and Dalton had a one night stand after both had been drinking and meeting each other. Neither can forget the other, but both are ashamed of their behavior. When they meet again, both find they are attracted to each other but are afraid to pursue the attraction. Jessy does not feel worthy of anyone’s love and Dalton is still too bitter. Will they be able to work through their feelings and take a chance at second love?
Jessy is not alone in losing her husband. She belongs to a group of women who have also lost loved ones and the have bonded together to support and encourage each other. When someone else’s husband is killed in combat, Jessy begins to open up and deal with her own feelings on losing her husband. Through her friendship with the Margarita Girls, she learns to accept her flaws and past and to begin to forgive herself.
Marilyn Pappano creates heartwarming characters who really pull on the heartstrings. The characters are well rounded, well developed and three dimensional. Jessy puts up an outward appearance of being strong and tough, but inside she is full of doubt, regrets and self loathing. Dalton has an outward appearance of being strong and uncaring preferring to be alone. But inwardly he wants to find love and to be able to turn his life around to include forgiveness. These are things that people struggle with everyday. They did not feel like characters in a book but people that you would meet everyday and that you might call your own friends. The supporting characters are an important part of the story and they all have stories to tell. It would be impossible to read the story and not care what happens to everyone. The characters were very easy to like and to root for.
The subject of the book is a very serious heartbreaking one, and very much one from current headlines. I have been fortunate to not have any loved ones lost in the military but this book brings the subject and feelings involved very close to home as an American. It helps you remember that there are many people who have lost loved ones and need to pick up their lives and continue on life’s journey alone. And it reminds you what a difficult journey it is. That was one of the things I most liked about the book.
The writing style flows smoothly and it is a very well written book. The characters, the emotions involved and the realistic look at life is displayed very realistically. This book could have been twice as long as it was and I would have happily continued to read it until the end.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading fiction that tells a story of living, loving and forgiveness. The book would be a good read for anyone, it is clean and a appropriate for a young adult. I have not read any other books by this author but I am looking forward to reading the others in the Tallgrass series. A Love To Call Her Own is one of the best books I have read this summer.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
December 23, 2014
Originally Reviewed At: Mother/Gamer/Writer
Rating: 4 out of 5 Controllers
Review Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Ariel
A Love to Call Her Own is the third Tallgrass novel by Marilyn Pappano. While it’s the third in the series, it can be read on it’s own without too much trouble, and if you’re looking for a romance novel with lots of heart warming moments and some incredibly strong friendships, look no further.
A Love to Call Her Own focuses on two different couples, Jessy and Dalton, and Lucy and Ben. Jessy and Lucy both belong to the exclusive margarita sisters club, but don’t be hoping you’ll get a chance to join any time soon. The club is for widows who have lost their husbands in the war, and the girls all get together every Tuesday and offer each other support for anything they might be going through in life, including finding happiness in new relationships.
Everyone deals with grief and loss in different ways, and Jessy prefers to drown her sorrows in alcohol, more than what could be considered a healthy amount. Known for her share of one night stands, her past comes back to smack her in the face when she runs into Dalton, a drunken one night stand from a few months ago. Can Jessy get over her fear of another relationship and give Dalton a chance?
While not a margarita sister, Dalton also lost someone in the war, his wife Sandra. While everyone else thinks of her dying a hero’s death, Dalton has a secret he’s keeping from all of their loved ones about the way she truly died. When he runs into Jessy again, will she be able to trust her enough to give a new relationship a try?
Ben comes to Tallgrass for only one reason, and he’s not exactly thrilled about it. His mother, who ran out on the family with another man when Ben was just in his teens, has recently lost her husband, and needs someone to help her through a tough time. Ben would much rather leave her to deal with her grief on her own, but Lucy manages to convince him to temporarily put the past behind him and come help his mother.
Lucy is Patricia’s neighbor, and one who knows about the grief of losing a husband to the war all too well. So when Patricia gets the dreaded call, Lucy makes sure at least one of her children comes to her aid during a time where family and support matter more than anything.
There were a lot of things I enjoyed about A Love to Call Her Own. Jessy and Dalton’s relationship is something that kept me entertained throughout the whole novel, and I found myself trying to rush through the parts where they weren’t the central focus. Jessy’s very guarded, keeping her own secrets from her margarita sisters, even though the group would clearly support each other through anything. Dalton is a rancher, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a cowboy? They’ve both gone through the kind of tragedy that I can’t even begin to imagine, and it’s nice to see them work through their troubles and discover that they do deserve to be happy again.
The book was well written, but I wish it had been broken up a bit differently. Chapters could be split between two perspectives, or three or four, and I just think it would have flowed a little better if each chapter had been a different character’s perspective, since there were four different main characters to hear from.
I also think that four main characters was a little odd for this particular story. I don’t know how many books there will be in this series, but I would rather have one book dedicated to each margarita sister, rather than one book split between two couples. Or, a longer novel that gives both couples a nice complete ending, because I didn’t feel any sense of completion with Lucy and Ben like I did with Jessy and Dalton.
All of that being said, I do give A Love to Call Her Own 4 out of 5 controllers. I really enjoyed the story, both Jessy’s and Lucy’s, I just wish that there would have been more of an ending with Lucy, because I didn’t get that feeling at all.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Controllers
Review Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Ariel
A Love to Call Her Own is the third Tallgrass novel by Marilyn Pappano. While it’s the third in the series, it can be read on it’s own without too much trouble, and if you’re looking for a romance novel with lots of heart warming moments and some incredibly strong friendships, look no further.
A Love to Call Her Own focuses on two different couples, Jessy and Dalton, and Lucy and Ben. Jessy and Lucy both belong to the exclusive margarita sisters club, but don’t be hoping you’ll get a chance to join any time soon. The club is for widows who have lost their husbands in the war, and the girls all get together every Tuesday and offer each other support for anything they might be going through in life, including finding happiness in new relationships.
Everyone deals with grief and loss in different ways, and Jessy prefers to drown her sorrows in alcohol, more than what could be considered a healthy amount. Known for her share of one night stands, her past comes back to smack her in the face when she runs into Dalton, a drunken one night stand from a few months ago. Can Jessy get over her fear of another relationship and give Dalton a chance?
While not a margarita sister, Dalton also lost someone in the war, his wife Sandra. While everyone else thinks of her dying a hero’s death, Dalton has a secret he’s keeping from all of their loved ones about the way she truly died. When he runs into Jessy again, will she be able to trust her enough to give a new relationship a try?
Ben comes to Tallgrass for only one reason, and he’s not exactly thrilled about it. His mother, who ran out on the family with another man when Ben was just in his teens, has recently lost her husband, and needs someone to help her through a tough time. Ben would much rather leave her to deal with her grief on her own, but Lucy manages to convince him to temporarily put the past behind him and come help his mother.
Lucy is Patricia’s neighbor, and one who knows about the grief of losing a husband to the war all too well. So when Patricia gets the dreaded call, Lucy makes sure at least one of her children comes to her aid during a time where family and support matter more than anything.
There were a lot of things I enjoyed about A Love to Call Her Own. Jessy and Dalton’s relationship is something that kept me entertained throughout the whole novel, and I found myself trying to rush through the parts where they weren’t the central focus. Jessy’s very guarded, keeping her own secrets from her margarita sisters, even though the group would clearly support each other through anything. Dalton is a rancher, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a cowboy? They’ve both gone through the kind of tragedy that I can’t even begin to imagine, and it’s nice to see them work through their troubles and discover that they do deserve to be happy again.
The book was well written, but I wish it had been broken up a bit differently. Chapters could be split between two perspectives, or three or four, and I just think it would have flowed a little better if each chapter had been a different character’s perspective, since there were four different main characters to hear from.
I also think that four main characters was a little odd for this particular story. I don’t know how many books there will be in this series, but I would rather have one book dedicated to each margarita sister, rather than one book split between two couples. Or, a longer novel that gives both couples a nice complete ending, because I didn’t feel any sense of completion with Lucy and Ben like I did with Jessy and Dalton.
All of that being said, I do give A Love to Call Her Own 4 out of 5 controllers. I really enjoyed the story, both Jessy’s and Lucy’s, I just wish that there would have been more of an ending with Lucy, because I didn’t get that feeling at all.
October 26, 2014
A Love to Call Her Own by Marilyn Pappano is another heartfelt story in the Tallgrass Novel Series.
Jessy Lawrence lost her husband over two years ago in Afghanistan. Since then her life has been spiraling out of control. She lost her job and her drinking is taking up too much of her day. The only thing keeping her sane is her group of friends that all lost a love one in the war. But a chance meeting with Dalton Smith slowly changes her world.
Dalton Smith has too lost a loved one in the war but he takes his solace in working his ranch. His one night stand with Jessy Lawrence keeps playing on his mind. Running into Jessy again has him wanting to take a chance again on love.
But Jessy doesn’t think much of love or herself lately and it will take the love of a strong man to make her see her worth.
A Love to Call Her Own is a wonderful book, it will touch your heart and make you believe in second chances. Both Jessy and Dalton have secrets that effect them deeply. It will take both of them to realize they have found something worthwhile. This series is one of my favorites, each book has left a mark on my heart.
Jessy Lawrence lost her husband over two years ago in Afghanistan. Since then her life has been spiraling out of control. She lost her job and her drinking is taking up too much of her day. The only thing keeping her sane is her group of friends that all lost a love one in the war. But a chance meeting with Dalton Smith slowly changes her world.
Dalton Smith has too lost a loved one in the war but he takes his solace in working his ranch. His one night stand with Jessy Lawrence keeps playing on his mind. Running into Jessy again has him wanting to take a chance again on love.
But Jessy doesn’t think much of love or herself lately and it will take the love of a strong man to make her see her worth.
A Love to Call Her Own is a wonderful book, it will touch your heart and make you believe in second chances. Both Jessy and Dalton have secrets that effect them deeply. It will take both of them to realize they have found something worthwhile. This series is one of my favorites, each book has left a mark on my heart.
September 19, 2014
I wasn't sure about this one when I realized it was with Jessy and Dalton. Things didn't go so well for them in the last book and both are mired down with guilt for different reasons.
I was glad to see that Jessy was getting her act together because her life was quickly starting to spin out of control. As Jessy was taking back the reigns of her life I really wanted her to tell her Margarita sisters, knew that they would support her, but hated that she was afraid of what they would think of her. So when Jessy spilled her secrets and all she got was love and support it was great. I especially loved that by telling her secret Jessy gave another one of the women to let the others know she had the same issue.
I found the secondary story line of the broken family and potential of another Margarita sister to find love to be just as interesting. Between that and the long lost brother turning up it will be interesting where future books go.
I was glad to see that Jessy was getting her act together because her life was quickly starting to spin out of control. As Jessy was taking back the reigns of her life I really wanted her to tell her Margarita sisters, knew that they would support her, but hated that she was afraid of what they would think of her. So when Jessy spilled her secrets and all she got was love and support it was great. I especially loved that by telling her secret Jessy gave another one of the women to let the others know she had the same issue.
I found the secondary story line of the broken family and potential of another Margarita sister to find love to be just as interesting. Between that and the long lost brother turning up it will be interesting where future books go.
October 18, 2014
Reviewed for NetGalley:
I really enjoyed this book. This book did not go exactly where I thought it was headed based on what happened in the last book. I also am intrigued by the set up for what is probably the next book, although sometimes I felt like that story was taking over. I enjoyed this one though, and am looking forward to the next one.
I really enjoyed this book. This book did not go exactly where I thought it was headed based on what happened in the last book. I also am intrigued by the set up for what is probably the next book, although sometimes I felt like that story was taking over. I enjoyed this one though, and am looking forward to the next one.
October 1, 2014
I was waiting for Jessy's story and this didn't disappoint. Another wonderful visit with the ladies of Tallgrass and a heartfelt look at their lives after loss. I'm truly hoping this series continues and we get to see them all find a happily ever after.
February 16, 2018
Another great read.
I am really enjoying this series. I like the characters, the sense of community, their hopes and frailties. The author weaves a complete story that leaves you satisfied and wanting more. I would recommend this series to anyone.
I am really enjoying this series. I like the characters, the sense of community, their hopes and frailties. The author weaves a complete story that leaves you satisfied and wanting more. I would recommend this series to anyone.
October 24, 2014
I had the opportunity to read a Christmas anthology last year and one of the novellas was be this author and from this series. I loved the story because I loved the idea of a series of books built around a group of women who call themselves The Margarita Club with the only qualification for membership being that they are a military widow. The series explores each of their circumstances, their individual journey through their grief and a second chance at happiness. I was enchanted and wanted more so I saw this one- which, incidentally is the third book- and dove in.
The author has a deft hand and nailed it with the proper balance. She is able to engage the reader in what these people are suffering without falling over the edge into dreary or depressing. There is hope even in the dark times. There are even bittersweet moments of fighting off the bad thoughts, but there is also humor and heartwarming moments. Oh and don't think there wasn't a bit of spice going on between the hot, hard-bodied cowboy who is a military widower (yes, that was an interesting dynamic) and the lovely little red-headed lady and latest member of the Margarita Club to get her story, who takes a chance that this time around will last.
There was a bit of the feeling that I was catching some events awkwardly because I didn't start from the beginning and apparently the main romantic pair in this one had begun their story earlier. However, I really had no trouble diving into this third book. I was engaged from the beginning and experienced no confusion along the way though I do hope that some of the things introduced in this one will be pursued in the next because I have a powerful curiosity about a half a dozen things that were left hanging which is by the way, my only niggle. I totally want to go back for the other two previous stories and I definitely want to continue with the series.
The story opens with Jessy Lawrence realizing that her life is pathetic and she really has to do something drastic to wrest back the reins. She has been living a lie for so long even her Margarita Club sisters, the people she considers her only family in the world, don't know the half of it. She has hit an absolute rock-bottom low after getting fired and waking up hungover three days later. Drinking blots out all the regrets. But now she wants to change and she sets out to do that very thing. And lo and behold, she is given a second chance with a man who knows grief and loneliness well.
Rancher Dalton Smith has mourned his dead wife for several years, but his grief is twisted by the anger and pain that for some reason she would rather die than come home to him. He has kept her secret that none of her family nor his knows- his wife survived the bomb and then killed herself. And she's not the first person to leave him since his identical twin took off years ago from the family ranch with no explanation and took Dalton's girlfriend with him. Now, he realizes in small ways starting from that time he spent with Jessy when they were both drunk that he is ready to rejoin the living and he wants to see Jessy again. Dalton has his issues and he knows that Jessy does too so they start over again and tentatively give what is between them a try.
I was struck by the difference in reading a full-length novel in the series after reading the novella. The novella was pretty insular in that it focused primarily on the couple finding their romance. While this one had the room to expand so that it felt more like the life story of the group of ladies and not just the main one getting her hero and their romance. I love that style of storytelling in a series when its done right. I loved the family feel and the camaraderie. I loved the scenes away from the romance because it enhanced instead of detracted from it. The characters from the previous books are very much present in several scenes and their story threads even push forward a bit with Dane and Carly's wedding, Therese and Logan moving toward theres, Ilena going through the last weeks of pregnancy and obviously Lucy helping the new widow and her estranged family.
Jessy is the character with the growing to do. She really has a poor self-image so its hard reading her bashing herself and her thoughts on herself are worse. But it was worth it to see her blossom in Dalton's care and open up and trust everyone with those secrets and bad thoughts she was carrying around. It didn't happen all at once and it really was baby steps, but she did it. Although watching her heal was difficult, there was no moment when I was irritated or didn't like her. She fought her demons hard and that's all I could ask for. She never lost her sass and love for the simple things in her life- her killer shoes, animals, her gals and her hot cowboy.
Dalton grows too, but he is almost finished by the time he reaches out to Jessy. I liked the point Jessy made when she tentatively invited Dalton to join the Margarita Club. There is an expectation that is different on women and men when it comes to dealing with grief and what support there is for it. Dalton had his family, but yet people in general just expected him to buck up and deal. He dealt with the expectation by isolating himself on his ranch and assuming an attitude when people came near him. He came through it, but he pretty much did it alone. Considering he had lived all his life there an nobody reached out was my proof that expectations were different. I felt very tender toward this especially since the wife he grieved made him feel he had done something wrong or wasn't good enough because she didn't want to come back to him disabled. Suicide is so hard on the survivors, but again, he didn't let it bury him and it was Jessy that brought joy back into his life and helped him reconnect with his friends and family.
Now the other couple, Lucy and Ben, are just getting started, but what scenes there were was as riveting as Dalton and Jessy's story. I hope their book is next. Lucy used an addiction like Jessy to battle grief, but her choice was food. She now tries to fight that and fight the voice in her head that makes her think poorly of herself. She is such a treasure the way she bravely helps a new widow through all that she must do- funeral arrangements, bringing her husband's body home from the plane with military honor guard, and the added twist of seeing children that she ditched when she started her new life. Lucy connects with the son, Ben. Ben has her eager to try for a new relationship again, but she doubts a successful, big-city surgeon would be interested in her. Ben reluctantly came because a kind woman on the phone told him something about regret that enabled him to set aside the hurt and anger he has nursed for twenty years long enough to be there for the woman who abandoned her family for the man she is grieving. It is Lucy, sweet, kind Lucy, that is his lifeline through all of it. Oh please, oh please, let this be the story that is picked up next.
So, all in all, this was a deep, emotional read that grabbed me up and carried me along to Tallgrass, Oklahoma with a posse of courageous ladies and the men who love them and help them heal. I would recommend this book/series to Contemporary Romance fans who don't mind a pinch of spice or a lot of poignant feels to go along with a character-driven romance.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for my honest review.
The author has a deft hand and nailed it with the proper balance. She is able to engage the reader in what these people are suffering without falling over the edge into dreary or depressing. There is hope even in the dark times. There are even bittersweet moments of fighting off the bad thoughts, but there is also humor and heartwarming moments. Oh and don't think there wasn't a bit of spice going on between the hot, hard-bodied cowboy who is a military widower (yes, that was an interesting dynamic) and the lovely little red-headed lady and latest member of the Margarita Club to get her story, who takes a chance that this time around will last.
There was a bit of the feeling that I was catching some events awkwardly because I didn't start from the beginning and apparently the main romantic pair in this one had begun their story earlier. However, I really had no trouble diving into this third book. I was engaged from the beginning and experienced no confusion along the way though I do hope that some of the things introduced in this one will be pursued in the next because I have a powerful curiosity about a half a dozen things that were left hanging which is by the way, my only niggle. I totally want to go back for the other two previous stories and I definitely want to continue with the series.
The story opens with Jessy Lawrence realizing that her life is pathetic and she really has to do something drastic to wrest back the reins. She has been living a lie for so long even her Margarita Club sisters, the people she considers her only family in the world, don't know the half of it. She has hit an absolute rock-bottom low after getting fired and waking up hungover three days later. Drinking blots out all the regrets. But now she wants to change and she sets out to do that very thing. And lo and behold, she is given a second chance with a man who knows grief and loneliness well.
Rancher Dalton Smith has mourned his dead wife for several years, but his grief is twisted by the anger and pain that for some reason she would rather die than come home to him. He has kept her secret that none of her family nor his knows- his wife survived the bomb and then killed herself. And she's not the first person to leave him since his identical twin took off years ago from the family ranch with no explanation and took Dalton's girlfriend with him. Now, he realizes in small ways starting from that time he spent with Jessy when they were both drunk that he is ready to rejoin the living and he wants to see Jessy again. Dalton has his issues and he knows that Jessy does too so they start over again and tentatively give what is between them a try.
I was struck by the difference in reading a full-length novel in the series after reading the novella. The novella was pretty insular in that it focused primarily on the couple finding their romance. While this one had the room to expand so that it felt more like the life story of the group of ladies and not just the main one getting her hero and their romance. I love that style of storytelling in a series when its done right. I loved the family feel and the camaraderie. I loved the scenes away from the romance because it enhanced instead of detracted from it. The characters from the previous books are very much present in several scenes and their story threads even push forward a bit with Dane and Carly's wedding, Therese and Logan moving toward theres, Ilena going through the last weeks of pregnancy and obviously Lucy helping the new widow and her estranged family.
Jessy is the character with the growing to do. She really has a poor self-image so its hard reading her bashing herself and her thoughts on herself are worse. But it was worth it to see her blossom in Dalton's care and open up and trust everyone with those secrets and bad thoughts she was carrying around. It didn't happen all at once and it really was baby steps, but she did it. Although watching her heal was difficult, there was no moment when I was irritated or didn't like her. She fought her demons hard and that's all I could ask for. She never lost her sass and love for the simple things in her life- her killer shoes, animals, her gals and her hot cowboy.
Dalton grows too, but he is almost finished by the time he reaches out to Jessy. I liked the point Jessy made when she tentatively invited Dalton to join the Margarita Club. There is an expectation that is different on women and men when it comes to dealing with grief and what support there is for it. Dalton had his family, but yet people in general just expected him to buck up and deal. He dealt with the expectation by isolating himself on his ranch and assuming an attitude when people came near him. He came through it, but he pretty much did it alone. Considering he had lived all his life there an nobody reached out was my proof that expectations were different. I felt very tender toward this especially since the wife he grieved made him feel he had done something wrong or wasn't good enough because she didn't want to come back to him disabled. Suicide is so hard on the survivors, but again, he didn't let it bury him and it was Jessy that brought joy back into his life and helped him reconnect with his friends and family.
Now the other couple, Lucy and Ben, are just getting started, but what scenes there were was as riveting as Dalton and Jessy's story. I hope their book is next. Lucy used an addiction like Jessy to battle grief, but her choice was food. She now tries to fight that and fight the voice in her head that makes her think poorly of herself. She is such a treasure the way she bravely helps a new widow through all that she must do- funeral arrangements, bringing her husband's body home from the plane with military honor guard, and the added twist of seeing children that she ditched when she started her new life. Lucy connects with the son, Ben. Ben has her eager to try for a new relationship again, but she doubts a successful, big-city surgeon would be interested in her. Ben reluctantly came because a kind woman on the phone told him something about regret that enabled him to set aside the hurt and anger he has nursed for twenty years long enough to be there for the woman who abandoned her family for the man she is grieving. It is Lucy, sweet, kind Lucy, that is his lifeline through all of it. Oh please, oh please, let this be the story that is picked up next.
So, all in all, this was a deep, emotional read that grabbed me up and carried me along to Tallgrass, Oklahoma with a posse of courageous ladies and the men who love them and help them heal. I would recommend this book/series to Contemporary Romance fans who don't mind a pinch of spice or a lot of poignant feels to go along with a character-driven romance.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for my honest review.
July 20, 2025
It's Jesse's turn... finally.
Jesse has been on a periphery and I was awaiting her book. She was the wilder, younger widow of the group. That fun side was hiding some serious pain.
I liked Jesse's character and it was nice to get a story about one of them having some serious relationship issues before her soldier died. I liked Jesse's conflict. I wasn't thrilled with the relationship though. It was a bit of a letdown.
Still a good story.
Jesse has been on a periphery and I was awaiting her book. She was the wilder, younger widow of the group. That fun side was hiding some serious pain.
I liked Jesse's character and it was nice to get a story about one of them having some serious relationship issues before her soldier died. I liked Jesse's conflict. I wasn't thrilled with the relationship though. It was a bit of a letdown.
Still a good story.
February 13, 2017
This series showcases a military town's "Margarita Club" which consists of widows trying to survive their losses.
April 30, 2019
A good start with tension, but there were not many plots in the story. Heartwarming as usual. Expect for Lucy’s progress.
September 22, 2020
I really like this book for the first half, and then the story started to kinda drag. I just skimmed the last 25 pages, I lost interest.
November 30, 2021
Third book in this series. I stumbled upon it. Enjoyed it, has the military viewpoint. Interesting, entertaining.
August 7, 2023
⛔️(in notes)
August 15, 2023
3.3/5
June 16, 2025
Really enjoyed. A fun cast of characters, Jessy especially. Real and honest this book rang true for me. Will definitely be on the lookout for more from this author.
September 11, 2025
Ben & Lucy >>> Dalton & Jessy
March 9, 2017
Liked it not as much as the other story. It was too long and draging.
August 25, 2014
Copy via Publisher in exchange for an honest review
More reviews on No Bent Spines
3 Stars
Full Review
Told in a few different points of views, A LOVE TO CALL HER OWN circles around two girls and their guys, the main one being Jessy, as their stories being to unfold about the tragic loss of Lucy and Jessy’s husbands to war and their quest of self-discovery and maybe falling in love along the way. As I said, this is mainly Jessy’s story, but we do have an insight to Lucy’s head as well. These two gold star military wives and their support group called the margarita girls, are left alone with the tragic loss of their husbands. A LOVE TO CALL HER OWN plays with the idea of second chances that come in the form of cowboys (for Jessy) and hot doctors (for Lucy). That’s all I’m going to say about Lucy since this isn’t really her story.
Jessy is overcome by guilt and consumed by her feeling of lack of self-worth. She’s stumbling, rather ungracefully, through life. Or what she has left if it. She feels compelled to keep secrets about her marriage from her friends, drink herself into oblivion and drown her sorrows. She loses her job. When everything has officially hit rock bottom, one night comes to mind as well as the cowboy who filled it. And he hasn’t forgot either. He lost his wife to the war. Dalton Smith gives her a rare breed of hope that she didn’t even know she was craving. Didn’t know that she needed.
He’s a saving grace for her. She’s a saving grace for him.
This was a nice read. It took me longer than books this length usually do just because the undertone of sadness in A LOVE TO CALL HER OWN wasn’t really want I wanted or really expected. I liked to see the unraveling of Dalton and Jessy’s story come to life. Their back stories (which I am so glad were shared) really shaped them into who they are and made them who they are today. The support from the margarita sisters was really actually pretty inspiring. They were no judge people. It was refreshing.
Overall, this was a truly exceptional book, but it just didn’t resonate with me as much as I felt it should have.
~Jackie @ No Bent Spines
More reviews on No Bent Spines
3 Stars
Full Review
Told in a few different points of views, A LOVE TO CALL HER OWN circles around two girls and their guys, the main one being Jessy, as their stories being to unfold about the tragic loss of Lucy and Jessy’s husbands to war and their quest of self-discovery and maybe falling in love along the way. As I said, this is mainly Jessy’s story, but we do have an insight to Lucy’s head as well. These two gold star military wives and their support group called the margarita girls, are left alone with the tragic loss of their husbands. A LOVE TO CALL HER OWN plays with the idea of second chances that come in the form of cowboys (for Jessy) and hot doctors (for Lucy). That’s all I’m going to say about Lucy since this isn’t really her story.
Jessy is overcome by guilt and consumed by her feeling of lack of self-worth. She’s stumbling, rather ungracefully, through life. Or what she has left if it. She feels compelled to keep secrets about her marriage from her friends, drink herself into oblivion and drown her sorrows. She loses her job. When everything has officially hit rock bottom, one night comes to mind as well as the cowboy who filled it. And he hasn’t forgot either. He lost his wife to the war. Dalton Smith gives her a rare breed of hope that she didn’t even know she was craving. Didn’t know that she needed.
He’s a saving grace for her. She’s a saving grace for him.
This was a nice read. It took me longer than books this length usually do just because the undertone of sadness in A LOVE TO CALL HER OWN wasn’t really want I wanted or really expected. I liked to see the unraveling of Dalton and Jessy’s story come to life. Their back stories (which I am so glad were shared) really shaped them into who they are and made them who they are today. The support from the margarita sisters was really actually pretty inspiring. They were no judge people. It was refreshing.
Overall, this was a truly exceptional book, but it just didn’t resonate with me as much as I felt it should have.
~Jackie @ No Bent Spines
October 14, 2014
This novel is a heartwarming read about love, loneliness and death and even though I enjoyed it to the point that I am about to praise the book in my review I do not think it is a novel for everyone.
Pappano goes I think where no author has ever gone before with her latest release. It's an emotional roller coaster for readers that follows Jessy, the heroine in the life that she is forced to live after she loses her husband. This novel is very realistic from beginning to end and Pappano did a remarkable job at maintaining the balance of both hope and sorrow throughout the pages.
I sympathized with Jessy from the first time that I was introduced to her. I even shed a few tears along the way and for an author to pour such devotion into a book is certainly worth applauding on all it's own. Also, I have to admire Jessy for her willingness to continue her life in the best way that she can.
When I said before this book is not for everyone it isn't. You really have to have the desire to need it and that reasoning behind is that this book is a very deep read. It's not for the faint of heart. This novel though fictional deals with the suffering and remorse of losing a person and the aftermath of living without them. So if you are a reader that prefers more happily-ever-after novels that are blissful to read than I do not recommend that you read this novel. However with that being said I would encourage everyone to pickup a copy of this book because it is such a wonderful read and is different in so many ways than what you may be use to reading.
I am new when it comes to reading any other books written by Pappano and I honestly do not know how I missed her novels, but I have until I was offered to review this publication. I can safely say that without a doubt that she has quickly became a new favorite of mine. Lately I am reading previous novels penned by the author and I am looking forward to sharing all the reviews with you, the readers in the weeks to come as I am to all new releases that comes my way.
(This review was sent to the publisher prior to posting on GoodReads.)
Pappano goes I think where no author has ever gone before with her latest release. It's an emotional roller coaster for readers that follows Jessy, the heroine in the life that she is forced to live after she loses her husband. This novel is very realistic from beginning to end and Pappano did a remarkable job at maintaining the balance of both hope and sorrow throughout the pages.
I sympathized with Jessy from the first time that I was introduced to her. I even shed a few tears along the way and for an author to pour such devotion into a book is certainly worth applauding on all it's own. Also, I have to admire Jessy for her willingness to continue her life in the best way that she can.
When I said before this book is not for everyone it isn't. You really have to have the desire to need it and that reasoning behind is that this book is a very deep read. It's not for the faint of heart. This novel though fictional deals with the suffering and remorse of losing a person and the aftermath of living without them. So if you are a reader that prefers more happily-ever-after novels that are blissful to read than I do not recommend that you read this novel. However with that being said I would encourage everyone to pickup a copy of this book because it is such a wonderful read and is different in so many ways than what you may be use to reading.
I am new when it comes to reading any other books written by Pappano and I honestly do not know how I missed her novels, but I have until I was offered to review this publication. I can safely say that without a doubt that she has quickly became a new favorite of mine. Lately I am reading previous novels penned by the author and I am looking forward to sharing all the reviews with you, the readers in the weeks to come as I am to all new releases that comes my way.
(This review was sent to the publisher prior to posting on GoodReads.)
September 18, 2014
This was my first taste of this author's work and sadly, I think it will be my last. I'm NOT saying this book was bad, it just wasn't my cup of tea. First of all there seemed to be just a few too many threads to this story and I'm guessing if I had read the previous 2 books in the series, maybe it would have made this a bit easier for me to follow but since I hadn't, it was just really difficult for me to connect with so many characters all at one time. Also, the pacing was way too slow for me. But the biggest turn off for me had to be the incessant self-degradation of not one, but two of the lead female characters. Jessy's constant inner brow-beating and Lucy's internal conversations about her weight & dieting both started to grate on my nerves. Then add in Dalton's self inflicted guilt and I was just too overwhelmed with all of the negativity It seemed like everybody just had so many complaints about how unworthy they all were, it was just so very frustrating. (And maybe hearing all of their self doubts MIGHT have hit a little too close to home for me...just sayin') I'm glad everything seemed to go in the right direction for most everybody in the end but for me, I think it's time to part ways with this kind of story and move on to something with a lot more laughter and lightheartedness!
FTC Advisory: I won a copy of this book through the GoodReads First Reads program. No compensation for my review was given.
FTC Advisory: I won a copy of this book through the GoodReads First Reads program. No compensation for my review was given.
October 1, 2014
It is always good to revisit Tallgrass, Oklahoma and check in with the Margarita girls, it is like going home and seeing old friends again.
The third book in the series picks up with the characters and lives that readers have already been introduced too. We learn more about the main characters from the first two books and where they are in their relationships; however, this book focuses more on Jessy and Lucy.
Jessy’s story was started in book 2 and the reader gets the conclusion in this book. Lucy’s story is developed in this book and you can tell that the conclusion will be in the next book.
I was okay with Jessy’s storyline, but this book didn’t grab me as much as the first two books. Still a decent story and this would be a fine book to throw in your bag and read while waiting in a plane terminal. There are not many surprises, predictable storyline, but solid characters and it is fun to catch up on their lives.
The third book in the series picks up with the characters and lives that readers have already been introduced too. We learn more about the main characters from the first two books and where they are in their relationships; however, this book focuses more on Jessy and Lucy.
Jessy’s story was started in book 2 and the reader gets the conclusion in this book. Lucy’s story is developed in this book and you can tell that the conclusion will be in the next book.
I was okay with Jessy’s storyline, but this book didn’t grab me as much as the first two books. Still a decent story and this would be a fine book to throw in your bag and read while waiting in a plane terminal. There are not many surprises, predictable storyline, but solid characters and it is fun to catch up on their lives.
November 1, 2015
This novel was a very nice read for a cold week in autumn. The main characters have flaws, but move forward toward the end of the story. This makes them easier to admire and to identify with. The premise of the series is timely and important - what happens to those young people who lose loved ones to the wars in which our countries decide to participate.
I enjoyed the different turns in the story and the whole dog rescue element. Anyone who doesn't believe that pets could make a difference in someone's life hasn't received that unconditional love.
I will look for more novels by Marilyn Pappano!
I enjoyed the different turns in the story and the whole dog rescue element. Anyone who doesn't believe that pets could make a difference in someone's life hasn't received that unconditional love.
I will look for more novels by Marilyn Pappano!
August 24, 2016
I liked the "second chance" theme in this, and I felt it was fairly daring of the author to give the heroine a drinking problem. However, the whole book has a fairly maudlin and sentimental feel, with an unrelenting sense of depression, so it got a bit much, especially at this length. I skimmed/skipped the B Story bits, involving Ben and Lucy, to give myself a break and get it done quicker, because it was all so damned gloomy.
Potential readers should note that this is not a stand-alone book; there are at least two volumes in the series before this one, and I have a feeling I missed a lot of backstory that way.
Potential readers should note that this is not a stand-alone book; there are at least two volumes in the series before this one, and I have a feeling I missed a lot of backstory that way.
April 16, 2017
Ms Pappano writes novels of such emotional impact that she leaves me breathless. I've laughed and I've cried for the heart-rending emotions the author packs into each of her Tallgrass novels. I feel as if I'm right there with the women of the Margarita Club as they cope with the grief of losing a husband in Iraq or Afghanistan.
I don't rate many novels as 5 stars, but this series is one that I do.
What a gifted writer Marilyn Pappano is.
I don't rate many novels as 5 stars, but this series is one that I do.
What a gifted writer Marilyn Pappano is.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews