Spring Shadows

Seasons of Love #3

by Jennifer Gracen

Lydia wasn’t looking for love. Having just finalized a difficult divorce, she attended her best friend’s destination wedding with a simple plan: to reconnect with old friends and take a much needed break from the stresses of single parenthood. But life had more in store for her. In AUTUMN GETAWAY, Book One of the Seasons of Love series, Lydia connected with charming, sensitive Sam over that weekend, and took a chance on someone new. Then, in WINTER HOPES, Sam and Lydia explored the excitement of blossoming romance. Even though a long distance relationship isn’t easy, in each other they found renewed hope, both overcoming past losses to learn to trust and love again.

Now, in SPRING SHADOWS, Book Three of the series, author Jennifer Gracen brings Lydia and Sam one step closer to lasting happiness. But it isn’t all romance and roses. The realities of a long distance relationship held between Chicago and New York start to take a toll. Add in the complications posed by Sam’s overprotective brother, Lydia’s difficult ex-husband, and an unexpected tragedy, and it all threatens to tear them apart before they’ve even begun to truly be together.

Lydia and Sam must face their pasts and come to terms with old fears and insecurities. They need to focus on the things that really matter: true love, forgiveness, compassion, and fearless commitment--another leap of faith. Full of the sweetness and heartfelt emotion you’ve come to expect from the Seasons of Love series, SPRING SHADOWS shows us the power of purposeful communication, understanding, and unrelenting self-awareness, proving that true, lasting love is possible when nurtured by healing and hope.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

226 pages, Paperback

First published September 29, 2014

About the author

Jennifer Gracen was born, raised, and still lives on Long Island, New York, and is a proud mom of two grown sons. She loves to write for readers who look for authentic characters, some humor, some passion, and warmth. A medical copy editor by day, Jennifer also does copy editing and proofreading for novelists. She's also been known to give lively concerts in her car (she's an alto).

The Harrisons Series:
Book 1: More Than You Know
Book 2: Someone Like You
Book 3: 'Tis The Season
Book 3.5: Happily Ever After (novella)
Book 4: Between You And Me
Book 5: It Might Be You

The McKinnon Brothers Series:
Book 1: All I Want For Christmas
Book 2: The Doctor's Love
Book 3: Marrying His Best Friend
Book 4: Love In Dublin

Her short story A DOSE OF GELT was featured in a Chanukah anthology, BURNING BRIGHT: Four Chanukah Love Stories, published by Avon Impulse/HarperCollins in December 2015.

The Seasons Of Love Series:
Book 1: Autumn Getaway
Book 2: Winter Hopes
Book 3: Spring Shadows
Book 4: Summer Champagne

More to come...

Reviews

[Carmen Blankenship · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Shadow Springs we get to read about the next stage in Sam and Lydia's relationship. I have enjoyed this series simply because the characters are so vividly drawn that you come to truly root and care for them. As we know, both Sam and Lydia have their own painful pasts to reconcile. In this third installment you get to see them let down any remaining walls they had. There are moments you wonder if Lydia will be able stand another second of Sam's brother and his horrific and hurtful behavior towards her. Then tragedy strikes and everyone can see how and why these two belongs together.

I am a picky and impatient reader. I love a good series but would normally get a little bored if the series was about the same couple every single book. Not so with the Seasons of love series. The reason is there are enough characters and each book is fresh. There is no gag me with a spoon cheesiness and the character are not cliche.
I'm looking forward to see what the fourth installment brings for these two.

Thank you to Netgalley and Booktrope for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Delores · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the continuing story of Lydia and Sam, Jennifer Gracen has dissected the anatomy of relationships and presents the realistic ups and downs that occur between couples. Everything is moving along well between these two likable characters. Sam is prepared to move to New York to be nearer Lydia. They’ll be able to spend more time together. Andy can start to know Sam. Things are going great…until they announce the move to Sam’s family. Sam’s parents are happy that their son has found a soul mate, but his brother goes ballistic about it and throws some pretty hurtful dialogue at Lydia. Then Lydia finds out something out about Sam that he wished she wouldn’t have, and things go downhill fast.

This is the real stuff relationships are made of: ups and downs and getting back on track. Gracen does an excellent job with this, and Spring Shadows gives us a peek into what happens when the chips are down and two people are still in love.

I was proud to be an advanced reader for this novel, and I truly enjoyed a very satisfying voyage into the world of Lydia and Sam.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Spring Shadows
Author: Jennifer Gracen
Publisher: Booktrope Edition
Series: Series of Love # 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Spring Shadows" by Jennifer Gracen

Book Description....

"Lydia wasn’t looking for love. Having just finalized a difficult divorce, she attended her best friend’s destination wedding with a simple plan: to reconnect with old friends and take a much needed break from the stresses of single parenthood. But life had more in store for her. In AUTUMN GETAWAY, Book One of the Seasons of Love series, Lydia connected with charming, sensitive Sam over that weekend, and took a chance on someone new. Then, in WINTER HOPES, Sam and Lydia explored the excitement of blossoming romance. Even though a long distance relationship isn’t easy, in each other they found renewed hope, both overcoming past losses to learn to trust and love again.

Now, in SPRING SHADOWS, Book Three of the series, author Jennifer Gracen brings Lydia and Sam one step closer to lasting happiness. But it isn’t all romance and roses. The realities of a long distance relationship held between Chicago and New York start to take a toll. Add in the complications posed by Sam’s overprotective brother, Lydia’s difficult ex-husband, and an unexpected tragedy, and it all threatens to tear them apart before they’ve even begun to truly be together.

Lydia and Sam must face their pasts and come to terms with old fears and insecurities. They need to focus on the things that really matter: true love, forgiveness, compassion, and fearless commitment--another leap of faith. Full of the sweetness and heartfelt emotion you’ve come to expect from the Seasons of Love series, SPRING SHADOWS shows us the power of purposeful communication, understanding, and unrelenting self-awareness, proving that true, lasting love is possible when nurtured by healing and hope."

What I liked about this novel....

This author did a wonderful job with this third series making the characters seem to come alive on the pages. I would highly suggest you read the first two series so you will be caught up with what is going on between the main characters Sam and Lydia as their relationship evolves. These two people really go through a lots of drama with Lydia, son, her ex(a real piece of work) and with Sam's death of his wife and lets not leave out his brother. How will Lydia work out her problems and come out of the shell that she seems to run to as things are opened up and revealed? I will say sometimes Lydia really had me shaking my head but thank God for her friends who were there and able to help her get on the right road. Now, if only she will stay on it. It was quite interesting reading about Lydia, her friends and what a family that Sam had. I will say that all of the secondary characters were all well developed, well portrayed and believable group. Be prepared for a good read that will bring it all out to the reader...drama, frustrations, intense interactions, grief, tears, raw emotions, great sex, and love as you will get caught up in this well written amazing story. After reading "Springs Shadows" we will be left waiting for the next series 'Sumer Champagne' to see how this author will bring it all to a end. Would I recommend this series? YES!

[Chris Torretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is moving right along! This was a perfect third in the series with the characters growing and Lydia and Sam getting closer together. What I love about these stories is that Jennifer has done a wonderful job of making this feel like a fairytale and yet there is still the drama of real life. The characters have to go through ups and downs and have to grow. There is also quite a bit of tension with other characters in the book, some of which I felt was a bit over done but for the most part I felt like this was spot on!

This story does progress and although each of these is really only a season long there is just so much in them! My favorite part is of course, the characters. Lydia can be a hot mess though. Sometimes she says something or does something that I just have to shake my head at. But really, I'm not shaking my head because I do not believe it, sadly she does exactly what every woman i know would do! Although this part of her drives me crazy it also shows how spot on Jennifer's writing is. She doesn't shy away from writing the negatives of a person along with the good because honestly nobody is perfect.

This ended beautifully, and went right along with the others in this series. I am glad that there is going to be a fourth because although I felt really good with the way this ended up, I definitely ended this with a feeling of wanting more. There's more to each of the characters that I want to delve into, but especially with those that have been vile to Lydia and Sam.

In short: Absolutely breezy read! Fantastic characters as usual with just enough drama to keep the romance interesting! Cannot wait for book four!

Thank you to Booktrope for allowing me to read for an honest review!
4.6/5

This review was originally posted on Creating Serenity

[Heather Faville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to book three of the Seasons of Love series, I truly hope you have picked up books one and two and, heck maybe you have already blazed through book three and are just reading this to humor me. Either way, you are in for a treat. I finished this book and was very sad to find out I would not be able to find out how things wrap up until the end of January. Come on?! That's just uncalled for, making me wait, Jennifer! *insert winky here*

Yet again, Ms Gracen has brought us into the lives of the newly formed union of Lydia and Sam and we continue to watch them grow and learn more and more about each other and their lives both together and apart. During Spring Shadows some terrible things happen and yes, there were tears from this reader...I really like these characters! I do not like the trouble that threatens to divide them, but I also understand were it is coming from and why. No relationship is easy, nor do they simply develop without the allowance of both positive and negative situations brought into test their resolve.

Some romance books are simply, here's a couple, they like each other, have sex, fall in love and live happily ever after. Ummm, no, I like a good love story as much as the next gal, but I want to see the build up...I want to see how they get from one point in their relationship to the next and I love when the author gives me an epilogue to share a bit further down the road after the end. Thus far, Jennifer Gracen has given me exactly what I want to read in a true to life romance series. LOVE LOVE LOVE!

[Tanya Vought · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another superb book in the Seasons of Love series. This third installment is no exception. Jennifer Gracen has the amazing ability to tell us a story as if we are watching real life unfold before our eyes.

Sam and Lydia experience more turmoil. Between her ex, Sam's brother and two surprises sprung upon them... has their relationship put to the true test.

You will find this installment sexy,hot, edgy, sweet and caring... and Sam is still all those amazing things to Lydia as well as to her son.

But what happens when things are revealed/sprung? Will Lydia run like always or will their love remain unscathed?

I love these two characters so much! You will be gripped to the pages until the very end. You will love watching/seeing more of Lydia, her son, her friends and Sam's amazing family.

I can't say enough about this series! If you loved book 1/2 you don't want to miss this book.
You will swoon with Sam's amazing lines...."I love you so much. Unbelievably, over the mood kind of much."

Be prepared for tears, heartache, revelations, anger, frustrations, sexy moments, intense interactions and a fight or two.... to captivate you until the very end.

Spring Shadows is phenomenally written and I can not wait until book 4 (Summer Champagne) is released in early 2015!!!!

5 amazing stars from me!!!

* Recv'd a copy of this book from the author in exchange for am honest review*

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lydia was not looking for love. After a nasty divorce, she has been devoting herself to her son Andy and her own life. However, Sam comes on the scene shortly after her divorce is final and both are smitten. However, each must deal with their respective pasts before they can settle into a slid relationship. This book covers their coming together as a couple. There are many ups and downs, turns and twists to their relationship, which made for interesting reading. However, sometimes the book went a bit too slow for me. Sometimes I hated the two main characters for their ties to their pasts and their inability to break free and for the callous ways they reacted and treated each other However, the path to love never runs smoothly, as we all know, and this book definitely proves that. I also found that the romance, though at times moving along quickly and smoothly did not go fast enough for me, and it seemed as if, at times, the author was deliberately slowing things down. I guess the next book will bring them closer and perhaps even cement the deal. The book is well written. The characters are well developed. This book will appeal to anyone who enjoys a good romance, with all the ups and downs one can bring. If you have not read the others in the series, this one is a stand-alone, though it does help to know some of the characters’ back stories to fully understand what is going on. I received this from Library Thing read and to honestly review.

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the other two books in this series I had no doubt that when Spring Shadows became available I would pick it up immediately. Fortunately I was able to get my hands on it before it actually was released and I cannot be more thrilled with how the story between Lydia and Sam continued. This is definitely my favorite so far.

This book is steamier, edgier, and sweeter than the first two in this series. Sam is still amazing, showing his love and devotion to Lydia at every turn. He has a lot more patience than most guys would when dealing with a new relationship, but understands that Lydia is everything that he has ever wanted. But in this book he speaks his mind more often and stands his ground instead of giving in to Lydia’s whims. Lydia is determined to make her relationship with Sam work, but is still standing in her own way. She has doubts, understandably, that she has to work through. She has a son that comes first in her life, as he should. Once she starts to realize that she has to let go of some things in her life, she finds that her life straightens out and she realizes what is important to her.

With Spring Shadows the reader has to be ready for a wild ride of emotions and fun. There is heartache, lose, love, and fights. I cannot wait for their story to continue in the next book.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Jennifer Gracen,
I want you to know how wonderfully refreshing your book was! I have your 1st two books, but shamefully haven't read more than 1/2 of the 1st book before I decided to read book 3, Spring Shadows. May I tell you and you and your readers how wonderful it was to read a REAL contemporary romance book. This book didn't shove sex down my throat. It let my imagination flow and therefore letting me connect with your novel on a whole new level! (As my imagination is excellent.) Sam and Lydia are perfect together, and I can not wait to see what comes in book 4. Matt is also the name of my Ex and they have a lot of things in common. I appreciate that Lydia isn't perfect and that we find out Sam is less than perfect, but we see that communication is key in a relationship. This is not my typical review, but I want to thank you personally for writing such a wonderful novel. I will now dig into books 1 and 2!
Thank you!
R.B.

[Marcie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in Jennifer Gracen's saga of Sam and Lydia. Lydia is recently divorced, and has a child who has been the most important thing in her life. In fact, she thinks Andy is the only good thing that came out of her first marriage. However, Lydia has met Sam and is very attracted to him, but for Andy's sake, she will only consider moving into a new relationship slowly and cautiously. Sam lost his wife to cancer, and Lydia is the first woman that he has felt an interest in since his wife's death. All doesn't go smoothly for the two as their relationship develops and the book centers around these 'real life' examples of events that actual couples face today. I found this an enjoyable read, even though I had not read the first two books in the series. It was not a typical romance with a happily ever after ending, but more a window into today's culture of dating the second time around.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book full of romance, angst, heartbreak and friendships in turn.

After deciding to take their relationship away from a long distance stage they meet resistance from family and ex husbands! Sam's brother is particularly hostile towards Lydia which creates a terrible rift. Lydia also retreats and they experience a big hurdle in communication. She wants to curl up and ignore the outside world while she licks her wounds and tries to overcome the hostilities.

Something in Sam's recent past that disturbed me in the last book is uncovered and becomes another problem between them.

A tragedy causes much heartbreak in the book and it was sensitively handled and the outpouring of emotions quite hard for the reader- feeling like you wish you could comfort them!

I wish I could dive straight back into the final book in the series- but it's not released yet!

[Christina Esdon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The love saga of Sam and Lydia continues in Jennifer Gracen's next installment of her Season of Love series. While I loved the first two books, AUTUMN GETAWAY and WINTER HOPES, SPRING SHADOWS is my favourite so far. Why? I love seeing the growth of each character, Lydia especially. I love watching her grapple with trusting her heart to a man that seems too good to be true. I love watching Sam continually tested by his loyalty - to his family and to Lydia. I can't wait to read what happens in the summer! I sure hope these two lovebirds can make it!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book three we see Sam and Lydia continue to build on their long distance relationship. In this book they both have obstacles and hoops to jump through in order for their love to survive. Sam's overprotective brother, Lydia's ex-husband and other crap the couples go through. The cool thing about Jennifer Gracen is that everything these two go through is real and normal stuff. The reader can relate to all of this and feel like they are part of the story. I loved this book and can not wait until the next one comes out. I give it 5 stars.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third book in the story of Sam and Lydia puts our couple through the wringer of daily life, showing what they're made of whilst bringing them closer together. Lydia and Sam are loving each other, learning about how to get through personal walls and hang-ups, weathering tragedy--and yes, having great sex--as they build a relationship, a life together. I've enjoyed their story and eagerly await the final book!

[Hilary Grossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gracen does it again! Another Sam and Lydia book that I was unable to put down…. I read it in one day!

Just as in the other two books of the series, Spring Shadows was amazing! It was well written and suspenseful. I love watching Sam & Lydia's relationship evolve. I felt a wide range of emotions as I read - happiness, anger, love and sadness. I actually cried at one point. So far this was my favorite book of the series… but Summer is my favorite season so...

[Tracey C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 was everything I hoped it would be, and more! The pure and raw emotion in this one is incredibly written by Ms. Gracen. Being with Sam and Lydia again was like visiting old friends. I felt every emotion.....I was angry, I was frustrated, I was sad and I was relieved. This story is real, no sugar coating. As I look forward to 'Summer', I may just have to read the series from beginning to end:)

[Roxanna Kokali Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story and I didn't want it to end.

this story was so real and the people in the story were like a real family that I wish I could have had, because I never had a family.

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring Shadows, Seasons of Love:Book Three, Jennifer Gracen
Genre: Romance, Women's Fiction
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Loved the start of this trio, and enjoyed the second book,but I didn’t feel the drama was quite as much as I wanted. Well, that mistake I thought Sam made, the one I just knew would catch up with him finally does...
Anyway to begin Lydia and Sam have accepted they’re in a relationship, and they’re moving forward, slowly of course because of Andy. Then Matt learns about Sam and Is Not Pleased. Poor Lydia, she’s pushed into a corner with Matt threatening for custody of Andy. Realistically he’d never get it but of course to a devoted mum the threat alone is devastating. Throw in the problems with long distance romance and they have to work hard to overcome their setbacks. They do though and are moving forward slowly, and things look good for them.
Then disaster strikes, Sam's big brother, the obnoxious Alec, throws in a spanner in once again at a family dinner and sets things upside down. Poor Lydia is humiliated, Sam is furious and Alec – well sometimes I wonder how that man survived to be an adult he walks so close to the line. Its not the first time he’s done this to Sam, he did it with Sam’s dead wife Chelsea and Sam reminds him of just how wrong he was then. Alec though isn’t one to let things go – he’s convinced Sam is being taken advantage of by Lydia and will get his heart broken. As if that wasn’t enough on the following day that big mistake, the one that so disappointed me about Sam, crops up and Lydia is devastated. I would be too when she learns what happened. I can see what Sam did, and how he sees it. He knew once he thought about it he was wrong, and to his credit he could have lied but didn’t...but still, like Lydia,I would have been heartbroken given the circumstances surrounding it. She retreats big time and it looks like everything could be off...she’s not speaking to Sam, except to ask him to give her time to think. He’s so upset, he regrets of course what he did but no-one is perfect, we’ve all made mistakes, and the past can’t be changed. Then there’s more heartbreak, though thankfully it does make them both focus on what is really important, and what they need to do.
Its been a great read and I’ve really enjoyed it. There is a further book out after this, but in a way I’m not sure I want to read more. This ends so well, and the magic for me of a romance is how the characters make it through, how they actually get together, not so much what happens after. I like to see that as an epilogue but I’m not sure I need a whole book. Still, that's just me of course and I’m sure others love to read more from them.
I mentioned before how realistically the author writes about Andy's speech problems, and that she must have some personal knowledge, and at the end of this book she tells us she does, and that's what makes this so real for me. Too often disabilities are brought in but not researched, glossed over and to those that have similar problems its really irritating,so its been great to read of one that's properly described.
Stars: Five, a great read.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book in one sitting! I love the way that the author has developed the relationship between Lydia and Sam. As in life, other issues, good and bad, tear at their relationship - family, Andy, Lydia's son with her ex-husband and a multitude of other things. Especially huge at this point is the fact that neither of them can handle the long distance any longer. The author has put real obstacles in the way of this couple and really like that. Again, the dialog and storyline are realistic and I saw myself viewing this novel as I would if I really knew them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Booktrope for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Jen Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring Shadows was such an intense book in this series. There was nothing cookie cutter about this series so far and book 3 is no exception. My brain needed a nap when I was done. This one had depth and big issues and the author dealt with them gracefully. I love Sam and Lydia and find myself cheering for them when things go well and then so sad when they are not. This one forces you to emotionally invest!

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I work for the publisher but this did not impact my review.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I love this series! In this third installment of the Series of Love books the budding relationship between Sam and Lydia is truly put to the test. The emotions that are displayed in all the books but specifically this one are raw and powerful. The characters are amazing and the fact that each of these book is another leg in the couples journey truly makes them feel real and lets us get to know them. I finished this book with equal parts of tears and joy. This is one (the entire series) that should be on everyone's must read list. I highly recommend it!

[Playground of Randomness · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and can't wait to read more.I feel like this book had a faster pace as well as being the most interesting in the series.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can you do when you have a woman who has been beat up her whole life by the men in her life that should have loved and cherished her the most? It was not a physical beating but it may as well have been one. Because she learned at a young age that she need to put a protective shell on in order to survive. One around her mind, body, soul, and most importantly her heart.
You see when you are told over and over that you are not worth as much as say your sister, or you are just out and out ignored, or you are not even acknowledge for just being alive then you become invisible to the whole world or you just try to hide. Not just your body but your heart and spirit. That is what Lydia has done most of her life and Sam is trying to get her away from that behavior and make her acknowledge her beautiful mind, body, soul, and heart.
Once again this book leaves off where book two “Winter Hopes” ends. Lydia Powell and Sam Forrester our main characters are still the main focus. There is more interaction in some way or form with her ex-husband, Matt over their son, Andy. Not to mention a whole lot of commotion at Sam’s hometown of Chicago with his family.
You see Matt found out that Lydia was going to meet with Sam for Christmas and it was one big nasty scene. It might not have been so bad but he had no idea there was a Sam even in the picture. He was so pissed he said he wanted Andy nowhere near Sam. That Lydia was a slut and that he was thinking of taking her back into court for full custody of Andy. Lydia just said not to threaten her but to bring it on if he wanted a fight he would get one.
On Christmas Day, Sam took her to his family’s home. His parents, aunts, uncles, etc… were wonderful just mainly Paige and Alec (Sam’s brother and sister-in-law) had the chip like she did, but that chip was turning into a boulder when it came to Alec. Lydia had a right to it and Alec didn’t.
This story by far was the best of the three so far. Talk about gut wrenching emotions, bring out the tissues. Sam and Alec make some surprising changes in their lives and the family suffers a tragedy not sure Sam can survive. I give this book 5 stars. Provided by Net Galley.
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[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars-This was my FAVORITE of the series. So much came out in heated discussions from all points of view. Things I had been waiting to surface. Truth talking, pure and hard truth talking. I read this the fastest bc I was so into every scene. But no matter what these two love each other and when one was needed there was no doubt. I love Sam's parents. They truly were so worried in the beginning but as they saw with their own eyes they knew Sam was making the correct decision. Alec was at his tip top worse and dang it I loved him for being so harsh bc it made me have so many feelings. But no doubt, HE WAS WRONG. So terribly, terribly wrong. Sure he was looking out for his kid brother but if he would just see as his parents did he would learn to zip his mouth.

Series overview-I really enjoyed the entire series and very happy I read all 4 books together as one. At times it was a bit repetitive and I get that some things need to be reiterated bc of the series but when reading it as a whole for me I had to look passed that. I also would have love a bit of a different description of some of the words. It seems that baggage was baggage and there was no other word that could be used to change it up. Or how many time Alec said "the ink isn't dry"... other than some minor imperfections I truly enjoyed getting to see Lydia and Sam form a forever bond.

[Cas H. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had such high hopes for this book. The first two were so wonderful. When a family member dies in this book, it consumes the book. Half of the book is about grief and depression and that is the second half of the book. It hardly leaves anything to look forward to in book 4. I am sorry, but I have no desire to continue reading this series after reading book 3.
I think this book would be a lot better if it did not have so much of it dedicated to the sadness. I think that the last half of the book could be rewritten into a smaller portion of the book. This author does so well at jumping from one subject to another and transitioning, but for some reason cannot transition from grief very well.

[Psusan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sage of Sam and Lydia continue with Spring Shadows by Jennifer Gracen. From the title, I thought that not all would be well. Much like real life counterparts, Sam and Lydia have some lows and highs in this part of their story. I like these two normal individuals, flaws and all.

I guess, I wish that Lydia’s ex-husband would not be such a pain. This is such a realistic drama that I can see him making some of the threats. No matter, how difficult family can be, Ms. Gracen reminds us in this story that they will always be our family. Also, that no one is perfect, but forgiveness is possible. Will love be enough for Sam and Lydia’s relationship to survive, I want to read the last in the series, Summer Champagne, to know for sure.

NetGalley provided a copy.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spring Shadows is book 3 in the Seasons of Love series. This one was packed with drama. Arguments, misunderstandings, a death. It pulls your heartstrings in so many directions. Lydia and Sam have a strong relationship made stronger by the trials they face. I look forward to book 4 and I am hoping for a happy ending.

[Sunshyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just as good as the first if not better. I love Sam and Lydia I think Alec is a jerk and something happens to wipe his very nasty attitude away.. I thin Matt is POS an he really needs to get a life. He is bitter and vile to the core. Lydia is great an I LOVE ANDY having a child with disabilities made me love this book even more. Great Book and I even purchased the new one!!!!!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could rate this higher than 5, I would! Read it in 24 hours...it was THAT good!

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reviewed for NetGalley:

Argh. I am SO DONE with this series. I don't care about ANY of the characters, I could barely work my way through this one.