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Tallgrass #4
A Promise of Forever
Sergeant First Class Avi Grant's return to Tallgrass, Oklahoma is a long-deferred wish come true. With her final tour in Afghanistan over, Avi can focus on her future-a job here at home and a family of her own. There's just one thing she has to do visit her beloved commanding officer's widow and share her grief. The last thing she expected was to feel an instant attraction to the woman's son. Too bad the sexy surgeon is impossible to ignore . . . and even harder to resist.
The sting of his parents' divorce still niggles at Ben Noble. So when a warm, funny, and beautiful young sergeant arrives, mourning his stepfather's loss as strongly as his mother does, Ben can't help but feel conflicted. If his parents taught him anything, it's that love doesn't last-especially with a career soldier. But try as he might to keep his distance, Ben begins to see that Avi-and the spark she brings to his life-is the stuff forever is made of. As Avi's leave ticks away, can Ben convince her to take a chance on forever with him?
The sting of his parents' divorce still niggles at Ben Noble. So when a warm, funny, and beautiful young sergeant arrives, mourning his stepfather's loss as strongly as his mother does, Ben can't help but feel conflicted. If his parents taught him anything, it's that love doesn't last-especially with a career soldier. But try as he might to keep his distance, Ben begins to see that Avi-and the spark she brings to his life-is the stuff forever is made of. As Avi's leave ticks away, can Ben convince her to take a chance on forever with him?
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 30, 2015
14 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Marilyn Pappano
189 books126 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.
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November 9, 2015
After the death of her mentor and CO while deployed in Afghanistan, Avi returns to Tallgrass, Oklahoma to pay her respects to his widow, Patricia. While there she meets Ben, Patricia's son from her first marriage, and there is an immediate attraction. But she owes the army at least two years and after her four weeks of leave she needs to be in Georgia. For his part, Ben is a successful orthopaedic surgeon with family and a practise in Oklahoma and leaving is not on the cards.
Their relationship has an expiration date and despite their growing love for each other, both know there is no future for them.
The first three books in this series were hard going. They were brilliant but tough. They dealt with depression and grief, PTSD, guilt and loss. They're books I'm glad I read that I could never revisit. This book is much safer. It's a fairly typical contemporary romance, entertaining and easy but not as good as the first three in the series.
I wouldn't say I was disappointed, but I think Marilyn Pappano was saying things that need to be said and despite her christian perspective she gets it. I've read dozens of authors who pay lip-service to the spectrum of problems that returned soldiers face but very few of them actually get it.
So it's a good book, entertaining enough but I was hoping she would continue that discussion and she hasn't.
Their relationship has an expiration date and despite their growing love for each other, both know there is no future for them.
The first three books in this series were hard going. They were brilliant but tough. They dealt with depression and grief, PTSD, guilt and loss. They're books I'm glad I read that I could never revisit. This book is much safer. It's a fairly typical contemporary romance, entertaining and easy but not as good as the first three in the series.
I wouldn't say I was disappointed, but I think Marilyn Pappano was saying things that need to be said and despite her christian perspective she gets it. I've read dozens of authors who pay lip-service to the spectrum of problems that returned soldiers face but very few of them actually get it.
So it's a good book, entertaining enough but I was hoping she would continue that discussion and she hasn't.
July 3, 2015
I've been a HUGE fan of this series since reading A Love To Call Her Own. I started out of order, reading that 3rd book first, and then went back to read the first two books. I was hooked!!
Military romance is one of my favorite themes to read and A Promise Of Forever is certainly that and so much more. The concept of this series is what initially drew me but it was the characters and their stories, brilliantly written, that have kept my interest growing and coming back for more. I love that in each book you get a glimpse of the characters from the previous books along with the addition of new characters.
The members of the Margarita Club have each touched me in some way through their grief and struggle to move on after suffering such unimaginable loss. That they all found friendship in one another through that experience was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Out of all of these strong and courageous characters, Lucy is the one who captured my heart the most and I so wanted her to find her HEA again. In A Love To Call Her Own I was hoping that she would finally find that with Ben, while at the same time, secretly wishing it would be with Joe. ;) So when I saw that A Promise Of Forever was about Ben and Avi, I was both disappointed and excited!! I was so happy that Ben and Lucy remained close friends and I actually enjoyed them more like that. The way they teased each other was so funny - like a brother and sister. After reading the snippet from A Chance Of A Lifetime, at the end of this book, I'm even more excited for Joe and Lucy!!! It's going to be so good!!!
I really liked Ben and Avi together. They were perfect for each other. I fell in love with Ben a little more with the choices that he made to be with Avi and the way he was with his mother. That he felt the way he did about his mother leaving and still came to support and comfort her, just showed what a truly great man he was. I love that through Avi he was finally able to forgive his mom and move on from what happened in the past. I'm not sure that I could have been so forgiving had I been in his position.
Another awesome book in an already awesome series. I'm so looking forward to A Chance Of A Lifetime and hopefully many more books to follow. (*hint*Fia*hint*)
Thank you Marilyn Pappano and Marissa Sangiacomo with Grand Central Publishing for the chance to read and review A Promise Of Forever.
Military romance is one of my favorite themes to read and A Promise Of Forever is certainly that and so much more. The concept of this series is what initially drew me but it was the characters and their stories, brilliantly written, that have kept my interest growing and coming back for more. I love that in each book you get a glimpse of the characters from the previous books along with the addition of new characters.
The members of the Margarita Club have each touched me in some way through their grief and struggle to move on after suffering such unimaginable loss. That they all found friendship in one another through that experience was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Out of all of these strong and courageous characters, Lucy is the one who captured my heart the most and I so wanted her to find her HEA again. In A Love To Call Her Own I was hoping that she would finally find that with Ben, while at the same time, secretly wishing it would be with Joe. ;) So when I saw that A Promise Of Forever was about Ben and Avi, I was both disappointed and excited!! I was so happy that Ben and Lucy remained close friends and I actually enjoyed them more like that. The way they teased each other was so funny - like a brother and sister. After reading the snippet from A Chance Of A Lifetime, at the end of this book, I'm even more excited for Joe and Lucy!!! It's going to be so good!!!
I really liked Ben and Avi together. They were perfect for each other. I fell in love with Ben a little more with the choices that he made to be with Avi and the way he was with his mother. That he felt the way he did about his mother leaving and still came to support and comfort her, just showed what a truly great man he was. I love that through Avi he was finally able to forgive his mom and move on from what happened in the past. I'm not sure that I could have been so forgiving had I been in his position.
Another awesome book in an already awesome series. I'm so looking forward to A Chance Of A Lifetime and hopefully many more books to follow. (*hint*Fia*hint*)
Thank you Marilyn Pappano and Marissa Sangiacomo with Grand Central Publishing for the chance to read and review A Promise Of Forever.
August 7, 2015
Each time I pick up a book from this series I feel like I'm going right along with the characters for a much anticipated visit to a familiar place with familiar people. The Tallgrass series is full of small town goodness with a little military flavoring, emotional and heartwarming plots, engaging characters, and a feeling of family connectedness.
This is part of a series and works best if read in order. The hero and most of the secondary characters were introduced in earlier books just as the hero and heroine for the next book's story thread starts in this one. But, I suppose in a pinch one could start them out of order. It worked for me after all since I started with the novella and continued from there, still needing to go back for the first books.
The book opens with Avi Grant returning home for four weeks of leave after several tours of duty leave her soul weary and a little lost after losing the man she felt nearly hero-worship for. Tallgrass has changed a bit since she was last there when her grandparents were alive. Her parents moved back there and took over the family nursery business and this suited Avi because she loved the town and loves that her folks' best friends, the Colonel and Patricia, live there too because of its nearness to the army post. Now Patricia is a widow and Avi mourns his loss right along with her, but Avi sees that Patricia is doing alright with the help of The Marguerita Girls Widows' Club. Avi doesn't know what to make of Patricia's grown son, Ben Noble, knowing what she does about the precarious family situation. Ben and his mother have the history of Patricia leaving her husband and kids for the Colonel between them. Ben is attractive and the perfect guy, but too bad anything they start has an expiration date on it when she needs to report to her new duty assignment post.
Ben doesn't want to have strong feelings for Avi because she is career military and he is rooted deeply in the Oklahoma soil. He will never abandon his sisters and their family to run after someone like their mother did to them. However, the more time he spends with Avi; he realizes they are both in deep and the separation will be heartbreaking. Patricia challenges him to think hard about passing up a chance for love.
These stories pack a lot more into them. There is a blend of gentle small town romance with the depth of emotion each heartbreaking plot puts forth. In this case, Avi must get past survivor's guilt, grief for fallen comrades, decisions about her future as a career soldier vs. the desire for a family. Ben must finally forgive the past when his mother walked away from her family to love another and seemingly never looked back. He has to choose between what he can have with Avi or the sure thing of duty and roots. The situation of go or stay for him and leave or stay for her is the big conflict of the book. There is tension, but happily the angst is low-key.
The romance is passionate, but sweet and tender. The characters are slowly developed and grow personally and together over the course of the book. They engage in easy going activities blended with hot sexy times. I like how the romance isn't told in isolation, but surrounded by the ongoing stories of the town characters and surrounding family. In fact, there are multiple alternating narrators besides the hero and heroine.
There is humor throughout and I love that the characters, setting, and situations always feel real like I could really go to this town and meet these folks. Each installment sets up the next, but the secondary story doesn't take over the main couple's story. Actually, this one had two secondary stories going on. I can't wait for Lucy's story to culminate and I am intrigued by what I see of the story coming next.
In summary, this was a lovely, engaging cozy story that I would recommend to those who like slightly spicy small town romance.
My thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is part of a series and works best if read in order. The hero and most of the secondary characters were introduced in earlier books just as the hero and heroine for the next book's story thread starts in this one. But, I suppose in a pinch one could start them out of order. It worked for me after all since I started with the novella and continued from there, still needing to go back for the first books.
The book opens with Avi Grant returning home for four weeks of leave after several tours of duty leave her soul weary and a little lost after losing the man she felt nearly hero-worship for. Tallgrass has changed a bit since she was last there when her grandparents were alive. Her parents moved back there and took over the family nursery business and this suited Avi because she loved the town and loves that her folks' best friends, the Colonel and Patricia, live there too because of its nearness to the army post. Now Patricia is a widow and Avi mourns his loss right along with her, but Avi sees that Patricia is doing alright with the help of The Marguerita Girls Widows' Club. Avi doesn't know what to make of Patricia's grown son, Ben Noble, knowing what she does about the precarious family situation. Ben and his mother have the history of Patricia leaving her husband and kids for the Colonel between them. Ben is attractive and the perfect guy, but too bad anything they start has an expiration date on it when she needs to report to her new duty assignment post.
Ben doesn't want to have strong feelings for Avi because she is career military and he is rooted deeply in the Oklahoma soil. He will never abandon his sisters and their family to run after someone like their mother did to them. However, the more time he spends with Avi; he realizes they are both in deep and the separation will be heartbreaking. Patricia challenges him to think hard about passing up a chance for love.
These stories pack a lot more into them. There is a blend of gentle small town romance with the depth of emotion each heartbreaking plot puts forth. In this case, Avi must get past survivor's guilt, grief for fallen comrades, decisions about her future as a career soldier vs. the desire for a family. Ben must finally forgive the past when his mother walked away from her family to love another and seemingly never looked back. He has to choose between what he can have with Avi or the sure thing of duty and roots. The situation of go or stay for him and leave or stay for her is the big conflict of the book. There is tension, but happily the angst is low-key.
The romance is passionate, but sweet and tender. The characters are slowly developed and grow personally and together over the course of the book. They engage in easy going activities blended with hot sexy times. I like how the romance isn't told in isolation, but surrounded by the ongoing stories of the town characters and surrounding family. In fact, there are multiple alternating narrators besides the hero and heroine.
There is humor throughout and I love that the characters, setting, and situations always feel real like I could really go to this town and meet these folks. Each installment sets up the next, but the secondary story doesn't take over the main couple's story. Actually, this one had two secondary stories going on. I can't wait for Lucy's story to culminate and I am intrigued by what I see of the story coming next.
In summary, this was a lovely, engaging cozy story that I would recommend to those who like slightly spicy small town romance.
My thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2015
This book has a quiet way about it, it sort of sneaks up on a person. I liked Avi and Ben, thought they were cute, loved that they were smitten with each other right away and went for it. But what made the book was how honest they were with each other. Ben got to see George through different eyes, the same with his mother. With her he got to see her in her new life. I liked that Avi and Ben talked about their situation, if they could continue. Both had to make some hard decisions, but I think Ben's at the end was the best one.
I also liked a couple of the side stories. I like that Lucy seems to have finally "seen" Joe, things should get interesting there. I also found myself intrigued with Calvin, who was hurting in a bad way. I want to know more about him and hope that Tallgrass can be a place of healing for him.
I also liked a couple of the side stories. I like that Lucy seems to have finally "seen" Joe, things should get interesting there. I also found myself intrigued with Calvin, who was hurting in a bad way. I want to know more about him and hope that Tallgrass can be a place of healing for him.
February 17, 2018
Another great read
This series is one of the best I have read, the people are real, the struggles they face are real. Told with empathy and compassion.
This series is one of the best I have read, the people are real, the struggles they face are real. Told with empathy and compassion.
July 1, 2015
Military families are just as complicated…
This is my first visit to Tallgrass, Oklahoma but it will definitely not be the last. Part of a series, I was able to enjoy this story as a standalone but I will definitely be catching up with the other books in the series.
Avi Grant has been a member of the Army since she left high school. She had no idea the number of tours she would undertake and the number of friends she would lose along the way. She is stateside, hopefully for good, and visiting her family before starting her next assignment. Part of that visit will be to touch base with Patricia Noble, the widow of her CO, the man who started her on this journey in the first place. Meeting her son, Ben was unexpected, as was the love that quickly began to build between them. They are both single but the many obstacles between them may prevent them from having that happily ever after , the life and family, they both yearn for.
This is a sweet love story that gave me so much more. I loved how Avi was a strong woman who embraced her military career, while being a daughter, granddaughter and lover was still a big part of her life. Ben was a successful surgeon, had a loving relationship with his siblings but still struggled to connect with a mother he had lost a long time ago. The insight into military life and the aftermath, for both serving members and their families, was eye-opening as well as heart-breaking.
“…its narrow borders encompassed so much: Remembrance. Pride. Honor. Sacrifice. Acknowledgment. Heartbreak. Loss. The giving up of dreams.”
I’m not a member of a military family but this story seems to ably convey the real emotion and turmoil behind loss, grief, and guilt felt by servicemen and women, and their families.
Assisted by meddling family, both two- and four-legged, Ben and Avi’s story unfolded in a fun and, at times, emotional ride. A sneak peek into the next story of the series has me grabbing my Kleenex and anxiously awaiting Bennie and Cal’s story. ~ Diane, 4 stars
This is my first visit to Tallgrass, Oklahoma but it will definitely not be the last. Part of a series, I was able to enjoy this story as a standalone but I will definitely be catching up with the other books in the series.
Avi Grant has been a member of the Army since she left high school. She had no idea the number of tours she would undertake and the number of friends she would lose along the way. She is stateside, hopefully for good, and visiting her family before starting her next assignment. Part of that visit will be to touch base with Patricia Noble, the widow of her CO, the man who started her on this journey in the first place. Meeting her son, Ben was unexpected, as was the love that quickly began to build between them. They are both single but the many obstacles between them may prevent them from having that happily ever after , the life and family, they both yearn for.
This is a sweet love story that gave me so much more. I loved how Avi was a strong woman who embraced her military career, while being a daughter, granddaughter and lover was still a big part of her life. Ben was a successful surgeon, had a loving relationship with his siblings but still struggled to connect with a mother he had lost a long time ago. The insight into military life and the aftermath, for both serving members and their families, was eye-opening as well as heart-breaking.
“…its narrow borders encompassed so much: Remembrance. Pride. Honor. Sacrifice. Acknowledgment. Heartbreak. Loss. The giving up of dreams.”
I’m not a member of a military family but this story seems to ably convey the real emotion and turmoil behind loss, grief, and guilt felt by servicemen and women, and their families.
Assisted by meddling family, both two- and four-legged, Ben and Avi’s story unfolded in a fun and, at times, emotional ride. A sneak peek into the next story of the series has me grabbing my Kleenex and anxiously awaiting Bennie and Cal’s story. ~ Diane, 4 stars
June 19, 2017
In the previous book, A Love to Call Her Own, we met Patricia and Ben. Patricia is the newest member of the widows group, the Tuesday Night Margarita Club. Ben is her estranged son. He is a surgeon who lives in nearby Tulsa. In the previous book he began to reconnect with his mother, after his stepfather's death. He comes to Tallgrass on weekends to see if she needs anything. Their relationship is slowly improving, though still somewhat strained. He still resents that she left his father, sisters and him to marry George, and pretty much ignored them for years.
Avi is a soldier home on a month's leave. Her grandparents lived in Tallgrass and her parents recently moved there. George had been a good friend of her parents and a mentor and role model for her. She had been serving with him in Afghanistan when he was killed, and it was one more death on top of others that have left her hurting. One of the first things she plans to do is visit Patricia. She does not expect to meet Ben.
The attraction between Ben and Avi is immediate. Neither one is particularly happy about it at first. Avi knows she only has one month in Tallgrass before she returns to Georgia and her next duty assignment. Getting involved with a man who is rooted in Oklahoma would not be smart. Ben certainly isn't looking to get involved with someone in the army. First, he associates the army with his mother's desertion of the family. Second, he has no desire to uproot his own life and leave his practice and his sisters behind.
I liked the development of their relationship. They acknowledged the attraction and were honest with each other about their future plans. Avi has eight years left in the army before she retires. She likes what she does and plans to stay. She wants a family of her own, and hopes to find someone that's right for her. Ben is clear on his plans to stay in Oklahoma. They make the decision to spend time together anyway. They know their relationship has an "expiration date" but spend as much time together as they can. I loved seeing how much fun they had together. Though they don't always see eye to eye on everything, there are no major disagreements between them. I especially loved seeing how Avi's relationship with Patricia and George, and sharing memories of him, helps Ben deal with some of the resentment he still had. As the days went on Ben and Avi both realized that their feelings were growing far deeper than they had planned. I ached for them both as it looks like there is no way for them to be together. Avi has no real choice, as she still has at least two years before she could get out, even if she wanted to. Ben I wanted to shake a few times, because it would be so easy for him to pick up and go. I loved the heart to heart conversation with Patricia that makes him think about his future without Avi, and his sisters' two cents that seal the deal. His big moment at the end was great.
I loved the realism of the life of the military people and their families in Tallgrass. The good is shown with the bad, such as the depth of the friendships and the support that is always there. There is also the bad, such as the deaths, injuries, and mental problems. We were introduced to Calvin Sweet, another Tallgrass native, who is having trouble dealing with the memories that have built up over the years. A heartbreaking and scary moment with him is an excellent lead-in to the next book. I also liked seeing more of Lucy and Joe, who are good friends. It becomes increasingly clear that Joe would like more than just friendship, but Lucy is blind to it.
There are also some wonderfully fun moments to lighten the mood. The post-it notes that Avi's mom leaves around the house for her were great. I loved her parents' attitude toward Avi and Ben's relationship, accompanied by a terrific scene with Ben's mom the night before Avi leaves to return to Georgia. My heart melted when Avi went to the animal shelter with her mom and came home with a new friend.
Avi is a soldier home on a month's leave. Her grandparents lived in Tallgrass and her parents recently moved there. George had been a good friend of her parents and a mentor and role model for her. She had been serving with him in Afghanistan when he was killed, and it was one more death on top of others that have left her hurting. One of the first things she plans to do is visit Patricia. She does not expect to meet Ben.
The attraction between Ben and Avi is immediate. Neither one is particularly happy about it at first. Avi knows she only has one month in Tallgrass before she returns to Georgia and her next duty assignment. Getting involved with a man who is rooted in Oklahoma would not be smart. Ben certainly isn't looking to get involved with someone in the army. First, he associates the army with his mother's desertion of the family. Second, he has no desire to uproot his own life and leave his practice and his sisters behind.
I liked the development of their relationship. They acknowledged the attraction and were honest with each other about their future plans. Avi has eight years left in the army before she retires. She likes what she does and plans to stay. She wants a family of her own, and hopes to find someone that's right for her. Ben is clear on his plans to stay in Oklahoma. They make the decision to spend time together anyway. They know their relationship has an "expiration date" but spend as much time together as they can. I loved seeing how much fun they had together. Though they don't always see eye to eye on everything, there are no major disagreements between them. I especially loved seeing how Avi's relationship with Patricia and George, and sharing memories of him, helps Ben deal with some of the resentment he still had. As the days went on Ben and Avi both realized that their feelings were growing far deeper than they had planned. I ached for them both as it looks like there is no way for them to be together. Avi has no real choice, as she still has at least two years before she could get out, even if she wanted to. Ben I wanted to shake a few times, because it would be so easy for him to pick up and go. I loved the heart to heart conversation with Patricia that makes him think about his future without Avi, and his sisters' two cents that seal the deal. His big moment at the end was great.
I loved the realism of the life of the military people and their families in Tallgrass. The good is shown with the bad, such as the depth of the friendships and the support that is always there. There is also the bad, such as the deaths, injuries, and mental problems. We were introduced to Calvin Sweet, another Tallgrass native, who is having trouble dealing with the memories that have built up over the years. A heartbreaking and scary moment with him is an excellent lead-in to the next book. I also liked seeing more of Lucy and Joe, who are good friends. It becomes increasingly clear that Joe would like more than just friendship, but Lucy is blind to it.
There are also some wonderfully fun moments to lighten the mood. The post-it notes that Avi's mom leaves around the house for her were great. I loved her parents' attitude toward Avi and Ben's relationship, accompanied by a terrific scene with Ben's mom the night before Avi leaves to return to Georgia. My heart melted when Avi went to the animal shelter with her mom and came home with a new friend.
October 8, 2020
Such a good book.
Tallgrass stories. Military people. Poppano. Nothing better. Start at the beginning of the series. Each story is different but they all are so good you will want to read the next one....
Tallgrass stories. Military people. Poppano. Nothing better. Start at the beginning of the series. Each story is different but they all are so good you will want to read the next one....
July 3, 2015
I've been a HUGE fan of this series since reading A Love To Call Her Own. I started out of order, reading that 3rd book first, and then went back to read the first two books. I was hooked!!
Military romance is one of my favorite themes to read and A Promise Of Forever is certainly that and so much more. The concept of this series is what initially drew me but it was the characters and their stories, brilliantly written, that have kept my interest growing and coming back for more. I love that in each book you get a glimpse of the characters from the previous books along with the addition of new characters.
The members of the Margarita Club have each touched me in some way through their grief and struggle to move on after suffering such unimaginable loss. That they all found friendship in one another through that experience was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Out of all of these strong and courageous characters, Lucy is the one who captured my heart the most and I so wanted her to find her HEA again. In A Love To Call Her Own I was hoping that she would finally find that with Ben, while at the same time, secretly wishing it would be with Joe. ;) So when I saw that A Promise Of Forever was about Ben and Avi, I was both disappointed and excited!! I was so happy that Ben and Lucy remained close friends and I actually enjoyed them more like that. The way they teased each other was so funny - like a brother and sister. After reading the snippet from A Chance Of A Lifetime, at the end of this book, I'm even more excited for Joe and Lucy!!! It's going to be so good!!!
I really liked Ben and Avi together. They were perfect for each other. I fell in love with Ben a little more with the choices that he made to be with Avi and the way he was with his mother. That he felt the way he did about his mother leaving and still came to support and comfort her, just showed what a truly great man he was. I love that through Avi he was finally able to forgive his mom and move on from what happened in the past. I'm not sure that I could have been so forgiving had I been in his position.
Another awesome book in an already awesome series. I'm so looking forward to A Chance Of A Lifetime and hopefully many more books to follow. (*hint*Fia*hint*)
Thank you Marilyn Pappano and Marissa Sangiacomo with Grand Central Publishing for the chance to read and review A Promise Of Forever.
Military romance is one of my favorite themes to read and A Promise Of Forever is certainly that and so much more. The concept of this series is what initially drew me but it was the characters and their stories, brilliantly written, that have kept my interest growing and coming back for more. I love that in each book you get a glimpse of the characters from the previous books along with the addition of new characters.
The members of the Margarita Club have each touched me in some way through their grief and struggle to move on after suffering such unimaginable loss. That they all found friendship in one another through that experience was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Out of all of these strong and courageous characters, Lucy is the one who captured my heart the most and I so wanted her to find her HEA again. In A Love To Call Her Own I was hoping that she would finally find that with Ben, while at the same time, secretly wishing it would be with Joe. ;) So when I saw that A Promise Of Forever was about Ben and Avi, I was both disappointed and excited!! I was so happy that Ben and Lucy remained close friends and I actually enjoyed them more like that. The way they teased each other was so funny - like a brother and sister. After reading the snippet from A Chance Of A Lifetime, at the end of this book, I'm even more excited for Joe and Lucy!!! It's going to be so good!!!
I really liked Ben and Avi together. They were perfect for each other. I fell in love with Ben a little more with the choices that he made to be with Avi and the way he was with his mother. That he felt the way he did about his mother leaving and still came to support and comfort her, just showed what a truly great man he was. I love that through Avi he was finally able to forgive his mom and move on from what happened in the past. I'm not sure that I could have been so forgiving had I been in his position.
Another awesome book in an already awesome series. I'm so looking forward to A Chance Of A Lifetime and hopefully many more books to follow. (*hint*Fia*hint*)
Thank you Marilyn Pappano and Marissa Sangiacomo with Grand Central Publishing for the chance to read and review A Promise Of Forever.
June 27, 2015
Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. - Mahatma Gandhi
A PROMISE OF FOREVER is Book 4 in the Tallgrass, Oklahoma, series. Tallgrass is home to the fictional Fort Murphy where a group of Army widows have formed the Tuesday Night Margarita Club to find solace among their own. Sergeant First Class Avery (Avi) Grants arrives in Tallgrass for two reasons - to spend her well earned leave with her parents and visit the widow of her commanding officer who died during her recent deployment to Afghanistan. She does not expect to meet, let alone find herself attracted to, the widow's estranged son.
Ben Noble holds onto his resentment towards his mother, who left her husband, his sisters, and him to marry an Army officer. He reluctantly leaves his lucrative surgery (and bachelor life) on the weekends to rebuild a relationship with his widowed mother. Ben is surprised by his instant attraction to the Army soldier who holds his mother - and the man who broke apart his family - in high esteem.
Pappano delivers a quiet drama of family, romance, and grief. The title plays upon Ben's feelings towards towards the broken promise of forever as he comes to grips with his mother's abandonment. Likewise, Avi relishes her parents' long marriage. She looks forward to finding her own promise of forever once she returns to her new stateside assignment where she can finish her service and start a family. If only she wasn't distracted by Ben who is solidly planted in Oklahoma with his practice and his sisters.
Pappano hits the target by painting a realistic picture of military life - the rewards, the challenges, and the unexpected. I commend Pappano for creating two honorable characters whose careers and even families impeded their relationship ... or so it seems.
Pappano also depicts Tallgrass as a comfy small town to delight readers. She brings out the splendors of Oklahoma in contrast to the recent news of tornadoes and floods. Pappano makes it a desirable place to live and love.
I have not read the previous novels in the series but felt right at home in A PROMISE OF FOREVER.
Recommended read for fans of sweet contemporary romance, unlikely lovers, and military life.
I received an ARC from Forever Romance for my honest review.
A PROMISE OF FOREVER is Book 4 in the Tallgrass, Oklahoma, series. Tallgrass is home to the fictional Fort Murphy where a group of Army widows have formed the Tuesday Night Margarita Club to find solace among their own. Sergeant First Class Avery (Avi) Grants arrives in Tallgrass for two reasons - to spend her well earned leave with her parents and visit the widow of her commanding officer who died during her recent deployment to Afghanistan. She does not expect to meet, let alone find herself attracted to, the widow's estranged son.
Ben Noble holds onto his resentment towards his mother, who left her husband, his sisters, and him to marry an Army officer. He reluctantly leaves his lucrative surgery (and bachelor life) on the weekends to rebuild a relationship with his widowed mother. Ben is surprised by his instant attraction to the Army soldier who holds his mother - and the man who broke apart his family - in high esteem.
Pappano delivers a quiet drama of family, romance, and grief. The title plays upon Ben's feelings towards towards the broken promise of forever as he comes to grips with his mother's abandonment. Likewise, Avi relishes her parents' long marriage. She looks forward to finding her own promise of forever once she returns to her new stateside assignment where she can finish her service and start a family. If only she wasn't distracted by Ben who is solidly planted in Oklahoma with his practice and his sisters.
Pappano hits the target by painting a realistic picture of military life - the rewards, the challenges, and the unexpected. I commend Pappano for creating two honorable characters whose careers and even families impeded their relationship ... or so it seems.
Pappano also depicts Tallgrass as a comfy small town to delight readers. She brings out the splendors of Oklahoma in contrast to the recent news of tornadoes and floods. Pappano makes it a desirable place to live and love.
I have not read the previous novels in the series but felt right at home in A PROMISE OF FOREVER.
Recommended read for fans of sweet contemporary romance, unlikely lovers, and military life.
I received an ARC from Forever Romance for my honest review.
September 26, 2015
Title: A Promise of Forever
Author: Marilyn Pappano
Publisher: Forever
Series: Tallgrass #4
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"A Promise of Forever" by Pappano
My Thoughts....
This was another good heartwarming Tallgrass series by this by this author that I really enjoyed reading. I found the characters were very well developed, portrayed and believable in this unfolding story. "A Promise of Forever" will center "on two people’s whose lives have been affected by the death of George Sanderson: his stepson, Ben Noble and his best friends’ daughter, Avi Grant." I enjoyed reading this story that had some military,a well done plot, with some heartwarming characters. I think to fully understand this read it all, the reader should go back and read the series in order.
As this story continues on we find Avi who served with George Noble in Afghanistan is now home in Tallgrass visiting her parents, spending time with Patrica [who was George's wife] and she meets Ben. We find Ben tries not to have feeling for Avi with her having a military career and his place is only on Oklahoma soil, but as they spend time together ...will this turn into a passionate romance? Will Avi desire a family after all she has been through? Will she get over 'past survivor's guilt, and grief for fallen comrades?' Will Ben be able to forgive his mother for walking away from her family?
There will be great issues in this story for what each one should do. One person that I didn't care for was the mother Patricia, Ben's mom [which was well presented in another series] but I guess that is another story especially with the advantage she gives her son. Oh well!
In the end do we get a sweet romance from these two [Ben & Avi] in this small hometown? Well, to find out you will have to pick up "A Promise Forever" to see how well this author will bring it all out to the reader. I did like how this author was able to give us a read that portrayed a military life showing emotions and the struggles they may have to face in everyday life.
I received a copy through NOR in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Marilyn Pappano
Publisher: Forever
Series: Tallgrass #4
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"A Promise of Forever" by Pappano
My Thoughts....
This was another good heartwarming Tallgrass series by this by this author that I really enjoyed reading. I found the characters were very well developed, portrayed and believable in this unfolding story. "A Promise of Forever" will center "on two people’s whose lives have been affected by the death of George Sanderson: his stepson, Ben Noble and his best friends’ daughter, Avi Grant." I enjoyed reading this story that had some military,a well done plot, with some heartwarming characters. I think to fully understand this read it all, the reader should go back and read the series in order.
As this story continues on we find Avi who served with George Noble in Afghanistan is now home in Tallgrass visiting her parents, spending time with Patrica [who was George's wife] and she meets Ben. We find Ben tries not to have feeling for Avi with her having a military career and his place is only on Oklahoma soil, but as they spend time together ...will this turn into a passionate romance? Will Avi desire a family after all she has been through? Will she get over 'past survivor's guilt, and grief for fallen comrades?' Will Ben be able to forgive his mother for walking away from her family?
There will be great issues in this story for what each one should do. One person that I didn't care for was the mother Patricia, Ben's mom [which was well presented in another series] but I guess that is another story especially with the advantage she gives her son. Oh well!
In the end do we get a sweet romance from these two [Ben & Avi] in this small hometown? Well, to find out you will have to pick up "A Promise Forever" to see how well this author will bring it all out to the reader. I did like how this author was able to give us a read that portrayed a military life showing emotions and the struggles they may have to face in everyday life.
I received a copy through NOR in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2015
Avi Grant is a US Army sergeant home on leave after five years in Iraq and Afghanistan, is glad to have a month in Oklahoma before going to her new assignment. After years of war, she'll be an instructor at the Signal school in Georgia. And after twelve years in the service, she's only eight years from retirement.
She's also dealing with a load of grief, though, Too many friends and fellow soldiers died, including Col. George Sanderson. He inspired her military career and has been like a second father to her, and he was killed just three months ago. One of the things Avi has to do is visit George's widow, Patricia.
What she doesn't expect is to meet Patricia's son from her first marriage, Ben Noble. Ben is handsome, smart, a respected orthopedic surgeon, and has never really gotten over resenting George Sanderson because his mother left his father for George.
The attraction between them is immediate and strong, but the obstacles between them aren't minor. Their very different feelings about George Sanderson aren't the only problem. More serious is that Avi is committed to eight more years in the army, and even if she changed her mind would still be in for two more years, while Ben is determined to stay in Oklahoma, near the two sisters he had a large hand in raising, as well as the mother he's rebuilding a relationship with. They've got a lot to work through, and they don't have much time to do it in.
I like Avi, Ben, and their friends and family. The emotional issues are real and are handled well. The dogs, of course (what, I haven't mentioned the dogs?) stole my heart, and Avi and Ben establish themselves as good people in the way that matters most to real dog people. For more general appeal, I'll note that both careers are treated with respect, and as being important to the characters.
Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley from the publisher via NetGalley.
She's also dealing with a load of grief, though, Too many friends and fellow soldiers died, including Col. George Sanderson. He inspired her military career and has been like a second father to her, and he was killed just three months ago. One of the things Avi has to do is visit George's widow, Patricia.
What she doesn't expect is to meet Patricia's son from her first marriage, Ben Noble. Ben is handsome, smart, a respected orthopedic surgeon, and has never really gotten over resenting George Sanderson because his mother left his father for George.
The attraction between them is immediate and strong, but the obstacles between them aren't minor. Their very different feelings about George Sanderson aren't the only problem. More serious is that Avi is committed to eight more years in the army, and even if she changed her mind would still be in for two more years, while Ben is determined to stay in Oklahoma, near the two sisters he had a large hand in raising, as well as the mother he's rebuilding a relationship with. They've got a lot to work through, and they don't have much time to do it in.
I like Avi, Ben, and their friends and family. The emotional issues are real and are handled well. The dogs, of course (what, I haven't mentioned the dogs?) stole my heart, and Avi and Ben establish themselves as good people in the way that matters most to real dog people. For more general appeal, I'll note that both careers are treated with respect, and as being important to the characters.
Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley from the publisher via NetGalley.
July 18, 2017
It was so difficult for me to enjoy this book. The author cheated, and I hate it when authors do that. It basically ruined the book for me.
In the last book, Lucy and Ben were attracted to each other. We saw Lucy's quality of life improve as Ben rekindled the passion in her life and made her feel attractive, and as she began to take her health more seriously. Ben, needing his own escape, found it Lucy and often remunerated on his attraction to her. He never described their relationship as platonic. So color me surprised when, in this book, the nature of their relationship changed- not as the result of an evolving plot line and finely crafted character development, but simply because the author changed the story line by rewriting the relationship and asking the readers to be implicit in her duplicity. It was so hard for me to swallow, that it took me a year to finish this book, and doing so was more a testament to my ocd than to being a committed, avid reader.
I also thought it odd that Avi' s and Ben's sex life was so important to their parents that the parents kept facilitating opportunities for them to have sex. What grown person who can afford a hotel room, doesn't just make their own accommodations? I think it was supposed to be funny, but it was weird and annoying.
I also found it odd that everybody gave Patricia such a pass for abandoning her children, and didn't even challenge her on how she repeatedly described the abandonment as being worth it. I wasn't expecting a public flogging, but for her to repeatedly frame it as haven been worth it, despite what it cost her family and continues to cost them, was really insensitive to me and made me dislike her. I really hope to not see more of her in the next books.
To give credit where credit is do, the sub-plots regarding Lucy and Joe, and Calvin were interesting, and because of them, I will read the next book...eventually.
In the last book, Lucy and Ben were attracted to each other. We saw Lucy's quality of life improve as Ben rekindled the passion in her life and made her feel attractive, and as she began to take her health more seriously. Ben, needing his own escape, found it Lucy and often remunerated on his attraction to her. He never described their relationship as platonic. So color me surprised when, in this book, the nature of their relationship changed- not as the result of an evolving plot line and finely crafted character development, but simply because the author changed the story line by rewriting the relationship and asking the readers to be implicit in her duplicity. It was so hard for me to swallow, that it took me a year to finish this book, and doing so was more a testament to my ocd than to being a committed, avid reader.
I also thought it odd that Avi' s and Ben's sex life was so important to their parents that the parents kept facilitating opportunities for them to have sex. What grown person who can afford a hotel room, doesn't just make their own accommodations? I think it was supposed to be funny, but it was weird and annoying.
I also found it odd that everybody gave Patricia such a pass for abandoning her children, and didn't even challenge her on how she repeatedly described the abandonment as being worth it. I wasn't expecting a public flogging, but for her to repeatedly frame it as haven been worth it, despite what it cost her family and continues to cost them, was really insensitive to me and made me dislike her. I really hope to not see more of her in the next books.
To give credit where credit is do, the sub-plots regarding Lucy and Joe, and Calvin were interesting, and because of them, I will read the next book...eventually.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2015
I loved this book. I have to admit that this is the first book by this author that I have read. I will be going back to read the other books in this series.
I loved Ben and Avi. Ben had such a big heart and it broke into pieces when Avi left. Avi's broke too, but healed quickly when she saw Ben outside of her apartment in GA. So glad that Ben realized what was most important to him.
I loved Ben and Avi. Ben had such a big heart and it broke into pieces when Avi left. Avi's broke too, but healed quickly when she saw Ben outside of her apartment in GA. So glad that Ben realized what was most important to him.
February 1, 2018
I really love this authors books. This one has such heart. Well defined characters, you really get to know the setting and feel for the people.
June 1, 2019
Cute story..I love this series
October 13, 2020
3.5. Kindle.
September 14, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer jerjen
Avi Grant has returned home for her one month long furlough from Afghanistan. She is there to visit her parents and to rest and relax before she starts her new assignment, stateside. She also plans to pay her respects to her commanding officer’s wife, Patricia. Both her commander, George, and his wife have been like second parents to her and she loves them both and greatly mourns the loss of George from her life. She knows it will be painful to see his wife but she also hopes it will be healing for them both. On her first visit to see Patricia, Avi meets her son, Ben.
Ben is struggling with the fact that his mother left her family and started a whole new life with George. It was only after his death that Ben reconnected with Patricia but it is a relationship that is very strained, to say the least. When he meets Avi and sees the love she has for both his mother and George, he is surprised and curious about the relationship between them and Avi. He begins to see George in a different light, and although the hurt of his mother’s abandonment is still there, he feels now he is beginning to understand the deep love that they had for each other.
Avi and Ben feel an instant connection with each other. Avi is hoping to find the person that she is meant to be with and she longs for a lifelong love, family and children. The more time she spends with Ben, the more she thinks he could be the one. But she knows that Ben has strong ties to Tulsa and he would never move away from his sisters and his job as a surgeon. Ben realizes what has been missing from his life, someone to share special occasions with as well as daily triumphs and sorrows. He thinks that Avi is special and that she makes his life much fuller and richer. But he knows that Avi still has eight years left before she can retire from the military and she will only be in Tulsa for a month. He knows that he will never abandon his sisters like his mother did so long ago. Neither are willing to change their life and follow the other and there is no compromise that can be reached. So their relationship is doomed to be only one month.
I fell in love with these characters, the story line and the entire book. The characters are well rounded, realistic and three dimensional. I feel like they are people I really know and care about rather than characters in a book. Avi and Ben have both been hurt in the past and the hurt is hard to let go of. Avi has lost so many of the people that she has loved, both family and fellow soldiers and she will not be able to handle losing someone else she cares about. Ben has never totally forgiven his mother for walking out on her family. He still blames her for his father’s death, feeling like he died with a broken heart. Although his sisters have reconciled and formed a new relationship with Patricia, Ben just cannot seem to let his guard down and forgive her. The supporting characters are also well developed and an important part of the story. They are a close knit community of military wives who have all lost so much. But they stand behind each other and support each other unconditionally. The characters are all very easy to like and you cannot help but to care what happens to them.
The writing style flows smoothly and it is a very well written book. The story is an emotional story of love, forgiveness and second chances. It’s a story of forgiving others as well as having the courage to follow your dream. It is a story of remembering those you have lost but not allowing those losses to control your life. The characters and the story line are heart wrenching and heartwarming at the same time. I do not think this an easy thing to do as an author but Marilyn Pappano does an excellent job of blending the two together. Although this is the fourth book in the series, I feel it can be read as a stand alone. The author gave enough of a back story on the characters that I knew who was who and what was going on but not so much as to become repetitive.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading well written women’s fiction. If I could I would give this book more than five stars, that is how much I enjoyed it. I have also read the third book in the series and I am looking forward to reading the first two books. I want to spend more time with all of the characters and learn more about each of their stories. I am definitely a fan of Marilyn Pappano and I think you will be too.
*OBS would like to thank NetGalley for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer jerjen
Avi Grant has returned home for her one month long furlough from Afghanistan. She is there to visit her parents and to rest and relax before she starts her new assignment, stateside. She also plans to pay her respects to her commanding officer’s wife, Patricia. Both her commander, George, and his wife have been like second parents to her and she loves them both and greatly mourns the loss of George from her life. She knows it will be painful to see his wife but she also hopes it will be healing for them both. On her first visit to see Patricia, Avi meets her son, Ben.
Ben is struggling with the fact that his mother left her family and started a whole new life with George. It was only after his death that Ben reconnected with Patricia but it is a relationship that is very strained, to say the least. When he meets Avi and sees the love she has for both his mother and George, he is surprised and curious about the relationship between them and Avi. He begins to see George in a different light, and although the hurt of his mother’s abandonment is still there, he feels now he is beginning to understand the deep love that they had for each other.
Avi and Ben feel an instant connection with each other. Avi is hoping to find the person that she is meant to be with and she longs for a lifelong love, family and children. The more time she spends with Ben, the more she thinks he could be the one. But she knows that Ben has strong ties to Tulsa and he would never move away from his sisters and his job as a surgeon. Ben realizes what has been missing from his life, someone to share special occasions with as well as daily triumphs and sorrows. He thinks that Avi is special and that she makes his life much fuller and richer. But he knows that Avi still has eight years left before she can retire from the military and she will only be in Tulsa for a month. He knows that he will never abandon his sisters like his mother did so long ago. Neither are willing to change their life and follow the other and there is no compromise that can be reached. So their relationship is doomed to be only one month.
I fell in love with these characters, the story line and the entire book. The characters are well rounded, realistic and three dimensional. I feel like they are people I really know and care about rather than characters in a book. Avi and Ben have both been hurt in the past and the hurt is hard to let go of. Avi has lost so many of the people that she has loved, both family and fellow soldiers and she will not be able to handle losing someone else she cares about. Ben has never totally forgiven his mother for walking out on her family. He still blames her for his father’s death, feeling like he died with a broken heart. Although his sisters have reconciled and formed a new relationship with Patricia, Ben just cannot seem to let his guard down and forgive her. The supporting characters are also well developed and an important part of the story. They are a close knit community of military wives who have all lost so much. But they stand behind each other and support each other unconditionally. The characters are all very easy to like and you cannot help but to care what happens to them.
The writing style flows smoothly and it is a very well written book. The story is an emotional story of love, forgiveness and second chances. It’s a story of forgiving others as well as having the courage to follow your dream. It is a story of remembering those you have lost but not allowing those losses to control your life. The characters and the story line are heart wrenching and heartwarming at the same time. I do not think this an easy thing to do as an author but Marilyn Pappano does an excellent job of blending the two together. Although this is the fourth book in the series, I feel it can be read as a stand alone. The author gave enough of a back story on the characters that I knew who was who and what was going on but not so much as to become repetitive.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading well written women’s fiction. If I could I would give this book more than five stars, that is how much I enjoyed it. I have also read the third book in the series and I am looking forward to reading the first two books. I want to spend more time with all of the characters and learn more about each of their stories. I am definitely a fan of Marilyn Pappano and I think you will be too.
*OBS would like to thank NetGalley for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
July 1, 2015
I truly enjoyed this contemporary small town romance that is full of heart. This is the first book I have read from this author and it will not be the last. The military plays a huge role in the series and I like the variety of people that are represented and how their lives are changed through joy and sorrow.
Avi Grant is career Army; she spent four tours overseas and is back in Tallgrass, Oklahoma for a long leave before her new assignment in Georgia. She loved to visit her grandparents here every summer and help them run the Grant Plant Farm. This is where she met George Sanderson, and he is the reason she made the Army her life. When he died several months ago, she was devastated but coming here to visit his widow and work the plant farm again has helped her with her sadness.
Ben Noble is a doctor who lives in a nearby town. His mother Patricia was married to George for many years after she divorced his father. She left Ben’s family when he was a teen, and did not have much contact with her children, something she regrets to his day. The abandonment left deep scars for Ben and his sisters, and their father was never the same. The kids have since forged relationships with their mother, but still the hurt feelings run deep. Ben never knew George and always resented him, but hearing about him through the eyes of Avi helps the healing.
I truly enjoyed this book. I like the personalities of both the hero and heroine; they are fun and extremely cute to watch as their romance grew.
Avi is very likable and extremely well grounded for someone who has been on four different tours. Yes, she has been affected by the war and the people who have lost their lives, especially George, her rock, but she made the military her career and has enjoyed it for the most part. When she meets Ben she is very open with him and tries to see things through his eyes but she loved George and Patricia so much that she actually changes his view. I love how they are together, so cute as they work through how they feel toward each other and a future, and their chemistry works on many levels.
Ben is also very likeable; I was worried because he had such strong feelings about his mother’s abandonment and the man she married. He is still working through the issues he has with her but he is not as bitter as he could be and by the end of the book I was happy with his feelings about the past. Avi helps him go through his thoughts and I like how she views the circumstances and choices that were made. There are several issues to get through before a future together will work, Ben has to let go and move on, which has been difficult for him.
This is the fourth book in the series and I did not have any trouble reading and enjoying it even though I did not read the other books, but be aware that this is a small town with a heavy military background and several of the characters have gone through death, PTSD and struggles together as a group, the Margarita Club is a strong influence on the widows of the town, so secondary characters play a large part in the story. There are also two other stories lines that are started in this book, with conclusions to come.
The pace is moderate and it works well with this story. We watch several relationship grow and change throughout the book, Ben and Avi, Ben and his mother and several other characters that have revolving stories. The next book will bring Calvin’s story to light; we met him here and watched as he struggled with death and guilt, I am looking forward to his happiness. I enjoyed this new to me author and look forward to reading more about Tallgrass and these special people.
Review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from the publisher for an honest review
Avi Grant is career Army; she spent four tours overseas and is back in Tallgrass, Oklahoma for a long leave before her new assignment in Georgia. She loved to visit her grandparents here every summer and help them run the Grant Plant Farm. This is where she met George Sanderson, and he is the reason she made the Army her life. When he died several months ago, she was devastated but coming here to visit his widow and work the plant farm again has helped her with her sadness.
Ben Noble is a doctor who lives in a nearby town. His mother Patricia was married to George for many years after she divorced his father. She left Ben’s family when he was a teen, and did not have much contact with her children, something she regrets to his day. The abandonment left deep scars for Ben and his sisters, and their father was never the same. The kids have since forged relationships with their mother, but still the hurt feelings run deep. Ben never knew George and always resented him, but hearing about him through the eyes of Avi helps the healing.
I truly enjoyed this book. I like the personalities of both the hero and heroine; they are fun and extremely cute to watch as their romance grew.
Avi is very likable and extremely well grounded for someone who has been on four different tours. Yes, she has been affected by the war and the people who have lost their lives, especially George, her rock, but she made the military her career and has enjoyed it for the most part. When she meets Ben she is very open with him and tries to see things through his eyes but she loved George and Patricia so much that she actually changes his view. I love how they are together, so cute as they work through how they feel toward each other and a future, and their chemistry works on many levels.
Ben is also very likeable; I was worried because he had such strong feelings about his mother’s abandonment and the man she married. He is still working through the issues he has with her but he is not as bitter as he could be and by the end of the book I was happy with his feelings about the past. Avi helps him go through his thoughts and I like how she views the circumstances and choices that were made. There are several issues to get through before a future together will work, Ben has to let go and move on, which has been difficult for him.
This is the fourth book in the series and I did not have any trouble reading and enjoying it even though I did not read the other books, but be aware that this is a small town with a heavy military background and several of the characters have gone through death, PTSD and struggles together as a group, the Margarita Club is a strong influence on the widows of the town, so secondary characters play a large part in the story. There are also two other stories lines that are started in this book, with conclusions to come.
The pace is moderate and it works well with this story. We watch several relationship grow and change throughout the book, Ben and Avi, Ben and his mother and several other characters that have revolving stories. The next book will bring Calvin’s story to light; we met him here and watched as he struggled with death and guilt, I am looking forward to his happiness. I enjoyed this new to me author and look forward to reading more about Tallgrass and these special people.
Review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from the publisher for an honest review
July 2, 2015
4.5 stars
Marilyn Pappano keeps the Tallgrass series fresh with A Promise of Forever, the newest addition to this heartwarming and meaningful series. Instead of focusing on someone who has lost a spouse, this novel centers on two people's whose lives have been affected by the death of George Sanderson: his stepson, Ben Noble and his best friends' daughter, Avi Grant.
Ben and his estranged mother Patricia were introduced A Love to Call Her Own following George's death in Afghanistan. Ben is still struggling with his lingering resentment toward Patricia for leaving him and his sisters when she divorced his father to marry George. His troubled relationship with his mom has improved in the months since their uneasy reunion, but Ben is nowhere near forgiving her for breaking his father's heart and tearing their family apart.
Avi's admiration for George is the reason she chose to enlist in the Army and she was overjoyed that she and her mentor finally had the opportunity to serve together in Afghanistan. Now on leave before beginning her next duty assignment, she has returned home to spend some time with Patricia and her parents. Avi's first stop when she arrives in Tall Grass is Patricia's where she meets Ben and after the two hit it off, they decide to enjoy one another's company until it is time for her to report to her new base.
Despite losing many of her friends in combat, Avi is surprisingly upbeat and positive. She loves her career and she is eager to begin her next assignment. Although she still has eight years until retirement, she is hopeful that she will realize her dream of marrying and raising a family someday soon. Avi is surprised by her attraction to Ben, and while she knows there is really no chance for a future together, she decides to live in the moment and grab her chance at happiness even if it does not last beyond thirty days.
Ben and Avi's relationship is easygoing and stress free. Both realize that their romance has an expiration date, but they do not let this stand in the way of spending as much time together as possible. They genuinely enjoy one another's company and although they don't see eye to eye on a few things, no arguments or disagreements mar their time together. But with Avi's departure date fast approaching, both come to realize that their casual relationship has transformed into something much deeper, but neither can see any way of making their relationship permanent. Avi is fully committed to her career while Ben is firmly entrenched in Tallgrass. Will they sacrifice their love or will they find a compromise that will allow them to live happily ever after?
A Promise of Forever is another warm and inviting installment in the Tallgrass series. As always, the characters are beautifully developed, multi-faceted and so lifelike that it is easy to become emotionally invested in unfolding story. The novel is well-written with a believable storyline and Marilyn Pappano touches on relevant issues in a thought-provoking and realistic manner. Intriguing glimpses of a character with ties to one of the members of the Margarita Club will leave readers impatiently awaiting the next novel in the Tallgrass series.
Marilyn Pappano keeps the Tallgrass series fresh with A Promise of Forever, the newest addition to this heartwarming and meaningful series. Instead of focusing on someone who has lost a spouse, this novel centers on two people's whose lives have been affected by the death of George Sanderson: his stepson, Ben Noble and his best friends' daughter, Avi Grant.
Ben and his estranged mother Patricia were introduced A Love to Call Her Own following George's death in Afghanistan. Ben is still struggling with his lingering resentment toward Patricia for leaving him and his sisters when she divorced his father to marry George. His troubled relationship with his mom has improved in the months since their uneasy reunion, but Ben is nowhere near forgiving her for breaking his father's heart and tearing their family apart.
Avi's admiration for George is the reason she chose to enlist in the Army and she was overjoyed that she and her mentor finally had the opportunity to serve together in Afghanistan. Now on leave before beginning her next duty assignment, she has returned home to spend some time with Patricia and her parents. Avi's first stop when she arrives in Tall Grass is Patricia's where she meets Ben and after the two hit it off, they decide to enjoy one another's company until it is time for her to report to her new base.
Despite losing many of her friends in combat, Avi is surprisingly upbeat and positive. She loves her career and she is eager to begin her next assignment. Although she still has eight years until retirement, she is hopeful that she will realize her dream of marrying and raising a family someday soon. Avi is surprised by her attraction to Ben, and while she knows there is really no chance for a future together, she decides to live in the moment and grab her chance at happiness even if it does not last beyond thirty days.
Ben and Avi's relationship is easygoing and stress free. Both realize that their romance has an expiration date, but they do not let this stand in the way of spending as much time together as possible. They genuinely enjoy one another's company and although they don't see eye to eye on a few things, no arguments or disagreements mar their time together. But with Avi's departure date fast approaching, both come to realize that their casual relationship has transformed into something much deeper, but neither can see any way of making their relationship permanent. Avi is fully committed to her career while Ben is firmly entrenched in Tallgrass. Will they sacrifice their love or will they find a compromise that will allow them to live happily ever after?
A Promise of Forever is another warm and inviting installment in the Tallgrass series. As always, the characters are beautifully developed, multi-faceted and so lifelike that it is easy to become emotionally invested in unfolding story. The novel is well-written with a believable storyline and Marilyn Pappano touches on relevant issues in a thought-provoking and realistic manner. Intriguing glimpses of a character with ties to one of the members of the Margarita Club will leave readers impatiently awaiting the next novel in the Tallgrass series.
June 24, 2015
4.5 Stars
I've only previously read one other book by Marilyn Pappano, Cabin Fever , but I loved it. So when I was offered the opportunity to read and review another one, I couldn't pass up the chance. Especially after reading the synopsis and learning that it was a military romance. I haven't read any of the previous books in the Tallgrass series but now that I've finished this one, I'll be adding the others to my TBR ASAP.
The story started off a little slow at first and in the beginning it seemed like there would be multiple POV's and stories within the story that might make it confusing. There were a few chapters scattered throughout the book from POV's other than Avi and Ben's and there were definitely little bits of stories within the story, but it wasn't confusing or hard to keep up with as I initially worried about. Actually the stories within the story gave perfect insight in what to expect in future books in the series and only made me want to read about Lucy, Joe, Calvin and Benita even more.
The main focus of this book was the romance between Avi and Ben, who I basically fell in love with from the very beginning. Their attraction was immediate and their love could be labeled as instant, but not in a roll your eyes, unbelievable kind of way.
Avi was struggling with guilt upon returning home from Afghanistan after losing a few of her battle buddies and her lifelong mentor, friend and second father figure. Heading to his widow's house to express her condolences and apologies she meets Ben and they hit it off over dinner.
Ben is struggling to get over his anger at his mother for abandoning him and his sisters as children for another man, a man who just so happened to be a soldier. The last thing he ever wants to do is fall for someone in uniform and risk the possibility that he do to his sisters what their mother did to them. Only he can't stop the immediate attraction and need to get to know Avi, even if she's only in town for one month.
Avi and Ben start with one date and things move pretty quickly from there. They both know that nothing can come from their relationship after the month is up, but they are both dedicated to enjoying each moment while they can. They never expected to fall in love. When it's time for Avi to move back to Georgia for her newest Army assignment they'll have to decide if being together is worth one, or both of them sacrificing their careers or if they just have to accept that what they had was temporary.
I felt so much while reading this story. I felt the love between Avi and Ben, the guilt that Avi felt from losing her friends to war and the anger Ben had towards his mother and the man who took her away from him. I felt the support and sorrow for the ladies of the Marguerita Club and the empty feelings that Marvin was dealing, or rather not dealing with. The story wasn't just sweet and simple, it was a powerful look at the aftermath of war through the eyes of the people who fought it, as well as the people who stayed at home waiting for them. As far as military romances go, this was one of the better ones I've read. I NEED to read more in this series.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I've only previously read one other book by Marilyn Pappano, Cabin Fever , but I loved it. So when I was offered the opportunity to read and review another one, I couldn't pass up the chance. Especially after reading the synopsis and learning that it was a military romance. I haven't read any of the previous books in the Tallgrass series but now that I've finished this one, I'll be adding the others to my TBR ASAP.
The story started off a little slow at first and in the beginning it seemed like there would be multiple POV's and stories within the story that might make it confusing. There were a few chapters scattered throughout the book from POV's other than Avi and Ben's and there were definitely little bits of stories within the story, but it wasn't confusing or hard to keep up with as I initially worried about. Actually the stories within the story gave perfect insight in what to expect in future books in the series and only made me want to read about Lucy, Joe, Calvin and Benita even more.
The main focus of this book was the romance between Avi and Ben, who I basically fell in love with from the very beginning. Their attraction was immediate and their love could be labeled as instant, but not in a roll your eyes, unbelievable kind of way.
Avi was struggling with guilt upon returning home from Afghanistan after losing a few of her battle buddies and her lifelong mentor, friend and second father figure. Heading to his widow's house to express her condolences and apologies she meets Ben and they hit it off over dinner.
Ben is struggling to get over his anger at his mother for abandoning him and his sisters as children for another man, a man who just so happened to be a soldier. The last thing he ever wants to do is fall for someone in uniform and risk the possibility that he do to his sisters what their mother did to them. Only he can't stop the immediate attraction and need to get to know Avi, even if she's only in town for one month.
Avi and Ben start with one date and things move pretty quickly from there. They both know that nothing can come from their relationship after the month is up, but they are both dedicated to enjoying each moment while they can. They never expected to fall in love. When it's time for Avi to move back to Georgia for her newest Army assignment they'll have to decide if being together is worth one, or both of them sacrificing their careers or if they just have to accept that what they had was temporary.
I felt so much while reading this story. I felt the love between Avi and Ben, the guilt that Avi felt from losing her friends to war and the anger Ben had towards his mother and the man who took her away from him. I felt the support and sorrow for the ladies of the Marguerita Club and the empty feelings that Marvin was dealing, or rather not dealing with. The story wasn't just sweet and simple, it was a powerful look at the aftermath of war through the eyes of the people who fought it, as well as the people who stayed at home waiting for them. As far as military romances go, this was one of the better ones I've read. I NEED to read more in this series.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
July 1, 2015
I received a complimentary book from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I have read many of these Marilyn Pappano’s books and I have always liked them. When she first started writing she wrote romantic suspense which is my favorite genre. However I quite often switch genres to continue reading books by any of my favorite authors. That is what I wanted to do her.
I know that this is not the first Tallgrass, Oklahoma novel that Ms. Pappano has written because I already own the others. However I have not read them yet. Nevertheless I still enjoyed this book very much. Although I do believe that I would have liked this book better had I read those books, I still feel that this book was a joy to read. I know most of the other characters in this story have been featured in the other books and I am sure their backgrounds would help me better appreciate the plot.
It is obvious from the start of this book that this author is a trained, experience author who is able to put much thought into her plot and characters. The chapters have a wonderful flow that allowed me to easily read the novel and understand the story. Also the plot and problems of these characters are very realistic. The characters are complex people with strengths and weaknesses that make them seem very real. All of the characters are likeable, interesting and fun. Even though all of them have problems, they are not outlandish and fantasized.
I very much enjoyed the gender switch in careers and personality between the hero and the heroine. The heroine, Sergeant First Class Avi Grant, is in the military and loves it. Even though she has seen many deaths including that of her mentor and best friend George, she intends to stay until retirement. The hero, Ben Noble, is a doctor who likes living and working in this small town. Ben treats Avi as an absolute equal to himself which is very refreshing!
I enjoyed this book so much that now I can’t wait to read the other books I have by Ms. Pappano. Also, the author teases us throughout the book with little tidbits of other characters that I am sure will be featured in other books. I highly recommend this book although I do suggest you read the other books first. I am wondering if we will find tidbits about these characters that would help us better appreciate the plot.
I have read many of these Marilyn Pappano’s books and I have always liked them. When she first started writing she wrote romantic suspense which is my favorite genre. However I quite often switch genres to continue reading books by any of my favorite authors. That is what I wanted to do her.
I know that this is not the first Tallgrass, Oklahoma novel that Ms. Pappano has written because I already own the others. However I have not read them yet. Nevertheless I still enjoyed this book very much. Although I do believe that I would have liked this book better had I read those books, I still feel that this book was a joy to read. I know most of the other characters in this story have been featured in the other books and I am sure their backgrounds would help me better appreciate the plot.
It is obvious from the start of this book that this author is a trained, experience author who is able to put much thought into her plot and characters. The chapters have a wonderful flow that allowed me to easily read the novel and understand the story. Also the plot and problems of these characters are very realistic. The characters are complex people with strengths and weaknesses that make them seem very real. All of the characters are likeable, interesting and fun. Even though all of them have problems, they are not outlandish and fantasized.
I very much enjoyed the gender switch in careers and personality between the hero and the heroine. The heroine, Sergeant First Class Avi Grant, is in the military and loves it. Even though she has seen many deaths including that of her mentor and best friend George, she intends to stay until retirement. The hero, Ben Noble, is a doctor who likes living and working in this small town. Ben treats Avi as an absolute equal to himself which is very refreshing!
I enjoyed this book so much that now I can’t wait to read the other books I have by Ms. Pappano. Also, the author teases us throughout the book with little tidbits of other characters that I am sure will be featured in other books. I highly recommend this book although I do suggest you read the other books first. I am wondering if we will find tidbits about these characters that would help us better appreciate the plot.
September 18, 2015
This story has a few different story lines. First there is Avi Grant who has come home to Tallgrass Oklahoma, to see Patricia Sanderson and tell her she is sorry for her loss. Her husband George, or Colonel Sanderson was Aviv’s commanding officer on her last deployment in Afghanistan. He was killed and they both are suffering a loss because he was the reason she joined the Army after seeing him in his dress uniform when she was ten years old. She enlisted her senior year in high school and was gone right after she graduated. Now home for the first time in years she has a week before her parents come back from their cruise. While visiting with Patricia she also meets her son doctor Ben Noble, who is still trying to deal with his mother leaving him and his two sisters to be with George when they were younger. Now that his father has passed away he is trying to put everything together or sort things out. As the weeks go by he ends up spending more time in Tallgrass with Avi than in Tulsa at his own practice. They both are trying to figure things out in their lives but the ideas they had are now being challenged by the feelings they have for one another. The one big problem is that she must report to Georgia for her next post and she tells him they can try long distance relationship but it has not worked for her in the past. She had already sign relist papers so even if she thought about leaving the Army she can’t for another four years. He does not want to move his practice to the town she is going to be in so it looks like there done. Plus he still must deal with his issues of the Army, and his mother leaving when he was younger. People around him are telling him to follow her and not to be like his father who never left, never wanted to go outside of his comfort zone. It is now time for him to do something if he truly wants a relationship. This is a good story and the characters are full of emotion and there is even conflict between two guys just because they are guys. I liked that. Overall a very good book. I got this book from net galley.
July 18, 2015
A Promise of Forever by Marilyn Pappano is part of a fantastic series (Tallgrass #4) that can easily be read as a stand alone. I loved the carry over of characters from previous books in a way that is relevant to the plot of A Promise of Forever. It was so great to see them all again, but at the same time, if you haven't read any of the rest of this series, Marilyn writes clearly and there is no confusion or feeling like you've missed something.
When Ben and Avi meet, they hit if off right away. Knowing that Avi will be leaving soon, they can't help but get involved anyway. Both of them are struggling and have real life issues, and in A Promise of Forever, a journey of healing begins for both of them. They help each other more than they know...and it's going to be harder to say good bye than either of them anticipated. But is either of them ready for more? And what would that mean with Avi's military career? Will they take the chance on forever together?
I liked how Ben and Avi were together, how they approached the relationship that developed between them, and that they were both open and honest with each other. The feelings that they have for each other and the issues that they are dealing with separate from their relationship jumped off the pages at me and made me feel for both of these people. I really came to care for them and hoped that they could find a way to move into the future, hopefully together, but if not together a little more healed than when they started out.
I enjoyed the sub plots and secondary characters Marilyn weaves through out A Promise of Forever. None of them distracting from the main plot, but enhancing it and giving the whole story more dimension.
I felt that Marilyn managed to portray in a caring, emotional way what military life means for different people and the struggles they face.
Very well paced and easy to immerse myself in, I'd recommend A Promise of Forever to any romance reader!
When Ben and Avi meet, they hit if off right away. Knowing that Avi will be leaving soon, they can't help but get involved anyway. Both of them are struggling and have real life issues, and in A Promise of Forever, a journey of healing begins for both of them. They help each other more than they know...and it's going to be harder to say good bye than either of them anticipated. But is either of them ready for more? And what would that mean with Avi's military career? Will they take the chance on forever together?
I liked how Ben and Avi were together, how they approached the relationship that developed between them, and that they were both open and honest with each other. The feelings that they have for each other and the issues that they are dealing with separate from their relationship jumped off the pages at me and made me feel for both of these people. I really came to care for them and hoped that they could find a way to move into the future, hopefully together, but if not together a little more healed than when they started out.
I enjoyed the sub plots and secondary characters Marilyn weaves through out A Promise of Forever. None of them distracting from the main plot, but enhancing it and giving the whole story more dimension.
I felt that Marilyn managed to portray in a caring, emotional way what military life means for different people and the struggles they face.
Very well paced and easy to immerse myself in, I'd recommend A Promise of Forever to any romance reader!
July 1, 2015
A Promise of Forever is the fourth Tall Grass Novel. It is a lovely, slow paced romance, solidly rooted in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the small towns of the Tall Grass prairie, with the addition of a fictional Army base. I loved this book - yes wow, two five star reviews in a row, for two totally different kinds of romances.
Our heroine, Avi, is career military, and is home on four week's leave, before going back to the Army in Georgia. Our hero, Ben is a doctor, whose slightly estranged mom is best friends with Avi's parents. Ben and Avi both know she will be leaving after four weeks, and think they can have a fling with no regrets. They fall in love quickly, but both have careers that have been the most important thing, to each. To Avi, "all I ever wanted to be was a soldier." To Ben, his work and his family - sister, nieces and nephews, and mom, are the most important things in his world.
As a Tulsan for most of my life, I can verify that the setting for this romance is very true to life. I loved that the hero, Ben, lived in downtown and walked to baseball games. But for Ben "It wasn't where they went, what they ate, or what they did that made the time together important. It was her." He knew this, in his heart. But his stubborn Okie head just could not force himself to believe it.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review. This romance also has several scenes that foreshadow the next book(s) in the series. I look forward to reading other books in this series, especially Lucy and Joe's story.
Our heroine, Avi, is career military, and is home on four week's leave, before going back to the Army in Georgia. Our hero, Ben is a doctor, whose slightly estranged mom is best friends with Avi's parents. Ben and Avi both know she will be leaving after four weeks, and think they can have a fling with no regrets. They fall in love quickly, but both have careers that have been the most important thing, to each. To Avi, "all I ever wanted to be was a soldier." To Ben, his work and his family - sister, nieces and nephews, and mom, are the most important things in his world.
As a Tulsan for most of my life, I can verify that the setting for this romance is very true to life. I loved that the hero, Ben, lived in downtown and walked to baseball games. But for Ben "It wasn't where they went, what they ate, or what they did that made the time together important. It was her." He knew this, in his heart. But his stubborn Okie head just could not force himself to believe it.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review. This romance also has several scenes that foreshadow the next book(s) in the series. I look forward to reading other books in this series, especially Lucy and Joe's story.
October 24, 2015
Wonderful Story!
It seems so long since the last Tallgrass book. I don't believe anyone can write about nowadays wartime soldiers and losses like Marilyn Pappano does. Her writing draws you in to where you feel like you are part of this wonderful military town in Tallgrass, Oklahoma.
In this book, luckily we didn't have any new loss of soldiers lives, but the Margarita girls still stand strong. That's the name the widows of the military heroes in Tallgrass are called.
In A Promise of Forever, Avi Grant is home on leave after returning from her 5th deployment overseas. Before starting her new job in Georgia, she goes home to visit her parents in Tallgrass and to pay her respects to Patricia, the wife of her Commanding Officer, who she had known before she went in the service. When she arrives at Patricia's, the first person she meets is Patricia's son Ben. They have an immediate attraction for each other and try to get in all the time they can in the four weeks she is on leave. What happens if they fall in love though? Ben is the number one Ortho surgeon in the clinic in Tulsa. Avery is a career soldier, who still has 8 more years to serve. Is there hope for these two? Will they get an HEA or like so many others in the military, who end up going their separate ways. No one can tell this story like Ms. Pappano, and I highly recommend you read it. If you enjoy it as much as I think you will, check out some of the ones she has written before. I'll be here waiting for the next one to be published.
It seems so long since the last Tallgrass book. I don't believe anyone can write about nowadays wartime soldiers and losses like Marilyn Pappano does. Her writing draws you in to where you feel like you are part of this wonderful military town in Tallgrass, Oklahoma.
In this book, luckily we didn't have any new loss of soldiers lives, but the Margarita girls still stand strong. That's the name the widows of the military heroes in Tallgrass are called.
In A Promise of Forever, Avi Grant is home on leave after returning from her 5th deployment overseas. Before starting her new job in Georgia, she goes home to visit her parents in Tallgrass and to pay her respects to Patricia, the wife of her Commanding Officer, who she had known before she went in the service. When she arrives at Patricia's, the first person she meets is Patricia's son Ben. They have an immediate attraction for each other and try to get in all the time they can in the four weeks she is on leave. What happens if they fall in love though? Ben is the number one Ortho surgeon in the clinic in Tulsa. Avery is a career soldier, who still has 8 more years to serve. Is there hope for these two? Will they get an HEA or like so many others in the military, who end up going their separate ways. No one can tell this story like Ms. Pappano, and I highly recommend you read it. If you enjoy it as much as I think you will, check out some of the ones she has written before. I'll be here waiting for the next one to be published.
July 27, 2015
Another good addition to the Tallgrass series - reader be warned, this is not a stand alone book. I enjoyed getting to know the new characters and revisit the characters of the past. I like the summery feel of the book, it is great to read on the beach and fits perfectly in a little tote bag.
My only complaint is the new character (Calvin) that is being set up to segway into the next book is kind of thrown into this story without any rhyme or reason. You turn the page and all of a sudden, we are in a new location with a new person. What? Who is this guy? Then you would go a few chapters and then there is a page back to Calvin. It didn't make sense in the context of the overall story.
My only complaint is the new character (Calvin) that is being set up to segway into the next book is kind of thrown into this story without any rhyme or reason. You turn the page and all of a sudden, we are in a new location with a new person. What? Who is this guy? Then you would go a few chapters and then there is a page back to Calvin. It didn't make sense in the context of the overall story.
November 4, 2015
This fits what I remember the romance genre much better than some of the contemporary romance novels I've been running across lately. Character development was good, although I thought there were too many characters overall. I didn't realize this was part of a series until I finished, but I still think it had too many scenes with extraneous characters. I appreciate the serious look at the guilt some of our soldiers feel when they return home, but it really put a damper on the uplifting sort of story. The tone felt very somber after the fist chapter.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
June 11, 2015
I really liked this book. It's a romance book with a little different story. Sergeant First Class Avi Grant comes back comes back to Oklahoma from her tour in Afghanistan. Now she can concentrate on her her life finding a a job and having a family. But she has to first visit her commanding officers widow and comfort her. But an unexpected thing happens when she falls for the woman's son. But Ben is cautious and he is not sure he believes in long lasting love. But Avi brings him back to life with her personality. In the end they decide to stay together. A nice easy read.
June 3, 2015
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads Firstreads. Thank you very much!
This was such a sweet, heart lifting book, characters were loveable, engaging, and you just wanted to be thier friends. Love, love the fact that the guy is the one ultimately making the sacrifices for the female.
This is the first book that I have had the pleasure of reading by Marilyn Pappano, and it will definatly not be the last. Highly recommend this book.
This was such a sweet, heart lifting book, characters were loveable, engaging, and you just wanted to be thier friends. Love, love the fact that the guy is the one ultimately making the sacrifices for the female.
This is the first book that I have had the pleasure of reading by Marilyn Pappano, and it will definatly not be the last. Highly recommend this book.
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