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The Half Shell #3
The Girl of Diamonds and Rust
“Maybe this is love. Protecting the part of yourself most important to you and knowing when to let go so that you can keep a small piece of that person alive and real in your heart.”~~Chrissie Parker
“He will never need you the way I need you. He will never want you as I want you. He will never love you the way I love you. I don’t care if you are in love with Alan. I am in love with you.”~~Neil Stanton
“Just stay and be good to me.”~~Alan Manzone
Chrissie decides her fate by choosing the man she will marry. But which love does she pick? The love of a friend, or the great love of her life?
Does it matter the turns Chrissie takes? Or will her life be as it should? Can a woman fight her own fate? And is her perfect guy, as perfect as he seems? Does happily ever after come simply for Chrissie?
Secrets are revealed as The Half Shell universe collides with the Affair Without End series in a dramatic, unexpected, emotionally intense journey of a rich girl with dark secrets finding love with a troubled rocker.
“He will never need you the way I need you. He will never want you as I want you. He will never love you the way I love you. I don’t care if you are in love with Alan. I am in love with you.”~~Neil Stanton
“Just stay and be good to me.”~~Alan Manzone
Chrissie decides her fate by choosing the man she will marry. But which love does she pick? The love of a friend, or the great love of her life?
Does it matter the turns Chrissie takes? Or will her life be as it should? Can a woman fight her own fate? And is her perfect guy, as perfect as he seems? Does happily ever after come simply for Chrissie?
Secrets are revealed as The Half Shell universe collides with the Affair Without End series in a dramatic, unexpected, emotionally intense journey of a rich girl with dark secrets finding love with a troubled rocker.
300 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2015
74 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
About the author
Susan Ward
44 books491 followersAward-Winning author Susan Ward is a #1 bestselling author of Rock Star Romance and New Adult Fiction. Known for complex, gritty, and unpredictable emotional reads, to the delight of her readers she is always expanding her fictional universe.
She likes her romance books to be packed with exciting heroes who keep you guessing, and intelligent, complicated heroines who make them work to get them. Her stories are filled with twists you won't see coming, both laughter and tears, and her Happy Endings are never cookie-cutter, but always deliciously satisfying.
She lives in California with her husband and dog Lady. Her favorite things to do are writing an angsty HEA love story, drinking coffee, eating chocolate, having a good glass of wine, traveling, binge watching TV series once the episodes are fully released, and chatting with her readers.
For future releases, upcoming book signings, or to contact: Http://www.susanwardbooks.com
Or follow on Twitter @susaninlaguna
Or Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanwardboo...
Want to know the reading order of her books: www.susanwardbooks.com/parker-series1...
She likes her romance books to be packed with exciting heroes who keep you guessing, and intelligent, complicated heroines who make them work to get them. Her stories are filled with twists you won't see coming, both laughter and tears, and her Happy Endings are never cookie-cutter, but always deliciously satisfying.
She lives in California with her husband and dog Lady. Her favorite things to do are writing an angsty HEA love story, drinking coffee, eating chocolate, having a good glass of wine, traveling, binge watching TV series once the episodes are fully released, and chatting with her readers.
For future releases, upcoming book signings, or to contact: Http://www.susanwardbooks.com
Or follow on Twitter @susaninlaguna
Or Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanwardboo...
Want to know the reading order of her books: www.susanwardbooks.com/parker-series1...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 28, 2015
I finished Girl of Tokens and Tears, and immediately, impatiently, started waiting for this book to come out. Since I didn't know the release date, and I refused to look it up (because where is the fun in that?), I checked Amazon every few days to see if there was a pre-order, or a one-click button, anything so that I could just BUY THE BOOK ALREADY! But there never was. Well, at least, not until the day before yesterday. I actually did a bit of a happy dance when I was (finally) able to buy the book. And, then... I couldn't bring myself to read the darned book right away. I mean, what if it wasn't as good as the first two? My heart would be broken, because I truly LOVE this series. It gives feels.
So, there I was with this book on my Kindle, anticipating all the ways it could disappoint me, and talking myself into reading it. It only took two days, but I finally started it this morning. And finished it, this afternoon, and, oh, my, it was anything but a disappointment, and it gave feels. This story, all three books, ties you in knots, makes you laugh, cry, and, yes, even love, along with the main characters. This, Girl of Diamonds and Rust, is Chrissie and Neil's story, and, even though Alan isn't in this one as much, he is woven throughout the whole thing, the way he is throughout Chrissie's whole being, always.
I love Neil. I really do. Neil, though, has a secret. I am pretty sure it's going to be a doozy when we find out what it is (yes, I'm totally showing my age with that last statement). Personally, though, Alan won me over in the first book, and that never changes, no matter how badly he, and Chrissie, behave towards each other. And Chrissie, while I love her, as well, sometimes I just wish she were real so I could smack some sense into her. That is a sign of a well-written novel, though. If you can have strong feelings about the characters in it, if you wish they were real, and you can embrace the parts of them that are reflected in you, you have just read a well-written story. I can only say that this book is well worth the read. I don't just want to have this series on a shelf on Goodreads, or in my Amazon Cloud storage. I want these books on a shelf, here, at home, so that I can re-read them any time I feel the need to reconnect with the people in them. They need a physical presence in my home, not just an electronic one. And, that, honestly, shows more about how much I loved this book, and this series, than these words do, because only the ones I want to keep around forever, that I find exceptional, get space in my real, actual, physical bookshelves.
So, there I was with this book on my Kindle, anticipating all the ways it could disappoint me, and talking myself into reading it. It only took two days, but I finally started it this morning. And finished it, this afternoon, and, oh, my, it was anything but a disappointment, and it gave feels. This story, all three books, ties you in knots, makes you laugh, cry, and, yes, even love, along with the main characters. This, Girl of Diamonds and Rust, is Chrissie and Neil's story, and, even though Alan isn't in this one as much, he is woven throughout the whole thing, the way he is throughout Chrissie's whole being, always.
I love Neil. I really do. Neil, though, has a secret. I am pretty sure it's going to be a doozy when we find out what it is (yes, I'm totally showing my age with that last statement). Personally, though, Alan won me over in the first book, and that never changes, no matter how badly he, and Chrissie, behave towards each other. And Chrissie, while I love her, as well, sometimes I just wish she were real so I could smack some sense into her. That is a sign of a well-written novel, though. If you can have strong feelings about the characters in it, if you wish they were real, and you can embrace the parts of them that are reflected in you, you have just read a well-written story. I can only say that this book is well worth the read. I don't just want to have this series on a shelf on Goodreads, or in my Amazon Cloud storage. I want these books on a shelf, here, at home, so that I can re-read them any time I feel the need to reconnect with the people in them. They need a physical presence in my home, not just an electronic one. And, that, honestly, shows more about how much I loved this book, and this series, than these words do, because only the ones I want to keep around forever, that I find exceptional, get space in my real, actual, physical bookshelves.
June 20, 2015
The Girl of Diamonds & Rust brings forth a myriad of emotions
I read the third installment of the Half Shell series in one sitting. Consumed doesn't even begin to cover what this series does to me. I am all in. This book continues with the plot only getting stronger, filled with unbridled emotion and a fiery passion. To me it is exquisite torture.
In the prologue for The Girl of Diamonds & Rust, we get a recap of the tumultuous ending of The Girl of Tokens & Tears. Chrissie's character is dealing with a new development that forced her to make a difficult decision. I feel like Chrissie is more honest with herself than she's ever been.
Somehow, I’ve become my worst me with him.
Neil is back. I appreciate his unwavering loyalty and friendship, especially at a time when Chrissie needed it. But I think it's unhealthy. I just don't have a good feeling about this.
“You don’t have a clue what you do to me, do you, Chrissie? How much I love you? What you are to me?”
“He will never need you the way I need you. He will never want you as I want you. He will never love you the way I love you. I don’t care if you are in love with Alan. I’m in love with you...”
Alan might be absent in physical presence throughout most of the book, but he is never far away.
“It’s not like Manny to take an interest in the rearview mirror.”
I highlighted so much in this book. This book was a fantastic addition to the series. Susan has laid down the foundation for something serious to happen in the finale of the Half Shell series, The Girl in the Comfortable Quiet. The title alone gives me some peace even if the sneak peak at the back of the book does not. ;)
There's a small scene in this book that ties in with the Affairs Without End series. If you have not read those, please do. The Parker Family Saga extends beyond the Half Shell and should not be missed.
I'll leave you with some words of wisdom from Jack...
The road always changes even when you think you’re on a straight path. It does for everyone, Chrissie. Not just you. Try to remember it’s about the journey, baby girl. It’s not about where we’re going. When the road changes it will bother you less if you always remember it’s about the journey.”
I read the third installment of the Half Shell series in one sitting. Consumed doesn't even begin to cover what this series does to me. I am all in. This book continues with the plot only getting stronger, filled with unbridled emotion and a fiery passion. To me it is exquisite torture.
In the prologue for The Girl of Diamonds & Rust, we get a recap of the tumultuous ending of The Girl of Tokens & Tears. Chrissie's character is dealing with a new development that forced her to make a difficult decision. I feel like Chrissie is more honest with herself than she's ever been.
Somehow, I’ve become my worst me with him.
Neil is back. I appreciate his unwavering loyalty and friendship, especially at a time when Chrissie needed it. But I think it's unhealthy. I just don't have a good feeling about this.
“You don’t have a clue what you do to me, do you, Chrissie? How much I love you? What you are to me?”
“He will never need you the way I need you. He will never want you as I want you. He will never love you the way I love you. I don’t care if you are in love with Alan. I’m in love with you...”
Alan might be absent in physical presence throughout most of the book, but he is never far away.
“It’s not like Manny to take an interest in the rearview mirror.”
I highlighted so much in this book. This book was a fantastic addition to the series. Susan has laid down the foundation for something serious to happen in the finale of the Half Shell series, The Girl in the Comfortable Quiet. The title alone gives me some peace even if the sneak peak at the back of the book does not. ;)
There's a small scene in this book that ties in with the Affairs Without End series. If you have not read those, please do. The Parker Family Saga extends beyond the Half Shell and should not be missed.
I'll leave you with some words of wisdom from Jack...
The road always changes even when you think you’re on a straight path. It does for everyone, Chrissie. Not just you. Try to remember it’s about the journey, baby girl. It’s not about where we’re going. When the road changes it will bother you less if you always remember it’s about the journey.”
April 28, 2015
Ugh, this series.
LOVE Chrissie.
I don't read a lot of series that leave me hanging -- this is one of my exceptions.
Chrissie, Alan, and even Neil have become part of the fabric of my life. Real characters tackling real life issues while they figure out who they love--and why--is what the Half Shell books are all about. The whole rocker thing is a welcome side dish.
I can't help but to relate as Chrissie goes through her overly dramatic existence with vacillating emotions and feelings.
Book Three--tugged on my emotions and made me care for characters I didn't before...and left me yearning for more of my personal favorite, Alan.
Ward's writing as always flows like lava, burning through me as I take in every word. There were certain scenes that I found myself holding my breath, waiting for more, wanting less...I didn't know what...I just couldn't stop.
FIVE life and love are MESSY stars. Hurry on the next one!
LOVE Chrissie.
I don't read a lot of series that leave me hanging -- this is one of my exceptions.
Chrissie, Alan, and even Neil have become part of the fabric of my life. Real characters tackling real life issues while they figure out who they love--and why--is what the Half Shell books are all about. The whole rocker thing is a welcome side dish.
I can't help but to relate as Chrissie goes through her overly dramatic existence with vacillating emotions and feelings.
Book Three--tugged on my emotions and made me care for characters I didn't before...and left me yearning for more of my personal favorite, Alan.
Ward's writing as always flows like lava, burning through me as I take in every word. There were certain scenes that I found myself holding my breath, waiting for more, wanting less...I didn't know what...I just couldn't stop.
FIVE life and love are MESSY stars. Hurry on the next one!
May 7, 2015
5 Stars
I was given this book for my honest review by the author
Attention All Readers: Your going to need the following items when reading this book Screaming towel, major tissues, and your favorite drink. Lest we not forget your comfy chair.
Chrissie-sweet, pretty and reserved
Neil-in a band, hot and obstinate
Alan-a butthead in his own good right
This is Chrissie and Neil’s journey. What happens when a love that you thought to be so pure is not that of true heart? What happens when the one person you thought you could count on is not the person you make them out to be? Can love survive a friendship lost but not forgotten? This is their unique journey.
Chrissie has reservations about the one that she holds dear to her heart Alan but when circumstances that arise brings Chrissie to learn that Alan is not the truest of hearts will she be able to go forward with her life or will she fall short and back into the arms of another?
Neil has been Chrissie’s best-friend and is always there when a shoulder is needed. He has always been able to tell by the tone in her voice when something isn’t right but even a friendship has boundaries that one never crosses or do they? Can his past with Chrissie also become the future or will he go on in a limbo state and say nothing? Can the love that he holds in his heart for Chrissie be the truest and the purest? When the bedroom comes into play the sex is explosive like no other. When support is needed can Neil be the one the one shoulder never to falter?
To the author: You have shocked me and amazed me in the very first few chapters. You have shown within your pages that what we may think we know may not be what we know to be fact. You have also shown that love has many different facets of the word it is in our choosing to which our hearts be allowed to follow.
To the readers: Sit back and watch out this amazing read will have you gasping all the characters and screaming and cheering for hmmm which true heart?
Happy Reading
I was given this book for my honest review by the author
Attention All Readers: Your going to need the following items when reading this book Screaming towel, major tissues, and your favorite drink. Lest we not forget your comfy chair.
Chrissie-sweet, pretty and reserved
Neil-in a band, hot and obstinate
Alan-a butthead in his own good right
This is Chrissie and Neil’s journey. What happens when a love that you thought to be so pure is not that of true heart? What happens when the one person you thought you could count on is not the person you make them out to be? Can love survive a friendship lost but not forgotten? This is their unique journey.
Chrissie has reservations about the one that she holds dear to her heart Alan but when circumstances that arise brings Chrissie to learn that Alan is not the truest of hearts will she be able to go forward with her life or will she fall short and back into the arms of another?
Neil has been Chrissie’s best-friend and is always there when a shoulder is needed. He has always been able to tell by the tone in her voice when something isn’t right but even a friendship has boundaries that one never crosses or do they? Can his past with Chrissie also become the future or will he go on in a limbo state and say nothing? Can the love that he holds in his heart for Chrissie be the truest and the purest? When the bedroom comes into play the sex is explosive like no other. When support is needed can Neil be the one the one shoulder never to falter?
To the author: You have shocked me and amazed me in the very first few chapters. You have shown within your pages that what we may think we know may not be what we know to be fact. You have also shown that love has many different facets of the word it is in our choosing to which our hearts be allowed to follow.
To the readers: Sit back and watch out this amazing read will have you gasping all the characters and screaming and cheering for hmmm which true heart?
Happy Reading
April 30, 2015
This book so far is the best one in the series. When Chrissie walks away from Alan again, at least she realizes that he brings out the worst in her and that maybe they shouldn't be together. When a situation occurs and Neil comes back into her life, he helps her through everything because he is still in love with her. She goes on tour with him and gets closer to him. He keeps asking her to marry him and she won't give him a straight answer because she doesn't feel that she loves him the way she should. After a trip back to visit her dad, Chrissie realizes how much Neil actually means to her. She finally decides to commit herself to Neil and their relationship really takes off. She makes another huge mistake with Alan after running into him at a party but Neil forgives her because she wants to be with Neil. I felt that she picked the best man for her and was happy with her decision. After reading an excert from the next book, it has me very curious as to what Neil does to make Chrissie so upset.
April 25, 2015
I really want to read the rest of this series now. Starting at book 3 put me at a distinct disadvantage, but I still really enjoyed it. It's a little more angsty than I usually read, but I loved Neil and am a bit worried about how things are going to turn out given the enclosed preview of the next book. This has a really pretty cover, too.
April 27, 2015
this is book three in this series. This one has so much angish and angst, but don;t let that detour you from reading it! This is such a beautifully written story, with very strong characters that are easy to fall in love with. many twists and turns along the way in this book that keep you riveted and wanting more!
August 5, 2015
What can I say? This series just gets better and better with each book! I'm on to Book 4!
June 9, 2021
I have never cursed, yelled, or pleaded at a book like I did with this one. Read the first two in the series first. On Amazon, this one was called "Found in Him."
Every two paragraphs I was like "ARE YOU SERIOUS?!" or "WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING!?"
I could not believe what was happening, and with every page I couldn't imagine how the characters were ever going to get their worlds back to normal or have an HEA or figure themselves out.
This series started out in a mindbending, agonizing, tumultuous explosion of emotions, and it gets EVEN MORE INTENSE.
Yes, caps lock necessary.
Every two paragraphs I was like "ARE YOU SERIOUS?!" or "WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING!?"
I could not believe what was happening, and with every page I couldn't imagine how the characters were ever going to get their worlds back to normal or have an HEA or figure themselves out.
This series started out in a mindbending, agonizing, tumultuous explosion of emotions, and it gets EVEN MORE INTENSE.
Yes, caps lock necessary.
May 13, 2015
Why does love have to be so hard?
Do we pick the man we love and makes us hurt? Do we go with the man that loves us and we know will eventually grow on us?
Decisions, not easy ones. Pain, raw and oh the guilt! How does one choose, How will we know?
Chrissie is one confused young woman with her whole life ahead of her.Yes, she has made some bad choices and decisions, but what young girl hasn't? She is trying to find her way through life but one HUGE mistake has her rethinking her future. She walked out on Alan and she is now wondering if what she did was the right thing to do. She loves him!
Neil loves and has always loved Chrissie, he is on the road and when he stops by he notices that she is hiding something. He is honest with her and tells her he loves her and that he will always be there for her. Eventually, she opens up to him. Neil wants to be with Chrissie so he helps her out and eventually, he talks her into going on tour with him and the band.
The things that develop and are learned on the road are interesting. Chrissie and Neil grow as individuals. Will they grow as a couple? Will Chrissie fall head over heals for Neil? Will Alan find her and add to her confusion?
I can't lie. I totally got lost in this book. Loved Susan Ward!
Do we pick the man we love and makes us hurt? Do we go with the man that loves us and we know will eventually grow on us?
Decisions, not easy ones. Pain, raw and oh the guilt! How does one choose, How will we know?
Chrissie is one confused young woman with her whole life ahead of her.Yes, she has made some bad choices and decisions, but what young girl hasn't? She is trying to find her way through life but one HUGE mistake has her rethinking her future. She walked out on Alan and she is now wondering if what she did was the right thing to do. She loves him!
Neil loves and has always loved Chrissie, he is on the road and when he stops by he notices that she is hiding something. He is honest with her and tells her he loves her and that he will always be there for her. Eventually, she opens up to him. Neil wants to be with Chrissie so he helps her out and eventually, he talks her into going on tour with him and the band.
The things that develop and are learned on the road are interesting. Chrissie and Neil grow as individuals. Will they grow as a couple? Will Chrissie fall head over heals for Neil? Will Alan find her and add to her confusion?
I can't lie. I totally got lost in this book. Loved Susan Ward!
July 25, 2015
Madre Santisima de los Cielos ! Holy Freaking Cow !... I need a moment to collect myself and just breath...
I have to admit there are times when I am reading this story, that I am emotionally drain and spent between loving, supporting, cheering and hating the characters all at the same time.
It's fiction, I know, but damn they all feel so real to me...
It's a weird feeling, I've read a lot of books before, but there is something about Chrissie, Neil and Alan that just does it to me and brings me to the edge.
this is one intense hot freaking tormented some times even sick and impossible love triangle, the kind that just won't let you have a "favorite guy" and you find yourself cheering for both of them, when you know that's just not possible.
She has to make a choice... she did, I should be happy with it, since I was team Neil for good part of my reading and I really hated Allan at the first book, but then again, damn Alan just makes my heart beat faster eveytime he comes into scene too....
So I am sooo one-clicking my way to book #4... like a brand new drug I just discover, I need my next fix on Chrissie, Alan and Neil, and I need it fast.....
I have to admit there are times when I am reading this story, that I am emotionally drain and spent between loving, supporting, cheering and hating the characters all at the same time.
It's fiction, I know, but damn they all feel so real to me...
It's a weird feeling, I've read a lot of books before, but there is something about Chrissie, Neil and Alan that just does it to me and brings me to the edge.
this is one intense hot freaking tormented some times even sick and impossible love triangle, the kind that just won't let you have a "favorite guy" and you find yourself cheering for both of them, when you know that's just not possible.
She has to make a choice... she did, I should be happy with it, since I was team Neil for good part of my reading and I really hated Allan at the first book, but then again, damn Alan just makes my heart beat faster eveytime he comes into scene too....
So I am sooo one-clicking my way to book #4... like a brand new drug I just discover, I need my next fix on Chrissie, Alan and Neil, and I need it fast.....
October 21, 2016
“Maybe this is love. Protecting the part of yourself most important to you and knowing when to let go so that you can keep a small piece of that person alive and real in your heart.”
I read the third installment of the Half Shell series in one sitting. I am consumed by this series. Not only does the plot strengthen the level of emotion and passion intensifies. I am trying to savor this because book four is the last in this series and this is one of those series that I don’t want to end.
March 20, 2018
Him & Her
Susan Ward,author of another 5🌟 Book in my opinion! On the Road for Months after finishing College, I was beginning to ask will Someone make a Commitment??
On to Another Book(4) Take a chance Read Book One to began your Journey!
Susan Ward,author of another 5🌟 Book in my opinion! On the Road for Months after finishing College, I was beginning to ask will Someone make a Commitment??
On to Another Book(4) Take a chance Read Book One to began your Journey!
March 22, 2019
Its about a 4 1/2 star rating. Chrissy is just too winey for me. She needs to grow a pair.
December 18, 2019
Great story but a bit disjointed in understanding the complicated feelings Chrissy’s making with the on again off again relationships she’s entertaining! But I loved it!
March 30, 2020
Powerful
I was really disappointed that Chrissie married Neil when she is still in love with Alan. I can't wait to read more.
I was really disappointed that Chrissie married Neil when she is still in love with Alan. I can't wait to read more.
June 3, 2021
Still incredibly difficult to have any positive thoughts about the main characters. Something kept me reading. The story is incredibly predictable.
June 24, 2015
Chrissie Parker, the daughter of rock legend Jack Parker, and her best friend, Rene, plan to spend their 3 week spring break in New York City, where Chrissie will audition for admission to Juilliard. The night before leaving, she meets rock star Alan Manzone, who is the unknown guest staying in her father's pool house that she was warned to stay away from. Chrissie and Alan spend an enchanting night on the beach talking and getting to know each other.
When their commercial flight to NYC is delayed for several hours the next morning, Alan invites Chrissie and Rene to fly to NYC with him in his private plane. As they part company in NYC, Chrissie thinks this is the last she will see of Alan. However, fate has other plans in store for the two of them.
What follows is a gripping tale of a whirlwind romance between two damaged people. Alan wants the eighteen year old Chrissie to stay with him at the end of the three weeks, but she knows she can't. She has to finish school and go to college before she can commit to him. In the midst of the pain of parting with Alan after the ultimatums he has issued, Chrissie and her father finally start mending their relationship.
This is a story that will grab your emotions and twist them with a painful empathy with these two star-crossed lovers. Ms. Ward has shown herself to have a masterful command of the written word and draws the reader in so that they experience the emotions of the characters in the book. Be prepared to have a box of tissues at hand.
Alan and Chrissie's stories continue in 3 more books in the series, the last of which has yet to be published. The next two are "The Girl of Tokens and Tears" and "The Girl of Diamonds and Rust" and the final unpublished book is "The Girl in the Comfortable Quiet. (Based on the titles, I wonder if Ms. Ward is a fan of Joan Baez?)
I received this book and the next two books, all of which were autographed by Ms. Ward, in a Giveaway drawing with Goodreads. How wonderfully lucky for me! Otherwise I may have missed reading a great story and discovering a new favorite author!
When their commercial flight to NYC is delayed for several hours the next morning, Alan invites Chrissie and Rene to fly to NYC with him in his private plane. As they part company in NYC, Chrissie thinks this is the last she will see of Alan. However, fate has other plans in store for the two of them.
What follows is a gripping tale of a whirlwind romance between two damaged people. Alan wants the eighteen year old Chrissie to stay with him at the end of the three weeks, but she knows she can't. She has to finish school and go to college before she can commit to him. In the midst of the pain of parting with Alan after the ultimatums he has issued, Chrissie and her father finally start mending their relationship.
This is a story that will grab your emotions and twist them with a painful empathy with these two star-crossed lovers. Ms. Ward has shown herself to have a masterful command of the written word and draws the reader in so that they experience the emotions of the characters in the book. Be prepared to have a box of tissues at hand.
Alan and Chrissie's stories continue in 3 more books in the series, the last of which has yet to be published. The next two are "The Girl of Tokens and Tears" and "The Girl of Diamonds and Rust" and the final unpublished book is "The Girl in the Comfortable Quiet. (Based on the titles, I wonder if Ms. Ward is a fan of Joan Baez?)
I received this book and the next two books, all of which were autographed by Ms. Ward, in a Giveaway drawing with Goodreads. How wonderfully lucky for me! Otherwise I may have missed reading a great story and discovering a new favorite author!
September 3, 2015
SNS Rating: 3.0
~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★✰✰ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Meeting Chrissie for the first time in book three left me unimpressed. When one reads a story, there is a tendency to identify with the lead character. I don't like Chrissie based on the internal chatter and conclusions that runs in her head. The constant second guessing of decisions is one example. She is one seriously messed up chick. Chrissie's heart is in a tug-of-war between two men, Alan & Neil. She can't let go of anything, unable to adjust to change and never makes a firm decision. There seems to be no real physical action, no surprises, only mental wishy-washy thoughts. What we are left with are unexplained mysteries, secrets and many, many unanswered questions. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Three Stars.
~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★✰✰ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Meeting Chrissie for the first time in book three left me unimpressed. When one reads a story, there is a tendency to identify with the lead character. I don't like Chrissie based on the internal chatter and conclusions that runs in her head. The constant second guessing of decisions is one example. She is one seriously messed up chick. Chrissie's heart is in a tug-of-war between two men, Alan & Neil. She can't let go of anything, unable to adjust to change and never makes a firm decision. There seems to be no real physical action, no surprises, only mental wishy-washy thoughts. What we are left with are unexplained mysteries, secrets and many, many unanswered questions. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Three Stars.
June 12, 2016
Disappointed..Spoilers
This series started great on book one then it got boring on book two. Book three got worst when added the m/m between Neil and Andy sexual act explicitly. Thanks for the warning. if I wanted to read about m/m I would buy those type of books but I don't. I hate it when the author sneaks them in the storyline like it would make the plot better. ..NOT. Disappointed...I should have stop reading this series on book one. Warning would have been nice on the m/m.
This series started great on book one then it got boring on book two. Book three got worst when added the m/m between Neil and Andy sexual act explicitly. Thanks for the warning. if I wanted to read about m/m I would buy those type of books but I don't. I hate it when the author sneaks them in the storyline like it would make the plot better. ..NOT. Disappointed...I should have stop reading this series on book one. Warning would have been nice on the m/m.
May 24, 2015
Different and surlrising
I really loved this series! Even where there were parts I wasn't crazy about (a little overboard on the sex), it was a great story. From the first book I was captivated with the characters and couldn't put the books down. I didn't plan to read all 3 one after another and immediately, but I couldn't help myself! Can't wait for the next one and quite anxious to read the rest of the story.
I really loved this series! Even where there were parts I wasn't crazy about (a little overboard on the sex), it was a great story. From the first book I was captivated with the characters and couldn't put the books down. I didn't plan to read all 3 one after another and immediately, but I couldn't help myself! Can't wait for the next one and quite anxious to read the rest of the story.
December 21, 2015
In this book. I felt more torn between Neil and Alan. Neil helps Chrissie through a difficult time and I respect him for being there for her. He is wonderful to her and makes her happy. I enjoyed there story but am still holding out hope for Chrissie and Alan to get it right. I feel Chrissie has grown up a lot but still making a few mistakes along the way, but who doesn't.
I feel we are in store for an explosive ending to this series. I can't wait to read it.
I feel we are in store for an explosive ending to this series. I can't wait to read it.
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March 4, 2016I just want Chrissie to be happy with Alan. Why is that so difficult for her. Why does she keep thinking that she cannot stay with him and be happy. He continuously tells her that he will always love her and that he has loved her since the beginning. I am about ready to jump through the pages of this book and scream at here. What does it say that I read this book in 1 day? It means I am obsessed with Alan and Chrissie.
March 8, 2016
So continues the rock star saga that stole my heart for an entire weekend. No regrets. This series is hot and each book is as fantastically well-written as the next. Manny and Chrissie are soul mates fighting personal demons that impede on their opportunities to be together...tons of angst, and steam but with a wonderfully developed story that takes you away.
July 21, 2015
Oh my. I am not sure if I am surprised with the turn of events or if it is just the confirmation that this series is going downhill. I felt frustrated and wanted to smack Chrissie on the head, and Allan, and then Neil.
Wow!
Wow!
June 3, 2015
I read the third installment of the Half Shell series in one sitting. You will want to read all three books right in a row because you have to know what happens. The plot is wonderfully written, with all the drama and angst. The characters make you feel their highs and lows.
January 15, 2017
Anxiety Fueled Read!
I have never read more confusing series and a huge part of me feels that Chrissie and Alan are not yet finished. Yet, I have a bag feeling that their reunion will come by a horrible tragedy. On the edge of my seat worthy.
I have never read more confusing series and a huge part of me feels that Chrissie and Alan are not yet finished. Yet, I have a bag feeling that their reunion will come by a horrible tragedy. On the edge of my seat worthy.
May 15, 2015
This book was just OK for me. I didn't feel the same connection with the characters as I did in the first 2 books. But I enjoyed it.
June 10, 2015
This series makes me angry.. I LOVE it so much I hate it. I'm all about first loves and the right loves and I'm just put off right now. I just feel unsatisfied.
April 18, 2016
I will review the series after I'm done book 4, going straight to it.
I've also added my review of books 1-4 in book 4, The Girl in the Comfortable Quiet.
I've also added my review of books 1-4 in book 4, The Girl in the Comfortable Quiet.
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