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Hearts of Haines #2
Like All Things Beautiful
In this sequel to Kiss Me Hard Before You Go, Evie Barnes is living day-to-day, trying to keep her father's land and his cattle business afloat. She is adjusting to his absence and to living with Finch and the rest of the carnies, which is creating quite a stir amongst the locals in Haines.
As Finch and the others learn a new way of life that doesn't involve the carnival, they're dealing with prejudice from almost everyone in town. A string of suspicious incidents occur, prompting all fingers to point the blame at them.
Just when Evie and Finch learn to deal with the mountain of obstacles facing them, the unexpected happens, causing them to question if their relationship can survive it all.
As Finch and the others learn a new way of life that doesn't involve the carnival, they're dealing with prejudice from almost everyone in town. A string of suspicious incidents occur, prompting all fingers to point the blame at them.
Just when Evie and Finch learn to deal with the mountain of obstacles facing them, the unexpected happens, causing them to question if their relationship can survive it all.
Unknown Binding
First published May 14, 2015
1 person is currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Shannon McCrimmon
12 books151 followersShannon McCrimmon is the author of several novels, including The Summer I Learned To Dive and Kiss Me Hard Before You Go. She currently lives in Greenville, South Carolina with her husband and toy poodle. She'd love to hear from you. Connect with her at shannonmccrimmon.com
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 29, 2015
She was a supernova. The stars. The moon and the sky. She was magnificent.
**
Ever since I finished KISS ME HARD BEFORE YOU GO , I had been wondering about those beloved characters I came to love. What came of them all? Did Evie and Finch find their happily ever after? Did a small town like Haines end up welcoming their newest additions with open arms? Or has life been a constant struggle ever since we last saw them?
We find all of that and so much more in LIKE ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL. We see some sides of our favorite characters we wasn't sure existed. Maybe because I held them up on a higher pedestal than I honestly should have. It wasn't a bad side, just understandable at the time and with the circumstances that were handed to them. But I truly loved it and the characters even more now. We got to know them even more and that just threaded them deeper into my heart.
LIKE ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL was such a beautiful story full of that fun, first love (but real love) romance and wonder. McCrimmon pens a book so wonderfully done you feel a part of it all somehow. She also captures the time period remarkably, so it shows she did her research. She really did an amazing job bringing this story to life and I am happy to have read it, because I enjoyed it oh so much. 5 You May Need The Tissues Stars! (Because I sure did!)
**
Ever since I finished KISS ME HARD BEFORE YOU GO , I had been wondering about those beloved characters I came to love. What came of them all? Did Evie and Finch find their happily ever after? Did a small town like Haines end up welcoming their newest additions with open arms? Or has life been a constant struggle ever since we last saw them?
We find all of that and so much more in LIKE ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL. We see some sides of our favorite characters we wasn't sure existed. Maybe because I held them up on a higher pedestal than I honestly should have. It wasn't a bad side, just understandable at the time and with the circumstances that were handed to them. But I truly loved it and the characters even more now. We got to know them even more and that just threaded them deeper into my heart.
LIKE ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL was such a beautiful story full of that fun, first love (but real love) romance and wonder. McCrimmon pens a book so wonderfully done you feel a part of it all somehow. She also captures the time period remarkably, so it shows she did her research. She really did an amazing job bringing this story to life and I am happy to have read it, because I enjoyed it oh so much. 5 You May Need The Tissues Stars! (Because I sure did!)
August 2, 2015
Received in exchange of a honest review from author and boy am I glad I did.
This book picks up where the first ended. Evie and Finch are in love and together. These two characters are amazing. They build from each other and those around them. Even when everything seems to be crumbling these two are there for each other and buoying each other up. Their friends are there for them as well.
The town though still is stuck in the prejudice of carnies. Alot of this is stirred on by the town bully Nate McDaniels. How he had such a wonderful daughter one will never know.
Evie and Finch along with Doris, mouse and Friedrich now live on the farm. They are working to keep it as they fight against the town and their views of them. Finch also works at a garage in town until prejudices and false accusations hurt him.
There are so many great things about this book from the characters to the storyline to the writing itself.
Characters:
All the characters have you feel something. They are multidimensional and the personalities will draw you in. Whether it be your disgust for Nate, love and happiness for Doris, Friedrich and Mouse as they put smiles on your faces especially as you see them work on the farm or sad when you see in the end how beautiful and kind Friedrich is and what he sacrifices to help others. This sacrifice is what turned the town around and had them see that just because you worked on a carnival and do not look like everyone else around them doesn’t necessarily make them who they are. They are people with feelings, thoughts, ideas and actions. The world in which they came from doesn’t define them and that took alot for this town to realize.
Of all the characters Friedrich is my favorite. He shows Finch how to be a gentlemen. In a way he is more a brother or father to Finch. He shows the town that there is more to him than his tattoos and he is such a kind kindred spirit.
Story:
The story is a great romance/lesson learned. This is character and emotionally driven. The emotions and thoughts of the characters do drive the story forward.
We see the struggles of Evie, Finch and those that help them. We see the prejudice and hatred of one man work against them and turn a town into scared people who are to afraid to go against him so the isolate this group and make them feel unwelcome. Accept this group has pride and are above all that. It may get to them but they don’t show it. Instead they are nice and pleasant. Turning the tables around to put all the guilt and issues on the town and them having a free conscious for they did not become what all wanted them to be. A strong group for sure.
The Writing:
Very descriptive and lures you in. Once you are involved in the story you are in its grasp and don’t want to be let go. Each emotion and thought is felt and heard. You are in the moment of the character and what is going on around them.
Overall this is a wonderful emotionally beautiful story about a group of outcasts who show that they are beautiful and kind. That they are not what people think they are because of what their occupation was or what they look like. That there is more to them that meets the eye. It is a book of a love that helps buoy friends and two individuals and gets all of them through tough times. Through good and bad this is a cohesive group that loves and protects each other fiercely. The ending is sad and beautiful but necessary as well. Such a emotionally invested book that will just speak to you in many ways.
This book picks up where the first ended. Evie and Finch are in love and together. These two characters are amazing. They build from each other and those around them. Even when everything seems to be crumbling these two are there for each other and buoying each other up. Their friends are there for them as well.
The town though still is stuck in the prejudice of carnies. Alot of this is stirred on by the town bully Nate McDaniels. How he had such a wonderful daughter one will never know.
Evie and Finch along with Doris, mouse and Friedrich now live on the farm. They are working to keep it as they fight against the town and their views of them. Finch also works at a garage in town until prejudices and false accusations hurt him.
There are so many great things about this book from the characters to the storyline to the writing itself.
Characters:
All the characters have you feel something. They are multidimensional and the personalities will draw you in. Whether it be your disgust for Nate, love and happiness for Doris, Friedrich and Mouse as they put smiles on your faces especially as you see them work on the farm or sad when you see in the end how beautiful and kind Friedrich is and what he sacrifices to help others. This sacrifice is what turned the town around and had them see that just because you worked on a carnival and do not look like everyone else around them doesn’t necessarily make them who they are. They are people with feelings, thoughts, ideas and actions. The world in which they came from doesn’t define them and that took alot for this town to realize.
Of all the characters Friedrich is my favorite. He shows Finch how to be a gentlemen. In a way he is more a brother or father to Finch. He shows the town that there is more to him than his tattoos and he is such a kind kindred spirit.
Story:
The story is a great romance/lesson learned. This is character and emotionally driven. The emotions and thoughts of the characters do drive the story forward.
We see the struggles of Evie, Finch and those that help them. We see the prejudice and hatred of one man work against them and turn a town into scared people who are to afraid to go against him so the isolate this group and make them feel unwelcome. Accept this group has pride and are above all that. It may get to them but they don’t show it. Instead they are nice and pleasant. Turning the tables around to put all the guilt and issues on the town and them having a free conscious for they did not become what all wanted them to be. A strong group for sure.
The Writing:
Very descriptive and lures you in. Once you are involved in the story you are in its grasp and don’t want to be let go. Each emotion and thought is felt and heard. You are in the moment of the character and what is going on around them.
Overall this is a wonderful emotionally beautiful story about a group of outcasts who show that they are beautiful and kind. That they are not what people think they are because of what their occupation was or what they look like. That there is more to them that meets the eye. It is a book of a love that helps buoy friends and two individuals and gets all of them through tough times. Through good and bad this is a cohesive group that loves and protects each other fiercely. The ending is sad and beautiful but necessary as well. Such a emotionally invested book that will just speak to you in many ways.
April 10, 2015
I was given a copy of Like All Things Beautiful in exchange for an honest review.
Evie, Finch, Katie, Mouse, Doris, and Frederich are all back in Like All Things Beautiful. The characters have to deal with the hate that the townspeople have toward them being a part of a carnival. Evie and Finch continue to grow closer as a couple, even with all the struggles that they continue to face. Katie is very pregnant and is forming a bond with one of the townspeople. Together as a group they are learning to live with each other and face what life, or in this case, the town throws at them.
I didn't think it was possible but I love this book even more than the first. The story captivates you from page one and keeps you interested the whole way through. You feel the pain that they are forced to endure and love them even more for the way they stand together. This is such an odd but amazing group of people. I can't wait to see what the next book contains because this book you thought ended perfectly threw you for a loop with that cliffhanger. Perfect ending to a perfect story.
Some of my favorite quotes:
-His shirt was off, and he held a paint brush in his hand, going up and down in one fluid stroke. Evie saw his muscles moving. Lawd have mercy. He's like a dish of butter.
-You can't forget where you came from, otherwise you'll never know where you're headed.
-Otherwise, you'll face a terrible wrath: a pregnant woman's anger was ten times-no a hundred times-worse than anyone else's.
-Mad that ignorant people continued to sway other's beliefs-other's opinions, when that's what they were: opinions.
-Like even though this craziness was happening, he was holding her band through the winds and the storms and all of the fury that life threw at them.
Evie, Finch, Katie, Mouse, Doris, and Frederich are all back in Like All Things Beautiful. The characters have to deal with the hate that the townspeople have toward them being a part of a carnival. Evie and Finch continue to grow closer as a couple, even with all the struggles that they continue to face. Katie is very pregnant and is forming a bond with one of the townspeople. Together as a group they are learning to live with each other and face what life, or in this case, the town throws at them.
I didn't think it was possible but I love this book even more than the first. The story captivates you from page one and keeps you interested the whole way through. You feel the pain that they are forced to endure and love them even more for the way they stand together. This is such an odd but amazing group of people. I can't wait to see what the next book contains because this book you thought ended perfectly threw you for a loop with that cliffhanger. Perfect ending to a perfect story.
Some of my favorite quotes:
-His shirt was off, and he held a paint brush in his hand, going up and down in one fluid stroke. Evie saw his muscles moving. Lawd have mercy. He's like a dish of butter.
-You can't forget where you came from, otherwise you'll never know where you're headed.
-Otherwise, you'll face a terrible wrath: a pregnant woman's anger was ten times-no a hundred times-worse than anyone else's.
-Mad that ignorant people continued to sway other's beliefs-other's opinions, when that's what they were: opinions.
-Like even though this craziness was happening, he was holding her band through the winds and the storms and all of the fury that life threw at them.
June 8, 2015
Shannon McCrimmon's Like All Things Beautiful is the second novel in her The Hearts of Haines series. I read the first book, Kiss Me Hard Before You Go, last May and fell head over heels in love with Evie, Finch, Gray, and the other kaleidoscope of characters (my review found here.) When I discovered that there was not only going to be a sequel, but a series as well, it seriously felt like my birthday and Christmas all rolled into one! Kiss Me Hard Before You Go was one of my favorite reads last year. The whole concept of a traveling Carnival being held on Evie's farm on a yearly basis was fresh and different. McCrimmon created truly memorable characters in Doris, Mouse, Friedrich and the other carnies. Mixed in with the love story were issues everyone faces in their lives such as family problems, money difficulties, and struggles with best friends. To find out that everyone's story had not ended and I would be able to see what was next for them was exciting. I was also eager to watch Evie and Finch's relationship bloom.
Like All Things Beautiful picks up shortly after Kiss Me Hard Before You Go ends. Evie is not only adjusting to life without Gray but to her new found family. Meanwhile, Finch, Doris, Friedrich, and Mouse are adjusting to farm life and beginning to love their new home and lifestyle. The community of Haines, however, is anything but welcoming. Things begin rough for Evie's new family but as the book progresses things go from bad to worse. The one steady thing is Evie and Finch's relationship. It's easy to see that they truly love each other and will do whatever is needed to make their new life on the farm work. Financial issues can sometimes be the death of a relationship, but Evie and Finch are able to rise above that, judgmental neighbors, and other obstacles life throws their way.
In Like All Things Beautiful we get to know Finch better. Evie sees another side to Finch when she travels with him to Florida to retrieve the personal belongings of Finch and the other carnies. Evie learns a lot through her conversations with Finch’s friends. We also find out more about Finch’s relationship with his mother and what makes him tick. This is an important trip for Evie; it really opens her eyes to what a wonderful man she has.
Shannon McCrimmon's Like All Things Beautiful is a touching continuation of Kiss Me Hard Before You Go. There are many up's and down's, as well as ample opportunities for you to laugh, cry, and pick your jaw up off the floor. The next book in The Hearts of Haines series is This Is Where We Begin and follows Evie's best friend, Katie. Katie has found herself single, pregnant, and disowned from her family and it is next on my to be read list! If you have yet to check out this series I implore you to do so as quickly as possible! You won't be disappointed!
*I have been provided a complimentary copy of the book, Like All Things Beautiful, for the purpose of review.*
Like All Things Beautiful picks up shortly after Kiss Me Hard Before You Go ends. Evie is not only adjusting to life without Gray but to her new found family. Meanwhile, Finch, Doris, Friedrich, and Mouse are adjusting to farm life and beginning to love their new home and lifestyle. The community of Haines, however, is anything but welcoming. Things begin rough for Evie's new family but as the book progresses things go from bad to worse. The one steady thing is Evie and Finch's relationship. It's easy to see that they truly love each other and will do whatever is needed to make their new life on the farm work. Financial issues can sometimes be the death of a relationship, but Evie and Finch are able to rise above that, judgmental neighbors, and other obstacles life throws their way.
In Like All Things Beautiful we get to know Finch better. Evie sees another side to Finch when she travels with him to Florida to retrieve the personal belongings of Finch and the other carnies. Evie learns a lot through her conversations with Finch’s friends. We also find out more about Finch’s relationship with his mother and what makes him tick. This is an important trip for Evie; it really opens her eyes to what a wonderful man she has.
Shannon McCrimmon's Like All Things Beautiful is a touching continuation of Kiss Me Hard Before You Go. There are many up's and down's, as well as ample opportunities for you to laugh, cry, and pick your jaw up off the floor. The next book in The Hearts of Haines series is This Is Where We Begin and follows Evie's best friend, Katie. Katie has found herself single, pregnant, and disowned from her family and it is next on my to be read list! If you have yet to check out this series I implore you to do so as quickly as possible! You won't be disappointed!
*I have been provided a complimentary copy of the book, Like All Things Beautiful, for the purpose of review.*
May 12, 2015
I love Shannon's writing style about country life. Its almost like I can smell the manure ( thank God I really can't, though). The country accents these character's have are perfect. It makes me want move to the country...at least for a couple of weeks.
I love Shannon's writing style about country life. Its almost like I can smell the manure ( thank God I really can't, though). The country accents these character's have are perfect. It makes me want move to the country...at least for a couple of weeks.
Evie and Finch have a love that has proven to be concrete. But in this book their love is on a shaky foundation due to many obstacles and tragedies. The carnies that stayed behind to start a new life also face obstacles that may be their undoing.
Shannon has weaved yet another lovely, yet tragic tale ( I shed quite a few tears). She also has a beautiful message to spread and I hope it grows wings and touches everyone who reads this book.
Happy Reading ~ Lisa
I love Shannon's writing style about country life. Its almost like I can smell the manure ( thank God I really can't, though). The country accents these character's have are perfect. It makes me want move to the country...at least for a couple of weeks.
Evie and Finch have a love that has proven to be concrete. But in this book their love is on a shaky foundation due to many obstacles and tragedies. The carnies that stayed behind to start a new life also face obstacles that may be their undoing.
Shannon has weaved yet another lovely, yet tragic tale ( I shed quite a few tears). She also has a beautiful message to spread and I hope it grows wings and touches everyone who reads this book.
Happy Reading ~ Lisa
May 12, 2015
I love Shannon's writing style about country life. Its almost like I can smell the manure ( thank God I really can't, though). The country accents these character's have are perfect. It makes me want move to the country...at least for a couple of weeks.
I love Shannon's writing style about country life. Its almost like I can smell the manure ( thank God I really can't, though). The country accents these character's have are perfect. It makes me want move to the country...at least for a couple of weeks.
Evie and Finch have a love that has proven to be concrete. But in this book their love is on a shaky foundation due to many obstacles and tragedies. The carnies that stayed behind to start a new life also face obstacles that may be their undoing.
Shannon has weaved yet another lovely, yet tragic tale ( I shed quite a few tears). She also has a beautiful message to spread and I hope it grows wings and touches everyone who reads this book.
I love Shannon's writing style about country life. Its almost like I can smell the manure ( thank God I really can't, though). The country accents these character's have are perfect. It makes me want move to the country...at least for a couple of weeks.
Evie and Finch have a love that has proven to be concrete. But in this book their love is on a shaky foundation due to many obstacles and tragedies. The carnies that stayed behind to start a new life also face obstacles that may be their undoing.
Shannon has weaved yet another lovely, yet tragic tale ( I shed quite a few tears). She also has a beautiful message to spread and I hope it grows wings and touches everyone who reads this book.
May 6, 2015
I was so excited to hear that Shannon was continuing the story of Evie and Finch. This love story is something that could have easily happened "back in the day". The harsh truth of the difficulty when people of different worlds try to blend together and the hate for those who refuse to have change make for such a wonderful story. It is amazing to see how these young people stand up for what they want, what they know is right, and how strong love and friendship can be. Like All Things Beautiful takes you back to what we would think of as a simpler time, but in reality people still had to work hard and love harder just to be able to enjoy the beauty in the little things. Truly a wonderful read that reminds you that change isn't always bad, but sometimes it is hard to make happen or accept.
May 14, 2015
This book takes you back to a time without cellphones, the internet, computers. To a time where it was hard work and stick to it-ness that made you successful! Evie, Finch and the crew have many ups and downs to get through, but they are in it together. They show us that love is always worth fighting for.
Ms. McCrimmon definitely nailed the feel of the 70s and the prejudices that were common then, especially in small town rural America. In the end life is about people.....and people are really all the same. We all need to be respected, loved and not judged by appearances.
I can't recommend this book enough.
Ms. McCrimmon definitely nailed the feel of the 70s and the prejudices that were common then, especially in small town rural America. In the end life is about people.....and people are really all the same. We all need to be respected, loved and not judged by appearances.
I can't recommend this book enough.
May 22, 2015
I adored this series so much & loved how the story wrapped up for Evie & Finch. Two of the sweetest, strong willed characters I've read. They had many ups & downs, but their love for each other never wavered. I smiled, laughed & shed many tears with this book but I loved every page. I'm so happy with the way their story came together but I'll miss them, even the supporting characters, who I grew to love as well. I'm looking forward to reading Katie's story to see how everyone is doing. 5 Kiss Me Hard Stars!
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May 19, 2015The Hearts of Haines Series is close to my heart, and I had a blast writing these books.
June 15, 2015
A great second book in the series. Love Evie and Finch. Love the time and setting. It all just resonates for me :-)
October 1, 2015
As with the other two books in the series, heartfelt, wonderful, and deeply moving. Her characters become real people to you, friends you are glad to see, and sorry to see each story end.
August 16, 2019
In my opinion, the first book was better on the Evie/Finch romance plot, but this book was still a fun, fast paced read that had plenty of swoon-worthy moments and some good exciting parts. I found I didn't love married Evie and Finch as much as I loved dating Evie and Finch but I guess the "will-they-won't-they" relationship could only last so long. This is for sure a cute read and a nice continuation of the series.
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September 11, 2015Review to come
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews