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Stronger Within
Stronger Within is Book One of the Silver Lake series.
Lori – in recovery following a serious accident, our fragile heroine is at a crossroads in her life and has sought sanctuary at the beach.
Jake – hard working and with a heart of gold, a struggling musician who is chasing his dreams as front man of local rock band, Silver Lake.
Vulnerability meets rock in this tale of two creative souls following their own paths in life. When their paths collide neither of their lives will ever be the same again.
Stronger Within, set in the small town of Rehoboth, Delaware, is a contemporary love story telling a fast paced tale of rock music, convalescence and unexpected love. It's a tale of friendship, family and following your heart.
Lori – in recovery following a serious accident, our fragile heroine is at a crossroads in her life and has sought sanctuary at the beach.
Jake – hard working and with a heart of gold, a struggling musician who is chasing his dreams as front man of local rock band, Silver Lake.
Vulnerability meets rock in this tale of two creative souls following their own paths in life. When their paths collide neither of their lives will ever be the same again.
Stronger Within, set in the small town of Rehoboth, Delaware, is a contemporary love story telling a fast paced tale of rock music, convalescence and unexpected love. It's a tale of friendship, family and following your heart.
537 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2015
6 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Coral McCallum
8 books123 followersCoral McCallum lives in Gourock, a small town on the west coast of Scotland with her family and her beloved cats.
A regular blogger, she began publishing short stories via her blog page and expanded her writing career from there.
Stronger Within, her debut novel and the first in the Silver Lake series, was published in 2015. Over the next few years she continued the series with Impossible Depths, Bonded Souls and Shattered Hearts before concluding the series with
Long Shadows in February 2021.
Coral has also published standalone novel, Ellen, following the career of fictitious band After Life.
In early 2021, Coral also expanded her blogging into the world of Podcasts. Highlights from her blogs can be heard at https://anchor.fm/coral-mccallum
Coral also writes music reviews for her blog page The525 To Glasgow, where she reviews the live shows she attends on a regular basis. A keen amateur photographer, her live reviews include her own concert photos.
https://coralmccallum.wordpress.com
https://the525toglasgow.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coral-...
https://twitter.com/CoralMcCallum
A regular blogger, she began publishing short stories via her blog page and expanded her writing career from there.
Stronger Within, her debut novel and the first in the Silver Lake series, was published in 2015. Over the next few years she continued the series with Impossible Depths, Bonded Souls and Shattered Hearts before concluding the series with
Long Shadows in February 2021.
Coral has also published standalone novel, Ellen, following the career of fictitious band After Life.
In early 2021, Coral also expanded her blogging into the world of Podcasts. Highlights from her blogs can be heard at https://anchor.fm/coral-mccallum
Coral also writes music reviews for her blog page The525 To Glasgow, where she reviews the live shows she attends on a regular basis. A keen amateur photographer, her live reviews include her own concert photos.
https://coralmccallum.wordpress.com
https://the525toglasgow.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coral-...
https://twitter.com/CoralMcCallum
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 22, 2017
This was the first book that I have read by Coral McCallum. The book is a long read and is not a story to be rushed through. The author took her time introducing and building background stories for each of her characters. The main characters Lori and Jake have a very tight bond. The book tells the story of how their relationship develops and grows. It also tells the story of how they came to be the way they are. Soul Mates pulled together by the universe.
Lori who is a real estate tycoon and graphic artist meets Jake an aspiring rock star, when she lands on her butt at the beach. Lori was involved in a major accident and can barely walk on her own. She has moved to the family vacation home on the beach for recovery. Jake just happened to be in the right place at the right time. As the story goes on it tells of how Jake's career takes off and Lori picks up the pieces of her own life and starts designing again.
In this book you will experience loss, vulnerability, friendship, love and family. It tells a story of the bond between love and family, which is not always blood but can be friendship. Also talks about building new bridges to repair past discretions. This book is a good read. Reading it is like watching a movie. It plays out and doesn't rush through. It is a really long book, but don't worry the author keeps it interesting and steady throughout. I did not get bored with it or lose interest. The author made the characters to capture your heart, causing you not to put the book down and wanting to know what happens to them. The book has a lot of British words, but the story itself is set in the US. This does cause a bit of confusion, as some of the words are not how the US uses them. (example in the book tyre should be tire, boot is trunk, or hire care should be rental car) This is not a PG-13 book. It is an adult novel with adult scenes. I recommend this book with a four star rating. *ARC provided by Coral McCallum
Lori who is a real estate tycoon and graphic artist meets Jake an aspiring rock star, when she lands on her butt at the beach. Lori was involved in a major accident and can barely walk on her own. She has moved to the family vacation home on the beach for recovery. Jake just happened to be in the right place at the right time. As the story goes on it tells of how Jake's career takes off and Lori picks up the pieces of her own life and starts designing again.
In this book you will experience loss, vulnerability, friendship, love and family. It tells a story of the bond between love and family, which is not always blood but can be friendship. Also talks about building new bridges to repair past discretions. This book is a good read. Reading it is like watching a movie. It plays out and doesn't rush through. It is a really long book, but don't worry the author keeps it interesting and steady throughout. I did not get bored with it or lose interest. The author made the characters to capture your heart, causing you not to put the book down and wanting to know what happens to them. The book has a lot of British words, but the story itself is set in the US. This does cause a bit of confusion, as some of the words are not how the US uses them. (example in the book tyre should be tire, boot is trunk, or hire care should be rental car) This is not a PG-13 book. It is an adult novel with adult scenes. I recommend this book with a four star rating. *ARC provided by Coral McCallum
July 16, 2015
Stronger within is a rock romance set mainly in a town in Delaware. It opens with us being introduced to Lori as she makes her painful way down the beach on crutches. Lori is slowly recovering from a serious leg injury and is struggling with the mental condition of a long recovery.
That is until Jake Power walks into her life to help her when she takes a fall. 35 year old Jake works in a pizza parlour but his big dream is to become a rock star. He's in a band called Silver Lake. Jake sees something in Lori he likes and wants to pursue and Lori's whole life seems brighter with Jake around.
With Lori's past as designer Mz Hyde and the help of best friend Maddison Addison, Jake and the band are given a wonderful opportunity to fulfil their dreams. The book takes you along as the band grows from playing in the local pub to supporting a top act on tour.
This is a good debut novel and great for lovers of a rock romance.
That is until Jake Power walks into her life to help her when she takes a fall. 35 year old Jake works in a pizza parlour but his big dream is to become a rock star. He's in a band called Silver Lake. Jake sees something in Lori he likes and wants to pursue and Lori's whole life seems brighter with Jake around.
With Lori's past as designer Mz Hyde and the help of best friend Maddison Addison, Jake and the band are given a wonderful opportunity to fulfil their dreams. The book takes you along as the band grows from playing in the local pub to supporting a top act on tour.
This is a good debut novel and great for lovers of a rock romance.
February 13, 2018
STRONGER WITHIN by Coral McCalhum, is a sweet story about two people who meet on the beach and blossom into a friendship/romance. The author has worked hard on this book–the writing is tight and well-laid out and the story line hums along. But for me, a well-written story politely humming along is not enough to keep me turning the pages. By page sixty, I was still looking for the antagonist, whether it was person, place, or thing. I wanted to be jolted, excited, dared, and/or searching for clues that something riveting was about to happen.
What I got instead, as I continued to read, was the memory of a previous car accident eclipsing a professional woman’s life and a hunky rock star with long blonde hair and a rippling body —when she finally got to see it—moving politely and tenderly together throughout the book. A polite rock star? He was never a “no show,” never arrogant or unapologetic, and besides a hint of machismo when he called her “lil lady,” he was more perfect marriage material than bad-boy rock star needing a good taming.
It is obvious that the author of this book is disciplined, imaginative, and dedicated to her writing craft. But in my opinion, although the author introduced a few unsettling life events into her plot, there needed to be more tension and less politeness in her story. For instance, when the rock star (Jake) had a horrible experience onstage, I was disappointed that the event came out of nowhere. I would have preferred Jake to have had a foreboding sense that something bad was going to happen weeks before the concert. And afterwards, I wish that he had not been so quick to forgive and make everything right again. I would have preferred to suffer with him in the torment of hatred and self-pity before he came to his senses and realized he had to “let go.”
Because in my opinion, people always move in a forwards and backwards motion. Writing about life's contradictions is what creates the space necessary for readers to soul-search and 'feel' as characters struggle to make it over hurdles.
Nevertheless, this is a charming romantic story, one that builds on friendship and trust and takes its time. For an attractive read with pleasant whimsy and trust in love, this is your book.
What I got instead, as I continued to read, was the memory of a previous car accident eclipsing a professional woman’s life and a hunky rock star with long blonde hair and a rippling body —when she finally got to see it—moving politely and tenderly together throughout the book. A polite rock star? He was never a “no show,” never arrogant or unapologetic, and besides a hint of machismo when he called her “lil lady,” he was more perfect marriage material than bad-boy rock star needing a good taming.
It is obvious that the author of this book is disciplined, imaginative, and dedicated to her writing craft. But in my opinion, although the author introduced a few unsettling life events into her plot, there needed to be more tension and less politeness in her story. For instance, when the rock star (Jake) had a horrible experience onstage, I was disappointed that the event came out of nowhere. I would have preferred Jake to have had a foreboding sense that something bad was going to happen weeks before the concert. And afterwards, I wish that he had not been so quick to forgive and make everything right again. I would have preferred to suffer with him in the torment of hatred and self-pity before he came to his senses and realized he had to “let go.”
Because in my opinion, people always move in a forwards and backwards motion. Writing about life's contradictions is what creates the space necessary for readers to soul-search and 'feel' as characters struggle to make it over hurdles.
Nevertheless, this is a charming romantic story, one that builds on friendship and trust and takes its time. For an attractive read with pleasant whimsy and trust in love, this is your book.
September 18, 2017
In particular, I really enjoyed the rock band’s travels. Because they perform across the US as well as overseas, it adds an element of adventure to the novel. There is a great deal of detail in every scene and the writing is very fluid and easily read.
from https://cupandchaucer.wordpress.com/2...
from https://cupandchaucer.wordpress.com/2...
April 8, 2023
Coral McCallum managed to write a romantic fantasy that did it's job. It was charming, and comforting. it had its flaws, but overall a good escape from reality.
Read the full review on my blog:
https://jpbiddlecome.weebly.com/book-...
Read the full review on my blog:
https://jpbiddlecome.weebly.com/book-...
June 10, 2018
Not to be missed
There was never a dull moment in this story of a rock band making the headlines and a girl with a disability
There was never a dull moment in this story of a rock band making the headlines and a girl with a disability
April 12, 2015
Stronger Within is the fabulous debut novel from Coral MacCallum.
We find the beautiful, famous and very rich Mz Lori Hyde turning recluse in her quiet, secluded beach house in Rehoboth, Delaware as she slowly tries to recover from a serious accident.
Until one day Chance throws the young, gorgeous Jake Power into her path as she stumbles during a therapeutic walk along the shore.
A struggling musician dreaming of making the big time with his rock band, Silver Lake, will Jake find the courage to hang up his pizza restaurant apron and follow his dreams?
Enter the world of rock and roll where their lives are soon intertwined and follow their romance blossoms.
From the very beginning the author has you hooked, building her characters and drawing you in to their world. You will soon find yourself engrossed in every page: Will Lori regain her sense of self? Will Jake finally achieve his dreams? And together will their romance stand the stresses and blossom?
A real gripping novel that you will not want to put down but will make you want to read more and more....
We find the beautiful, famous and very rich Mz Lori Hyde turning recluse in her quiet, secluded beach house in Rehoboth, Delaware as she slowly tries to recover from a serious accident.
Until one day Chance throws the young, gorgeous Jake Power into her path as she stumbles during a therapeutic walk along the shore.
A struggling musician dreaming of making the big time with his rock band, Silver Lake, will Jake find the courage to hang up his pizza restaurant apron and follow his dreams?
Enter the world of rock and roll where their lives are soon intertwined and follow their romance blossoms.
From the very beginning the author has you hooked, building her characters and drawing you in to their world. You will soon find yourself engrossed in every page: Will Lori regain her sense of self? Will Jake finally achieve his dreams? And together will their romance stand the stresses and blossom?
A real gripping novel that you will not want to put down but will make you want to read more and more....
October 22, 2015
After a horrific accident Lori is trying to put her life back together.
She has spent months trying to get back to her old life, but she is not healing,physically or mentally, fast enough.
Lori is a graphic artist responsible for designing album covers for countless rock bands, but since her accident she just hasn't been able to pull herself back together.
Until she meets Jake Power.
Charismatic, caring, and incredibly sexy; Jake helps her come out of her funk. The two develop a true friendship that gradually develops into true love.
As the first book in the series, it was well written and quick paced. As I was reading, I felt Lori’s pain and internal struggle. I wanted Lori and Jake to fall in love. They are perfect for each other. They balance each other and support each other. Without giving any spoilers, they mirror each other completely. I give this novel a five star rating. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
She has spent months trying to get back to her old life, but she is not healing,physically or mentally, fast enough.
Lori is a graphic artist responsible for designing album covers for countless rock bands, but since her accident she just hasn't been able to pull herself back together.
Until she meets Jake Power.
Charismatic, caring, and incredibly sexy; Jake helps her come out of her funk. The two develop a true friendship that gradually develops into true love.
As the first book in the series, it was well written and quick paced. As I was reading, I felt Lori’s pain and internal struggle. I wanted Lori and Jake to fall in love. They are perfect for each other. They balance each other and support each other. Without giving any spoilers, they mirror each other completely. I give this novel a five star rating. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
May 14, 2015
This is a new author to me and if your a fan of rock music and romance then this is the book for you. Lori and Jake are the main characters in this book and I love the way their story is believable. This is such a beautiful love story, I reckon the next book will just be as fantastic.
October 11, 2015
Sweet story of Jake and Lori. Not a lot of drama, but the story moves forward nicely as it inspires. Looking forward to more from Silver Lake.
February 23, 2016
I'm eagerly awaiting book 2 ❗❗❗❗
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews