Seaglass

by Chris Bridges

Madeline Roberts comes from a powerful, yet highly dysfunctional family. She has spent almost all of her twenty two years living under their critical microscope and has endured a lifetime of emotional abuse. At one low point, she attempted to take her own life. After this suicide attempt, Madeline meets her maternal grandmother for the first time. Through this connection, Madeline was given the opportunity to spread her wings and for the first time in her life, be independent.

Madeline finds herself in a charming Colorado town called Touchstone where she meets Knox Barrows. He too is recovering from wounds, but his are of a more physical variety. After college Knox joined the army where he served two tours of duty in Iraq. During his third deployment he was injured by an IED and suffered trauma to his brain that has caused substantial vision loss. Even though Knox’s injury is significant, he is able to return to the job he loves; a builder and restorer of fine furniture. He’s managed to patch his life back together and stoically shoulder whatever trials come his way.

Maddie and Knox meet and embark on a sweet romance, but it’s not long before the issues that they’ve both buried rise to the surface and refuse to be ignored. The baggage they carry is significant and they both must decide if they are brave enough to be truly honest about who they are and who they will become.

Genres: Romance

243 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 23, 2015

Reviews

[Akanksha❤ Søren♰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This looks so good!!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters Maddie and Knox are beautifully developed and fully realistic in the emotions and actions. The author has a wonderful grasp of the inner workings of the characters, they aren't just a vehicle to the plot. Instead, the story comes from the characters, and not the other way around. Both the main characters have made it their way to keep going somehow, even though there have been things that have happened to them that would stop others and make them just give up. They have chosen to make their own paths despite road blocks and hurdles that seem sometimes insurmountable. The secondary characters flesh out the main characters perfectly.

The story has much hope and determination, it makes you root for our characters to come through in the end, together, stronger. But there are many problems and misunderstandings along the way, just to keep the tension strong, and to keep readers guessing. It's not all roses and sunshine.

I couldn't put this down, I needed to know how it would turn out for Maddie and Knox. So beautiful. The author has a definite style and flair for the written word. I hope there is more to come.

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seaglass has quickly become one of my favorite books. I've already read it twice and intend to read it more. If you're on the fence about whether to read this book or not, I can promise, you won't be disappointed. The author has incredible insight into who her characters are and leaves few details to the imagination in describing them.

The book caught my attention quickly and keep it. I've never been much of a romance reader, but this book has opened my eyes to the genre and caused me to discover that I actually enjoy a little Romance.

Maddie and Knox and simply amazing characters. I found myself unable to stop reading once I started. I was rooting for Maddie and Knox from the moment they met, well, actually before they met. Their instant connection is one that is rarely seen today. Through all the challenges they each face they find themselves fighting their attraction for each other. As it brings to question if they can make it through all the challenges to be together or not, the reader is uncertain if the two will get their happy ending or not.

The circumstances that surround the characters are realistic and only makes you want to root for them more. Throughout the story, it is uncertain if the issues that Maddie and Knox have to face individually will keep them apart or if they will find themselves fighting for one another.

[RyooT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story of a guy returning from combat with limited and deteriorating vision and his relationship with a woman with an extremely controlling and manipulative family. I really enjoyed the character development and the story hit quite a few of my buttons. The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is because I sometimes wasn't clear about the timeline as the story spans the period of several years.

[NATE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Multi-layered story about a relationship between two wounded souls. Not all rainbows and unicorns, as there are plenty of bumps along the way. Engaging story with gripping characters. Well worth the read!

[CeCe · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

Too long. I found myself skimming towards the end. I was bored.

[Kristie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fast reading, and so sweet. Loved the Knox and Maddie characters.

[Eleanore June · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved his book. Knox and Maddie are wonderfully damaged people who are well rounded and a delight to read.

I debated between 4 & 5 stars for one reason: the booked needed one more pass through by an editor. I found at least a dozen glaring typos. Also the timeline could have been tightened up with a few strategic sentences. All things a good editor would have resolved. I went ahead with the 5 stars because the story and writing style was really lovely. I just do wish it had been more carefully edited.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars