Safe Harbor?

Toronto #15

by Heather Wardell

Celia's always thought she was just emotional. But when she witnesses a near-murder and finds herself feeling everything the victim feels, she wonders if she's losing her mind. There's only one place she feels near her new coworker. He's just been left at the altar and he should be devastated but instead he's quiet. Calm.

Too calm? Or could he be the safe harbor she desperately needs?

"Safe Harbor?" is book 2 in the "Toronto Collection" set of loosely connected novels. While most of the books are not sequels, your favorite characters will reappear across the books in the collection, letting you follow their lives after their original book ends

Genres: Romance

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 23, 2015

About the author

I am a natural 1200 wpm speed reader and the author of twenty-three self-published novels including the free ebook "Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tattoo" which has had over 400,000 downloads.

In my spare time, I read, run, swim, crochet, take care of my cat Pearl, and play drums and clarinet. Generally not all at once.

I only record books here if I absolutely love them and hugely recommend them. I definitely read more than you see here. :)

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all three books about the three brothers: Nicholas, Austin and Owen. Though brothers, each has a different father and a very different personality. This book, Safe Harbor, is Owen’s story. Celia has always been emotional, feeling others’ emotions so strongly they often overpower her completely. After witnessing an ugly episode where a man throws his girlfriend over the railing in a high rise and feeling the victim’s emotions very, very strongly, Celia wonders if she is okay or is losing it. She looks for respite, and finds it in a co-worker, Owen. After a marriage of convenience (I think you would call it that), Celia and Owen begin a long journey together that takes them and the reader through a myriad of twists and turns, as their life together, with all the trappings a person’s life generally has, grows and matures.

This was a different sort of romance. Neither Owen nor Celia really felt romantic feelings for each other, yet they managed to stay together, as man and wife, no less, and together discover that even a union such as theirs has its ups and downs and can ultimately work for the betterment of both. In all honesty, I found Owen unlikable throughout most of the book. He just did not seem to care about anyone but himself, regardless what others, especially Celia, did for and with him. I could not quite figure out whether he had a personality disorder, whether his actions were the result of his unusual upbringing and mother, or what. Celia, on the other hand was quite likable, except that I felt she kept trying to make Own into something he was not, kept trying to correct what she perceived as a definite personality foible in herself, her emotions and falling into the trap of feeling others so fiercely. She really became obsessed with this, even after her art teacher helped her understand what was going on inside and to somewhat control them. Owen’s mother, Linda, was again dominant in the story, as she has been in the other books. Sometimes she came across as too overbearing, too involved and controlling of her sons’ lives and families. However, that is how the author painted Linda across all the books, so that is obviously how the author intended her to be. The other brothers, along with their respective wives, made appearances in the book, and all remained true to the way they were in the other books. The author definitely managed to develop each into unique persona, each impacted by their upbringing though in different ways. This story was a well written one and held my interest throughout.

This is an interesting series of books about three very different brothers. The books do not have to be read in any particular order or can even be read as stand-alones, though, if you enjoyed one, you will probably want to read the others to get the full enjoyment. I think anyone who enjoys a different sort of romance will enjoy this one. In addition, if you have read the other books, you will definitely enjoy this one, as each book compliments the others. I received this from the author to read and review.

[Kelly Mccurdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received this in exchange for my honest opinion~~

This was a very interesting book to read. I wasn't sure of it until I was already in the middle of the book and I was hooked. What do you do when you can feel the emotions of everyone, and you don't know how to make them stop? Then all of a sudden you feel relief. Not one emotion is felt when you turn to your co-worker? Why you strike up a deal, that's what. You learn to live in a business like relationship with no love in sight. You learn to live with the quarks and the loveless arrangement. But in the end... you find you need each other, to protect one another.

I have read Heather's work before and I have loved every minute of it. This book is no different. It is different than what I have read, but that is a good thing. If you read the same premise over and over you will get tired of it. Heather has written a beautiful book. You should pick up this book now!!

[Stacey Bookerworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Safe Harbor? – Heather Wardell

Thank you to Netgalley and Patchwork Press for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

Safe Harbor? is the third and final book in a mini-series but can also be read as a stand-alone which was fortunate for me as I haven’t read any of the other books. I have to admit initially I wasn’t overly impressed with the book but I couldn’t pinpoint why so I persevered and I am glad I did because it turned out to be quite a good read.
Read more of this review at http://www.bookerworm.com/reviews/19-...

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

When I first began reading this book, I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy the whole 'empath' part, as I am not a big fan of 'paranormal' type books BUT this book was more than that! Granted I have to experience in 'empath' so this book was interesting to me and I could only imagine if someone truly was an 'empath' how they would feel. This was a great story and I am glad that I read this as it did open my eyes to a new potential genre of 'realistic paranormal' (which I just happened to make up!)

I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me the ARC in return for my honest review.

Canadian author, it was a different storyline from what I've read, it could use some though provoking emotional feel, considering it's about an empathic. However it was enough to keep me engaged until I finished the book.

[Julie Shick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather Wardell writes wonderful books that allow the reader to escape and relax. I hope this is not the last of the Toronto Collection. Though the hockey fan in me likes when there is even more reference to hockey. This particular book brings more closure to the characters that we met in All at Sea and Plan Overboard. Please keep writing Ms. Wardell. I cannot wait for your next book.

[Anja Mizner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Another great read from Heather Wardell. There's so much I could write about the book and how much I enjoyed it. Read it in a few hour's, just couldn't walk away. Recommendation - read the first one to this sequel and just let her take you away

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes a person has to evaluate how they deal with things. Striking a balance can be difficult, and knowing who you can turn to can help when trying to deal with situations. I got a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Heather Wardell's stories. I always appreciate the idea that these could be my friends she is writing about.