Everybody loves local attorney and favorite son, Ben Laroux. Well, at least everybody of the female persuasion–until he meets Sabine O'Connor. She loathes him and makes no secret of her feelings, even when he pours on his famous charm hoping to thank her for helping his family. Ben has never been told no, and if there's one thing he's never walked away from, it's a challenge.
Sabine hopes she’s finally found peace and safety in the small town of Ministry. She’s changed her name to escape her painful past and her shameful family secrets. Ben Laroux is a gorgeous and sexy complication she can’t afford, but also can't resist. However, when her past threatens to derail her present and future, Ben might be the only man she can trust.
A self-described late bloomer, Susan Sands began writing on her fortieth birthday. Her first Southern women’s fiction title, Again, Alabama, was published a mere eight years later.
Susan enjoys cooking, painting--when the mood strikes, playing tennis, and staring into space while contemplating her next novel.
Growing up in small-town Louisiana, Susan's passion for reading sparked her interest in writing—eventually. She now creates stories about the quirky characters and fascinating relationships that are uniquely Southern.
Susan holds a degree in elementary education, and has lived in the Roswell/Alpharetta suburb of Atlanta with her husband. Susan has three grown children.
Ben Laroux is a handsome, unattached, successful lawyer who has vowed to never let a woman get too close after being betrayed by his former fiancée. Sabine O'Connor is a beautiful, mysterious therapist who is suspicious of Ben, since she's been privy to the feelings of the women in town during counseling sessions; women who have had their own hearts broken by Ben. Sabine's feelings about Ben have been influenced by her clients' stories, and Sabine herself is harboring big secrets of her own. Their story is so compelling, filled with warmth and heart, but also some danger and suspense as Ben helps Sabine to finally let go of her past. Forever, Alabama is the third in a series of books about the Laroux family in Ministry, Alabama. Small-town charm, humor, lovely characters, and an interesting storyline add up to a wonderful book. This book stands on its own merits, but I love to read a series from the beginning, and the previous books are also great reads!
Jean-Claude Prudhomme deserved nothing from his former wife – except maybe a Taser to his testicles.
Fine. But it doesn’t keep me from wishing for him to get exactly what he deserves. Like someone throwing him naked on an anthill with peanut butter on his genitals. You know, real justice.
I didn’t want you to think I was pining for you – I was, by the way. Because every time I look at you, you reduce me to a horny fourteen-year-old boy who’s just gotten to second base for the first time.
My Review:
Sabine was a fraud, well, she was and she wasn’t Sabine, and she was and she wasn’t a fraud. Not really. Sabine and her devastated mother had changed their names and appearance and moved to a small town after their lives had imploded following a family scandal. The premise was intriguing and interesting and Ms. Sands’s writing was engaging, amusing, and entertaining. I enjoyed her humor and the lively and colorful descriptions she used in introducing each new character and location. The characters were relatable and interestingly detailed, with my favorite being the new and improved Ben. I cherished the man Ben evolved into after his rather painful personal epiphany. Part of Sabine’s discomfort was that she knew and was keeping too many secrets. Her own family’s secrets being the most deplorable, but as she had established herself as the leading therapist in the area, she also knew too much about many of the residents, and she had been forced to listen to and assist far too many women mooning over Ben to take him seriously. Poor Ben. My second favorite character was Sabine’s feisty mother, I adore seeing an older character blossom.
Note: Received a copy in exchange for a unbiased and fair review.
This is the third book in a series centered around the Laroux family, residents of the charming little southern town of Ministry, Alabama. After having binged on deep, dark and gritty books for several weeks, this sounded like maybe it would be a nice dip into a light and easy-to-read story. A standalone storyline fit my criteria for the moment. And although I’m usually not a fan of starting in the middle of a series, I don’t usually look a gift horse in the mouth either.
Poor Ben! The cards were stacked against him from the moment he met Sabine O’Connor. Women love Ben and women hate Ben. He’s a heartbreaker. You can’t deny that Ben Laroux is easy on the eyes, friendly and charming, and a successful attorney, but he’s also a man who was betrayed by his former fiancée, and now determined to remain unattached. But he’s sure taken an interest in the beautiful new woman in town even though she seems determined to stay away from him. His reputation with the single ladies of the town might precede him, but he’s never turned away from a challenge. Oh, how the mighty fall.
Sabine O'Connor is not only beautiful and a bit of an enigma, but an impostor! Well, sorta . . . After a disgraceful family scandal, she and her mother took different names, changed their appearances and sought solace in a new place. Sabine is a therapist and she begins helping the residents of Ministry with their problems, many of whom are women whose hearts have been broken by Ben Laroux. See where I’m going with this. Ben doesn’t stand a chance because Sabine’s heard too much already about him and has been influenced by her clients. And she’s already changed herself completely over one man and look where that got her. She’s not taking any more risks on another. But the more she encounters Ben, the more she questions whether she’s made the right decision. Perhaps he’s changing his ways.
Sabine’s adorable and feisty momma gets a nod of approval. She is bound to be a favorite among readers, and it’s certainly fun to watch her in action.
At times the writing took on a clumsy feel, and the dialogue seemed a bit dry and stilted with a lackluster on the overall delight and appeal. But if you’re searching for a mixture of humor, sass, witty banter, a sizzling romance that includes a touch of mystery and danger, then take a trip down south, put your feet up, enjoy a glass of sweet tea and stay awhile. Enjoy your visit with the Larouxs!
This is romantic, suspenseful, captivating and amusing. It's full of sleezy corrupt politicians and strife within families. Ben is very entertaining. He is confident, charming, family oriented and funny. Sabine is serious, determined and highly opinionated. Ben meeting Sabine opens his eyes to what kind of person he is, and he doesn't like himself much. Sabine thinks all smooth talking men are scum, until Ben makes her think otherwise. This really is a great story, and I love the "sexy thoughts" conversations. I received a complimentary copy of this book from LibraryThing. This is my voluntary and honest opinion of it.
This was a wonderful addition to the Alabama series. This author has a way of bringing the southern charm to life on the pages of her stories and you could definitely feel it in this book. Sabine and Ben were both great characters and I loved how taken back Ben was by the fact that Sabine wasn't falling all over him like a lot of the other women in town. This was an adorable, sweet story and one I would definitely recommend.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
It was a contemporary romance. This was a very good book. There were some people and occurrences from earlier books mentioned but you can still follow along without reading the others and not be too confused. There was some intrigue in this book that made reading it exciting.
Ben Laroux is very popular with the ladies of Ministry. However, it seems Sabine O'Connor is immune to his charm. Not being one to back down from a challenge, he decides to see whether he can win her over. But with Sabine keeping secrets, will Ben give up on their growing relationship when he learns the truth, or will he help her finally break free of her past?
When I started this book, I had a really hard time getting into it, but in the end I really enjoyed it, due to the main characters back stories, especially the heroine's. Her past is painful, because of the loss she suffered, and what both her father and her husband (soon-to-be ex hopefully) put her through. How can she possibly break free from her past with a husband like hers? How far would he be willing to go to make sure she doesn't divorce him? Moreover, the heroine's low opinion of the hero annoyed me a little at the beginning too. He didn't deserve it when all she'd had was secondhand information on his dating life.
The dialogue was intriguing because of the hero and heroine's pasts. It's no wonder Ben doesn't do relationships after what his ex and best friend did to him. They destroyed his reason to trust in getting involved with a woman. Luckily though, Sabine has her own reasons for not trusting after what her soon-to-be ex-husband was doing and what her father's criminal activities did to make her and her mother do something so desperate that the press wouldn't be able to find them. Moreover, I liked how Ben turned to Sabine for help when he needed it. Certainly, he needed to find it in himself to forgive those that wronged him.
Sabine is a wonderful heroine. She's strong, brave and I liked how determined she was to move on from her past and finally go after what she wanted most, which was a divorce. I also liked the fact that she placed her trust in Jack by telling him everything about her past, so he could help her. Because really, she did need his help in the end because her soon-to-be ex-husband would do anything to keep her by his side, even if it meant doing something that could have him arrested. While Jack, he goes through quite a bit in this book with what he learns about the women he's dated. Is he really so emotionally unavailable? Moreover, I liked how determined he was to help Sabine when he learnt the truth about her past, because she needs someone on her side; someone besides her family.
Overall, Ms. Sands has penned a good read in this book where the chemistry between these two was intense and had me cheering for this couple's happy ever after, because if anyone deserved it, it was these two after everything they've been through in their pasts. The way this story ended had me concerned for the heroine with what she goes through with her soon-to-be ex-husband, but I enjoyed how everything turned out. Jack is a good guy, and it's palpable that he will always be there for Sabine. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly, as I discovered how things were going between Sabine, her mother, her sister and her father. Have the three women been able to forgive him for all that he put them through? I would recommend Forever, Alabama by Susan Sands, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope or books by authors Katherine Garbera, Nicole Helm or Kat Latham.
Ben Laroux is an Attorney in small town Ministry Alabama. Ben is friendly with all the ladies in town with strict rules on dating which include not getting attached to the women he sees. That starts to change when he meets town therapist Sabine O'Connor. Sabine is laying low with her mom in Ministry from her estranged husband and everything haunting her in New Orleans. Sabine is having trouble trusting Ben after having so many of the women in town in therapy bragging about there time with him. When the two start building a relationship Sabine knows she has to open up to Ben and tell him her secrets hoping he wont turn his back on her. Can the two come together to rid Sabine of her past for a happy future or do the both carry too much baggage? I loved this story. It's always nice to catch up with an interesting family and see an unlikely character come off as sweet and caring. I really hope there is another book in this series.
Ben Laroux is Ministry’s golden boy. He thinks nothing of doing what he has to in order to help anyone who needs it. After losing the love of his life to his best friend, he also isn’t interested in a committed relationship, and decides not to go out with any woman more than twice, to not only give everyone the benefit of going out with him, but also not to give them any ideas he is intrested in settling down. Sabine O’Connor has been in town a couple of years. A therapist, she has not just helped many members of the Laroux family, but also many of the women of Ministry, most of whom have gone out with Ben and talk about how wonderful he is, even though he broke their hearts. Ben finds Sabine intriguing, but can’t understand he obvious dislike for him. When he finally backs her into going out with him, she starts to see that Ben is a nice guy who is clueless as to how he affects women. When a secret comes out and makes him re-evaluate his aproach to women and the way he sees himself. He also turns to Sabine to help him out. Sabine finds herself falling for the man Ben is and who he is trying to be, but the secrets in her past threaten to end their relationship before it gets started. I love the town of Ministry, Ben and Sabine. This is the third book in the series, and I feel like they just keep getting better. The characters are strong, both the main and the secondary, and the story is real, emotional and kept me hooked, beginning to end. I love revisiting the other members of the Laroux family, and, meeting Sabine’s mother and sister. Then there is Henry, Ben’s stepfather….What did he do before he retired?? This was so much fun to read. It is part of a series, but it can be read as a stand alone. If you haven’t read the first two, I highly recommend them. Ministry, Alabama and the Laroux family are highly entertaining. **I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publisher and voluntarily provided this review.
Sabine O’Connor is the local therapist in Ministry and when local attorney Ben Laroux speaks to her about how grateful he is to her in helping his family she immediately attacks him which appears for no reason. You see other people in town love Ben and go to him all the time to get problems worked out between people without having to go to court. Surprised at the way she came at him he begins to wonder what things are being said about him by other people in those sessions. After Sabine realizes that she was too rough on Ben she agrees to go out to dinner with him in a very public restaurant. They each have a good time and realize that they have a lot in common. Ben decides to change somewhat towards people especially females because he realizes that he is sending off the wrong message. He also knows he must deal with a past relationship of betrayal if he wants to have a future relationship with Sabine or anyone else. Just when you think everything is going good you are given the total history of Sabine and find out that though she has been living in Ministry for two years she is still married to someone else in another state. Now this part of the story along with her father being in prison has made it for Ben, to be at the crossroads in what he is wanting to do. He believes that he is in love with her but must get past this knew information and they together must come up with a plan to get her away for good from the man she is still married to. The end of this book has a lot of action going on but it goes along with the story, and the author brings it all together at the end. A very good book with very good characters. Overall a good story. Read it to find out what happens. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
This was a wonderful addition to the Alabama series. This author has a way of bringing the southern charm to life on the pages of her stories and you could definitely feel it in this book. Sabine and Ben were both great characters and I loved how taken back Ben was by the fact that Sabine wasn't falling all over him like a lot of the other women in town. This was an adorable, sweet story and one I would definitely recommend.
Forever Alabama brings popular playboy lawyer Ben Laroux together with clinical therapist Sabine O' Connor in a light, easy to read contemporary romance. I like that family plays a big part in Susan Sands' novels and that was certainly the case in this one with Ben's family helping him to understand that his dating practices were pretty thoughtless. Sabine's family relations are a lot more complicated, but it was good to see her mother's prominent and supportive role in the story. The characters in this novel are for the most part believable though I didn't quite gel with either Sabine's estranged husband or her father. The plot is good and for the most part kept my interest. There were a few spots where I felt the story could have flowed better but overall this was an enjoyable story.
Everyone in Ministry, Alabama knew and loved attorney Ben Laroux. But, Ben had a problem with women. He couldn't make a commitment. Ever since the breakup with his one serious girlfriend, he held a one date rule. And because of it, a lot of women were left heartbroken.
Sabine O'Conner has been counseling some of the women who had their hearts broken by Ben. So, she thought she knew him well. When Sabine and Ben are placed on opposing sides in a court case, Ben starts to become interested in Sabine. But Sabine isn't a one night kind of girl. If Ben really wants her, he will have to change his ways.
Sabine has secrets that she worked hard to hide. When she moved to Ministry, she never expected anyone to ever know about her life back in Louisiana. When Sabine's biggest secret threatens to blow, Ben is right there to help her though it.
I enjoyed this book. I liked seeing how Sabine was able to change Ben’s way of thinking and how Ben was right there for anything Sabine needed. They had really good chemistry. The background of both characters and plot were well written. I also enjoyed catching up with characters from previous books in the series. Even though this is the third book in the series, it can be read on its own.
Sabine is a woman well educated in secrets. Her clients secrets – and, more importantly, her own. It’s also a byproduct of her profession as a therapist to remember those secrets or opinions when encountering someone her clients have mentioned… often. Unfortunately, Ben Laroux has been tearfully or angrily mentioned by several, make that many of her clients in recent times. Sabine has already formed an opinion of this charming, womanizer long before their first meeting. And she wants nothing to do with his Southern charms. She’s already changed herself completely over one man, she’s not about to take a risk on yet another man who would be totally wrong for her. That’s too bad, really. Because the actual Ben is a charming man, one who may just be exactly what she needs in her life. Oh, and he never walks away from a challenge and she just tossed down a huge one.
I liked Sabine and Ben’s romance. Sassy, witty banter, a bit of danger and the right person each needed at exactly the right time. Oh, sure, there’s going to be some drama, some denial, some sizzling chemistry… but what’s a challenge without all that. I enjoyed getting to know the real people underneath the surface that others see. I adored Sabine’s mother, she’s now one of my favorite secondary characters ever.
If you’re in the mood for a charming romance, a bit of mystery, a touch of danger and a love that can overcome anything – then Forever, Alabama is the right story for you.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
"Forever Alabama" by Susan Sands. This story revolves around Ben and Sabine. Ben is the biggest sweetheart! I adored him. Yes, he's known to be a bit of a playboy but he has a heart of gold and will help anyone out that needs it. Sabine took a bit longer to like. While I felt for her and her struggles, I really didn't like her immediate judgement of Ben. However, as we learned more and more about her past and Ben turned on the charm, she became a character that I liked and was rooting for the whole way. I adored Sabine's mom and loved that this story shows that there is still life and joy out there, even as you grow older. Ms. Sands has penned a tale that is filled with love, romance, determination, friendship and family and even some danger. I did enjoy the pace that the story moved and found it, overall, an enjoyable read that held my interest and my heart too. I have not read the previous books in this series but found that it did not detract from this story. Ms. Sands does a wonderful job of recapping the history of the characters so a new reader is not lost. That being said, I am now looking to catch up and read the previous books in this series. (received copy for honest review)
Y'all! This is such a sweet book. I've read all of Susan's books in her Alabama series, but this is my favorite. The writing is tighter, the story is delicious. It can stand alone, but for more fun, read them all. Don't you just love cute cover?
I was given this book as an advanced reader copy via #netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. The above is my honest opinion. Go read it and enjoy!
Sabine is new to town, a therapist who is helping so many of Ministry’s residents work through their lives and problems. But, Sabine has some problems of her own that she is trying to leave behind, and the small town of Ministry has become her haven.
Ben is charming, friendly and all of the single women in town love him, maybe a little too much. He meets Sabine and while he is interested in her, she doesn’t want anything to do with him. Once Ben and Sabine spend a little time together and their pasts start to come out, they start to realize that maybe their first impressions weren’t accurate after all.
This was a nice story, with a good plot. The writing just seemed a little awkward and the conversations stilted, which took away from my overall enjoyment and engagement in the story. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.
I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of this book
This book is the third book in the Alabama Series. It took me longer to get into to but ended up being a good addition to the Alabama Series. I enjoyed the character development. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Forever, Alabama by Susan Sands Book #3: Alabama Series Source: Purchase My Rating: 4½/5 stars My Review:
Is it possible to be a colossal ass and not know you’re a colossal ass?? In Ben Laroux’s case, the answer is a resounding yes! Trouble is, he is Ministry, Alabama’s most beloved colossal ass which has allowed him to go through life completely ignorant of his behavior. It’s hard to hide things from the town shrink though 😊
Sabine spends her days trying to help those who are at the end of their rope. She listens, counsels, and keeps the secrets of countless Ministry, Alabama residents. Which is precisely why she knows the kind of man Ben Laroux is without ever having to talk to him. With his ridiculous two date rules, Ben has left many women in Ministry wanting more than he is ever going to be capable of giving. As Sabine has figured out, Ben thinks he’s doing everyone a solid by being up front and honest. He never leads anyone on and simply walks away when the dating limit has been hit. Yeah, Sabine doesn’t need any part of that arrogance in her life. She’s full up on that kind of crap!
Sabine and her mother are only in Ministry until Sabine can secure a divorce from her powerful, egomaniacal husband. For two years, they’ve hidden in Ministry hoping he will eventually come to his senses and grant Sabine the divorce she desperately wants. After all the lies, the cheating, and the relentless pursuit of power, Sabine wants out of the public spotlight and as far away from her husband as is humanly possible. In fact, Sabine is ready to move forward with her life and that can’t happen as long as she’s still tied to her past.
When she refuses to give him even an ounce of consideration, Ben decides to push and poke at Sabine until she agrees to give him a chance. What Sabine finds is a man who is clueless about his behavior, who’s stunningly sexy, and under all the bravado, a genuinely good man who cares for her. Which is just about the time Sabine sabotages it all by telling Ben about her past and her struggle to break free. Though he is justifiably angered, Ben does what all Laroux’s do, he turns to his family for advice. As always, the Laroux’s come to the rescue (HOWARD!!!!) and Ben crafts a plan that will not only secure Sabine’s divorce, but land her despicable husband right where he belongs, in prison! To be sure, the plan is risky and before all is said and done, it becomes downright dangerous!
The Bottom Line: I am still 100% a smitten kitten with Susan Sands’ Alabama series!! Of all the Ministry couples, Ben and Sabine are by far the most formidable. With her keen intelligence and insight into human nature and Ben’s intelligence, determination, and kind nature, there’s not much of anything or anyone who can stand in their way. Well, they can try 😊 Once again, Sands involves the entire Laroux family (and much of Ministry) which makes the read so much better, far more entertaining. Though I can’t say for sure this is the end of the Alabama series, I can say, if it is, Ben and Sabine’s story would be a fitting ending as it couples up all the Laroux kids and completes the family. With that being said, there are still a few characters hanging about (Sabine’s sister for example) who are just begging to have their story told. I’m not being subtle here, Susan Sands, I want more of the Alabama series. ASAP!!!
Forever, Alabama is the 3rd novel in the Alabama series but you don’t have to read the 1st and 2nd novels to understand this novel. The novels in this series are companion novels (correct me if I’m wrong), so it is perfectly fine to treat each novel as a stand-alone novel. The only difference in companion novels would be characters in previous novels will appear in the subsequent novels.
Initially, I was looking for a light, fluffy contemporary read. Boy, this read is much heavier than expected. Forever, Alabama addresses pretty sensitive topics and it is my first time coming across a novel which deals with such topics. The author has done a really good job in writing this novel. The writing style and topics addressed in it pulled me in, keeping me hooked to the story.
The novel is pretty slow and mundane during the 1st half of the novel as nothing really significant happens. It is the 2nd half where the plot starts to pick up pace and the story starts to get more interesting. I marathoned the 2nd half of the novel for an entire evening and was totally glued to it.
I love Sabine’s and Ben’s character. Sabine is a very strong protagonist. Strong as in mentally and emotionally strong. I haven’t read many novels which portray a strong female lead so this is something fresh for me. I like how Sabine handles herself and the problems that she faced. I’m glad that she finally escape the “nightmare” she was in. As for Ben, he might be a prick initially. The “perfect” guy that every woman falls for (sorry, but that wouldn’t work on me… >_>). Anyways, I’m glad he finally realize his prince charming behaviour actually has consequences. It has been a joy to follow these two main characters lives and see them grow as a person.
I’m satisfied with the ending of the novel and how everything turns out at the end. The final action packed scene is really good. My favourite part is the final scene where they raced against time to save Sabine from that douchebag.
I feel that I shouldn’t spoil the novel for readers who have yet to read it. Rather, I feel that readers should start reading this novel only after reading the blurb and ONLY the blurb. After all, I thought this novel is going to be a clique romance novel from reading the blurb but it isn’t! Forever, Alabama is different from my initial expectations and I enjoyed reading it.
Finally, I would like to thank LibraryThing and the publisher, The Tule Publishing Group, for providing me with a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review. 🙂
Forever, Alabama by Susan Sands Everybody loves local attorney and favorite son, Ben Laroux. Well, at least everybody of the female persuasion–until he meets Sabine O’Connor. She loathes him and makes no secret of her feelings, even when he pours on his famous charm hoping to thank her for helping his family. Ben has never been told no, and if there’s one thing he’s never walked away from, it’s a challenge.
Sabine hopes she’s finally found peace and safety in the small town of Ministry. She’s changed her name to escape her painful past and her shameful family secrets. Ben Laroux is a gorgeous and sexy complication she can’t afford, but also can’t resist. However, when her past threatens to derail her present and future, Ben might be the only man she can trust. This is Ben Laroux and Sabine O’Connor's story. Everybody, who knew him, loved Ben Laroux—especially the female population of Ministry, Alabama and surrounding counties. Ben had to admit that’d been a pretty accurate statement in his experience—right up ’til now. Sabine O’Connor head snapped up, and she nailed him with a level stare. “Let me guess; you found my phone?” The sounds of country music and laughter made it difficult to have a normal conversation. “Now, why would you think I had your phone?” “Because you’re grinning at me in a smirky, satisfied way, while I’m obviously panicking and searching for it.” “I might have it,” he admitted. Will Ben and Sabine be more than friend? read this book to find out. Forever, Alabama by Susan Sands (Alabama Series Book 3) is a 3 stars book. "I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book." Susan's Books with Tule: Again, Alabama Alabama
It is my honor to offer this review of Susan Sands’ Forever, Alabama story which is the third book in the author’s Alabama series. It is my honor because the author understands that love, honor, compassion, and integrity are deep veins that run deep in Southern culture. There is more to the south than fried foods, pickup trucks, and NASCAR. The author’s stories are always imaginative and elaborate.
Forever, Alabama is the story of Ben Laroux, “the chosen one” or at least that appears to be the opinion of every female in Ministry, Alabama. The fact that he is physically fit, handsome, and a successful attorney does not diminish their views. Only Sabine O’Connor disagrees. In her two years in Ministry as a mental health professional, she has heard endless women proclaim the abilities of fair-haired Ben. She declares professional immunity. Both are shocked when mutual feelings occur! Then their feelings intensify!
Sabine has been wonderful for the people of Ministry, but she is hiding a tragic past. A past that might reveal itself at a moment’s notice. She desperately needs trustworthy help to escape her past and build a loving future in Ministry. She needs Ben! He is the man she loves. They go on a dangerous trip to New Orleans to exorcise old demons. Will Sabine survive? Will Sabine’s and Ben’s love survive? My Rating: 10 STARS!
Susan Sands is a talented writer. She has a mastery of the story line and creates believeable characters. Forever Alabama is the third book in a series about the Laroux family from small town Ministry, Alabama. Susan created this interesting, lovable family base for Again Alabama and this story to take place. The stumbling blocks that I encountered that prevented me from rating the book a five-star included extremely long, detailed descriptions about people or places that bogged down the story for me. I apreciate defining the setting, but I was impatient to get on with the action. The other stumbling block was the number of characters introduced into the story. I found myself getting lost with siblings, spouses, children, ex-spouses, in-laws, towns people and parents injected into the story of Sabine and Ben. Granted many of them were necessary but detailed descriptions about many of them didn't matter to me or didn't move the story along or make it more complete.
The third installment of this series was my favorite to date. Told from the perspective of hometown favorite heart throb, Ben and new comer Sabine.
Ben is a great character. The love he has for his sisters and his earned cockiness make him a book crush for the ages! The way women swoon over him you wonder why he just won't open his heart and let someone in. To see this Strong man open up about heart break and then become super man again was a wonderful story.
I was very excited that Sabine was going to be the female lead in this story. The other two showed the family from a female perspective and it was nice to have an outsiders point of view. Sabine is smart and beautiful. Loving and sensitive. It was fun to get to know her.
This novel releases march 20. I hope it's not the last story in this series because I adore it!!
I truly enjoyed this book! It is a heartwarming journey to self discovery and love. There are bumps along the way in every journey and Sabine and Ben's journey was no different from any of ours. Sabine and Ben are the main characters in this wonderful book and they are beautifully crafted. They were true to life and believable. The secondary characters are just as richly developed as the main ones and you will like some and not like some, like Sabine's husband. I loved the snappy dialogue and I must say that I chuckled many times. It is so realistic! This story flowed well from beginning to end and although you may know what is coming , there are many surprises throughout. I felt every minute of this book. I was so rooting for Sabine and Ben. This is a wonderful book that I know everyone will enjoy. I know that I did. Great writing, great dialogue, great storyline! I recommend this one!
This is the third book in Susan Sands Alabama series. As another story unfolds with the Laroux family this one involves Ben, a handsome, successful lawyer with the reputation as a womanizer. Sabine O'Connor is aware of his past as she is the town's therapist, and it seems most everyone who has had a past with him comes to her for advice. She despises Ben for his actions and how unaware he is of how he uses women. As he begins to pursue Sabine in hopes of changing her mind about him, he is faced with the knowledge that she is not who he thought she was either. He soon finds himself becoming more involved with Sabine and trying to help her to escape a painful past and shameful family secrets. This is a wonderful book and one I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I can't wait to read more of her books!
I’m back with the Laroux family in Alabama. It’s been a while since I’ve visited with them but I’m glad to be back for that Sweet Home Alabama feeling. Forever Alabama is an entertaining story about the town’s golden boy and a relative newcomer. Ben Laroux is the youngest of the family and the only boy. He has quite the reputation as a ladies' man. Sabine is the new therapist in town and has heard all about Ben through her patients. She is not impressed and lets him know it. Sabine has a big secret, though. When that secret starts to intrude on her new life things get interesting. Plenty is going on in this story filled with family intrigue and excitement.
I simply loved this book-the characters, the plot, the setting! Ben Laroux sees himself as a nice guy to the woman he dates. He’s above board and lets them know he’s not going to settle down but the women don’t hear that and end up with broken hearts. Sabine O’Connor is a woman with secrets, lots of secrets that she is striving to keep. Ben is thrown when Sabine isn’t utterly taken by him and the pursuit begins. There is a lot more to the story than simply Ben’s desire to get to know and woo Sabine and all of it twists together for a great story.
In “Forever, Alabama” Susan Sands engages her readers with a new and exciting relationship between a successful lawyer and the local therapist. Every woman in Ministry has a thing for Ben Laroux, except for Sabine O’Connor, the town shrink/secrets’ keeper. Even if they haven’t really had the chance to spent time together, Sabine seems to have a particular adversity to Ben’s handsome façade.
Most of her fears are obvious consequences of her past and secret life, which needs to remain hidden. But Ben really wishes to have his chance, and when he finally steals her a date, both will discover overwhelming emotions, denied for too long.
But Sabine’s past could easily reach her and jeopardize all the efforts for a quiet, and joyous life.
I really like this new chapter in Ministry. Susan Sands can captivate her readers from the very first pages. I found this third book of the Alabama Series more intriguing and suspenseful than the previous ones, and as always, the author describes the characters amazingly with all their values and flaws, and this makes them so familiar and real.
I enjoyed the way Ben and Sabine connected and developed a sparkling and deep relationship. Moreover, this book of the series highlights the importance of the family bond but in a new light. Sometimes family represents our main strength and anchor. In other cases, through adversity, it helps us to find our own path. This book is very well written and a delight to read. I highly recommend it.