Hamelin Stoop: The Eagle, the Cave, and the Footbridge

Hamelin Stoop #1

by Robert B. Sloan

Hamelin is only a few weeks old as he and his parents, Johnnie and Simon, flee from trackers. Certain of their eventual capture and desperate for their son's survival, Johnnie and Simon devise a plan that lands Hamelin in a nearby orphanage. As Hamelin grows up in this nontraditional home, people begin to notice that he is "always looking for something or someone else."

After their inevitable capture, Hamelin's parents are imprisoned in a nearby world under the control of the ruthless Ren'dal, all the while remembering the son they have abandoned. As Hamelin grows, he learns to deal with some of life's biggest challenges: making friends, dealing with bullies, and understanding why the people he cares about the most always have to leave him.

When the children's home forgets his eighth birthday, Hamelin decides to run away. This decision, however, proves to be something more--a summons from the Ancient One. Guided by the Great Eagle through a mysterious cave, Hamelin is immediately put to a dangerous test of courage. He soon discovers that the answers to his personal issues of identity, parents, and home are tied up with otherworldly battles between kingdoms of good and evil, powerful rulers, and a journey across the Tunnel of Times to the Atrium of the Worlds. Hamelin comes to discover the true weight of fear and courage as he realizes he is called to embark on an amazing adventure that is bigger than himself. His failures and hopes become part of a larger story where the old myths of magic, evil contracts, and enslaved children turn out to be real.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Childrens

323 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2016

About the author

Robert is married to his college sweetheart, Sue. With seven married children and over twenty grandchildren, they enjoy large family gatherings with good food and lively conversation around the table. Favorite family activities include role-playing games, writing and reading stories, and, of course, storytelling. Robert is also a University president and scholar.

Reviews

[Bonnie DeMoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Hamelin Stoop is an exciting young adult fantasy adventure series in the vein of Harry Potter. It could definitely be the next big thing.

Hamelin was found abandoned on the front stoop of an orphanage, but the story of Hamelin's "abandonment" is told in the first few chapters. Hamelin runs away from the orphanage when he is 8 years old, and then he begins to learn more about his parents and his true purpose.

This is a great good vs. evil adventure series. I would recommend this to anyone over 10 years old who enjoys fantasy, adventure, and good vs. evil stories.

[Nana Spark · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like the author didn't know if he wanted to write an innocent middle grade novel or a full scale horror-ish, adventure young adult novel. The descriptions of actions and paths the characters are taking, the "other world" world building, and character development were a bit off but the descriptions of Hamelin's childhood were nice.

ℹ Disclosure:
I received an arc copy of this book from 12 Gates Publishing via NetGalley and I’m reviewing it voluntarily.

[Melissa C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Technically this is a 3.5 stars book. It is better than an Okish book but not grabbing me that much as my 4 stars books.

I was under the impression that this is a middle school fantasy but man, the first few chapters are way darker. The beginning is pretty much a YA to me.

The story overall is a bit of a slow-burn, but it really hooked me to finish it and see what happened to Hamelin's parents, though the truth is I may find it out in the next book.

I've been suspicious all the way until the end as many adults around Hamelin are capable to be bad guys. This is my fav part of the book.

I'd recommend to older middle school readers or younger YA readers, and any age adult readers to check it out if you are interested in a bit dark and a bit suspense in a fantasy novel. This may be a surprise to you.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice surprise and introduced an orphan baby named Hamelin whose mother is from another realm and who leaves him in the orphanage where she was saved just as she is captured by the other realm. The story shares some of what she and her husband (from our world) go through in the other, but overall the focus is on Hamelin as he grows up in the orphanage and he makes friends who love him and care for him, even as he wonders who he is. I was a bit concerned that some of the characters were acting extra nice to him because they had an ulterior motive, and that was a bit confusing to me, but overall, I loved how the people who did love him tried their best to give him good advice and support him as he made his choice, for good or for ill. While some things are resolved in this first book, the story is definitely not complete and I plan on moving forward in the series.

Thanks to #RobertBSloan and #BookSirens for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Eileen Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute kid's book and setting in Texas

[Thereadingbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so surprised by this book. I really enjoyed the story it was a story premised on good and evil. the story starts by talking about a girl named Johnnie who escapes from an evil lord named Ren’dal of Ventradees. Venrtradees is in another world and she is raised at the Upton County Children’s Home in west Texas, where she meets and marries a young worker at the home named Simon. They have a baby together. To save their son from being found by the trackers they leave him at the same children's home in a tomato box on the screen porch. Johnny and Simon are taken to Ventradees where they are punished. Ren'dal is angry and wants the child their child. The staff at the orphanage find the baby on the porch and name him Hamelin Stoop. A struggle is going on in the other world, and a princess named Charissa is captured. Hamlin grows up in the children's home. When the children’s home forgets his eighth birthday, Hamelin sneaks away at night and, guided by a Great Eagle through a mysterious cave, soon discovers that he is being summoned by the Ancient One. He doesn't cross the bridge yet but he finds it. This story is filled with adventure for Hamlin but his parents are being tortured and forced to have another baby after they are beaten. There child is important Hamlin is important. This was a good fantasy story and I will continue reading this series.

[Mark Buxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

What worked:
Infant Hamelin’s parents drop him off at an orphanage to avoid capture by trackers. His father even pretends to kill Hamelin to throw the hunters off his trail. The book annually follows Hamelin’s life growing up at the orphanage and how most of the children and adults he meets display kindness, except for a bully at school. Readers will feel empathy for Hamelin due to his gentle nature and how he suffers when wondering what’s missing from his life. In addition, his closest friends at the orphanage slowly leave until he feels like he needs to do something. Adults have told him there are wonderful things coming in his future so readers will anticipate and ponder the many possibilities.
The subplot of Hamelin’s parents, Johnnie and Simon, is intriguing since an evil ruler named Ren’dal has plans for the couple. Johnnie possesses an unexpected ability but her child is the valuable object Ren’dal wants. The actual scheme is unknown but Ren’dal’s father, Chimera, thinks he can use Johnnie’s son to gain more power. This presents a huge conflict as Johnnie and Simon don’t want their child to be used by these evil men. They know their son (Hamelin) is better off surviving away from them and they fear what might happen if they have another. However, what will happen if they disappoint Ren’dal?
It seems as though many of the characters have secrets or pay special attention to Hamelin. These moments will make readers wonder about their motives and what they may be hiding. Owners and workers at the orphanage are often watching Hamelin but what are they thinking? Are they just feeling sorry for this kind little boy or is there something about their pasts we don’t know about? Hamelin’s most loved friends, Bryan and Layla, are hiding something about their pasts. The brother and sister remain part of Hamelin’s life even after leaving the orphanage and they believe his incredible stories about the eagle and the cave. However, this may be because they aren’t telling Hamelin everything they know.
What didn’t work as well:
The early chapters of the book alternate between Hamelin being left at an orphanage as an infant and his parents’ capture. Readers know they’re related but they feel like two separate plots. Then, halfway into the book, there’s a chapter about a princess named Carissa. It’s unclear how everything goes together until the conclusion begins to focus everything in one direction.
The Final Verdict:
The story feels unfinished, and I guess that’s true, as the conclusion leads right into the sequel rather than actually resolving a problem. However, this may make the next book clearer from the start since the scenario and background story will have already been established. Overall, this book may appeal to teenage readers who enjoy blending the real world with their imaginations.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the opening chapter, readers will be enthralled with this heart-stopping adventure. Simon and his wife Johnnie, are new parents and take drastic measures to protect their newborn from being captured by Ren'dal's forces. A glimpse into that dark world is only a part of the story line.

The parallel story involves Hamelin Stoop, the youngest resident at an orphanage. Having been abandoned as a baby, the only family he knows are the staff at the orphanage and the fellow orphans who live there. Unfortunately, employees leave for other opportunities and fellow orphans grow up and move away. On his 9th birthday, when his special day had been utterly forgotten, Hamelin decides he'll run away. He stumbles on a cave and meets a majestic eagle (that can talk!). He follows him until he comes to a footbridge and there his courage fails him and he runs back to the orphanage.

From that time forward, he is haunted by the images of the cave he found, the eagle who spoke and the humiliating failure at crossing the footbridge. The next few years he cannot get the adventure out of his mind and confides in the two people he is closest to: siblings Bryan and Layla. They make a point of tying to visit Hamelin each summer and try to help him make sense of his strange encounter with the eagle.

Be forewarned, the book ends with a cliff hanger so readers will want to stay tuned for the continuation of the tale. In spite of the unresolved ending, readers will relate to Hamelin's struggles to fit in at school, to stand up to bullies and to find his place in the world. With the help of loving friends and some wise teachers, Hamelin learns valuable life lessons.

The Eagle, The Cave, and the Footbridge offers adventure, mystery, and suspense as well as a hint at deeper meaning behind the story. I highly recommend this book as a family read aloud for ages 8 and up (there is a bit of violence in the beginning). Reading aloud as a family provides opportunity to discuss similar struggles kids may be facing at school but also provides opportunities to explore ways the story is allegorical. I loved how a number of classic children's books were woven into the storyline. It makes for an awesome reading list to tackle while waiting for the sequel to come out!

Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of The Eagle, the Cave, and the Footbridge from BookSirens for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.

[Wayne Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A girl named Johnnie escapes from an evil lord named Ren’dal of Ventradees in another world and is raised at the Upton County Children’s Home in west Texas, where she grows up, marries a young worker at the home named Simon, and has a baby. But when trackers from Ren’dal appear, she abandons her baby boy in a tomato box inside the screened porch of the same children’s home before she and Simon are taken to Ventradees. The staff at the orphanage name him Hamelin Stoop. Meanwhile, a great struggle is going on in the other world, and a princess named Charissa is captured. When the children’s home forgets his eighth birthday, Hamelin sneaks away at night and, guided by the Great Eagle through a mysterious cave, soon discovers that he is being summoned by the Ancient One.

What is Hamelin’s mission? Can he pass a dangerous test of courage? And will he ever learn his real name, find his parents, and thus discover his true identity? This young adult fantasy novel is Book 1 in the Hamelin Stoop series. Its fast-paced narrative instantly captures one’s attention and holds it throughout. There is some juggling of diverse characters who appear and disappear, and the story reads slowly at times, but it is still interesting, unpredictable, and hard to put down. Unfortunately, much modern fantasy for middle school grades often has too much junk that goes against the Bible. There are some magical objects within the story but nothing that most believers would find alarming, cringeworthy, questionable, or against the word of God

Rather, Hamelin Stoop has a lot of nuggets that foreshadow the Bible and offers something that has been lacking in a lot of modern fantasy—a deep understanding of the true nature of good and evil. The book, with its adventure and danger, also provides ample opportunities for talking about bullying, fear, courage, change, friendship, and similar characteristics and situations. Author Robert B. Morse apparently intends that there will eventually be six or seven books in the series encompassing the entire Bible within the completed set. The first book basically builds up for the action of the second one, enabling the reader to know the characters and see what they go through. The first sequel, published in 2017, is entitled The Lost Princess and the Jewel of Periluna.

[Answer Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hamelin Stoop: The Eagle, the Cave, and the Footbridge is the kind of story that feels both wonderfully new and instantly classic. It doesn't just invite you into a world of adventure it places you at the heart of a mystery that is as personal as it is epic, promising a journey that resonates with the most fundamental human quests for identity, courage, and home.
The strength of this tale lies in its powerful, mythic simplicity. A boy, a perilous choice, and a calling from across a great divide these are the timeless elements of legend, yet here they are rendered with fresh urgency and heart. Hamelin Stoop himself is a protagonist who earns our empathy and our hope from the very beginning. His journey away from fear and toward the unknown challenge of the footbridge is a metaphor made thrillingly real, a physical and spiritual passage that readers of all ages will invest in completely.
The world-building is subtle yet profound. The rules of this land where choices have weight and calling requires a response create a narrative landscape that feels rich with meaning and danger. The titular eagle, cave, and footbridge are not just set pieces; they are symbols woven seamlessly into an active plot, each representing a test, a refuge, or a leap of faith that Hamelin must confront.
This is a clean, compelling fantasy in the finest tradition, where the battle between light and darkness is fought in the human heart as much as in the wider world. It's a story that champions integrity, perseverance, and the importance of answering a call, no matter how daunting. The pacing is masterful, balancing moments of quiet character development with pulses of genuine suspense and wonder.
Hamelin Stoop: The Eagle, the Cave, and the Footbridge is a brilliant beginning. It is the perfect read for anyone who loves stories where the adventure is external, but the stakes are profoundly internal. For fans of timeless allegory, heroic coming-of-age tales, and fantasies that linger in the mind long after the last page, this book is a beacon. A truly impressive and promising start.

[Sara Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hamelin Stoop was so named because Hamelin was one of the few legible words from the message his mother had left with him and because he was found on the stoop of the orphanage. The book chronicles his life from shortly after his birth until about halfway through his 11th year. He struggles with being the baby of the group, being bullied, and watching the adults and "older siblings" leave the orphanage. He also met a talking eagle.

The Eagle, the Cave, and the Footbridge draws on a lot of classic fiction, specifically the works of George MacDonald and the ideas of C.S. Lewis. And while Hamelin lives solidly in an ordinary world, there is a moment in which he steps through the wardrobe, so to speak. And he fails miserably with his task. And he goes back home. And the failure haunts him for a very, very long time.

Even though he is a child, and quite a young child for the majority of his adventures, Hamelin learns to trust others, care for those who are weak, persevere through difficulties, and discern both the right thing to do and the right time to do it. And the reader watches him grow and mature, not because he always makes the right decision, but because he always learns from his decisions and choices.

This book took me a really long time to read. It started out super fast-paced with a couple on the run, then quickly switched over to their baby boy growing up at an orphanage. There was also the beginning of a side story in the middle of the book about three princesses which was barely connected to the story. At least, barely connected so far. But despite the way it started, I'm glad I read it. Not only did the pacing pick up near the middle of the book, there were also many meaningful conversations and discoveries for both Hamelin and me. It was a delight to be a part of his journey and I look forward to seeing how his adventure continues.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Liesbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This author has a different approach to a story that doesn’t let you jump into a crazy action story and…it is so different of what I normally read. Most stories head into the action immediately, where the character of the story is already grown up and suddenly realize they have powers or coming from a different dimension or land.

The journey begins when Hamelin’s parents left him at the orphanage. They gave him up because there are trackers tracking them and they want to capture them and their child. I love it that you can read about Hamelin’s parents journey back to the twilight lands.

The story follows Hamelin as he grows up, but things start to happen when everybody at the orphanage forgets his 8th Birthday and he decides to run away. As if pushed by the weather or the unusual sight of a big eagle flying over him, he finds himself into a dark cave. There the golden eagle he saw before is waiting for him. He begins his journey through the dark and unfamiliar cave. Where is he going?

This is a slow building story where the main character, Hamelin gets a taste of the adventure. And when a frightening obstacle stands before him, he has a natural human reaction to it, being scared and walk away from the danger that is lurking in the dark. Will he get another chance to overcome his fears and set this right? Because the eagle said he had lost his chance now.

The story revolves around life in an orphanage, the ups and the downs and the bullies in school. It is a nice story nothing to excited but on the other hand by telling it this way, deepening the mystery of what is yet to come.

[Kim Slye · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Eagle, the Cave, and the Footbridge is a growing up, epic adventure of a man and woman from different worlds who give birth to a baby born while on the run. Hamelin is left on the back stoop of the children’s home where his mother spent a few years when she escaped from Ran’dal, her wicked keeper.

When Hamlet is 8 years old he decides to run away one night and is caught is a blinding storm. He makes his way to a cave to find shelter and discovers an eagle who tells him they must hurry to complete his task. Hamelin is too young and afraid to follow the eagle. He turns back and returns to the children’s home.

This story has so many layers and seemingly divergent parts that only begins to make some sense well into the book. The storytelling is complex and often motivations are hidden with only a few clues dribbles like breads crumbs along the way. The editing is excellent. When the book ended, I immediately wanted to continue the journey to find out the “whys” and “what happens?”

This isn’t a fast read. It takes its time to roll out and revelations come slowly, but they do come. There’s wisdom to be gained as choices are made and consequences both favorable and difficult are experienced. Loss and struggle are revealed as character makers and exposers. A myriad of characters come and go, some seemingly introduced for a moment in passing and others bring guidance and light to the journey causing reflection in both Hamelin and this reader.

Read and take your time. Don’t rush the book or yourself. You’ll be glad you did.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! What a great story!! It held me captivated most of the night and when I looked up it was daylight! I thought wow! Where did the night go lol!
But really I truly enjoyed what was happening in the book. In fact I was in the book itself! I was at the mouth of the cave right along with Ben, Layla and Hamelin and wanting to fall into it! Now that was creepy!
I immediately loved the older couple that moved into rhe children's home except that I couldn't stand the lady's sing songy voice. For some reason it grated on my nerves! I guess cause I could actually hear her doing it!! I will say she did have a heart of gold!
This series in a way reminds me of the Harry Potter series but much better!!
The author has done a great job on this book on bringing the characters to life and taking me along for the ride.
This is a young adult book but I still liked it because it was a refreshing read. I loved it too that it was told in 1st person ( I can connect better when it's told in 1st person) and not present tense. A very delicious and delightful read!
My thanks to the publisher for an early read of this book NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this book to be quite disturbing, especially coming from an author that claims to be a Christian pastor. I found no redemptive quality in this book.

First, the writing was vague and lacked a depth of development. A Third of the way through the book, I still couldn’t figure out why the main characters were running away and who they were running away from. The story blends so much real world experience with fantasy creation, that it’s hard to know what is going on and who is being referred to. We’re frequently introduced to a god-like character called Ren-dal, and yet we only know his name and are expected to fear him. Made-up terms are used to describe the other world without defining what those terms mean.

Secondly, I found the amount of child abandonment, torture, child enslavement, and forced sex for the purposes of conception to be unacceptable for a book intended for children. The book cover conveys a fun fantasy story when this book is anything but. I was intrigued enough to want to read to the end and find out if there was any sort of redemption. However, I found myself dreading having to pick up the book and only finished half of it.

[Heidi | Paper Safari Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written fantasy story. Hamelin is left by his parents on the steps of a childrens home to save his life. While his parents are taken back to the other realm Hamelin is raised in this time in West Texas. As he grows up he starts to encounter strange things and at one point is taken to meet his destiny but he isn't ready to move beyond his fear. With the help of his friends from the childrens home he is able to piece together more of his past and discover what might have happened to his parents. This story really fleshed out the characters in this series and I felt really invested in Hamelin and success. The magical mysteries aren't fully revealed to us in this story but I'm hoping we learn more in future books. This is a good start to a new series. I can't wait to read about what awaits Hamelin in the other realm and whether he missed his opportunity to change things when he tried to get there the first time.

I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys fantasy and who may have liked the Narnia series.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this young adult adventure very much, although, it didn't end!! Now, I will seek out the next book in this series.

I grew to like the main character, Hamelin Stoop and those he grew close to while living at the Children's home.

I gave this book a four instead of a five because some of the plot lines were hard to follow, not really knowing what connection everyone in the other realm had to each other.

I received a free copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Book Siren!

[Ejayen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am mad this stupid computer somehow didn't save my review of this book. Not that the review was any good because said stupid computer wasn't allowing me to type. But I suppose I should also say that I picked up a review copy of this book.
I wouldn't really say this is a middle-grade book, it's a book some middle-grade readers will love, others may find too boring, and a few more may have their parents say no.
If I had read this ten years ago I would have loved it, if just for the mention of The Princess and The Goblin.
The title says it all, but it leaves so much out.

[Lindy Hoppr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a a fun book with great characters. Hamelin is fleshed outback exactly a step a young boy, brave but also not always, and the princess has such a great arc i hope we see more of her. The hero's journey is tight and well paced. Can't wait for the sequel. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A baby left on the porch of an orphanage. His parents totally disappear - into another realm. And that is just the beginning of an amazing story!!! Read it if you want to be sucked into a great book!!Oh my word - this book grabs you on page one and does not stop!!!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Kat M · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a neat young adult novel, I read the three together and they were exactly how I wanted my young adult series to go. The world was built wonderfully and magically and the characters were great, The first book in the series was a good start and each book got better.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me of a fantastical version of Annie. An orphan longing to know their true identity goes on a journey to discover who they really are. A must read for fans of C.S. Lewis and Tolkien. My kids loved it and we can’t wait to read the next one!

[Jonnie N. Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good adventure story

[Amber Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer* I received this as a free ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are my own and are in no way influenced by another party.

This book is a good start to what I hope to be a very captivating story and adventure. I love a good orphan, chosen one story--Series of Unfortunate Events, Harry Potter, or Chronicles of Narnia anyone?--and I did enjoy book one of this series, so much so in fact, that I immediately began book two upon finishing.

What I liked:

The characters were very easy to care for. I really enjoyed the friendship between Hamelin and his two best friends, Layla and Bryan. In the beginning chapters, I liked the staff who took him in and cared for him like family.

The flashbacks to his parents and his own past was a wild ride and added a larger sense of adventure to the beginning chapters, as well as, established the evil entity within the storyline without giving away all the mystery, which I thought was quite well done.

The last 30-25% of the book really gripped me and made me want to continue reading!

What could have been better:

I'm not sure this is purely YA, at least the beginning chapters, with Hamelin being only a small child, feel more like a Middle-Grade novel. That being said, I wouldn't consider it Middle-Grade due to the violence that occurs in the flashbacks with his parents. I guess I wish that distinction would be a little clearer.

I wish the whole book could have swept me up in suspense and excitement like the last few chapters. Overall I wonder if this series wouldn't have been paced more effectively as a duology or even a longer, stand-alone novel, but I suppose I'll have to wait and see how the other two books work to see if that would be a viable option.

Check out this review and others on my book blog: https://amberrybooks.wordpress.com/

[Bryan Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. My daughters have read it multiple times.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I am a little old to read this book. I did enjoy it. A good, clean read for those that have family reading time.

[Joannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hamelin Stoop is a great young character. Many elements of the story hint at the tidbit of fantasy that is included in this volume, always alluding to something or someone on "the other side." I really enjoyed the roles of Hamelin's parents and the struggles they go through on "the other side." The first 3 chapters are a bit choppy, but they are short chapters. Once those 3 are passed, the book improves tremendously. It's a fast read with lots of short chapters, and I could see it being great for anyone older than 10 years old. I'm excited to read Volume 2!

Update: the first book is totally worth it for the sequel!

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first book in a new middle-grade fantasy series was a bit of a slow start, setting up Hamelin's background and introducing some other characters for future books, but it was definitely interesting enough to keep me reading. In some ways, this story reminded me of the Chronicles of Narnia series (and its title HAS to be a nod to/inspired by "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"). The writing didn't have the same whimsical style used by C. S. Lewis, but it was good, nonetheless. I look forward to Hamelin's further adventures in the Land of Gloaming!

I received an e-ARC from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bryan Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storytelling, and I really loved it being a native Texan. Can't wait for the rest of the series.

[Ava Waters · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was a really cute, sweet story.