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Escape & Freedom
Two women escaping their own demons. One stuck in the past, the other a very real present.
Lucy Owens’ life was irrevocably changed in a matter of seconds. Life as she knew it was over in the blink of an eye. Moving away from all that she knew, Lucy now lives a solitary life in her cabin on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Filled with guilt and pain, she keeps herself to herself, and for years she manages to avoid immersing back into society.
Nicole Granger has three small children to worry about. Always looking over her shoulder, they arrive at the lake with very little to call their own. Haunted by years of physical abuse, she longs to belong again, to bring normality to her girls’ lives for the first time.
Both women are pulled towards one another in an attraction that could bring both of them their freedom.
Lucy Owens’ life was irrevocably changed in a matter of seconds. Life as she knew it was over in the blink of an eye. Moving away from all that she knew, Lucy now lives a solitary life in her cabin on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Filled with guilt and pain, she keeps herself to herself, and for years she manages to avoid immersing back into society.
Nicole Granger has three small children to worry about. Always looking over her shoulder, they arrive at the lake with very little to call their own. Haunted by years of physical abuse, she longs to belong again, to bring normality to her girls’ lives for the first time.
Both women are pulled towards one another in an attraction that could bring both of them their freedom.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 2018
149 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Claire Highton-Stevenson
43 books369 followersAward-Winning and best selling, Claire Highton-Stevenson is an Independent author of contemporary romance and crime novels.
Having worked for many years in emergency services, Claire now spends her time writing, traveling, researching ancestry, following Liverpool FC and enjoying life as much as possible.
She lives in West Sussex, UK. Along with her wife and fur babies.
Having worked for many years in emergency services, Claire now spends her time writing, traveling, researching ancestry, following Liverpool FC and enjoying life as much as possible.
She lives in West Sussex, UK. Along with her wife and fur babies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
June 7, 2019
4.5*
I liked this book much more than I thought I would. I had only read two books by this author so far (the first two in the Cam Thomas series) and they didn’t really work for me. This one, though, totally did. I listened to it on audiobook and Sarah Sampino’s narration also played a huge part in my enjoying it so much. Each character has their own voice, the children’s especially are very good.
It’s really not an easy story, and should probably come with a few trigger warnings. It’s about the meeting of two broken women and there are a few scenes of violence and abuse. They are not gratuitous and they are thankfully short. I felt the author dealt with them very carefully, sharing only as much as was needed but they can still feel quite intense.
So, the story. Lucy lost everything in an accident: the love of her life, her career, her friends. Even if she could forget, the scars on her body keep reminding her. She has left the UK for a very solitary life on the shores of Lake Tahoe, where, years later, she meets Nicole and her three young daughters, who are running away and hiding from an abusive husband and father.
One of my favorite things in this novel is the relationship between Lucy and Storm, the oldest child. I’m usually annoyed by too smart kids in books but with everything that little girl has gone through, I can see how that would make a child grow up fast. The interactions between Storm and Lucy melted my heart, I love how the child got Lucy to open up and come out of herself, beyond her pain.
Another thing I loved was how natural everything felt between Nicole and Lucy. It’s a slow burn romance in a relatively short time and it’s working. Each woman brings the best out of the other, and what else can you ask from a relationship?
There’s a lot of heartache in this novel, but love and life and hope win in the end, as they should.
I liked this book much more than I thought I would. I had only read two books by this author so far (the first two in the Cam Thomas series) and they didn’t really work for me. This one, though, totally did. I listened to it on audiobook and Sarah Sampino’s narration also played a huge part in my enjoying it so much. Each character has their own voice, the children’s especially are very good.
It’s really not an easy story, and should probably come with a few trigger warnings. It’s about the meeting of two broken women and there are a few scenes of violence and abuse. They are not gratuitous and they are thankfully short. I felt the author dealt with them very carefully, sharing only as much as was needed but they can still feel quite intense.
So, the story. Lucy lost everything in an accident: the love of her life, her career, her friends. Even if she could forget, the scars on her body keep reminding her. She has left the UK for a very solitary life on the shores of Lake Tahoe, where, years later, she meets Nicole and her three young daughters, who are running away and hiding from an abusive husband and father.
One of my favorite things in this novel is the relationship between Lucy and Storm, the oldest child. I’m usually annoyed by too smart kids in books but with everything that little girl has gone through, I can see how that would make a child grow up fast. The interactions between Storm and Lucy melted my heart, I love how the child got Lucy to open up and come out of herself, beyond her pain.
Another thing I loved was how natural everything felt between Nicole and Lucy. It’s a slow burn romance in a relatively short time and it’s working. Each woman brings the best out of the other, and what else can you ask from a relationship?
There’s a lot of heartache in this novel, but love and life and hope win in the end, as they should.
July 21, 2018
I don't think I've come across a Claire Highton-Stevenson book I've not enjoyed. Everyone of them so far as kept me gripped to the story line... and Escape and Freedom is another one of them books.
The story is about 2 woman trying to cope with 2 very different and difficult issues that they come across at that point in thier lives, its also about learning to love again, not just each other, but to love themselves again too. It's about how to cope as a family, and to learn how to trust. About moving on and being happy.
You have 2 main characters. Lucy and Nicole. Both characters are very likable and believable, and the author as managed to get the chemistry to flow between them from the start of the story.
The reason I didn't give it a five star... the chemistry and the seriousness of there relationship seemed to spark too quickly for me... but that's just me!! I like stories to be a little slower, but to be fair, in this story, its a little hard to do that! (read the book and you will find out what I'm on about.)
Just like to point out that the story may contain distressing issues for some. But the issues are dealt with sensitively.
The story is about 2 woman trying to cope with 2 very different and difficult issues that they come across at that point in thier lives, its also about learning to love again, not just each other, but to love themselves again too. It's about how to cope as a family, and to learn how to trust. About moving on and being happy.
You have 2 main characters. Lucy and Nicole. Both characters are very likable and believable, and the author as managed to get the chemistry to flow between them from the start of the story.
The reason I didn't give it a five star... the chemistry and the seriousness of there relationship seemed to spark too quickly for me... but that's just me!! I like stories to be a little slower, but to be fair, in this story, its a little hard to do that! (read the book and you will find out what I'm on about.)
Just like to point out that the story may contain distressing issues for some. But the issues are dealt with sensitively.
August 17, 2018
So I just adored this book!
The story centres around two very different women, with unique backgrounds and their own demons, who together fight their fears and become stronger as a result. My heart broke for both Nicole and Lucy as they embarked on this journey after their paths crossed upon both trying to escape horrors in their lives.
The wonder of these characters is slowly revealed as their relationship develops but of course it isn’t all plain sailing. The story was action packed, starting most spectacularly and moving on to deal with sensitive issues, which were all handled very well and balanced with the happy and the sad just right to create an epic romance!
It also contained the right amount of humour, and love to make you fall in love with all the characters, but the show is definitely stolen by the children! 8 year old Storm is inquisitive and loving, instantly making her likeable and her friendship with Lucy is just magical. As for Summer and Rain, 4 year old twins who will provide you will some of the best giggles ever!
A brilliant book, providing a rollercoaster ride of emotion, hard to put down and a must read!
The story centres around two very different women, with unique backgrounds and their own demons, who together fight their fears and become stronger as a result. My heart broke for both Nicole and Lucy as they embarked on this journey after their paths crossed upon both trying to escape horrors in their lives.
The wonder of these characters is slowly revealed as their relationship develops but of course it isn’t all plain sailing. The story was action packed, starting most spectacularly and moving on to deal with sensitive issues, which were all handled very well and balanced with the happy and the sad just right to create an epic romance!
It also contained the right amount of humour, and love to make you fall in love with all the characters, but the show is definitely stolen by the children! 8 year old Storm is inquisitive and loving, instantly making her likeable and her friendship with Lucy is just magical. As for Summer and Rain, 4 year old twins who will provide you will some of the best giggles ever!
A brilliant book, providing a rollercoaster ride of emotion, hard to put down and a must read!
July 31, 2018
Absolutely brilliant. Ugh the feels. Especially with kidlettes involved. Wow.
I think what I loved most about it is when there is conflict, and there was plenty of that, it was the two MC's against the world. Rather than at each other's throats, which is too often a common theme. This was so much better for it.
I'm pretty sure this one goes into the re read pile. Not too many books sit in that space.
What a terrific book. Loved it.
I think what I loved most about it is when there is conflict, and there was plenty of that, it was the two MC's against the world. Rather than at each other's throats, which is too often a common theme. This was so much better for it.
I'm pretty sure this one goes into the re read pile. Not too many books sit in that space.
What a terrific book. Loved it.
August 9, 2018
Escape & Freedom captures the beauty of a love that outshines even the darkest pain and danger.
At twenty-two, Lucy Owens was sitting on top of the world. Her band performed successfully in England and was poised to tour for American audiences. Nicky Jackson loved Lucy and was the love of her young life. Then in the blink of an eye, Lucy lost it all and she was left barely clinging to a life that she didn't want anymore.
Lucy escaped to Lake Tahoe, CA and kept to herself as the years silently slipped away from her. Nicole Granger escaped a different kind of nightmare with only her three young daughters. They moved into the cabin next to Lucy and she worked hard to steer clear of her new neighbours. Nicole tried to reign in her adventurous and inquisitive girls, but Lucy exuded a magnetic pull.
The lesbian romance essential to Escape & Freedom rings true and feels right. Flashbacks from the main characters are interwoven with the plot like whispers and printed in italics. Emotional highs and lows arrive often and are handled expertly by Highton-Stevenson. The stories and characters commanded my complete attention and the pacing was almost perfect. A trio of Granger sisters are irresistible characters that bought a combination of pandemonium and stability to the storyline. Reading Escape & Freedom was a profoundly moving experience and I highly recommend it.
At twenty-two, Lucy Owens was sitting on top of the world. Her band performed successfully in England and was poised to tour for American audiences. Nicky Jackson loved Lucy and was the love of her young life. Then in the blink of an eye, Lucy lost it all and she was left barely clinging to a life that she didn't want anymore.
Lucy escaped to Lake Tahoe, CA and kept to herself as the years silently slipped away from her. Nicole Granger escaped a different kind of nightmare with only her three young daughters. They moved into the cabin next to Lucy and she worked hard to steer clear of her new neighbours. Nicole tried to reign in her adventurous and inquisitive girls, but Lucy exuded a magnetic pull.
The lesbian romance essential to Escape & Freedom rings true and feels right. Flashbacks from the main characters are interwoven with the plot like whispers and printed in italics. Emotional highs and lows arrive often and are handled expertly by Highton-Stevenson. The stories and characters commanded my complete attention and the pacing was almost perfect. A trio of Granger sisters are irresistible characters that bought a combination of pandemonium and stability to the storyline. Reading Escape & Freedom was a profoundly moving experience and I highly recommend it.
December 27, 2020
I liked this book very much. Very, very much. But I must recognize it's not a book for everyone. The circumstances that bring Lucy and Nicole together are really dreadful. Lucy has lost her career and the love of her life in an accident. Nicole and her three daughters have to flee an abusive husband. They end living in adjacent cabins at Lake Tahoe, and Storm — Nicole's eldest daughter — brings them together. The girls are adorable, although Storm was perhaps too mature for a 8 year-old girl. But, what can I say? I love stories with kids.
May 16, 2020
Loved it - kept me hooked, class story telling. Thank you.
August 15, 2019
This slow burn romance was a lovely surprise, there’s a gentleness in tone to the book and romance that really worked for me. Lucy Owens’ life forever changed in a matter of seconds, when she lost those closest to her, she now lives a life of isolation where she barely interacts with people, but when Nicole Granger arrives with her 3 little girls Lucy finds a unexpected and welcome reprieve from the cold life she has been living for years. Nicole has come to the shores of Lake Tahoe to escape an abusive husband and give her children the life they deserve, when she and Lucy meet, well things take an interesting and welcome turn.
The attraction and especially the affection between the two subtly weaves throughout the scenes, and it's clear to see that Lucy and Nicole in each other find freedom from the demons that figuratively and literally haunt them. I do think some of the writing when it came to the love scenes could have been more fluid and there was some intensity missing, but they weren’t bad.
Lucy as a character I really liked, I loved how she softly came back to life due to her interactions with Storm, the twins - Rain and Summer, and Nicole. And I loved how she put Nicole’s husband in his place in every interaction (I found myself smiling/grinning in delight a fair bit)- she’s wonderfully and fiercely protective. The kids in this were fab additions to the book/story, and I could picture them vividly in my mind. Nicole is a survivor and an ace mum, but I’m not going to lie Lucy is my favourite character – she seriously rocks.
Potential Triggers:
Acquired vi KU, I will be keeping a sharp on this book, fingers crossed the price drops as this is re-readable.
The attraction and especially the affection between the two subtly weaves throughout the scenes, and it's clear to see that Lucy and Nicole in each other find freedom from the demons that figuratively and literally haunt them. I do think some of the writing when it came to the love scenes could have been more fluid and there was some intensity missing, but they weren’t bad.
Lucy as a character I really liked, I loved how she softly came back to life due to her interactions with Storm, the twins - Rain and Summer, and Nicole. And I loved how she put Nicole’s husband in his place in every interaction (I found myself smiling/grinning in delight a fair bit)- she’s wonderfully and fiercely protective. The kids in this were fab additions to the book/story, and I could picture them vividly in my mind. Nicole is a survivor and an ace mum, but I’m not going to lie Lucy is my favourite character – she seriously rocks.
Potential Triggers:
Acquired vi KU, I will be keeping a sharp on this book, fingers crossed the price drops as this is re-readable.
October 14, 2018
I liked it 4.5*
If you like the author's Cam and Michelle series then you will enjoy this one. It deals with tragedy and death and abuse. The abuse made me cringe a bit as I am not one who is ever a fan of reading about it but it wasn't too graphic, just enough i think to get the point across.This book tells you the story of Lucy and Nicole and her three children and how they became a family. If you read the third book of the Cam and Michelle series then you will have already met this family. The kids were adorable and honestly the best part of the book. The relationship between Lucy and Storm was my favorite to read.
The author did a good job of writing each character and the chemistry among all of them was easily seen. I enjoyed the read. It was a good addition to world her other series takes place in.
If you like the author's Cam and Michelle series then you will enjoy this one. It deals with tragedy and death and abuse. The abuse made me cringe a bit as I am not one who is ever a fan of reading about it but it wasn't too graphic, just enough i think to get the point across.This book tells you the story of Lucy and Nicole and her three children and how they became a family. If you read the third book of the Cam and Michelle series then you will have already met this family. The kids were adorable and honestly the best part of the book. The relationship between Lucy and Storm was my favorite to read.
The author did a good job of writing each character and the chemistry among all of them was easily seen. I enjoyed the read. It was a good addition to world her other series takes place in.
October 16, 2018
This is my first read by Ms.Stevenson. This book is available on KU/Unavailable on Scribd. Kindle price USD5.99
In Man vs Food, Adam Richman usually has a glass/glasses of milk after consuming something spicy. A tip, the same goes for this story. Whatever that will help you to soothe the pain. I started reading this last night, accompanied by the Indonesian Dangdut League, it helped a bit.
Page 7, Ms. Stevenson ripped my heart out, placed it inside the meat grinder and ground it. It wasn't even the Kitchen Aid brand!
I cried for Lucy, I really felt her lost. Should I be with her at such time, I wouldn't know what to do nor say.
Ten years later, a family of four moved in nearby to Lucy's cottage. A family mistreated by the person that should have kept them safe and loved. The two hs treated each other cautiously. The kids however were a different case. Storm the 8 year old loved to talk and she really wanted to talk to Lucy. Lucy was reluctant at first, she had been alone and living silently for the past 1O years but gradually she couldn't resist the little girl especially after learning that the girl had scars of her own. Another session of waterworks, Dangdut wasn't working anymore. I needed a threesome, Ben and Jerry were invited to accompany me.
I'm not going to write much about Nicole, she was a victim, a survivor and a super mum but Lucy was the goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward of the story and the twins were the cheerleaders. Having Nicole and the three girls in her life was like a rebirth for Lucy. There was nothing that she wouldn't do for Nicole and the girls, she loved all of them unconditionally even the surprised addition.
After their hell and back journey, Lucy, Nicole, Storm, Summer and Rain got their well earned/deserved .......... I am truly happy for them but my heart still weeps for Nicola Abigale Jackson.
In Man vs Food, Adam Richman usually has a glass/glasses of milk after consuming something spicy. A tip, the same goes for this story. Whatever that will help you to soothe the pain. I started reading this last night, accompanied by the Indonesian Dangdut League, it helped a bit.
Page 7, Ms. Stevenson ripped my heart out, placed it inside the meat grinder and ground it. It wasn't even the Kitchen Aid brand!
I cried for Lucy, I really felt her lost. Should I be with her at such time, I wouldn't know what to do nor say.
Ten years later, a family of four moved in nearby to Lucy's cottage. A family mistreated by the person that should have kept them safe and loved. The two hs treated each other cautiously. The kids however were a different case. Storm the 8 year old loved to talk and she really wanted to talk to Lucy. Lucy was reluctant at first, she had been alone and living silently for the past 1O years but gradually she couldn't resist the little girl especially after learning that the girl had scars of her own. Another session of waterworks, Dangdut wasn't working anymore. I needed a threesome, Ben and Jerry were invited to accompany me.
I'm not going to write much about Nicole, she was a victim, a survivor and a super mum but Lucy was the goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward of the story and the twins were the cheerleaders. Having Nicole and the three girls in her life was like a rebirth for Lucy. There was nothing that she wouldn't do for Nicole and the girls, she loved all of them unconditionally even the surprised addition.
After their hell and back journey, Lucy, Nicole, Storm, Summer and Rain got their well earned/deserved .......... I am truly happy for them but my heart still weeps for Nicola Abigale Jackson.
July 11, 2020
Another Claire Highton-Stevenson audiobook, another great experience. Of the ones I have read so far, this is among my favorites of hers. The thing I love about this author's work is that you never know what you're going to get. She never writes the same story twice, she doesn't follow any hard and fast rule about what works, what doesn't... she seems to just go with her gut and heart. Whatever she does, it works. Claire writes characters that you fall in love with - in this case, MCs Lucy and Nicole, Nicole's three children (especially Storm) and the people in the small town that befriend them. Both women are running from their pasts, and fate - and Nicole's children - bring them together. This isn't an easy read at times - Nicole is escaping an abusive relationship. But the author deals with it in a real and respectful manner. Narrator Sarah Sampino did a good job bringing the book to life. Lucy is from the UK and Sampino pulls off the English accent nicely, while the bulk of the book and other characters are American. And then there are the children - so no easy feat. This is one of those that makes you want to slow down at the end because you just aren't ready to let them go. With every read, Highton-Stevenson is working her way up into my favorite authors list. I love the variety in her work and for the romantic in me, her romances hit the sweet spot. Recommend!
February 25, 2021
I loved this book. Both main characters are lovely and we get to know them well. Then there are the kids who play an important part. Storm, the eldest, especially is very nice and the way she bonded with Lucy was great to read. Despite abuse playing a role in the book, is was pleased that there was not a lot of angst. I think maybe because Lucy was determined to defend Nicole and her kids and because the author was able to convince me that Lucy was strong enough to do that, despite the slight disabilities she had as a result of the accident she was in. That accident left her not only physically but also emotionally scarred and lonely. After Lucy meets Nicole, Storm and the twins, her life changes and she slowly feels connected again to other people. That makes that she is able to put her past where it belongs, in the past and that she is able to start living again.
5 stars. I’ll certainly read this book again sometime.
Read this again and loved it still.
5 stars. I’ll certainly read this book again sometime.
Read this again and loved it still.
July 30, 2018
Gripping and emotional.
Tragedy, pain, heartbreak, survival, hope and love. There is a lot of emotions throughout the story. I was a little concerned that this story was going to be difficult to read because of the abuse but the author handled it with care and it wasn't too overwhelming. The slow-burn romance soften the story. I loved both women strength, bravery and resilience. Altogether a beautiful and gripping book about two broken women, family and finding happiness again. Definitely worth rereading.
Tragedy, pain, heartbreak, survival, hope and love. There is a lot of emotions throughout the story. I was a little concerned that this story was going to be difficult to read because of the abuse but the author handled it with care and it wasn't too overwhelming. The slow-burn romance soften the story. I loved both women strength, bravery and resilience. Altogether a beautiful and gripping book about two broken women, family and finding happiness again. Definitely worth rereading.
August 21, 2018
Beautiful story of pain and healing
Lovely story full of moments that brought me to tears, both happy and sad ones. The characters, two women with three little girls are all in stages of pain and suffering. One woman is debilitated by the pain of loss and injury, the other struggling with the pain of raising her children in a house of abuse and terror. Apart they live resigned to a life of emptiness and anguish. But maybe together they can heal as a family. Will the abusive, evil man the girls call Daddy smash their dreams for good? Or is a family stronger than any of them ever thought?
Lovely story full of moments that brought me to tears, both happy and sad ones. The characters, two women with three little girls are all in stages of pain and suffering. One woman is debilitated by the pain of loss and injury, the other struggling with the pain of raising her children in a house of abuse and terror. Apart they live resigned to a life of emptiness and anguish. But maybe together they can heal as a family. Will the abusive, evil man the girls call Daddy smash their dreams for good? Or is a family stronger than any of them ever thought?
June 5, 2019
This book could've easily been a miss for me, as it combines two things I don't particularly enjoy in books: . That being said, in this particular book, it worked for me and I really enjoyed my read. It was very emotional; I laughed and cried more than once. I like how the relationship between Nicole and Lucy was just so...easy. It was beautiful to witness their affection and growing love on the page. Storm melted my heart. Such a resilient child.
They all got the happy ending they deserve.
They all got the happy ending they deserve.
November 1, 2018
A really sweet love story between Lucy (a rock star before tragedy struck) and Nicole (a small time model who became SAHM with an abusive Husband). Story had all the drama, angst, romance and humour. Story was pretty ‘dark’ at times. The Granger kids were adorable and I thought Storm was too mature in her thinking for a 8 year old kid.
Lucy was described as stunning in the beginning and dashing when she went on a date with Nicole. Was confused for a second there - is she femme or butch?
An entertaining read and had my emotions on a rollercoaster when reading the book
4.25 ⭐️
Lucy was described as stunning in the beginning and dashing when she went on a date with Nicole. Was confused for a second there - is she femme or butch?
An entertaining read and had my emotions on a rollercoaster when reading the book
4.25 ⭐️
June 23, 2020
This is an extremely moving and powerful story. I couldn’t stop listening to it once I started. Lucy is struggling with painful memories and Nicole is running with her girls from an abusing spouse. They all have nightmares to deal with. The bond between Lucy and Nicole’s oldest child Storm is so special. The relationship between them helps to bring Lucy back to living again. This is one of those stories you need to experience for yourself. The narrator was very good. The difficult subject matter was handled with real care. I didn’t want it to end.
February 26, 2022
4.5 Stars - audible version
I really liked this one. I love a good "two broken people come together and find love and healing" story. Lucy is a secret bad-ass with a tragic past. Nicole is running for her life and her children from an abusive a-hole husband. Their slow burn journey and all the healing and character growth.... It was really lovely to read. I will 100% be re-listening to this one. If the premise sounds interesting to you, I can highly recommend.
I really liked this one. I love a good "two broken people come together and find love and healing" story. Lucy is a secret bad-ass with a tragic past. Nicole is running for her life and her children from an abusive a-hole husband. Their slow burn journey and all the healing and character growth.... It was really lovely to read. I will 100% be re-listening to this one. If the premise sounds interesting to you, I can highly recommend.
February 2, 2019
4 stars
First time reading this author, I was pleasantly surprised.
I just love books with kids, and the ones in this book were pretty great.
There was a solid plot and the story was very raw, emotional.
But the writing style confused me a bit until I got used to it.
First time reading this author, I was pleasantly surprised.
I just love books with kids, and the ones in this book were pretty great.
There was a solid plot and the story was very raw, emotional.
But the writing style confused me a bit until I got used to it.
August 3, 2018
Beautiful
This was a great story about survival and love. Lucy had given up on life before she met the Granger brood,and Nicole was just looking for a normal life without violence. These two find love and happiness again with each other. Ms. Stevenson has a new fan loved this book.
This was a great story about survival and love. Lucy had given up on life before she met the Granger brood,and Nicole was just looking for a normal life without violence. These two find love and happiness again with each other. Ms. Stevenson has a new fan loved this book.
July 14, 2018
This is a nice, slow-paced romance that is also a family story. Like The Promise, it has a character moving on after the death of her significant other, but under completely different circumstances. Lucy loses the love of her life quite suddenly at the very beginning, and as such, she hasn't made a promise to love again. Instead she isolates herself from the world for years on end, until she gets invaded by the Grangers!
Lucy was my favorite in this book because she's a compelling character, very quiet and withdrawn but absolutely selfless when she sees someone who needs help. In this case, that's Nicole Granger and her kids. Nicole, like Lucy, has had a rather traumatic past. While Lucy has been in her self-imposed exile, Nicole has been living with an abusive husband, and has finally gotten away with her three kids. The little girls are sweet and charming, and the oldest of them, 8-year-old Storm, starts shipping her mom and Lucy like crazy. I was shipping them like crazy too!
At the end of the day, it's a story of two broken women who help each other figure out how to become whole again, the sort of story that makes you feel hopeful. It's never rushed but unfolds at just the right speed. You won't regret reading it.
Lucy was my favorite in this book because she's a compelling character, very quiet and withdrawn but absolutely selfless when she sees someone who needs help. In this case, that's Nicole Granger and her kids. Nicole, like Lucy, has had a rather traumatic past. While Lucy has been in her self-imposed exile, Nicole has been living with an abusive husband, and has finally gotten away with her three kids. The little girls are sweet and charming, and the oldest of them, 8-year-old Storm, starts shipping her mom and Lucy like crazy. I was shipping them like crazy too!
At the end of the day, it's a story of two broken women who help each other figure out how to become whole again, the sort of story that makes you feel hopeful. It's never rushed but unfolds at just the right speed. You won't regret reading it.
October 20, 2018
I was excited to read this book because I'd already read Claire's other book The Promise.
I wanted to give it somewhere between four and five... but it was closer to five and giving it a four seemed harsh seeing as I enjoyed my read through.
The three children were cute, the interactions between the two main leads were heart-warming. But I have to admit it was a tough act to follow when I'd already been moved to tears by the Promise so I guess my perception was already coloured by expectation.
It's a mostly fluffy read, lots of healing and building up. If there was something I would critique maybe more interaction between Nicole and Lucy. I think it was a little less powerful for me with them getting together than it was for the "Main" pair in The Promise. It's not really fair of me to compare the two when the themes explored are different and the tone is as well.
But maybe if the novel had started when Lucy met Nicole it may have been stronger?
Perhaps I started comparing it to other 'thrillers' or more action oriented novels because of the clear 'villain' this time. (and what an arse (kind word) of a villain they are in this story -.-)
Anyways, I enjoyed the novel, give it a 5 because we can't give . scores and what the hell, I enjoyed reading it :)
I wanted to give it somewhere between four and five... but it was closer to five and giving it a four seemed harsh seeing as I enjoyed my read through.
The three children were cute, the interactions between the two main leads were heart-warming. But I have to admit it was a tough act to follow when I'd already been moved to tears by the Promise so I guess my perception was already coloured by expectation.
It's a mostly fluffy read, lots of healing and building up. If there was something I would critique maybe more interaction between Nicole and Lucy. I think it was a little less powerful for me with them getting together than it was for the "Main" pair in The Promise. It's not really fair of me to compare the two when the themes explored are different and the tone is as well.
But maybe if the novel had started when Lucy met Nicole it may have been stronger?
Perhaps I started comparing it to other 'thrillers' or more action oriented novels because of the clear 'villain' this time. (and what an arse (kind word) of a villain they are in this story -.-)
Anyways, I enjoyed the novel, give it a 5 because we can't give . scores and what the hell, I enjoyed reading it :)
February 3, 2021
Such a wonderful story! Yes, it's hard to read sometimes, it deals with loss, grief and abuse and those are touchy subjects. But it's done in such a sensible, respectful way that it makes it easier to read. Not easy, but easier.
Lucy and Nicole are both wounded by their pasts when they meet and had it not been for Storm I don't think they would have reach for each other. And that brings me to Lucy and Storm relationship, which was so sweet and rewarding for both of them. And yes, maybe Storm sounds too mature for an 8 years-old but let's not forget that she had gone through a lot and had to grow quickly.
The romance advances slowly although it does it in a short time, if that made sense to you; it did for me :P One of the things I enjoyed more was how it wasn't only about falling in love with each other, but also about learning to love themselves again.
And the sense of family along the whole book is so strong! I liked that, too.
There was only one point that... I wouldn't say I didn't like it but strongly disagreed? . But it's just a minor issue and didn't lessen my enjoyment of the story as a whole.
And Sarah Sampino's narration was gorgeous.
Lucy and Nicole are both wounded by their pasts when they meet and had it not been for Storm I don't think they would have reach for each other. And that brings me to Lucy and Storm relationship, which was so sweet and rewarding for both of them. And yes, maybe Storm sounds too mature for an 8 years-old but let's not forget that she had gone through a lot and had to grow quickly.
The romance advances slowly although it does it in a short time, if that made sense to you; it did for me :P One of the things I enjoyed more was how it wasn't only about falling in love with each other, but also about learning to love themselves again.
And the sense of family along the whole book is so strong! I liked that, too.
There was only one point that... I wouldn't say I didn't like it but strongly disagreed? . But it's just a minor issue and didn't lessen my enjoyment of the story as a whole.
And Sarah Sampino's narration was gorgeous.
August 13, 2018
AMAZING!!!!!!!!
If you thought the Promise was good prepare to have your mind blown by this one.Two very different people with complex ,emotional and physical backgrounds come together to escape their pasts on the shores of Lake Tahoe With the aid of 3 wonderfully funny straight talking young children.It grabs you from the very first line and you don’t want to put it down until the last full stop.
If you thought the Promise was good prepare to have your mind blown by this one.Two very different people with complex ,emotional and physical backgrounds come together to escape their pasts on the shores of Lake Tahoe With the aid of 3 wonderfully funny straight talking young children.It grabs you from the very first line and you don’t want to put it down until the last full stop.
September 8, 2018
🌈😘ENRICHING😘🌈
Wow!😍 this book was just chucked full of sentiment. With plenty of drama. Your hearts will swell. Your tears 😢will be shed. Emotions will feel like you are on a rollercoaster. In the end your Hearts will exploded like firecrackers!
I was truly moved with each and every chapter!😍
Thank You for a HEA!😍
Wow!😍 this book was just chucked full of sentiment. With plenty of drama. Your hearts will swell. Your tears 😢will be shed. Emotions will feel like you are on a rollercoaster. In the end your Hearts will exploded like firecrackers!
I was truly moved with each and every chapter!😍
Thank You for a HEA!😍
September 9, 2018
Great read
There is enough excitement to keep you on the edge of your seat, and the characters are well developed. You will fall in love with them as they fall in love with each other.
There is enough excitement to keep you on the edge of your seat, and the characters are well developed. You will fall in love with them as they fall in love with each other.
July 24, 2018
Love it
I gave it five stars because it was a really good book love the story of the characters . I hope there's a second book that will be so great
I gave it five stars because it was a really good book love the story of the characters . I hope there's a second book that will be so great
October 7, 2018
Wonderful story
A journey always makes the destination worthwhile- just like this book.
Very enjoyable indeed - grab it and devour it!
A journey always makes the destination worthwhile- just like this book.
Very enjoyable indeed - grab it and devour it!
June 20, 2019
Rock star Lucy Owen's life changes drastically when her tour bus crashes and she is disfigured and her lover is killed in the crash. She chooses to live a solitary life in Lake Tahoe until she meets Storm, a sweet seven year girl and her beautiful and troubled mother.
September 4, 2018
Loved
when I star reading the story of Nicole and Lucy a can't put the book down I love the story👭💞
when I star reading the story of Nicole and Lucy a can't put the book down I love the story👭💞
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