Free to Live

Amaryllis #6

by Tracey Jerald

Wedding photographer Holly Freeman holds her camera up to act as a mask; blocking the world from seeing the vulnerability she never quite let go of. She still feels she owes a debt for the second chance at life she’s more than repaid.

One perfect shot...

Firefighter Joseph Bianco lost love in a way that left deep emotional wounds. There’s no place for a personal life between the fires he fights every day and the bitterness he holds back at night.

Scars heal...

As their worlds collide, they want nothing more than friendship. But it’s not long before Holly and Joe both realize they are not truly living despite the lies they tell themselves.

Will these friends-to-lovers be able to battle their pasts to find the love they deserve?

Genres: Romance, Dark, Contemporary Romance

ebook

First published July 10, 2019

About the author

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Tracey Jerald knew she was meant to be a writer when she would re-write the ending of books in her head on her bike when she was a young girl growing up in southern Connecticut. It wasn’t long before she was typing alternate endings and extended epilogues “just for fun.” 
After college in Florida, where she obtained a degree in Criminal Justice swearing she saw things she’ll never quite believe and never entirely forget, Tracey traded the world of law and order for IT. Her work for a global internet startup transferred her to Northern Virginia where she met her husband in what many call their own happily ever after. They have one son. 
When she’s not busy with her family or writing, Tracey can be found in her home in north Florida drinking coffee, reading, training for a runDisney event, or feeding her addiction to HGTV. 
To follow Tracey, go to her website at http://www.traceyjerald.com. While you’re there, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for up to date release information!

Reviews

[Tracey Jerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOW LIVE!

Free to Live is a:
❤️‍🔥 firefighter,
❤️‍🔥 single father,
❤️‍🔥 sassy heroine
❤️‍🔥 workplace
❤️‍🔥 small town,
❤️‍🔥 friends to lovers,
❤️‍🔥 contemporary romance.
❤️‍🔥 Amaryllis family banter,
❤️‍🔥 spicy AF scenes,
❤️‍🔥 guaranteed HEA
❤️‍🔥 This book can be read as a complete standalone.

One click or read FREE in KU! https://geni.us/FreeLive

[Ashley Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best written series thus far, that I have ever read. Tracey Jerald shows no bounds when it comes to her writing capabilities. The risks that she takes, the places she can take you, there is just no words to explain how profoundly amazing these stories truly are. Free To Live is not just a 'book', it is flipping novel. Holly and Joe's story is no easy fete. It digs down deep within your soul, and carves at such a depth, that I felt like I was bleeding out. Boy, did every emotion roll through me. It was like a train going full speed a head, with my heart at the end of the collision course, just waiting to be obliterated and then something amazing happened, these characters fought so damn hard to have the ending that they so desperately deserved. I give HUGE props to this author with the story-line being woven into the title. It was one of those things that I just had to stop and just stare, because I felt the weight of the meaning all over my body. Free To Live is a one of a kind read.

HOLLY is a different breed. She sees everything in a different perspective, and is probably the most thankful character I have ever read about. I sincerely wish humans could see things the way that she does. Her outlook on life is such a rarity and makes her truly special. Deep down she is a fighter with a gentle heart. A photographer that enjoys capturing something that is timeless, and more than enough love for her one of a kind family.

Joe has enough emotional baggage to last a lifetime. A firefighter who will stop at nothing to protect and serve his community, with a heart the bleeds at night. He is reserved, and uncertain. A man trying to create a future that he desperately needs, even though everyday is a struggle. He shows great determination and character growth.

When Holly and Joes worlds collide, is friendship their only option?

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ❤️💔😔🌟s

The last book of the Amaryllis series was completed with Holly’s story.
Despite the beautiful and emotional writing, it was downhearted for me to give this rating due to plenty of drama that was unfolded.
Nevertheless, I am looking forward for the author’s new release “Close Match”.

[Milica's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 free to love stars! ♥

I think that this couldn't be a more perfect end of this series!
I'll miss all of these amazing characters ♥

Maybe Ms. Tracey will write a novella in a few years? It would be awesome!!

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

And the Freeman Family series comes to an end. I have to admit I put opening my ARC off a few times because I was and am still not 100% ready to say goodbye to the Freemans. This is a family I could read about forever. The kids need books and those kids need books and so on and so on. But I digress.

Free to Live is the story of Holly and Joe. Prior to reading this, I absolutely think you should read Free to Rejoice. I know that each book works as a standalone but I think that the full impact and progression of Joe is better understood when you have read both books.

The book picks up about a year after the last book ended. Everyone is happily paired off, having babies, living life and Holly thinks she’s content. Lonely but content. Until it’s pointed out to her that maybe not so much. Joe knows he isn’t happy or content post-Rejoice events but he has a daughter and a job and that is working for him (he thinks anyway). The pair start working together on a fundraiser event for the town’s Victim’s Assistance Fund. Our two lonely-hearts form a friendship that slowly burns its way into something else.

Now like most romance novels, the road to true love and happiness is fraught with roadblocks and pot holes. These hiccups come in the form of misunderstandings, angry grandparents, more misunderstandings, poor communication and one huge event that almost ends it all. Of course it all works out in the end but the road is rocky.

One of the biggest surprises for me was Phil. It’s been no secret to anyone who I’ve talked about these series with that I am less than fond of Phil. He had moments in the other books where I though maaaaybe he’s okay but mostly I just wanted to strangle him. Well, I’m here to tell you, he’s been 1000% redeemed in this book. His scenes with Holly through the course of this book brought me to tears multiple times. Instead of strangling, I was ready to hug him. And apologize. I think this speaks volumes about Jerald’s ability to write. The character development from the beginning of the series to the end is extraordinary and the ability to evoke such strong feelings has cemented her in my heart as a favorite.

My final rating of this installment is a 4 out of 5. It was amazing but I have to say that Emily’s book is my hands down favorite of the series (Free to Believe). If you haven’t picked up any of the books yet, they are part of the Kindle Unlimited program. If you like family sagas with lots of hot alpha males, strong women and sexy times, give the Freemans a try I don’t think you’ll be sorry.

**I received this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own. Free to Live comes out on July 10.

[Kimhe Rockchicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Wow wow. Tracey you have my heart. Free to Live is by far the best and my absolute favourite of this bloody fantastic series. I have fallen in love with all of the Freeman's and when one of them hurts I hurt. Boy was there plenty of hurts for Joe and Holly. My heart shattered in this story , in more ways than one. I laughed, I cried, in fact I was a sobbing mess in the Epilogue. I am enraptured by all of them. Phil, Jason, Cassidy and Caleb, Ali and Keene, Corinne and Colby, Em and Jake and Holly and Joe.. what can I say these couples are perfect together. The Freemans were a strong knit but get them together with their sole mates and they are a strong unit, one Im so happy I got to be a part of. But as I close the book on the last two words The End. I can certainly say its been a hell of a journey and I have it enjoyed it immensely. Tracey Jerald is such a unique author and it is an honour to be part of her Arc team and though the time has come to say goodbye, these couples will always hold a special place in my heart.

[Dawn Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Warning have tissue ready*
Wow, what a crazy, emotional rollercoaster ride for these beautiful broken characters!
Holly is known from previous books (but I'd like to point out this can be read out of order- with some spoilers- without confusion, as that's what I did). She's broken yet fierce, haunted yet inspiring, she brought tears to my eyes repeatedly!
Joe, wow, what a great additional character! With Joe comes his daughter Grace, an adorable character of her own, and his whole support team- because it takes a village. Joe is also broken but stronger than he realizes, he's buried himself while trying to please everyone else's expectations after a traffic event left him a single parent.
These two are beautifully traffic, they don't know how to get out of their way, or how to stop tripping over their own feet. Their their own worst enemies when it comes to moving forward in life.... One step forward ten steps back. I'd say it was comical but more times than not tears were silently falling down my face for these two, for their pains, their past, their griefs, and FINALLY for their abilities to move forward! This story was so full of emotion, loss, and finding yourself again.... It was a soul searching read!

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Free to Live, the story of the last of the Freemans, the youngest, Holly had me feel so many emotions. I have loved everyone in this family so much that I am so sad to see them go, but after all the tragedy and heartbreak they have suffered through, my heart is filled with so much happiness to see them find such peace. But before we get to their happily ever after and the awesome epilogue in this book, we are taken on a very emotional and angsty road for Holly and Joe.

Right from the beginning, you are thrown into Holly’s gut wrenching past that has affected her throughout her life. But I am in such awe of the strength in her that has kept her going. I so admire the way she uses her passion for photography to showcase the world; she tries to capture the true and real emotion in every photo, whether the beauty or the pain.

The hero in this story, is a true hero, Joseph Bianco is a firefighter and he too has suffered. He endured a tremendous loss which has caused him to close off his heart to love. His life revolves around his little girl, Grace, and his community. As any true hero, he has this natural instinct to protect and serve his community, and it was this passion that reintroduced him to the Freemans. The first time we meet Joe was back in Free to Rejoice, it was a very difficult time for him and was not the greatest meet, he has made amends but there are still some feelings of guilt.

The relationship between Joe and Holly starts off as just friendship, that is all they were willing to give each other, but the connection between them was strong but boy were they stubborn!
There were many misunderstandings, interferences and excruciating internal conflicts. But once they were able to let go of the past and allow themselves the chance for love and peace, it was beautiful.

I really can not express how extraordinary this family is and Phillip has always been the big brother, sometimes father figure and also goofball in the family. In this book, I absolutely adored him, you know he loves everyone in this family and would do anything for them, but I felt in this book it really highlighted how much love he truly has for this family he has led for so many years.

I loved this story so much, it was emotional, beautiful, intense and so bittersweet since it was the last of the Freeman siblings but I am so looking forward to what is coming for us next.

[Resting Book Face · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can count on one hand (eh, half of a hand) the number of series that I've read that have evoked the emotional response that I've experienced while reading the Freeman family series. I am sad to see it end, but at the same time, I know that I'm not saying goodbye to this family because I will read these books again and again (another rarity for me). I tend to stick to lighthearted rom-coms most of the time, but I gave the first book in this series a chance when it came across BookBub one day and I saw it was available on KU. There was no stopping at that point. I was hooked. This final book, like the others, is heartbreakingly beautiful. But it also develops differently from the other books, which surprised me. Holly and Joe, once realizing their growing feelings, were moving along smoothly in their budding relationship, and I kept thinking, "Wow, this is so much lighter than the others; the conflict isn't nearly as bad as I was expecting." Psshhh. What a doofus I am. I fell for the red herring. When the real conflict occurred, I audibly gasped, to the point that my husband jumped up from his chair and said, "What's wrong?" He was not amused when he found out I was reacting to something in my book. ;-) At that moment, my stomach dropped, and I still haven't recovered from it. I have finished the book, and I'm still reeling over that moment. I admire Holly's ability to get past it (though it clearly took time); even a couple days after finishing, I'm not past it (which is tied to my own past issues, so that's my problem, not the author's). Ms. Jerald is an amazing author, and I will be blindly following her into whatever she writes next. As for now, I can't decide which book in the series is my favorite; guess I'll have to start over.

[Soulla Georgiou · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a FANTASTIC conclusion to a wonderful series!

The final story in the Freeman Family Series did not disappoint, as Tracey Jerald weves a story of love and acceptance that resonated and ripped me through, emotionally.

Holly and Joseph's love story is very much a slow burn, and not only does Holly have her dark past to fight, she's now dealing with a dead ex who she feels she will never live up to.

Joseph, on the other hand, has spent the past three years grieving the premature loss of the love of his life, whilst trying to raise his three year old daughter alone. His dead partner's parents are not dealing with their daughter's death, and seem intent on dragging Joseph and Holly down with them.

A highly emotional and ultimately, beautiful love story, with an epilogue that wraps up this whole series perfectly!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Free to Live was bittersweet for me. I have been looking forward to reading Holly’s story but at the same time never wanting the series to end. I have been trying to find the words to express how I feel about this book. Everything I want to say just pales in comparison. The words I come up with don’t do it justice. I wish I was as eloquent in my writing. So, here goes nothing. Free to Live is amazing. I loved it. It is so well written that it just sucks you in and makes you feel like you are a part of the Freeman family. Everything around you just fades away because you are so engrossed in the story. It will give you all of the feels. My heart is full of emotion, full of love for Tracey Jerald, for this book, for this series. So while I am sad, in a way, that the Freeman’s stories are complete, I am looking forward to what comes next.

[Bookish.Midnight. and. black · Rating 1 out of 5]

Extremely boring! The prologue was interesting but after that is a mess. A lot of characters from the entire series appear and at 16%the two mc 's haven't even met. But we know a lot about the hero's child teacher, about the 4 siblings of the heroine, about their children and pets. First and last read in this series

[Melanie Helms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eeppppp! Though I'm sad to see the Freeman's come to an end. I loved this book dearly. And felt for both characters so much. For Holly and how her childhood was. And for Joe and all the things he had been thru in such a short time frame. Joe's daughter was a complete sweetheart and cutie!!! Loved her. I loved how it was all wrapped up and how we got to see a bit of each of the couples as ive fallen in love which each of them as the books have came out. Im excited to see what's to come next!

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Holly and Joe's story proves that everyone is deserving of love. In their case their case, they had a hard way of it. Their story is heartbreaking and redeeming simultaneously. The Freeman's can't help but answer the call when assistance is needed. Joe is in charge of a 5K and reaches out for Amaryllis for assistance. What he never expected was the woman with hair the color of fire that awakened his soul that he long thought was dead.

This story is about hope, family and love. It is also about forgiveness and redemption and finding the best part of ourselves. This story wrenched all emotions from me. I am happy and satisfied with the ending.

""Memories, pain, they're offset by the passage of time. They're never diluted, but they're able to be looked at with less agony.."" I blink at his sage words. ""I like to think of life as scales. And love is the thing that balances out all the crap we have to deal with."""

[Cindy Fong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly and Joe's story proves that everyone is deserving of love. In their case their case, they had a hard way of it. Their story is heartbreaking and redeeming simultaneously. The Freeman's can't help but answer the call when assistance is needed. Joe is in charge of a 5K and reaches out for Amaryllis for assistance. What he never expected was the woman with hair the color of fire that awakened his soul that he long thought was dead.

This story is about hope, family and love. It is also about forgiveness and redemption and finding the best part of ourselves. This story wrenched all emotions from me. I am happy and satisfied with the ending.

"Memories, pain, they're offset by the passage of time. They're never diluted, but they're able to be looked at with less agony.." I blink at his sage words. "I like to think of life as scales. And love is the thing that balances out all the crap we have to deal with."

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.6 stars

As usual, this author has made me fall deeper and deeper in love with this family. I cannot think of a better way to end this series than tying it together with Joseph (he was introduced In the Christmas Novella) and Holly. Like all the other characters these two had their own sense of baggage. However, they were so much more. I liked how the author tied in photography as a way of showing how one has to be present and invisible at the same time. I chuckled at Sweet little Grace and her fascination with Holly's hair. I loved how the author didn't sugarcoat the feelings and guilt that Jospeph had over losing his first wife and trying to rationalize the love he felt for Holly.

Some amazing scenes with this crazy but totally beautiful and amazing family. One of my favorite series I have ever read. This author writes poetry.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been invested in these characters since book 1.....I loved, loved Free to Live.

Holly and Joe were perfect for each other!!!!

[Tessa]

Won't rate because I DNF but I will say I'm slightly annoyed 🙄

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreak, humor, healing and love

So, this is it, the final story for the Freeman siblings in the Amaryllis series, a truly wonderful set of books that I hate to see come to an end. While this can technically be read as a standalone, with the overlap of characters and references to earlier events, for maximum enjoyment, I highly recommend reading the series in order. In fact, I just highly recommend the series, period.

I started this when I should have been going to sleep; several hours later I was sleep-deprived but smiling from ear to ear as I finished this can’t-put-down, emotional, rollercoaster of a story. This is an author who deftly weaves in humor with the heartbreak, so you’ll be moving from laughter to tears and back again in the span of a few short pages—even just reading over my notes and highlighted sections for this review had me laughing and then bawling my eyes out all over again.

Like her siblings, Holly’s childhood left her emotionally scarred and certain that she would be spending her life alone, except for her extended family and living life vicariously through her camera lens. I cheered when I realized who Holly was getting paired with, as I have a huge soft spot for stories about first responders, and Joseph’s story was particularly heartbreaking. Like Holly, Joe has been existing more than living; I loved how well matched they were, and how they built a relationship based on friendship first, so that while there’s chemistry between them, it’s a slow burn sort of fire.

As always, half the joy of this series is in the sibling relationships and I loved the chance to catch up with the Freeman family and laugh at their antics. But they have a serious side, too, and I particularly loved older brother Phil here: he really shines as he helps Holly find her way. And don’t forget to read the epilogue which provides a lovely wrap-up for everyone.

With both heartbreak and humor (and yes, a little steam, too), this whole series has been about healing and love, and Holly and Joe’s story was a perfect way to bring it to a conclusion. Now excuse me while I stock up on tissues so I can binge read the whole series from beginning to end all over again. 5+ stars

B2B Kelly

[Miria Ardizzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I loved this story is an huge understatement!! This whole Amaryllis series was simply AMAZING but this was it, Free to Live was the final story, Holly and Joe's story in this epic Freeman family.

This beautiful read showcased two broken souls, two difficult pasts coming together trying to form a life of everlasting love. Holly a strong, brave woman the youngest of the Freemans was trying to find herself with her photography but felt she could disappear behind her lens until she met Joe. Oh my Joe the hot, single Dad fire fighter with the biggest heart whose own heart was broken years earlier after suffering a tragic loss. Their relationship blossoms from friends to lovers in an emotional roller coaster ride testing their love for one another but fighting for it as well.

Their story is so heartfelt, so touching, so emotional, so sad and yes at times so heartbreaking. These characters were so real that you felt all these emotions along the way. I loved the premise of this story and the message it conveyed, "because if love has a way of obliterating pain, it also gives you the strength to live fully and live free."

I loved everything about the Freeman family, the sense of unity they have, the bond they share and the scars they all helped to overcome and cope with all because of this strong family unity and the deep, respectable love they share with one another. I especially loved seeing and hearing about all the Freemans and their spouses and how they are all still one big happy, crazy family, a family that would always love and support each other.

Although I am sad that this series has ended, I'm anxiously looking forward to Tracey Jerald's next great read as her writing simply keeps getting better and better. I commend Tracey on her dedication, creativity and exceptional story telling. Bravo on a job well done with the beautiful Amaryllis series!!

[Cassie May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Blog
I have been waiting anxiously for this book. Ever since I fell in love with the Freemans I was waiting for Holly’s book. We did not see much of her in the previous books since she always hid behind her camera, but what I saw intrigued me. A lot. She seemed to be hiding something big (true!) and she seemed so sad, not at all interested in finding the love her siblings found. I wanted, no, needed to know why. When I got the blurb and saw who her supposed partner was, I screamed. I literally screamed. I was so heartbroken over him, when he first appeared (yes, you should read the novella “Free to Rejoice” before this book. They go together, even though both are standalones) and hoped for him to find his HEA.
The character development was exceptional. I’m not saying that often, but this time I really have no other words for it. I loved to see both of the main characters slowly getting their shell cracked, their walls scaled and then burning them down from the inside. I loved to see them struggle. To see them fight against traumas from their pasts and learn that their pasts do not define them. I loved to see all other Freemans again and the epilogue about killed me. I need more of them! So much more!
The writing style was perfect. It allowed me to immerse myself easily and fast into the setting and the story and it was as if I had never been away at all. It was easy to connect with the characters and gave me all the feels. All. Of. Them. The Laughter. The Tears. The Anger. The Disappointment. And Hope. So much Hope. I cried with Holly and Joe, I laughed with all of the Freeman siblings and I was overwhelmed with how tight their bonds are. Technically, this book is a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the whole series in the right order or at least read the short Christmas novella “Free To Rejoice” before this book.

[Chantay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some stories you have to read for yourself to feel the full meaning of love and depth of the story...this is one of those stories! Beautifully written and emotional. This story comes around full circle. Holly Freeman is the amazingly talented photographer for Amaryllis Event (Planning Services). She, along with her brother and sisters, have different roles in the business. Holly is beautiful and smart but uses the camera as a “shield” to prevent her from getting too close to anyone. She meets a cute little girl named Grace and her grandmother at the local beauty salon. The little girl is instantly drawn to Holly’s red hair. Grace told Holly that her dad is a firefighter and her hair reminded her of fire...lol. Holly meets Grace’s dad, Joseph “Joe”Bianco, Jr. He is a sexy Italian with a fit body; he is dedicated to his family and his job. Joe has worn a “chip” on his shoulder for over three years ever since he lost his wife during a tragic accident. He shortly discovered his connection with the Freeman family during a parent teacher conference at his daughter’s school. Joe’s first meeting with Holly is so epic, it literally took his breath away. He suppressed his sexual attraction for Holly and had planned meetings with her for a charity event for the fire & police stations. Soon after the event, they began to meet as friends. They soon discovered that the steaming lust for each can no longer be denied. Healing broken hearts and wounded souls can be painful but in the end love prevails. One of my favorite books in this series!

[AmyLynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no words for all the feelings and emotional depth that this story pulled from me throughout this series, but this one had the most profound effect. Joe and Holly's story, in my eyes, is definitely a tie with Em's story as my favorites in this series. I can't get enough of the Freeman Family. This story has you soul searching. It shredded me and then pulled all the pieces back together so tight nothing could break again. Holly is an inspiration to us all with her strength and will that just beats at you as you see her struggling to get past her horrific childhood. Watching Joe, as he struggles from the loss of Mary, and as he tries to move on with his life and love again. It just broke my heart. These stories are absolutely amazing. I never wanted to see this series end. I went through all the feels: laughter, anger, lots of tears, disappointment, and lots of hope and love. Phil, he's always been my love to hate person, but boy did he destroy me in this book. We finally get to see him past all his antics and he has completely won me over. I adore him for who he is and what he did for the family. The freeman's are a family we all strive to be. It's so bittersweet to see this series end, but Holly and Joe's story was definitely a ride worth waiting for. And Grace she just took a little piece of my heart and kept it. I always feel like I am living in the pages when I read one of Tracey's books. I hope she continues on and brings us all the Freeman kids in the future. It would be amazing to see where their lives lead.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly's the baby of the group but she also has a story that starts off a little different than the others. Like them it's her story to tell. One that she doesn't share because she doesn't want people to see her as a monster. A monster unworthy to be loved, to be cherished, to . . . be. Joe was dealt a blow. One that knocked him off his feet. His anger, guilt, loss was unleashed on Jason and the family. Now he's in a better place, doesn't mean he's healed but . . . What is it that draws these two together. How is it that these two souls broken and battered can see each other in a way that calls out to the darkness they still live and function. It's a slow dance while they become friends but there's so much at play here. Before they can accept and move on the final pieces of healing have to click in place. They also have more to battle than just their past. Sometimes changes make bitter enemies that only another soul, lost in their own grief and pain, can be the bridge that connects the healing and is ready to move from existing, wallowing and embrace the freedom that living can bring. I have wept through every book in this series. Have followed the author so I didn't miss a release. I have loved watching each of them conquer their fears, pain, horror of their past and embraced their freedom when love gave them reason to live. I have loved them and this author, but Holly and Joe, they touched me in a special way. Theirs is the perfect story to round out the series.

[Cassie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracey Jerald has done it again. Seriously, this book took me on the emotional journey of two people who fight with their inner demons to realize what they deserve, but will they be able to escape their pasts and come to their senses before it’s too late?
Joe Bianco, a single dad and firefighter, is left shattered after a tragic accident left his fiancé dead.
Holly Freeman, a strong, complex woman with the intuition and ability to see things no one else can through her camera lens, doesn’t accept that she is worthy of love due to her traumatic past.
Tracey Jerald has the ability to leave her readers feeling every word and emotion from sadness, longing, loss, and vulnerability to happiness, love, and acceptance. To say the story is a slow burn is an understatement.
This book, the final of the Amaryllis series, can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading the entire series in order to get to know all of the Freeman’s. I’ve enjoyed delving into their world with each story better than the last. This book incorporates the entire growing Freeman family and gives us a deeper appreciation at the patriarch of the family: Phil, the one most of us have loved to hate...
Thank you, Tracey, for giving us the Freeman’s their families, and for giving us a peek into their future.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well it seems we have come to an end with the last Freeman finding her soulmate. I'm sad for this series to be finished, but Holly and Joe's romance was spellbindingly good! Holly is always behind a lense as the family photographer and Joe is our single father firefighter. These two start off as friends and soon become so much more. We previously met Joe in Phil and Jason's short story and now 3 years later he has finally healed enough to let someone into his life with his daughter Grace. Holly has definitely had a torturous past as have all the Freemans, but her story just broke my heart. Her feelings of not being good enough for love man I just wanted to hug her. She is as fierce as her sisters though and her determination shines through in this book. These two definitely have their trials and tribulations before getting their hea and each heart wrenching moment hurts more than the last until these two finally get it right. They've hard and won't let anything stop them from being with each other and it was amazing to watch their love unfold on the pages of this book. It was absolutely magnificent and I can't wait to read what Tracey Jerald writes next. Amazing book I honestly didn't want it to end!

[Christina Concus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an emotional roller-coaster like all the other Amaryllis books.

It has been awhile since a book has made me cry but this book has broke that dry spell. I am also very sad that this is the last of the Amaryllis books because I have fallen in love with of them and don't want to let them go!!! This book is also bittersweet with tying up "lose" ends.

Like all the Freeman's, Holly has not had an easy life. She has made it like all the others and also made a name for herself through her photograph. The only thing is she tends to hide behind the camera because that is how she best finds she can capture all the emotions around her.

Joe is not really living because of things that happened to him. The only time he is truly living is when he is with his three year old daughter Grace. When he needs help with things for work his live is intersected with the Freeman's. He is not sure how to let go of the past but will he give it a try to live?

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series I have actually read... yes I know I am starting at the wrong end but I like to buck the trend 🤷‍♀️I was definitely sucked into this right from the beginning as the characters have great depth and you really connect with them as the feel real, they aren't perfect and you are drawn into whats happening to them hoping that they get the happy ever after they deserve. I just wanted to wrap Holly up in a big ole hug and Joe well I would have hugged him too then there are the siblings ...what a great mix of protectiveness, love and sibling crazyness!
I am so glad I started at the end so I can now binge read the rest of the series!❤

[Janet Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracey puts out another book that is just awesome. This book just like every book in the Freeman series is so well written, you do not want to put them down and you don’t want the books to end. This book is the story of Holly and Joe. Due to their pasts they do not believe they deserve to find love and this is the story of them battling their connection to each other. This book as well as all the books in this series is a must read!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing final book of the Amaryllis series. Even though the Freeman family may have had tragic challenges in their youth, they are a lovely family unit. Tracey Jerald is the queen of raw and emotional reads and Free to Live is no different. I loved Free to Live, Joe and Holly’s story but I really liked how Tracey included the whole Freeman family in the book. This is a standalone book but I recommend reading the whole series! I will miss the Freeman clan and fingers crossed Tracey Jerald will give us another book about them! Thank you Tracey Jerald for an amazing series!