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Romance in New Orleans #1
Return to Me
College students Scott Latimer and Ophelia McCarthy were perfect strangers when they barely survived a deadly tornado in Austin, Texas. Seven years later, the scars of Mother Nature's wrath are still permanently etched on their lives.
Now a frustrated and under-stimulated reporter, Scott's desire for passion in his life and work compels him to uproot his life in Texas and move to New Orleans on a whim. In his new role as an arts and culture reporter, he encounters a reclusive, yet vaguely familiar young woman, but he can't place where he's seen her before. Ophelia, however, knows him the instant she sees him for the first time since that life-altering storm.
Ophelia manages a boutique that specializes in antiques and local New Orleans artwork. Her dream of moving her shop to a prime location in the French Quarter hinges on earning enough money for the down payment, and Scott suggests that an ongoing feature story about her unique business will bring in the money she needs. The only problem is Ophelia's insistence upon hiding her disfigured face from the world.
It takes a lot of coaxing from Scott to get Ophelia to warm up to the idea—and to him—but just as their plan comes together, Mother Nature revisits them in the form of an unprecedented tragedy in the making. Hurricane Katrina is roiling off the Gulf Coast, and for the storm-ravaged lovers, their destiny appears to be an inevitable, catastrophic end.
Now a frustrated and under-stimulated reporter, Scott's desire for passion in his life and work compels him to uproot his life in Texas and move to New Orleans on a whim. In his new role as an arts and culture reporter, he encounters a reclusive, yet vaguely familiar young woman, but he can't place where he's seen her before. Ophelia, however, knows him the instant she sees him for the first time since that life-altering storm.
Ophelia manages a boutique that specializes in antiques and local New Orleans artwork. Her dream of moving her shop to a prime location in the French Quarter hinges on earning enough money for the down payment, and Scott suggests that an ongoing feature story about her unique business will bring in the money she needs. The only problem is Ophelia's insistence upon hiding her disfigured face from the world.
It takes a lot of coaxing from Scott to get Ophelia to warm up to the idea—and to him—but just as their plan comes together, Mother Nature revisits them in the form of an unprecedented tragedy in the making. Hurricane Katrina is roiling off the Gulf Coast, and for the storm-ravaged lovers, their destiny appears to be an inevitable, catastrophic end.
- GenresContemporaryRomance
Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2018
39 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Katherine L. Evans
50 books304 followersKatherine L. Evans is an author of contemporary romance that’s shamelessly sweet, sexy, and guaranteed to bring all the feels. Known as simply KLE by people who know all her dirty secrets, her 20+ books are notorious for making readers fan their faces and then reach for the tissues. When she’s not magically transforming coffee into angsty books, KLE can be found endlessly searching Netflix with her husband for their next show to binge, or running around the backyard chasing her other two favorite boys, her son and their yellow lab, Dave.
KLE lives in Houston, TX.
Find KLE in the wild by visiting the following places:
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/KLENewsletter
Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/KLEBooks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkather...
Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/ShamelessReaders
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romancebykle/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/romancebykle
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kathe...
KLE lives in Houston, TX.
Find KLE in the wild by visiting the following places:
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/KLENewsletter
Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/KLEBooks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkather...
Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/ShamelessReaders
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romancebykle/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/romancebykle
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kathe...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 23, 2018
German review:
__________________
"Joie de Vivre" is about Ophelia, a young woman who lived through a tornado, but got scarred in the process, and Scott, who was with her at the time. Before the catastrophe, there was the potential for something to happen between them, but they only got to truly know each other seven years later when they met again by chance (or maybe fate, which is an important theme of the book). It is very clear that they get along well and have a strong connection, but the two of them - Ophelia in particular - are still haunted by what happened before, which means that a potential relationship between them could be overshadowed by the shared traumatic experience.
I really liked the two protagonists and thought that it was great that the story was told from both points of view. Their attitudes towards life are different and things are going on inside of them which the other person isn’t really privy to, so it was helpful to get both their perspectives. That way, it was easy to understand why they were acting in a certain manner and how important they are to each other. It also meant that when they messed up, you knew the reasons and saw that they wanted to fix what they broke, which encouraged the reader to empathize with them. The way their relationship developed gradually made sense and it was very well written. The story itself moved a bit slowly at times, but their shared scenes conveyed strong emotions and there were some moments that moved me. I also liked the tender and sweet scenes; the balance between romantic, intimate scenes and them having to work hard to overcome their problems was nicely done. Their horrible experience years before also played a very important role, which I appreciated - it was realistic that they couldn’t just go on like nothing had happened and that it shaped their interactions with each other.
While "Joie de Vivre" definitely tells a love story, there is also a heavy focus on learning how to deal with and slowly overcoming past trauma, working towards a future and the importance of strong familial bonds. Ophelia’s grandmother is a big part of the story and for the most part, I really enjoyed the bond between the two women. It’s obvious that they care a lot about the other and want what’s best for their loved one, but there were some moments where the grandmother’s behaviour bothered me. She’s very strong willed, authoritative and convinced that she knows what Ophelia needs even though that’s not always the case… and because of that, there are some heated arguments. I could understand what was the driving force behind her actions and I enjoyed that the author made clear that she had good intentions, but she still said some things that I had a hard time forgiving. That aside, the contrast in the characterization of the two women was interesting and made for a richer story since the conflict between them was compelling and pushed the story forward.
Another plus is that Evans portrayed the consequences of natural disasters well; there were not enough resources to help everyone, they lost belongings or even the security of their home and the state of mind of her protagonists was also affected. It was horrible to see how much damage was wrecked, but I appreciated that it was not romanticised or a little footnote without any long-lasting effects or for cheap drama. I really liked the realism - and the love story itself, of course - which is why I’d give this book four out of five stars.
__________________
"Joie de Vivre" is about Ophelia, a young woman who lived through a tornado, but got scarred in the process, and Scott, who was with her at the time. Before the catastrophe, there was the potential for something to happen between them, but they only got to truly know each other seven years later when they met again by chance (or maybe fate, which is an important theme of the book). It is very clear that they get along well and have a strong connection, but the two of them - Ophelia in particular - are still haunted by what happened before, which means that a potential relationship between them could be overshadowed by the shared traumatic experience.
I really liked the two protagonists and thought that it was great that the story was told from both points of view. Their attitudes towards life are different and things are going on inside of them which the other person isn’t really privy to, so it was helpful to get both their perspectives. That way, it was easy to understand why they were acting in a certain manner and how important they are to each other. It also meant that when they messed up, you knew the reasons and saw that they wanted to fix what they broke, which encouraged the reader to empathize with them. The way their relationship developed gradually made sense and it was very well written. The story itself moved a bit slowly at times, but their shared scenes conveyed strong emotions and there were some moments that moved me. I also liked the tender and sweet scenes; the balance between romantic, intimate scenes and them having to work hard to overcome their problems was nicely done. Their horrible experience years before also played a very important role, which I appreciated - it was realistic that they couldn’t just go on like nothing had happened and that it shaped their interactions with each other.
While "Joie de Vivre" definitely tells a love story, there is also a heavy focus on learning how to deal with and slowly overcoming past trauma, working towards a future and the importance of strong familial bonds. Ophelia’s grandmother is a big part of the story and for the most part, I really enjoyed the bond between the two women. It’s obvious that they care a lot about the other and want what’s best for their loved one, but there were some moments where the grandmother’s behaviour bothered me. She’s very strong willed, authoritative and convinced that she knows what Ophelia needs even though that’s not always the case… and because of that, there are some heated arguments. I could understand what was the driving force behind her actions and I enjoyed that the author made clear that she had good intentions, but she still said some things that I had a hard time forgiving. That aside, the contrast in the characterization of the two women was interesting and made for a richer story since the conflict between them was compelling and pushed the story forward.
Another plus is that Evans portrayed the consequences of natural disasters well; there were not enough resources to help everyone, they lost belongings or even the security of their home and the state of mind of her protagonists was also affected. It was horrible to see how much damage was wrecked, but I appreciated that it was not romanticised or a little footnote without any long-lasting effects or for cheap drama. I really liked the realism - and the love story itself, of course - which is why I’d give this book four out of five stars.
Want to read
December 15, 2021🎁 The Complete Romance in New Orleans Series (6 book series) is FREE on Amazon today (12/3/2019)! 🎁
August 24, 2018
A friend of mine is a writer. I’m very lucky that she allows me to beta read for her, also. Her previous book, Rise, is excellent, but haunting. The war in Syria is something Katherine is very passionate about, and Rise is a reflection of that. However, I can happily announce Joie de Vivre is a delight. Literally translated, the Joy of Living, the title matches this one perfectly.
The story follows Scott and Ophelia at a chance meeting in college. They are thrown together in the worst of circumstances, a tornado, leaving Ophelia scarred and Scott looking for more out of life. Several years later, they meet up again, this time in New Orleans, very unsure what they mean to each other, dancing around the event that left them physically and emotionally scarred.
I’m not a fan of romance books, but Katherine writes some really great ones that aren’t just smut and empty plots. They are full of heart, dynamic and realistic characters, meaningful thoughts, and excellent writing. Ophelia is a character you will love, but will also make you want to tear your hair out in frustration with wanting her to just be okay. You can identify with Scott wanting to be a good man who follows his heart, but also letting Ophelia find herself. This book will be released in November, and I highly recommend it.
February 18, 2019
Here’s a small spoiler, remember Hurricane Katrina, it plays a big part towards the end.
They briefly met in Austin, TX in a grocery store but they were caught in the story when they experience a tornado, Scott was relatively unharmed but Ophelia ‘Leah’ wasn’t as lucky, “Her flesh was splayed open at one side of her forehead and opposite cheek, exposing bone and gore, and it almost didn’t look real. The gaping cut sliced diagonally over the bridge of her nose and extended across her face, but missed both of her eyes.” This will be the change in her life and in her memory. That would be the last time Scott would see Ophelia.
7 years later Scott is in New Oleans for a reporter job when his path crosses with the girl he last saw bloody, with a noticeable scar she hides from people. Leah as she now goes by is insecure about her face and will not look at people in the eyes she’s always looking down, even when she hears a name she hasn’t heard out loud but written on a not he left for her all those years ago is standing in front of her she has flashbacks of death. Leah will try to keep Scott away from her but his is putting himself out there for her and she dont know what to do. These two will have tests and trials thrown their way even from her grandmother and her grandfathers business and a legacy he left for her to run after his death the same year as her accident, but these two are so stubborn it will take Mother Nature to get them to see their true love for each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
They briefly met in Austin, TX in a grocery store but they were caught in the story when they experience a tornado, Scott was relatively unharmed but Ophelia ‘Leah’ wasn’t as lucky, “Her flesh was splayed open at one side of her forehead and opposite cheek, exposing bone and gore, and it almost didn’t look real. The gaping cut sliced diagonally over the bridge of her nose and extended across her face, but missed both of her eyes.” This will be the change in her life and in her memory. That would be the last time Scott would see Ophelia.
7 years later Scott is in New Oleans for a reporter job when his path crosses with the girl he last saw bloody, with a noticeable scar she hides from people. Leah as she now goes by is insecure about her face and will not look at people in the eyes she’s always looking down, even when she hears a name she hasn’t heard out loud but written on a not he left for her all those years ago is standing in front of her she has flashbacks of death. Leah will try to keep Scott away from her but his is putting himself out there for her and she dont know what to do. These two will have tests and trials thrown their way even from her grandmother and her grandfathers business and a legacy he left for her to run after his death the same year as her accident, but these two are so stubborn it will take Mother Nature to get them to see their true love for each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 15, 2018
This is a full length book that brings in so many feelings. Scott and Ophelia meet in a store while they are in college. When a tornado hits, and their life intertwines. Scott goes on to his journalist job and Ophelia afterwards finds refuge in New Orleans helping her grandmother in a business that her grandfather started. Scott gets bored and needs something new and has a chance for a job in New Orleans. During his story in runs across Ophelia and memories surface. Can Scot help Ophelia? Will Ophelia let Scott help her? What are all the emotions that they feel? This book just brings out so much, it is a need to read to get the full depth of the of life. I received an arc copy for my honest review.
March 5, 2019
They first met in a grocery store in Austin Texas they where in a grocery store when a Tornado hit Scott came through it fairly easily Ophelia"Leah" no so good she is left with a horrific scar that bisects her face. Now seven years later they will meet again in New Orleans just as Hurricane Katrina barrels down on them. Scott recognises her immediately but she has closed herself of from the world and she doesn't know how to live anymore But this massive force of nature will throw them and the people of New Orleans together and they will have to work together to survive. The writing in this book was so good that I felt like I was actually in the scenes with the characters
March 7, 2019
Living through a calamity can draw strangers together; but Scott Latimer and Ophelia (Leah) McCarthy get to experience that jointly twice. Although initially seeing each other after 10 years is a stark reminder of that difficult scarring experience, they gradually get to know each other and are drawn to become closer.
This book takes you on a captivating journey with very deep & lovable multi-dimensional characters in a very vivid setting of New Orleans.
Well-plotted out, superb and extremely entertaining. Can't wait to continue to the series!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book takes you on a captivating journey with very deep & lovable multi-dimensional characters in a very vivid setting of New Orleans.
Well-plotted out, superb and extremely entertaining. Can't wait to continue to the series!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2019
Scott and Ophelia's story start with a chance meeting which ends in tragedy. Destiny brought them together again year's later. Scott's patience brings her out of her shell and she slowly becomes her own woman through the love and acceptance he shows her. Facing their demon brings them together and they found that two are stronger than one. This is a heartfelt story which is beautifully written. One of the best books I've read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2019
The first book in the Romance in New Orleans series is a well written story that held my interest throughout. Scott Latimer and Ophelia McCarthy's story kept me turning pages I had to know what was going to happen. I will be looking for the next book in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2019
After a very bad storm and she was badly hurt and scarred. She is left with a note from a man who helped. Now she needs help as she barely leaves the house and she needs help with her grandfather legacy. She bumps into him. Can they work together? Can she trust him? Can life get better for her? See how it will go
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2019
The book is a good sweet romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is one that is full of soul read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2019
Grab your tissue box.
Read about the real life of the residence of New Orleans. Their music, art, homes, streets, restaurants, the history.
Read how the city pulled together after a devastating disaster flooding, food shortages how the world pulled together to help them rebuild.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read about the real life of the residence of New Orleans. Their music, art, homes, streets, restaurants, the history.
Read how the city pulled together after a devastating disaster flooding, food shortages how the world pulled together to help them rebuild.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2019
All the feels!!! Just amazing!
March 10, 2019
What a wonderful, emotionally journey. Katherine takes you through it all, with her storytelling of Scott and Ophelia. It is a roller coaster of emotions. Ophelia is hurt at a young age and Scott helps her through her pain and self doubt that she is truly amazing. Well done!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 5, 2019
Easy read
Enjoyable read, loved the characters, loved Scott and ophelias story, they were destined to be together. And got there in the end.
Enjoyable read, loved the characters, loved Scott and ophelias story, they were destined to be together. And got there in the end.
March 5, 2019
I received a free copy of this book however all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
I loved this! It grabbed me from the first page, kept me til the last and enthralled me in between. Well worth your time to read it.
I loved this! It grabbed me from the first page, kept me til the last and enthralled me in between. Well worth your time to read it.
March 4, 2019
I cannot get enough of this author and this series!
Each book is an intense emotional and SEXY storyline that grabs you right from the start keeping you engrossed and on edge throughout the whole book! Intensely sensuous, wrought with emotion, and so well written that I absolutely could not put it down!
NO cheating, NO cliffhangers, and a guaranteed Happily-ever-after!
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Each book is an intense emotional and SEXY storyline that grabs you right from the start keeping you engrossed and on edge throughout the whole book! Intensely sensuous, wrought with emotion, and so well written that I absolutely could not put it down!
NO cheating, NO cliffhangers, and a guaranteed Happily-ever-after!
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 23, 2025
My favorite romances are always when friends find their way to becoming more than friends, and Joie de Vivre is a perfect example of this! I love seeing Scott and Ophelia find their way to each other after their fateful meeting. Ophelia's growth in particular as she struggles with her insecurities was really powerful to me, and her relationship with Scott feels so genuine and real. I could not put the book down once I started!
This book is also a love letter to New Orleans, and I felt like I was transported there with each scene. The author handles the setting of right before and during Hurricane Katrina with sensitivity and care, and it really shows. I can't wait for more books from her in this setting!
This book is also a love letter to New Orleans, and I felt like I was transported there with each scene. The author handles the setting of right before and during Hurricane Katrina with sensitivity and care, and it really shows. I can't wait for more books from her in this setting!
January 29, 2020
Wonderful Story & Audible Listen🎧 Captivating & Heartfelt!
Return to Me
Romance in New Orleans, Book 1
By: Katherine L. Evans
Narrated by: Jeff Marcus
I loved everything about this book, from Katherine L. Evans’ wonderful writing style to the beautiful story and characters she created. The storylines are original and realistic, they grabbed both my attention and my heart and held it captive the entire book. The characters are complex and well developed, they are likable and easy to relate to. I adored and admired both lead characters, Ophelia for her inner strength, a strength she always had but never knew it until she reached for it and for her drive and determination to make her grandfathers business a success. Scott Latimer for his patience and good heartedness and for also following his dreams, determined to become a successful reporter & writer. The two met under tragic circumstances, it was a brief but meaningful meeting. It was during a time both wanted to forget but they never forgot each other. Years later they meet again, he is doing a news piece and she is trying to run the antique show her Grandfather left her a long side her Grandmother, who was a hoot. Scott is attracted to Ophelia but he has to go slow because she has self esteem issues but he does gain her trust and friendship. I loved these two together, they were perfect for each other. Also loved the descriptive details especially that of life in New Orleans, the big easy is not so easy. Great job capturing the struggles and times of Katrina and giving a glimpse of what it was like for some. This book is lengthy but do not let that scare you, it plotted out nicely and is so engrossing that you forget time and it seems to fly by. There is never a dull moment with plenty of drama, a bit of angst, some heartbreaking moment, heartfelt ones and a slow burn romance. Katherine L. Evans, thank you for this wonderful story and the emotional rollercoaster ride. I am looking forward to what comes next in this series, I hope it comes to Audible soon.
I listened to the Audible edition, Jeff Marcus is a terrific narrator and voice artist. He did a great job portraying the characters, bringing them to life and giving each their own voice, personality and attitude. You could hear how much heart he puts into his work as he projects the character’s passion & emotions into his performance. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank for you this great listen🎧
Return to Me
Romance in New Orleans, Book 1
By: Katherine L. Evans
Narrated by: Jeff Marcus
I loved everything about this book, from Katherine L. Evans’ wonderful writing style to the beautiful story and characters she created. The storylines are original and realistic, they grabbed both my attention and my heart and held it captive the entire book. The characters are complex and well developed, they are likable and easy to relate to. I adored and admired both lead characters, Ophelia for her inner strength, a strength she always had but never knew it until she reached for it and for her drive and determination to make her grandfathers business a success. Scott Latimer for his patience and good heartedness and for also following his dreams, determined to become a successful reporter & writer. The two met under tragic circumstances, it was a brief but meaningful meeting. It was during a time both wanted to forget but they never forgot each other. Years later they meet again, he is doing a news piece and she is trying to run the antique show her Grandfather left her a long side her Grandmother, who was a hoot. Scott is attracted to Ophelia but he has to go slow because she has self esteem issues but he does gain her trust and friendship. I loved these two together, they were perfect for each other. Also loved the descriptive details especially that of life in New Orleans, the big easy is not so easy. Great job capturing the struggles and times of Katrina and giving a glimpse of what it was like for some. This book is lengthy but do not let that scare you, it plotted out nicely and is so engrossing that you forget time and it seems to fly by. There is never a dull moment with plenty of drama, a bit of angst, some heartbreaking moment, heartfelt ones and a slow burn romance. Katherine L. Evans, thank you for this wonderful story and the emotional rollercoaster ride. I am looking forward to what comes next in this series, I hope it comes to Audible soon.
I listened to the Audible edition, Jeff Marcus is a terrific narrator and voice artist. He did a great job portraying the characters, bringing them to life and giving each their own voice, personality and attitude. You could hear how much heart he puts into his work as he projects the character’s passion & emotions into his performance. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank for you this great listen🎧
July 6, 2019
I was drawn to this book by the fact it was set In NOLA and then as I read the blurb realised it was based around Hurricane Katrina.
I was 3/4’s of the way through and as much as I was enjoying the storyline and the description of NOLA and the people, I wasn’t feeling it, I wanted more intensity from Ophelia and Scott , more what I was use to reading. So I put it down and went about what I had to do .
Fast forward 2 weeks and I knew I had a duty to the author to finish this book. I’m so glad I did. I realised even though not what I was use to as in hot Alpha male, steamy scenes , angst.
This story had the emotion I loved great storyline 2 Characters bought together by an earlier tragedy and then the journey between the two breaking down the barriers and the trauma they had suffered to find each other again. Then it just didn’t end we were able to see a glimpse of the devastation of Katrina from a survivors perspective, Scott and Olivia’s.
I had in the end what I love in a book, The City of NOLA , it’s inhabitants and their lives, some heartache and how love despite things thrown in the way, still manage to come through.
I enjoyed the surrounding characters and look forward to their stories in the coming novels.
I was 3/4’s of the way through and as much as I was enjoying the storyline and the description of NOLA and the people, I wasn’t feeling it, I wanted more intensity from Ophelia and Scott , more what I was use to reading. So I put it down and went about what I had to do .
Fast forward 2 weeks and I knew I had a duty to the author to finish this book. I’m so glad I did. I realised even though not what I was use to as in hot Alpha male, steamy scenes , angst.
This story had the emotion I loved great storyline 2 Characters bought together by an earlier tragedy and then the journey between the two breaking down the barriers and the trauma they had suffered to find each other again. Then it just didn’t end we were able to see a glimpse of the devastation of Katrina from a survivors perspective, Scott and Olivia’s.
I had in the end what I love in a book, The City of NOLA , it’s inhabitants and their lives, some heartache and how love despite things thrown in the way, still manage to come through.
I enjoyed the surrounding characters and look forward to their stories in the coming novels.
January 25, 2020
This book brought back memories.
This one will grab you right from the start from the horrible tornado to another even more deadly event Scott and Ophelia’s story was so good. I will be honest at the end I thought the author might go another way with the book and that would have put a different mood to the book but how she did end it was good. I also liked the lead into the next book. When reading I get the feeling that she may have had some experience of what happened because she wrote it so well. I highly recommend this book and two thumbs up to Jeff Marcus is was totally awesome. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This one will grab you right from the start from the horrible tornado to another even more deadly event Scott and Ophelia’s story was so good. I will be honest at the end I thought the author might go another way with the book and that would have put a different mood to the book but how she did end it was good. I also liked the lead into the next book. When reading I get the feeling that she may have had some experience of what happened because she wrote it so well. I highly recommend this book and two thumbs up to Jeff Marcus is was totally awesome. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
May 4, 2020
This is a poignant story about how a tragedy turned into friendship and love. How Scott left Austin to New Orleans for a new job and to find Ophelia.This is about how Ophelia gained confidence and believe in herself after tragedy. This story is about how they slowly develop their friendship and love, only to lose trust in him. Will he come back when she needs him the most?
I enjoyed listening to this story narrated by Jeff Marcus. 🎧audiobookobsessionreviewer🎧
I enjoyed listening to this story narrated by Jeff Marcus. 🎧audiobookobsessionreviewer🎧
December 30, 2021
This book broke me, but in all the best ways. Ophelia and Scott have a chance encounter in their early twenties that effects both of their lives in ways unimaginable. Seven years later and they are brought back together by chance. But things aren't easy, and they go through some horrific things together and with their community but makes their love stronger than imaginable!
February 28, 2020
Wow
So much emotion!; there is a huge story plot and it is all work so well! So much angst and love! Tragedy, heartbreak, love, a perfect blend of all of it! Amazing job Katherine!!
So much emotion!; there is a huge story plot and it is all work so well! So much angst and love! Tragedy, heartbreak, love, a perfect blend of all of it! Amazing job Katherine!!
July 8, 2020
This book kept me "turning the pages", on the edge of my seat I just had to know what was going to happen next. The characters had lots of chemistry and were very strong leads. Can't wait to read book 2.
#AudiobookObsession
🎧AudiobookReviewer
#AudiobookObsession
🎧AudiobookReviewer
April 8, 2020
This is a good story about a couple who survived a natural disaster and come out with their own scars. It’s touching and very emotional. Great narration.
#audiobookobsessionreviewer
#audiobookobsessionreviewer
September 22, 2021
Wow. My first book by Katherine, and I couldn’t put it down.
December 3, 2021
Rating 3.5
November 4, 2018
I appreciate the fact that Goodreads still allows authors to leave a review for their own book because this is one that deserves a few words from me.
True to the nature of authors, I can't separate my work from my own experiences. This book grew out of a preoccupation with a traumatic event from my early teens and my personal connections to New Orleans, particularly those that occurred in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
The story opens with our hero and heroine trapped in a grocery store during a tornado. This was a real tornado and the grocery store it destroyed was also real. I was thirteen at the time, and the 1997 Central Texas Tornado Outbreak hit my hometown on one of the first days of summer vacation. My friends, siblings, and I were all home alone as our parents were at work. The same tornado that ultimately hit our local grocery store tore through the neighborhood where many of my friends lived, and many of them lost their homes. We were all just kids, and the experience was nothing short of horrifying.
Later in life, I found myself serendipitously connected to the city of New Orleans in the recent aftermath of Katrina. Due to those connections, I was introduced to facets of the still storm ravaged areas that were well outside of the more common tourist spots. This book, and the subsequent books in the series, take place largely in the neighborhood of Algiers Point, which was a place that became like a temporary second home to me. The hand of fate reached deeper into my experience and I became bizarrely and intimately connected with a local jazz record label, and subsequently found myself in the midst of some of the greatest local jazz legends that have come out of New Orleans in recent history. You'll find those experiences woven into the series starting with Book 2.
At its heart, this book and this series are my way of giving readers the opportunity to see, hear, taste, and feel the New Orleans that I know and love amidst six standalone stories that will give you ALL THE FEELS for the flawed characters you will meet.
Prepare to fall in love and get seduced down in New Orleans.
True to the nature of authors, I can't separate my work from my own experiences. This book grew out of a preoccupation with a traumatic event from my early teens and my personal connections to New Orleans, particularly those that occurred in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
The story opens with our hero and heroine trapped in a grocery store during a tornado. This was a real tornado and the grocery store it destroyed was also real. I was thirteen at the time, and the 1997 Central Texas Tornado Outbreak hit my hometown on one of the first days of summer vacation. My friends, siblings, and I were all home alone as our parents were at work. The same tornado that ultimately hit our local grocery store tore through the neighborhood where many of my friends lived, and many of them lost their homes. We were all just kids, and the experience was nothing short of horrifying.
Later in life, I found myself serendipitously connected to the city of New Orleans in the recent aftermath of Katrina. Due to those connections, I was introduced to facets of the still storm ravaged areas that were well outside of the more common tourist spots. This book, and the subsequent books in the series, take place largely in the neighborhood of Algiers Point, which was a place that became like a temporary second home to me. The hand of fate reached deeper into my experience and I became bizarrely and intimately connected with a local jazz record label, and subsequently found myself in the midst of some of the greatest local jazz legends that have come out of New Orleans in recent history. You'll find those experiences woven into the series starting with Book 2.
At its heart, this book and this series are my way of giving readers the opportunity to see, hear, taste, and feel the New Orleans that I know and love amidst six standalone stories that will give you ALL THE FEELS for the flawed characters you will meet.
Prepare to fall in love and get seduced down in New Orleans.
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