Passing Through Brandiss

by Patricia Yager Delagrange

After the tragic loss of her husband, Annie and her young son search for a new life full of meaning and hope. Fate nudges Annie into the arms of a man whose wife disappeared with his child years ago. Annie’s life spins out of control when first the pregnant teenager she hires to help her with her garden asks Annie to adopt her baby and shortly afterwards the long-lost wife of the man Annie loves reappears. Riddled with grief and heartache, the experiences demonstrate how, even in the face of overwhelming sorrow, opening her heart and home to those most in need of love has reaped unexpected joy for Annie and her son.

154 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 20, 2016

About the author

Fascinated by broken-hearted couples and atypical families, Patricia writes women’s fiction, weaving engaging tales of men and women who create cohesive families where love reigns supreme. She sprinkles her books with intriguing characters who struggle to find balance in life. Whether an unwed teenager, desperate widow, abandoned father, disconnected sisters, or a troubled couple, her characters form relationships impacted by their desire to create a family.

Patricia lives with her husband and two children on the island of Alameda, across the bay from San Francisco, along with three chocolate labs and a rescue terrier mix. When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, Patricia enjoys riding her Friesian horse Maximus, who lives in the Oakland hills with a million dollar view.

Reviews

[Lustful Literature · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josie's Review 4.5 STARS

Passing Through Brandiss was a real emotional and touching read that I found so enjoyable. After I read the blurb I thought I knew what I was going to get in this book and I am happy to say that I got more than bargained for. This story was written in a way where it was not over dramatized with over the top angst. It was more of a journey of letting go and moving forward despite the many obstacles that are thrown at you. The story starts off with a tragedy for Annie that leaves her world in shambles. This story is told in first person and although I normally like to get dual POV’s I am glad it we only got Annie’s.

Two years after the loss of her husband, Annie picks up her son, Rafe and decides they need to start over somewhere else. There journey leads them to the small town of Brandiss. The town and people in Brandiss welcome the young mother and son and things start to look up for the small family. I absolutely adored the relationship Annie had with her son. The love Annie had for her son was just so amazing. She never made decisions unless she spoke with him. She made sure Rafe felt and knew he mattered.

As the story progresses, Annie experiences more disappointments in life. I loved the way the author describes and details Annie’s fight to move forward without pain or guilt. It was simply amazing. Annie lives with her loss and never forgets the love she had for her husband but she also knows to truly be happy again she has to look toward the future.

Prescott was such an amazing character. He also is going through a lot in his life, a loss so great and debilitating that he is stuck in limbo. This man broke my heart, no one should have to suffer with the pain he goes through. Because of Annie and Rafe he starts to see that a future filled with hope, love and a family is possible. The relationship between Annie and Prescott is slow building and steady. They have a second chance at love and want things to be right. The comfort and chemistry of their relationship was unique and natural. I really appreciated how the author did not over do the sex in the story. The focus was on their characters and their struggle to let go of the guilt and memories. This couple will experience heartache and a situation from Prescott’s past will not only test the bond of their relationship but will also reinforce their love and commitment to each other. This story was such a great experience and I highly recommend it.

[Jacki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through Wicked Reads.

Wow! What a journey. This book was a tangled web of emotions that had my head spinning the whole time. This book was quite a raw and truthful story. after reading, I was left happy and satisfied. I don't want my review full of spoilers, so I won't get into detail, but this book was full of good, genuinely flawed people trying to find peace. Their love for one another was as clear as the words on the page before me. I would recommend this book to romance fans and anyone looking for an uplifting and genuine read.

[Nancy Luebke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this romance about second chances for both the hero and the heroine. It touched in so many levels and so many ways to create family. It touched me in so many ways. I received this for free and I voluntarily chose to review it. I've given it a 4.5* rating. Because of sexual content, not suitable for under 18 readers. I like how it all came together towards the end and a nice ending.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved the book.
bit strange how the author thinks an 11 year old behaves - describes him more like a 7 year old.
Lovely story

[Cyndi Becker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lordy, this story had me anxious. The blurb and premise promised angst but delivers so much more! The story opens with a cataclysmic event for one young wife and mother. Annie Davidson’s world is upended and almost two years later she is ready to make a change which end up leading to brand new life in a small town.

The story line progresses well as Annie and Rafe ( her young son) pick up the pieces to start a new. After an impulsive decision to settle in Brandiss, Annie and Rafe find themselves welcomed and able to embrace their new reality with some hope. Annie settles in and new characters are introduced, Allessandra and Prescott. Both have far-reaching impacts and it looks like moving to Brandiss is exactly the right path for Annie and Rafe.

However, Annie’s forced to face a new sort of disappointment and additional losses in her life. I think it's a wonderful portrayal of the importance of taking risks. No guts, no glory! Delegrange skillfully weaves in how Annie’s dreams coincide with her subconscious hopes and fears. Prescott is a breath of fresh air and is himself experienced in managing grief. He’s what I’d call a measured man. They seem to recognize in each other the possibility of moving forward. The ease of their relationship, the chemistry was unmistakable and helped to to make this a book that was not only easy to get into, but made it easy to stay with. With Prescott in Annie’s life there is a hint of heartache (which was what made me anxious to read this), but Delagrange creates a situation that both tests and solidifies their connection.

This is the first book by Patricia that’s I’ve read and certainly won't be the last. Once I got through my the first bout of tears I had a few moments of sadness and anger, but in general the story, Annie’s life, is really one about hope and second chances. 4 stars and recommendation!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Passing Through Brandis" by Patricia Yager Delagrange. This story is a heartwarming tale that shows how love can help heal two people that are hurting and feel lost. My heart broke for Annie from the very start - I was sitting bawling during the beginning of this story. While that was the only time I found myself in actual tears, throughout there are many moments that my heart jumped for joy for Annie and Prescott, and other times it hurt and ached for them. I enjoyed getting to know both these characters - Annie, despite suffering tragedy, is working toward moving on and growing. I liked that she wasn't so caught up in her past that she let it hold her back. She recognized her grief, lived through it, but understood that she wanted to be happy again and living in her past would not do it, even thought it would not be easy to move on. Prescott too - his story was heartbreaking as well but he was taking the bull by the horns to do what he needed to to move on. Together I thought they were very sweet and complemented each other perfectly. Throughout the story, there is a lot going on and I felt things were rushed a bit to resolve each aspect and move on to the next. Overall, I enjoyed the story - it's a loving tale that has tears, laughter, family and unconditional love. (received copy for honest review)

[Jara Beaubien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this Book on the condition I give it a honest review.

This was a story so unlike anything I have read, it involved so much sadness and heartache, and then love and then heartache again.
A story of a Family very much in love, has a member ripped from them by death, the pain that came with that loss I can understand. Losing someone you love it's not something one gets over with fast. Yet Annie and Rafe do.
They move and start life anew, and in walks Prescott.
Nice to watch a relationship develop there too, Annie is no the only one who has been hurt, throughout the story they both experience more hurt, yet it come together for them, their Family has brown by bound and leaps and a new life awaits them.
Nice to read a story that flows nice and slow and it's not boring. It flowed like a slow river meandering down gently. I loved it.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my second book by this author. It begins with a tragedy and continues to pull at the heart strings on various levels.

The character Annie shows how it’s possible to pass through grief and start over if faith is strong enough. There are testing times during the book and she shows a determination to grasp her HEA. Keep believing, work hard and live clean is the message I got from this.
Ideal for people who enjoy deep love, a gripping story and a satisfying ‘feel good’ book.

Thanks to the author and Tasty Book Tours for the chance to read in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Erica Lipan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Depressed and feeling very much alone after the death of her husband, Annie decides it's time for she and her son, Rafe, to move forward with their lives. This story is absolutely one of my favorites of this year. I felt all the feels while on Annie's journey to overcome grief with triumph. I cried, I laughed, I was angry even. There are plenty of surprises to keep you turning page after page. Once I started I literally didn't stop!