A Beautiful Fall

by Laurie Winter

He resists putting down roots. Fear keeps her planted in place. By opening their hearts, they could offer each other the world. Nina Pettit left behind fame and trauma when she moved from Boston to Polaris, Utah. She changed her last name and went into hiding to enjoy a quiet life. Instead of performing on stage as a professional cellist, she now teaches music to children. When a handsome traveling private duty nurse arrives to care for Nina’s elderly neighbor, she finds herself drawn to the charming man. Colin Moynahan’s rough boxing days are long behind him. His job as a private duty nurse allows him to travel the world. While working in Polaris, he’s introduced to Nina, and an attraction ignites. As he learns about her past, he promises to care and protect her for as long as his temporary stay in Polaris allows. But when innocent flirtation turns to deeper feelings, the lines between them blur. Colin has resisted establishing roots while Nina’s fear keeps her firmly planted. As threats to Nina reappear in the form of the man she’d help send to jail, Colin returns to fighting mode, willing to sacrifice it all for the woman he loves. ***content warning for stalking, kidnapping, and brief remembered physical abuse***

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2021

About the author

Publishers Weekly bestselling author Laurie Winter is a true warrior of the heart. Inspired by her dreams, she creates authentic characters who overcome the odds and find true love. She balances her life with regular yoga practice and binge-watching true-crime TV. She's likely fueling up on wine, cheese curds, and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups when not pounding the keyboard.
Follow Laurie as she lives out her dreams at lauriewinter.com

Reviews

[Sian · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review of A Beautiful Fall is on my blog.

https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...

[E-Reader Addict · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Laurie Winter since her very first book. I was impressed with her writing and her ability to take a contemporary romance story that’s been done countless times, but make it her own - and stay away from all the cliches you usually get (in both plot and writing). Now she’s trying her hand at romantic suspense. But this genre is tricky for me. I want equal parts of both the romance and suspense. And while we did get a balanced amount of both, the suspense part of this book left a lot to be desired…

Nina Pettit fled an abusive relationship 10 years ago and started a new life, with a new name, in the small mountain town of Polaris, Utah. Once an accomplished cello player, now she uses her musical abilities as a teacher at the local school. She has good friends and loves her job.

Colin Moynihan’s job as a private duty nurse has taken him to Polaris and from his first day there he’s had his eye on Nina. Even though she initially rebuffs his invitation to dinner he’s determined to spend some time with her while his assignment has him in town.

But Nina has a good reason for not wanting to get involved with anyone, especially when her past shows up in the town she considers her safe haven.

The writing in A Beautiful Fall didn’t exactly pull me in or keep me completely engaged - which is unusual for me with this author. But there were two things I really appreciated about this story. First, both the hero and heroine had complicated pasts, but the backstories weren’t kept a mystery - to either the reader or the other character. I love when an author doesn’t try to artificially inject mystery into their story by holding back information and only doling out bits and pieces of the past a little at a time. Both Nina and Colin opened up fairly easily about their pasts and it was good to learn their histories as their relationship developed. Second, these were mature people who were open and honest about their thoughts and feelings - even the hard ones (like how do they continue a relationship when Nina has made her home in Polaris but Colin’s job takes him all over the world?). No holding back or being coy, no miscommunications. It was great!

But then things fell completely apart when the whole big suspense part of the plot rolled out and our heroine went from smart and determined...to too stupid to live. The whole thing was cringey - in both dialogue and actions - and made my eyes roll. Telling you how it was cringey would require some spoilers so you’ll just have to take my word for it.

Thankfully, the ending was sweet and heartwarming. But overall this book was a rare miss by this author for me. Still, I appreciate Ms. Winter for her clean, sweet romances. There’s nary a single bad word - not even the nickel ones, and the focus in the relationships is on the mental and emotional aspects, instead of the physical parts. Personally, I don’t have a problem with either bad language or steamy times. But reading a book without those can be refreshing! This one just needed a little more work on the suspense part...

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, let me reassure readers that this book works as a standalone. I did have the opportunity to read the first book in the series, which is about the relationship between Celia and Luke, but you do not necessarily need to know those details in order to enjoy this one. However, I always do recommend reading other books in a series to better appreciate the characters who appear throughout.

We met Nina briefly in the first book, knowing that she was a neighbor of Celia and Luke, a good friend of the other women in town, an accomplished musician who taught music, and a hint at her past of being kidnapped. Details were not necessary in that story, but we get them in this one, of course.

She is rightfully wary of meeting anyone new, yet this new man in town, Colin, is very intriguing and attractive. He's taking care of her friend and neighbor while she recovers from hip surgery and seems to also have his sights set on Nina. The only problem is, he is a traveling nurse with an itch to see as much of the world as he can. He isn't used to setting down roots. But for Nina, you can see the wheels starting to turn in his mind about figuring out something to be with her.

Similar to the previous story, the main characters are attracted to each other, but realize that they have some major obstacles in their way to making this relationship work out. It's all about how much they want to be with each other and a willingness to compromise and to deal with the present and to let go of the past. Throw in the added complication of Nina's crazy ex, Erich, and you get a bit of a thriller with this contemporary romance, one that will keep you up late reading as I did.

I have some thoughts as to who the next person may be to find love in this series. I look forward to seeing if I am correct.

I received a requested complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Elsie Pitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fear, it can shatter you, making you more afraid. It can bring out a side that you never knew existed, it can turn a person into a shell or it will make you stronger. It depends on the person. Me, I would hope it did the latter, but not just me these characters, especially Nina. She knew she had to get out of the city. With what she has been through she just wanted the normal that was hers. Colin sees her and knows that she is his. He is a force to be reckoned with. This story was beautiful and heart breaking. It shattered me but yet made me stronger. It shows where good writing meets great writing. This is a new author for me and I am wonderfully excited to read more from Miss Winter. This is a book I would recommend. It will have you warm and can cause you to freeze. The allure is seductive in it calms, but the directness can bring you to your knees. I absolutely adored Nina and Colin was a man I can picture being with. Very good flow and the writing is exceptional.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colin loves his single life as a travelling private duty nurse. With no commitments and nothing permanent in life, he's in Polaris for two months while Bea recovers from surgery. Nina escaped from an abusive relationship, only to find that her ex turned into her stalker. A new last name, a move across the country to Polaris, and a new career have her feeling somewhat safe. Until the ex is released from prison. I hated seeing fear overtake Nina, but the real nightmare hadn't begun yet. She and Colin have attraction and chemistry, but both are afraid to act because of his short-term commitment in Polaris. Nina has a great circle of friends; aware of her past, they will to anything to protect her. It was nice to see that Celia and Luke (from This Christmas) finally get married. I really enjoyed reading this book, both the romance and the suspense.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

This was such a good story, it had developed and likeable characters who I felt a connection to and believed in their connection. The supporting characters were well placed and added to the story. This story had grief, fear, pasts, family drama, friendships, support, understanding, acceptance and moved along nicely. I liked the strength of the characters, their honesty and their bravery; it was a lovely story about facing what you fear and opening yourself up to hope and to love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good fast paced romantic suspense novel. Nina certainly has a lot in her past that she has had to deal with and I think that out of everyone, she was my favorite character. Her attraction to Colin is fantastic and very romantic, but as her past starts to creep back up on her again, can he keep her safe? Fair warning—it’s hard to stop once you start this book. LOL

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! Once I started reading I was not putting it down.Ex-professional cellist Nina Pettit and ex-boxer now turned a private duty nurse Colin Moynahan’s is a beautiful story of finding love and letting go of the past. There is suspense, drama, danger, twists, turns, a really nasty villain, and romance. I recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, is was very emotional at times however that only added to the complexity of the storyline. The interaction between Nina and Colin is a lot of give and take. He wants to be there for her but she does not trust men. The relationship between them is very complicated she wants the happy ever after and he is a wonderer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story! It’s well written and draws you in immediately. It’s a complex read and is very emotional and full of drama, fear and heartbreak. The interactions between Nina and Colin are great as they slowly get to know each other and Colin learns of Ninas past and what has happened to her. A wonderful romance with a bit of thriller thrown in and a wonder if the characters will get their hea. A great story.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Nina and Colin. The author gives them a strong connection and delivers a romantic and suspense filled story . She moves the story fluidly with her detailed and descriptive writing. It's an interesting story band I enjoyed reading.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book I've read written by Laurie Winter; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is a good book about Nina & Colin; she’s happily settled down in Utah; he loves moving around the country but when they meet the attraction pulls them together.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good, and enjoyable romantic suspense read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer A Otte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for your heart and soul

My heart beats again and my soul sings from the sweet joy found from the characters in this book. Thanks, Laurie!