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Echoes of the Past
When Connor Walsh, a business lawyer in London, receives news that his estranged father is terminally ill, he returns to Fermosa Bay, a little coastal town in Australia. With the memories of his childhood years tucked away in the back of his mind, he finds his father and kindergarten friends rallying around to remind him of the past. But he's unprepared for the growing attraction he feels for Emily, and it doesn't take long for Connor to feel regret that his life could have been so much different.
Emily Bradshaw has waited for over twenty years to see Connor again. And although he can't remember her, let alone their first kiss, her childhood crush is still in full swing. Eager to pick up where they left off as children, she's determined to enjoy the short time he is in Fermosa Bay, accepting her heart will break when he returns to his life in London.
Will the echoes of the past lure him into staying in Fermosa Bay?
Emily Bradshaw has waited for over twenty years to see Connor again. And although he can't remember her, let alone their first kiss, her childhood crush is still in full swing. Eager to pick up where they left off as children, she's determined to enjoy the short time he is in Fermosa Bay, accepting her heart will break when he returns to his life in London.
Will the echoes of the past lure him into staying in Fermosa Bay?
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
About the author
Iris Blobel
27 books264 followersFor a FREE book from Iris Blobel, join her Newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/b-U0G5 and do follow her on Bookbub for the latest book releases https://www.bookbub.com/profile/iris-...
Iris Blobel writes warm, sexy, and sometimes witty Australian Contemporary Romance books for readers who, like herself, still strongly believe in love and Happily Ever Afters. And she knows HEAs. Her couples are hungry for life, done with the past, passionate about family, and emotionally hopeful for a future. The stories are mainly set in Australia but also in New Zealand and even the US, depending on where her travels take her. She loves nothing more than for her readers to join her on her journeys.
Iris Blobel writes warm, sexy, and sometimes witty Australian Contemporary Romance books for readers who, like herself, still strongly believe in love and Happily Ever Afters. And she knows HEAs. Her couples are hungry for life, done with the past, passionate about family, and emotionally hopeful for a future. The stories are mainly set in Australia but also in New Zealand and even the US, depending on where her travels take her. She loves nothing more than for her readers to join her on her journeys.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 29, 2016
Book – Echoes of the Past
Author – Iris Blobel
Publication Date – February 16, 2016
Genre – New Adult Romance
Cliffhanger - No
Type - Stand Alone
Rating – 4.5 Stars
Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
My Thoughts - Story
I freaking LOVED this story!! What a unique and “outside the box” type of story that held me captivated throughout.
Yes, there were unbelievable moments that I don’t think would ever happen and were a bit exaggerated, but, honestly, I think it put the icing on an otherwise plain cake.
This book has it all…the “awww”, the “pissed off”, the “sobbing” and the “happy” moments all rolled into a sweet and romantic story.
Re-Cap
Connor has come back to his past to help his dying father, but what he doesn’t know is that the first years of his life was his happiest spent in this small coastal town. He doesn’t remember his father, his best friends and the girl whose heart was stolen.
As days play out, Connor realizes that what he was told growing up isn’t the truth and starts to question his past, present and future.
This a beautiful and emotional story of finding love again between lost loves, friends and family.
Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 5 Stars
Steam – 4 Stars
Angst – 5 Stars
Writing – 4.5 Stars
Content Flow – 4.5 Stars
HEA (Spoiler) –
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – Readers who enjoy a sweet and emotional book of finding love.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Author – Iris Blobel
Publication Date – February 16, 2016
Genre – New Adult Romance
Cliffhanger - No
Type - Stand Alone
Rating – 4.5 Stars
Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
My Thoughts - Story
I freaking LOVED this story!! What a unique and “outside the box” type of story that held me captivated throughout.
Yes, there were unbelievable moments that I don’t think would ever happen and were a bit exaggerated, but, honestly, I think it put the icing on an otherwise plain cake.
This book has it all…the “awww”, the “pissed off”, the “sobbing” and the “happy” moments all rolled into a sweet and romantic story.
Re-Cap
Connor has come back to his past to help his dying father, but what he doesn’t know is that the first years of his life was his happiest spent in this small coastal town. He doesn’t remember his father, his best friends and the girl whose heart was stolen.
As days play out, Connor realizes that what he was told growing up isn’t the truth and starts to question his past, present and future.
This a beautiful and emotional story of finding love again between lost loves, friends and family.
Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 5 Stars
Steam – 4 Stars
Angst – 5 Stars
Writing – 4.5 Stars
Content Flow – 4.5 Stars
HEA (Spoiler) –
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – Readers who enjoy a sweet and emotional book of finding love.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
February 15, 2016
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A reunion romance and so much more; ‘Echoes of the Past’ explores Connor’s suppressed childhood memories, when he reunites with his father after twenty years. His childhood friendship group have remained almost intact and they help him to rekindle what he has lost and solve the mystery behind his childhood amnesia.
Emily the girl he kissed at seven years old has blossomed and their attraction is immediate. Hers goes deeper than the physical; she believes Connor is her soul mate. Connor, damaged by his loveless childhood and teenage and more recently by a gold digging girlfriend, is too frightened to look beyond the present.
The sweet romance interwoven with sensuality is lovely. For me, it’s the relationship between Connor and his father Jack that’s most poignant.
Well written characters showcase a multitude of emotions. Notably humour sadness, friendship and self-centredness. The setting and the sense of community shared about Fermosa Bay, adds another layer to this story and makes me want to discover what happens next...
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
Iris Blobel
February 9, 2016
Who said you can’t find your soul mate at seven years old?
For Emily, who lived her whole life in the sleepy Fermosa Bay Australia she always knew that Connor was the one. At seven years old, the whole town had them married off living a quiet happy life. But when an innocent accident happens, Connor’s mother takes the opportunity to whisk her son away to a life that offers more.
Growing up in London in the shadow of his step father, Connor becomes a successful and sought after lawyer with the world at his feet. When his biological father tracks him down, a father he has no memory of and asks him to return home to Australia, Connor can’t say no. Especially to his dying father.
This is a beautiful tale of rediscovering what you already had and what really matters. Reconnecting with old friends and old loves opens Connor’s heart to a world he never anticipated.
Iris had me in tears with this sweet story of coming home. Congratulations. A must read for anyone with a romantic heart!
For Emily, who lived her whole life in the sleepy Fermosa Bay Australia she always knew that Connor was the one. At seven years old, the whole town had them married off living a quiet happy life. But when an innocent accident happens, Connor’s mother takes the opportunity to whisk her son away to a life that offers more.
Growing up in London in the shadow of his step father, Connor becomes a successful and sought after lawyer with the world at his feet. When his biological father tracks him down, a father he has no memory of and asks him to return home to Australia, Connor can’t say no. Especially to his dying father.
This is a beautiful tale of rediscovering what you already had and what really matters. Reconnecting with old friends and old loves opens Connor’s heart to a world he never anticipated.
Iris had me in tears with this sweet story of coming home. Congratulations. A must read for anyone with a romantic heart!
January 19, 2021
Fantastic story
I read the short version and then immediately bought the full book. I loved Emily and Connor, and their growing love for each other. Connor’s reunion brought with his father tears to my eyes. I liked the other characters in the book even though they didn’t play a large part. Kudos to Emily and her comments to nasty Harriet!
I read the short version and then immediately bought the full book. I loved Emily and Connor, and their growing love for each other. Connor’s reunion brought with his father tears to my eyes. I liked the other characters in the book even though they didn’t play a large part. Kudos to Emily and her comments to nasty Harriet!
Read
December 21, 2021♥ NOW AVAILABLE AS AUDIO
*** ECHOES OF THE PAST -
Indulge in a relaxing read to unwind from the busy weeks as the year comes to a close.
US: https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/...
AU: https://books.apple.com/au/audiobook/...
Reviewed by Anugraha Prem for Readers' Favorite - 5 Stars
In Echoes of The Past: Fermosa Bay Book 1 by Iris Blobel, Connor Walsh, a business lawyer brought up in London, returns to Fermosa Bay, a small coastal town in Australia to visit his long-estranged father who is terminally ill. Connor has little recollection of his earlier life at Fermosa Bay but gets reacquainted with his childhood best friends Emily, Ethan, and Neil. Emily had always loved Connor and he falls for her the moment he sees her again. As the days go by, Connor's love for Emily as well as his fondness for Fermosa Bay grows deeper and deeper. He reflects on how different his life could have been there. On the one hand, he has his affluent lifestyle in London, and on the other, he has this newfound life at Fermosa Bay where he feels a sense of belonging and is complete. Which one should he choose?
While reading Echoes of The Past, I felt as if I was on vacation. The whole setting of Fermosa Bay was so calming. Iris Blobel has brought out the alluring charm of the place beautifully. Every interaction between Connor and Jack, as well as those between him and his friends, was heartwarming. The book revived a yearning in me for the sort of community that was depicted in Fermosa Bay. The love, affection, and care that each of them had for the other were captivating. I loved seeing how Connor and Emily navigated their way through the love and devotion they were feeling for each other. The tenderness and warmth with which they handled their relationship were also endearing, which made for an engaging read.
*** ECHOES OF THE PAST -
Indulge in a relaxing read to unwind from the busy weeks as the year comes to a close.
US: https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/...
AU: https://books.apple.com/au/audiobook/...
Reviewed by Anugraha Prem for Readers' Favorite - 5 Stars
In Echoes of The Past: Fermosa Bay Book 1 by Iris Blobel, Connor Walsh, a business lawyer brought up in London, returns to Fermosa Bay, a small coastal town in Australia to visit his long-estranged father who is terminally ill. Connor has little recollection of his earlier life at Fermosa Bay but gets reacquainted with his childhood best friends Emily, Ethan, and Neil. Emily had always loved Connor and he falls for her the moment he sees her again. As the days go by, Connor's love for Emily as well as his fondness for Fermosa Bay grows deeper and deeper. He reflects on how different his life could have been there. On the one hand, he has his affluent lifestyle in London, and on the other, he has this newfound life at Fermosa Bay where he feels a sense of belonging and is complete. Which one should he choose?
While reading Echoes of The Past, I felt as if I was on vacation. The whole setting of Fermosa Bay was so calming. Iris Blobel has brought out the alluring charm of the place beautifully. Every interaction between Connor and Jack, as well as those between him and his friends, was heartwarming. The book revived a yearning in me for the sort of community that was depicted in Fermosa Bay. The love, affection, and care that each of them had for the other were captivating. I loved seeing how Connor and Emily navigated their way through the love and devotion they were feeling for each other. The tenderness and warmth with which they handled their relationship were also endearing, which made for an engaging read.
February 5, 2016
I received this book as an ARC - and absolutely loved it!!!!
It is sweet and gentle yet filled with very strong emotions book, which will make you ponder upon the fate and decisions of the characters long after you finish reading :)
It will appeal not only to the true romance-loving readers, but also to those who, like me, reach for that genre occasionally, when in need of a read that would touch their hearts :D And this is it!!!
I honestly do not remember last time I've read something so gentle, so dear - yet tugging on all the inner feelings strings with quite a strength!
It is sweet and gentle yet filled with very strong emotions book, which will make you ponder upon the fate and decisions of the characters long after you finish reading :)
It will appeal not only to the true romance-loving readers, but also to those who, like me, reach for that genre occasionally, when in need of a read that would touch their hearts :D And this is it!!!
I honestly do not remember last time I've read something so gentle, so dear - yet tugging on all the inner feelings strings with quite a strength!
July 19, 2017
A fantastic romance filled with twists and turns I didn't see coming. Tip: have some tissues handy. ;) I loved the ending!
My Rating: 5 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
Did Not Finish
August 9, 2025DNF at 29%
I liked the premise, but it became a bit repetitive, and it seemed weird to keep talking about unraveling a mystery that could be done with a simple conversation.
Also, I didn’t really enjoy the style of writing, and didn’t like the MMC.
I liked the premise, but it became a bit repetitive, and it seemed weird to keep talking about unraveling a mystery that could be done with a simple conversation.
Also, I didn’t really enjoy the style of writing, and didn’t like the MMC.
October 18, 2016
There is a large cast of characters in this story, but each one of them is an individual with whom readers will fall in love.
Read full review in the 2016 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2016 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 29, 2016
Lovely Reunion Tale
When I started reading the book, I fell in love with the characters. Lovely story that touched me deeply. Looking forward to other Fermosa Bay stories.
When I started reading the book, I fell in love with the characters. Lovely story that touched me deeply. Looking forward to other Fermosa Bay stories.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews