Forever You

Connor Brothers #12

by Leah Busboom

How do you choose between the love of your life and the life you had before you met him? Laci V’s star is bright. The up-and-coming singer’s concerts are filling stadiums, and her current hit song is soon to be nominated for a Grammy. But after a storm rolls through one of her outdoor concerts, Laci wakes up in 1855. Matthew finds a woman from the future in a field near his homestead. He takes her home and the rugged, handsome frontiersman falls for the beautiful time traveler. Her stories about the future fascinate him and her determination and grit capture his heart. Laci falls in love with Matthew’s kind and gentle ways, his fierce love for the land, and his indomitable pioneer spirit. While he may be the perfect man for her, he doesn’t live in the century she wants to live in. Laci longs for the modern conveniences of the time period she came from, for the friends and family she left behind, and for her blossoming career. Matthew realizes that to show his love for Laci, he must make the most heart wrenching decision of his life—help her go back to the time she came from. But what coincidence brought her here and how can it take her back? Forever You is a romance filled with love, loss, and learning to love again. Does love find a way to break the bounds of time, of past and present—turning what seems impossible into an extraordinary love story? Bronze Medal winner! 2022 Readers Favorite international book award This book is a unique blend of historical and contemporary romance, and a story about finding love and never letting it go despite the constraints of time. A clean and wholesome take on Outlander . Fans of The Time Traveler’s Wife will love this poignant, powerful twelfth book in the Connor Brothers series. This novel may be read as a stand-alone.

Genres: Romance, Time Travel, Contemporary

218 pages, Paperback

Published September 22, 2022

About the author

Leah Busboom wanted to become an author since the day she learned how to read! She specializes in the Romance genre because she loves a good story with a happy ending. Her books are known for their heartwarming stories; intriguing characters and hilarious real life situations that will make you want to laugh out loud.

Leah currently lives in Colorado with her wonderful husband, her "Blue Bomber" bicycle and a hundred bunny rabbits that roam free in the neighborhood.

Reviews

[Inna]

What in the “knight in shining armor” is this book? The heroine meets a man while time traveling and then returns to her time and starts a relationship with his descendant. Gross.

[Rellim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 12 in Leah Busboom's Connor Brothers series. While there are a few minor cameos by characters from the series, this can be listened to on its own.

I liked Busboom's take on a time travel romance. This closed door romance features Laci, a modern day country singer, transported back to the 1850s during a storm. She finds herself on Matthew Peterson's farm first trying to convince him of her tale and then adventures in learning what it takes to live a life without modern conveniences. Matthew and Laci soon fall in love but also recognize that Laci needs to return to her own time.

The second half of the book is a contemporary romance centering on Laci's burgeoning relationship with Jeremy, a descendent of Matthew's. While I found the writing and dialogue to be repetitive at times and wish Busboom had given her characters more time developing their relationship, I did enjoy the twists and Laci discovering what would truly make her happy.

The epilogue was a lovely ending for Jeremy & Laci's HEA.

Narration:
This is my first time listening to either Mary Beth Eversole or Heston Mosher. They each did a good job bringing these 20-somethings to life as well as all the various secondary characters. While I generally enjoy duet narration, Eversole's delivery pace was significantly faster than Mosher's. To the point of needing to adjust the playback speed depending on who was doing the bulk of the speaking for a particular chapter. Unfortunately, there wasn't much I could do when the other narrator was speaking a duet part within. Individually, I'd like to hear more of either of their work.

While I borrowed the ebook from Kindle Unlimited, I received a copy of the audiobook from Home Cooked Books and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Klissia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 I hate this "plot solution" to replace the love interest of the past for a man who is descendant of the original "love" of the mc... Frustrating

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever You
Connor Brothers #12
By Leah Busboom
Narrated by Mary Beth Eversole, Heston Moser

Well, this is a refreshing, fun listen! I went into this blind and what a pleasure it is! Leah Busboom creates an original romance, that travels through time and helps the future. Laci is a rockstar. During a phenomenal live performance, a freak lightning storm comes through and Laci finds herself propelled back to 1855. Matthew finds her and the two adjust to the fact that she is from the future and is now stuck in the past. But that does not stop the feelings from growing. Their boundless love is what gets her back to the present. But what happens next is a total surprise! Giving a good look at how life has changed over the past 150 years, Busboom let me appreciate all the modern conveniences of life. What did I learn? That true love, no matter the time, is selfless and endless. Loved this story (and the song!)!

Marty Beth Eversole and Heston Moser are our storytellers and they fall from one century to the next without hesitation. Their voices compliment one another and create a world easy to fall into. Eversole keeps Laci real, each emotion, from the shock of the time periods to her breaking heart. Moser comes in as Matthew, strong and capable as he takes care of Laci and then later gives us a wonderful voice for others! This is a joy to hear.

#ALC #comingsoon #timetravelromance #oppositesattract #secondchancesatlove #audioromance #leahbusboom #marybetheversole #hestonmoser #homecookedbooks

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read a time travel book in many years - this book is beautifully written and such an amazing story.

Laci is a rockstar who’s at the top of her career but a storm changes the path of her life….or at least the way she thinks about her future.

Matthew is a simple, hard working and patient man. When Laci appears in his life he learns many and confusing things.

Their story is so beautiful, heartwarming and heartbreaking. I loved reading about the history of 1855. Laci’s dialogue while she was back in time was fantastic…makes us appreciate the conveniences we have today. The ending was surprising and fabulous.

Mary Beth Eversole and Heston Moser delivered a beautiful performance. The emotion and personality they give to each character was fantastic. I really enjoyed this story and listening to the amazing audiobook.

[Meg (thyme.for.books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forever You is the twelve installment of the Conner Brothers series. It can be read or listened to as a stand-alone. While there are some kissing scenes, there is nothing spicy in this small-town, time-travel romance. The book is split into two parts - Laci’s time in the past where she meets Matthew and when she returns to the present.

It has been quite some time since I’ve read any kind of time travel romance and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. This is actually the first book from this series which I have listened to but I plan to read through the rest. Forever You is on the shorter side (slightly longer than a novella). I would have liked a little more build up between her and Matthew and maybe more of her day to day experiences in the 1850’s.

I enjoyed the narrators selected. Mary Beth Eversole has a sweet, cheerful voice that suits Laci well. Heston Mosher perfectly captures both Matthew and Jeremy’s personalities.

Overall, Forever You is a short, sweet romance. This is the first book that I have listened to from author Leah Busboom but I look forward to reading and listening to more of her work in the future.

I voluntarily listened to and reviewed an advanced copy of this audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first novel I've read by this author and I'm a fan of time travel romance or historical time-slip novels. Forever You is one of my favorites. It was filled with historical 1855 information of everyday farm life, 2021 life of an upcoming country music star, and the romance that survives time.

I was engrossed in the storyline from the beginning, and it only got better from there. The author has melded the two time periods seamlessly and managed to create a wonderful backstory with mystery as well. It was even more than I expected, and I was mesmerized all the way to the end by the numerous twists that kept coming.

There were even surprises at the end even though I thought I had pretty much figured it all out. A very well-written clean and wholesome romance time-travel story that will leave you wanting more. I hope the author continues to write more in this genre. Highly recommended.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic historical and contemporary romance. A sweet clean time travel romance with some great characters and a lovely storyline that I really enjoyed. Can love transcend the limits of time? Well in this story it does and it’s fantastic.

[Lynn Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual But Beautiful

I love everything this author writes. This book with Laci and Matthew and Jeremy is so different than the rest of this series, but just as romantic. The comparison between life in the 1800's and modern times was so true. I much prefer present days myself. This book beautifully wove the love story across centuries and ended with its happily ever after.

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Leah Busboom's book and won't be my last. This is book 12 in the Connor Brothers Series. I loved it! The first part is intriguing, and fast paced. The second part is sweet, engaging, and heartwarming. The story is beautifully written. Outstanding narration from Mary Beth Eversole and Heston Mosher. Looking forward to more from this author. If you like Time Travel Romance, this one definitely is for you. #HCB

[natasha fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book definitely took me by surprise. The story was super cute with an unexpected surprise/ twist I hadn't expected. I listened to the audio book and the narrators did a phenomenal job bringing you into the story and really making you feel what the characters are feeling. I would definitely recommend this book and the audio

[Julie Bihn]

Our kiss swiftly turns heated, just like a grass fire ripping across the prairie.

This is the only book I've read in the series (I won it in a giveaway). I don't think you need to have read earlier books to understand this one, though.

I like the historical aspect of time travel, so I was most engaged by the early portions of the book. I found Matthew likable and engaging, and the idea of a modern woman coping with living in the distant past was fun. If I recall, more than half of the book was in the modern day, though. Those parts read like a contemporary, fairly low-stakes romance to me.

The author's notes at the end reference this appealing to fans of Hallmark movies, and that sounds about right to me. It struck me as a contemporary romance with a heavy splash of time travel.

[Archies · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one magical tale. I will cherish it in my heart till eternity.
"Even if we can't be together, always love me and take me to forever. With you"
I cried so much because the pain was unending and beautiful. I loved it !!!!!

[W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very intriguing story of a love for the ages

This is a very different story than others I have read by Ms.Busboom, but it is every bit as enjoyable. Many readers romanticize life in various historical periods, thinking everyone is safe, happy and fulfilled. But is that the reality of life in those times? This time-travel story gives us the chance to explore that question.

As long as you can suspend your disbelief about the idea of time-travel, both parts of the story -- and both of the very different relationships Laci experiences -- are excellent reading. There are many bits of information about life in the 19th century on the American frontier to explore. It certainly reminded me to be grateful for all the comforts and advantages my modern life offers.

The circular nature of the story, the people, the music, and the family history provides a symmetry and inevitability to the relationships, including an intriguing plot detail twist near the end that caught me by surprise.

I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laci is a famous country singer and during a concert, a storm sends her back to 1855. She meets Matthew and falls hard but can not stay in that time period and he can not come forward. He does send her a message - to be delivered by his descendent. Jeremy is handed the job of meeting Laci and delivering a package and when they meet, their worlds change forever. The characters are terrific, with great backstories and family history, and even song history. Love the historical parts and ancestry bits as I also love to collect those things about my family. The storyline was unique and really pulls at your feelings. The Godwinks of the timely circumstances that happened to bring the story all together were incredible. Plenty of drama, danger, surprises, romance, compassion, secrecy, twists and turns, big decisions, a stalker and much more. Loved how Jeremy and Laci had so much in common and the natural way they fell in love. Great ending with family history again at the core.

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

[Linda Fore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laci is a beautiful singing sensation at the age of twenty-two years. One minute she is singing her heart out at a concert, the next she is looking up into a cloudless sky surrounded by grass. What a shock to discover that the storm during the concert has flung her back through time!
Laci was rescued by Matthew, a pioneer living in rural Minnesota. As she struggles to adapt to her new life, Laci longs for a shower in clean, hot water and a way to have food without spending hours to prepare it. She really wants to find a way to get “back home,” despite the fact she is falling in love with Matthew.
I love the fantasy of time-travel. I like climbing into the mind of someone who found herself in completely strange circumstances. I really enjoyed Leah Busboom’s skillful way of weaving a story of love and sacrifice.
Thanks, Leah, for this ARC. I enjoyed it very much and wanted to leave this review to help someone decide to purchase your book. Keep up the great work!

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not normally a fan of time travel romances but I really enjoyed this story very much. There were twists and turns that drew the story back around resolving many of the questions I had as I read the story.

Laci V was a young country music star living the life of her dreams. She is successful and has a number one hit song. When a storm takes her back to 1855, she meets Matthew, the ultimate frontiersman. Spending two months with him and learning to become a pioneer woman, she grew to love Matthew but longed to return to the twenty-first century. When she got her wish but Matthew remained in 1855, she missed him terribly.

I won't give away anymore of the story, but the story is a beautiful love story that spans the years and is a love that lasts forever.

This is a clean, wholesome, wonderful romance full of many swoon-worthy moments of true love.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story of love, family, and romance.  I really liked this different time travel book.  I especially liked how Laci's song played throughout the story and how the book ended.  The characters of Laci, the country music singer from the year 2021 and Matthew, the frontiersman from 1855 touched my heart and they actually made me cry at one point.  This is definitely a remarkable, romantic, touching story and I really enjoyed how the special box was handed down through generations until it reached Jeremy.  It was also interesting watching Laci compare her life in 1885 to her life in 2021.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

There weren't any rose colored glasses about Laci's journey to the 1800s. It was a dirty, primitive, hard life. I wouldn't have wanted to stay there either without my family, friends, and so many conveniences we take for granted. Matthew was happy being a simple hardworking young farmer. His ancestor Jeremy struck me as immature at first especially in his attitude about fulfilling his wishes. But Jeremy finds excitement in learning more about his grandfather with Laci until he becomes repeatedly jealous of her love for another. They have a lot of communication issues to overcome and maybe that's because of the youth of both characters. The full circle ending was sweet.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

So time travel is not usually my cup of tea .But after reading Forever You - Leah may of just changed my mind . It did not take me long to get sucked into this pretty awesome story . Laci and Mathew are such intriguing characters , their journey is so full of emotion and intrigue, it’s romantic and mysterious, steamy yet sweet , I also love the historical aspect as well . I’m not sure I really have the right words to describe how unique and special this book really is ( I truly believe that to fully experience how phenomenal it is ( you need to go in with a open mind and read it yourself. But trust me . You will not be disappointed

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. I thought it was well written, especially since the protagonist time-travels to give readers a two-in-one romance novel that blends quite well. I’m not usually a fan of pioneer era stories but this wholesome tale had my heart. Overall, it’s a wonderful feel-good story that should be on everyone’s list. I will definitely check out the rest of the Connor Brothers books!
#GoodreadsGiveaways

[Katherine Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever You

When I first started reading this book I have to admit that I wondered how Laci would ever travel back to 2021! But I have to admit that when she had to leave Matthew in the past I thought that was the end of their ❤️ love! But was I wrong! I think it was brilliant on your part how you were able to capture the past and bring it to the future! I really loved this story line! I read the whole book in just 1 day!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Innovative story

When I read time travel, I was sure it would be dreadful (my opinion of sci-fi). It was so much the opposite. Was drawn in early and continued straight to the end of this wonderful, sweet, clean romance. Was never sure how the next chapter would evolve and used several tissues. Highly recommend.

Received ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Jennie Mcgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

AT FIRST i DID NOT THINK I WAS GOING TO LIKE. THE STORY IS DEEPER THAN JUST TIME TRAVEL. I LOVE EVERY BIT OF THIS BOOK AND WOULD RECCOMEND IT TO ANYONE. AS WITH ALL OF LEAH'S BOOKS ONCE YOU START YOU CANNOT STOP. THIS WAS A VERY INTERESTING

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful read! It's a sweet clean romance that will keep you turning the pages. It was unlike any time travel romance I've read. I highly recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! A wonderful love story!

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is for the audiobook.
Laci’s living the good life in 2021. An up-and-coming country music singer, quickly rising to the top. Close to friends and family, young, healthy, happy. Her love life could be a little more robust but life is still very good. And then in a flash, while in the middle of a concert near where she was born, a freak lightning storm zaps her back to 1855 and that old life is gone. Whoa, now what?

Matthew is a simple farmer with a modest homestead in 1855. When Laci almost literally falls into his lap, even though he has no idea where she came from or what could possibly have happened, he is calm, kind and gentle and tries to ease her fears and make her feel welcome. He’s been on his own since he lost his parents when he was 15 and is lonely. He welcomes the company even if he doesn’t understand it and begins to cherish Laci.

As Laci and Matthew spend more time together the initial attraction between them develops into something deeper and more serious. What can their future be, however? If she is able to return to 2021 can Matthew go with her? Would he want to? If she can’t return will they be able to build a life together based on the tender feelings they have for each other in spite of the vast differences in their history, experiences, and lives?

Some stories just do not lend themselves to detailed reviews and Forever You is one of them. Sometimes it’s better to let the next reader experience the highs and lows, the joys and sadness, the sweet and the bittersweet without prepping them for it.

Forever You is a simple, sweet romance in circumstances that are not at all simple. Laci’s and Matthew’s feelings are genuine but so is their predicament. You need to read this book and take the journey with them.

I did at times find it hard to like and sympathize with Laci. She took finding herself in another time with a surprising lack of fear, but she was often petulant and whiny about missing Starbucks and pizza and finding everything oh, so dirty. Her lament when early in the story Matthew cuts himself and after bandaging it she bursts into tears and laments, “What would happen to me if something happened to you?” put me off a bit. I tried to chalk it up to her being so young, but Matthew is as young and was more consistently calm and kind.

I received an audiobook copy of Forever You from Home Cooked Books and am voluntarily leaving this review. All opinions are my own.

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying I was a bit skeptical about this book. There was the time traveling element that was way different from anything else found in the Connor Brothers series and I wasn’t sure how it was going to play out. However, I was pleasantly surprised! I actually did enjoy this book. Forever You is split between past and present as Laci meets and falls in love with Matthew in the year 1855 after a storm transports her through time, close to the settlement that will one day become her hometown. Despite her feelings for him, she is not cut out to be a pioneer woman. She’s too used to her modern amenities. After spending several months together, despite their feelings for one another, Matthew helps her find a way back to her time where she can be happier once again. Back in the present time, Laci then has to find her way forward with life after saying goodbye to her first love.

While it certainly goes beyond the realm of realism as Laci is actually transported through time (which she, the Peterson family, and her sister all readily accept as something that actually happened), it still did make for a pleasant read with all the elements I would look for in a novel, including (somewhat of a spoiler??) a happily ever after, which doesn’t quite seem like a possibility at first. I think what really helps tie it all together is Matthew’s master plan that he puts in place before he dies to help Laci find love. I don’t want to spoil too much so you’ll have to read it for yourself!

Despite the fact that this book is labeled as book 12 in this series, you do not need to read any of the other books for it to make sense. There are minor appearances of characters from other books in the series that you would recognize if you’ve read them (which I have and have really enjoyed by the way!), but it’s certainly not a requirement to enjoy this story, especially as it gets more removed from the original set of characters in the first few books.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forever You is book twelve in the Connor brothers’ series and is the time travel, opposites attract, second chance romance of Laci and Matthew.
Laci is an up-and-coming country singing sensation with a new single climbing the country music chart and her concerts filling stadiums across the Country. During one of her outdoor concerts a freak storm rolls in fast and propels her back to 1855 where she meets Matthew, a pioneer living in rural Minnesota. Matthew finds Laci in a field near his homestead and takes her home to look after her. Laci struggles with life in the past, she is missing modern home comforts like being able to take a shower in hot, clean water and not having to spend hours preparing a meal. Despite these struggles Laci is falling for Matthew but they both know it can’t last as Laci can’t stay in that period and he can’t come forward. So, to show his love for Laci Matthew recognises he must let her go back to the times period she came from even if it breaks both of their hearts.
Is true love capable of spanning generations and breaking the time constraints of past and present to pave the way for an everlasting love?
New to me narrators Mary Beth Eversole and Heston Moser bring Laci and Matthew to life and my goodness, what a fabulous pairing. Their voices really compliment one another and they effortlessly fall from one time period to another. Mary Beth’s very real, very emotional portrayal of Laci is perfect. She manages to convey she shock and heartbreak. Heston’s performance as Matthew is amazing. Heston perfectly showcases Matthew’s strength and capabilities and that if you love something enough let it go, if it’s meant to be love with always find a way.
If you are a fan of clean, wholesome, blended historical-contemporary time traveller romance with a country music undertone then you’ll love Forever You.

[Linda V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forever You is book #12 in the Connor Brothers series. I started with this book and did not feel lost or like I was missing anything, so great job on the standalone. Laci V has just hit the big time as an up and coming country star. During one of her performances, she is struck by lightning and sent back to 1855. When she wakes up, she meets Matthew Peterson, hunky pioneer and homesteader. Laci tries to return to 2021, but no dice. She tries to adapt to her rugged new lifestyle, but really misses her family and career. However, strong feelings have started between her and Matthew, so returning is a hard decision and would Matthew go with her? This story has a great twist and is clean without having any strong religious push, so it is perfect for YA and up.

I had the audiobook version and was impressed with the narration. Both narrators were new to me, but I'll be looking for future projects from them.