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Second Chances #3
Breathe
The first time they broke each others’ hearts. Now they have a second chance…
Doing what was expected didn’t get Anna Morelli anything but a bad marriage. Now that her life has fallen apart there’s only one place she can think of to regroup and figure out what comes next. Two Willows, the winery owned by the only man she could ever rely on. Her oldest friend. And her worst mistake.
Growing up as the poor boy didn’t stop Jace Willow from falling for Anna one hot, sultry summer. Back then, his best efforts to prove himself worthy of the Morelli standard fell just short. While it killed him to see her marry someone else, he made beating the Morellis at their own game his life’s work. And he’s excelled at it.
When Anna shows up on his doorstep, their painful history pales in the face of her need for a roof over her children’s heads—and some peace. The heat of their renewed passion is healing, but it burns away layers of hard-won emotional distance, reopening old wounds. Threatening their one last chance to rebuild their love on the shattered pieces of their broken hearts…
Full-bodied, rich bouquet with sexy overtones. Decant, breathe, and enjoy.
Doing what was expected didn’t get Anna Morelli anything but a bad marriage. Now that her life has fallen apart there’s only one place she can think of to regroup and figure out what comes next. Two Willows, the winery owned by the only man she could ever rely on. Her oldest friend. And her worst mistake.
Growing up as the poor boy didn’t stop Jace Willow from falling for Anna one hot, sultry summer. Back then, his best efforts to prove himself worthy of the Morelli standard fell just short. While it killed him to see her marry someone else, he made beating the Morellis at their own game his life’s work. And he’s excelled at it.
When Anna shows up on his doorstep, their painful history pales in the face of her need for a roof over her children’s heads—and some peace. The heat of their renewed passion is healing, but it burns away layers of hard-won emotional distance, reopening old wounds. Threatening their one last chance to rebuild their love on the shattered pieces of their broken hearts…
Full-bodied, rich bouquet with sexy overtones. Decant, breathe, and enjoy.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2010
About the author
Donna Alward
287 books695 followersSince 2006, New York Times bestseller Donna Jones Alward has enchanted readers with stories of happy endings and homecomings that have won several awards and been translated into over a dozen languages. She’s worked as an administrative assistant, teaching assistant, in retail and as a stay-at-home-mom, but always knew her degree in English Literature would pay off, as she is now happy to be a full-time writer. Her new historical fiction tales blend her love of history with characters who step beyond their biggest fears to claim the lives they desire.
Donna currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband and cats. You can often find her near the water, either kayaking on the lake or walking the sandy beaches to refill her creative well.
Find out more at www.donnajonesalward.com
Donna currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband and cats. You can often find her near the water, either kayaking on the lake or walking the sandy beaches to refill her creative well.
Find out more at www.donnajonesalward.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 18, 2017
Favorite Quote:
In so many ways, her life had been waiting for her. Like a bottle of Two Willows Syrah, all the flavors and notes and tones locked inside until Jace had uncorked it. With Jace she had the freedom to breathe, and with that freedom came unexpected richness, full and satisfying.
My Review:
Breathe was a quick yet somewhat heavy read, as the story was laden with angst, regrets, grief, sorrow, and wasted years based on misconceptions. I had a difficult time warming up to Anna, she had always been wealthy and privileged and was often rude, thoughtless, snide, and a drama llama. She had made so many poor choices, and even though she was aware of her mistakes, she was a prickly pear about them and repeatedly hurled insults at poor Jace rather than own up to her miscues. However, as her story slowly unfolded - I grudgingly soften towards her. The storyline was heart-squeezing and fraught with tension, regret, and poor communication – which, due to my personal distaste for angst, left me unsettled yet also intrigued. Despite my discomfort, I wanted to know their secrets as well as their full history and how the story would unfold and resolve. Kudos to Ms. Alward for holding my attention and keeping me engaged despite my aversion and rewarding me with a sweet HEA.
In so many ways, her life had been waiting for her. Like a bottle of Two Willows Syrah, all the flavors and notes and tones locked inside until Jace had uncorked it. With Jace she had the freedom to breathe, and with that freedom came unexpected richness, full and satisfying.
My Review:
Breathe was a quick yet somewhat heavy read, as the story was laden with angst, regrets, grief, sorrow, and wasted years based on misconceptions. I had a difficult time warming up to Anna, she had always been wealthy and privileged and was often rude, thoughtless, snide, and a drama llama. She had made so many poor choices, and even though she was aware of her mistakes, she was a prickly pear about them and repeatedly hurled insults at poor Jace rather than own up to her miscues. However, as her story slowly unfolded - I grudgingly soften towards her. The storyline was heart-squeezing and fraught with tension, regret, and poor communication – which, due to my personal distaste for angst, left me unsettled yet also intrigued. Despite my discomfort, I wanted to know their secrets as well as their full history and how the story would unfold and resolve. Kudos to Ms. Alward for holding my attention and keeping me engaged despite my aversion and rewarding me with a sweet HEA.
May 2, 2017
Donna Award’s Breathe is a twist on the second chance at love theme. Both main characters fascinated me in this moving story of forgiveness, love and family set in the Shuswap Lake region of British Columbia.
Anna Morelli needs to breathe. She discovered her husband, Stefano, was having an affair with their nanny and was starting divorce proceedings when Stefano died. She’s overwhelmed; she’s been grieving for her marriage, caring for her two young children and working for her demanding father in the family’s winery. Anna and her children appear unannounced at her childhood friend Jace Willow’s vineyard. The author does a fabulous job describing Anna and Jace’s initial meeting and dinner with the two tired, cranky children. It’s obvious that Anna and Jace were more than friends and they have unfinished business.
The conversions between Anna and Jace drew me into the story. They misunderstand each other, jump to the wrong conclusions about each other and argue like a real couple. At first glance Breathe might seem like the typical rich girl loves poor boy romance but the compelling relationship between Anna and Jace unfolds as the couple gets reacquainted. Their love story is not a simple one; it’s fraught with mistakes, parental influences and tragedy. Anna and Jace have to work at rebuilding the trust that they once shared and realize that they have grown in the last ten years. Can they acknowledge their past and move forward? The conclusion to the thoughtful, poignant story was well written and perfect for this couple.
Anna Morelli needs to breathe. She discovered her husband, Stefano, was having an affair with their nanny and was starting divorce proceedings when Stefano died. She’s overwhelmed; she’s been grieving for her marriage, caring for her two young children and working for her demanding father in the family’s winery. Anna and her children appear unannounced at her childhood friend Jace Willow’s vineyard. The author does a fabulous job describing Anna and Jace’s initial meeting and dinner with the two tired, cranky children. It’s obvious that Anna and Jace were more than friends and they have unfinished business.
The conversions between Anna and Jace drew me into the story. They misunderstand each other, jump to the wrong conclusions about each other and argue like a real couple. At first glance Breathe might seem like the typical rich girl loves poor boy romance but the compelling relationship between Anna and Jace unfolds as the couple gets reacquainted. Their love story is not a simple one; it’s fraught with mistakes, parental influences and tragedy. Anna and Jace have to work at rebuilding the trust that they once shared and realize that they have grown in the last ten years. Can they acknowledge their past and move forward? The conclusion to the thoughtful, poignant story was well written and perfect for this couple.
April 5, 2021
Another wonderfully written romance by Donna Alward containing all the elements expected in a second chance story. You have young love, old hurts, past mistakes and misunderstandings, some wasted years in the middle, then a reunion, love rekindled, communication, and forgiveness. Throw in 2 adorably cute kids and you have a great happily ever after, feel-good story. I am looking forward to reading another story written by Donna.
August 20, 2011
Note: This review, and all my reviews, comes from my blog - Romantic Rose's Bookshelf (http://romantic-rosesblog.blogspot.com). A big thank you to Donna for sending me this book for honest reviewing@
Jace Willows and Anna Morelli shared a special relationship when they were teens and even children, but after Anna married her father's first choice they grew apart. Now Anna is a rich widow with two kids (Matteo and Aurelia) and Jace is the bachelor owner of a successful winery called Two Willows Winery. Anna needs some time to regroup away from her family's censure after her husband's death - but with no one else to go to, she is forced to turn to Jace and confront their painful history. Will the time she, Matteo and Aurelia spend at Two Willows help her or hurt her - and can it possibly rekindle a relationship with Jace with so much hurt between them? Can they clear up all their previous misunderstandings, especially with Anna's two kids messing up Jace's bachelor pad?
One thing I find I really enjoy about Alward's novels is her ability to write real problems and conflicts that are well-written melodrama. However, instead of feeling like the characters are being cheesy and going over-board in their hurt, I find that I really enjoy how truthful and honest the characters are about how much hurt they suffered. In comparison to many other romance authors, Alward seems to be exaggerating the emotions in her story - but I find that she can really make it work. Alward writes some of the most human romances I’ve ever read, and I truly appreciate the realistic edge to her books dealing love in life – instead of love in fantasy.
For example, Anna Morelli has two kids with her deceased bastard of a husband. In many novels the heroine somehow remains childless through her first marriage only to have oodles of kids with the hero at the end. I like that the author writes Anna with two kids from her first, loveless marriage – and that she loves them a lot. To me, that was important, unique, and gratifying – children don’t just occurs from love matches, but that doesn’t mean you can’t love them. Whether that was Alward’s intended message or not, it definitely made this book even better.
I especially loved our hero, Jace Willows. A self-made man and confirmed bachelor, I love how completely unselfish he was. He was sweet, romantic, dark and soulful – but also very male in his insecurities and confusion. He loved Anna very much, which was clear from their first encounter outside his house, and despite all his male pride, he will do anything for her to show her he's worthy of her now. I enjoyed watching he and Anna fight, as an added layer of humor. I could see and understand where both of them were coming from in their disagreements – in essence I could understand their misunderstanding – and I enjoyed watching them struggle to 'get' the other person and their point of view. It was incredibly endearing how Anna couldn't possibly comprehend Jace feeling unworthy of her and how Jace couldn't comprehend Anna's need to work and contribute. For her part, Anna was also a beautifully crafted character – a meek, timid princess turned fierce mama-warrior for her kids. I liked watching her struggle, even as I felt immense empathy for her and her situation. What is it like, Alward asks her reader, to have everything you want in life except for the things you most crave – approval and love?
The dialogue felt a bit flat to me at times, as though I understood what Alward wanted to say but she didn’t quite get it out. The prose was occasionally stilted and awkward, but most of the book flowed smoothly so it was pretty forgivable. I loved watching all the sadness and hurt that Jace and Anna carry around turn into love and healing together – though the process isn’t all roses and sunshine. I liked the underlying theme of love vs. money that the author wrote – which is more important and what do you need to make a relationship thrive? It was an especially intriguing question when applied to Jace and Anna’s relationship, I thought, and I liked the way she introduced it and worked through it to the conclusion. All in all, Alward has written a true winner that will pull on your heart-strings, curl your toes, wet your eyes, and remain in your memory for a long, long time.
Exquisite. Simply exquisite.
“Sexy”ness rating: Sweetly sexy
Overall Rating: B+
Bottom Line: If you like realistic, well-written romance this is a book for you!
Jace Willows and Anna Morelli shared a special relationship when they were teens and even children, but after Anna married her father's first choice they grew apart. Now Anna is a rich widow with two kids (Matteo and Aurelia) and Jace is the bachelor owner of a successful winery called Two Willows Winery. Anna needs some time to regroup away from her family's censure after her husband's death - but with no one else to go to, she is forced to turn to Jace and confront their painful history. Will the time she, Matteo and Aurelia spend at Two Willows help her or hurt her - and can it possibly rekindle a relationship with Jace with so much hurt between them? Can they clear up all their previous misunderstandings, especially with Anna's two kids messing up Jace's bachelor pad?
One thing I find I really enjoy about Alward's novels is her ability to write real problems and conflicts that are well-written melodrama. However, instead of feeling like the characters are being cheesy and going over-board in their hurt, I find that I really enjoy how truthful and honest the characters are about how much hurt they suffered. In comparison to many other romance authors, Alward seems to be exaggerating the emotions in her story - but I find that she can really make it work. Alward writes some of the most human romances I’ve ever read, and I truly appreciate the realistic edge to her books dealing love in life – instead of love in fantasy.
For example, Anna Morelli has two kids with her deceased bastard of a husband. In many novels the heroine somehow remains childless through her first marriage only to have oodles of kids with the hero at the end. I like that the author writes Anna with two kids from her first, loveless marriage – and that she loves them a lot. To me, that was important, unique, and gratifying – children don’t just occurs from love matches, but that doesn’t mean you can’t love them. Whether that was Alward’s intended message or not, it definitely made this book even better.
I especially loved our hero, Jace Willows. A self-made man and confirmed bachelor, I love how completely unselfish he was. He was sweet, romantic, dark and soulful – but also very male in his insecurities and confusion. He loved Anna very much, which was clear from their first encounter outside his house, and despite all his male pride, he will do anything for her to show her he's worthy of her now. I enjoyed watching he and Anna fight, as an added layer of humor. I could see and understand where both of them were coming from in their disagreements – in essence I could understand their misunderstanding – and I enjoyed watching them struggle to 'get' the other person and their point of view. It was incredibly endearing how Anna couldn't possibly comprehend Jace feeling unworthy of her and how Jace couldn't comprehend Anna's need to work and contribute. For her part, Anna was also a beautifully crafted character – a meek, timid princess turned fierce mama-warrior for her kids. I liked watching her struggle, even as I felt immense empathy for her and her situation. What is it like, Alward asks her reader, to have everything you want in life except for the things you most crave – approval and love?
The dialogue felt a bit flat to me at times, as though I understood what Alward wanted to say but she didn’t quite get it out. The prose was occasionally stilted and awkward, but most of the book flowed smoothly so it was pretty forgivable. I loved watching all the sadness and hurt that Jace and Anna carry around turn into love and healing together – though the process isn’t all roses and sunshine. I liked the underlying theme of love vs. money that the author wrote – which is more important and what do you need to make a relationship thrive? It was an especially intriguing question when applied to Jace and Anna’s relationship, I thought, and I liked the way she introduced it and worked through it to the conclusion. All in all, Alward has written a true winner that will pull on your heart-strings, curl your toes, wet your eyes, and remain in your memory for a long, long time.
Exquisite. Simply exquisite.
“Sexy”ness rating: Sweetly sexy
Overall Rating: B+
Bottom Line: If you like realistic, well-written romance this is a book for you!
January 31, 2011
4 Star Contemporary Romance of the Feel Good Kind
Jace Willow, now owner of the Two Willows Winery grew up dirt poor with two parents who had always struggled to make ends meet and to provide for him the best they could. When Jace’s father is hired by the rich Italian Roberto Morelli to look after his stables, Jace lives vicariously through his children Alex and Anna Morelli who live a life of luxury that Jace can only dream about. Roberto had always made Jace feel that he would never be good enough and that resentment alone was enough for Jace to equal happiness with being successful and being able to provide for his family all the little as well as extravagant luxuries in life. Alex had been his best friend whilst Anna had been close as well but she had always meant something more to Jace until the summer that everything changes between them.
Anna Morelli had grown up feeling cossetted and stifled with expectations from her rigid and controlling father all her life. Anna’s mother had walked out on them when she had been quite young and it had been Alex who had being her savior back then. But when Jace had come along, Anna’s world had revolved around Jace and a friendship that was frowned upon by her father had bloomed into something much more the summer when Anna had barely turned 18. But when Jace leaves her to pursue his dreams of getting rich and making a name for himself, Anna does the one thing that she regrets more than anything else in her life. She ups and marries her father approved Stefano for whom she bears her two adorable children Matteo and Aurelia.
When Stefano dies leaving Anna a widow with two children in his wake, the role of the grieving widow that she is forced to play when grief is the furthest thing from what she is feeling makes Anna run towards the one man she knows that she can count on. Jace is taken aback to find his beautiful Anna, the one woman whom Jace would lay down his life for at his winery with her two children looking for a place to regroup from all that had happened to Anna till now. Resentments that Jace had long since thought buried come to the surface making a situation fraught with tension that much harder to deal with making this story one of the most angst filled reads I have read of late – a fact which I loved.
Full review can be found up on my blog: http://bit.ly/arpUIw
Jace Willow, now owner of the Two Willows Winery grew up dirt poor with two parents who had always struggled to make ends meet and to provide for him the best they could. When Jace’s father is hired by the rich Italian Roberto Morelli to look after his stables, Jace lives vicariously through his children Alex and Anna Morelli who live a life of luxury that Jace can only dream about. Roberto had always made Jace feel that he would never be good enough and that resentment alone was enough for Jace to equal happiness with being successful and being able to provide for his family all the little as well as extravagant luxuries in life. Alex had been his best friend whilst Anna had been close as well but she had always meant something more to Jace until the summer that everything changes between them.
Anna Morelli had grown up feeling cossetted and stifled with expectations from her rigid and controlling father all her life. Anna’s mother had walked out on them when she had been quite young and it had been Alex who had being her savior back then. But when Jace had come along, Anna’s world had revolved around Jace and a friendship that was frowned upon by her father had bloomed into something much more the summer when Anna had barely turned 18. But when Jace leaves her to pursue his dreams of getting rich and making a name for himself, Anna does the one thing that she regrets more than anything else in her life. She ups and marries her father approved Stefano for whom she bears her two adorable children Matteo and Aurelia.
When Stefano dies leaving Anna a widow with two children in his wake, the role of the grieving widow that she is forced to play when grief is the furthest thing from what she is feeling makes Anna run towards the one man she knows that she can count on. Jace is taken aback to find his beautiful Anna, the one woman whom Jace would lay down his life for at his winery with her two children looking for a place to regroup from all that had happened to Anna till now. Resentments that Jace had long since thought buried come to the surface making a situation fraught with tension that much harder to deal with making this story one of the most angst filled reads I have read of late – a fact which I loved.
Full review can be found up on my blog: http://bit.ly/arpUIw
February 5, 2011
Lena’s Review:
Anna Morelli has lived a life of What If’s and is tired of it. She thought she’d found love in Jace, but like everything else in her life it was a lie. Or so she thought. Now out of a marriage she thought was the right choice at the time, she runs back to the only man she’s ever truly loved, Jace.
Anna is no longer the young, naïve girl that Jace fell in love with years ago and seeing her again has taken his breath away by rekindling old feelings that he thought had been buried deep after she married someone else. In addition, these feelings have Jace wondering what if. In all honesty, he’s never stopped loving Anna, but seeing her now as a mother brings back all of the pain, anguish and longing of the past. Jace swore years ago that he’d become a better, richer man, not only for Anna, but also to prove her father wrong in that he is worthy of her love. In addition, seeing Anna again makes him realize what has been missing in his life, love.
Donna Alward has done it again in this beautiful tale of second chances and past mistakes in Breathe. Ms. Alward has created a tale that at times made me cheer for the love brewing and at times made me cry as I witnessed the pain and loneliness Anna and Jace went through in their plight to discover the truth regarding the past. Breathe is a well-written story that encompasses such wonderful elements as family, reunited love, second chances, and most importantly, answers to questions that were never answered years ago. The depth of the characters only increase the plot of the story as the words leap off the page.
Breathe is definitely a top recommended book for this reviewer. So, pick up a copy of Breathe because Donna Alward has a way of creating such enchanting tales with memorable, loveable characters, especially little children who are so sweet that you can’t help but hold a special place for them in your heart and hope that everything turns out okay for the parents. Bravo Ms. Alward!
Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by Lena!
Anna Morelli has lived a life of What If’s and is tired of it. She thought she’d found love in Jace, but like everything else in her life it was a lie. Or so she thought. Now out of a marriage she thought was the right choice at the time, she runs back to the only man she’s ever truly loved, Jace.
Anna is no longer the young, naïve girl that Jace fell in love with years ago and seeing her again has taken his breath away by rekindling old feelings that he thought had been buried deep after she married someone else. In addition, these feelings have Jace wondering what if. In all honesty, he’s never stopped loving Anna, but seeing her now as a mother brings back all of the pain, anguish and longing of the past. Jace swore years ago that he’d become a better, richer man, not only for Anna, but also to prove her father wrong in that he is worthy of her love. In addition, seeing Anna again makes him realize what has been missing in his life, love.
Donna Alward has done it again in this beautiful tale of second chances and past mistakes in Breathe. Ms. Alward has created a tale that at times made me cheer for the love brewing and at times made me cry as I witnessed the pain and loneliness Anna and Jace went through in their plight to discover the truth regarding the past. Breathe is a well-written story that encompasses such wonderful elements as family, reunited love, second chances, and most importantly, answers to questions that were never answered years ago. The depth of the characters only increase the plot of the story as the words leap off the page.
Breathe is definitely a top recommended book for this reviewer. So, pick up a copy of Breathe because Donna Alward has a way of creating such enchanting tales with memorable, loveable characters, especially little children who are so sweet that you can’t help but hold a special place for them in your heart and hope that everything turns out okay for the parents. Bravo Ms. Alward!
Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by Lena!
September 18, 2011
A very sweet and nice romance novel.
Normally, I am more the YA-reader, but from time to time I find myself enjoying adult romance novels as well. This novel was well written. I liked the setting, and ut was descriped so well that I could picture Two Willows in my head perfectly.
Also, I liked the characters. But the novel was abit short, I would have loved to read a few flashbacks into the time of youth of Anna and Jace, the carefree-ness they had, as well as a few earlier talks they had. It was nice to uncover what happened in the past and not to know it right from the start. Also, I'd have liked to read abit more about Stefano. We know that he wasn't a good husband or father, but to read about him behaving in a flashbackscene would have been good. (No, I don't know why I am so keen about reading flashbackscenes in this novel. Maybe I'm just thinking it would add to everything and earn the novel a 5 star rating by me)
Also I'd like tho add that I loved the children. Matteo was such a nice boy!
Also, I think the title of the novel "Breathe" fits the plot very well, because it gave not only ANna a few days to breath, but it gave also me a few hours to breathe far away from my hectic day.
It was a short read, but all in all I can say that it was a nice read, and that plot, characters and setting fit together with each other very well.
I enjoyed reading this, and even if I found the plot a bit too obvious at some places, I'm giving away 4 stars.
I got this book in a goodreads-giveaway. Thanks a lot, I was very happy about that! =)
Normally, I am more the YA-reader, but from time to time I find myself enjoying adult romance novels as well. This novel was well written. I liked the setting, and ut was descriped so well that I could picture Two Willows in my head perfectly.
Also, I liked the characters. But the novel was abit short, I would have loved to read a few flashbacks into the time of youth of Anna and Jace, the carefree-ness they had, as well as a few earlier talks they had. It was nice to uncover what happened in the past and not to know it right from the start. Also, I'd have liked to read abit more about Stefano. We know that he wasn't a good husband or father, but to read about him behaving in a flashbackscene would have been good. (No, I don't know why I am so keen about reading flashbackscenes in this novel. Maybe I'm just thinking it would add to everything and earn the novel a 5 star rating by me)
Also I'd like tho add that I loved the children. Matteo was such a nice boy!
Also, I think the title of the novel "Breathe" fits the plot very well, because it gave not only ANna a few days to breath, but it gave also me a few hours to breathe far away from my hectic day.
It was a short read, but all in all I can say that it was a nice read, and that plot, characters and setting fit together with each other very well.
I enjoyed reading this, and even if I found the plot a bit too obvious at some places, I'm giving away 4 stars.
I got this book in a goodreads-giveaway. Thanks a lot, I was very happy about that! =)
November 22, 2011
Reviewed on http://atastyread.blogspot.com
I had the honor of winning an Advanced Readers Copy of Breathe by Donna Alward. I have to say, I am a HUGE fan of Reunion/Lost Love Romances. The author can normally have me bawling my eyes out half way through the book with the Heart wrenching stories of why things didn't work out for these Two People. And Breathe by Donna Alward was no different.
Our heroine Anna Morelli has lost her husband and cant stand the looks of pity she faces everyday. So she escapes to the one place that she believes can make it all better, Two Willows Winery, which is owned by her oldest friend and lost lover, Jace Willow.
Jace is not expecting Anna and her two children, but he can't turn away the one woman that she has never stopped loving. He lost her years ago because he was young and stubborn, and didn't believe he was good enough for her. They were ripped apart over a misunderstanding and she went on to marry someone else.
All the old wounds are reopened when they are brought together again. Can these two hurt souls come together again, and this time, make it forever?
I really enjoyed the story of Anna and Jace. The old hurts, the mistrust, the pain...I know it is a good read when my chest get tight and I can feel the pain they are feeling in my chest!! And the descriptions of the Wine Country are so vivid, you feel as though you have been transplanted there.
If you are like me and love a romance with a beautiful Reuion story, Breathe by Donna Alward is a winner!!
I had the honor of winning an Advanced Readers Copy of Breathe by Donna Alward. I have to say, I am a HUGE fan of Reunion/Lost Love Romances. The author can normally have me bawling my eyes out half way through the book with the Heart wrenching stories of why things didn't work out for these Two People. And Breathe by Donna Alward was no different.
Our heroine Anna Morelli has lost her husband and cant stand the looks of pity she faces everyday. So she escapes to the one place that she believes can make it all better, Two Willows Winery, which is owned by her oldest friend and lost lover, Jace Willow.
Jace is not expecting Anna and her two children, but he can't turn away the one woman that she has never stopped loving. He lost her years ago because he was young and stubborn, and didn't believe he was good enough for her. They were ripped apart over a misunderstanding and she went on to marry someone else.
All the old wounds are reopened when they are brought together again. Can these two hurt souls come together again, and this time, make it forever?
I really enjoyed the story of Anna and Jace. The old hurts, the mistrust, the pain...I know it is a good read when my chest get tight and I can feel the pain they are feeling in my chest!! And the descriptions of the Wine Country are so vivid, you feel as though you have been transplanted there.
If you are like me and love a romance with a beautiful Reuion story, Breathe by Donna Alward is a winner!!
August 22, 2011
I loved the hero – who was sweet, tender, dark, and soulful. Anna was just as good, and I liked reading about her princess-like past and comparing her old self to her fierce mama-warrior nature in the present. I liked watching her struggle, even as I felt immense empathy for her and her situation. What is it like, Alward asks us, to have everything you want in life except for the things you most crave – approval and love?
The dialogue felt a bit flat to me at times, as though I understood what Alward wanted to say but she didn’t quite get it out. It was occasionally stilted and awkward, but most of the book flowed smoothly so it was pretty forgivable. I loved watching all the sadness and hurt that Jace and Anna carry around turn into love and healing together – though the process isn’t all roses and sunshine. Alward’s stories are about real people working out real dramas. I liked the underlying theme of love vs. money that Alward wrote – which is more important and what do you need to make a relationship thrive? It was an intriguing question when applied to Jace and Anna’s relationship, I thought, and I liked the way she introduced it and worked through it to the conclusion. All in all, Alward has written a true winner that will pull on your heart-strings, curl your toes, wet your eyes, and remain in your memory for a long, long time.
Exquisite. Simply exquisite.
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The dialogue felt a bit flat to me at times, as though I understood what Alward wanted to say but she didn’t quite get it out. It was occasionally stilted and awkward, but most of the book flowed smoothly so it was pretty forgivable. I loved watching all the sadness and hurt that Jace and Anna carry around turn into love and healing together – though the process isn’t all roses and sunshine. Alward’s stories are about real people working out real dramas. I liked the underlying theme of love vs. money that Alward wrote – which is more important and what do you need to make a relationship thrive? It was an intriguing question when applied to Jace and Anna’s relationship, I thought, and I liked the way she introduced it and worked through it to the conclusion. All in all, Alward has written a true winner that will pull on your heart-strings, curl your toes, wet your eyes, and remain in your memory for a long, long time.
Exquisite. Simply exquisite.
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August 22, 2011
BREATHE by author Donna Alward is the spellbinding story of Anna Morelli and what she does after her husband dies. After all she has two small children now.
Will it do any good to take them to Jace Willow’s vineyard? But Jace is her childhood ally and yes, the biggest mistake she made in her life. She told herself, that she’ll just hide out till she had regrouped and able to face the future again.
Jace had major issues with Anna and he’s not happy to find her on his doorstep. With two young kids in tow, he can’t send them away, can he?
They have to face the past and resolve feelings, before they can move forward.
Donna Alward brings her trademark tenderness, warmth and sensitivity in telling this story. I had grave doubts about how the issues would resolve and how she would manage to get this two characters together for their happily ever after, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Donna Alward has written a spellbinding tale of powerful secrets, new beginnings, redemption and hope that will make readers chuckle as well as wipe away a tear or two. A poignant story about letting go of the past and seizing the day, BREATHE is another first-rate keeper by Donna Alward!
Will it do any good to take them to Jace Willow’s vineyard? But Jace is her childhood ally and yes, the biggest mistake she made in her life. She told herself, that she’ll just hide out till she had regrouped and able to face the future again.
Jace had major issues with Anna and he’s not happy to find her on his doorstep. With two young kids in tow, he can’t send them away, can he?
They have to face the past and resolve feelings, before they can move forward.
Donna Alward brings her trademark tenderness, warmth and sensitivity in telling this story. I had grave doubts about how the issues would resolve and how she would manage to get this two characters together for their happily ever after, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Donna Alward has written a spellbinding tale of powerful secrets, new beginnings, redemption and hope that will make readers chuckle as well as wipe away a tear or two. A poignant story about letting go of the past and seizing the day, BREATHE is another first-rate keeper by Donna Alward!
April 29, 2012
DiDi's review posted on Guilty Pleasures
Breathe is truly a lovers reunited romance. It's a great read, Breathe is an emotional story about a widow with regrets, two adorable kids, and a man filled with resentment and hatred. My heart literally hurt for Anna and Jace because of all they went through.
I loved the ending and the fact that the story was wrapped up with an excellant epilogue was great.
This was the first time I've read this author, I will be checking out more. I am going to research to see if there is a book about Anna's brother Alex and his wife Melissa.
Breathe is truly a lovers reunited romance. It's a great read, Breathe is an emotional story about a widow with regrets, two adorable kids, and a man filled with resentment and hatred. My heart literally hurt for Anna and Jace because of all they went through.
I loved the ending and the fact that the story was wrapped up with an excellant epilogue was great.
This was the first time I've read this author, I will be checking out more. I am going to research to see if there is a book about Anna's brother Alex and his wife Melissa.
December 4, 2011
A really great story from beginning to end. A second chance romance about devastating loss and a returning home of the heart.
August 20, 2017
Breathe
This was a second chance story. One where youth messed up and as adults trying to get past said youth takes opening up old wounds. When her husband betrayed her for the last time Anna decided that divorce was the only option. But his death came first. Now she has the chance at true love of only Jace is willing to listen.
This was a second chance story. One where youth messed up and as adults trying to get past said youth takes opening up old wounds. When her husband betrayed her for the last time Anna decided that divorce was the only option. But his death came first. Now she has the chance at true love of only Jace is willing to listen.
May 13, 2022
Another good book to read by Donna Alward. It was well written as usual. Her books always have a different feel to them and she is very good at the changes in how they are written. This book has and back and forth change from any early relationship which is gone astray. The rest is up to you to read.
June 11, 2023
A story worth a read, if you are in to second chances take a chance onn this one.
July 28, 2011
Another difficult book to review since I had such high expectations. I enjoy second-chance-at-romance stories and sort through the what, whys and hows in what went wrong in the relationship in the first go round. Usually the background is given and the characters have had years and some maturing, especially when they began as "young lovers." Breathe had the potential, but unfortunately 2/3 of the book was repetitious on the characters' history and didn't have enough "meat" for me to get attached to either one of them.
Jace Willows was poor growing up and was a member of the "help" to Anna Morelli's family. He had been the boy who wanted a better life, a life just as good as what the Morelli's had. He was determined to make something of himself so that he would be good enough for a woman like Anna. Years later, he had established himself as such, but had paid a high price to achieve his goals.
Anna Morelli was raised in a prosperous Italian family who owned a successful winery business. She grew up having the best of everything, maids, cooks and stable hands. The one thing missing in her life was a mother. Anna and her brother Alex was abandoned by their mother when they were young, leaving her to be raised by an old-fashioned father who seem to have loved his business more, than his children (this is going by assumption, since it was never really established in the story). The siblings had grown up with Jace and were the best of friends, until her relationship with Jace grew into something more.
I really wanted to like this story and had a great premise IMO, but the characters never really evolved. Their POV went back and forth and got too repetitious for most of the book. Resolving their issues was rushed and was wrapped up too quickly.
I've read better written Harlequin/Silhouette MMPB books. I would NOT recommend spending $12- $15 in print.
October 24, 2015
Breathe was amaizing. It was beautiful.
You see Jace Willow owns Two Willows Vineyard..he has made something of himself.
He's proud of what he has accomplished...The only thing he regrets is he lost the only girl her ever loved.
But when she shows up on his doorstep with her two children he doesn't know what to do..
Anna Morelli made a mistake and now is paying for it..She's a widow with two children and has run to get away from her family..She doesn't know what to expect from Jace. The only thing she can hope for is his forgiveness, and some help.
She wants to be able to Breathe again for so long she feels like she can't.
Jace and Anna have a past. A long history together, and both have held so much in. When something switched inside both of them it surprises him. They are both shocked, she pushes, and he pulls. The kids are little so they don't know what's going on, but littl Matteo sure does. Even for four he's very smart. I loved that. He took a role Jace was shocked he thought he needed in order to protect his mama..
Maybe just maybe things would work out. A Beauiful story about true love. Really looking deep, and seeing what is important.
Highly recommend this book...I love Donna Alwards books...Check them all out.
You see Jace Willow owns Two Willows Vineyard..he has made something of himself.
He's proud of what he has accomplished...The only thing he regrets is he lost the only girl her ever loved.
But when she shows up on his doorstep with her two children he doesn't know what to do..
Anna Morelli made a mistake and now is paying for it..She's a widow with two children and has run to get away from her family..She doesn't know what to expect from Jace. The only thing she can hope for is his forgiveness, and some help.
She wants to be able to Breathe again for so long she feels like she can't.
Jace and Anna have a past. A long history together, and both have held so much in. When something switched inside both of them it surprises him. They are both shocked, she pushes, and he pulls. The kids are little so they don't know what's going on, but littl Matteo sure does. Even for four he's very smart. I loved that. He took a role Jace was shocked he thought he needed in order to protect his mama..
Maybe just maybe things would work out. A Beauiful story about true love. Really looking deep, and seeing what is important.
Highly recommend this book...I love Donna Alwards books...Check them all out.
March 15, 2012
Breathe is a story about love and loss. As a young couple their love was a failure, but now after years of heartache and regret Anna finds herself at his doorstep once more. Years have changed them in more ways than one, and the baggage that Anna brings may just be more than Jace can handle. Never having married his is quite used to his bachelor lifestyle, but children have a funny way of leaving their mark when we least expect it. With their mountain of history that has left them both with aggression this situation quickly escalates into a steamy and frustrating tug of war. As the story unfolds so do their hearts; leaving Anna and Jace to sort through emotions and misunderstandings that have caused havoc in their lives for many years. If only they could see past theirselves they might see this to be a second chance at happiness. This was a very easy and light read. The emotion is soft and steady that will allow reads to quick slide through the story carelessly.
August 17, 2013
I'm a bit all over the place on how I feel about this book. It's probably more of a 3.5. I liked the story and it's beautifully written, but I wanted to slap these characters and tell them to wake up and smell the coffee because after all the mouthwatering descriptions of wine, coffee was in order. Neither the hero, Jace, nor the Heroine, Anna could be called to stupid to live, but they were both so stubborn. If you like stubborn characters and second chance love stories, you'll enjoy this one.
April 27, 2012
I really enjoyed this book overall. I love Italian culture/language and the throw-in of the wine business made it even better.
The back-story of Anna and Jace was very intriguing and catching, however I think I would have liked a little bit more explanation of some things like when their friendship had turned into the secret relationship they cherished so much.
I would definitely reccomend this book to people who want a quick, emotional read on their hands :)
The back-story of Anna and Jace was very intriguing and catching, however I think I would have liked a little bit more explanation of some things like when their friendship had turned into the secret relationship they cherished so much.
I would definitely reccomend this book to people who want a quick, emotional read on their hands :)
August 2, 2015
A story about second chances with the one that got away. Anna and Jace were young when they lost each other, but now that time has past they are can fix that. This was a very predictable read for me. Not unpleasant, but just not drop everything so I can read it pleasant.
October 1, 2011
Read this awhile ago, but a really good story.
Read
May 21, 2012 I always enjoy a "reunion romance" and Donna Alward did not disappoint with Breathe.
June 5, 2012
Wish I could give half stars 3.5
June 25, 2012
Very typical romance story. No surprises. Cute book. Quick read. Towards the middle of the book. I could not wait for it to end.
September 1, 2013
A very interesting story. Full of lost love and life.
October 19, 2011
December 6, 2011 release date
May 1, 2017
The Technical Stuff: I love the new cover for this book! It is not only gorgeous, it fits the story perfectly. This book features some on-screen sex (nothing scandalous and no overly-graphic words) and mild cursing but does not have any “f-bombs” if those things offend you. This is a stand alone book that DOES NOT end on a cliffhanger.
This book is a second chance romance between two characters who have a long history together, and after years of separation are brought back together by difficult circumstances. If you enjoy a second chance romance, this is definitely a book that is centered around that, but it is so much more than that. Breathe is a book about two characters who think they know what their lives are going to be and how they'll play out, and who realize that they really knew nothing at all. It's a book about self-discovery, about letting past hurts and pain go in order to find the right path to the future.
I will admit that Anna grated on me a bit at the beginning of this book, so if you start it out and can't get over how oblivious and totally unaware she is, do not give up on her. (slight spoilers to end of paragraph!) While she spends a good portion of the book still frustratingly oblivious as to how her decision to arrive on his doorstep unannounced could possibly be an issue for him, and why he was still angry over what had happened in the past, they do eventually get their 'stuff' together and talk it out and it is definitely worth sticking with. That part of the book actually made me tear up for BOTH characters when I read it. It just takes quite a while for that conversation to happen, so be patient!
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this re-release and was under absolutely no obligation to write a positive review - I did so solely because I very much enjoyed the story.
This book is a second chance romance between two characters who have a long history together, and after years of separation are brought back together by difficult circumstances. If you enjoy a second chance romance, this is definitely a book that is centered around that, but it is so much more than that. Breathe is a book about two characters who think they know what their lives are going to be and how they'll play out, and who realize that they really knew nothing at all. It's a book about self-discovery, about letting past hurts and pain go in order to find the right path to the future.
I will admit that Anna grated on me a bit at the beginning of this book, so if you start it out and can't get over how oblivious and totally unaware she is, do not give up on her. (slight spoilers to end of paragraph!) While she spends a good portion of the book still frustratingly oblivious as to how her decision to arrive on his doorstep unannounced could possibly be an issue for him, and why he was still angry over what had happened in the past, they do eventually get their 'stuff' together and talk it out and it is definitely worth sticking with. That part of the book actually made me tear up for BOTH characters when I read it. It just takes quite a while for that conversation to happen, so be patient!
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this re-release and was under absolutely no obligation to write a positive review - I did so solely because I very much enjoyed the story.
May 1, 2017
A wonderful second chance story. Very well written with great characters. The beautiful setting of Canada right off the coast of Vancouver Island is beautifully described. Jace Willow has lived in the shadow of the powerful Morelli's his whole life. That didn't keep him from falling head over heels for the beautiful Anna Morelli. He vowed to prove himself worthy when a misunderstanding drove her into the arms of another man. Now, five years later Jace has done just that and Anna is back in his life. Can these two find a way to trust and love again when the truth of what happened all those years ago comes out?
I definitely recommend this one.
I definitely recommend this one.
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