"Make peace with your own imperfect love. Understand that you can't fix everything. Give yourself some grace and your fears to God. Put your faith in His perfect love." - Raegan Walker
Description:
Bear McKinley's past refuses to let go...
Ten years ago, Bear gave up everything--his freedom and his reputation--for his mess of a family. But after years of distance and too many attempts at starting over, he finally has a new life doing noble work in Brazil . . . until his past catches up to him once again. Suddenly he finds himself back in Maple Valley, charged with the care of his missing brother's children, convinced he's out of second chances to make his life count. And yet, with every day that passes, these kids, this quirky town and the woman he never stopped missing help patch the holes in his heart. Maybe this is the fresh start he's been longing for all along. But as his newfound hope grows, so does the mystery surrounding his brother's activities--and when the threat reaches into the lives of those he loves, it's clear he can't run away this time.
Fear holds Raegan's future captive...
Raegan Walker is fine. She's happy working a slew of part-time jobs, still living in her childhood bedroom and rarely venturing from her hometown. At least, that's what she tells everyone . . . and herself. But she can't help wondering what might've happened if she hadn't abandoned her art so many years ago--and if Bear McKinley had never left. When Bear returns and she's commissioned for a painting that just might revive her artistic ambition all in one week, it's time to finally reach for more than fine. But doing so means facing the fears that have held her back all this time, including admitting the secret she's kept from Bear and her family. With her dream and her heart on the line, how much will Raegan have to risk to finally chase her happy ending?
Ten years ago, Bear gave up everything--his freedom and his reputation--for his mess of a family. But after years of distance and too many attempts at starting over, he finally has a new life doing noble work in Brazil . . . until his past catches up to him once again. Suddenly he finds himself back in Maple Valley, charged with the care of his missing brother's children, convinced he's out of second chances to make his life count. And yet, with every day that passes, these kids, this quirky town and the woman he never stopped missing help patch the holes in his heart. Maybe this is the fresh start he's been longing for all along. But as his newfound hope grows, so does the mystery surrounding his brother's activities--and when the threat reaches into the lives of those he loves, it's clear he can't run away this time.
Fear holds Raegan's future captive...
Raegan Walker is fine. She's happy working a slew of part-time jobs, still living in her childhood bedroom and rarely venturing from her hometown. At least, that's what she tells everyone . . . and herself. But she can't help wondering what might've happened if she hadn't abandoned her art so many years ago--and if Bear McKinley had never left. When Bear returns and she's commissioned for a painting that just might revive her artistic ambition all in one week, it's time to finally reach for more than fine. But doing so means facing the fears that have held her back all this time, including admitting the secret she's kept from Bear and her family. With her dream and her heart on the line, how much will Raegan have to risk to finally chase her happy ending?
About the Author:
Melissa Tagg is the author of the popular Walker Family series, the Where Love Begins series and the Enchanted Christmas Collection. She’s a former reporter, current nonprofit grant writer and total Iowa girl. Her spring 2016 release, Like Never Before, was named to one of Publishers Weekly’s Top Ten lists and her fall 2017 release, All This Time, was a Romantic Times 4.5-Star TOP PICK. Melissa has taught at multiple national writing conferences, as well as workshops and women’s retreats. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever—not that she’s biased—watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next book. Melissa loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com and on Facebook and Instagram.
My Review: 5 stars!
Goodness! There are so many things I want to say about this book and I’m just not sure where to start! First off, this review will undoubtedly be incredibly biased, since Melissa Tagg is one of my very favorite authors and I just adore her books. Since that’s out of the way, I definitely loved this book! I’ve been eagerly awaiting Bear and Raegan’s book since my first glimpse of this couple and it’s finally here! And with such a lovely cover that I can’t help staring at! That old adage to not judge a book by it’s cover? I give you permission - this book is as wonderful as the cover implies!
This story is just so stinkin’ sweet, and sigh-worthy, and laugh-out-loud funny, filled with small town charm, with just a bit of tear-jerker thrown in. And I loved every single page of it! As always, Ms. Tagg completely out did herself! Her books draw me in from page one and grab on to my heart, refusing to let go until long after the final page has been sighed over. I stayed up late finishing it, and then wanted to pick it up the very next day and start all over again. She has such a beautiful way of describing things that just brings Maple Valley and the Walker family to vivid color. I so enjoy the creative things she comes up with for this quirky little town that make me so wish it was a real place and the characters real people! Why, yes, I’d love an extended stay in Maple Valley at Mr. Case Walker’s house. Fortunately, there’s no rule that says I can’t binge read her books over and over again until I can quote entire pages from memory.
I’ve been impatiently waiting to get to know the youngest Walker better and my goodness, does Raegan have a story to tell! I just fell in love with her, with her quirky artist ways and determination. I love her stubborn streak and tendency to simply tell Bear what to do. Being the youngest, she feels she has something to prove and a high standard to live up to - I so enjoyed getting to see behind her “I’m fine” facade and watch her slowly step out in faith, rather than fear.
And Bear McKinley. *sigh* I can easily see why Raegan loves him! He’s just so good! And equally determined to take care of everyone. My heart just melted, watching him with Erin and Jamie. He is a protector through and through, though he doesn’t see it in himself. He’s spent half of his life running from his past, and the other half trying to make up for it. I was incredibly curious to find out his story and it definitely falls into the “tear jerker” category. And their relationship! It had me smiling, while also wanting to Gibbs’ slap them a time or two as they slowly figured out what I could see so obviously. I loved the cringe-worthy awkward moments, the laugh-out-loud-can’t-believe-she-thought-of-that scenes, and the can’t-help-sighing- so-incredibly-sweet pages. This is definitely a book I’m going to be reading and rereading many times over!
As always, thank you so much for taking the time to read my review! I hope you enjoyed it! If you'd like to learn more about this book, the links are below, per usual.
Side note: Melissa was one of the authors I was so stoked to meet at CFRR this past August! I can't tell you how excited I was when she stopped beside me saying, "you're Sarah, right?" and hugged me - totally a fangirl moment! And I was so happy to find myself on her team for the games (Book Boyfriends, of course) I love the memories and it makes me love her books just a tiny bit more - if that's even possible.
Anyway, just wanted to share that - have a lovely day!
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