by Amber Stokes
The Heart's Spring series, Book 1
Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance
Available January 2014
Seasons of a Story
148 pages
About the Book
Old hurts, new betrayals, and a love that survives them all...
Summer 1885
A startling revelation sends Elizabeth Lawson escaping into a stormy night - and tosses her into the arms of a young mountain man with secrets of his own. When he offers to take her to the Nevada mining town where her long-lost brother lives, she accepts. Suspicions and uncertainties are pushed aside as she struggles to forge a future for herself by meeting her past.
David has been hiding from his painful memories for years. The solitude and wildness of the Rocky Mountains are challenge and comfort enough for him - until Elizabeth's arrival. Fueled by anger and a sense of obligation, he strives to take control of his new situation...only to find control slipping from his grasp with each new emotion Elizabeth evokes in him.
When their journey leads them on unexpected paths, can two lonely hearts find the strength to remember the good amid the heartbreak?
Summer 1885
A startling revelation sends Elizabeth Lawson escaping into a stormy night - and tosses her into the arms of a young mountain man with secrets of his own. When he offers to take her to the Nevada mining town where her long-lost brother lives, she accepts. Suspicions and uncertainties are pushed aside as she struggles to forge a future for herself by meeting her past.
David has been hiding from his painful memories for years. The solitude and wildness of the Rocky Mountains are challenge and comfort enough for him - until Elizabeth's arrival. Fueled by anger and a sense of obligation, he strives to take control of his new situation...only to find control slipping from his grasp with each new emotion Elizabeth evokes in him.
When their journey leads them on unexpected paths, can two lonely hearts find the strength to remember the good amid the heartbreak?
My Thoughts
After hearing a ton of "buzz" about Amber Stokes' debut novel, Bleeding Hearts, I've been anxious to read one of her books! Since Forget Me Not is the first in The Heart's Spring series, I decided to wait for it to release and then read the series in order. (I'm attempting to be a purist here ... what can I say?!)
Within the first pages of Forget Me Not, I was instantly curious to find out what would happen next! David goes from reflecting on a past personal tragedy to rescuing a woman from nearly drowning in the river. Both captured my attention and had me wondering what would happen next. I enjoyed how the author dropped a few "bread crumbs" at a time to move the story along, while still keeping me curious about some things.
Of the characters introduced in the book, David was probably my favorite. He wasn't perfect (by any stretch!), but he was a character to admire. He took such good care of Elizabeth—even while facing his own demons. And he showed such sorrow and repentance upon making a bad choice. Very refreshing to see! I also enjoyed getting to know Myghal and look forward to reading more of his story in the next two books in this series.
The only possible drawback for me was that there were a few times that I wanted to know a little more of the "why" behind a certain action or decision. For instance, WHY did David leave Elizabeth so quickly once they got to Virginia City? Inquiring minds want to know. :)
Overall, I very much enjoyed Forget Me Not! Fans looking for a western story with sweet romance mixed in are sure to enjoy this book! I'm so looking forward to reading the rest of this series! Congratulations, Amber, on a job well done! [4 stars]
Within the first pages of Forget Me Not, I was instantly curious to find out what would happen next! David goes from reflecting on a past personal tragedy to rescuing a woman from nearly drowning in the river. Both captured my attention and had me wondering what would happen next. I enjoyed how the author dropped a few "bread crumbs" at a time to move the story along, while still keeping me curious about some things.
Of the characters introduced in the book, David was probably my favorite. He wasn't perfect (by any stretch!), but he was a character to admire. He took such good care of Elizabeth—even while facing his own demons. And he showed such sorrow and repentance upon making a bad choice. Very refreshing to see! I also enjoyed getting to know Myghal and look forward to reading more of his story in the next two books in this series.
The only possible drawback for me was that there were a few times that I wanted to know a little more of the "why" behind a certain action or decision. For instance, WHY did David leave Elizabeth so quickly once they got to Virginia City? Inquiring minds want to know. :)
Overall, I very much enjoyed Forget Me Not! Fans looking for a western story with sweet romance mixed in are sure to enjoy this book! I'm so looking forward to reading the rest of this series! Congratulations, Amber, on a job well done! [4 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.
About the Author
Amber Stokes has a Bachelor of Science degree in English and a passion
for the written word - from blogging to writing poetry, short stories,
and novels. After her brief time at college in Oregon, she is now back
home among the redwoods of Northern California, living life one day at a
time and pursuing her passion via freelance editing and self-publishing.
Fabulous review, Brooke. Enjoyed reading it - and as a reader who has read both of Amber's novels, I agree that anyone who has yet to read Bleeding Heart should read FMN first. Especially if you don't like to be spoiled of what comes next! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by, Rissi! *waving enthusiastically* I'm sorry I didn't give you the option to read FMN first... BH was just ready before FMN. ;) I appreciate your support and thoughts, my friend!
Delete~Amber
*WAVES*
DeleteDon't apologize! My enjoyment wasn't ruined of FMN for having read Bleeding Heart first. I'm such a spoiler crazy girl that I actually LIKED knowing how said character's future turned out. It's just for recommendation purposes, I'd be likely to suggest reading FMN first. :)
You're a series purist - how fun to meet someone who was willing to wait to read my series in order! :) (I hope Bellflower, being the short story prequel to Forget Me Not, doesn't throw you off, though... I personally think it's more enjoyable for someone who's read both FMN and BH!)
ReplyDeleteAnywho, thank you so much for this lovely review! I'm flattered by the "buzz." :) And David... *sigh* I love him, too! Thank you again for sharing your thoughts on the book during the tour. :) *Hugs*
~Amber
Nice review, Brooke! '' Forget Me Not'' sounds like a really good read!
ReplyDeleteHi Brooke, What patience to wait for Forget Me Not. I loved it. Thanks for featuring Amber on her blog tour. She introduced me to blog tours so now I can really enjoy them. smile
ReplyDeleteI need to start the series because I have heard a lot of good things about it!
ReplyDelete*Waving to Ganise, Sandra, and Laura!* Thank you all for the kind words! :)
ReplyDelete~Amber