Anna's Fresh Start: Emotionally resonant story about second chances

Anna’s Fresh Start by Lori Soard is a captivating and heartfelt romance set in the post-Civil War South, where the heroine, Anna Heartfield, must confront the weight of a dangerous secret and find a way to rebuild her life. Anna is a complex and compelling character, and I thoroughly enjoyed following her journey. Her hidden past is not one of a broken relationship, but a dangerous web of secrets tied to her actions during the war, secrets that threaten to unravel her family’s reputation. Anna’s need for a fresh start is palpable, and her internal conflict about whether to share her truth with the man she begins to fall for adds a rich layer of emotional depth to the story.

Ezra Walters, the quiet, serious widower, is equally compelling. With a painful past marked by the suicide of his wife and the responsibility of raising their young daughter alone, he struggles to open his heart to love again. His reluctance to form new attachments stems from the fear of experiencing another devastating loss, yet his longing for companionship is undeniable. The emotional weight Ezra carries makes him a character readers can’t help but root for, and his slow-burn romance with Anna is beautifully developed.

BookHookup review: Anna's Fresh Start

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

The romance between Anna and Ezra is heartwarming and engaging, and Soard does an excellent job of slowly unfolding their emotional connections, allowing readers to fully invest in their blossoming relationship. The addition of little historical touches, such as the candy Anna received from a soldier, enriches the narrative and adds depth to the setting. These details create a world that feels vivid and real, drawing the reader further into Anna’s struggles and hopes for redemption.

While the book is thoroughly enjoyable, there are a few moments that could benefit from refinement. One recurring detail is repeated several times, likely to ensure readers remember it, but it can feel a bit redundant. Additionally, there's a discrepancy regarding the delivery of Anna's truck—it's introduced in Chapter 6 but is said to have arrived earlier that day in Chapter 9. This inconsistency momentarily pulled me out of the story as I had to double-check to make sure I hadn’t missed something and it threw me out of the emotional build-up at that moment.

Overall, Anna’s Fresh Start is a heartwarming and emotionally resonant tale of second chances, trust, and the healing power of love. The characters are well-developed and easy to invest in, and I found myself rooting for Anna and Ezra every step of the way. With its charming narrative and warm atmosphere, this book is sure to delight fans of historical romance. It offers a compelling and heartfelt journey that will leave readers eager for more.

 

About the Author

Lori Soard has a PhD in Journalism and Creative Writing, but she's hardly the stuffy professor type. She loves nothing better than a good romantic comedy and thinks the good guy should always win and the ending should always be happy.

From an early age, Lori started honing her story telling skills. As a kid she was rarely seen without a book in her hand, even walking and reading at the same time. Her first stories were about the world around her. At twenty she wrote her first novel, which she admits was horrible. At twenty-one, she sold her first article to a local newspaper. Once she got that taste of having others read her work and realizing that she could reach others and touch their hearts, there was no turning back for this natural born writer.

"If I can make someone's day just a tiny bit better," Lori says, "if I can make them smile even though they are sad, make them think things could be better, make them understand how much God loves them, then I have accomplished something. I write my stories, articles and books with that one person in mind who really needs the message. If I can change one person's perspective, then I've succeeded."

Lori is a life-long Hoosier and lives in southern Indiana with her high school sweetheart turned husband. They have two grown daughters and two granddaughters. She always has a her critters surrounding her, including a couple of miniature dachshunds and several rescue cats. "During the extreme low points in life, it has been my animals that have seen me through. There is nothing like the deep devotion of a dog or the unconditional love of a cat." Lori adores animals and while some of her dear friends have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge she will always stand by her belief that animals make the world a better place.

She loves to hear from her readers and blogs regularly.

Desulti Review: A Journey of Empowerment and Intrigue

Ross Hightower and Deb Heim have crafted a world that feels both vast and intimately personal, skillfully interwoven with themes of history, politics, art, and the stark contrasts of wealth and power. At the heart of this world is Tove, whose face bears a brutal scar—a constant reminder of the Vollen Empire’s tyranny. A chance encounter with Brie, a Desulti assassin, awakens a hunger in Tove to rise above the limitations of her past and prove herself. When Brie offers her a chance to join the secretive order of women known as the Desulti, Tove believes she’s found an opportunity for empowerment. Yet, as she becomes further entangled in the order, she begins to question whether she is truly in control of her fate or merely a pawn in a dangerous scheme that could end her life and destroy the Alle'oss rebellion.

Tove’s emotional growth is the heartbeat of the story, lending it a depth and resonance that lingers. At the beginning, her spirit bears the invisible scars of abuse, leaving her vulnerable and cautious. But beneath her fragility lies a quiet defiance, a spark of strength waiting to emerge. As the journey unfolds, she reclaims her voice and confidence, transforming from a shattered woman into one who learns to fight for herself. The challenges and conflicts she faces force her to confront her flaws, broaden her perspective, and make difficult decisions. Through these hardships and moments of self-discovery, Tove unearths a steady, quiet determination—a strength that, once hidden, now refuses to be ignored. This inner resilience allows her to weather any storm, rising from the ashes of her past and embracing the force she was always meant to become.

 

 BookHookup Review: Desulti

While the world-building can initially feel overwhelming, it eventually unfolds into a richly textured landscape that draws the reader deeper into the story. The layers of political intrigue, personal ambition, and shifting allegiances create a constantly evolving narrative, keeping the reader engaged and guessing what will come next. As Tove grows, so too does the world around her, intertwining her personal evolution with the shifting tides of a complex society on the brink of change.

Although there are moments where the complexity of the world-building, multiple plot threads, and large cast of characters might feel overwhelming, the emotional and character-driven core of the story—especially Tove’s transformation—keeps the reader engaged. This is a story that thrives on depth and growth, making it a rewarding read, even with its intricate layers.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

 

As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free review copy of this book from Black Phoenix Book Tours and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites

And Then You Were Gone: A raw and emotional read

 Ivy Logan’s And Then You Were Gone is a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of trauma, mental health, and the complicated bond between mother and daughter. Nina, the mother, carries the scars of psychological abuse and abandonment by her narcissistic husband. Her daughter, Sophie, becomes her everything, but then Sophie faces relentless bullying and emotional turmoil.

 

Sophie’s struggles with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem shape her view of the world, affecting her intimate relationships and sense of self. As Nina desperately tries to help, she creates a fictional narrative to control Sophie’s fate, blurring the line between reality and fiction.

The novel powerfully captures the emotional toll of trauma but offers little hope or resolution, making it an unsettling read for those seeking closure. It challenges readers to consider how the past shapes our present and how the stories we tell ourselves can both protect and harm us. A raw and emotional read, And Then You Were Gone is deeply affecting and, at times, a difficult story.

I give And Then You Were Gone by Ivy Logan a solid 4 out of 5 stars. The novel is powerful and emotionally charged, offering an insightful exploration of trauma, mental health, and the complex dynamics between mother and daughter. Logan’s writing is haunting, and the depth of the characters, particularly Nina and Sophie, draws you in from the start.

However, while the story is beautifully crafted, its lack of hope or resolution left me feeling unsettled. The emotional intensity of the book might be difficult for readers seeking closure or a more optimistic ending. Despite this, the book’s thought-provoking themes about trauma and self-perception make it a compelling and deeply affecting read.

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As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free advance review copy of this book from BookTasters and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.

 

Jurrasic Jemma & the Trail of Evil: A blend of intrigue, heart, and clever storytelling

Jurassic Jemma and the Trail of Evil is the final installment in this series by John J. Delaney, and having had the pleasure of reading all three books, I can confidently say it’s a fitting conclusion. This one picks up with Jemma Thorne—a fossil hunter, mother, grandmother, and wife—eager to settle into a peaceful life in the seaside town of Lulcombe, England, alongside her husband and young son. Her grown daughter, Ellie, and granddaughter live next door. All seems set for a quiet, happy life, but peace is quickly disrupted when Jemma becomes the target of a vengeful plot.

BookHookup Review: Jurassic Jemma and the Trail of Evil

Delaney excels at creating relatable, well-developed characters that feel like family, each adding depth to the story and enriching the relationships, motivations, and drama. The female antagonist stands out as particularly memorable—someone you love to hate—adding an exciting layer of tension to the plot.

The pacing is spot-on, with plenty of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, while maintaining an inviting atmosphere. Delaney offers neatly packaged clues throughout, leading to a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends and leaves you with a sense of fulfillment.

Jurassic Jemma and the Trail of Evil is a delightful blend of intrigue, heart, and clever storytelling, making it a must-read for fans of the mystery-suspense genre. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the entire series to fully appreciate the depth and richness of Jemma's journey. A solid 5-star recommendation from me.