Buy Links: Amazon
My Review:
Great debut!
Such a sweet, heartwarming, feel good story. All the feels and hugs that will make you smile. Nicely balanced easy read. Good characterizations, great visuals that really were expansive putting you right in the story. Really a good flow. Secondary characters were well thought out and helped drive the story offering a nice well rounded balance to the story line on a whole.
There was instant attraction between Mia and Dominic that was a bit typical in many stories that I see lately, but the author was able to bring enough realism to balance some of the instant sparkle of the story line.
And sparkle it did.
Mia is a girl I can relate to. Coming from a large, loud Italian American family, I definitely know how it feels growing up surrounded by family, and understanding the empty feelings when not being surrounded by them as well. Mia's characterization exemplified those feelings. Passionate, loud at times, withdrawn and shy around large strange crowds, trying to please, wanting the happy life, all rolled in to a self assured yet flawed woman. A real person. And a happy life is what she thought she had, until it all crumbled by betrayal, distraction, distance, and self doubt.
Dominic had it all, until he didn't. His thoughts of happiness also crumbled to the point of needing a new start far from what he knew his whole life.
Mia and Dominic come together when both are struggling to find their way. Both knowing what they want, yet scared to admit it and both resolving to let things take their own course, trusting in fate.
Then we have Lucia, Mia's little girl. Normally not a huge fan of children in contemporary stories but this little girl captured my heart. She was written so adorably, you couldn't help falling in love with her.
There was some definite steaminess between these two and again, the author did an amazing job of giving the visual, without the graphics. Something I personally appreciate. You definitely knew what these two were getting busy doing without it being written out word for word.
Low angst, an easy emotional ride, light, funny, filled with touches of nuances that just made me smile.
Good story, good story telling.
Bravo Jennifer on your debut!
“I’m so happy. I didn't think it was possible to feel happier than I did when I met you, but I was wrong. How can I even begin to express how much more my heart is swelling to fit all the love and happiness I feel for you, Lucia, and now our new baby? I love you. Thank you for loving me and making all my dreams come true,” he said while his voice cracked from his overwhelming emotion.
“Please don’t ever thank me for loving you. Loving you and being with you and now expanding our family with you makes me the happiest person on the planet. I love you with all my heart,” I said.
Great story, would definitely recommend it! Stalking is warranted. Highly suggest you do the same.
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About the Author:
Jennifer Garcia’s (aka Forbes Arnone) love of travel began when she traveled to the West Coast to visit her father at the age of three. Her home until she was sixteen was a small coastal town near Boston. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, two sons, and two dogs.
Her lifelong love for reading and writing was put aside for many years while she made her way in the world and nurtured her young family. Even though she is older, and life never seems to settle, she’s finding her way while attending college full-time in pursuit of a B.A. in English Literature. She also runs a business, and is still caring for her family. Believing she can do it all, with the help of her family, she worked on her first novel during the late hours of the night while balancing the rest of her life during the day. Her hard work paid off, as her first novel, My Mr. Manny, will be published August 2013.
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Buy links are provided as a courtesy to the reader and do not constitute an endorsement by this blog or its owner. ARC provided by author via tour host.
Thank you so much for a wonderful review. :) I"m so glad you enjoyed it. <3
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