The magical realism in All the Breaking Waves sucks you into a world you know with just a little twist.
Molly and her daughter Cassie are such beautiful characters, and their mother-daughter bond was amazing.
I did not see the end coming – not at one bit. Kerry Lonsdale threw me a curveball, and I loved it.
About All the Breaking Waves by Kerry Lonsdale
After a harrowing accident tore her family apart, Molly Brennan fled from the man she loved and the tragic mistake she made.
Twelve years later, Molly has created a new life for herself and her eight-year-old daughter, Cassie. The art history professor crafts jewelry as unique and weathered as the surf-tumbled sea glass she collects, while raising her daughter in a safe and loving environment—something Molly never had. But when Cassie is plagued by horrific visions and debilitating nightmares, Molly is forced to return to the one place she swore she’d never move back to—home to Pacific Grove.
A riveting exploration of love, secrets, and motherhood, All the Breaking Waves is the poignant story of a woman who discovers she must confront her past, let go of her guilt, and summon everything in her power to save her daughter.
My Review
Kerry Lonsdale has a way with her characters. Molly and Cassie start the book faced with the frightening reality that Cassie has inherited psychic abilities. It runs in the women of the family, but each generation is a little different. Cassie is forced to see horrible events in the near future, reliving them in her nightmares until the event comes to pass. And someone usually ends up dead. Not a very good thing for a little girl.
When Cassie sees Molly’s death, they both completely freak out – understandably so – and take a trip to Molly’s mother’s house – hoping that Cassie can learn to control her abilities. But also hoping to find a way to avoid Cassie’s tragic vision.
Nana has other ideas though, and this is where things started to take a few very interesting turns. One of those turns was Owen. And while this isn’t quite a romance, there is definitely a romantic storyline between him and Molly – with a long history to drive it forward. Owen and Nana both play a crucial role in helping both Molly and Cassie find their way.
I found myself infinitely frustrated at Molly’s inability to stay away from the very things that could make Cassie’s vision come to pass. Like a moth to the flame – she was drawn to it. Lonsdale used this to create a level of suspense without having an actual bad guy, and it was brilliant. The tension was ever-present and I could feel it in every word and between each line.
I was shocked at the end. Lonsdale led me on and made me believe so many things – and I was wrong about a lot of them. We have a lot of happy moments, but there is some sadness as well. Much like life, this novel took me on a journey the was quite memorable.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
She shouldn’t get involved with the cowboy next door…
Laid off from her teaching job in the city, Jemma Monroe takes a job teaching in a tiny town and rents a house on the outskirts. A visitor soon shows up at her door—a horse. His owner, a handsome neighbor in boots and a cowboy hat, comes by to collect him.
When single dad Wyatt Langford meets Jemma, it’s the first time he feels interested in a woman since his wife left. But she’s his daughter’s new teacher, so they both know they should keep their distance.
Nonetheless, Wyatt keeps finding excuses to spend time with Jemma, and Wyatt’s daughter becomes more and more attached to her. With them, Jemma discovers the good things about country life, from starry skies to s’mores cooked over a fire. But she still misses her past life in the city. Is there any reason for them to dream of a future together?
I have loved Hallmark Movies for many years – and when I had a chance to read one of their new novels, I knew I had to try it. This book did not disappoint me. Country Hearts gives all the feel-good emotions and happily ever afters that I’ve come to expect and enjoy from Hallmark. But now I can get into the characters’ thoughts and emotions even more.
Jenna Monroe
Jenna Monroe isn’t really looking for an adventure, but she sure finds one when she takes a temporary teaching job in a small town. She’s far from prepared for the weather, the roads, and the animals – mostly the domesticated type. But she tries to take it all in a stride of her high heel boots until she starts to fall in love.
Wyatt Langford
Wyatt Langford thinks he’s all his daughter Bailey has left. As a single dad, Wyatt is very protective of her and will do anything to keep her from getting hurt. But when Jenna takes over as Bailey’s teacher, they all start to fall in love. Bailey knows that Jenna is just what they need to make their family whole, and she will do anything (including some really cute Valentine’s ideas) to make it happen.
The town is on Bailey’s side and is one of the many reasons I loved Country Hearts. Every resident sees what Jenna and Wyatt refuse to admit to anyone – they were meant to be together. I really hope that Hallmark finds a way to turn this into a bit of a series. I’d love to come back and visit to see what everyone is up to.
A few times I felt like Wyatt’s refusal to accept Jenna into his heart went on a little too long. You’ll hear me say this often about fictional couples (and I’m sure it’s true in real life as well): You’re the adults, have a conversation and figure it out! But then we wouldn’t have quite the same story, would we? Overall this definitely hit the mark as a fun winter-themed romance with a dash of Happy Valentine’s.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
– Enjoy historical settings that really come to life and are full of adventure – Know pirates aren’t always the bad guys, just sometimes – Love epic adventures but prefer to skip the stuff between action scenes
My full review for Marisol ~ Spanish Rose
Marisol ~ Spanish Rose starts out as a bit of a tragic story. Forced to flee her home after killing a nobleman in self-defense, Marisol’s luck just keeps getting worse. Captured and forced into basically the slave trade as an indentured servant. But, she has no idea how her life will change after English privateers capture the Spanish ship she is being transported on. The Captain of the ship, Ethan Becket, is in for quite a surprise as he learns about Marisol’s past as she slowly thaws his heart and allows him to love again.
Marisol ~ Spanish Rose had all the aspects of a great historical fiction adventure. High seas adventure – check. Dashing historical figures and lively, memorable places – check. The one thing it was missing was the romance. I feel like Marisol and Ethan just didn’t spend any time together at all and suddenly they were in love. Time passed off the pages, but I couldn’t watch their relationship grow and build over time, it almost seemed like it wasn’t there. I loved the well-developed characters, but I didn’t see them together as a couple. They just weren’t there.
The drama, adventure, and excitement were definitely there. The beautifully written scenes on the ship were told in a way that I understood. Even though I know nothing about ships. I would have liked to learn more about some of the side characters, but perhaps they develop as the series goes along. They all seemed to be very interesting, and I wanted to know more.
More about Marisol ~ Spanish Rose by Elva Cobb Martin
Escaping to the New World is her only option…Rescuing her will wrap the chains of the Inquisition around his neck.
Marisol Valentin flees Spain after murdering the nobleman who molested her. She ends up for sale on the indentured servants’ block at Charles Town harbor—dirty, angry, and with child. Her hopes are shattered, but she must find a refuge for herself and the child she carries. Can this new land offer her the grace, love, and security she craves? Or must she escape again to her only living relative in Cartagena?
Captain Ethan Becket, once a Charles Town minister, now sails the seas as a privateer, grieving his deceased wife. But when he takes captive a ship full of indentured servants, he’s intrigued by the woman whose manners seem much more refined than the average Spanish serving girl. Perfect to become governess for his young son. But when he sets out on a quest to find his captured sister, said to be in Cartagena, little does he expect his new Spanish governess to stow away on his ship with her six-month-old son. Yet her offer of help to free his sister is too tempting to pass up. And her beauty, both inside and out, is too attractive for his heart to protect itself against—until he learns she is a wanted murderess.
As their paths intertwine on a journey filled with danger, intrigue, and romance, only love and the grace of God can overcome the past and ignite a new beginning for Marisol and Ethan.
Do not read this book if you:
– Want a really solid romance-forward story, the romance is more of a sub-plot – Want an epic historical adventure told in epic format, as Marisol jumps around skipping details.
