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Elusive Echoes
They’re two people caught between friendship and something more; they can’t move forward, and they can’t let go.
Drawn together from early childhood, Sean McGee and Melanie Mitchell seemed destined for each other. But at age thirteen, Melanie was wrenched from the people she loved and forced onto a path she loathed. Sean was no stranger to people leaving, but losing Melanie devastated him. When she suddenly reappeared in Orson’s Folly, Sean was overjoyed. The Melanie who came home, though, wasn’t the same girl. She’s got a harder edge and she’s obviously hiding something, but Sean no longer knows how to reach her.
Returning to Orson's Folly as an adult, all Melanie wanted to do was forget the years she spent away. But she soon learned that going home didn’t mean she could return to her old life—or her childhood sweetheart, Sean. Even their mutual attraction to one another hasn’t rebuilt the bond of trust and closeness they once shared. It’s been seven years since she returned and now everything Melanie wants to forget has broadsided her. She must confront her demons and relive her past in an unexpected way or risk losing the only man she’s ever loved. But even if she succeeds, Sean might be lost to her anyway.
Drawn together from early childhood, Sean McGee and Melanie Mitchell seemed destined for each other. But at age thirteen, Melanie was wrenched from the people she loved and forced onto a path she loathed. Sean was no stranger to people leaving, but losing Melanie devastated him. When she suddenly reappeared in Orson’s Folly, Sean was overjoyed. The Melanie who came home, though, wasn’t the same girl. She’s got a harder edge and she’s obviously hiding something, but Sean no longer knows how to reach her.
Returning to Orson's Folly as an adult, all Melanie wanted to do was forget the years she spent away. But she soon learned that going home didn’t mean she could return to her old life—or her childhood sweetheart, Sean. Even their mutual attraction to one another hasn’t rebuilt the bond of trust and closeness they once shared. It’s been seven years since she returned and now everything Melanie wants to forget has broadsided her. She must confront her demons and relive her past in an unexpected way or risk losing the only man she’s ever loved. But even if she succeeds, Sean might be lost to her anyway.
- GenresContemporary
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2011
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 2, 2011
Okay, first: have you read Lifeline Echoes? Because if you haven't, go read it. I'll wait.
Are you back? Alrighty, we'll move on with this one then!
Yes, this is another series I fell in love with this summer. I know, I seem to like everything I read, right? But this one is worth its rating, I promise. This is the second book in the series and with it we get to revisit Sandy and Ryan as well as dive headlong into Melanie and Sean's romance.
Sean and Melanie have known each other since they were little kids. Sean called her the "girl with the sunshiny hair" and knew, as he got older, that Melanie was the girl for him. They had a connection that not many people ever get. But then, due to tragic family circumstances, Melanie has to go away and leave Orson's Folly. When she comes back years later as an adult, they still have a connection but Melanie is holding back. On the surface everything seems good but they are having a hard time recovering that connection the deeper level that they used to have it.
The beginning revealed some history that we learned a little about in the first book, giving us a heartbreaking glimpse into the past. Sean and Melanie are both dynamic characters with a lot of depth to them. Melanie is hiding from a past that she is ashamed of and doesn't want Sean to know about. Because of this she is leery of committing to a permanent relationship. But a permanent relationship is what Sean wants. He's not interested in the idea of anything else with Melanie.
I love what Sean does in this story for his "job". He rehabs horses that have either been physically or emotionally scarred in some way. In other words - horses that nobody else wants, for the most part. Sean works with them and heals them. This reveals a lot about Sean's personality and shows in the way he deals with Melanie. A cowboy with a heart - gotta love him.
I love the character of Melanie. Like Sandy from the first book, she is spunky and sexy yet vulnerable. Don't back her into a corner because she'll give as good as she gets but she also has a soft heart. Ms. Springsteen tends to write strong female characters that can be a partner to the strong male characters she writes rather than submissive to the strong male and I love that. Melanie fits the bill well.
The is one of those stories that pulls you in and keeps a firm hold until you've finished the book. And if that means staying up until 3am? Well, too bad. (Thanks for that, Kay! LOL) But bags under your eyes the next day will be worth it to find out what happens with these two. Can't wait until the next book!
Are you back? Alrighty, we'll move on with this one then!
Yes, this is another series I fell in love with this summer. I know, I seem to like everything I read, right? But this one is worth its rating, I promise. This is the second book in the series and with it we get to revisit Sandy and Ryan as well as dive headlong into Melanie and Sean's romance.
Sean and Melanie have known each other since they were little kids. Sean called her the "girl with the sunshiny hair" and knew, as he got older, that Melanie was the girl for him. They had a connection that not many people ever get. But then, due to tragic family circumstances, Melanie has to go away and leave Orson's Folly. When she comes back years later as an adult, they still have a connection but Melanie is holding back. On the surface everything seems good but they are having a hard time recovering that connection the deeper level that they used to have it.
The beginning revealed some history that we learned a little about in the first book, giving us a heartbreaking glimpse into the past. Sean and Melanie are both dynamic characters with a lot of depth to them. Melanie is hiding from a past that she is ashamed of and doesn't want Sean to know about. Because of this she is leery of committing to a permanent relationship. But a permanent relationship is what Sean wants. He's not interested in the idea of anything else with Melanie.
I love what Sean does in this story for his "job". He rehabs horses that have either been physically or emotionally scarred in some way. In other words - horses that nobody else wants, for the most part. Sean works with them and heals them. This reveals a lot about Sean's personality and shows in the way he deals with Melanie. A cowboy with a heart - gotta love him.
I love the character of Melanie. Like Sandy from the first book, she is spunky and sexy yet vulnerable. Don't back her into a corner because she'll give as good as she gets but she also has a soft heart. Ms. Springsteen tends to write strong female characters that can be a partner to the strong male characters she writes rather than submissive to the strong male and I love that. Melanie fits the bill well.
The is one of those stories that pulls you in and keeps a firm hold until you've finished the book. And if that means staying up until 3am? Well, too bad. (Thanks for that, Kay! LOL) But bags under your eyes the next day will be worth it to find out what happens with these two. Can't wait until the next book!
September 11, 2011
Sean McGee and Melanie Mitchell, best friends since the day Sean’s Mother died, and seemingly destined for each other, are struggling to understand the feelings and emotions that seem to be pulling them together and yet pushing them apart. It had always been Sean and Mel since age six, but at age thirteen Melanie was taken from the home, the people and the town she loved and put on a darker path she hated.
In her early twenty’s, feeling broken, Melanie returns to Orson’s Folly, a town that represents goodness, security, and love. Sean is overjoyed, but soon discovers that Melanie is not the exact same girl who left years earlier, she is harder and edgier and full of secrets. Over time, with his cautious ways Sean eventually rekindles the love and has Mel wanting more than what they currently have and she’s dreaming again about a life that she had always wanted – Sean. Though they’ve stoked the flames of their attraction, the trust and closeness they once shared hasn’t been stable and Sean feels that he is losing what ground he had gained and Mel slipping away from him. Current events have Mel’s past crashing down on her, she has to come clean about everything or lose everything she ever wanted.
Sean McGee and Melanie Mitchell’s gripping story Elusive Echoes thunders with emotion and suspense as we watch unravel a life of mystery, deceit, pain and love. But is their love enough to withstand the lies? Can there be love without trust? Can they move forward or will they be forced to love and let go?
What a great book! I said it before but will say it again Kay Springsteen writes a captivating story! Elusive Echoes is the second book (book one is Lifeline Echoes) and though it can be read as a standalone book, I highly recommend reading the book one first as it will have you loving the characters even more! I’m hoping that Ms. Springsteen continues on her journey through Orson’s Folly, as I for one, have signed up for the ride and as I sit here my mind keeps wondering back to whose story will be next?
Reviewed for: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
Also review at: http://vampireswerewolvesfairiesohmy....
In her early twenty’s, feeling broken, Melanie returns to Orson’s Folly, a town that represents goodness, security, and love. Sean is overjoyed, but soon discovers that Melanie is not the exact same girl who left years earlier, she is harder and edgier and full of secrets. Over time, with his cautious ways Sean eventually rekindles the love and has Mel wanting more than what they currently have and she’s dreaming again about a life that she had always wanted – Sean. Though they’ve stoked the flames of their attraction, the trust and closeness they once shared hasn’t been stable and Sean feels that he is losing what ground he had gained and Mel slipping away from him. Current events have Mel’s past crashing down on her, she has to come clean about everything or lose everything she ever wanted.
Sean McGee and Melanie Mitchell’s gripping story Elusive Echoes thunders with emotion and suspense as we watch unravel a life of mystery, deceit, pain and love. But is their love enough to withstand the lies? Can there be love without trust? Can they move forward or will they be forced to love and let go?
What a great book! I said it before but will say it again Kay Springsteen writes a captivating story! Elusive Echoes is the second book (book one is Lifeline Echoes) and though it can be read as a standalone book, I highly recommend reading the book one first as it will have you loving the characters even more! I’m hoping that Ms. Springsteen continues on her journey through Orson’s Folly, as I for one, have signed up for the ride and as I sit here my mind keeps wondering back to whose story will be next?
Reviewed for: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
Also review at: http://vampireswerewolvesfairiesohmy....
July 12, 2011
Kate always delivers a heart warming read,dealing with true to life, realistic reads- filled with emotions that will leave you sniffing and smiling and suspense that will keep your interest piqued from page one. The cover is just stunning another fab one by Elaina Lee !!!.
Book two we are shown an insight into Sean, Ryans brother, his love for his childhood sweetheart, her anguish at her past haunts her - and stands in the way of them both finding true happiness.
A romantic and heartfelt read filled with all kinds of emotions- betrayl, lies and suspense. I really enjoy Kates books ,all her stories are realistic in life, her love scenes sensual and no unwarranted sex scenes. Her books involve enough where the love is *sweet* without all the extra's, but the passion is evident ;)
Her storylines keep you captivated with every read - I could read theses time and time again. They could be realistic in real life, with the anguish we feel, in life and love. An intriuging plot that will keep you captivated , characters that you will fall in love with, and easily flowing dialogue and Chapters that run smoothly giving it a well paced read, that will not only have your heart fluttering, but your eyes glassy !! Have the tissues handy with this one ,,
The battle between love and trust puts up barriers between Sean and Mel, can Mel trust Sean with her past ? Or will she not give them that chance at the happy ever after that they both truly seek ?
A Captivating and mesmerzing love story, that will not only have the pages flipping, but your heart aching... Kate portrays the characters emotions well, and her descriptions are easily envisaged !! A must read for all..
I enjoyed that Kate also included the family from the previous book in this !! A series I will follow till the end ;)
Book two we are shown an insight into Sean, Ryans brother, his love for his childhood sweetheart, her anguish at her past haunts her - and stands in the way of them both finding true happiness.
A romantic and heartfelt read filled with all kinds of emotions- betrayl, lies and suspense. I really enjoy Kates books ,all her stories are realistic in life, her love scenes sensual and no unwarranted sex scenes. Her books involve enough where the love is *sweet* without all the extra's, but the passion is evident ;)
Her storylines keep you captivated with every read - I could read theses time and time again. They could be realistic in real life, with the anguish we feel, in life and love. An intriuging plot that will keep you captivated , characters that you will fall in love with, and easily flowing dialogue and Chapters that run smoothly giving it a well paced read, that will not only have your heart fluttering, but your eyes glassy !! Have the tissues handy with this one ,,
The battle between love and trust puts up barriers between Sean and Mel, can Mel trust Sean with her past ? Or will she not give them that chance at the happy ever after that they both truly seek ?
A Captivating and mesmerzing love story, that will not only have the pages flipping, but your heart aching... Kate portrays the characters emotions well, and her descriptions are easily envisaged !! A must read for all..
I enjoyed that Kate also included the family from the previous book in this !! A series I will follow till the end ;)
May 18, 2015
I so loved book 1 of this series and figured it could not be beat....well....Let me tell ya, this one came really darn close! I had a fear that I would be disappointed because I loved book 1 so much. Thankfully I was wrong.
This is multi pov read that does have an HEA...but boy did they have to work to get it. Nothing like waiting until the very last second to find out! hehe
Loved Sean and Mel. I was so happy to finally see their book. They did not disappoint. What an emotional roller coaster ride they had me on. Yep..I had heart twinges and even a few tears shed. You should have seen me reading in the teachers lounge trying not to cry or hiding the fact I was tearing up. Now that is a great read!
This had mystery, heart break, deception, redemption, suspense, devotion, and of course a wee bit of romance. This is a sweet romantic read and not a hot descriptive sex read.
If you want hot, raunchy sex....this is not it. If you want sweet, heartfelt non descript. then this is a read for you. This is book 2 of the series but can be read as a stand alone. If you have not read book 1, do not hesitate to get it! It is a must read along with this one.
So.....would I recommend this book? OMG Yes!!!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!!
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
www.facebook.com/sassybetareading
This is multi pov read that does have an HEA...but boy did they have to work to get it. Nothing like waiting until the very last second to find out! hehe
Loved Sean and Mel. I was so happy to finally see their book. They did not disappoint. What an emotional roller coaster ride they had me on. Yep..I had heart twinges and even a few tears shed. You should have seen me reading in the teachers lounge trying not to cry or hiding the fact I was tearing up. Now that is a great read!
This had mystery, heart break, deception, redemption, suspense, devotion, and of course a wee bit of romance. This is a sweet romantic read and not a hot descriptive sex read.
If you want hot, raunchy sex....this is not it. If you want sweet, heartfelt non descript. then this is a read for you. This is book 2 of the series but can be read as a stand alone. If you have not read book 1, do not hesitate to get it! It is a must read along with this one.
So.....would I recommend this book? OMG Yes!!!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!!
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
www.facebook.com/sassybetareading
May 20, 2015
I have received a copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest opinion.
I loved that this book was in a small town, Orson's Folly. This book had a lot packed into it.
Mystery (what her half brother is up to)
Secrets (have to read to find out what, who, etc)
Love
Romance
Sadness
Humor
Hope
Love
Passion
I do not understand what took Sean and Mel so long to get together. They love one another. They were not talking about what was in their heads. One or both of them was hiding something from the other (not going to tell you which one-read the book!).
This book got to me. I am not sure how to explain it. The things Mel went through to get to where she was. To be back in the town that she loves means a lot to her. To be back with Sean. This book reminded me that with hope, love, and passion you can do anything.
I could not put this book down. I had to know the answers to all of my questions, which I am not going to put here because I would give too much away.
I want to read Book #1 and Book #3 (titles in the first paragraph).
☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
I loved that this book was in a small town, Orson's Folly. This book had a lot packed into it.
Mystery (what her half brother is up to)
Secrets (have to read to find out what, who, etc)
Love
Romance
Sadness
Humor
Hope
Love
Passion
I do not understand what took Sean and Mel so long to get together. They love one another. They were not talking about what was in their heads. One or both of them was hiding something from the other (not going to tell you which one-read the book!).
This book got to me. I am not sure how to explain it. The things Mel went through to get to where she was. To be back in the town that she loves means a lot to her. To be back with Sean. This book reminded me that with hope, love, and passion you can do anything.
I could not put this book down. I had to know the answers to all of my questions, which I am not going to put here because I would give too much away.
I want to read Book #1 and Book #3 (titles in the first paragraph).
☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
May 12, 2015
I fell in love with book 1, Lifeline Echoes, and now have again fallen in love with the people of Orson’s Folly. Elusive Echoes (The Echoes of Orson’s Folly Book 2) is just as amazing as book 1. This can be read as a stand-alone, but why in the world would you want to miss out?! Kay Springsteen is easily one of my favorite authors. Her books are extremely well written and the characters are so true to life and relatable. The connection the reader feels with each and every one of them makes you feel like you are a part of the town. It is so easy to get lost in Kay’s writing and forget your “real” life and live in the world she has created. This book is filled with roller coaster emotions: love and lust, joy and sorrow, suspense and angst, mystery and heartache, betrayal and lies, family and loyalty. You’ve got a heartfelt romance, great plot and dialogue, and characters you love, what more could you want. I highly, highly recommend this series. I can’t wait to dive into book 3!!
May 19, 2015
This is book 2 of the Echos of Orson's folly but can be read as a stand alone. Sean McGee and Melanie Mitchell are truly an example of lasting love. They met as children, were separated as teens, reunited as adults but never lost the love for one another. This was an exceptionally well written, well thought out story that just grabs you and doesn't let go. The characters are easy to like and relate too, their interactions and banter are quite amusing at times and I just loved the birds and the bees talk. It was hilarious. There is a lot of history here, lots of secrets, lots of love and some interesting drama. The author takes on a marry trek filled with twists , turns, angst ,sadness, love , hate, betrayal , forgiveness, stupidity and trust. The town is small, the story is very realistic and you will seriously be upset if you miss out on this awesome read.
September 29, 2011
This was a really good book. It started off a little slower, but took a great turn and ended up being a wonderfully written and exciting book. Emotions ran the gamut and pulled you into the story of Orson's Folly once again. Melanie is a great and stable character who you understand and can relate to. Sean, though sometimes a little stubborn, is a strong character who is kind and sweet. The side characters are once again really fun and flush out the story. Well written and fun, you don't want to miss this one. I must say that this is a little more heated than many others I review - nothing explicit, but I may not recommend it to a teenager nonetheless.
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May 19, 2015
What a great read. I really enjoyed this story, sadly I haven't read book 0ne but having read this one I bought book one and three because I definitely want to read them. I love this family I fell in love with each of them. The love they have for one another is awesome. This couple Sean and Melanie had some major issues to deal with but eventually they learned to talk them through. His father Justin is a great man and father. His brother Ryan's story is in book one which I'm anxious to read. I want to read he and Sandy's story. Their foster brother Ricky I sense a story coming there too. I believe it's Justin's story in book three. I can't wait to read them. This book is well written it is a nice romance with some intrigue thrown in.
July 15, 2011
If you love Ryan and Sandy in Lifeline Echoes...wait you didn't read about them then go back [[ASIN:B004V9HGYE Lifeline Echoes]] before proceeding. Trust me you'll love me for it. Now that your back you will really appreciate the fact that this story is a continuation of characters but could easily be a stand alone. Sean and Melanie are characters that are dynamic, fun, flawed, emotional and fallible. A perfect recipe for a tear jerking, knee slapping, western without the West good read. Kay Springsteen is a literary madame, making her word combinations, plot twists and driving emotion work as hard as she does to deliver a read worth more than the price paid.
August 12, 2011
This book is the second installment of The Echoes of Orson’s Folly series. Sean and Melanie were originally introduced in the first book (Lifeline Echoes) and I loved being able to read their story.
Elusive Echoes takes a lot of unexpected twists and turns. The injustices brought upon Melanie in the past made me want to cry. The craziness of the present-day events made me wonder why so many people seem to have it out for the McGee family. Another brilliant book from Ms. Springsteen! I really hope to see more of the Orson’s Folly people in the future (I’m personally hoping for Ricky’s story, among others!).
Elusive Echoes takes a lot of unexpected twists and turns. The injustices brought upon Melanie in the past made me want to cry. The craziness of the present-day events made me wonder why so many people seem to have it out for the McGee family. Another brilliant book from Ms. Springsteen! I really hope to see more of the Orson’s Folly people in the future (I’m personally hoping for Ricky’s story, among others!).
February 27, 2012
There was a lot to like about this one. I think the portrayal Sean's and Melanie's relationship - that they were in love very early in the book, but ran into problems was a great concept. However I felt that the trust issues Sean had with Melanie was not consistent with the character she established for him. It really made no sense for him to believe her brother when Sean knew he was a con artist and had already had suspicions about the guy. And refusing to go to the hospital with Melanie did not ring true either.
Never the less, I liked it as a whole and it was good to see the characters from the 1st book too.
Never the less, I liked it as a whole and it was good to see the characters from the 1st book too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2015
This story is a beautiful, emotion filled one with friendship, hopes of more, sadness which made me cry, and a whole lot of other emotions that keep you going on a wonderful ride. It shows that friendship and love take work. The characters were not perfect and had issues to deal with. Both of the main characters are so much more than just the superficial characters that you read in some stories. Sean's stubbornness and Melanie's embarrassment at her past work together perfectly. I look forward to more from this author.
October 14, 2014
Kay Springsteen is a master of infusing deep emotions into her writing. She's done it again with Elusive Echoes, plus added horses and two wounded characters who must learn to trust again. This just isn't a "pretty cover" romance book - if you love exploring the character's past issues and hidden secrets, download this wonderful read.
June 30, 2011
For a small town, Orson's Folly hides some mean secrets. I'm enjoying reading this intelligently written series as Kay Springsteen reveals those secrets, book by contemporary Western book.
June 17, 2013
I didn't find this as great as the first novel in this series but I did like it a lot, so much in fact, that it has to be one of my favorite series, similar to this ever.
October 23, 2013
I really loved this sequel. I love this small community. The chemistry is good. It is a bit too graphic. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews