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Reasons
Delphi Brent, seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident as a teenager, is ready to spend the summer with old family friends when her parents make a distressing the driver of the car that nearly killed her was one of the three sons of the Laughlin family she's about to visit. They urge her to stay home and let the past be, but she resolves to go out West anyway to learn the truth about what happened the night she was struck and one of the Laughlin sons died. However, in reconnecting with the Laughlins, who operate a sprawling ranch in Colorado, Delphi learns a lot not only about brothers and families, but also about the reasons people keep secrets, and what to do with the truth once it's uncovered. She also falls in love with one of the Laughlin brothers, and that wasn't part of the plan at all.
224 pages, Paperback
First published February 25, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 29, 2009
I was really planning on reading Tracy Fabre's first novel, Evan’s Castle, sometime, but ended up so intrigued by the back cover of Reasons that I took that home instead.
The story’s set in Colorado, a part of the country that I’ve visited (at least once) and love dearly. A young woman, Delphi, goes to stay with family friends in the gap between one college position and another. But the families have been silently estranged ever since a hit and run accident seriously injured Delphi as a teenager. At about the same time, the youngest Laughlin son had died from injuries sustained in a car. So maybe the silence was just the embarrassment of one family with a child who lived and one with a child who died, but Delphi soon learns the difficulties run deeper.
The author’s descriptions brought back memories, bringing to life a truly beautiful part of the world. But equally, she brings to life the warmth of delightful family relationships, the tortuous conversations of secrets, and the half-closed, half-open friendships of kind-hearted people who’ve been apart too long.
The romantic aspects of the novel are nicely done, combining both the misunderstandings of youth and those of well-meaning adulthood. The mystery slowly reveals itself. And the injuries of wounded hearts prove neither fatal nor easily cured. I finished the book feeling like I’d sat in on conversations with real people, and really enjoyed their company.
So, thanks Tracy. And maybe I’ll get to Evan’s Castle sometime too.
The story’s set in Colorado, a part of the country that I’ve visited (at least once) and love dearly. A young woman, Delphi, goes to stay with family friends in the gap between one college position and another. But the families have been silently estranged ever since a hit and run accident seriously injured Delphi as a teenager. At about the same time, the youngest Laughlin son had died from injuries sustained in a car. So maybe the silence was just the embarrassment of one family with a child who lived and one with a child who died, but Delphi soon learns the difficulties run deeper.
The author’s descriptions brought back memories, bringing to life a truly beautiful part of the world. But equally, she brings to life the warmth of delightful family relationships, the tortuous conversations of secrets, and the half-closed, half-open friendships of kind-hearted people who’ve been apart too long.
The romantic aspects of the novel are nicely done, combining both the misunderstandings of youth and those of well-meaning adulthood. The mystery slowly reveals itself. And the injuries of wounded hearts prove neither fatal nor easily cured. I finished the book feeling like I’d sat in on conversations with real people, and really enjoyed their company.
So, thanks Tracy. And maybe I’ll get to Evan’s Castle sometime too.
December 26, 2009
This book kept me up late because I really wanted to find out the truth about the accident. I enjoyed watching Delphi grow and change and was surprised by her reluctance to ask outright questions about the car accident that had killed the third brother. I don't know that I would have been able to be around the people who knew the truth for all that time and not start asking questions that would lead back to the truth. Part of her reluctance stemmed from her fear of what the truth would be, but I am just too curious not to try to get the answers. Because of that I really appreciated her ability to keep a secret, although keeping it started to take a toll on her causing her to start having frequent headaches. The dialogue between characters seemed very genuine and the characters seemed real, not like stereotypes. Tracy really fleshed out who each of the characters was and gave them very evident personalities. I am glad that I had a chance to read this novel.
February 6, 2010
Reasons was a heart warming, fast-paced novel. I'm glad I was approached to review this book or else I would of never heard of it. I quickly became intrigued with the story and enjoyed getting to know the characters. Delphi was a very likable character, she was strong, witty and down right multifaceted. The secrets that she uncovered while visiting the Laughlins did not disappoint me as a reader. I was also interested in the blossoming romance between Delphi and one of Laughlin brothers. I really liked them together, they just seem to have clicked right from the beginning. The book kept my attention for the most part and was an overall entertaining read. I recommend it if you're looking for a light-hearted read with a decent storyline. But, try not to judge by the simple cover, it seriously doesn't do the novel justice.
August 12, 2025
This author was a dear friend of mine for over 25 years. I never knew she was an author until after she died. She was very smart and oh so very witty. I am not surprised at how much I enjoyed reading her book. It was a great story to the very end.
December 26, 2009
elphi Brent is a self assured young woman who has the opportunity to travel to Colorado for the summer before starting a job in Maine. However, her parents are not keen on this idea because of an accident nine years previously that left Delphi with a large scar on her leg and the death of a son of long time friends, Robert & Annie Laughlin. What no one knows is who was driving the car and what really happened….or at least they are not saying. What Delphi doesn’t expect is to fall in love with one of the Laughlin boys and for her world to turn upside down and will the secrets cause her to lose out on a chance of love and happily ever after.
I read this book in about 3 days (at night) and could not put it down. I really enjoyed the wit of Delphi and her reactions to Noreen, the fiancee of Bobby Laughlin, who thinks that Delphi is there to make good on a crush from 11 years ago when she was 15. I liked how she stood up for herself and didn’t let anyone get her down. However, in the same respect, Delphi didn’t give others a chance to break down the walls around her heart. That is until several people mentioned to her that Tam Laughlin looks at her like there is no one else in the world. The power of suggestion! Despite her reservations, she finds herself enjoying Tam’s company and getting closer to him until it finally ends in a kiss…but what a kiss!
Delphi also makes friends with Dave the vet, who has a secret of his own that surprisingly no one else figures out.
And then there is Bobby, the oldest brother who is engaged to Noreen and is it really for love or to join their ranches? And is his heavy drinking masking anything else?
This was a very enjoyable read and I highly recommend it!
I read this book in about 3 days (at night) and could not put it down. I really enjoyed the wit of Delphi and her reactions to Noreen, the fiancee of Bobby Laughlin, who thinks that Delphi is there to make good on a crush from 11 years ago when she was 15. I liked how she stood up for herself and didn’t let anyone get her down. However, in the same respect, Delphi didn’t give others a chance to break down the walls around her heart. That is until several people mentioned to her that Tam Laughlin looks at her like there is no one else in the world. The power of suggestion! Despite her reservations, she finds herself enjoying Tam’s company and getting closer to him until it finally ends in a kiss…but what a kiss!
Delphi also makes friends with Dave the vet, who has a secret of his own that surprisingly no one else figures out.
And then there is Bobby, the oldest brother who is engaged to Noreen and is it really for love or to join their ranches? And is his heavy drinking masking anything else?
This was a very enjoyable read and I highly recommend it!
December 26, 2009
Delphi Brent is going to spend the summer with The Laughlin’s. They are good, family friends. For some reason though, Delphi and her family have not visited the Laughlin’s for at least nine years. The reason for the sudden decease in visits, Delphi’s parents tell Delphi is because the Laughlin boys were involved in the hit and run that left Delphi in a coma for weeks and the scars on her leg.
Even knowing this information, Delphi still wants to spend the summer with the Laughlin’s. Only now, Delphi has a purpose for wanting to visit. She hopes to learn the truth about who was behind the wheel of the car. Delphi develops feelings for Tam, the middle son. Though, she can’t fully give him her heart as he could be the one responsible. What will Delphi do when she learns the truth and will she be able to forgive?
I thought this book was a good one. Reasons is a quick read. The characters were engaging. I really got into the story. The location that this story took place in Statler, Colorado (a fictitious place) did not bug me, as I live in Colorado. The problem, I had was that I wanted to know more about this place and the splendid scenery that Colorado has to offer but that wasn’t really portrayed in the story. One thing that did bug me some was that it seemed only Delphi and Tam was willing to do anything to help Bobbie with his drinking problems. The rest of the family was aware but chose to ignore the issue. Reasons is the first book I have read by Tracy Fabre but is second novel that she has written. Hopefully, Ms. Fabre will have a long success, as she has done a good job with this book. I did think the ending was a good one.
Even knowing this information, Delphi still wants to spend the summer with the Laughlin’s. Only now, Delphi has a purpose for wanting to visit. She hopes to learn the truth about who was behind the wheel of the car. Delphi develops feelings for Tam, the middle son. Though, she can’t fully give him her heart as he could be the one responsible. What will Delphi do when she learns the truth and will she be able to forgive?
I thought this book was a good one. Reasons is a quick read. The characters were engaging. I really got into the story. The location that this story took place in Statler, Colorado (a fictitious place) did not bug me, as I live in Colorado. The problem, I had was that I wanted to know more about this place and the splendid scenery that Colorado has to offer but that wasn’t really portrayed in the story. One thing that did bug me some was that it seemed only Delphi and Tam was willing to do anything to help Bobbie with his drinking problems. The rest of the family was aware but chose to ignore the issue. Reasons is the first book I have read by Tracy Fabre but is second novel that she has written. Hopefully, Ms. Fabre will have a long success, as she has done a good job with this book. I did think the ending was a good one.
January 2, 2010
Romance/Romance Lite is not my Genre of choice, but i received a copy of this book from the Author...i owe a review..
Our protagonist, Delphi Brent, survived a hit-and-run accident at age 17...ten years later she is set to visit old family friends before starting a new job.However...the facts of the accident have been a close-kept family secret..and the family she is visiting?...one of the sons was driving the fatal car. Here comes a Summer to Remember!!! All goes fairly well until Delphi develops a serious Jones for the younger surviving son, Tam (the actual younger son perished in the same Accident).....and stumbles upon said Fatal Car, shrouded in a barn....i know, Soap Opera City....right? Right..but Delphi is a spunky gal with a sassy mouth and the requisite angst of anyone trying to forge ahead in life. I just wish she hadn't been such a Mush-Head toward Tam....but then, i'm no romantic...
I liked the character in this book....no real Caricatures and nary a Devil or Angel in the mix...the Spirituality was more Human than Godly..and if Jesus was present he was probably waiting in the wings to see how the story played out.
If Romance is your thing..this might be for you. The story does not devolve into Soft Core Porn.....but neither is it Message-ridden. since i try to read outside of my own Genre Boxes at least once a year..i have to say i enjoyed this without going into sugar-shock...and my gorlfriends who Do like Romance are already asking to borrow the book. Go figure...it's a good story with believable characters....nuff said
3 Stars (i liked it)
Our protagonist, Delphi Brent, survived a hit-and-run accident at age 17...ten years later she is set to visit old family friends before starting a new job.However...the facts of the accident have been a close-kept family secret..and the family she is visiting?...one of the sons was driving the fatal car. Here comes a Summer to Remember!!! All goes fairly well until Delphi develops a serious Jones for the younger surviving son, Tam (the actual younger son perished in the same Accident).....and stumbles upon said Fatal Car, shrouded in a barn....i know, Soap Opera City....right? Right..but Delphi is a spunky gal with a sassy mouth and the requisite angst of anyone trying to forge ahead in life. I just wish she hadn't been such a Mush-Head toward Tam....but then, i'm no romantic...
I liked the character in this book....no real Caricatures and nary a Devil or Angel in the mix...the Spirituality was more Human than Godly..and if Jesus was present he was probably waiting in the wings to see how the story played out.
If Romance is your thing..this might be for you. The story does not devolve into Soft Core Porn.....but neither is it Message-ridden. since i try to read outside of my own Genre Boxes at least once a year..i have to say i enjoyed this without going into sugar-shock...and my gorlfriends who Do like Romance are already asking to borrow the book. Go figure...it's a good story with believable characters....nuff said
3 Stars (i liked it)
June 26, 2014
The protagonist, Delphi Brent is a wonderful character who brings you right into her world. As a teenager, Delphi has a serious hit-and-run accident while visiting family friends in Colorado. Growing up, she didn't know the details of the accident.
Years later, she decides to reconnect with family friends and her stunned parents are forced to explain the mystery about her injuries. When she discovers that the hit-and-run driver is one of the three sons of the family friend she has made plans to spend the summer with, Delphi must decide if she can make the trip to Colorado.
Delphi makes the journey searching for answers and ultimatley finds true love. I laughed, I cheered, and I cried - and I read this book in one sitting. Tracy has a way of taking you into the world of wonder with rich characters that you become friends with. I just could not put her book down. I thoroughly enjoyed Evan's Castle, Tracy's first book - they just keep getting better and better! I don't normally read romance novels, but love Tracy's books.
Years later, she decides to reconnect with family friends and her stunned parents are forced to explain the mystery about her injuries. When she discovers that the hit-and-run driver is one of the three sons of the family friend she has made plans to spend the summer with, Delphi must decide if she can make the trip to Colorado.
Delphi makes the journey searching for answers and ultimatley finds true love. I laughed, I cheered, and I cried - and I read this book in one sitting. Tracy has a way of taking you into the world of wonder with rich characters that you become friends with. I just could not put her book down. I thoroughly enjoyed Evan's Castle, Tracy's first book - they just keep getting better and better! I don't normally read romance novels, but love Tracy's books.
June 6, 2010
Reasons is a 222 page jigsaw puzzle. Tracy Fabre weaves a story of a young woman who at the age of twenty-six seems to have led a fairly sheltered existence in Pennsylvania as an only child. Her decision to spend the summer with a family in Colorado that were old family friends comes a surprise to her parents who then let her know that the reason they no longer visit that family is because one of the sons almost killed her nine years earlier. Leaving out the open-ended question of why would that subject never have been brought up before, Delphi insists on maintaining her plans and finds that once in Colorado she is torn between keeping her secret and following her heart.
Fabre does an excellent job of bringing the reader into the inner turmoil of love’s rollercoaster ride and along the journey gives a hint of what living with a family member burdened with guilt might look like.
Reasons is a good read and might even bring tears to your eyes!
Fabre does an excellent job of bringing the reader into the inner turmoil of love’s rollercoaster ride and along the journey gives a hint of what living with a family member burdened with guilt might look like.
Reasons is a good read and might even bring tears to your eyes!
January 22, 2010
About four hours ago I fished this book out of a stack I have on my desk,
and I just read the last page.
I would've finished it sooner but I was interrupted by hungry family members who wanted supper.
I loved this story-I loved the characters and I loved the way it flowed.
The pages seemed to turn themselves and I almost hated for it to end.
Tracy Fabre's book isn't just a cute little love story.
It's about families and the ties that bind,
and ultimately it is about forgiveness and redemption.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to more from this author.
and I just read the last page.
I would've finished it sooner but I was interrupted by hungry family members who wanted supper.
I loved this story-I loved the characters and I loved the way it flowed.
The pages seemed to turn themselves and I almost hated for it to end.
Tracy Fabre's book isn't just a cute little love story.
It's about families and the ties that bind,
and ultimately it is about forgiveness and redemption.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to more from this author.
January 19, 2011
See review on my blog :http://allisonsatticblog.blogspot.com...
August 5, 2011
Beautiful romance.
August 14, 2013
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews