Like Never Before (Walker Family, #2) in Christian rom coms and romances

Mar 04, 2016 Meghan DeWalt rated it it was amazing

Shelves: inspirational, contemporary, romance

The latest installment of Melissa Tagg's Walker Family Series arrived on the 24th, and I finished it four days later. And this is only because of a bustling Easter weekend in between or it would have been finished sooner. The mark of a great book...
The two main characters, Logan and Amelia, were secondary characters in the first book and the in-between novella, From the Start and Three Little Words. But one great thing about Tagg's books? You should read the books in order, but you don't have to The latest installment of Melissa Tagg's Walker Family Series arrived on the 24th, and I finished it four days later. And this is only because of a bustling Easter weekend in between or it would have been finished sooner. The mark of a great book...
The two main characters, Logan and Amelia, were secondary characters in the first book and the in-between novella, From the Start and Three Little Words. But one great thing about Tagg's books? You should read the books in order, but you don't have to to fully understand what is going on. A fantastic semi-sequential, semi-standalone series, this second book drew me right back into perhaps one of my most beloved fictional towns: Maple Valley, Iowa. A Mid-West version of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls or Mount Bedford from It's a Wonderful Life.
The novel opens just as spring is attempting to arrive in the Mid-West, and finds Logan Walker, the eldest of the Walker clan, burnt out and nearing his breaking point trying to juggle single fatherhood and a burgeoning political writing/campaign career in Los Angeles. When he receives a letter from an old mentor who viewed him like a son, his life turns upside down as he goes home for what he thinks will be a temporary stay. Back in Maple Valley, we find Amelia Bentley--a driven, passionate reporter for the town's newspaper with a Lorelai Gilmore-esque love for the town that embraced her three years earlier when her life fell apart. Seemingly random circumstances draw these two together--but, in reality, it's the Ultimate Author beginning their love story. Their love story together, and the Greatest Love that pulls their faith back up from the quaking, ash-filled depths of their aching hearts to renew and restore their faith.
One thing in this novel I was delighted to see was the small historical storyline that was interwoven as one of the "conflicts" needing solved that kept pushing Amelia and Logan together. Melissa has made no secret online for her great love for this particular fictional hero of hers--Logan Walker, and oh my word, I see why now. He is a steady, common-sense man with a huge heart and need to protect those he cares about that just left me sighing. Not to mention his appearance and quirks Melissa writes into the story makes him all the more swoon-worthy.
For fans of romantic comedies filled to the brim with so much heart set against the vivid backdrop of a Mid-Western Stars Hollow (with comedic and heartwarming characters abounding!), Like Never Before is a must-read. ...more

8 likes · Like · see review

Dec 07, 2015 E.A. rated it it was amazing

Shelves: review-copy, romance

I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I hoped, but above all, I loved Like Never Before!

Really guys. If you are looking for the perfect read for this summer look no further. Like Never Before, book two in Melissa's Walker Family series set in the small, quirky, and coffee loving town of Maple Valley, is just fantastic.

First off, we have the adorable and persistent Amelia Bently. This girl is as spunky and quirky as they come, but that's what makes her so likeable! She was such a real character to me-- I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I hoped, but above all, I loved Like Never Before!

Really guys. If you are looking for the perfect read for this summer look no further. Like Never Before, book two in Melissa's Walker Family series set in the small, quirky, and coffee loving town of Maple Valley, is just fantastic.

First off, we have the adorable and persistent Amelia Bently. This girl is as spunky and quirky as they come, but that's what makes her so likeable! She was such a real character to me--her struggles and her triumphs. I enjoyed watching how she grew throughout the story because I felt personally invested in her.

Then there's Logan Walker. *Sigh* Oh Logan, my fictional crush radar is zinging! Is there anything more attractive than a man who loves his daughter and is a great writer? He was also such a well fleshed out character. Amidst his strengths, his weaknesses made me want to take him by the fictional shoulders and give him encouragement. Yes, he was that real to me.

Put these two together and wowza! Chemistry, romantic tension, laughter, and a whole lot of turning pages because you have to know how it's going to end. I also loved the concepts Melissa addressed in this book. I liked how she brought up the reality of dreams and what it looks like in real life to face the decisions that will either take you to, or from, those dreams. She's not afraid to tackle some hard questions in the midst of all the fun and that gives this book such a great and refreshing quality.

Obviously, I enjoyed Like Never Before a lot! It's a major recommend read from me. I mean, to put it in perspective, there I was sitting on my couch on my birthday reading the last chapters of this and crying! Not because it was sad, mind you - just because it was a perfect ending to this sweet story. Do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR!

Originally posted on my blog: http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2016/07...
_______________
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Oct 04, 2016 Natalie Walters rated it really liked it

Loved the first book, From the Start, in this series and really enjoyed this one too-but didn't "love" it like I did with FTS. I think I enjoyed the characters more in book one and found these characters a little more self-focused-probably what the author was going for but after awhile I grew listless of waiting for them to "come around" and didn't get satisfaction until the last couple of chapters when the character's resolve felt more forced than organic.

The small historical aspect of the sto ...more

1 like · Like · see review

May 12, 2016 Iola rated it really liked it

Like Never Before is the third book in the Walker Family series, but can easily be read as a standalone novel (thankfully—while I’ve read the previous two, I read so many books I can’t keep up with complex plots that require me to remember every detail of the previous novels).

I thought Like Never Before was excellent. Amelia and Logan were both great characters—totally opposite in many ways, but both doubting their Christian faith since the loss of their respective spouses. The writing was exce ...more

Like · see review

Nov 02, 2016 Rissi rated it it was amazing

Shelves: most-anticipated, review, 2016

...LIKE NEVER BEFORE is another fresh and inspiring story; it’s traditional without conforming, full of fantastic and snappy dialogue, and genuine in its pursuit of heart-tugging and pure love.

If you’re a fan of contemporary romantic-comedies, there is no story better to become blissfully lost in than one with Melissa Tagg's name proudly streaming across its cover (especially when its as darling as Like Never Before). If you’re a fan of inspirational stories (with romance) then picking up this n ...LIKE NEVER BEFORE is another fresh and inspiring story; it’s traditional without conforming, full of fantastic and snappy dialogue, and genuine in its pursuit of heart-tugging and pure love.

If you’re a fan of contemporary romantic-comedies, there is no story better to become blissfully lost in than one with Melissa Tagg's name proudly streaming across its cover (especially when its as darling as Like Never Before). If you’re a fan of inspirational stories (with romance) then picking up this novel is a must. If you’re a fan of small town charm then, yep, you guessed it, read a Tagg novel. All of this and more holds up the specs that are unique to “Tagg branding” in Melissa’s latest novel, Like Never Before.

Returning home to Maple Valley is the last thing Logan Walker wants. He’s torn up over a past that took his wife and the mother of his young daughter from him. Charlotte isn’t without her scars either; though fine physically, the nearly 4-year-old hasn’t spoken a word. Despite local reporter Amelia Bentley trying to lure Logan back home to help her save the small town paper she loves, Logan is resolute in staying in LA where he’s a partner in a business that involves speech-writing for political campaigns and he’s only now on the verge of his biggest career break yet. That is until he receives surprising news that sends him back to Maple Valley… and the promise of a happy future.

Each of Melissa’s romcom stories is pure gold. Just as cover art would suggest (can we take a moment to appreciate Amelia rocking the top knot!?), this is perhaps, Melissa’s best effort yet. As this narrative opens, there is a playful exchange of emails (between Logan and Amelia, who you might remember we met briefly in From the Start) that sets the tone of the novel to perfection. Logan is the one character whose awesomeness was famously self-proclaimed by the author leading those of us who were fans to be all the more curious to meet him in his own story. Naturally as a fan of this family on the whole, I can heartily agree that Logan is worth the wait and then some. His character (speaking of the way he comports himself) speaks to the kind of leading man he is, which is nothing sort of heroic for the setting and time his story unfolds in. Contrasting him is Amelia who’s a kind of tonic for Logan despite her own scars she keeps so carefully hidden away.

From their first (re)meet cute to a janitor closet kiss (yes, this is a thing – and yes, it’s magical) and nights spend together (in the cutest possible way) to the sparring classic film trivia, Like Never Before is another fresh and inspiring story; it’s traditional without conforming, full of fantastic and snappy dialogue, and genuine in its pursuit of heart-tugging and pure love. It’s the kind of read that feels like “coming home” or finding that favorite comfy sweater you simply must slip on when you experience the first crisp fall afternoon. This was a book its author struggled in telling, but as each writer has seasons in their work, she pressed on and with this result, she can be proud.

Like Never Before is a sparkling masterpiece. As the cozy picture of a cover can attest, this is contemporary romance at its best; read it, enjoy it, swoon over it and discover why in closing the final page of this story, instead of asking myself what I did like, my reaction to this story is, what's not to like? ❤

Sincere thanks to the author, and the publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this book for reviewing purposes.
...more

Like · see review

Oct 06, 2015 Angela Suzanne rated it liked it

Shelves: net-galley

First off, I received a free galley of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. As this was an advanced version, there were some grammar and spelling errors that were hopefully fixed before the final publish.

I found that the scenes were a little short and time moved from one day to the next or to the next week quite often, so the time moved fairly fast and faster than most books I read. As an avid reader, as well as someone who works in libraries, I loved that Logan took Am ...more

Like · see review

Jan 17, 2018 Brianna rated it it was amazing

HELP ME I AM FEELING. What. A. Book!!!! I loved every second of it. The characters in here were just....MY HEART. I loved Amelia. I loved Logan. (Can I man get any sexier? Because he was just swoon. AND HE PLAYS GUITAR AND SINGS!!!) Charlie, though she has very limited words, was the sweetest part of the story. Her curls, her little kisses, and finally, her words, melted my heart.

BRING ON THE NEXT BOOK!

Like · see review

Apr 03, 2016 Kariss Lynch rated it it was amazing

I love the Walker family! I highly recommend this little gem by Melissa Tagg! If you are a fan of quirky, hilarious characters, small town charm, swoon worthy guys, and sweet romance, you will love this book and author!

Like · see review

Apr 16, 2016 Jessica Kate rated it really liked it

I'm loving this book! Sweet, high drama, characters with interesting jobs (yay for a fellow small town journalist!) and definitely the most interesting book I've read this year.
Can't wait to finish it! ...more

Like · see review

Mar 29, 2016 Rebekah Millet rated it it was amazing

Sometimes I feel like Melissa Tagg writes books just for me. Romance and chemistry? Check. Witty banter? Check. Fabulous kissing scenes? Check. Elements of faith? Check. References to classic movies I love? Triple check. This book had ALL THE FEELS and fabulous well-developed characters. Melissa Tagg has a way of drawing the reader in and submerging them in her book-world and her character's lives. I can't wait to dive in to the next one in the series. ...more

Like · see review