Michelle Leah Olson's Reviews > For the Longest Time

For the Longest Time by Kendra Leigh Castle
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really liked it
bookshelves: to-read, literal-addiction-books, reviewed

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Vivacious Valkyrie - Marta:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review

I spotted this and thought "oh that's different", as I'm used to this author delivering paranormal romance, so was intrigued to see her tackling a more contemporary and dare I say normal setting? As I have read her Dark Dynasties series, the idea of something set in a non magical New England seemed to be a total dichotomy. I've always considered New England to be a magical area in its own right even without the paranormal world encroaching upon it so with a willing heart and a fully charged kindle I prepared to be taken away by Ms Castle's imagination.

Sam is an artist at heart, but recent events in her life have seen her doubting her own talent. She's spent the last few years trying to make a name for herself in New York, but now she's at a crossroads in her life, and decides to return home to Harvest Cove were she grew up. The only problem is that when Sam left Harvest Cove she didn't just leave the town and her family behind... she left heartbreak and humiliation and she's about to come face to face with the very cause of it!

Jake was the uber jock at school, liked by all and part of the 'in crowd'. He had noticed the arty Sam, but her wild ways and unique style always cast her as a bit of an outsider. Now she's back, and they've all grown up. But have they really? It's a small town, and unfortunately, a small town mentality is not always healthy. Sam wants nothing to do with Jake but everyone deserves a second chance and Jakes quietly determined to seize his!

I found this to be a feel good type of story filled with warm characters and snatches of humor. Jake is a vet and uses Sam's soft spot for animals against her unashamedly, which made for several humorous moments in this story. There's a very strong feeling running through that prejudice can (and does) cause long term harm. Sam might not have been a typical New England teenager, but having her peers treat her like a freak was unkind, and the damage and memories have stayed with her. As Jake reconnects with Sam, he starts to realize that his own insecurities and those of his friends are nothing to be proud of, and his eyes become well and truly opened. Sam is a survivor and it was lovely to see her open up and finally realize some of her dreams.

For the Longest Time wasn't a particularly fast paced plot but a gentle story of two people reconnecting in spite of everything that's happened. I particularly liked the supporting characters, and was very interested in the undercurrents so would love to read more about them.

This was well written with believable dialogue so very easy to sink into, and I truly enjoyed my visit to Harvest Cove.
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Reading Progress

May 20, 2014 – Shelved as: to-read
May 20, 2014 – Shelved
May 20, 2014 – Shelved as: literal-addiction-books
May 20, 2014 – Shelved as: reviewed

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