We're celebrating the release of Past Heaven by Laura Ward!
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Past Heaven by Laura Ward
Genre: Adult, Contemporary RomanceDesigner: Okay Creations
Scheduled to release: January 26, 2015
Source: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads ~ Amazon
Synopsis:
Not every love story has a happy ending. Some just change your life.
Liz Atwater’s happily ever after was torn from her the instant her
husband, Jack, was murdered. She is forced to pick up the shattered pieces of her life and raise her three young sons alone.
Reynold Carter’s picture perfect Hollywood life ended the moment the paparazzi got hold of his girlfriend’s cheating scandal. As he watches his life unfold in the tabloids, he comes to a crossroads in his career and his purpose.
When Reynolds takes on the challenge of a new project, his world collides with that of Liz. Neither of them expected their professional relationship to evolve into friendship, or love.
But life is never simple.
Faced with complications from family, friends, and colleagues, Liz and Reynolds are left to decide whether two people from such different worlds can find happiness together.
Can they get past the pain, fear, and guilt and risk their hearts to love again?
Not every love story is just a happy ending. Some completely change your life.
***Trailer***
"The idea is that once you really love someone, and I mean the kind of love that fills you up from head to toe, it never leaves you. A love like that surrounds you, always. Time, distance, and even death can't end it. That love is past heaven."
Past Heaven is quite an emotional read. It's a touching story of loss and second chances at love.
The beginning of this book tore my heart to bits. I felt Liz's pain and wondered how I would handle the same situation. I don't know that I'd have her strength or grace. Bit I have 3 children as well, so I did understand getting up and putting one foot in front of the other every day - for them.
Liz is coping the best she can when Reynolds Carter shows up at her door. Reynolds is an A-list actor tired of the 'fake' of Hollywood. He wants to do something 'real' and a revelation from his parents puts him on the trail of Jack Atwater's story. Together, Liz and Reynolds set out to memorialize Jack. And they find a second chance at love along the way.
Past Heaven is told in dual POV. I really adore this format because getting Liz and Reynold's POV as they work together, fall in love, care for Liz's boys, and deal the the trappings of Hollywood made the story all the more compelling.
Ms. Ward did an incredible job at fleshing out Liz's boys, Griffin, Grayson, and Hayden. Their reactions and words felt so spot on - they made the story that much more authentic. I smiled, laughed, and cried several times. Cindy, Liz's best friend, was also a character that added to the story's authenticity. Cindy had been with Liz every step of the way through Jack's death and life afterwards. She's rather filter-less and provided comic relief.
The chemistry between Liz and Reynolds was palpable. Nothing was for them and their burgeoning relationship. But in the end, they were stronger for it. Liz had the love her life. Reynolds had thought he might have had his. They both get a second chance at a love of a lifetime. It was a bumpy but ultimately stunning journey.
A beautiful story of loss and second love found, Past Heaven was a poignant tale with great characters. And Ms. Ward even wove in social awareness to injustices towards a particular part of our population. This was my first read from Ms. Ward but it definitely won't be the last.
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She lives in Maryland with her loud and very loving three children and husband.
Laura married her college sweetheart and is endlessly grateful for the support he has given her through all their years together, and especially toward her goal of writing books. When not picking up toy trucks, driving to lacrosse practice, or checking spelling homework, Laura is writing or reading romance novels.
Contact Laura at:
www.facebook.com/LauraWardAuthor
Twitter — @laurarosnerward
Instagram — _Laura_Ward
Email — laurawardauthor@yahoo.com
sign me up for a good dual perspective
ReplyDeleteI love second chance romances, but more so when the author skips over the initial loss, or when it's divorce instead of death that separates them. I've only been married for 6 months, and I try not to think of stuff like this because it makes me sad, and I don't even have kids! I could see this story giving hope to peeps in similar situations, however as for the rest of us... out of sight, out of mind.
ReplyDeleteCarmel @ Rabid Reads
I'm so intimidated by books that can make me cry. Although.secretly they're the best kind, it makes one reflect on things and makes us feel alive
ReplyDeleteThis was an absolutely incredible read. I also read an ARC of this a few weeks ago and was absolutely blown away. If you are into NAs, you should definitely check out Not Yet by Laura as well. It remains one of my all time favorite NAs! You can check out my review of Past Heaven at: http://oneguysguidetogoodreads.blogspot.com/2015/01/past-heaven-by-laura-ward-release-day.html
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Brandee, I can see why you found this one emotional. Not sure if it's my kind of read though.
ReplyDeleteThe death of someone close to you always throws life into turmoil, so it is great to see that Liz gets a second chance... This sounds like a beautiful read Brandee. Fantastic review!!
ReplyDeleteNaomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
I don't read a whole lot of just strictly romance(because you know me and PNR), but when I do, this would be one of the ones I would pick. Great review!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to tell you that I bought it-hope I can find time to read it!
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