Carole J. (PianoLady357) reviewed Always the One (Meet Me at the Altar, Bk 4) (Harlequin Heartwarming, No 315) (Larger Print) on + 157 more book reviews
Always the One by Tara Randel is a heartwarming story of second chances and new beginnings. The series features the Matthews family, four brothers all involved in some type of law enforcement or investigation, as well as their mother. Randel has done a great job at loosely connecting the stories in this series, while allowing each to stand alone. I've loved getting to know the family and seeing them progress with each story.
Always the One is Derrick and Hannah's story, a perfect blend of appealing characters, romance, and light suspense. A gemstone gives Derrick all the motivation he needs to seek Hannah, now living in Nevada and teaching school after 17 years of silence â and recently engaged to an art gallery owner named Jonathan. The chemistry between Derrick and Hannah feels real and I enjoyed their relational journey as past misunderstandings are gradually revealed. I didn't dislike Jonathan, but it was obvious he wasn't a good fit for Hannah, in spite of the love for art that they shared. Jonathan needs to connect with someone who means more to him than the gallery.
Derrick is an appealing hero with a strong desire to protect Hannah. The story's WITSEC theme (Witness Protection Program) was moving and shed light on what its participants deal with in exchange for protection from those who would do them harm â the suddenness of the break from all they've known, the inability to form real friendships, always having to look over one's shoulder.
It was touching to see two secondary characters also find happiness in their own marital relationships â Hannah's mom and Derrick's mother. Questions about the man Derrick's mom wanted to marry have worked their way through the series and it was great to see them marry in a church â a place for renewal to her way of thinking. Another of my favorite themes was how Derrick interacted and connected with children in Hannah's class, especially Tommy.
âSometimes we get a raw deal. It's how we handle the tough circumstances that makes all the differenceâ ⦠Difficulties of life are something that we can all relate to, and those words of Derrick beautifully express the essence of this story. I enjoyed Always the One very much and look forward to many more stories from the pen of Tara Randel. Recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Prism Book Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Always the One is Derrick and Hannah's story, a perfect blend of appealing characters, romance, and light suspense. A gemstone gives Derrick all the motivation he needs to seek Hannah, now living in Nevada and teaching school after 17 years of silence â and recently engaged to an art gallery owner named Jonathan. The chemistry between Derrick and Hannah feels real and I enjoyed their relational journey as past misunderstandings are gradually revealed. I didn't dislike Jonathan, but it was obvious he wasn't a good fit for Hannah, in spite of the love for art that they shared. Jonathan needs to connect with someone who means more to him than the gallery.
Derrick is an appealing hero with a strong desire to protect Hannah. The story's WITSEC theme (Witness Protection Program) was moving and shed light on what its participants deal with in exchange for protection from those who would do them harm â the suddenness of the break from all they've known, the inability to form real friendships, always having to look over one's shoulder.
It was touching to see two secondary characters also find happiness in their own marital relationships â Hannah's mom and Derrick's mother. Questions about the man Derrick's mom wanted to marry have worked their way through the series and it was great to see them marry in a church â a place for renewal to her way of thinking. Another of my favorite themes was how Derrick interacted and connected with children in Hannah's class, especially Tommy.
âSometimes we get a raw deal. It's how we handle the tough circumstances that makes all the differenceâ ⦠Difficulties of life are something that we can all relate to, and those words of Derrick beautifully express the essence of this story. I enjoyed Always the One very much and look forward to many more stories from the pen of Tara Randel. Recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Prism Book Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
