Review: Show Me the Way by A.L. Jackson (Fight for Me #1)
Note: This ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Confession time: It's been a reeeaaally long time since I last read an A.L. Jackson novel, and it's not because my first four reading experiences were terrible. On the contrary, those five books--Pulled, When We Collide, and the Take This Regret series, all of which I read in September 2013--left me gobsmacked with the author's brilliance, especially considering these were her first releases. It's not like everything she published after those five aren't on my to-be-read list. THEY ARE. Let's just blame it on a lack of time, and now, after having read her brand new Fight for Me series starter, suffice it to say that I am very much chagrined that's it's taken me this long to read her writing again. It's taken me four years--and I know this is going to sound super cheesy--but her new book showed me the way because Show Me the Way was the kind of beginning to a new series that demands you sit up and take notice.
At seventeen, Corinne Dayne felt she had no other option but to get as far away from her hometown of Gingham Lakes, Alabama, even as her heart broke knowing she would have to leave her beloved grandmother--and namesake--behind. It takes eleven years for Rynna to return and under the most heartrending of circumstances. She's made a life for herself elsewhere, a life that's helped her move forward and become the stronger, more resilient person she is today. However, part of her grandmother's legacy is the diner that she owned and loved, and Rynna wants that legacy to live on...even if it means staying Gingham Lakes, a place that holds too many memories. While she never told her grandmother why she left, there are those who know all too well what pushed Rynna to run away. This time around, though, she refuses to back down. She's back for a reason...but will she stay?
Maybe this is a chance for Rynna to face her fears and her past--to touch base with old but real friends and maybe even make new ones. She could start with her new neighbor, single father Rex Gunner, but he doesn't seem all too interested. Only...his reasons for wanting to keep his distance involve self-preservation. He refuses to be tempted only to be left disappointed by yet another woman. Except Rynna isn't like every other woman. His daughter, Frankie, takes to her as quickly as the little girl did with Rynna's late grandmother. Rex, however, watches and waits, every bit as wary as he's been after what his ex-wife did to their family. But maybe he's even more wary and careful with Rynna, because if he's truly honest with himself, Rynna could break him in ways others never did before. Someone, though, seems to be overly intent on breaking Rynna first. Will Rex step in or will he step away?
I haven't given out too many details because there is an air of mystery and suspense surrounding the story, proving to be the perfect counterpoint to the tension and romance that goes on between Rynna and Rex. This truly was THEIR tale of taking chances on love and trust, but we're also introduced to supporting characters who are prominent enough that I'm pretty sure they'll be featured in their own books as the series goes on. I loved Rynna's inner strength, especially after the reason behind her departure from Gingham Lakes is revealed. Rex also evolves as a hero, one who has his own scars that have held him back from truly finding the happiness that he and Frankie deserve, but learning how to simply let go and be with Rynna. Show Me the Way was a reminder of why I fell in love with A.L. Jackson's writing four years ago, as well as proof of how much she's grown. I'm giving this five stars. ♥
Release Date: 02 October 2017
Date Read: 01 October 2017
Learn more about A.L. Jackson.
Purchase Show Me the Way on Amazon.
Confession time: It's been a reeeaaally long time since I last read an A.L. Jackson novel, and it's not because my first four reading experiences were terrible. On the contrary, those five books--Pulled, When We Collide, and the Take This Regret series, all of which I read in September 2013--left me gobsmacked with the author's brilliance, especially considering these were her first releases. It's not like everything she published after those five aren't on my to-be-read list. THEY ARE. Let's just blame it on a lack of time, and now, after having read her brand new Fight for Me series starter, suffice it to say that I am very much chagrined that's it's taken me this long to read her writing again. It's taken me four years--and I know this is going to sound super cheesy--but her new book showed me the way because Show Me the Way was the kind of beginning to a new series that demands you sit up and take notice.
At seventeen, Corinne Dayne felt she had no other option but to get as far away from her hometown of Gingham Lakes, Alabama, even as her heart broke knowing she would have to leave her beloved grandmother--and namesake--behind. It takes eleven years for Rynna to return and under the most heartrending of circumstances. She's made a life for herself elsewhere, a life that's helped her move forward and become the stronger, more resilient person she is today. However, part of her grandmother's legacy is the diner that she owned and loved, and Rynna wants that legacy to live on...even if it means staying Gingham Lakes, a place that holds too many memories. While she never told her grandmother why she left, there are those who know all too well what pushed Rynna to run away. This time around, though, she refuses to back down. She's back for a reason...but will she stay?
Maybe this is a chance for Rynna to face her fears and her past--to touch base with old but real friends and maybe even make new ones. She could start with her new neighbor, single father Rex Gunner, but he doesn't seem all too interested. Only...his reasons for wanting to keep his distance involve self-preservation. He refuses to be tempted only to be left disappointed by yet another woman. Except Rynna isn't like every other woman. His daughter, Frankie, takes to her as quickly as the little girl did with Rynna's late grandmother. Rex, however, watches and waits, every bit as wary as he's been after what his ex-wife did to their family. But maybe he's even more wary and careful with Rynna, because if he's truly honest with himself, Rynna could break him in ways others never did before. Someone, though, seems to be overly intent on breaking Rynna first. Will Rex step in or will he step away?
I haven't given out too many details because there is an air of mystery and suspense surrounding the story, proving to be the perfect counterpoint to the tension and romance that goes on between Rynna and Rex. This truly was THEIR tale of taking chances on love and trust, but we're also introduced to supporting characters who are prominent enough that I'm pretty sure they'll be featured in their own books as the series goes on. I loved Rynna's inner strength, especially after the reason behind her departure from Gingham Lakes is revealed. Rex also evolves as a hero, one who has his own scars that have held him back from truly finding the happiness that he and Frankie deserve, but learning how to simply let go and be with Rynna. Show Me the Way was a reminder of why I fell in love with A.L. Jackson's writing four years ago, as well as proof of how much she's grown. I'm giving this five stars. ♥
Release Date: 02 October 2017
Date Read: 01 October 2017
Learn more about A.L. Jackson.
Purchase Show Me the Way on Amazon.
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