Member Reviews
I’ve been struggling with the way I could tell you this:
first things first: I’m a HUGE fan of Mia, I read ALL her books (except Midnight Lily, I have it on my Kindle, I just know this is a very different book, and I know I’m not “prepared”/”in the mood” to really enjoy the story… yet).
But I read More Than Words, and sadly, it didn’t meet my expectations. I’m really, really frustrated because, I’m French and would have loved to really enjoy the story, but that wasn’t the case. I couldn’t connect with adult Callen , and Jessica well, she was a little too “innocent” for me.
I don’t want to give it a “blah”/”it’s ok”/2 stars rate on GoodReads, because, it’s Mia, and it’s really a “it’s not you it’s me” kind of reading experience.
I just love Mia Sheridan too much. Even your favorite authors write an amazing book... that doesn't work for you.
That's why I give it 4 stars (the issue is with me, not the book, and I'm sure it get amazing reviews), and why I'll refrain from posting my review for this one.
Thank you for the review opportunity.
I was super excited to get this ARC because the reviews from other bloggers I follow were so great, it honestly sounded like the perfect book; a famous bad boy, a strong and smart independent female lead, the beautiful French countryside, and a touch of a historic mystery. So I thought 'what could go wrong?'
I think I'm going to chalk up my less than stellar rating to the fact that this is less of a New Adult Romance and fits more into the Adult Romance genre, which is a big distinction to me. I'm starting to think Penelope Douglas has ruined me for other romance authors. You see, I like romance books with lots of drama, overflowing angst, multiple 'oh my god' moments, and toe-curling, butterflies in your stomach type sex scenes. This book didn't have that and I was really missing these aspects; in fact, this book was quite the opposite of what I usually look for in romance books. It was sweet and tender to a fault, and by the end I was actually kind of over how sweet this book was. It was one of those books that played up the damaged bad boy and pure angelic girl so much that it was mildly annoying at times. Let me say this; I enjoy romance books with that sort of theme, but when it's just endlessly repeated over and over it starts to grate on my nerves.
This was a difficult book for me to rate simply because I really liked the ending, but the first like 70% bored me endlessly. The whole time I was reading this I was waiting for that feeling of a building plot, I was waiting for something to happen besides Jessica and Callen making doe eyes at each other, and that part didn't come until the last twenty percent or so of the book. The ending of this was what pushed this from a two-star to a three-star review because I felt Part Three in its entirety was amazing. It was a perfect conclusion to the main love story between Jessica and Callen, the side love story taking places hundreds of years ago, and both Callen and Jessica's individual journeys.
Another thing I thought was amazing was the little side story taking place within the historic documents that Jessica was translating. There was something so honest and wise, deeply moving, and romantic about that diary and the truth contained within it that kept me flipping the pages of this book when I was bored. I would have loved for there to be a whole book just about those two lovers from the diary because that would have been a wonderful book.
Although this review comes off as negative, I did like the book, I just didn't 'really like' it the way I wanted to. With all the incredibly positive reviews I saw on Goodreads I had high hopes for this book and was disappointed with my feelings in the end. I really do think this is more of a negative review because of my personal preferences when it comes to the romance genre, it certainly has nothing to do with the technical aspects of the book. Again, I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity to read and review this book early, and I'm sure that lovers of the adult romance genre will love this, it just wasn't for me.
4.5 Stars
From two young children escaping their harsh realities to form a powerful bond of friendship to discovering once-in-a-lifetime true love, Mia Sheridan once again composed a gripping romance so profound, I was at a loss for words. Jessica and Callen's friends turned lovers journey had me so twisted in knots, my emotions ebbed and flowed with their experiences from page one. Angsty and passion filled, More Than Words was a slow-burning tale of destined love that I truly enjoyed.
In an old boxcar, abandoned in the middle of nowhere, a little girl with a vivid imagination met a lonely and sad boy. They shared fantastical stories, played music and formed a great friendship while young love bloomed. It was incredible to witness Jessica (Jess) and Callen's relationship grow, and it's one of my most favorite parts of this story. For years they served as each other's sliver of peace and happiness regardless of their grim circumstances. However, it all fell apart when sweet little Callen suddenly disappeared, never to return to their sanctuary, and the first time he broke Jess' heart.
Over a decade has passed as Jess, now living in France, reunites with her long-lost love. Fate had brought them back together but gone was the endearing young man and, in his place, (and much to my disappointment) was a jaded and drunken lothario. Now a famous musical composer, Callen's life was in shambles and so far removed from the young boy I adored; he doesn't recognize Jess at first. It took time, and lots of patience and forgiveness on Jess' (and my) part, but Callen slowly worked his way to redemption. Truthfully, it took me a while to warm up to his character as he was a little too cynical and aloof at first. However, falling in love brought about his sweet romantic side, and I loved seeing him evolve into a sincere hero worthy of her heart.
Jessica was one of this author's strongest heroines despite her soft-spoken and innocent demeanor. I adored her. Hard working and committed to bettering herself, she was beyond compassionate, understanding and loving when it came to Callen. She possessed the immeasurable strength to carry him away from the darkness of despair and into the light. Both harbored secrets, insecurities and feelings of distrust. However, it was her relentless determination that brought healing, breaking through all their barriers.
Set in the picturesque French countryside, with a historical aspect incorporated within the story-line that I found fascinating, More Than Words was another beautiful, emotional and descriptively written romance from the brilliant mind of Mia Sheridan. If you are in the mood for a read centered around two broken souls struggling to find a happily ever after, then this book is definitely for you.
I voluntarily read an advance copy of this publication courtesy of Forever & Forever Yours ~ Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley
More Than Words was such a treat. It made my romance loving heart happy. It is set in beautiful France. There are elements of history and music tied in. I’m a fan of all these things.
This was my first read from Mia Sheridan. She has been on my authors I would like to read list for a while now. I dare say that this will not be my last book from her. She writes characters that are flawed and wonderfully real. She took my heart and me on a wonderful ride. More Than Words is a book that you savor reading. It just tings with special, heart touching vibes.
I voluntarily reviewed an early copy of this book.
Ah yet another story where Mia masterfully captured your heart.
Callen and Jessie's first meeting is symbolic. Both come from broken homes which seem different but inherently are the same. A young friendship develops. They lose sight and touch of each other.
Memories, support, an undying attraction leads to a rekindling.
Emotional, angst, heart tugging story of achievements in spite of obstacles - MORE THAN WORDS.......
I love Mia’s books. I have read most of them and enjoyed them a lot. Archer’s Voice will always be one of my top 5 favorite books.
Mia’s new book does not disappoint. I loved this story. It’s well written, heartbreaking, a story of love and hope, childhood friendship and a beautiful setting.
I highly recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.
It's no secret that I am a huge fan of childhood friends to lovers romances. More Than Words is the story of Jessica and Callen, who on the outside couldn't be more different, but end up forging a connection that defies time and distance.
A fateful encounter leads to an unlikely friendship between Jessica and Callen, which ends up shaping both of their lives. Both were running from their own problems at home and ended up finding comfort, support, and joy with the other. Their friendship is suddenly cut short though and their lives diverge as they grow older. A decade later, fate intervenes again and throws them back together in France. Reconciling the children they were, with the adults they are now is difficult for Jessica. They can't deny their connection (both emotionally and physically), but Callen's life choices embody everything Jessica has sworn to never accept or tolerate. It doesn't help that of course Jessica is a virgin, while Callen is essentially an alcoholic and an absolute manwhore, doing anything and anyone regardless of the consequences. Callen's self destructive behavior and secrets hang heavy between them, and create a huge push and pull between the people they are and who they want to be. Will these two let their fears and personal demons stop them from finding their happily ever after?
I really loved that Mia Sheridan pointed out that change comes from within, and that no matter how supportive your friends and family are, nothing will truly change unless you want it to. I found that the book came across a bit too religious/preachy at times (especially with the addition of the Joan of Arc story line), but I still appreciated the underlying message the author was trying to convey. I do wish we would have seen more of Jessica and Callen's childhood though, since it was the foundation of the entire story. Overall, More Than Words was an emotional and entertaining read!
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*
Mia Sheridan has the wonderful ability to make all her stories feel like classic fairy tales. She weaves stories within stories transporting readers to places that are magical within the hurts of reality and the world as we know it then she makes that reality forgiving and better. I particularly love how Sheridan starts her stories with a distinctive prologue setting the tone for the words to follow throughout the story. More Than Words fits into the realm of second chance loves in a unique way but still with Sheridan's signature flair for storytelling.
These lonely yet revealing and vulnerable characters are defined by unfortunate childhoods in two very different ways. Fate brought them together in the past forging a strong connection until to whisk it away when years later fate taunts them again. The premise of their story and how Sheridan evolves it from the beginning was really great. I like each character, who they are and what they want to become despite their issues. The two of them together felt sweet and cozy like you intimately knew their connection was lasting no matter the circumstances. A lot of hurdles stand in their way keeping the plot vibrant and buoyant connecting them further.
There were a few places I felt the story got stunted and drug on a bit with the intricacies of the heroines job mixed in but nothing totally detrimental to the story. It gets tricky for me when I'm reading a story and another story is taking place inside it, more of a bit of a distraction I didn't want while invested in the main characters. I really enjoyed reading More Than Words though and definitely find it a lovely, serene, easy romance to fall into the way Mia Sheridan continually provides. Romance lovers will appreciate the setting and the history that surrounds these two as maneuver through old wounds, new hurts, and future bliss.
Mia did it again. I say that like I had any doubts going into this novel, but really, I didn't. I went into this novel knowing it was going to rock my and it did.
Callen and Jessica's story was so much to my heart! I recently travels to Paris so I loved the fact that I knew some of the places that Mia was referencing, and could picture them as I read! I felt like it gave me that extra little connection to the story.
Then, it was the story itself. Gosh does it pull at your heart. Chapter after chapter I kept hoping I knew where it was going and it definitely had some curve balls thrown in, In the end though, this novel as exactly what I needed. It left me filled with hope and love.
You can keep Archer, I'll take Callen because this novel was my whole existence for an afternoon and I could read it all over again and get lost in both stories that are within its pages.
There is just no possible way my words will do justice to the beauty of this book. It has been a long time since I felt a story this deeply, felt the words resonate so exquisitely, felt my heart touched so genuinely by these lovely characters and their stunning love story. I don't even know what to tell you, except for that I am certain there are not enough stars for this book, it deserves well more than 5.
With More Than Words, Ms. Sheridan has woven an enchanting story filled with lush landscape, riveting history, compelling spiritual undertones, and - at the heart of it - a raw, pure love that sometimes hurt to read, but which I almost always felt at a nearly bone deep level. And the result of all this? Sheer emotional perfection. Honestly, there is a lot packed into this book - and pretty much all of it is emotional. My heart did not escape without bruises, but it also walked away full to brim with an incredible amount of sweetness and an ending that left me completely exhilarated (and frankly, a sobby mess of happy tears).
I can't recommend this highly enough. I turned the last page and wanted to immediately flip back to the beginning and spend more time with Callen and Jessie. There's no question that this book will go down as a top favorite of 2018 and I'll be carrying it around in my heart for a long time to come. ~ Shelly, 5+++ Stars
It’s not your everyday second-chance romance. It’s more like destiny personified. I lost myself in the pages filled by Mia Sheridan. A romantical fantasy with good and evil, light and dark, tragedy and triumph. Utter book loving perfection.
We also get a bonus romance-within-a-romance that made my book loving heart soar. I want to talk and discuss it, but in all honesty, I am so frightened of giving something away that I dare not even begin to talk plotlines and synopsis. Just know this: It is book candy at its most decadent. A sweet and thoughtful read sure to make fans of Sheridan move this to the top of their favorites list.
What more can I say? Get it. Read it. Love it.
"Fairy tales helped me disappear into worlds where princes were loyal and honest and where princesses were strong and brave."
Any of my book friends will tell you that Archer's Voice is my favorite book by Mia Sheridan. It doesn't mean I didn't like her other books, it's just that Archer's Voice is my favorite.
Knowing that I enjoyed Mia's writing when the opportunity presented for me to get an early copy of More Than Words, I wasn't going to pass it over.
Who would have thought that meeting in an abandoned train boxcar would have an effect on two people so great that neither will forget it?
When Callen Hayes and Jessica Creswell meet for the first time, they are both teenagers. They soon realize they have something in common. Neither has a happy home.
Jessica likes to pretend she's in a fantasy and she sees Callen as her broken Prince. For his part, Callen is happy to let Jessica read to him and take him away from his problems. Several months later and after they share a special moment, Callen disappears from her life and they don't see each other until they are both adults in Paris.
“I’m here to save you,”
Sadly, the reunion doesn't go as planned. Callen doesn't recognize her but after that night, he can't seem to forget the woman who said those words to him. As fate will have it, they will meet one more time but this time might be their last chance.
Callen is a well-known composer who has lost his muse until he has Jessica back in his life. Yet, his fame as a womanizer and a borderline alcoholic doesn't ensure confidence from Jessica. She knows she won't be with a man who can't remain faithful to her. For his part, Callen can be his worst enemy but Jessica brings back the music to him. She inspires him and makes him want to be better. The question is can he let go of his past?
More Than Words gives a message of hope and love which is perfect for a romance fan.
"I want to live fiercely and without regret."
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Mia Sheridan has always been one of my go to authors. From the very beginning, with Leo, I’ve loved the words, the stories, the worlds she creates. More Than Words is no exception. I’ve fallen in I’ve with Callen and Jessie and the journey they embarked on. Mia takes us to France and it’s like no other story I’ve ever read. It touched my heart in a way that I’ll never forget.
Creating a magical friendship as children in a boxcar in Northern California, Callen abruptly leaves without a trace after a few years of their meeting. As Fate would have it, they meet again 10 years later in Paris.
I found myself so immersed in this story, that I never wanted it to end. Without giving too much away, there is a story within this book that also had my fully invested and found me on the edge of my seat wanting to know how it would end.
While I know that so many readers always think of Archer’s Voice when they think of Mia’s books, Leo has always been at the top of my list. I never thought any of Mia’s books could dethrone Leo has my favorite book and hero she’s written, but I was mistaken. Callen, with his struggles, bad choices and broken spirit, has risen to the top.
3.5 Stars
Years ago, I read Archer's Voice. That book broke me. I have several other of Mia Sheridan's books, but have yet to read them. I guess I've been scared of the emotional impact. I decided to brave her writing again with More Than Words. There were several things I loved about this book. That initial connection between Jessie and Callie was so sweet. I loved that fate brought them back together, and that they got more than one chance to be together. I also loved how Jessie's job and her interpretations paralleled with her relationship with Callen. The only thing I wasn't a big fan of was Callen's womanizing and drinking. I guess I'm just over that in romances right now. It made it harder for me to emotionally connect to Jessie and Callen's relationship. Other than, I enjoyed reading More Than Words.
I never know what to expect with a Mia Sheridan story. I do however know that it will always be beautiful. This story was both unique and beautifully written. The side story of Joan Of Arc worked amazingly well. Mia writes characters that are beautifully broken. I love how well we get to know them individually and together. I love Mia's writing this story was a great example of why.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this book. I have read a ton of Mia Sheridan books and loved them all. And this one started off so strong for me, but I found it difficult to relate to the main characters as adults and won't be finishing this story. I just don't think it's the right fit.
This one was a solid four stars. It started out really slowly. I didn't think I was going to get hooked - but when I did I could not stop reading. Jessie and Callen had the sweetest relationship. I also loved that Ms. Sheridan mixed in the history of St. Joan of Arc. The storyline was not contrived - it felt real all the way through. Some of the story was predictable, but the parts that weren't certainly made up for it. I would definitely recommend.
There are absolutely no words to describe More Than Words except No one does it better than Mia Sheridan.
More Than Words is insane.
I strive to be honest so I will say that this book requires a little attention and a little will to read. Why you ask? Well, The book starts off strong.. half way to finishing the first chapter I’m like “YES! I can feel it! I feel that I am going to really enjoy reading this book.”, then there’s a slight incline where If I am honest made me go “I don’t feel it anymore, maybe finish it later?”, but I brushed that feeling off and continued on and Lo and Behold! Callen and Jessica steals your breath away! From there on out, you are utterly captivated by the storyline.
It is true when they say that, No one lays open the heart and soul quite like Mia Sheridan.
Callen and Jessica’s story is heartfelt and beautiful… This book really acknowledges the fact that a simple act of kindness, a simple unintentional beacon of light in times of darkness and confusion has a huge impact on others life.
When I was reading this book, I highlighted so many sentences because they were absolutely beautiful to read but as I write this review, I feel like as if picking one would be an injustice to the others. Yes, this book is a fairy tale… yes, it is filled with angst, moments of endearment and fear.. but I must say that More Than Words is more than just a typical romance novel.
Set in one of my dream destination, this book has stolen my heart… More Than Words is a story within a story.
A book by the end, will leave you with Goosebumps all over your body.
If you are reading this, I apologise if the review wasn’t much to go on or the fact that I haven’t disclosed much about the characters. What I will say is this… Pre-order the book. You won’t regret buying this book..Have you read the synopsis? If that wasn’t good enough…expect more.. expect a book that will make you believe in love and kindness. If that isn’t enough, It’s a Mia Sheridan book. Enough said , right?
Oh, how I love getting lost in Mia Sheridan’s novels! Mia’s books are always a sure thing for me so I went into More Than Words completely blind! I was entranced from the beginning and I LOVED the way she told Callen and Jessie’s journey- just brilliant! The storyline was addictive and in true Mia Sheridan fashion there is an enormous amount of “feels” throughout the novel—-my heart literally hurt at times! I also really enjoyed the story within the story- added so much! More Than Words is a 5+++ star read that I can promise will be one of the select few novels that stay with you! If you are looking for a standalone novel that will knock your socks off, than More Than Words is the book for you! An absolute MUST READ!
This will be a tough and maybe slightly confusing review, so buckle up for the ride.
First, I want to say that MORE THAN WORDS is one of the most beautiful tales about love and finding oneself that I've ever read. Mia Sheridan has this unique way of making my heart sing with emotions. Her characters are always special, not only because they have flaws but also because they have flaws I can relate to. They are not perfect but human, they have beautiful souls.
The "twist" Mia Sheridan has woven into the main story was simply adorable and I was almost giddy to turn the page and see if I can learn more about it immediately. This uniqueness is simply something I adore Sheridan for. Her books are always special.
MORE THAN WORDS would have been a 6 star read for me AND maybe would have been able to kick ARCHER off his throne, if it wouldn't have been for this one huge issue.
I know, to each their own. And I respect that for some people, love and religion go hand in hand. But for me, religion has no place in a romance novel. As much as I respect and tolerate other's religions, I want to be respected for being an Atheist just as much. God and love are just two different pairs of shoes for me and whereas I believe in love, I can't share the faith in God. And because there was so much talk about God and faith itself in MORE THAN WORDS that I simply couldn't relate to, I feel as if I missed out on a huge chunk of the story. And to be honest - yes, that dampened my reading experience immensely, thus only the lower rating in the end.
Overall, I can highly recommend Mia Sheridan, for the fact alone that she wrote ARCHER 'S VOICE, which is one of my all-time favorite books. And if I put aside the fact that I disagree with all the talk about god in the story, it was simply a beautiful, emotional romance with a sweet and unique twist.
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Review will be posted on the release day