Really enjoyable read. Good characters and a Good story. Well worth a read. Think others will. Enjoy

I couldn’t finish this book as it wasn’t something I enjoyed and not at all what I was expecting when I start it.

I enjoyed this contemporary romance between Bella and Noah, adversaries who are placed in a co-parenting situation when her sister and his best friend are killed in a car accident. As they step in to take care of the couple's two young boys, they clash over what is best for them. Bella disapproves of Noah, and he thinks she is a stick in the mud. As they come to know and understand one another better, they develop feelings for one another. Noah doesn't feel worthy of Bella, so isn't open to the possibility of something long term with her. Bella is frightened by Noah's dangerous military career, and doesn't want to be involved with a man who is often deployed at a moment's notice.

Bella and Noah were great characters, and the two little boys were so cute! The storyline was interesting and kept my attention. This was a good one!

LETTERS TO LOVE - Soraya Lane

TOGETHER THROUGH GRIEF - 3 stars

Plot - 3.5 stars - Bella is named as guardian to her two young nephews when her sister is killed in an accident. Plus her brother-in-law's best friend Noah is also named as co-guardian. Oops, this is a problem since they are both single and have never really gotten along. But they are responsible people who cared deeply about their loved ones, so they are making it work. Soon, mysterious letters start to arrive from her dead sister, that she had obviously prearranged for just this situation.

Writing - 3 stars - The good news: I was caught up in the plot right away. It was very moving right from the beginning, with everyone dealing with the sudden deaths of Lila and Gray. The story moved forward quickly and easily as our characters dealt with the issues involved. The bad news: There were many moments when the story seemed somewhat disjointed, almost as though a sentence was left out or something. I could still understand what was happening without a problem, but several times I was jolted momentarily, then got back into the story. Not a huge problem, but just enough to be irritatingly noticeable. Perhaps an over-zealous editor.

Characters - 2.5 stars - This is where the story faltered the most for me. I understand that Lane wanted to create totally mismatched main characters, to emphasize their differences in personality, in lifestyle, and in parenting styles. But I felt the characters were overdone. Bella is independent, dependable, loving aunt who tries to do her duty/her best with whatever she's asked. She could be likable, but she's drawn as the biggest downer ever, nit-picky and bitchy, painting her as totally unpleasant. Even when she softens as time goes on, she is still annoyingly doubtful, independent to a fault, and hangs on to her "mad" about all things military. Noah is a Navy Seal, which implies confident, strong, and dependable. But his "uber-fun uncle" persona instead makes him seem impulsive and flighty. Too much rah-rah, without any sense of sharing or discussion. Later, as the author tries to draw him with a softer brush, it's too little too late.

Title - 3.5 stars - The title's nice, focusing on the letters Bella and Noah have been receiving, implying that they are helping them become closer as a result.

Cover - 3 stars - Fairly typical cover of the romance genre showing a couple embracing, although without the usual heat.

Overview - 3 stars - I was intrigued by the story, basically based in the present but sharing memories over the years between Bella and her sister through Lila's letters. We don't know as much about Noah, but he's the typical alpha romance hero, but with an almost frenzied fun side. There was just something missing with this book. The romance didn't really work for me, but there were definitely warm and fuzzy moments. It was not a standout, but simply a nice romance. Lots of "go military" conversation which was good up to a point but got old fast. Yes, I'm proud of our troops and their service, but I felt as though it were being pushed on me, making me feel guilty rather than supportive.