Snow Prints

Abandonment is an issue that most of us deal with at some point in our lives. We usually get past the initial feeling and move on. Yet there are times in our lives, whether it’s the formative years or during a particularly difficult time period that those abandonment issues grow into something we can no longer control. The determination to never experience that feeling again can cloud our thoughts and actions for years, if not the rest of our lives. Many will adopt the attitude of always being the one to leave first because after all, the person we love will leave us anyway so why not get out before it hurts too much to bear.

Adrien has loved Gracie, well forever it seems. Certainly since high school, and even when she returned to town pregnant with her son and no man in sight. It was then that Adrien first took a chance to declare his love and ask Gracie to marry him – she shot him down in no uncertain terms. It didn’t stop him from loving her, but it did separate them from a friendship that was important to them both for a time.

Adrien is a grown man now. With a firm mind about what he wants – and he wants Gracie and her son Brett back in his life, for good this time. And he will do everything possible to make that dream come true. The house he’s building is the start, oh sure, for now he’ll let Gracie think it’s only for him but he knows what he’s building out there and it is his future, their future he’s gambling on now.

Gracie has worked hard for years to build a good life for herself and her son. Yes, she turned Adrien down years ago and while she regrets the loss of friendship it was the right thing to do. Wasn’t it? Of course it was. Then why was he being so nice to her and Brett. What was his angle? She’d vowed to never trust her life to anyone else ever again, but he was slowly wearing her down. Yes, she loved him but she knew the differences in their families, the risk she’d be taking if she actually believed in the love he proclaimed. It was too risky. Everyone leaves – right?

Snow Prints was a very enjoyable story, a journey actually of one stubborn man’s love and an equally stubborn woman’s natural instinct to not trust in that love. Watching Adrien pursue Gracie was such a romantic, fun time. And he loves his lady and her son, if only she’d be brave and take a chance on him. Gracie wavers between believing in possibilities and fearing the risks. It’s not an easy choice for her and watching her make those decisions are at times simply heartbreaking. I wanted to reach through the pages and comfort Gracie, whisper in her ear that she could trust this guy… but of course, we readers can’t and must watch the painful moments play out hoping for the ending we want to appear.

As in Animal Prints, the first story in this series, Ms. Williams gives us a completely probable situation, with everyday people who need to deal with real life the best they can. The road to happiness is never smooth as a calm lake, the choppy waters are going to be stirred up but when the couple is lucky they learn how to sail through those rough waters to the calm beyond. I would not hesitate to recommend this novel to any reader who enjoys a realistic story, full of engaging, real people who work hard to gain their happy ever after. This one is well worth the investment of time and money. Pick up Snow Prints and indulge in a truly romantic love story with very real people involved.

*I received an e-ARC of Snow Prints from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

I loved this book. The flow of the story showing the conflict of the 2 main characters was well written. The addition of the respective families and back story was clearly defined and you knew what was going on. I look forward to reading more from this author.

4.5 stars

Snow Prints is a charming, clean (though not Christian) friends to lovers/ second chance romance (my favorite kind). The writing is well-done and the story engaging. My singular gripe is that in the last 15% of the book, the otherwise smart and level-headed heroine makes some silly assumptions based on her past experiences with a guy who is the complete opposite of the hero. This happens a lot in romances and I guess often enough in life, but it was a disappointing moment which resulted in the loss of half a star.

All things considered, this is a very good story and well-worth your time and hard earned dollars.

I recommend it.

This book book deals with issues of abandonment and mistakes from the past. I really enjoyed this romance novel. It is a contemporary romance about Adrien who wants to woo Gracie. The two of them had been best friends in high school and had a falling out. Adrien has been in love with Gracie since high school and now that he is living down the hall from her he is determined to win her heart. Gracie is an ER nurse raising her 7 year old son, Brett. I love the relationships that are built between the different characters very entertaining. You believe the relationships and even the minor characters are very entertaining. I can not wait to see what else this author writes. I am very interested in reading the rest of this series.

*I received an e-ARC of Snow Prints from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

The 2nd in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. I actually liked this book better than the first, and I liked that one too. A teaser of the third book looks fun too. Nothing against Montana and/or California, but it is nice to read about other places too. I love visiting Lake Superior, and the Ice Caves are fun too. Fun romance story, and makes for a fun and quick summer reading. Highly recommend.