Toast and Char

Mention Bourbon Springs and I am in the front row. Ms. Bramseth brings love, loss and liquor to the table with this dramatic series. Toast and Char (Book 8) is a story centered around regret, secrets and second chances. Miranda and Prent were young and in love until an act of desperation destroyed their chance at happiness. Will they succeed at regaining everything that was lost? Jennifer Bramseth is skilled in telling true to life stories with the dedication and emotion that easily captivates her readers. With this series she holds nothing back and that is what I find so appealing.

Let’s just be perfectly clear on this one point – Prent was an absolute idiot to leave Miranda at the altar… and he knows it. And Miranda held a secret of her own on what was to be her wedding day. It’s so sad when two people who love each other as much as these two do will hold back parts of themselves and believe that life will be good in spite of not being honest and real. Not knowing about all parts of your partner in love’s life can and often does come along and bite you on the butt – and it can destroy everything you’ve worked for together, if you let it.

It’s been two years or so since that fateful non-wedding day, still Prent and Miranda continue to love each other from afar. Prent knows the huge mistake he made and he’s been trying to win his love back, slowly but surely. Just when it seems that their second chance at working out their relationship is at hand – that bite you on the butt thing happens.

I ached for this couple. It’s so obvious that they belong together in spite of themselves, and outside influences. Each being a little bit older but not totally wiser comes into play – and they have some issues to deal with. But if love truly can conquer all then with the right attitude and honesty Prent and Miranda can survive. It’s unfortunate that family isn’t always in your corner and we get a taste of just how nasty some family members can treat those of their blood.

I always enjoy getting to meet up with some previous couples in the current story, that’s always a special treat to me. This is a community series, that’s what makes it so relatable and realistic. Some people have your back, and others don’t. That’s life no matter where you hang your hat.

I have to say that it’s going to be difficult reading the next story. Bourbon Springs is coming to a close. Oh, I hope we’ll see some holiday novellas here and there to bring us back – but it’s always bittersweet to read the last story of a series that I’ve loved and enjoyed since the very beginning. But… I also cannot wait to see what Ms Bramseth brings to us next – this cannot be the complete end, so I’m also looking forward to the community, the characters and the stories we’ll discover in her next series. One last Bourbon Springs story to look forward to…

If you love a solid, community built series that takes you deep into the characters’ lives then the Bourbon Springs series is one you should be reading. Toast and Char was such a wonderful second chance, redemption romance that I would not hesitate to recommend it to any Romance reader – it’s well worth it.

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

really liked this book