Series:
Finding Forever in Sandy Shores (Book 1)
He knows how to be brave on a battlefield
Now he has to be brave with his heart
Years of military service taught decorated veteran Braden
Sullivan how to be strong. It didn't teach him how to be vulnerable. Back in
his Oregon hometown, with a job as a helicopter pilot and a two-family home to
renovate, he's not at all prepared for his heart to take flight after meeting
his tenant, Cassie Donovan. The widowed single mom is beautiful, charming…and
terrified of loving another pilot after losing her husband in a crash.
Overcoming her fears and his own uncertainties will take courage -- but isn't
that what a hero soldier is for?
Good story of starting over. Cassie and her preteen
daughter, Amelia, moved across the country from Massachusetts to Oregon three
years after the death of her airline pilot husband. They needed a fresh start
after the investigation's results became public. Cassie's sister lives in Sandy
Shores, suggested they move there, and found them a place to rent.
Cassie's landlord is Braden, a veteran who moved back to
his hometown to take care of the sister who helped raise him. After her death,
he renovated her house and rented part of it to newcomer Cassie. He uses his
military experience as a helicopter pilot in his new career with the fire
department.
I enjoyed the first meeting between Cassie and Braden.
Cassie is in the backyard right after they arrive, giving Amelia's Flemish
rabbit some time out of his carrier when Braden appears. Immediately intrigued
by her, the suddenness of it disturbs him, and his reaction to her isn't
exactly welcoming. Cassie responds with her own snark, leaving both to wonder
whether the arrangement will work out. Fortunately, Braden's conscience leads
him to make amends quickly, which leads to a growing friendship.
There was a sweet connection between Braden and Amelia. I
loved how lovely he was with her and how encouraging he was as she adjusted to
her new life. His care for her touched Cassie's heart, and began to break down
her walls. I enjoyed how they bonded over repairs and dinners as they slowly
got to know each other.
But both have baggage that makes them wary of
involvement. Although others look up to him as a hero, Braden's past haunts
him, leading him to believe he is unworthy. He hesitates over declaring his
feelings. It takes a heartwarming conversation with a special little girl to
open his eyes. At the same time, Cassie wavers over the risks of giving her
heart to another pilot, especially one with a dangerous job. She also had to
face her fears and decide if she was willing to take a chance on happiness. The
ending was terrific, and I loved the epilogue.
Cassie's daughter, Amelia, was terrific. She was mature
for her age, thanks to the loss of her father, but still believable as a
character. I liked how she connected with Braden and how he always treated her
with respect. Her commentary on their relationship was fantastic.
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