Review: The Echoes of Love by Hannah Fielding

Title: The Echoes of Love
Author: Hannah Fielding
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Publisher: London Wall Publishing
Publication Date: December 6th 2013
Pages: 416 (paperback)
Source: received from the author








Seduction, passion and the chance for new love. A terrible truth will change two lives forever. 

Venetia Aston-Mantagu has escaped to Italy's most captivating city to work in her godmother's architectural practice, putting a lost love behind her. For the past ten years she has built a fortress around her heart, only to find the walls tumbling down one night of the carnival when she is rescued from a masked assailant by an enigmatic stranger, Paolo Barone.

Drawn to the powerful seductive Paolo, despite warning of his Don Juan reputation and rumours that he keeps a mistress, Venetia can't help being caught up in the smoldering passion that ignites between them. 

When she finds herself assigned to a project at his magnificent home deep in the Tuscan countryside, Venetia must not only contend herself with a beautiful young rival, but also come face to face with the dark shadows of Paolo's past that threaten to come between them. 

Can Venetia trust that love will triumph, even over her own demons? Or will Paolo's carefully guarded devastating secret tear them apart forever?

Goodreads

The Echoes of Love is the third book that I have read by Hannah Fielding so far. And what surprises me every time is how detailed her books are. This book is set in Venice, and while I have never been in that part of Italy I can just imagine how everything is by the descriptions Fielding gives. She goes into detail when she describes culture, food, architecture and sites without it getting boring. And that is really an art because it is tricky to give just enough information to create a picture in the readers head but also leave somethings open to the reader’s imagination.

But this book is a romance novel so gets more into that. Venetia grew up in England but she never got along too well with her family. So as soon as she had the opportunity she moved to Venice to work as an architect for her godmother. Here she meets the charismatic Italian Paolo. From the moment they meet they can’t forget about one another. But both of them have a difficult past, so they have to decide if the other is worth the risk.

I really liked reading form Venetia’s point of view. I really liked her personality and from the very first pages I could understand her feelings and could emotionally connect with her. I really felt all her emotions, when she talked about her lost love with Judd and the baby. Or how her parents treated her when she was growing up. Venetia is a strong woman and sometimes a bit stubborn. This is great since she has her own will and will not succumb to the first handsome guy that crosses her path. She always tries to see the both sides of a situation and then tries to come to a conclusion. I really like how strong minded she was; it’s not every day you come across strong minded young women in romance novels.

Paolo was another great character to read about. His background was even more complicated than Venetia’s and most of it you do not find out until the end of the novel. But I loved him because he was the first person in years that was able to break down the walls Venetia had built up around herself years ago. And Paolo was also just a really swoon worthy guy, he recites poems and always has some beautiful quotes on hand. So I do get why Venetia gives in at the end, who wouldn’t?

But I also had some issues with this book. I really do not get how can you feel such a strong connection to a person that you have only shared a couple of words with? And how can you love someone when you do not know them at all? Another aspect is that there is a lot of going back and forth. One minute they want each other, the next they are not sure and back again. To me that is so weird, you either want someone or you don’t. There is simply no in between. But those were the two only things that bothered me. Other than that I really enjoyed reading the book.

Overall I really enjoyed reading The Echoes of Love, it was a nice romance novel set in a beautiful and mesmerizing city. The descriptions were on point again and Venetia was a very likeable character. I cannot wait to read the other books by Hannah Fielding that I have not read yet as well.

Elien

Sunday Post #31 & Stacking the Shelves #66

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted @Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It's a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead.

I cannot believe how neglected this blog has been all year long. I just have the feeling that this year went by in a flash and so many things have happened. Almost one year ago I moved from Belgium to London indefinitely. And while the first couple of months were an emotional rollercoaster and things might not have turned out the way I expected them to I still haven't regretted it for a minute. I have a lovely group of friends here and of course also my boyfriend. So here is to another great year in London! But I am hoping that from now on I won't neglect this blog anymore because I really missed sharing all my bookish love. 

Last week on the blog:

• Monday: Review: Ransom (Ransom #1) by Rachel Schurig
• Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday #92: Ten Scary Books On My TBR
• Wednesday: Waiting on Wednesday #131: Maybe This Time (Colorado Ice #2) by Jennifer Snow

Next week on the blog:

• Monday: Review: The Echoes of Love by Hannah Fielding
• Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday #93: Top Ten Books To Read If Your Book Club Likes YA Contemporary Novels
• Wednesday: Waiting On Wednesday #132
• Thursday: Review: You Me At Six concert London
• Friday: New Book Releases in November

Showcase Sunday's/Stacking the Shelves aim is to showcase our newest books or book related swag and to see what everyone else received for review, borrowed from libraries, bought in bookshops and downloaded onto eReaders this week. This Sunday meme is hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea and Tynga's Reviews:

I am just going to show you all the books that I got since my last haul, so there will be quiet a few books!

Bought: 

Mansfield Park Revisited by Joan Aiken

Amy & Matthew by Cammie McGovern

White Rose Turned to Blood (We Speak No Treason #2) by Rosemary Hawley Jarman

The Pindar Diamond (The Aviary Gate #2) Katie Hickman

The Lost Queen by Norah Lofts

Night Study (Soulfinders #2) by Maria V. Snyder

Me Before You (Me Before You #1) by Jojo Moyes

After You (Me After You #2) by Jojo Moyes

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Charlie St. Cloud by Ben Sherwood

For Review: 

Legacy (Andalucian Nights #3) by Hannah Fielding

Elien

Waiting on Wednesday #131: Maybe This Time (Colorado Ice #2) by Jennifer Snow

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. It spotlights books that have not yet been released, but ones that you should pre-order today! This week's book that I am anxiously awaiting is:

Maybe This Time
by Jennifer Snow 



Starting over means a second chance...

Abigail Jansen is done with hockey... and hockey players. After leaving her two-timing NHL-star husband, Abby decides to start over in her hometown of Glenwood Falls, Colorado. There she doesn't have to deal with people gossiping behind her back or hear the word "hockey" - until her daughter tries out for the junior hockey team. Now Abby has to face her fears... and coach Jackson Westmore. He's tall, dark, handsome - and happens to hater her.

All through high school, talented hockey player Jackson Westmore had a crush on Abby, but he would never make a move on his best friend's girl. He gave her the cold shoulder out of self-preservation and worked out his frustrations on the ice. So when Abby returns, newly divorced and still sexy as hell, Jackson know's he's in trouble. Now even the best defensive skill might not keep him from losing his heart...

Goodreads

Why I Can't Wait

Jennifer Snow her books are always amazing. They are this swoon worthy, cute romantic reads that I can't get enough off. And they are ideal to spend a lazy afternoon on the couch with a hot mug of hot chocolate. I cannot wait to read her new series!

Expected publication: November 29th 2016

Elien

Top Ten Tuesday #92: Ten Scary Books On My TBR

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted over at Broke and Bookish. This weeks topic is Ten Scary Books On My TBR

1. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
2. Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
3. Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
4. The Third Twin by C.J. Omolulu
5. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Rasom Riggs
6. The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
7. The Coldest Girl in Town by Holly Black
8. Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard
9. The Farm by Emily McKay
10. Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by  April Genevieve Tucholke

Elien

Review: Ransom (Ransom #1) by Rachel Schurig

Title: Ransom
Author: Rachel Schurig
Series: Ransom
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, New Adult
Publication date: April 28th 2014
Pages: 339 (Kindle)
Source: Netgalley






Daisy Harris has no reason to suspect hat her day will be any different than usual. She'll go to class, alone. She won't speak or make eye contact. She'll spend her entire day doing her best to go completely unnoticed. That's what life is like for Daisy now - and endless cycle of loneliness and fear. A life lived hiding behind the walls she so faithfully maintains.

Then she sees it. A magazine, left behind in class. A simple picture - just his face. And it changes everything. 

It's been a year since she's seen Daltry Ransome. A year since he and his brothers left town to pursue their dreams of rock and roll superstardom. A year since he left Daisy behind - left her to watch as everything she knew crumbled around her. She's been running from Daltrey ever since, desperate to keep her secret.

But she can't run anymore. And now that Daltrey has found her - the girl he's loved his entire life, the girl he'd give up everything for - he's determined never to let her go again.

** The first book in a brand new series from USA Today bestselling author Rachel Schurig. This New Adult Contemporary Romance novel is a complete story with no cliffhanger.**

Goodreads

Ransom is a typical NA romance that will leave you with a feel good feeling after finishing it. These past months I have been in a reading slump that I cannot seem to get out of so it takes me ages to finish a book. But this was different with Ransom, it was a quick read that I enjoyed so it only took me a couple of days to read it. Maybe it was because it was because both the main characters were likeable; or maybe it was because there were some very swoon worthy moments. 

Daisy’s life had dramatically changed since Daltrey had left town. Some events steered her towards breaking with her past and becoming a different person. She decides to liver her life in solitude and not let anyone get close to her again so she never has to go through all that again. She feels like nobody could ever completely understand what happened and she is too ashamed to share her story, especially with her best friend Daltrey.  But then their pats cross again and Daisy finally has to face her demons.

I really liked the issues Ransom dealt with. Unfortunately they are common in real life and they need to be addressed more often. A lot of the time people now feel like they cannot talk about their mental health situation, afraid to be judged. People should be more supportive of it, because that is in the end what will help.

I did enjoy the characters in this book. In some ways I could identify with Daisy and her way of thinking. And I liked how much she grew throughout the book. Daltrey was also a great character, he truly cares for Daisy and he would do anything to make her happy again. But at the same time he also understands that she’s still dealing with her demons and that she will need time and a lot of patience. They had great chemistry and their banter often made me laugh. So I really liked them together, especially since they helped each other so much.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read that with a swoon worthy guy and a lovely romance that made you laugh while it also dealt with a heavier topic at the same time. It was a nice start to a series and when I get the chance I will definitely pick up the other books as well. 

Elien

Release Day Launch: The Time Traveler's Christmas by Ami Jarecki

Today we have the release day launch for The Time Traveler’s Christmas by Amy Jarecki! Check out the excerpt Amy is sharing, enter her giveaway and grab you're copy today!

A man’s life can fall apart in an instant…



Tougher than oxhide, Lachlan Wallace can take about anything except a breakup call from his wife two minutes before competing in the Karate Championship of the World. Arriving home with a loss, he agrees to watch his uncle’s cat over the holidays. Or so he thinks—until he awakes on a fourteenth-century battlefield beside a woman fighting for her life.


Never underestimate a woman’s determination…

Taken from her at the age of two, Lady Christina de Moray hasn’t seen her son in thirteen years. While traveling with Robert the Bruce’s army to exchange an English prisoner for the lad, a battle erupts. Losing the fight, Christina is rescued by a mysterious warrior while the English escape with her son yet again.

And never bet against the potency of passion…

Left with no way back to the twenty-first century, Lachlan agrees to help Christina rescue the lad from his English captors. If the heir is not returned by Christmas next, the Bruce will make his decision whom to grant the de Moray lands, including Lady Christina’s hand. Once his duty is fulfilled, Lachlan hopes to discover a way home—as long as he keeps his mind on the goal and ignores his growing love for the spirited woman who gives him her trust—and her heart.



Grab your copy today!

The Time Traveler’s Christmas

Rise of a Legend

In the Kingdom’s Name

Excerpt

Crouched in a defensive stance, Lachlan Wallace’s mind refused to focus. Sweat streamed from his brow, drained into his eyes and blurred his vision. His breathing rushed through his ears like an angry river. Everything around him moved in slow motion. He rubbed his forearm across his face and his white sleeve came back with a swath of blood.

But nothing hurt, except Lachlan’s heart.
Shifting his gaze to the time clock—five seconds left—the red numbers frozen in place while the judges consulted with each other to confirm the three points given to the American for his last kick. Maybe that’s what caused the bleeding. Lachlan didn’t care.
He switched his sights to the scoreboard. Tied, UK nine, US nine. The American contender across the mat stared with the hunger of a rabid dog. Still, Lachlan could take him. He just needed a moment to focus.
Damn. Out of the starting gates, he’d suffered a vicious kick to the gut, but that wasn’t the reason for a ton of lead sinking to his toes.
Just hang in there. I have to prove her wrong about something.
The referee sliced his hand downward—the signal to engage. Lachlan’s legs moved like four hundred pound weights hung from his thighs. The American approached, growing blurrier by each fraction of a second. Holding his defensive stance, Lachlan shifted for a countermove as his opponent slightly raised his hind foot to his toes.
A kick.
Anticipating the move, years of training took over and Lachlan spun to the right, aiming a left roundhouse kick to the American’s head. A millisecond off, the man ducked and rolled away from what could have been the kick to end the fight. Lachlan should have continued with the attack, pinning the man to the mat and issuing a three-point punch to the face, but Angela’s voice rang in his head.
“I’ve filed for divorce. John and I moved your things to Container Village on Falkirk Road. You’ll be hearing from my solicitor. You’re such a loser. Don’t try to call. I’ve blocked your phone.”
The rush of Lachlan’s breathing deafened his ears.
Who the fuck is John?
The unanswered question burst into a million stars as the American’s heel collided with Lachlan’s temple.

About Amy Jareck

An Amazon bestselling author, Amy Jarecki adores Scotland. Though she now resides in southwest Utah, she received her MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Winning multiple writing awards, she is focused on the genre of Scottish historical romance. Amy loves to write steamy edge-of-your-seat action adventures with rugged men and fascinating women who weave their paths through the brutal eras of centuries past.
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Elien