If You Knew by Barbara Meyers – Review & Giveaway

Description:
In a town filled with lies, is there room for one more?

When widow Devonny Campbell arrives in tiny Red Bud, Iowa, she is determined to make a new life for herself and the child she carries. But when her former career in adult films is uncovered, she becomes the catalyst for a nasty political campaign which creates a tornado of controversy.

High school coach and guidance counselor Luke Bradshaw knows one strong wind will collapse the house of cards he’s built to contain his demons. He’s falling hard for Devonny in spite of her past. And she might be what trips him up and exposes everything he’s kept hidden.

But Devonny and Luke aren’t the only citizens of Red Bud forced to face the judgment of their peers. As the campaign turns vicious, deeply-buried truths are revealed and lifelong relationships are shattered. Can Devonny and Luke stick together? Or will too much truth tear them apart?

Review:

After the first couple of chapters, I was reminded of the movie Safe Haven with Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel, *swoon*, and I knew it was going to be a great book. Devonny is leaving Los Angeles, and her past, behind. Luke goes with the flow, though mired in denial, but he faces his fears when his path crosses with Devonny. While their journeys are unique, the objectives are so life-affirming, it’s obvious these two are kindred spirits. If You Knew, by Barbara Meyers, is about rebuilding hope in the quaint town of Red Bud, Iowa. But don’t be misled. The cover’s catchphrase reads: In a town full of lies, is there room for one more? Make room! 😉

Right off the bat, the storyline flowed beautifully. Devonny is suffering from a loss, she’s recently widowed, but her will is mightier than she believed and there was comfort in a reassuring voice. Luke is clearly interested, but Devonny is too distraught to invest her energy in romance — she’s pregnant! The ensuing advance-and-retreat was enjoyable, nevertheless. I followed along comfortably, the unfolding story (and the writing style) guiding me blissfully. Devonny’s resolve was finally weakening, she was adjusting to small town affairs, when things got a little harder to swallow. Secrets were going to have to be revealed sooner than later. This is where the waters got muddied for me.

I’m baffled, frankly, by Devonny and Luke’s lack of urgency to reveal their pasts. Yes, the details are not for the faint of heart, addiction and the adult industry tend to evoke second thoughts, but they’re simultaneously too big to keep on the down low, especially when our H/H are moving towards intimacy. People are always going to judge and we shouldn’t measure our self-worth based on their validation, but honesty, and reaction, were notably missing. Then again, Luke is so even-keeled, so unflappable, news of Devonny’s pregnancy garnered only mere surprise. He might be the most perfect beta character you’ll ever read! And yet…what of his own reveal? I didn’t think he was facing the wrath of the community like Devonny, but he exposed his demons to take the attention off of the woman who didn’t deserve so much contempt, off of the woman he loved. Risky as hell, but honorable and healing to be sure.

I’m at odds with my review because there were equal parts amazing and superfluous. Someone discovered Devonny’s film and a dirty plan went into action, a crotchety neighbor becomes a lifeline for Devonny’s integration into town, Devonny’s mom harangues and invades, there’s a confused blackmailer, etc… I think another neutral editor should have gone over the book a final time to heighten the impact There were interesting fronts to pursue, vendettas and harmony, I loved Devonny’s empowered stance against bias, even Luke’s unwavering support, but they stretched too far, encompassing much that didn’t advance or tie up loose storylines. Hence my consternation.

If You Knew by Barbara Meyers inspires people not to hide; to shed their skin and try again. It’s a book full of hope even when you’re at your lowest. I enjoyed the main plot. Devonny and Luke are forging a new space, fighting for their place together. I would read more by this author.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied for review

Barbara Meyers is graciously offering an e-copy of IF YOU KNEW to ONE lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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9. Giveaway runs from April 5 – 9, 2019