Let Me Love You Again (Echoes of the Heart #2) by Anna DeStefano-Review and Excerpt
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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 28, 2015
Selena Rosenthal left behind her high school sweetheart, who was the love of her life, seven years ago.
Now, she and the once-rebellious Oliver Bowman are back in Chandlerville—after his foster father’s heart attack and Selena’s contentious divorce—to deal with her secrets, the recklessness that caused their breakup, and the almost-strangers they’ve become to each other and their families.
As soon as his father is stronger, Oliver must return to the successful career that helps support a new generation of foster kids. But he’s falling for Selena again, her daughter has a hold on his heart, and he can’t imagine leaving behind his brothers and sisters once again.
More attached by the day to their charming hometown and families, Selena and Oliver fall in love for the second time.
Has fate brought Chandlerville’s prodigal children together again…this time forever?
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Let Me Love You Again is a wonderfully romantic and complete storyline of finding the love of your life as a teenager and losing it due to the immaturity and teen drama that most people face. Then years later and a lot of heartache, recapturing that and more.
Anna DeStefano is a very talented writer who creates a world of characters that are incredibly real and yet can be so very different from each other, much like the people you know in real life. She takes the time to weave an intricate and compelling story, allowing it to develop naturally without rushing it to a hurried conclusion.
This romantic and compelling tale unfolds with the hero Oliver returning home, once a foster child with the Dixon family, he’s now an incredibly in demand computer security specialist. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been home since he left seven years before. He sends lots of money to help his foster parents raise more children in their loving home. He finds the love of his life Selena, back at her home next door with a daughter.
That’s all the setup and spoilers I’m going to do! Except to let you know that the author spins a realistic and exciting tale of small town life. She’s given a wonderful picture of foster parents dedicated to helping kids have the family they so desperately need. Even if things don’t always go well. Sometimes kids get into self-destructive things, even with the best parents.
Oliver and Selena (whose father abandoned her and her mother when she was a child) fell in love, but life got in the way. They both became teenage alcoholics and the consequences were devastating for a good part of both of their lives.
The story centers on their old relationship, the lives they have now and Selena’s daughter. Can they become friends or lovers again? Can they get through all the baggage and hurt? Whose daughter is Selena? There is so much great drama and fantastic self-discovery in this heartfelt story, it’s incredibly hard to put down. It entwines the lives of the many children the Dixons have raised, as well as health issues of the father that bring the family back to help.
It’s very talentedly written and believable, a completely captivating read that will alternately warm, break, then rebuild your heart. Grab lots of tissues, your favorite beverage and settle in for a wonderful ride that will play your heartstrings like a violin.
Copy supplied by the tour promoter
Reviewed by Georgianna S
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: Oliver and Selena’s second-chance love is one of the most special things I’ve written. Complex and authentic, timeless and unique to the mistakes they made long ago. They’ve never forgotten each other, no matter how hard they’ve tried. But the power of finding each other again is the truth neither is prepared to faced. And that’s where we pick up their story, experiencing the rush and exhilaration and poignant passion of young love, watching it mature into the kind of a soul-deep connection that can last a lifetime. Take a look…
“You kissed me the other night,” Oliver said. “You agreed to talk things through. Then I don’t hear from you for over twenty-four hours. I’m turning myself inside out, destroying potential business opportunities to stay in Chandlerville for my parents—and for you and Camille now.” Staying for himself. Leaving felt more impossible by the hour. Though everyone, including Selena, knew leaving was what he’d have to do eventually. “Hell, Camille’s already figured out most of it for herself. And I bet you’re still trying to think of a way to talk to her, deal with who her father is, without dealing with whatever it is you’re feeling about me. Meanwhile, we can barely keep our hands off each other whenever we’re alone together.”
Resentment, resignation, and then acceptance rolled across Selena’s features. She smoothed both palms down her thighs, drawing his attention back to her toned, trim body. She looked like she could run for days. But she couldn’t run from them now.
He found himself closer. He reached for her shoulders. He held fast when she went to pull away.
“You don’t distrust me nearly as much as you want to.” It had been a stunning conclusion he’d come to somewhere in the middle of last night, puzzling over why she hadn’t called or texted him back. “And you don’t like it one damn bit.”
“No,” she admitted. “I don’t.”
“You’ve wanted me far away from you from the start,” he said, “not just because of your daughter. This has never been entirely about Camille, has it?”
“Of course not.”
“Because you still feel guilty about things you did seven years ago?” He knew better. But he needed to know she did, too.
Selena shook her head, looking like she despised him for his honesty.
He aligned their bodies until Selena’s heart beat next to his. She was still warm from her run. She was looking up at him, seeing and feeling him. She was soft against him, like she’d been a lifetime ago, like the dreams of her that had come to him ever since.
“Because you wouldn’t have been able to stay away from me whether Camille was involved or not,” he said, “and it terrifies you, what that could mean. There’s something in you for me, Selena Rosenthal. There’s something between us still.”
She agreed silently, as if the words wouldn’t find her.
“And you don’t want to trust me again,” he repeated. “Even if this—you and me—could be a part of making Camille feel safe and happy…”
Nationally bestselling author Anna DeStefano has searched her entire life for the soul of the matter at the heart of her world’s mysteries. As a small child, she drew from her experiences, senses, and dreams to paint a lush fantasy world, filled with endless possibility and characters of her own creation. Putting pen to paper, Anna transforms these inner landscapes into rich storytelling.
Hers is a realistic but optimistic vision, searching for hope and transformation through intense emotional journeys. Her fuel–the inner passions and conflicts of the characters she crafts. Much like a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, Anna’s characters face the ultimate of human choices: finding the courage to conquer their fears and thrive until, despite every obstacle, they become the beautiful things they’re meant to be.
An author, workshop and keynote speaker, writing coach, and acquiring editor, Anna’s creative vision permeates every challenge she undertakes. She wants you to stop, look, and keep digging, until you find the soul of your own fantasies. Her novels’ rich blend of realism and fantasy invites Anna’s readers into her creative mission to dig deeper and see each of life’s moment with emotional honesty and clarity.
Discovery and joy are her touchstones, regardless of how difficult her characters’ journeys might be. She will challenge you to transform into all you’re meant to be, as well. She speaks and blogs regulary. Join Anna each week for Soul Of The Matter, Dream Theories, Things My Teenager Says, How We Write, Waterfall Challenges, and more.
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