One Last Spring by Sian Ann Bessey (Blog Tour Review & Giveaway)


Welcome to my tour stop for One Last Spring by Sian Ann Bessey! Check out the book, my review, author info, and the giveaway below...

One Last SpringOne Last Spring
by Sian Ann Bessey
Adult Historical Romance
Paperback, ebook, & Audiobook, 280 Pages
November 2nd 2015 by Covenant Communications
Summary

Wales, 1884

The quiet village of Llanwddyn has long been a safe haven for Gwen, a young Welsh country girl whose life has been fraught with tragedy. Following the untimely death of her parents, it was her aunt's home in Llanwddyn that provided Gwen and her brother a refuge from their grief. Now, with the unwelcome news that the village is to be razed in the name of progress, an inescapable wave of change has begun.

When her brother departs to follow his dream of sailing the high seas, Gwen is left alone to navigate the shifting world around her. She soon finds herself relying on the support of her brother's best friend, Lewis, a gentle blacksmith whose kindness stirs her heart. Resigned to the fact that Lewis may never see her as more than a child, Gwen is soon swept off her feet by Thomas, a prosperous young Englishman. Torn between two men and two very different paths, Gwen has little time to determine what course her heart will follow. With time running out for her beautiful valley, will love come too late?


My Review

ONE LAST SPRING was a beautiful story about Gwen who lives in a small Welsh town that is to be moved so that a dam and reservoir can be built. The story began a little slowly, but after that it was engaging to the very end. It was full of family, culture, small-town charm, friendship, hardship, heartbreak, and love. I felt invested in these characters' lives and immersed in this time in history. I cried along with them, was frustrated, disappointed, worried, but also felt joy in the villagers, their traditions, and the relationships and love between these characters. The selflessness and way that they all leaned on each other was heartwarming. If you enjoy reading historical fiction or historical romance I would highly recommend this one!

I loved how the characters evolve and grow as the story progressed. Gwen began the story as a 15-year-old, but ended it with her soon to be turning 18. During those years she experiences so much change and opportunity and hardship. She learns what she values. She begins to see others differently. Her relationships change, especially with her aunt and with Lewis, her older brother's best friend. I loved the interactions and how authentic they felt. The camaraderie and friendships... The awkwardness of emotions and not always knowing what they are or what to do with them... The insecurity of change and facing new things and of possible new love... Feelings of loss and being left behind, but also of forging on and learning and adapting... It was somewhat of a roller-coaster ride and definitely a story that pulled on my emotions. The bitter made the sweet that much sweeter. The ending was lovely and left a smile on my face. The best stories bring out our emotions and leave us feeling so much joy for the hardship and struggles that have been overcome. This one definitely did that for me.

This is the first book I've read from this author, but it won't be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed ONE LAST SPRING and am looking forward to seeing what this author writes next!

Content: Clean

Source: I would like to thank Covenant Communications for my complimentary copy, which did not affect my review in any way.

About the Author

Siân Ann Bessey

Sian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend Brigham Young University in Utah, where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in English. 

She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college. Since then she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children's books.

Although Sian doesn't have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, she can still wrap her tongue around, "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch." She loves to travel and experience other cultures, but when she's home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.


Tour-Wide Giveaway

No comments

Post a Comment

I love comments! I try to read and reply to them all. Feel free to agree or disagree and generally share your thoughts with me.