Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review and enter the giveaway below...
Everything
(Oak Street Trilogy #3)
By L.M. Karen
Christian Contemporary Romance
ebook, 315 Pages
November 5, 2021
Summary
A sweet second chance romance of healing as two childhood friends find their way back to each other.
Alison and Grady met in kindergarten and quickly became inseparable. They grew up together as best friends until a series of misunderstandings drove them apart just as they graduated high school. Ten years later, a chance meeting throws Alison and Grady together again. It might take him a minute, but Grady discovers he still knows Alison like the back of his hand.
As Grady and Alison reconnect they find the second chance at love they always wanted and the healing they never knew they needed.
This is the third and last book in the Oak Street Series Trilogy. Each book can be read separately as standalone books but are better when read together.
My Review
EVERYTHING is one of those stories that grows on the reader as it unfolds. The characters are delightful with plenty of wonderful family involvement and a sweet romance. Fans of the series will love getting to see how Grady's and Alison's story ends.
The start of this story completely drew me in with the characters randomly meeting after ten years and the glimpse of heartache and love that still existed. I remembered the characters in their younger versions from the prior books in this series, so I was curious how they had turned out as adults and how their story would end. I did feel Grady and Alison felt a bit one dimensional as characters for the first half of the story. However, they both became more alive the second half as they worked through some difficulties and towards their happily-ever-after. The big family dynamic was a fabulous part of this story that I loved with all the teasing and laughter and love. Then there was the ending that left my heart warm and content.
There were a few phrases that resonated with me. This one especially:
Healing often teaches you more about yourself and what you can endure, and it's possible that is the purpose. It's possible that sometimes things cause us such physical and emotional pain in order for us to heal. So that despite everything, we overcome. The human mind and body are resilient that way.
There were parts that felt like some additional editing was needed. I also would have liked more character development particularly in the first half of the book. I felt a specific co-worker and family was missing in the end. But these would be my only complaints.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This story started a bit slow for me, but the second half was enjoyable all the way to the very sweet end. If you enjoy second-chance romances full of laughter and family, definitely add this one to your list!
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Excerpt
“Alison! Alison McKay!”
My shoulders tense. I would recognize that voice anywhere. I turn and find a beautiful brunette with glowing green eyes bouncing toward me.
“I just knew that was you!” she cries, scooping me into a huge hug.
Although at least eight years younger than me, Lily Knight towers over me. The last time I saw her was my high school graduation day. She was only around ten at that time but already my height. It’s been ten years since then, and she’s grown into a beautiful young woman. My heart aches unexpectedly, and I am shocked to find myself glad to see her.
“Lily, it is good to see you,” I say sincerely when she lets me go.
She squeals exuberantly, “Gosh, Alison, you haven’t changed a bit. Still so beautiful. How are you? Why did you stop coming around? We all miss you so much.” Lily hugs me again and, without allowing me to answer any of her questions, keeps talking. “Ohmigosh!” She pulls away from me and takes my arm excitedly. “Grady is going to die when he sees you!” she exclaims, pulling me toward the opposite corner of the bar from where I had previously been sitting.
My feet and my heart concurrently and instantaneously stop, and I pull my hand away from Lily’s. Of all possible scenarios, likely and unlikely, I would have placed seeing Grady Knight tonight as the single most unlikely thing to happen, only short of actually enjoying my date tonight. I am not prepared. The thought of facing Grady Knight, the only man I’ve ever loved, and therefore the only one to have shattered my heart, tonight? On monthly date night? When I have likely been spontaneously canceled on and left alone in a pretentious fusion restaurant? I shake my head in horror and back away. I feel conclusive in stating there is nothing more abhorrent that could happen.
Lily turns and blinks at me in surprise at my abrupt stop. “He’s this way, Alison. He’ll definitely want to see you,” she says with a worried frown “Are you okay? You look pale…well, even more pale than you usually are. Not that you’re normally pale, you just have a naturally alabaster complexion.” She adds the last with an envious smile.
“I…I am sorry, I have to go,” I stutter and turn quickly toward the door, making a run for it before Grady sees me, or I see him.
“Alison McKay,” a friendly voice calls appreciatively through the crowd. My actions freeze. I inhale a panicked breath as my heartbeat thunders at what I’m sure is an unhealthy speed due to the adrenaline and norepinephrine flooding my system. I force myself to turn around.
The crowd easily parts for Grady as he makes his way to me. He is below average height for a Caucasian American male yet he has a presence people notice. The last time I saw him was our high school graduation day. His light brown hair is the same, but instead of it being shaggy and long, it’s neatly cut and combed. The freckles on his face have lightened but his eyes are the same warm brown. His face is more chiseled, I notice. In truth, all of him appears to be more sculpted than the last time I saw him.
Deep breath. I can do this. “Hello, Grady.” I’m pleased my voice is even despite my insides quaking violently.
Other Books in the Series
(Linked to my reviews.)
About the Author
Tour Schedule
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 22
Texas Book-aholic, February 23
Wishful Endings, February 23
Genesis 5020, February 24
Inklings and notions, February 25
For Him and My Family, February 26
Reflections From My Bookshelves, February 27
deb’s Book Review, February 27
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 28
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 1
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 3 (Spotlight)
Living’ Lit, March 3
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 4
She Lives to Read, March 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 7
Tour-Wide Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, L.M. is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
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