Rise of Nine (Lorien Legacies 3)

Rise of Nine (Lorien Legacies 3) by Pittacus Lore



Until the day I met John Smith, Number Four, I'd been on the run alone, hiding and fighting to stay alive.  

Together, we are much more powerful. But it could only last so long before we had to separate to find the others. . . .  

I went to Spain to find Seven, and I found even more, including a tenth member of the Garde who escaped from Lorien alive. Ella is younger than the rest of us, but just as brave. Now we're looking for the others—including John.  

But so are they.  

They caught Number One in Malaysia. Number Two in England. And Number Three in Kenya. They caught me in New York—but I escaped. I am Number Six. They want to finish what they started.  

But they'll have to fight us first.


After nearly two days shy of a year Rise of Nine (Lorien Legacies 3) comes out. To me, it’s a resounding disappointment. Setrákus Ra is a Huckabee (see: Katt Williams’ It’s Pimpin Pimpin) villain. The revelation in this book answered many of the debated questions of the past year.  

Setrákus Ra really isn’t a villain as much as he’s just a straight up bully. I understand villains’ not fighting fair. Setrákus Ra’s villainy comes across as common, uninspired and lacking the depth portrayed in the previous books. So far he’s only had to fight one Lorien at a time. If he faces three or more, he’s done. It won’t be much of a fight.  

There are so many revelations in this book, but they really only add to the confusion of the mythology. One revelation I’m glad came out will end Sarah debate. Hopefully it will put an end to the Sarah hating. Man is there a lot of it.  

The one that takes the cake is the governmental co-conspirators. You’re telling me the United States is that power hunger that they would side with the Mogadorians for technology. Not to mention none of the government agency seem to have a rational thought in their heads.  

I just don’t know what happen to this series. The first two were amazing. I can’t consider it even okay. The character views were constantly changing with no regard for the reader. It would be several pages before I had a context of whose point of view I was reading.  

There were too many narratives being told. It reads like someone with multiple personality disorder or dissociative identity disorder. Whatever you want to call the narratives need to be reined in. Pick two or less and tell it from their perspective. At the very less identify when changing perspectives.


I give Rise of Nine (Lorien Legacies 3) 2 out 5.

The Mystic Wolves (Mystic Wolves 1)

The Mystic Wolves (Mystic Wolves 1) by Belinda Boring (Book 1)



What would you do if a simple errand takes a deadly twist, turning you from cautious prey to dangerous predator?  

Someone is trying to send a deadly message to Mason, arranging the deaths of those he loves and it puts the entire pack and Alpha on high alert. Darcy understands the primal instincts driving her beloved Mason's commands. With the help of those he sets as protectors, she learns about herself and the things she'll need to help support her Alpha and pack. When events turn dire however, one truth offers her strength - once given, oaths are unbreakable ... even if it means risking it all.  

Author Note ~ This is the combined NOVEL LENGTH version of the Without Mercy, Cherished, and Blood Oath installments. It is approx. 66,265 words long.


I purchased The Mystic Wolves (Mystic Wolves 1) for my Kindle just from the cover art and title. It wasn’t until after I finished reading that I read the description. I learned that it’s a combination of three short stories. Learning this explained a lot because it felt like two distinct stories being told. It was a reading rollercoaster.  

Although this novel takes diggs at the Twilight Saga is like re-reading it with all the gushing and swooning, the demanding and overly protective mate in Edward Mason, and the perpetual damsel in distress, Bella Darcy. It even has a James archetype in Avery and even a Jacob too. Having the werewolves in the lead is a wanted change. But the fact remains even being a werewolf Darcy comes across as helpless as Bella.  
Avery, and not to mention James, would fit perfectly with the vampires of Thicker than Water. His appearance is a pure delight to read. The way he incited chaos is worthy of calling him Loki, much to the chagrin of the one in Thicker than Water.  

The highlights of this novel are the way Belinda Boring makes use of the werewolf and vampire mythology. It’s nothing new to paranormal readers but those subtle differences made it worth reading. After Avery leaves the story I was really disappointed until the very last chapter. That finally paragraph guaranteed that at some point I will read the next novel, Forget Get Me Not (Mystic Wolves 2). I can only hope that there’s a tonal change in the next book.


I give The Mystic Wolves (Mystic Wolves 1) 2 out 5.

Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Episode 8

Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Episode 8 by Chautona Havig



Past Forward is a serial novel released weekly on Kindle.  

Alone without friends or family to comfort her after the death of her mother, Willow Finley’s idyllic life is over—and just beginning.  

When Willow Finley awakes on a hot summer morning, she is unprepared for the grief that awaits her. Jerked from a life of isolation with her mother, Willow learns what alone really means when she finds her mother still in her bed, never to awaken again in this life.  

From the moment Willow arrives in the police station with her startling announcement, Chad Tesdall fights the friendship he knows he can't avoid.  

In this episode, Chad wrestles with truths he's not ready to acknowledge while Willow becomes a little better acquainted with both sets of grandparents, discovering things about each she wasn't prepared to handle.  

Follow as Willow's story unfolds past forward.  

Released weekly as a serial novel.


Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Episode 8 is perfection. But this episode also has to be prefaced with the other seven episodes. This is the defining episode that marks the identity of this novel.  

Unlike last weeks, this one had me engaged from the start. Taking place just before Christmas its interesting how Chautona Havig addresses Willow’s isolation during the holidays. Her apparent naïveté to Christmas traditions is refreshing.  

This episode addresses one of the “elephants in the room,” Willow’s grandparents. Their characterizations fall into the suspected coloring with their previous introduction to the reader. I’m shocked at the deceitfulness and depravity that doesn’t become known until the end of this episode. And yet I should have, I mean if you can raise a man to rape a woman, that’s an reflection on the people you are.  

The drama and conflict in this episode is more subtle than in the previous ones and you know it’s about to rise to the fan. It’s also developing more branches of conflict as ones from previous episodes come to a close.  

If you haven’t started reading this serial novel you really should. I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy taking the time to invest in a serial novel. As this is the first one I’ve ever read coming back to it is quickly becoming one of my sweet of the week.


I give Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Episode 8 5 out 5.

Married by Mistake

Married by Mistake (Harlequin Super Romance) by Abby Gaines



Do not adjust your set. That really was Casey Greene being jilted by her fiancé on live TV! And that really was Memphis's most eligible bachelor who stepped in to marry her instead.  

Millionaire businessman Adam Carmichael wanted only to help Casey save face. He isn't prepared for the news that their "fake" wedding is legal and binding.  

While they secretly wait for an annulment, media and family scrutiny forces them to put on their best loving-couple act. Except by now, neither one is quite sure who's acting....


Married By Mistake is as formulaic as 2+2=FISH. There wasn’t anything compelling or driving about the story. Once you get past premise of the jilted bride is saved by the “roguish knight in rusted armor” it falls predictable and hollow. The contrived problems of our protagonist couple are nowhere as interesting as the subplot relationship of the older couple Eloise and Sam. Even the conflict with Adam’s family is more interesting.  

Is this the formula for written romance? I’ve read this same formula more times than I care to count. Even in movies they follow this formula. Touted as Harlequin Super Romance, where was the SUPER? I remember as a kid seeing Harlequin novels, knowing they what they were but never caring what was on those pages. Does that mean my younger version of myself is smart than my current version of myself?  

This review isn’t knocking Abby Gaines, because it was the writing that kept me reading. It’s just the predictability of the romance genre. For most romance novels if you’ve read one you’ve read them all. There are notable exceptions which made me think romance novels aren’t that bad. But I’m starting to realize this really was the exception and not the rule.  

I read this book based solely on the title, Married by Mistake. Who even gets married by mistake? This couple is so in love with each other that it doesn’t make since when they breakup. Which I knew from the first page; don’t they always?  

For the entire book I teetered on whether I thought it was okay or didn’t like. One thing shattered any chance. I don’t care how gentlemanly or in love a guy is two months to retrieve his car especially a 400,000 dollar car is unfreaking believe. I know women eat this stuff up. Love is a form of insanity; it overrides the natural tendency of self-preservation.  

This is only for those that jonesing for the romance genre. It has an interesting premise, but I think I’m nearing my limit of “romance” novels for this year.

I give Married By Mistake 2 out 5.

Past Forward- A Serial Novel: Episode 7

Past Forward- A Serial Novel: Episode 7 by Chautona Havig



Past Forward is a serial novel released weekly on Kindle.  

Alone without friends or family to comfort her after the death of her mother, Willow Finley’s idyllic life is over—and just beginning.  

When Willow Finley awakes on a hot summer morning, she is unprepared for the grief that awaits her. Jerked from a life of isolation with her mother, Willow learns what alone really means when she finds her mother still in her bed, never to awaken again in this life.  

From the moment Willow arrives in the police station with her startling announcement, Chad Tesdall fights the friendship he knows he can't avoid.  

In this episode, Chad discovers a way to help Willow deal with her grief, while Willow experiences her all-American Thanksgiving. While she makes plans to reconnect with her grandparents, Chad connects even deeper with the beauty that is her life.  

Warning: Here We Come spoilers in this episode.  

Follow as Willow's story unfolds past forward.  

Released weekly as a serial novel.


And cue the meddling family... Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Episode 7 is the seventh episode is this amazing serial novel. The second episode after Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Volume 1 which encompasses the first five episodes. This episode takes place in November; it finds Willow being included in Chad’s Thanksgiving celebration.  

More so than any other episode I feel like a voyeur, reading about the development of a woman kept in captivity. I’m excited that she’s starting to adjust to being around larger groups.  

This episode highlights that Chad Tesdall is comfortably living not in Fairbury or Rockland but a town named Denial. He’s so much deeper than he can imagine. When he realizes it’s going to be like a slap and punch to the face, and a kick in the gut. Even when he starts getting close, he doesn’t even try to trim the hedges of the bush.  

Even with nothing really happening I’m too invested to be disappointed. Every episode is just that an episode to be enjoy. It’s more entertaining than anything offered on television. If you haven’t invested in Willow’s story, Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Volume 1 will get you caught up with episodes 1-5, volume 6 and 7 are out now.


I give Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Episode 7 3 out 5.

Past Forward- a Serial Novel: Volume 1

Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Volume 1 by Chautona Havig



Alone without friends or family to comfort her after the death of her mother, Willow Finley’s idyllic life is over—and just beginning.

When Willow Finley awakes on a hot summer morning, she is unprepared for the grief that awaits her. Jerked from a life of isolation with her mother, Willow learns what alone really means when she finds her mother still in her bed, never to awaken again in this life.

From the moment Willow arrives in the police station with her startling announcement, Chad Tesdall fights the friendship he knows he can't avoid.

This collection of the first five episodes of Past Forward starts with Willow's life-changing discovery and gently guides the reader through aspects of her life--the past weaving through the present and into the future. Experience her first morning in church, her first movie, and the culture shock of her first trips to the city. A birthday party and a street faire add welcome diversion from butchering, canning, and the beating of area rugs. Disaster strikes. Will she be able to continue her life, or will an offer in the city change it all? Find out in this first volume.

Follow as Willow's story unfolds past forward.

Past Forward is a serial novel released weekly on Kindle.


Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Volume 1 is the first five episodes of Chautona Havig’s thoroughly engrossing serial novel released weekly. These first five introduce us to Willow Anne Finley, a character whose character and upbringing illuminated just how convoluted out lives really have become.


There’s a quote something like “You can never have time, if you never take time.” This is the philosophy of Willow’s life. Kari, her mother, has raised her in an almost Amish life style. They are as self-sufficient as one’s in modern society can be. Together they developed their own world. When Kari died it shattered.

This world they created isn’t without problems, this introduce Chad Tresdall, a sheriff’s deputy on the Fairbury force. It’s through his eyes that we see Willow. It’s their friendship that is the driving force behind these first five episodes and the new experiences that Kari’s misguide ways sheltered Willow from.

For me it was a journey that I looked forward to read. During the fourth and fifth episode I lost my uncle, he left as sudden as Kari. It helped me to empathize with Willow more. As Willow finally started to process her mother’s lost, I was in the throes of grief. These past couple of weeks, it wasn’t just an amazingly written story. It’s an escape for me to clear my head and read about how this character is continuing their life after a lost.

If you have missed any episodes or you want to catch up, this is the perfect for you. At the time of this writing there is only one more episode out, Episode 6. I hope you find the time to join the rest of us, Past Forward.


I give Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Volume 1 4 out 5.

Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Episode 6

Past Forward- A Serial Novel: Episode 6 by Chautona Havig



Past Forward is a serial novel released weekly on Kindle.  

Alone without friends or family to comfort her after the death of her mother, Willow Finley’s idyllic life is over—and just beginning.  

When Willow Finley awakes on a hot summer morning, she is unprepared for the grief that awaits her. Jerked from a life of isolation with her mother, Willow learns what alone really means when she finds her mother still in her bed, never to awaken again in this life.  

From the moment Willow arrives in the police station with her startling announcement, Chad Tesdall fights the friendship he knows he can't avoid.  

In this episode, the foundations of Willow's life are shaken from several sides. Suffering from a blow that will take months to recover from, Willow is also given the opportunity of a lifetime. To accept would change everything, but is she ready for her life to turn upside down?  

Follow as Willow's story unfolds past forward.  

Released weekly as a serial novel.


Released on 02 Aug 12, Past Forward- A Serial Novel: Episode 6 is just as good as the previous five episodes, but I think the real conflict of this novel was revealed. At first I was so disbelieving that Willow would be that naïve. Then I remember that she IS that naïve. Then it was like WOW.  

We live in a world, which the public has foster, to be intrusive on Public Figures’ personal lives. How couldn’t you see it coming? I’m literally three hours away from Mayberry. I could see this one coming. Why couldn’t Chad, maybe he really isn’t ready for Rockland.  

This episode just makes me feel sad sympathy for Willow Anne Finley. I don’t pity her, that’s exactly what comes to your mind as you’re reading this. She’s like a child discovering Santa Claus isn’t real. [If this just shattered your reality, I’M SORRY. It hurt when I realized it too.] The secret that has defined her life is out there for the public.  

Intentional or not Chautona Havig gives an example of how desensitized we have become. It’s the reporters fault but I really can’t blame him he was just ‘doing his job.’ You can’t blame the vulture for pickin’ at a carcass. It’s just another example of how old world values clash with modern values.  



I give Past Forward- A Serial Novel: Episode 6 4 out 5.

Winter's Storm: Retribution (Winter's Saga 2)

Winter’s Storm: Retribution (Winter’s Saga 2) by Karen Luellen


Born into evil.  
Raised for violence.  
Searching for truth.  
   

In the second book of Winter’s Saga we meet Creed Young. He’s a metahuman, like Meg, Alik and Evan Winter, but unlike the Winter children, Creed wasn’t rescued by a goodhearted doctor from the experiments and traumas at the hands of the evil Dr. Williams. No, Creed wasn’t that lucky. Instead, he was raised along with hundreds of other metasoldiers in a militant compound to be a lethal, bloodthirsty assassin. His first assignment: To kill the thief, Margo Winter, who stole three children from Dr. Williams’ institute twelve years ago, and return those stolen assets.


Winter’s Storm: Retribution (Winter’s Saga 2) is just as good as the first one. The majority of this story deals with a new character Creed Young. With the focus on Creed it doesn’t hurt the story as much as you think. It works because for the majority of the book the Winters’ are reacting to their new reality. And those life changes events just keep coming throughout this novel.  

I wanted to hate Creed Young, as a new character and his purpose. I couldn’t even when he was being puppeteered by the evil Dr. Williams. (As a character, I visualize Dr. Williams as Dr. Doom, without the metallic suit. And please don’t leave comments about how this is incorrect. I personally don’t like the Fantastic Four. The Avenger, X-Men did better jobs fighting their villains, except in the Ultimate Universe. For whatever reason they disbanded, Johnny joining what’s left of the X-Men fit him better.) Creed and Gavil are a literary example of dysfunctional. I’ve wanted to beat the living crap out of my brother, but to literally HAVE to kill him. I couldn’t do it, even if I was trained in a hell-hole like the Facility.  

There is a reveal, that took shape in the first book and continue in this one. Each incident you could see it happening. I’m surprised that it didn’t happen sooner. But holding it off until the end made the anticipation for the next novel, Winter’s Wrath: Sacrifice, that much sweeter and panged. I can’t wait to read what came from his choice. If you haven’t read it yet, check out Winter’s Awakening: The Metahumans Emerge.


I give Winter’s Storm: Retribution (Winter’s Saga 2) 5 out 5.

Winter's Awakening: The Metahumans Emerge (Winter's Saga 1)

Winter’s Awakening: The Metahuman Emerge (Winter’s Saga 1) by Karen Luellen



Created for evil.
Raised to protect.
Searching for truth.

******

Extraordinary teen Meg Winter and her brothers Alik and Evan are shoved into a new reality when they discover life is not what they thought it was: there is evil hunting them, they are not normal teens, and their mother's captor wants them back to continue his plans for the perfect race.


First let me start by say Ah-Maze-ING. Winter’s Awakening: The Metahumans Emerge should definitely get the Hollywood treatment. If they are going to continue to remake crap like Total Recall, this should be on a studio’s list. It’s Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Identity meets X-Men: First Class. Warning: Set aside time to read, YOU WILL NOT WANT TO PUT DOWN.  

This is a fast pace and surprisingly quick read. I never questioned the good or bad of the characters. Karen Luellen’s writing allowed me to visualize the action surrounding the characters. For me I kept imagining Jennifer Lawrence’s character from Winter’s Bone as Meg. Alik (cool spelling btw), and Evan were generic based on their descriptions.  

These kids are intelligent, capable, and lethal. Their “mother” made them self-sufficient. It really doesn’t read artificial or farcical when these 15, 14, and 12 put a plan in motion.  

The backstory is exactly how I imagine metahumans will spontaneous come into existence. It’s the noblest of intentions warped by the ‘GOD complex’ of man. Having been watching the Olympic, there are a few, I think are either metas or on the cusp of being one.  

The ending isn’t a cliffhanger but it does left you hanging. I do have my suspicions. I usually like to add a buffer between books in a series but I think I’m going to just go into the next one, Winter’s Storm: Retribution (Winter’s Saga 2) .


I give Winter’s Awakening: The Metahuman Emerge 5 out 5.

Desolate (Desolation 2)

Desolate (Desolation 2) by Ali Cross


Where darkness lives, all will become desolate.

  It’s been two months since sixteen-year-old Desolation Black chose Earth over Hell and her friend Miri over her eternal love, Michael.

  Desi goes through the motions of life: school, training, remaining vigilant against the forces of darkness, but her dreams are full of the choices she wishes she could change. When she’s injured by a strange demon, old temptations arise, and the lines between good and evil blur. Desi discovers those choices aren’t so final after all.

  And this time, the power of love—for a friend, for a lover—may not be enough to save her from the darkness that lurks within.


Desolate (Desolation 2) is just as amazing as Become, more so because it didn’t have the slow start. Prepare yourself for the twist.  
I really wanted to start this book after finishing the first, but life and the Olympics called. In a way I’m glad. It gave me a chance to digest the first book. I like the character of Desolation, but I can’t even imagine what kind of life she’s life to be so freaking pessimistic. This girl isn’t just half empty; she shatters the glass so nothing CAN be held.  

Every decision she makes is wrong. But what can you expect from a girl raised in hell and is named Desolation Black? As an Asgardian, half-Valkyrie princess, half-demon princess, I still expect more because she is capable of more. It’s frustrating to read.  

This novel ends on a resolute cliff-hanger. I wanted a third. Desolate is the perfect name for this novel. Every character at the end is left there. Even Miri the most upbeat character in the series is left their and its plausible.  

It’s rollercoaster of a ride. Ali Cross telegraphs some parts are like a bad poker player until you realize she was showing her hand to distract you when she swiping the entire table from under you. The newer characters are perfect characterization, especially Helena, long after her chapters I was still thinking about her. What kinds of demented do you have to be to create Hell?  


I give Desolate (Desolation 2) 4 out 5.

Past Foward-A Serial Novel: Episode 5

Past Forward- A Serial Novel: Episode 5 by Chautona Havig



Past Forward is a serial novel released weekly on Kindle.

Alone without friends or family to comfort her after the death of her mother, Willow Finley’s idyllic life is over—and just beginning.

When Willow Finley awakes on a hot summer morning, she is unprepared for the grief that awaits her. Jerked from a life of isolation with her mother, Willow learns what alone really means when she finds her mother still in her bed, never to awaken again in this life.

From the moment Willow arrives in the police station with her startling announcement, Chad Tesdall fights the friendship he knows he can't avoid.

In this episode, the foundations of Willow's life are shaken from several sides. Suffering from a blow that will take months to recover from, Willow is also given the opportunity of a lifetime. To accept would change everything, but is she ready for her life to turn upside down?

Follow as Willow's story unfolds past forward.

Released weekly as a serial novel.



Past Forward- A Serial Novel: Episode 5 is bittersweet. This week my oldest uncle died this week, so I was dealing with the grief of his death. The impact of Willow hitting the depression state of grieving had greater impact on me.

People rallied around Willow just like all of my extended family. This episode was strangely surreal when I read it. Willow’s drama in this episode was a comfort more than entertainment. It let me escape the pain and drama.

It helped because, not only was she starting to grieve but she was physically not at her best. It made her more vulnerable than I think she’s ever been in her life. This reliance on other people is the catalyst for this most unusual woman by today’s standards to begin the grieving process.


I give Past Forward- A Serial Novel: Episode 5 4 out 5.

Become: A Novel of Desolation

Become: A Novel of Desolation by Ali Cross



Sixteen-year old Desolation Black wants nothing more than to stay in Hell where it’s cold and lonely and totally predictable. Instead, she’s sent back to Earth where she must face the evil she despises and the good she always feared.

When Desi is forced to embrace her inner demon, she assumes her choice has been made—that she has no hope of being anything other than what her father, Lucifer, has created her to be. What she doesn’t count on, is finding a reason to change—something she’s never had before—a friend.


Become: A Novel of Desolation is an amazing novel and cover. The only reason I don’t give it 5 out 5 is that it took so long for me to connect with Desi’s story. The elements were sprinkled throughout the beginning. I was more than half way finished when I started to absolutely loved this novel.

The instant I finished this novel I wanted to start, Desolate (Desolation 2), the next one in the series. But I’m fully invested now. I have rarely read books that make use of Norse instead of Greek mythology to create the world.

Most of my exposure to Norse mythology stems from Marvel’s Thor comic. Even that was limited until I researched the characters in the Thor movie. This is the extent of my Norse mythology. Yet Ali Cross has created a far richer mythology in her one book. This fact sets her novel apart, in my opinion.

Because of my limited knowledge of Norse mythology, the way I envisioned the characters did come directly from the Marvel movies. So it created immense amounts of laughter, in me, when I realized Thor’s part in Ali Cross’s world. Chris Hemsworth. Just thinking his name makes me laugh now; he’s never what I picture for THAT icon. Thank You, Ali Cross.

The composite mythologies for the characters are what won me over; it’s something that can’t be explained without spoiling the novel. Because I classify this as Modern Mythology it’s just as good as any story told by DC or Marvel. Become: A Novel of Desolation is an origin story of a heroine.

I think this novel speaks to more markets than its genre classification. Anyone that loves mythology won’t want to miss this novel. Anyone new to Young Adult will definitely like this novel.


I give Become: A Novel of Desolation 4 out 5.

Still the One

Still the One by Robin Wells





After Katie Charmaine's husband is killed in Iraq, all she has left is a closet full of his clothes, a few pictures, and fond memories. She not only lost her love, but her last chance to have the children she's always wanted. Until Zack Ferguson shows up in town . . . with the daughter Katie gave up for adoption nearly seventeen years ago. 

Zack Ferguson has never forgotten Katie, or the one magical night they spent together. Seeing her again brings up a tidal wave of emotions: regret over the way he left her, anger at the secret she kept, and desire he hasn't felt in years. But he's in town for Gracie. Their daughter is sixteen, angry at the world, and-worst of all-pregnant. She needs the love of her two parents now more than ever. Can these three forgive the hurts of the past and open their hearts to each other?



Still the One is a happy-ending to a serious dysfunctional situations. Katie Charmaine is basically going through the motions of her life until this event. When most people give their child up for adoption they home that they end up in a better home and situation than themselves. It’s the main reason for choosing adoption. When Katie Charmaine’s first love returns to town with the daughter she gave up for adoption, it’s definitely a shock. But to find out she’s pregnant like you were at her age is heartbreaking for her.

This is a light summer read. Robin Wells gives the characters the patented drama to overcome but it felt light and manageable. There are many situations that could have had darker turns.

This is perfect snapshot of themes: modern romance, families in the 21st century, and forgiveness. The romance is shone through the lives of two couples. The family is blended the new standard in American society. Even though they are related that closeness we associate with family had to be developed through forgiveness.

For me, it gave me a glimpse into the thoughts of a child of adoption. I loved the character of Grace, the adoptive daughter reunited with her bio-parents. She was anger and made all of these incorrect assumptions. I never could figure her reasoning for them. I didn’t identify with her and that’s why I loved her.

Her perspective is a world that I may never understand. I can emphasize and sympathize but I can never KNOW.




I give Still the One 3 out 5.