Monday, June 8, 2015

Like All Things Beautiful by Shannon McCrimmon


Title: Like All Things Beautiful
 
Author: Shannon McCrimmon

Publisher: CreateSpace


Published Date: May 2, 2015

Buy on Amazon: Kindle  & Paperback 

   

Author Facebook:
www.facebook.com/shannonmccrimmonauthor 

Author Website: www.shannonmccrimmon.com




Synopsis: 

In this sequel to Kiss Me Hard Before You Go, Evie Barnes is living day-to-day, trying to keep her father's land and his cattle business afloat. She is adjusting to his absence and to living with Finch and the rest of the carnies, which is creating quite a stir amongst the locals in Haines. As Finch and the others learn a new way of life that doesn't involve the carnival, they're dealing with prejudice from almost everyone in town. A string of suspicious incidents occur, prompting all fingers to point the blame at them. Just when Evie and Finch learn to deal with the mountain of obstacles facing them, the unexpected happens, causing them to question if their relationship can survive it all.
 
My Thoughts:

Shannon McCrimmon's Like All Things Beautiful is the second novel in her The Hearts of Haines series. I read the first book, Kiss Me Hard Before You Go, last May and fell head over heels in love with Evie, Finch, Gray, and the other kaleidoscope of characters (my review found here.) When I discovered that there was not only going to be a sequel, but a series as well, it seriously felt like my birthday and Christmas all rolled into one! Kiss Me Hard Before You Go was one of my favorite reads last year. The whole concept of a traveling Carnival being held on Evie's farm on a yearly basis was fresh and different. McCrimmon created truly memorable characters in Doris, Mouse, Friedrich and the other carnies. Mixed in with the love story were issues everyone faces in their lives such as family problems, money difficulties, and struggles with best friends. To find out that everyone's story had not ended and I would be able to see what was next for them was exciting.  I was also eager to watch Evie and Finch's relationship bloom. 

Like All Things Beautiful picks up shortly after Kiss Me Hard Before You Go ends. Evie is not only adjusting to life without Gray but to her new found family. Meanwhile, Finch, Doris, Friedrich, and Mouse are adjusting to farm life and beginning to love their new home and lifestyle. The community of Haines, however, is anything but welcoming. Things begin rough for Evie's new family but as the book progresses things go from bad to worse. The one steady thing is Evie and Finch's relationship. It's easy to see that they truly love each other and will do whatever is needed to make their new life on the farm work. Financial issues can sometimes be the death of a relationship, but Evie and Finch are able to rise above that, judgmental neighbors, and other obstacles life throws their way.  

In Like All Things Beautiful we get to know Finch better. Evie sees another side to Finch when she travels with him to Florida to retrieve the personal belongings of Finch and the other carnies. Evie learns a lot through her conversations with Finchs friends. We also find out more about Finchs relationship with his mother and what makes him tick. This is an important trip for Evie; it really opens her eyes to what a wonderful man she has.

Shannon McCrimmon's Like All Things Beautiful is a touching continuation of Kiss Me Hard Before You Go. There are many up's and down's, as well as ample opportunities for you to laugh, cry, and pick your jaw up off the floor.  The next book in The Hearts of Haines series is This Is Where We Begin and follows Evie's best friend, Katie.  Katie has found herself single, pregnant, and disowned from her family and it is next on my to be read list! If you have yet to check out this series I implore you to do so as quickly as possible! You won't be disappointed!
Shannon McCrimmon

*I have been provided a complimentary copy of the book, Like All Things Beautiful, for the purpose of review.*



No comments:

Post a Comment