Hello, lovelies!! It gives me great pleasure today to host Gisèle L Grieves and her new book, “Country Hearts,” here on FAB!! For other stops on her Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tour, please click on the banner above or any of the images in this post.
Be sure to make it to the end of this post to enter to win a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card!! Also, come back daily to interact with Gisèle and to increase your chances of winning!!
Thanks for stopping by!! Wishing you all lots of luck in this fabulous giveaway!!
Country Hearts
by Gisèle L Grieves
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GENRE: Romance
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BLURB:
Jenny's life revolves around three very important things: being a mom, a wife, and a rancher; until one day, the unthinkable happens.
Journey with Jenny as she faces some of the hardest obstacles but also the most incredible moments of her life. Just as she feels her days are at their darkest, a special person comes into her life, and brightens it all up.
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EXCERPT THREE:
Another day, the same chores; I am well on my way to having a fruitful end to my day when the doorbell rings. I almost don’t answer it; it’s almost suppertime and I still have a couple of things to do. But, no one ignores the door where I come from.
A few minutes later, all thoughts of chores and fruitful days are gone as I frantically dial another number.
“Hello?”
“Gerald, it’s Jenny. I need your help. David has been in an accident. The police and a woman named Ally Darius, are here to take me to the hospital. Gerald, I need someone to watch the kids. My parents are on their way, but they have a twentyminute drive. Could you come sit with the kids until my parents get here?”
“I’m on my way. Take a breath, Jenny. It will be all right.” He hangs up the phone.
Everything is a blur. I’m sitting in the back of a police car being escorted to the hospital. I can’t breathe. “David’s been in an accident” is all they will tell me. Obviously, it isn’t good if they send police to your door. He should have been on his way home from work. I was angry that he was late and hadn’t called. Dinner was sitting on the stove getting cold. ... Mom and Dad should be there soon to take over from Gerald and watch the kids. ... I can’t breathe.
Turns out, Ally Darius is a grief counsellor. She is sitting in the passenger seat and looks back. “You are hyperventilating. Put your head between your knees. You need to stay calm. Everything will be fine. Take some deep breaths for me.” But I can barely hear her over the roar of the sirens. I can’t breathe ...
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MY BOOK REVIEW:
Last week, I was introduced to Gisèle L Grieves writing when I participated in her book tour event. I also had the pleasure of reading and reviewing her book, “Willow’s Ridge.” I really enjoyed the book, so I leapt at the chance to have her back the following week here on FAB and to also read and review her latest book, “Country Hearts.”
This book will bring smiles, happiness, tears, heartache, sorrow, laughter, and cheer – and of course, everything else in between!!
This particular book follows the main character, Jenny, her family, and an unforeseen tragedy that is headed their way. Jenny’s life is far from perfect, but it’s full of love and devotion as a mother of four, a wife, and a rancher. Jenny and her husband, David, just “celebrated,” fourteen years of marriage and are still very much in love. Although, their anniversary plans, and like many other plans when you have kids, are sadly interrupted, and postponed, if not completely canceled and forgotten about. Family life can certainly get in the way and unfortunately, that also seems to be the case with Jenny and David’s private intimate adult time constantly getting quashed by family obligations. Jenny has started feeling the emotional disconnect from David as their intimacy levels continue to add distance only drifting them further apart. Jenny begins to question if David even still finds her attractive and desirable as it’s been forever since they’ve touched, and even longer since it was without obligation or out of necessity. Balancing work, family, and a partnership is no easy feat, and while Jenny and David make it work, it’s clear they aren’t always on the same page these days. They are clearly in need of some personal relationship time away from the kids, work, and home responsibilities to focus on rekindling their romance. Pretty much your average family with kids lol. More alone or together time wanted and needed, less and less of that time actually available lol.
While the beginning of the book does an excellent job of setting up the story and creating an understanding of the family dynamic, it is quickly uprooted when tragedy unexpectedly strikes. Jenny’s world is completely turned upside down and nothing will ever be the same again. While I really don’t want to give away any spoilers, I am trying to be transparent and informative in my review. While the tragic events may be obvious to some or quickly guessed, I will try to keep it universal in my tone for the other readers.
I appreciated that the author was able to describe the appropriate steps and actions that are taken after said events occur. It’s clear the author is familiar with this scenario and/or well-versed from her in-depth research as these particular passages felt realistic and accurate.
I felt absolutely heartbroken for Jenny as I could easily feel her sadness and grief. I seriously wanted to give her a hug and tell her it was going to be okay.
While the ripple effects of the tragedy then become the focus of the book, I think many people may be surprised to see how one event can completely derail every aspect of your life. I greatly appreciated that the author didn’t rush Jenny’s mourning period and devoted an appropriate amount of time for her to process through the five stages of grief and healing. Furthermore, I enjoyed seeing how Jenny and her family overcame this hardship, how they grew from it, and how it made them stronger and closer as a family.
Like I mentioned in the previous book review, this book is also full of strong, deep, heavy, weighted emotions that really had this reader on a rollercoaster feeling every up and down right alongside the characters, especially the main character, Jenny. Clearly the author excels at creating such complex characters that readers can not only relate to and connect with, but also sympathize with.
It is hard not to get completely wrapped up in the character’s and their storylines. There were a few scenes I actually caught myself biting my lip or holding my breath as I was so concerned about the fate of my favorite new character friends lol!!
The author skillfully created such realistic, genuine, multi-dimensional characters that readers will also enjoy hearing how their story unfolds and seeing how they overcame their difficult, but extremely relatable life obstacles. This shared depth and insight are both welcoming and encouraging.
Another thing I really liked about this book, even with all the heartache and despair is that the author also shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that there really is a way through all these dark and difficult days. She absolutely pushes her characters (and her readers) to not give up, to keep moving forward, and proves to them that they are not only stronger than they think but that they can also handle whatever comes their way.
There are no rainbows, butterflies, or cookie-cutter HEA storylines here – this author writes raw, deep emotion, unrefined, authentic, and real-life stories about actual people with real problems. Don’t get me wrong I do love my fairytales, but I truly appreciated the author keeping it 100, and not sugar coating or dumbing down the material.
This book is a crucial reminder that life is short, we should never take things for granted, and always say your “I love you’s,” as you never know if you’ll ever have another chance to.
This book has many inspiring and encouraging moments that can easily relate to readers and help them deal with their own personal challenges and tragedies.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it!!! I think all romance readers and romance fans will like this book too – especially if you enjoy stories about real people overcoming real-life obstacles!!! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!!!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations**
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AUTHOR BIO:
Gisèle was born in a small town in Northern Ontario and now resides in the most southern part of the province. She has been married for 16 years and has 4 wonderful children. Gisèle has had many careers over the years, ranging from truck driving and selling insurance, to working in schools and cattle ranching. No job has ever mattered more to her than being a mom. Gisèle started writing to give her something to do once her kids were in bed. She also has a vivid imagination, and writing gives her a way to get her thoughts out. What started out as a guilty pleasure has turned into is something much bigger. She is excited to share this second novel with her readers.
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CONNECT WITH GISÈLE:
Website:
https://giselegrievesauthor.com
Blog:
https://giselegrievesauthor.com/blog
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009599320583
Twitter:
https://www.twitter.com/GiseleGrieves
Goodreads Author Page:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20761023.Gisele_L_Grieves
Goodreads Book Page:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56408101-country-hearts
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BOOK BUY LINKS:
Amazon US Kindle eBook:
Amazon US Paperback:
Amazon US Hardcover:
Amazon CA Kindle eBook:
https://www.amazon.ca/Country-Hearts-Gisèle-L-Grieves-ebook/dp/B08M9Q1DN8
Amazon CA Paperback:
https://www.amazon.ca/Country-Hearts-Gisèle-L-Grieves/dp/0228835380
Amazon CA Hardcover:
https://www.amazon.ca/Country-Hearts-Gisèle-L-Grieves/dp/0228835399
Apple Books eBook:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/country-hearts/id1538240577
Barnes and Noble NOOK eBook:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/country-hearts-gis-le-l-grieves/1138021942?ean=2940164298098
Barnes and Noble Paperback:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/country-hearts-gis-le-l-grieves/1138021942?ean=9780228835387
Barnes and Noble Hardcover:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/country-hearts-gis-le-l-grieves/1138021942?ean=9780228835394
The Book Depository Paperback:
https://www.bookdepository.com/Country-Hearts-Gisele-L-Grieves/9780228835387
The Book Depository Hardcover:
https://www.bookdepository.com/Country-Hearts-Gisèle-L-Grieves/9780228835394
BAM! Books-A-Million Paperback:
https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Country-Hearts/Gisle-L-Grieves/9780228835387
BAM! Books-A-Million Hardcover:
https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Country-Hearts/Gisle-L-Grieves/9780228835394
The Bookshop Paperback:
https://bookshop.org/books/country-hearts-9780228835394/9780228835387
The Bookshop Hardcover:
https://bookshop.org/books/country-hearts-9780228835394/9780228835394
Indigo Chapters CA eBook:
https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/country-hearts/9780228835400-item.html
Kobo US eBook:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/country-hearts-11
Kobo CA eBook:
https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/country-hearts-11
Smashwords eBook:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1051881
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GIVEAWAY INFO:
Gisèle will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.**This post contains
affiliate links and if clicked and a purchase is made, I may receive a small
commission to help support this blog.
This does not cost you anything, it just helps pay for all those fabulous
community outreach projects and awesome giveaways on here**
Thank you for the review.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review and exerpt! This book sounds very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI love the cover and synopsis, this is a must read for me. Thank you for posting about this book
ReplyDelete