Sandy M’s review of A Reason to Love (Snowberry Creek, Book 3) by Alexis Morgan
Contemporary Romance published by Signet 6 May 14
I was hoping this series would grow on me more than it has over the last year or so. Unfortunately, I enjoy Alexis Morgan’s paranormal stories over her contemporaries. I had higher hopes for this book, because we learn that Spence’s death has been greatly exaggerated, and he’s the reason that everything that’s happened throughout the series has occurred in Snowberry Creek. Now, all this being said, that doesn’t mean these aren’t books you may not enjoy. While they don’t equal the page-turning fervor I get when I read Ms. Morgan’s paranormals, they’re still good books because she’s a very talented author who can weave an entertaining read one way or another, no matter what.
I expected a bit more emotion in this book since everyone learns Spence is not dead after all. It’s Melanie who gives the book its emotional appeal, while the others fall a tad short in that area for me. While the times Spence has flashbacks to his time in Afghanistan read and happen true to life, I’m a bit miffed at his misunderstanding the situation he’s walked into when he returns home.
But it’s Melanie who draws you into the story, beginning with her wanting to help the lone man she spies at the cemetery. Who she discovers is Spence, transfixed at seeing his own name on a gravestone. Though they were never close while in school, she crushed on him just like all the other girls, and she knows he now needs someone to get him through these poignant moments. However, that’s all for naught when he goes a bit too far at Nick and Callie’s wedding. Nick has taken his girl at the first opportunity, so he points fingers, asks no questions, and stalks away mad at the world.
It’s Melanie who once again comes to his rescue as he downs as many drinks as he can at a local bar. Melanie has her own problems in trying to keep the family business up and running, discovering after her father’s death the man wasn’t as financially responsible as he should have been. She’s willing to help Spence out, though, and offers him the housekeeper’s cottage near the main family house and also offers him a job, hoping to help them both out in that regard. They get closer and closer as they each work through their issues, and though they know they’re each leaving town when all is said and done, they eventually give in to their attraction.
While I understand Spence’s anger, I don’t understand why he just wouldn’t go to his friends and say, “Hey!” and demand some answers. Because the answers he would have gotten if he’d done that would have given him much more to think about than the supposed betrayal he feels is going on. Since his only living family is an uncle and a cousin, whom he can’t stand, he’s got nothing to lose except the family of friends he’d been through hell before his “death.” But he tosses that away like it means nothing, and that just doesn’t sit right with me. Yes, it all comes in time, but it takes too long in coming for me. At least his friends keep trying to get him to talk and they keep being turned away, but at least they try.
Melanie is friends with Callie, so I give her props for sticking by Spence all the way in this book. Even before she realizes she truly loves him. She’s the bright spot in the book and Spence is lucky to have her, which he also nearly realizes too late. I wanted to shake him silly a few times, despite his PTSD, something I wish had been gone into a bit deeper when things come to a head for him.
I’ve been all over the place with this series since the beginning. I like the characters for the most part, I just don’t feel as invested in them as I should have been, considering the circumstances. The small-town America feel is definitely there in Snowberry Creek, which I always enjoy in romance, and Ms. Morgan writes it beautifully. So while I had a few ups and downs, there’s plenty to enjoy in the series, and I hope you’ll discover that for yourself.
Grade: B-
Summary:
All roads lead home in Snowberry Creek…
After a devastating tour in Afghanistan, all Spencer Lang wants is for life to return to normal. But when he rides into his hometown on his Harley, he learns that his friends and family have tried to move past their heartbreak since he was reported killed-in-action—and the woman he loved is about to marry his best friend. Now, all he can do is pick up the pieces of his life.
Years ago Melanie Wolfe left town, with no intention of ever coming back. But when her father dies, she reluctantly returns home to salvage the family business. Reuniting with Spencer, her high school crush, complicates the already thorny situation, especially when she begins losing her heart to him all over again.
As Spencer and Melanie work to restore order to her family’s company, two damaged hearts face an unexpected new future that is filled with possibilities…and love.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
