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A review by loishojmark
Chasing Forever by Kelly Jensen
4.0
Chasing Forever
(This Time Forever #3)
by Kelly Jensen
I haven't read any books by Kelly Jensen and I haven't read the first two in the series. That being said... normally I always read books in the intended order, based on the assumption that the author supposedly had an intention of writing those individual books in that particular series.
This time though, I think you might well be able to read the stories as stand alone. I don't know if there is a crossing of characters, but the overall theme of the series is small towns and second chances with a new town and a new main couple in each book.
Since I didn't enter the story with any background knowledge, I didnt have any preconceived notions about Brian as the "bad" guy from the first book. That might have influenced the way I read the story. There is a big difference in reading about a person's actions when told about them from the outside, from the viewpoint of the wronged party, and then experiencing the same person from the inside with all the feelings and thoughts on display. Brian was a blank slade for me and I didn't have to be converted to like him. I kind of wished I had read the first book before this one. There isn't much better than when a one-dimensional villainous character becomes unfolded to a multifaceted person with lots of hurt and feelings. When coupled with a increased self-awareness and personal development it has the potential for a very good book.
And this was a very good, heartwarming book with a lot of feels (and some tears).
In second chance stories, old quibbles, misunderstandings or at least missing information often fill a lot. Often the split wasn't amiable, and regret, stubbornness and pent-up hurt also permeates this story. There is angst, but there is also a lot of hope, hurt and comfort'.
In a way I identify with Brian in my youth as a rebellious and black sheep with a lot of internal hurt and outward reactions. Whereas Mel represents the last 15 years of my life, with a lot of "bodily" pain, rehabilitation, and a fighting will to persevere. But also characterized by periods of depression and lack of hope. Maybe that is one of the reasons why I like the book. But it is also due to Jensen's ability to write good characters - where even the sidecharacters are well-founded and well-rounded.
Given to me by A Novel Take PR in exchange for an honest review.
(This Time Forever #3)
by Kelly Jensen
I haven't read any books by Kelly Jensen and I haven't read the first two in the series. That being said... normally I always read books in the intended order, based on the assumption that the author supposedly had an intention of writing those individual books in that particular series.
This time though, I think you might well be able to read the stories as stand alone. I don't know if there is a crossing of characters, but the overall theme of the series is small towns and second chances with a new town and a new main couple in each book.
Since I didn't enter the story with any background knowledge, I didnt have any preconceived notions about Brian as the "bad" guy from the first book. That might have influenced the way I read the story. There is a big difference in reading about a person's actions when told about them from the outside, from the viewpoint of the wronged party, and then experiencing the same person from the inside with all the feelings and thoughts on display. Brian was a blank slade for me and I didn't have to be converted to like him. I kind of wished I had read the first book before this one. There isn't much better than when a one-dimensional villainous character becomes unfolded to a multifaceted person with lots of hurt and feelings. When coupled with a increased self-awareness and personal development it has the potential for a very good book.
And this was a very good, heartwarming book with a lot of feels (and some tears).
In second chance stories, old quibbles, misunderstandings or at least missing information often fill a lot. Often the split wasn't amiable, and regret, stubbornness and pent-up hurt also permeates this story. There is angst, but there is also a lot of hope, hurt and comfort'.
In a way I identify with Brian in my youth as a rebellious and black sheep with a lot of internal hurt and outward reactions. Whereas Mel represents the last 15 years of my life, with a lot of "bodily" pain, rehabilitation, and a fighting will to persevere. But also characterized by periods of depression and lack of hope. Maybe that is one of the reasons why I like the book. But it is also due to Jensen's ability to write good characters - where even the sidecharacters are well-founded and well-rounded.
Given to me by A Novel Take PR in exchange for an honest review.