Hey, everyone! Long time, no see! I have so many posts back-logged in my brain, so I promise they’re coming. There’s a few exciting plans on the horizon and I can’t wait to tell you guys about them as they come.
Anyway, I spent last week getting caught up on some books, because let’s face it, I’m behind on my TBR as usual. That’s okay though, because I’ve been able to really savor the books I spent my time with. I also spent a weekend away so while that put my posts behind schedule, I’ll be binging you another literary adventure soon!
I’m done rambling now. I think it’s time to get to my latest review, because it’s a good one! Tonight, I’m talking about Revelry by Kandi Steiner. This is the third book of hers I’ve read, and I just adore her writing more and more with each story.
Wren finds herself in a life she never imagined for herself, divorced before the age of thirty.
Anderson used to be the life of the party, until a family tragedy snuffed out the light in his eyes.
In need of a change, some inspiration, and to re-evaluate her life, Wren decides to pack up and hop in her car for a period of time off the grid. In my opinion, it’s the best decision she’s ever made (from what I know of her right off the bat, anyway).
Anderson has spent the last several years keeping to himself. He can’t shake the burden and blame that sits on his shoulders, and he doesn’t seem to want to either. Instead, he loses himself in work, which is fine and dandy, until his eyes land on Wren.
While he can’t allow himself to be distracted by the newcomer to town, Wren can’t help but feel intrigued by the brooding hulk of a man. She can sense how troubled his heart is, much like her own. Even though she has her own troubles to find her way through, she can’t help her need to crack his rough exterior.
What Wren doesn’t know is that Anderson finds himself feeling the same way. He knows this beautiful stranger has been knocked down, and she’s trying desperately to re-gain her footing and get back up. Even though he does everything he can to keep his feelings at bay, he can’t help but want to pick up the pieces from those who wronged her.
Wren is only staying at her cabin in the woods for the summer. A relationship is not possible. Neither party can afford anymore heartbreak. They choose, instead, to enjoy the time they have together, getting to know one another, and letting old wounds heal.
It may seem like an exhausted topic, people dealing with tragedy and demons, but everyone has their own stories to tell. Wren and Anderson are no different. He teaches her how to fix all the broken bits in her summer home with the help of proper tools, while they also attempt to fix each other. That’s the beauty of the human condition, and Steiner always does this so damn well.
Anderson and Wren are both lost souls, each of them fighting their own battles. Neither one expected to have their life altered for the better in a time of such devastation and hurt. They seem to be just what each other needs, but it’s up to them to choose to see things through, or let time take away the one happiness they’ve found in a long while.
Clearly, I adored everything about this story. I’m no stranger to loss in my own life, and I feel like I’m constantly trying to find what path is right for me.. even in my early thirties, so I could identify with both characters a great deal. I love when an unexpected surprise becomes the greatest gift.
As I stated prior, even though I’ve read mountains of books, each of them having their flawed primary players, it never gets old for me. I learn something from each and every character’s personal journey, and Wren and Anderson were no different. I loved that even though Anderson was hurting, he was such a fierce protector, and would do anything possible to see Wren smile at the end of the day… even if that meant breaking down the very high walls he built up. I also thoroughly admired Wren for her bravery. When one chapter of her life closed (on a rather sour note), she grabbed the bull by the horns rather than curling up in a ball, and figured out exactly what she needed to move on. It really hit me when it hit her, how valuable our individual freedom really is, and it’s something I need to remember thanks to her courageous character.
I enjoyed my time in the remote woods of Washington with such a tormented, yet lovely pair. I felt like a silent observer of the whole quirky neighborhood family who made their summer truly magical and life-altering.
My Final Rating: five out of five stars
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