Welcome to my stop on the Mending Heart series Blog Tour! I heard about the tour quite last minute, so I'd like to thank L.B.Simmons and Brandee, the host of this great blog tour, for responding to my many messages, providing me a copy of Recovery, and allowing me to join the tour!
Here you will find my reviews for Running on Empty and Recovery, a little quoting game, and the chance to win a signed copy of Running on Empty and Recovery, as well as book swag! So first up:
Running on Empty (Mending Hearts, #1) by L.B. Simmons
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Published: January 4, 2013
Pages: 292
About the book:
I had the perfect life.
Beautiful and loving husband. Three gorgeous little girls. Successful career. The only thing missing was the white picket fence. I really wanted that fence.
Three years ago, I lost that life. I lost my husband. And I lost myself. But, eventually, I found my way through the darkness. I’ve made peace with my new life. I have my girls, and that’s all that matters. They are my world. I have no illusions of ever falling in love again or getting whisked away on a white horse.
But then he came back into my life. On a freakin’ motorcycle.
There’s no way I’ll let him turn my life completely upside down. Absolutely no way.
The question is…How long can I keep pretending that I’m happy with my life being right-side up?
My Review:
I read Running on Empty in March and let me tell you: it is one beautiful story! I initially posted a review of it when I finished it so go HERE to read it, and then come back for more? :)Recovery (Mending Hearts, #1.5 - novella) by L.B. Simmons
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Published: June 13, 2013
Pages: 145
About the book:
I have the perfect life.
I’ve finally found my happy ending.
I fought through the loss of one husband, lucky enough to be given a second chance at a lifetime of happiness. Settling into our new lives, however, may not be as easy as it seems.
What really happens after the fairytale ending?
What happens after the prince rescues the princess?
After he sweeps her off her feet and carries her off into the sunset? Do they truly live happily ever after?
Well…
This is our story.
My Review:
This was the perfect companion novella for Running on Empty fans to get a second glimpse of Alex, Blake, the girls, and Harlow again. I missed these characters and this short look into their lives after RoE was just the right amount to put a smile on my face and it was enough to hold its own. Without giving away any of its contents, I'll just say that this short book is filled to the brim with elements and real life conflicts. I was actually surprised with how much there was in it. I guess that's why I'm so satisfied with it. Although it was short (I feel like it was even shorter than 145 pages), it covered quite a span of time and events and, thus, didn't leave me feeling like there should have been more because more wasn't necessary.
At the end of RoE, we are left with Alex and Blake choosing each other, to make each other a part of their lives. In Recovery, we get to find out exactly what that entitles, if they are able to make their lives become an "ours". Alex and Blake struggle to balance their new lives and relationship. Old habits interfere as well as a couple other huge matters and they're truly put to the test. Recovery not only showed the loving aspect of a relationship, but the misunderstandings and mistakes that lead to a not-so-happy relationship and I loved that because not enough romance novels showcase the "ugly" side to a relationship.
Alex's girls are as cute as ever in this novella, Harlow is, well, Harlow, and we're also introduced to the main characters of L.B. Simmons' upcoming book, Running in Place: Tatum and Noah. I know I'm already going to like them too! All in all, it was great to have this companion to Running on Empty.
Who Said That? - GAME:
So now for a little fun! I pulled some of great quotes from Running on Empty and Recovery, mentioned which book they're from, but I'm not telling you who said them! Leave your guesses in the comments below saying what characters you think said which quote. :) There's no prize for this part of my post, but I hope they excite/urge you to pick up these great reads! P.S. if you read my RoE review, you get a freebie quote! :) Hope you have fun!
"You are mine. Without you, I am nothing." Recovery
"You need to focus, ____. Focus on what you love." Recovery
"But you'll never have your happy ending unless you're brave enough to open the book and start your story." Running on Empty
"I've been waiting to call you mine my whole life, and tonight I plan on showing you just how mine you are." Recovery
"There isn't anything I wouldn't do to see that beautiful smile on your face." Recovery
"He reminds me every day that when you’re running on empty, you won’t ever get where you need to be. Both in Life and Love. (And sometimes Suburbans…)" Running on Empty
"Mommy, I can see your feet. How come you only have one foot?" Recovery
"You are my family." Recovery
"You go on, each day, as though you’re happy and at peace with your life. Or at least trying to convince yourself that you are. But you also go on, each day, not really living." Running on Empty
"Live your life without fear, and love with no regret." Recovery
"Yep, ___. Everything works out eventually. You just have to have patience." Recovery
Giveaway Time!
Enter for your chance to win one set of autographed paperbacks of Running on Empty and Recovery and book swag! Thank you for making a stop at my blog!
About the Author:
L.B. Simmons is a graduate of Texas A&M University and holds a degree in Biomedical Science. She has been a practicing Chemist for the last 11 years. She lives with her husband and three daughters in Texas and writes every chance she gets.
Can I play the game??? LOL! Thank you so much for the sweet review!!!!! I love the quotes! They make me smile! :)
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