Friday, June 7, 2019

Review & Giveaway: A Touch of Forever by Jo Goodman


Publication Date: June 4th 2019 by Berkley Books
Pages: 416
Source: Publisher & Purchased Audiobook
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible

About the book:

A marriage of convenience turns into a sweetly seductive love-off-the-rails romance in the latest Cowboys of Colorado novel from USA Today bestselling author Jo Goodman.

Lily Salt has sworn off men. After finally gaining her independence, the last thing she needs is another man telling her what to do. But the handsome railroad engineer from New York isn't at all what she expected. He's kind, gentle...and tempting enough to make her wonder what a second chance at love might be worth.

A self-acknowledged black sheep, Roen Shepard knows what it means to feel alone. Recognizing a kindred spirit in the reserved widow whose fascinating blue-green eyes have seen too much, and charmed by the warmth of her ready-made family, the two begin an unlikely friendship.

When a complication from his past follows him to Frost Falls, Roen proposes a mad scheme to protect the new life he's built and keep close the stubborn woman he's accidentally fallen for--a marriage of convenience. But Lily has secrets of her own, and the closer he gets to uncovering them, the more he comes to realize that the only truth that matters is the secret to unlocking her heart.

My Thoughts:
Lily Salt has been through a lot, but finally has settled into a comfortable, contented life as a widower and mother of four children.  Her careful attempts to keep people at arm’s length goes by the wayside when Roan Shepherd, a railroad engineer, new to Frost Falls takes notice of her.  She tries to rebuff his interest, but Roan he’s persistent and as a further complication he hires her son Clay as an assistant.

My heart went out to Lily in the previous book, and so I was so pleased that she’s doing so well for her and her children here.  I liked that she was an independent woman and didn’t need a man to make her happy, but the addition of Roan was like icing on a cake. The gradual way their friendship forms was a delight to experience!  The careful way Roan treated their burgeoning romance made me fall hard for Roan! The kids were very much a part of the story, each so sweet, and it was touching how protective they were of their mother. These kids needed careful handling as they were affected by the abuse of their mother, as well.  I loved how Roan interacted with them, never overbearing, but a father figure there to support and love them. 

There’s a bit of suspense here too, as with the previous installments, with Roan’s past mistress in the mix.  A selfish sociopath if there ever was one, with her shady detective in tow.

An interesting mix of side characters/stories grabbed my attention. Fedora Chen, an American Chinese woman and the obstacles she faces in this time period, with a nice little romance brewing there, too! I’m wondering if the next installment, if there is one, might feature Fedora? I also enjoyed the Old West setting: the historical aspects of the railway expansion, and life in the 1800’s.  Always interesting to imagine how it would be to live back then without all the modern conveniences we have now, and with the differences in attitude towards women and minorities. 

I’ve loved the two previous installments, but A Touch of Forever is my favorite to date! The quiet, but intense emotions between these two sucked me in to this lovely story!  It is a slow burn romance, but wow it heated up!  As a side note, it’s not necessary to read the previous books to enjoy this one. In fact, each book can easily be read as a standalone.

I switched back and forth from the e-book to my audio copy.  I loved the Laurel Lefkow’s performance! She captured some of the wry tone of comments and teasing I didn’t necessarily pick up on until listening to her reading.  I paid a little more attention while traditionally reading and it definitely enhanced my experience.  I listened at my usual 1.25xs the normal speed.

5 Suns



Berkley Books generously provided a finished Paperback Copy of A Touch of Forever to giveaway to one reader.  The giveaway is open to US Residents only.  Fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win.

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18 comments:

  1. Looking forward to reading The Cowboys of Colorado series. Thank you

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    1. Hope you love the series as much as I have, Linda! :)

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  2. Glad to hear you enjoyed this one so much. I love when a series just gets better and better.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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  3. I have not tried her! Shame on me

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  4. Love the historical setting of this one. It's a fun time period to read about. :)

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  5. I enjoyed the first one in this series and have enjoyed many of her older books. Fun that he's a railroad man, but also sweet that he's tender and caring with her needs and the kids.

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    1. I know. Reminds me a little of Hell on Wheels. The railroads were a big part of history I never really thought about until a few years ago.

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  6. Aww, that synopsis just made me cave and add it to my TBR!!

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  7. I love a slow burn romance, and this one sounds like it would be emotional. I love that the relationship grows from a friendship, and that the kids were a part of the story. This sounds like a couple that I'd be cheering for! Fabulous Review Rachel!

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

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  8. I'm definitely excited to read this book--emotional premise and awesome characters in a fun and unique setting for me.

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    1. Hope you like it, Danielle. I hadn't read many historical Westerns until recently, but I find I like the genre! Hope you enjoy the story if you pick it up! :)

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