With a cover like that, how could a romantic-at-heart not be drawn in? I confess, it hooked me. It whispered of a story full of hope and healing from the past. In beautiful subtlety, it hinted at new love and even freedom. And that’s just what I found as I read through Together With You. It introduced me to several characters who – each in their own way – were eager for a fresh start at life and living well. You can’t help but admire them.
Before this book, I was not really familiar with FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder). I learned a lot through young Penny’s story and that of her family’s. To me, those details created a strong and unique backbone for the rest of the book. Their delicate struggles felt believable and realistic. And so did the past regrets both Ryan and Carly had to face. Their love grows softly, but it feels true.
The story held my attention throughout and read very smoothly; however, I’m still not sure I was the ideal reader for it. There were, at times, too many pieces of the present-day, modern world for my preference. Remember, I’m more of a historical fiction fan myself. I definitely recommend it for contemporary readers, though. It has emotional depth and some surprising twists along the way that made it feel unique.
I especially liked Carly’s strength in her convictions and her endearing ways with the children. This book focuses greatly on the importance of family and faith. I may prefer the historical genre, but I still enjoyed Together With You and appreciated the story it had to tell.
Thank you to Bethany House and the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sometimes the most unexpected love can be exactly what a heart needs…
When a Lost Child warning blares over the mall’s PA system, Carly Mason finds the little girl playing with a stuffed rabbit. Something about Penny Tremaine is different. An ex-social worker, Carly recognizes that the child suffers fetal alcohol effects, and a piece of Carly’s past suddenly confronts her. Never again will she become personally involved with a client. The risks are far too great. But something about Penny–and Penny’s handsome father–tugs at Carly’s heart.
Dr. Ryan Tremaine is trying to put his life back together. With his ex-wife remarried and on a trip far away, his two teenage sons and Penny are living under his roof full time. Ryan has put his faith in his Sink-or-Swim list, a plan to reconnect with his children. The first step: recruit Carly Mason to be Penny’s nanny.
Ryan never anticipated being so drawn to Carly, an attraction Carly seems to fight as much as he does. Could Carly be the missing piece that helps his family stay afloat, or will their blossoming romance only complicate things further?
Known for her realistic and engaging characters, Victoria Bylin delivers an emotion-packed story reminiscent of The Sound of Music, one that reminds us all to believe in the power of faith and love.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Victoria Bylin writes romance about real people with real issues. Her books have finaled in multiple contests including the ACFW Carol Awards, the RWA Ritas, and the RT Magazine’s Reviewers Choice Award. A native Californian, she and her husband currently make their home in Lexington, Kentucky where family and their crazy Jack Russell terrier keep them on the go. For more, visit her at www.victoriabylin.com.
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