When Somebody Loves You
The Southern Belle Book Club Series, #1
By Shirley Jump
IBSN: 9780425279373
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una
Synopsis:
First in a new series from the New York Times bestselling author of the hugely popular Sweetheart Sisters novels!
At heart, Elizabeth Palmer is a practical Jersey girl. And her life reflects that—until everything suddenly falls apart. In a bid to change her luck, the intrepid reporter accepts a job to write a story on a reclusive quarter horse breeder in Chatham Ridge, Georgia. To her surprise, she finds herself settling into the warm, inviting town—even joining the Southern Belle Book Club—and craving the company of the rancher she’s there to interview….
Hunter McCoy has good reason to keep his distance from the determined reporter. Tragedy has taught him to stick to things that don’t require his heart. But he can’t seem to resist the vulnerability he detects beneath Elizabeth’s tough demeanor.
But when Hunter is faced with the possibility of a terrible loss and shuts Elizabeth out, she will have to prove to Hunter that having somebody love you can heal all wounds…
Review:
This is a really good story with enough complexity of characters to keep the reader interested. Hunter McCoy, when we are introduced to him, exists rather than lives. He has decided after experiencing a terrible loss that he won’t expose his heart again. Living and breathing hard work in maintaining his horses and building the reputation of his business, he feels is all he requires. Then Elizabeth arrives at his door requesting an interview. Hunter despises giving interviews and tries his hardest to stay away from her. What he didn’t count on was the tenacity Elizabeth had and the feelings she was bringing to the surface. He knows that he can never be responsible for loving anyone again and yet??
Elizabeth arrives in Georgia and finds herself actually warming herself to the small town life. Being a city girl she soon finds out that she is not dressed to give an interview to an obstinate horse breeder who definitely does not want her around. When he finds that this is her first interview he shows even more reluctance. Determined to get the story Elizabeth immerses herself into the life of the ranch and the town. Hunter is a hard nut to crack however her determination soon wins him over. Do both have too much baggage to move forward? The chemistry is there but the past brings up barriers.
Shirley Jump not only gives us a good romance but is able to keep the story moving. She interweaves past and present problems within the family and town characters and gives closure to the reader. A truly enjoyable read and I would recommend it to all fellow romance readers.
