When September Ends

by Andrea Smith

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

I began this title immediately upon completing Sins of September and I found it to be just as riveting. Unlike Sins of September which was told from September’s POV this title was told from alternating POVs. Now that I am able to get Jesse’s POV it was easy for me to develop a connection with him that I never got while reading the first book.

In this installment, September leaves Jesse. I know you must be thinking why, after all the trouble she went through to get him. Well the unthinkable happened. Libby (September’s mom and Jesse’s wife had returned). September left because she did not have sufficient faith in Jesse’s love for her. Libby’s return threw a wrench into Jesse’s plan to divorce her and move on with his life. Scout, Jesse’s daughter wants a relationship with her mom, as she never got the chance to know her, while September wants nothing to do with her. What will Jesse do? Will Jesse stay married to Libby or will he go looking for September?

There is a lot more drama in this installment. Jesse had to contend not only with his meddling neighbour (who wanted to drive a wedge between him and September) but also with his bible thumping in laws who did not approve of his relationship with their granddaughter. The actions of these characters made for an interesting read.

I loved that the growth that Jesse demonstrated in this installment. He finally got himself out of that self- pity party that he was celebrating. He has proven that he is a man of action and is not afraid to fight for his right to be with the woman he loves.

The one thing that disappointed me where this story was concerned was the way in which the situation with Libby was dealt with. Personally, I believe that she got off lightly. There may be persons who do not agree with me on this based on her traumatic experience, however it was evident she had not changed. She was still the selfish woman who had abandoned her family four years ago.

The story was well written and the characters were well developed. The pace was just right; there was never a dull moment. I finished it in one sitting. I enjoyed this series and would definitely read more of this author’s work regardless of the name she chooses to pen her books under.