Embracing Her Heart (Bradens & Montgomerys (Pleasant Hill - Oak Falls), #1)

by Melissa Foster

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

Embracing Her Heart is the first book in a brand new series by Melissa Foster. Although this is a new series, the heroine appeared in Brett (Bad Boys After Dark) Mention was also made of characters from the author’s other series. As a big fan of the second chance trope, I was glad for the opportunity to read and review this new release.

The hero and heroine have a romantic history. They were high school sweethearts, and the biggest drawback to their relationship at the time was it had to be kept a secret. This was due to them attending rivalling high schools. Circumstances led to them separating. Grace left for New York to pursue her dream of becoming a top-notch producer. Reed moved to Michigan where he became the leading historical preservationists. When his uncle had a heart attack, he left everything behind and returned home to assist in the family business. He never expected to come face to face with the only woman he ever loved.

Grace Montgomery returned to Oak Falls, but only for three weeks, to teach a screenwriting class. She never expected to bump into her first love; after all, he is supposed to be in Michigan. She is determined not to fall back in to the small town life and Reed Cross is a strong reminder of that life. Therefore, she did not intend to fall under his spell.

I enjoyed watching Reed and Grace rekindle the flames of their love. It was as if the years never separated them. During this time, they came to the realisation that although they were both successful, their lives were incomplete. The rekindling of their love affair would help to make was once incomplete, complete. The love scenes were intense and passionate but not too graphic. The flashbacks into their past helped me to see how much they loved.

Another thing I enjoyed about this book is the bond Grace shared with her family. The camaraderie between her and her siblings was delightful. They helped to remind her of the beauty of her hometown. This was reinforced when the community rallied together to help get a project off the ground. The bond of family and friendship featured strongly, which came as no surprise.

Reed is such an awesome person. The way he treated Grace both in the past and currently, showed that he was quite the gentleman. Despite this, he had issue from his past, which seem as if it would swallow him whole. I admired how he did not allow these issues to dominate his life. I believe he was a better person because of it.

I admired Grace independent streak and driving ambition. I was upset with how she treated Reed on her return to Oak Falls. However, as the plot developed my initial reaction changed, and I loved her whole persona. They were perfect for each other. They were each other voices of reason when it came to making the difficult choices.

Conclusion/Recommendation
I enjoyed meeting the Montgomery Clan and I am curious to read the stories of the other characters. Embracing Her Heart is a sweet and passionate second chance romance. If you enjoy stories set in a small featuring family dynamics and a passionate second chance romance, then this book is for you.