REVIEW: A Boy to Remember by Cynthia Thomason

 
In A Boy to Remember (The Daughters of Dancing Falls #1) by Cynthia Thomason, after losing her husband, Alexis ‘Alex’ Foster and her daughter Lizzie, have decided to head to her family’s farm for a visit. In hopes that spending time with her father and sister will help with their grief, especially that of her daughter. Encouraging Lizzie to find an activity to take her mind off things, she wasn’t expecting to run into the young man she fell in love with years ago, Daniel Chandler. Caught off balance by how he’s matured and become more gorgeous, she knows she must keep her distance, especially when the secret she hides could ruin his rising career as a state senator. Except staying away from him is harder than she thinks.

”So, my devious sister, you are human after all.”
“Don’t kid about this, Jude. You’re not so pure yourself.”
“Never said I was. But I never had the sterling reputation to keep up.”
“I’m devastated. This is the worst mess I’ve ever been in my whole life.”

Although this book was slow to get started, Ms. Thomason has delivered a sweet and engaging read. Encompassing a heroine determined to keep her secret; even knowing that if someone discovers the truth before she has a chance to share it could ruin the wonderful relationship she has with her daughter, and possibly lose her a second chance with the man she’s falling in love with all over again.

As for the dialogue, it flowed really well and was intense due to both main characters back stories, the history Daniel and Alex share, the heroine struggling to keep her secret, Alex fighting with her daughter over the young woman’s future, and Alex’s secret coming out almost ruining Daniel’s career. However, there were some light-hearted moments that made me smile, especially this moment where Alex and Daniel are discussing their growing relationship.

She sighed. “We’ve been together almost every day for a week, and even before that. If you’re not my boyfriend, then I’ve become awfully fond of a stalker.”
He chuckled. “Can you imagine? You and I calling each other boyfriend and girlfriend just like we were teenagers again. I have to admit, Alex, the first couple of times I ran into you I didn’t think we’d make it to this point, although I wanted it to happen.”

I really liked the main characters. Growing up, Alex was always the responsible one. The girl with a good reputation until she told a whopping big lie that ended with her getting pregnant. That one wrong decision is why she’s so protective of her daughter and adamant about what she wants for Lizzie’s future. Because she doesn’t want Lizzie to make wrong choices like she did. The heroine is also strong and brave. I liked the way she handled the situation with her daughter and Daniel once her secret was discovered. She knows it was wrong to keep it, but she did it for reasons she believed right at the time. Very altruistic reasons that made me like her even more, as she was willing to sacrifice her dreams, so Daniel could keep his.

While Daniel, I liked that the hero didn’t give up on his pursuit of a second chance with Alex. Since they were a couple meant to be. That no matter what trials and tribulations they faced, I felt confident that they’d overcome them. Although Daniel is ambitious, he’s also kind and caring, which is proven through all he’s done in his role as a senator, the way he takes care of his dad, and how he mentors Alex’s daughter.

As for the secondary characters, I really enjoyed Alex’s family and Daniel’s dad. Even though, I thought Alex’s daughter was a bit manipulative at times. Doing everything in her power to get people to see things from her point-of-view; that perhaps Alex doesn’t know what is best for daughter’s future. That Lizzie should be able to choose what she wants to do, instead of her mother. Then there’s the next door neighbor. She helps Alex’s family a lot, especially when the heroine’s secret comes out, and emotions are running high.

“I didn’t want to put either one of us in an awkward position,” Alex said. “I don’t know how Daniel felt about my little speech tonight.”
“I told you how he felt!” Suddenly, Lizzie was animated. “He looked for you after the town hall. He wanted to thank you.”

Overall, I really liked this story, and the ending was delightful. Alex shows how courageous she is. The circumstances in which the heroine confesses the reason for her secret wasn’t easy, so it had me cheering for this couple. As it helps Daniel keep the career he loves, and makes both realize that their love is worth fighting for. I would recommend A Boy to Remember by Cynthia Thomason, if you enjoy second chance romances.

Book Info:

 January 1st, 2016 | Harlequin Heartwarming | The Daughters of Dancing Falls #1

You can’t live a lie forever

One magical summer–that was all it took for Alexis Foster to fall deeply in love with Daniel Chandler. And then she gave him up to keep Daniel from sacrificing his own dreams. But the passionate bond they shared is rekindled when Alex returns to her family’s farm…with a powerful secret.

Daniel is Ohio’s youngest state senator, and his star is on the rise. He’s also discovering a kindred spirit in Alex’s seventeen-year-old daughter. Alex has to tell him the truth even though it risks his political future…and may cost her the two people she loves most.