by STACI HART
Bestselling author Staci Hart brings you another installment of the Austen Series, inspired by the works of Jane Austen, with a heartfelt contemporary retelling of Sense and Sensibility.
When Annie Daschle arrives in New York City, the only thing she can control is her list.
Not her father’s death or the loss of her home. Not the hole in her heart or the defective valve that’s dictated so much of her life. But she can put pen to paper to make a list of all the ways she can live out loud, just like her dad would have wanted.
See the city from the top of the Empire State Building: Check.
Eat hot dogs on the steps of The Met: Check.
Get a job at Wasted Words: Check.
What wasn’t on her list: Greg Brandon. And just when she thinks she’s figured out where to put him, everything changes. In the span of a few staggering heartbeats, she finds herself caught in the middle of something she can’t find her way out of, with no clear answers and no rules.
List or no list, she realizes she can’t control anything at all, not even her heart.
Not the decisions it makes, and not the moment it stops
Bestselling author Staci Hart brings you another installment of the Austen Series, inspired by the works of Jane Austen, with a heartfelt contemporary retelling of Sense and Sensibility.
When Annie Daschle arrives in New York City, the only thing she can control is her list.
Not her father’s death or the loss of her home. Not the hole in her heart or the defective valve that’s dictated so much of her life. But she can put pen to paper to make a list of all the ways she can live out loud, just like her dad would have wanted.
See the city from the top of the Empire State Building: Check.
Eat hot dogs on the steps of The Met: Check.
Get a job at Wasted Words: Check.
What wasn’t on her list: Greg Brandon. And just when she thinks she’s figured out where to put him, everything changes. In the span of a few staggering heartbeats, she finds herself caught in the middle of something she can’t find her way out of, with no clear answers and no rules.
List or no list, she realizes she can’t control anything at all, not even her heart.
Not the decisions it makes, and not the moment it stops
REVIEW: 4 STARS
"But I'm here to remind you that there's hope, and I'll be with you every day, every step of the way."
One thing I know Staci Hart is good at is she can write a book that will make you swoon, smile, sad, gasp, and happy all in the span of a few pages....hell, sometimes a few words. Living Out Loud had such a beautiful meaning, in title and in emotion. This book was chock full of emotion and not just a few worthy quotes here and there. It was on a different level. I highlighted so much because the love was so apparent, but the way it was written, it was very......floral, fluid, flowy.....what word can I use?? I tried to explain it earlier like I felt like I was riding a merry-go-round. That's a horrible analogy, right?? It is. I promise you that, but I know how I felt, and it was sigh-inducing. I just felt light and right and comforted. It wasn't gritty. It wasn't angsty. It was just a different kind of read for me. This one felt.....grand. And, without fail, this cover was EVERYTHING!!!
"Love gives itself without condition or expectation simply because it must. Love is devotion, and I find myself devoted to you, body and soul. I love you."
If you can accept that this will be a long-winded, slow read with an old world charm to her words, while mixing it with modern day conveniences, then you will understand what I mean when I say it was a great change to my normal reads. There was an innocence in the words, in the actions, in the actual storyline. She did such a good job showing us Annie's innocence while giving Greg an edge, and a ton of respect. Annie was so innocent and so naive, but I never once rolled my eyes at that. I was just so caught up in her story, her world, her emotions, that I was able to turn the pages seeking more. Greg was very definitely in touch with his emotional side, and he was a softie with tenacity. I loved his protectiveness over Annie, but also the fact that he needed to make sure she was happy. Such a contradiction for me because I always say I don't like soft men, but Staci did Greg's character justice. He made me feel cradled and very secure.
I can't help but think there is always a little piece of the author infused into each one of their books they craft...and knowing the depth of this one and seeing some of Staci in it, it just makes me smile at the stories she can tell. Her words are so fluid. I love them. I don't know if beautiful is the right word for this book, but it was so deep and unassuming the way she told it. I liked the way this one unfolded and made me feel as though it was more innocent times, with more innocent characters. I just really liked this one. A lot. I liked the meaning behind many of her words and quotes. The depth was there, and I just had to slow down and enjoy it.
I am super excited to say that she so effortlessly set up the next book in line, all the while doing Annie and Greg's story justice. Elle and Ward's story started in this one, but it will read as a standalone, and you can add it to your TBR HERE. It will release in May 2018 and I most definitely recommend adding it to your TBR. I hope to tour it because I definitely have a soft spot for Staci's words.
"Not all love is loud and assuming. Sometimes it's silent, especially when it puts someone else's happiness above its own."
~BEE
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~MEET STACI HART~
Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life -- a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can't forget that. She's also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She's been a wife, though she's certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She's also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she's been drinking whiskey.
From roots in Houston to a seven year stint in Southern California, Staci and her family ended up settling somewhere in between and equally north, in Denver. They are new enough that snow is still magical. When she's not writing, she's reading, sleeping, gaming, or designing graphics.
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AFFILIATE LINKS USED
Lovely
ReplyDeleteThat's a good word too.... ;)
Delete~Bee