I had the privilege to review the novella -- Here In My
Heart -- that introduced the reader to a new series called
Echoes Of The Heart by Anna DeStefano. I was so
taken
with the novella that I eagerly awaiting the next
installment in this series. Welcome to LET ME LOVE YOU
AGAIN. Anna DeStefano has created a very special place,
town's people and families in Chandlerville. The
centerpiece of this series is a very special couple Joe
and Marsha Dixon.
They say families come in all varieties and that just
about sums up the Dixon clan. Here is a blended family of
all ages that corner the market on love. Marsha and Joe
have built their lives around the foster children that
have graced their home and lives and have a never-ending
place in their hearts.
Every page of LET ME LOVE YOU AGAIN provides a realistic
look at children fighting the system that at times so
tragically disappoints them. These kids all share one
goal -- a forever family. Sounds so simple. In reality it
is amazingly difficult to accomplish. It takes a unique
household with a firm sense of love, trust and belonging
to give these forgotten kids the confidence they need to
become self-sufficient adults.
LET ME LOVE YOU AGAIN is Selena and Oliver's story --
actually revisited after over seven years apart. When
they were teenagers they shared a strong attraction that
unfortunately couldn't withstand some very strong outside
forces. Both Selena and Oliver's families faced problems
and those problems manifested themselves in ways that
ultimately pulled these two tragically adrift and apart.
They were just too young to handle these issues and both
wound up rather brittle.
Now seven years later they wind up back in Chandlerville
each facing down their personal demons unprepared for the
pull that still exists between them. Selena returned to
her mother's house with her young daughter after a
disastrous marriage. Just as Selena had run from her
feelings for Oliver -- she had once again run -- this time
from a cheat of a husband. Selena's responsibility was
for her daughter Camille and although definitely not her
choice -- her mother's home could provide a needed respite
while she regrouped.
Oliver was also home -- summoned because of a family
emergency. This foster child hadn't been home in a great
many years. Oliver assuaged his guilt of estrangement by
sending money home. That was his way of giving back to
the people he considered his parents Marsha and Joe. But
Oliver had lots of baggage and he suffered from the same
malady as Serena -- flight.
So here we are at a crossroads for Selena and Oliver.
Anna DeStefano handles their conflicts with great respect
letting the reality of the situation take center stage.
There are no easy answers in life or love. For children
from broken or dysfunctional homes there are many more
obstacles to face and conquer. The strong survive. That's
what the Dixon family gives its foster kids. Love, self-
confidence and a place to return to when in need of some
strength both inner and outer.
There are very many facets of this wonderful story. Once
again Anna DeStefano has graced us with a beautiful, well
written story complete with memorable characters. I am
pretty sure you need not read this series in order but it
is such a delight to follow along with their paths to
love and families of their own. LET ME LOVE YOU AGAIN is
about facing your demons but it also teaches us that we
don't need to do it alone. That's what families are for.
And LET ME LOVE YOU AGAIN is all about family.
Selena Rosenthal left behind her high school sweetheart,
who
was the love of her life, seven years ago.
Now, she and the once-rebellious Oliver Bowman are back in
Chandlerville—after his foster father’s heart attack and
Selena’s contentious divorce—to deal with her secrets, the
recklessness that caused their breakup, and the
almost-strangers they’ve become to each other and their
families.
As soon as his father is stronger, Oliver must return to
the
successful career that helps support a new generation of
foster kids. But he’s falling for Selena again, her
daughter
has a hold on his heart, and he can’t imagine leaving
behind
his brothers and sisters once again.
More attached by the day to their charming hometown and
families, Selena and Oliver fall in love for the second
time.
Has fate brought Chandlerville’s prodigal children
together
again…this time forever?
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