All This Time

GIVEAWAY

TAGG, MELISSA
ALL THIS TIME

Bear's past refuses to let go

Ten years ago, Bear McKinley gave up everything -- his freedom and his reputation -- for his mess of a family. But after years of distance and too many attempts at starting over, he finally has a new life...until his past catches up to him once again. Suddenly he finds himself charged with the care of his missing brother's children, convinced he's out of second chances to make his life count. And yet, with every day that passes, these kids and the woman he never stopped missing help patch the holes in his heart. Maybe this is the fresh start he's been longing for all along. But as his newfound hope grows, so does the mystery surrounding his brother's activities -- and when the threat reaches into the lives of those he loves, it's clear can't run away this time.

Fear holds Raegen's future captive

Raegan Walker is fine. She's happy working part-time obs and rarely venturing from her hometown. At least, that's what she tells everyone...and herself. But she can't help wondering what might've happened if she hadn't abandoned her art so many years ago -- and if Bear McKinley had never left. When Bear returns and she's commissioned for a painting that just might revive her artistic ambition all in one week. It's time to finally reach for more than fine. But doing so means facing the fears that have held her back all this time, including admitting the secret she's kept from Bear and her family. With her dream and her heart on the line, how much will Raegan have to risk tofinally chase her happy ending!

My Review:

Well, I'm all weepy now. Not only because this novel packs an emotional wallop, but because it is the last in the Walker Family series and I'm so not ready to say goodbye! Not to them or Maple Valley. Or Melissa Tagg's incredible gift of sharing hard hitting faith cushioned by love and grace. Though I expect we readers will see that aspect of her writing in future books with new characters and places. Still -- the Walkers are a pretty awesome family and I am going to miss them. Sniffle.

And I have to say that Tagg really preached to me when it came to the inspirational threads in this book. Not that it's preachy, mind, just that she said some things that I desperately needed to hear. Let's just say I'm a little bit Bear and a whole lot Raegan and leave it at that. But, seriously, this is why I read Christian Fiction -- to gain insight and perspective on my faith journey because stories reach me in a way that all the non-fiction 'how-to' books can't.

So,on to Bear and Raegan. Make sure you have tissue and a fainting couch on hand...and possibly smelling salts for readers of a particularly sensitive nature. :-) Bear is everything his name conjures up. A bit rough around the edges, big and brawny but he isn't afraid to let his inner teddy bear shine through on appropriate occasions...which often involves Raegan. Melting  puddle sigh.

The scenes with these two -- the banter, the teasing, the aching tenderness. My heart hurt for them. Bear because he's so stubborn in his confusion. His faith is strong but has a hairline fracture running through it -- "Sure he believed in a God who forgave his sins; forgot them even. But the world didn't forget. Bear didn't." (p 105) And Raegan, trying so hard not to fall for the guy who has no intention of staying in town long term. Because she is frozen in place by a secret that has way too much power over her.

So the stage is set for an angsty romance, but the author doesn't leave it there. There's some intrigue and mystery, the shadow of Bear's past that brings danger to this quiet rural town. And the Walker family is present in full force. Lots of delightful cameos with former heroes and heroines from previous novels as well as the clan's patriarch, Case Walker. If this Walker family saga has to come to a close, this is a pretty awesome way to do it!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of All This Time, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 8 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!