Friday, August 23, 2019

Review - - The Me I Used to Be


The Me I Used to Be
by Jennifer Ryan
Publisher: William Morrow
Release Date: July 2, 2019
Reviewed by PJ
    


An inheritance she never expected…
After serving time for a crime she didn’t commit, Evangeline returns home to discover her father left her solely responsible for the family’s failing ranch, her mother blames her for her father’s death, and her brothers want her out of their way. With her family’s future squarely on her shoulders, she desperately searches for ways to save their home—before they lose everything.
A chance to right past mistakes…
Her only ally, Chris Chambers. The cop who sent her away is positive she took the fall for someone else. And if she helps him track down the real criminals, he’ll clear her record. But the closer Evangeline and Chris get to exposing the truth—and to each other—the deeper Evangeline is drawn into a dangerous sting that will finally bring her justice and pave the way for a bright future.

My thoughts:

Jennifer Ryan's gritty, suspense-filled, and deeply emotional romantic suspense books are auto-buys for me so I was understandably curious when I heard she was writing a standalone women's fiction novel. I wasn't sure what to expect when I began reading The Me I Used to Be. What I got was another keeper that lured me in and kept my emotions engaged from beginning to end. 

Ryan is very skilled at creating complex, multi-layered characters then putting them in situations that test their courage and their resolve. Such is the case with Evangeline. My heart broke for what she had been through and what she faces when she returns home. This is her journey but she isn't the only character who grows and changes. It's also her family's journey as they grapple with the truths that are finally revealed and the consequences of actions that were taken. And it's Chris's journey as well as he battles to right past wrongs, to see justice finally served, and to, hopefully, build a future with the woman who continues to impress him every day with her strength, courage, heart, and ability to forgive and move forward. 

Dysfunctional families, second chances, danger, suspense, emotional depth, and romance. You'll find all that and more in this deeply satisfying page-turner from Jennifer Ryan.  





8 comments:

  1. Thanks for the review.

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  2. I have this one to read! So happy to hear you loved it!

    Have a great weekend PJ! Lots of rain so we can hide inside with our books right?😂💙

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  3. This is a new to me author but you've sold me on needing to read her and especially this book. Thanks for the review PJ.

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    1. I discovered her a couple years ago, Eileen, and have really enjoyed her writing.

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