Author: Mary McNear
Publisher: William Morrow
Date of publication: May 2015
From the author of the New York Times and USA
Today bestselling Up at Butternut Lake comes the
third novel in the Butternut Lake series—a dazzling story of two wounded souls
seizing a second chance at life and love.
On the run from her abusive husband, Mila Jones flees
Minneapolis for the safety and serenity of Butternut Lake. Ready to forge a new
life, Mila’s position as home health aide to Reid Ford is more than a job. It’s
a chance at a fresh start. Though her sullen patient seems determined to make
her quit, she refuses to give up on him.
Haunted by the car accident that nearly killed him, Reid
retreats to his brother’s cabin on Butternut Lake and lashes out at anyone who
tries to help. Reid wishes Mila would just go away. . .until he notices the
strength, and the secrets, behind her sad, brown eyes.
Against all odds, Mila slowly draws Reid out. Soon they form
a tentative, yet increasingly deeper, bond as Mila lowers her guard and begins
to trust again, and Reid learns how to let this woman who has managed to crack through
his protective shell into his life. While the seemingly endless days of summer
unfold, Reid and Mila take the first steps to healing as they discover love can
be more than just a dream.
I am always amazed when I read a series at how I can think I love the latest book, only to be blown away by the next one. Moonlight in Butternut Lake definitely fits the bill this time. I loved this book. This is Reid's story. He is Walker's brother, the workaholic who never had a serious relationship. After a bad car accident, he has retreated to Butternut Lake to recover. They hire Mila to be his third and hopefully final home health card aid. Mila is running from her own abusive husband and hopes to find a fresh start.
What I loved about this book was the slow build to Reid and Mila's relationship. It isn't insta love or attraction. In fact, Reid does everything he can to drive Mila away. He spends his day swallowing in self pity and depression. It was just heart warming watching Mila slowly draw Reid out of his cocoon. To realize that it is great to be alive and still have a chance at a future. In Reid, Mila is able to finally find a home and someone to love her.
As the story progresses, we learn about Mila's childhood and how she went from a determined young woman to a timid abused housewife desperate to get away. It's scary how easily it happened. I was really rooting for her to break free for good.
This definitely could be read as a stand alone book. While characters from the other books show up, I didn't think anyone would be lost coming into this book not having read the first two. I highly recommend this series!
About Mary McNear
New York Times and USA Today bestselling
author Mary McNear is a writer living in San Francisco with her husband, two
teenage children, and a high-strung, minuscule white dog named Macaroon. She
writes her novels in a local donut shop where she sips Diet Pepsi, observes the
hubbub of neighborhood life, and tries to resist the constant temptation of
freshly made donuts. She bases her novels on a lifetime of summers spent in a
small town on a lake in the northern Midwest.
Connect with Mary on Facebook.
Purchase Links
Mary’s Tour Stops
Tuesday, May 12th: A Chick Who Reads
Tuesday, May 12th: Lesa’s Book Critiques
Wednesday, May 13th: Fuelled by Fiction
Thursday, May 14th: Raven Haired Girl
Friday, May 15th: From the TBR Pile
Monday, May 18th: Always With a Book
Tuesday, May 19th: Mrs. Mommy Booknerd’s Book Reviews
Wednesday, May 20th: Walking With Nora
Wednesday, May 20th: Peeking Between the Pages
Thursday, May 21st: Svetlana’s Reads and Views
Monday, May 25th: Bibliotica
Wednesday, June 3rd: Reading Reality
1 comment:
I do love it when a series gets better and better!
Thanks for being a part of the tour.
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