Review copy was received from Library. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Unforgettable You by Brenda Novak Narrator: Veronica Worthington
Series: Silver Springs #5
Published by Harlequin Audio, Blackstone Audiobooks on May 30, 2017
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Length: 10 hours, 41 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
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New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak returns to Silver Springs, where no past mistake is so big the heart can't find a way to fix it.Jada Brooks couldn't have known how her life would change when she fell for bad boy Maddox Richardson back in high school. She couldn't have known his troubled brother would leave hers forever crippled. Or that she'd be forced to shun Maddox completely-only to discover she was carrying his child.Although Maddox was devastated by the events that transpired that fateful night, losing Jada was the worst of it. He's back in Silver Springs, ready to make amends and provide the kind of youth outreach that once saved him. If he'd known Jada was in town, too, he would never have come.
Jada has returned to Silver Springs to be with family after her father's death. But when she sees Maddox, every tough decision she's made concerning their now twelve-year-old daughter begins to haunt her. Falling for him again is so tempting, but not only does she stand to alienate her family-if he finds out about Maya, she could lose what matters most.
I am always happy to come back to Silver Springs. There is, however, an overall theme of people making some bad choices or being in bad situations and having to live with the consequences. The school is a key part of helping the very young be in a better place and have improved chances in the future. Their part in the community also highlights the role of compassion and even forgiveness.
I found the prejudice in Unforgettable You to be as frustrating and heartbreaking similar to the rest of the series. The unhappiness by those determined to see the worst in others, put them down and hold grudges is difficult for me, especially when those being vilified are children in a bad situation and still children. It’s one thing if those making mistakes have no regrets and keep making bad choices. It’s another, if there is only one mistake when they were children. A live & let live, and ignore policy, would be more appropriate than an active destroy their life agenda.
Jada was really strong to get through the last years and help her family as much as possible. For a long time, she had to mostly stuff down her own needs and preferences, and make hard decisions. I am so glad she was able to make her own choices and be happy in the end. Maddux was also in a tough spot and I’m proud of him, and his brother, for their current efforts and choices.
The next in the series looks to be a Christmas story with Tobias. I’ll look forward to seeing how things are going in Silver Springs.
Narration:
Veronica Worthington did a lovely job with the narration. The primary point of view is Jada, so she is her voice. There seems to be more thoughts than dialogue, so the voices are limited. I’m not sure I could differentiate who is speaking just by the voice. The narration was clear and easy to understand providing comfortable listening at 1.25x speed.
Listen to a clip here:
About Brenda Novak
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. A New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of fifty novels, Brenda Novak has been nominated for a prestigious Rita Award three times and won The National Reader’s Choice Award, the Bookbuyer’s Best, the Bookseller’s Best, the Writer Touch Reader Award, the Golden Quill, the Hold Medallion and the Award of Excellence, among others.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. When she’s not spending time with her family or writing, Brenda is usually working on her annual fund-raiser for diabetes research—an online auction held on her Web site (www.brendanovak.com) every May. To date, she has raised over $2 million for this cause.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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I’m looking forward to listening to this one, too. Too bad the plot wasn’t that engaging for you, Anne.
We will see what you think. I had a few issues even though I enjoyed the story.
Wonderful review, Anne. I hope you continue to enjoy the series.
Thank you. It’s good but not your regular genres.
I love to read of familiar places and characters that I have enjoyed before. I often wonder how long an author can go with it before it begins to fall flat. I have a couple of Novak’s books on my kindle on plan on enjoying them soon.
Series are popular for a reason. We fall in love with the place, the characters and are happy to visit them again. It’s also easier since we know the basics and we get glimpses of old friends.
This sounds like a lovely series to follow, Anne, even if this wasn’t its best installment. Wonderful review. I’ve always wanted to read a Brenda Novak book.
I’ve read several of her series including this one, Whiskey Creek, Evelyn Talbot and some other older romantic suspense series too. I like her work.
I had a really hard time with the element of the one character making a mistake as a “child” and being punished the way he was, Anne. I had a long talk with my hubs about it, actually. I agree with you about making a mistake but having no regrets versus making a mistake, regretting it, making amends…and doing so as a child. Grrr. I really felt the punishment didn’t fit the crime here. Anyway, it seems we have similar feelings about this installment. And I have to say, I really thought I was going to love it at first. But then…. It was still a good read, of course. And I’m really eager for Tobias’ story! Lovely review!
Thank you. I mean not only was he a child himself but he had almost no adult supervision. He still did something wrong but I understand how it happened.
I should try one of her books one day!
Brenda Novak is one of the contemporary romance authors I will read. I continue to get more picky about which ones I will read.
Thanks for your honest thoughts, overall this sounds like a good series. I’m pretty sure I’ve read Brenda Novak before but I can’t remember the title.
I try to be clear on what I think without spoilers. I do like this series overall. I liked many of them better than this one.
I have only read a handful of Novak’s titles but have enjoyed them. It is hard to read about someone who is doing better but everyone won’t let go of grudges from years ago. Great review!
Thanks Carole. It’s indicative of small towns sometimes. If you took a candy bar when you were 4, you are labeled a criminal for life. Because everyone knows and has little to occupy their minds I guess.
I’ve never read Brenda Novak. I’ve heard things about her. Maybe one day. This is a new-to-me narrator. Glad you enjoyed this one.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
It’s one of the contemporary romance authors I’m willing to read. I’m picky but in weird ways. She also writes some romantic suspense.