Book Review: Here and Now (Ember Falls #2) by Corinne
When I first saw the cover and synopsis for Here and Now, the second installment of the Ember Falls series by Corinne, I felt an immediate tug at my heartstrings. The promise of a small-town romance featuring a single mom was exactly what I needed to cleanse my reading palate. I dove in with high expectations, and I’m delighted to say that it delivered beautifully.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Ember Falls, Here and Now follows Penelope, a resilient mother seeking sanctuary for herself and her six-year-old son, Kai. What particularly resonated with me was Penelope’s journey. A character with the “bolter” coding, she battles her past traumas, receiving a well-deserved redemption arc. Readers will find it hard not to root for her, especially as she gradually lowers her walls and opens her heart to Miles, a local summer hockey coach. Corinne captures the essence of a single parent’s struggles and joys so intricately that I felt connected to Penelope’s fight for love and stability.
Miles is pure sunshine; his character is genuinely swoon-worthy. He exemplifies what it means to be heartfully supportive without crossing boundaries. The patience he exhibits while trying to win Penelope’s affection is both refreshing and commendable. My heart melted when he bought lattes—despite despising coffee—just to be reminded of her. It’s small gestures like this that illuminate the depth of his character. Their slow burn romance was beautifully paced, allowing both characters to grow individually and together, weaving their lives into a captivating narrative.
Corinne’s writing shines through with clarity and warmth. There’s a certain ease to her prose that makes the story flow effortlessly—every plot point made sense without any glaring holes. The pacing felt just right; I never felt rushed or dragged along, and each page turned with anticipation. The small town atmosphere was palpable, bringing with it the comforting yet thrilling elements of found family and community support.
Kai, with his childlike innocence and kindness, deserves a special mention. His bond with both Miles and his mom was heartwarming; it felt real and tangible. Watching them evolve as characters intertwined with one another only deepened my love for this tale. The friendship between Kai and Ethan, as well as Miles’s connection with the local teens, add layers of warmth and charm that make this story stick in your mind well after you’ve finished reading.
In a nutshell, I wholeheartedly recommend Here and Now for anyone looking for a cute and heartfelt read that beautifully explores themes of love, resilience, and family. If you’re a fan of slow-burn romances or single parent narratives, this book is a delightful pick with a relatable cast that feels like a warm hug.
In my reading journey, Here and Now not only entertained me but also served as a gentle reminder of the magic in second chances and finding love when you least expect it. Corinne has certainly captivated my heart, and I can’t wait to see what’s next in Ember Falls! 🌸💖
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