Book Review (and a Giveaway!): His One and Only Bride by Tara Randel

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He never thought he’d see her again!

After being reported missing, presumed dead, globe-hopping photojournalist Mitch Simmons never thought he’d see his estranged wife, Zoe, again. Yet here he is back in their coastal Florida town, where Zoe is mayor.

Turns out she isn’t the only one he left behind.

Discovering he has a baby son awakens thrilling new emotions in Mitch. And there are his still-powerful feelings for the high school sweetheart he vowed to love and honor forever.

Thankfully, they’ll have the chance to find the love that was always there…

SERIES: The Business of Weddings #5
GENRE: Clean, Contemporary Romance
PUBLISHER: Harlequin Heartwarming
RELEASE DATE: January 1, 2018
PAGES: 384

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“The husband she’d thought was dead stood before her, very much alive.”

His One and Only Bride by Tara Randel is a beautiful story of reconciliation and second chances. It’s coupled with an intriguing plot line – what would you do if you thought your husband was dead and then he shows up a couple years later? – and layered characters, all ensuring you’ll stay fully engaged in this story from start to finish.

This is not a “happily ever after guaranteed’ story… there are so many dimensions to Zoe and Mitch’s relationship. Their marriage was on the rocks before Mitch disappeared, so now where do they stand? Zoe has finally started dating again, so what happens to poor Tim? Mitch discovers he’s a father, much to his surprise, but will his injuries allow him to be the kind of dad he wants to be? For all of Leo’s short-so-far life, Zoe has been the only parent; now she has to share him with Mitch, who has a history of not sticking around. And finally, finding out what happened during Mitch’s disappearance – and what caused it – only raises more questions. Any one of these plot threads would be enough for an individual novel… all of them together, in this case, makes it a completely compelling read. The author does a great job of juggling all of these layers and preventing the story from feeling too cluttered.

Another thing I really enjoyed about this novel was watching Zoe and Mitch fall in love again. It’s slow-going, and I already mentioned that a HEA is not guaranteed, but the tenderness that’s still between them – despite all that’s gone on – is so sweet to read. This is such a tender and uplifting story of hope and true love and restoration. And watching Mitch get to know his son is adorable, swoonworthy gold.

Bottom Line: His One and Only Bride by Tara Randel is beautifully written with a sweet message & layered characters. Zoe’s hesitancy to welcome Mitch back with open arms is believable and sincere, as is Mitch’s struggle to adjust to life back home with a host of injuries and regret. If you want to renew your belief in the power of love and authentic forgiveness, this is a great choice for your TBR pile!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)

My Rating: 4 stars / sweet story!

KissingBook Level: 3 / May forget to breathe on occasion

USA Today Bestselling Author Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn’t come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. Family values, mystery and, of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery.

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– US PRIZE PACK: Signed copies of Rival Hearts, The Bridal Bouquet and The Wedding March, a Harlequin Heartwarming tote bag, a 2018 appointment planner and a $25 Amazon gift card

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