Stranger’s Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway

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Synopsis 
Bereaved bride Abby Clark is tortured by visions of the fatal crash that took her fiancée on their wedding day.  She succumbs to a dark existence where loneliness, sadness and nightmares dwell; until handsome, brooding Bryce Holden walks through the door of her favorite coffee shop, wearing the same cloak of despair and grief.  Abby discovers in Bryce someone who understands love and loss, and soon their close friendship grows into a deep love.  But ghosts make strange bedfellows, and Abby is forced to battle the tormenting images that continue to haunt her, and confront the ethereal presence of a beloved wife to protect her future with Bryce.  


 

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My Review

I always found it strange that my favorite book is a classic romance novel I read when I was barely a teen yet for some strange reason I never was big on the romance genre. Ten years ago, you couldn’t pay me to read a romance novel. I never actually considered myself a big fan, but as I got a little older I developed a love and appreciation for romance. This book made me remember why I fell in love with a good romance. For me, reading is an escape from reality. I get to delve into a different world for a few hours and sometimes it isn’t such a bad thing. When things are going wrong in life sometimes a little happily ever after is all you need.

Where do I begin? Strangers is a book that makes you fall in love with the entire process of falling in love. It has dark moments, humorous moments and incredibly heartbreaking moments but it makes you appreciate the sort of love that draws you from the depths of darkness into the light. It is in fact about just that – two strangers.

Abby Clark and Bryce Holder meet in a café on Valentine’s Day, which is also the anniversary of Trevor’s death (Abby’s fiancé).  Abby immediately notices Bryce and for some odd reason she can’t stop staring at him. He happens to notice but she turns away. He heads to her table offering her a cappuccino some company if she doesn’t mind. Unbeknownst to them, they share more in common that either of them could ever have imagined. They have both suffered tragic losses and their time in the café leads to a budding friendship that ultimately gives way to the possibility of a much greater love story. Through their shared pain they engage in a friendship that slowly blossoms into what they refer to as “best friends” or “just friends” whenever asked the nature of their relationship. What better relationship is there to be in than one with your best friend?

These two drove me mad waiting for the inevitable romance to commence. The buildup in this book is what made me love it. This is a book where a romance is built and the reader is with them through each step of that courtship. The friendship, the trust and ultimately the love they share are what draw you in.  Most times when we see a relationship formed in a book, it happens quickly and the reader doesn’t get to experience each step. Strangers takes you through a journey of loss, friendship and back to love again. It is an absolutely beautiful book that may shock you, bring you to tears and make you smile all in the same breath. 

I really loved A.L. Parks writing and the direction she took with this book. It wasn’t a story about a first love but it was about a long and lasting love after a tragic and painful loss. The thought of moving on is unbearable to both Abby and Bryce. They are living but their lives are hollow. Their hearts were ripped out the day they lost the love of their life, but somehow they are each other’s redeemer. This book is beautiful and I loved every second I spent reading it. I encourage anyone who is a fan of romance, romantic suspense, contemporary romance or new adult to check this book out. I don’t want to give away too much but you won’t be disappointed. This book is a fantastic debut, I cannot wait for more by this author. 

*This book was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*

Purchase Strangers for Kindle

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About A.L. Parks
 
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I am just starting in this crazy world of writing and publishing. Lately, however, there are just too many characters in my head begging me to tell their stories…so here I am. Writing, publishing, sharing and, hopefully, entertaining. I love a great love story, but really want to tell a story with an edge; characters who are imperfect, trying to find the perfect love.

 

Strangers is my debut novel, and will be released on September 6, 2013. I will have another novel, The Return, with an anticipated release date of November 1, 2013. I have been focusing mainly on short stories, but have felt a need to get to know the characters more in-depth, and in turn, tell more of their stories. I have some fairly interesting people living in my head!
I have my own blog (www.parkingitrighthere.blogspot.com), where I review books, and discuss my new projects. I also contribute to www.SheReadsNewAdult.com, dedicated to the emerging new adult romance genre. We have great fun over there…be sure to check us out!

 

I currently live outside Washington D.C. with my family. We spend many hours exploring the area and the deep history of this beautiful land, while experiencing as much of life’s wonders as possible. I have traveled abroad and lived in almost every corner of the U.S., and hope my writing reflects various cultures, people, and places.
Visit AL Parks on Facebook  |  Goodreads  |  Website
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2 comments on “Stranger’s Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway

  1. Dee

    What an amazing review! I’ll definitely add this to my must read list. Thanks!!!

  2. A.L. Parks

    Your review is simply wonderful, and I am humbled. Thank you so much for reading Strangers, and providing a review on your blog. I truly appreciate it, and I am so happy you enjoyed Abby & Bryce’s story.
    A.L. Parks

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