Return To Riversleigh By Anne Ashby

[Birdlady1950]

STORY-LINE RETURN TO RIVERSLEIGH:

Luke Prescott is an adventurer and thrill seeker; always on the move to the next adventure and thrill. Fate has a new life in store for Luke when his brother and sister-in-law are killed; leaving him guardian of their two children. He is now also in charge of the family farm; a job he never felt was his niche. He decides to build an adventure park on the farm but soon realizes he needs help to form a business plan.

Shannon's life also has taken a 360-degree turn after her care-free adventurer seeking husband's killed on his latest daring trek. Moving from the city to the smaller town of Riversleigh, she can not find a job, lives in a dump, has a son who is resentful, and she's at the end of her rope. When Jase, Luke's friend, suggest her for the planning job, she has no other choice; she must accept the position. However, Shannon doesn't want an adventuring thrill seeker in her life again.

Will these two form a working relationship? Can Shannon adapt to Luke's blase' attitude and can she reestablish a connection with her son? Will Luke become the father the children need and will love come through the door for these two forming a family? My romance book reviews of Return To Riversleigh follow.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

Anne Ashby created an intense relationship in this tale of the thrill seeker and the woman determined to live a healthy adventure-free life. The emotions begin on the first page and follow through to the finale. With characters fully developed, Anne Ashby's portrayal of the characters is realistic and believable. I found Luke intense and much like a person with ADHD who can not sit still five minutes without moving. He's out of his depth with the children; unsure how to develop a connection with them. Shannon is an insecure woman with mixed emotions about the developing relationship. She also is unsure how to handle her son's rebellion and admiration for his deceased waster father.

Family dynamics feature largely in this enjoyable tale. The plotting is smooth, and the story is entertaining. The scenes transition smoothly from scene to scene, and the dialogue flows well. Ashby skillfully wove her story of broken lives, broken hearts, teen angst, and renewal of romance.

MY OPINION:

I found I fell in love with the two small children who added largely to the storyline. As for Shannon's son, I felt so sorry for him as he traversed from child to teen which is made harder by the death of his father. I remember the days of teen development in my child's life, and I related to both Shannon and her son. Luke is an excellent character as he shows his awkward side when trying to connect with the children. He is a gentleman and patient with Shannon; he's a real knight in shining armor. Although near the finale you will find a love scene, I did not find it offensive. I would not hesitate to buy this novel for myself or a friend.


RETURN TO RIVERSLEIGH RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4

ALSO PLEASE NOTE:

Additionally, I received this edition from the author. I chose to review the book with an honest romance book reviews voluntarily. Lastly, reviews of any novel are dependent on the author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews online and under my name, are my opinions.