December 20, 2013

Rachel Anderson has this to say about Dark Days of Promise

Shaunna Gonzales has thoughtfully constructed a realistic view of what life with the military is like for many brave defenders of freedom and their families. I loved the twists, the mentor, and the growth Vicki experiences through her struggles. This book will increase the reader's appreciation for the sacrifices made in their behalf every day.

December 18, 2013

Sally Pink Reviews has this to say about Dark Days of Promise

Gonzales pens a story that will tug on your heartstrings with "Dark Days of Promise." Vicki Laramie is struggling to raise three children when she learns her ex-husband is killed in Iraq. Kelly Chase has just left the Army and suffers from PTSD. Can they help each other through their dark days to find happiness?

The story opens with a realistic look at Vicki's struggles. Thankfully, her neighbor, Janine, gives her the emotional and steadfast support Vicki needs to get by. Enter Janine's son, Kelly. He's just left military service, but finds adjustment to civilian life a challenge. Despite their attraction, Vicki and Kelly are challenged at every turn. When something traumatic happens to both of them, will it prove to be the turning point both of them need to move on with their lives?

Gonzales' writing style is easy to read and she handles the first person narrative well. The plot moves at a nice clip.

The best part of the novel is how Gonzales taps into emotions. Phillip is the teenager you want to ground for life, yet he's sympathetic as well, searching for the one person to help "ground" him. Vicki is honest and real and raw. Kelly struggles with issues many do upon returning from war. The supporting cast is just as endearing. Gonzales isn't afraid to show us their strengths, vulnerabilities, and weaknesses.

The story has a spiritual element, but doesn't come off as "preachy." In fact, Gonzales does an excellent job showing the power of faith in a very natural way. The story is sweet for romance readers, with the main characters holding hands and kissing. In fact, it was nice to read a "sweet" romance that didn't feel forced. Overall, "Dark Days of Promise" offers hope in the face of adversity and is a heartwarming story. I highly recommend it.

December 16, 2013

Fiction with Flair Reviews said this about Dark Days of Promise

Author Shaunna Gonzales dives into some very deep and often neglected topics in her contemporary military family novel, Dark Days of Promise. Having come from a military family myself, and seeing the effects of PTSD, I felt the author handled the issues with both respect and realism.

When Vicki finds out her ex-husband has been killed in action in the Middle East, she struggles with raising three children, especially two boys, on her own. Without even the occasional visits of a father, she fears they will not know how to become men. She never expects her best friend's son to have served with her ex-husband, and certainly never expected to be drawn to such a dangerous man. Her children adore him, but Vicki knows he has a dark side. Kelly can be fun and caring, but he also has killer instincts he can't always control.

I enjoyed this story for its depth and genuine feel. The romance is warm, with a few stirrings of heat, but the relationship progresses nicely. Despite a few slow sections, I give it four stars for being a great read and an excellent story of the honor and sacrifice of our military.

Oh My!

Oh my, it's been a long, long time since I posted anything here. Really, I do this now because I recently got a note, if you can call it...