She’s wreaked havoc in everyone’s lives. Can she find forgiveness… even from within?
Former drug addict Melinda desperately wants to make amends for years of misguided aggression. Fresh out of rehab and in control of her type of bipolar disorder, she’s grateful to have a secure job and a safe homestead for her long road to recovery. Welcomed by a glorious cliffside sunset and her handsome rancher host, she’s surprised by their instant attraction.
Determined to excel at her work, Melinda does her utmost to display kindness and forges a healthy connection with the horses. And when her dedication warms the heart of the steeds’ drop-dead gorgeous owner, she starts to believe in the possibility of unexpected love and a new future.
Can Melinda truly conquer the demons of her past to find redemption?
Reformed Dreamer is the fourth and final book in the sweet Inspiration in Cologne women’s fiction series. If you like hard-won second chances, surprising romance, and rising above mental health hurdles, then you’ll love Deborah King’s touching story.
Purchase Links
US Kindle – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JJ8K16G/
UK Kindle - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08JJ8K16G/
UK Paperback – https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/1733588841/
US Paperback - https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1733588841/
Reformed Dreamer will be .99 c /p until 4th October.
Review
A sweet romance about second chances through a conscious desire to be better
Melinda used to be awful, if her candid self-assessment is to be believed, but out of rehab and on meds, she's determined to get s fresh start. Working at a horse ranch, close to home but far enough from the townsfolk who judge her, seems like the perfect place to do just that. The instant attraction with her host is a distraction, right?
Darius is totally a sweetheart. His heart of gold and care for others shines through every action and he balances Melinda's stubbornness perfectly. I wish him every happiness, especially when dealing with his overbearing parents.
I really liked the female friendships in this book. After Melinda's past mistakes, these women accept her apologies and stand by her as she forges a new path towards the future. It is through these relationships that Melinda is able see her actions through a less selfish lens. Most of these women have had their happy endings already, and by living their dreams, they inspire Melinda to dream as well.
There were a few things that let this book down. Firstly, despite their attraction, there were a few hiccups in Darius and Melinda's relationship. For instance, I do wish he'd set better boundaries as her boss, however. Just because Melinda wants to work doesn't mean she is in a fit state to do so, and allowing a newbie to care for the horses unsupervised seems... unwise. For Melinda's part, I think she drugs him? For a good reason, but it read like it was without his consent? Yeah.
I was also very thrown by the description of Darius as an introvert, when the author seems to be describing social anxiety (aversion to crowds, difficulty with public speaking etc). This added to Darius's character and fuelled some meaningful interactions, but introversion isn't synonymous with social anxiety and I would be a lot more on board if the author didn't treat it as such.
Above points aside, I came to the end of the book satisfied in the character growth and believing in Darius and Melinda's relationship. Sometimes, that's all you want.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own
Author Bio
Deborah King is a spirited woman who was inspired to pursue her dreams due to her mother’s death from early onset Alzheimer’s disease. She has the unique ability to read people and tackle life’s hardships.Deborah is an acclaimed, distinctive new voice in romantic women’s fiction. After raising two children, working with a not-for-profit wildlife rescue organization, and reading too many books to count, she retired from her personal training and weight management business to follow her dream of writing.
Deborah’s lived in several diverse areas in her city as well as three years in a rural setting. She lives in Missouri with her supportive husband, two rescue cats, who believe they’re dogs, her mini fitness store, and her eclectic collection of books
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