The Point by Lori Thomas Harrington

I think I fell in love with The Point by Lori Thomas Harrington within the very first pages. She surprised me as a writer. This was the very first book that I've read by her, and to say that I enjoyed the story line is putting it lightly.  

We meet Emma Ashby as she's headed back to the town of Leyton, TN – to Sinclair Hastings Plantation to be exact. Where she grew up with her mother and the Dalton family, who was more of an extended family to her. And Drew Dalton, her childhood best friend, and love of her life.  

Little does she know that going back home means facing her past and all that she left behind.  

This story is one of second chance, love, friendship and family. It was such a sweet and lovely read. I enjoyed every minute of it. From getting to know the characters to discovering how deep their connection went.  

There is a small twist, which explains why there was so much heartbreak, and it's what caused Emma and Drew to distance themselves. Other than that, this book had me in tears at some points. I won't give much else away, because then what is the point? Just fair warning – tears... But know that it was a beautiful book. I love that this was a stand-alone book, and can be enjoyed easily. I was able to read this book in one day. 

As a reader, I've found myself a new author that I'm sure I'll be enjoying from now on – if her writing style remains the same! This was a definite 5 Stars read for me. 

The Game (Carolina Connections) by Sylvie Stewart

I literally just finished reading The Game by Sylvie Stewart and I have to say that I was completely impressed with this storyline and the author itself. I have to be honest, this is the first book I've read by this book and was surprisingly impressed with what I got our of it.

I didn't realize that there were other "installments" by this author that go along with this book. But I was pleased that this can definitely be read as a stand-alone. I would call it an installment because there are other couples that I presume came before this book.

I loved how much I laughed throughout this entire book. I absolutely loved the characters and their easy and well-developed relationships.

We meet Emmerson Scott – a young 29-year-old who works in a law firm and has to try hard to prove herself. She's also taken on the responsibility of taking care of her 15-year-old half-brother, who seems to be a prodigy in baseball. 

Cue in Gavin Monroe – a coach at an Academy to help train for baseball – and a once upon a time super-star who would have had the chance at the major leagues had he not injured himself and ruined his career.

I love how both Emmy and Gavin meet, and how hard Gavin has to try at gaining and keeping her attention because of the simple fact that he's 24-years-old; which makes him 4 years younger than her. But in her views, he's too young and none of her co-workers would ever take her seriously.

Fortunately for her, and us the readers, Gavin doesn't give up. And I'm so glad that he doesn't. I'm glad that he's set his sights on her and is willing to do anything to win her over. I absolutely loved how their relationship developed. How it grew from friendship to something more, stronger and beautiful. I love that Gavin taught her to live and have fun – because life was too short.

Like I mentioned before, I literally laughed my butt off! I giggled throughout the book, and most of it had to do with the fact that Emmy's best friend – Ari was a total and complete hoot. She cracked me up. As well as a couple of the other characters. I loved Jay – Emmy's younger brother and how solid and mature he was for his age.

What I disliked was Emmy's father and how strict and rigid he was. I hated how he made Emmy feel that she had to literally had to prove herself to him, just because her mother was a free-spirit.

Please note that I was able to read this book in less than (1) day!! I would definitely say that this a 5 Star Review for me, as I'll definitely be reading more books by this author.