Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Review: When Somebody Loves You by Shirley Jump

When Somebody Loves You by Shirley Jump
Series: Southern Belle Book Club, Book 1
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Romance When Somebody Loves You Cover
ISBN: 9780425279373
Release Date: October 6, 2015
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

At heart, Elizabeth Palmer is a practical Jersey girl. And her life reflects that—until everything suddenly falls apart. In a bid to change her luck, the intrepid reporter accepts a job to write a story on a reclusive quarter horse breeder in Chatham Ridge, Georgia. To her surprise, she finds herself settling into the warm, inviting town—even joining the Southern Belle Book Club—and craving the company of the rancher she’s there to interview…

Hunter McCoy has good reason to keep his distance from the determined reporter. Tragedy has taught him to stick to things that don’t require his heart. But he can’t seem to resist the vulnerability he detects beneath Elizabeth’s tough demeanor.

But when Hunter is faced with the possibility of a terrible loss and shuts Elizabeth out, she will have to prove to Hunter that having somebody love you can heal all wounds…

Love can heal almost any wound in When Somebody Loves You. Shirley Jump’s first Southern Belle Book Club novel is a story of taking a leap of faith and risking your heart.

In a bid to live a vastly different life than her mother, Elizabeth Palmer has always played by the rules. When she finally can’t take her grey, responsible life anymore, she goes after her dream of being a writer and travels from New Jersey to Georgia to write an article on quarter horse breeder Hunter McCoy. Hunter also likes routine, and since the death of his fiancĂ©e, his ranch has become his world. Elizabeth’s arrival upsets his orderly life and the two of them find their worlds turned upside down by an attraction neither expected. It’s easy to like Elizabeth and Hunter – they are smart, hardworking people who each have vulnerabilities that tug on the heartstrings. They fit one another like lock and key, and though there is some arguing and sexual tension, it’s clear these two are made for one another. Indeed, there’s nothing to dislike about When Somebody Loves You, but I found myself wanting more. Everything is a bit too perfect and orderly, which is surprising since this is a story where the hero and heroine have to throw caution to the wind and risk their hearts for a chance at love. The story felt a bit too obviously structured, and though Elizabeth and Hunter were well developed, the supporting cast was largely two-dimensional. When Somebody Loves You has a lot of possibility, but the story never truly grabbed me and I wish it had a bit more depth. That being said, there are some sentimental moments that are truly touching and the story is enjoyable overall.

When Somebody Loves You is the first book in the Southern Belle Book Club series, but don’t expect to see much of said book club. This was a bit disappointing because I wanted to learn more about the book club members. Perhaps future books in the series will flesh out the secondary characters more. I enjoy Shirley Jump’s writing and though I had issues with When Somebody Loves You, it was a sweet, breezy read and I look forward to enjoying the next Southern Belle Book Club book.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

0 comments: