"Always the One" (2020) - Book Review #AlwaysPrism
On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Always the One
(Meet Me at the Altar #4)
By Tara Randel
By Tara Randel
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
February 4th 2020 by Harlequin HeartwarmingFrom USA TODAY bestselling author Tara Randel
She’s the love of his life… but is he still hers?
FBI agent Derrick Matthews has finally found his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life—but she isn’t exactly happy about it! Years ago, Hannah Rawlings disappeared overnight when her family went on the run, and she blames Derrick. She tells him she’s moved on and he should, too, but Derrick fears Hannah’s still in danger. He vows to protect her—even if that means betraying her trust…again.
Affiliate link included.
Other Books in the Series
About the Author
USA Today Bestselling Author Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn't come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. Family values, mystery and, of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery.
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My Review:
Thank you in advance to the author, Tara
Randel, as well as Prism Book Tours for providing a complimentary copy to
review. A positive review was NOT required, and all words are my own.
As of last year, I have begun “warming up” to
Harlequin’s “Heartwarming” line. My first two introductions were as a private
review at an author’s request, and one was from a review group. I was
hooked!
But, I’m no stranger to Harlequin books as I
began reading them about 20 years ago. It was last year I was re-introduced to
the Love Inspired Series. I have some 2003 “Love Inspired” books from Steeple
Hill that I’ve never read. I can see that line has definitely improved. And,
because I enjoyed the Intrigue line, it makes sense that I am absolutely hooked
on the Love Inspired Suspense series.
Monthly readers will note the cover change this
month (February 2020). Harlequin redesigned the covers for all of their series
(which is also color-coded). As opposed to the previous (recent) “design”, this
is a bit cleaner with the LOGO, publisher, and series in the upper left of the
cover. The logo is a bit LESS noticeable. In the “Heartwarming” line, the heart
on the spine is missing. Eagle-eyed readers should still be able to spot this
in their favorite stores though.
On to this book …
“Always the One” grabbed me right off by a
weakness I have when it comes to a romance story – law enforcement. Be it local
police, small town sheriffs, investigators, FBI, even NCIS – I have a real soft
spot for law enforcement heroes in a story.
The blurb on this book grabbed my attention
because it also dealt with a former love interest in the Witness Protection
Program (WITSEC).
Even while I’m reading a book, I try to take
notes for my review. Trying to write a review with no notes is impossible.Why?
I couldn’t take them when it came to this book.
And, that’s not because I didn’t like this book
– I LOVED it! I read it in about two days. As this is a “large print” novel,
that wasn’t that hard. I found I couldn’t put it down, and since I read at
bedtime – of course I had to put it down as I needed some sleep. But, I kept
wanting to come back to it.
The characters and story drew me in right away.
And, it was easy to see where both Derrick and Anna (Hannah) were coming from.
Still, it was rather sad to see that while they both deeply loved each other,
Anna wasn’t as thrilled with seeing Derrick again. Yet, he was willing to give
her as much time as she needed.
This was the first “Meet me at the Altar” book
I have read, and the first one of the author’s I’ve read. Tara Randel did a
terrific job with this one. While part of the series, this easily stands on its
own. The writer put in enough information for the other family members so I was
able to read this without feeling lost.
Derrick arrives in a Northern Nevada town (I’m
in Southern Nevada) when he receives something from his and Hannah’s past.
After looking for her most of his life, and almost giving up – he’s hoping she
is reaching out to him. Only “Anna” isn’t reaching out.
Still, Derrick wants to assure her safety by
finding out what is going on. So much so that he gets a job there while
supposedly on “vacation”. He still loves her; she loves him, but …
There is Anna’s fiancé, Jonathan, in the mix. I
didn’t trust him from the beginning. Nor did I like him. I read the book with
all these bad vibes about him.
So, right off – for me – there was a mystery
with touch of intrigue/suspense, a lost love, and an unintentional love
triangle.
Randel structured and planned the plot quite
well with the heart-breaking realities of crime witnesses and what they are
forced to leave behind to keep their family safe. It is also heart-breaking for
those who are left behind that don’t know what is going on.
Anna’s family has even separated with her father
going away to keep her and her mother safe. But, Anna has had to pick up and
take charge due to her mother’s failing health.
Randel didn’t back down from the realities of
caring for a sick and elderly parent, while managing a full-time job, with
wedding planning.
The end was nothing like I expected. It had a
“cute”, albeit sneaky conclusion (about chapter 15) which I had to laugh about.
I can’t give it away without spoiling it. But, it was so cute! And, of course
the standard “happily ever after” with a little bit of the suspense I had read
into it.
While categorized under the “Hope &
Inspiration” line by Harlequin, this is simply a “clean read” romance. There
are no referenced sex scenes, mild PDA (public displays of affection), and the
language is mild. There are little to no Christian references, so those who
enjoy cleaner reads without wanting the Christian references will enjoy this
book, and I also hope those who enjoy Christian romance will enjoy the book as
well.
It completely fulfills the back “promise” of
being part of the “wholesome stories of love, compassion, and belonging”.
Not only was this “heart-warming”, it was
heart-breaking, endearing, and beautiful.
This would make a GREAT Sunday read or even a
weekend read. My experience was more of the “weekend” read.
RATING:
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in
this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
Thanks so much for this lovely review of Always The One. So happy to be here today!
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