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Omg. This is the first book I've read from this author and i wasn't disappointed . Austin and Miranda grew up together, became best friends then partners. When tragedy happens and Miranda leaves , Austin is left broken. On her return, it's Austin's turn to break Miranda. Lies, secrets and emotions rear it's ugly head before they can even attempt to get the happy ever after they both deserve.
I didn't love but didn't loathe this book, it was a slow beginning - and I felt like so much was crammed in and wrapped up after 75%.. I didn't really connect with the characters, there just wasn't much too them?
5.0 out of 5 starsGravel Road Leading Back to Home.
Reviewed in the United States on 27 September 2018
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GRAVEL ROAD is a Second Chance Romance, but not the usual kind. There are mountains to climb, and deep wounds that need to be healed. Apologies that might not be enough or just too late. Just saying “I still love you”! Won't be enough to mend hearts that have been shattered. Hateful words thrown in anger can never be taken back. You can't change your yesterdays, but there are plenty of fences to mend if you want happy tomorrows.
Randi Adams and Austin Burin were in love since they were young children. Everyone considered them the sweethearts of Mason Belle. He was the star quarterback and she the head cheerleader. All of Mason Belle thought of them as soulmates that were destined to get married and spend the rest of their lives in Mason Belle carrying on the tradition of their families. Both of their parents owned huge cattle ranches, both had homes that were nothing short of Gone With the Wind. Jack Adams ranch, Cross Acres, had a gravel road leading to it's huge ranch house. Cross Acres had a fancy iron gate and a ton of flowers and shrubbery at the entrance. Austin's favorite drive in his truck was on the gravel road that lead to his girlfriend's home. He would roll the window down to listen to the crunch of the rocks under his tires. Everything about the gritty noise reminded him of Randi.
Some decisions you make might have consequences that you never saw coming. Some decisions you can't undo no matter how hard you wish you could. Sometimes you can't go home, no matter how homesick you might become. Sometimes we have to endure the worst pain of our lives to find the greatest happiness. If you are a fan of second-chance romance this is one of the best.
This book was just okay for me. I was bored throughout parts of it. For me, if I knew from the beginning why Miranda went to New York, and how she met Eason, and their relationship, I might have liked this book a little more. I don't like waiting more than 1/2 way through a book to get answers. I also didn't like the fact that as soon as Miranda went home, she didn't want to meet her nieces & nephew. That was too unrealistic for me. I've read other books by this author that I have enjoyed, and I will continue to read her work. This book just wasn't for me.
Gravel Road is classic Stephie Walls. She doesn’t reveal everything until the end and if you skip ahead, you’ll ruin the heart racing experience of reading her books. Seriously, if you don’t enjoy a well crafted, details revealed in time story, Stephie Walls isn’t for you. At first Gravel Road seems like your typical second chance romance, but it’s anything but typical. Miranda and Austin have the fairytale until horrible circumstances rip them apart. Those circumstances, and the resulting fall out, are revealed throughout this book in careful detail. Just when you think it can’t get worse... I’ll admit that I cried for these characters. I also laughed and cursed and experienced every emotional high and low with Miranda and Austin. That’s what a great book does. It draws you in. But, like other readers, for most of the story I had no idea who to hate. (I NEED clearly defined heroes and villains!) By the end of the book, you know who’s the villain. Well, you know the characters and their stories anyway. You might still be unsure about who to hate. Favorite quote: “I’d waited years to hear the grit of the rocks accompanied by the girl who’d always made them music to my ears.”
5.0 out of 5 starsBeautiful prose, unforgettable characters, and emotions that remind me why I read, to feel.
Reviewed in the United States on 27 September 2018
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"Sometimes we have to endure the worst pain of our lives to find the greatest happiness."
Do you remember that time when I read my first Stephie Walls book and told you that as cliche as it sounds, it wouldn't be my last? Well, guess what? It was true because I just finished re-reading my second book by her, and I freaking adored it. I’m a Stephie Walls fan for life now.
One bad decision, one mistake, and everything changed for Austin and Miranda. From the very beginning, the emotions ran high and held me there the farther I got into the story. And then, when everything was said and done, I was a total mess—a mess of tears that didn't ask for permission but trailed down my cheeks anyway. But all the ache was so worth it that I found myself longing for a love like theirs.
To hate Miranda was not an easy task. Stephie Walls made difficult for me not to hate her with all the broken hearts she left behind. But as much as I wanted to keep Austin for myself, I knew he belonged to Miranda because a love like theirs is the kind of love that's hard to find.
Gravel Road had it all—beautiful prose, unforgettable characters, and emotions that remind me why I read, to feel.
If you want flawless writing, if you want a book that will make you believe in love, forgiveness, second chances and happy endings, read this book. I stayed up past my bedtime just to see them get their happily ever after.
Definitely one of my favorite reads of 2018! Hope the author decides to write Sarah & Charlie’s story because I need MORE!
Reviewed in the United States on 27 September 2018
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I got sucked into Austin & Miranda’s story and their world. I wanted to jump to the end and find out what happened! I’m glad I didn’t. It was not an easy journey and my heart felt it, but it was worth it.
Oh Austin! At times I wanted to yell at him to man up! Tell her! Stop being mean to her. I get he was hurt, but still! Austin did win me over as the story unfolded.
Miranda had amazing strength. I loved her spunkiness. I felt for her and what she went through. Miranda was a fighter and wasn’t going to back down.
I loved Austin & Miranda together! Great banter & chemistry between them.
I read in one sitting! I can’t wait to read more by Stephie Walls.