Hey! I’m here to share my thoughts on Hannah Conway’s “Up in Smoke”. I have spent more time this summer reading than I thought I would. Strange, as I have had less free time than I thought I would. Where is this reading time coming from? Oh well. Before I get to the review, let me first remind you about the book…
Up in Smoke
Life heats up for Leanna Wilson when an accident claims her parent’s lives. Her dreams of a high profile law career are reduced to rubble when she returns home to assume custody of her sister, Brie. Without the financial means to take legal custody of her sister—or a binding will to place her safely in her arms—Leanna’s future becomes more uncertain than ever. Already prepared for a blazing custody battle, with less than capable relatives, Leanna’s world is set ablaze when her ex-fiancé complicates matters in an attempt to destroy her future and her faith.
US Army, SSG Garrison Burke has spent the last few years alone—balancing flag and fatherhood since the tragic death of his wife. Facing deployment, Garrison is desperate to find a safe caretaker for his son, Ezra—preferably anywhere but the abusive home he grew up in. So, when Leanna Wilson walks unexpectedly back into his life, he’s not sure if she’s a blessing or a curse. More importantly, Garrison cannot seem to forget how he betrayed Leanna many years ago. Yet, as Leanna and Garrison begin to run out of time, they start to see that the solution to their problems might lie within each other, but will they forget the past and allow their broken hearts to mend? As sparks begin to fly and their love is rekindled, a marriage of convenience will either make their wildest dreams come true or cause their best-laid plans to go up in smoke.
My Thoughts
Hannah R. Conway hits this third book out of the park. It is a home run. There are so many good things to say about this book.
Leanna’s story is relatable and heart-wrenching. We feel with her, we struggle with her…and, in the end, we believe in her growth as a character. Garrison, too, pulls at the reader’s heart as we follow his arc, through the worst of his story and the best of it.
As far as the story itself, the pacing was good. The twists and turns were well-placed and kept me hooked. I just kept turning pages and never once wanted to put the book down!
All in all, Conway has brought a story that nearly anyone can relate to and the reader can close at the end with a warm heart and a contented sigh. Well done.
The Verdict – 5 STARS!!!
