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The Two of Us Victoria Bylin — Click on cover image to order your copy

Heartwarming and Touching New Contemporary Romance from Victoria Bylin

After two broken engagements, nurse practitioner Mia Robinson is done with dating. From now on, she only trusts herself and God, and she’s focused on her eighteen-year-old sister, Lucy, and caring for patients. Just as she applies to work for an international aid organization, a phone call from Lucy, who’s pregnant and running off to marry her twenty-one-year-old boyfriend, throws a wrench into all of Mia’s plans.

Jake Tanner may have recovered from the physical injuries he sustained on the job as a police officer, but his heart has yet to heal from losing his former partner in the tragedy. He’s poured himself into starting a camp for the sons of fallen officers and mentoring Sam, the adult son of his deceased partner, who’s asked him to be his best man at his wedding.

Mia is expecting a mess when she arrives to sort out the situation with Lucy, but she wasn’t expecting Jake. And Jake, who can’t help envying Sam and Lucy, doubts he’ll ever experience their happiness for himself. But maybe Jake’s courage and Mia’s caring spirit are just what they need to bring them a lifetime of healing and a forever kind of love. . . .

Goodreads

I only discovered Victoria Bylin a few years ago but I have enjoyed each of her books since then. She writes real characters with real hurts and fears and draws me into those stories. Her latest release, The Two of Us, is no exception.

The meet cute with Jake and Mia is an original one. One that made me smile a bit as it was happening. And Mia’s knee-jerk decision that brings her more fully into Jake’s world doesn’t feel contrived at all. I also love that Jake isn’t afraid to go after what he wants but also puts Mia and what’s best for her first.

Readers have the added bonus of Lucy’s (Mia’s sister’s) point of view to give the story and well-rounded arc. As Lucy struggles with her relationship with God, and Mia and Jake their attraction to each other, they each must learn to release the grip they have on their own lives.

Add in a mother’s heartbreaking struggle with Alzheimer’s and a town up in arms about a youth camp, and there is plenty to keep this story moving along while tugging at your heartstrings. Another enjoyable read from Victoria Bylin, indeed.

My Rating:

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Dr. Ryan Tremaine has determined to make the most of this summer while he is in charge of his three children. In an effort to become closer to the two sons he’d had while married and his daughter who was conceived during the affair the ending his marriage, Ryan struggles to mark the items off a sink or swim (SOS) list he created. Penny creates her own unique challenges as she has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and her mind does not operate like that of a normal child. When his daughter goes missing at the mall and is found with one of the workers, he is determined to hire the woman as Penny’s nanny.

Carly Mason has her own regrets and guilt. An ex-social worker due to getting to close to one of her charges, Carly fears getting too involved again and puts distance between herself and others to protect her heart. She knows that working for Dr. Tremaine and spending time with Penny and his sons may likely break through those walls she’s so carefully placed. But when it comes down to it, Penny needs Carly. As does Ryan Tremaine and his boys.

This tale of a little girl with a big heart who doesn’t understand why she’s the way she is and two adults who are so filled with guilt and remorse from the past is heartwarming. And hard to put down. Clinical and rigid, Ryan Tremaine isn’t all that likable at first but his love for his children is evident. I grew to love him right along with Carly. The sections of the book written from Penny’s perspective are a wonderful element to this book. It gives readers a little insight into the confusion and chaos that is her world. Carly is bold and confident in many areas but her struggle with accepting forgiveness for that one thing in the past makes her human. All of the characters in the book were human—flawed—and that is what made the story so enjoyable. It is only by God’s grace we are forgiven and that we forgive. Only He is perfect.

Available now in stores or online.

****Bethany House Publishers provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Victoria Bylin

The Two of Us by Victoria Bylin (Review)

Together with You by Victoria Bylin