More Than Words

I can’t express how excited I was to get my hands on this book, Mia Sheridan has long been one of very few authors who’ve never disappointed me, and I eagerly anticipate each of her new releases. Sometimes some things are just too good to continue indefinitely, and that is what happened with More Than Words. I was a miss for me, I nearly DNF’d it several times, but pushed on because I love Ms. Sheridan’s work so deeply. The last half of the book redeemed the first, somewhat, but I felt like this novel was missing the ‘Mia Magic’ I’ve come to expect from her work.

There were parts of this book that were absolutely perfect. The beginning of Jessica and Callen’s relationship tore my heart out. Both for the little boy who was obviously broken beyond repair and for the little girl who was left without a goodbye. Part Three of their story was also wonderful. I loved how Ms. Sheridan brought this story together and gave them the ending they both deserved. Among my favorite aspects of More Than Words was the story Jessica had been hired to translate, it added such a phenomenal dimension to the book and mirror to Jessica and Callen’s story.

Callen called to my heart, between his love for music and how broken he was I found him highly endearing. He was the reason I kept reading this book. I needed to know why he was so broken, why he felt so badly of himself, why he refused to believe in himself. The way he grew, matured, and healed throughout the novel was sublime. That growth arc wouldn’t have been possible without Jessica, and for that, I loved her, even though I had a harder time connecting with her character.

I have so many wishes for this book, but my biggest would be that several of the scenes with supporting characters be reworked. I’m not sure what was going on with them, but several interactions Jessica and Callen had with those characters felt forced and awkward, particularly the dialogue. Secondly, I wish the connection between Jessica and Callen would have been stronger. There were a few perfectly beautiful scenes between them where I could feel their love for one another, but a lot of it fell flat. Finally, I wish the beginning of the book had been more quick-paced, it seemed like there was so much scene setting and history telling, I had a hard time connecting with the characters or wanting to know how their lives were going to play out.

More Than Words is a standalone novel and is not connected to any of Mia Sheridan’s other works. It is written in dual first-person perspective, narrated by Jessica and Callen.

Mia Sheridan has always been at the top of my list of must-read authors. Her stories are deeply emotional and profoundly romantic. Her prose is usually flawless and poetic, lending an added layer of romanticism to her writing. I don’t feel like More Than Words demonstrated the depth of her talent and I am heartbroken to have not seen her signature style and gift.

At one time in her life, like so many other little girls do at that age, Jessica Creswell dreamed of a prince coming to rescue her, falling madly in love with him, and one day sharing a castle with him as his wife. But just like the fictional fairy-tales she’d read in books, she realized that is not how real relationships work, as much as you want a man to be a prince it’s just not an expectation that will pan out… finding a prince is purely fictional. As much as you want him to be perfect like the prince in the book, he will always find a way to let you down, and her prince did, he kissed her, and then disappeared, without so much as a goodbye. But not a day goes by without at least one thought of him popping into her head, or one photo of him and his current piece of arm candy showing up on the television or internet. Learning that her one time prince turned into Callen Hayes famous bad boy composer was surprising, but nothing could have prepared her for the time he wandered into the restaurant she was working at, and him not recognizing her. Then their paths cross again, and just like all the times before their chemistry nearly smothers them, and they give into that chemistry and share a passionate night together. But the next morning Jessica’s logical side takes over and she once again remembers that putting her heart in the hands of a man, especially this man, is not wise, so she tries to make him see that they are better apart… but Callen isn’t so ready to let his new muse slip away.

More Than Words is a touching tale that will speak to your heart, stir your emotions, and leave you looking at love in a whole new way! It didn’t take long for me to find myself being sucked into this one, the words pulled me in and just wouldn’t let go, it was absorbing. This was a unique story line, so unlike anything I have read in the past, and I came to really appreciate that the farther I slipped into the story, it was so refreshing to read something so different, and walk away from it with so much. This is only my second novel from this author, but after reading this one I have to say she is quickly earning herself a spot amongst my all time favorites, there was just so much to love about this book, the words were amazing, the characters were fantastic, and the message I took away from it was priceless! Highly recommend you make time to settle down with this one, it is certain to leave your heart overflowing!!

I requested an advanced copy of this title, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

What drives my love for the worlds and characters Mia Sheridan crafts is the fact that there is a fairy tale feel to them…one that seems steadfast…determined to allow the heroes and the heroines to stand a fighting chance for their happily ever afters. Mind you, it is in no way easy, especially when years span where there is no interaction between the main characters, only the memories that they’ve held onto for that lengthy time frame. But regardless of the years lost…regardless of the heartbreak endured, it’s as if fate and Mia Sheridan herself refuse to allow the dreaming to end…refuse to allow a love rooted in so much good…a connection solidified when they were young to not have a second chance…another opportunity to revel in the shared feelings, to fight the inner demons that constantly torment them, and to let go of a past that has no place in the present and most definitely not in a hopeful future.

Callen Hayes and Jessica Creswell’s story begins when they are teenagers, finding refuge in one another despite Callen’s brokenness, but their bond is fractured for inexplicable reasons, forcing Jessica to find a way to move on…to exist without the other part other heart that left when Callen did and she hasn’t been able to get it back since.

But even though Princess Jessica couldn’t save Prince Callen or live their happily ever after due to the circumstances they found themselves in when they were young, destiny brings them back together and offers them an opportunity to not only make things right between them but also to fight against the mistakes, the secrets, and the lies that still surround them. And, just like the beast in Beauty and the Beast, Callen is a broody and broken hero – one who might seem too callous..too cynical…too aloof to win every reader over, but for the person who matters, Jessica, he’s everything she wants and needs, which means that their epic love story amidst the cultural and historical richness of the setting immerses readers into an angsty, emotional, and overwhelming tale of love, of loss, and of life’s beauty and pain.

I do have to admit that there were parts of More Than Words that felt a bit slow and made me feel slightly disconnected from the characters, but given the span of years that Jessica and Callen were apart and where their lives took them during that timeframe, I understand the importance of backstory and inner dialogue; I just would have liked it to seamlessly meld with what was occurring in the present.

More Than Words is the perfect title for Callen and Jessica’s story because that’s the kind of bond they formed when they were young – one that didn’t require words for them to understand one another and the significant impact they had on each other’s life, and then its meaning is brought into frame, once again, when they reconnect in France and find what they had to still be intact and as they work towards building something that will last forever, words aren’t necessarily needed because their hearts and souls seem to recognize one another and that’s not something that words can eloquently describe.

4.5 Poison Apples

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of childhood friends to lovers romances. More Than Words is the story of Jessica and Callen, who on the outside couldn’t be more different, but end up forging a connection that defies time and distance.

A fateful encounter leads to an unlikely friendship between Jessica and Callen, which ends up shaping both of their lives. Both were running from their own problems at home and ended up finding comfort, support, and joy with the other. Their friendship is suddenly cut short though and their lives diverge as they grow older. A decade later, fate intervenes again and throws them back together in France. Reconciling the children they were, with the adults they are now is difficult for Jessica. They can’t deny their connection (both emotionally and physically), but Callen’s life choices embody everything Jessica has sworn to never accept or tolerate. It doesn’t help that of course Jessica is a virgin, while Callen is essentially an alcoholic and an absolute manwhore, doing anything and anyone regardless of the consequences. Callen’s self destructive behavior and secrets hang heavy between them, and create a huge push and pull between the people they are and who they want to be. Will these two let their fears and personal demons stop them from finding their happily ever after?

I really loved that Mia Sheridan pointed out that change comes from within, and that no matter how supportive your friends and family are, nothing will truly change unless you want it to. I found that the book came across a bit too religious/preachy at times (especially with the addition of the Joan of Arc story line), but I still appreciated the underlying message the author was trying to convey. I do wish we would have seen more of Jessica and Callen’s childhood though, since it was the foundation of the entire story. Overall, More Than Words was an emotional and entertaining read!

*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*

“I’d asked him to help me, begged him to save me, and he’d sent Jessie, not only to provide friendship and laughter when I needed it the most, but to gift me the joy of music. She’d delivered it straight into my arms, like a messenger bearing miracles, and I hadn’t once recognized her for what she was. My gift. My fate. My love.”

There are so many brilliant and wondrous things that I want to say about this book. But, I don’t know if I will ever be able to truly tell you just how and amazing and unexpected this book was for me. True to Mia Sheridan fashion this book has my heart all tied up in knots, feeling so many emotions. I know when I’m reading one of her books that I should expect to be taken on an incredible journey, but I am utterly floored by just how much I loved this book. More Than Words is one of those stories that just sneaks up on you. You won’t stand a chance. You may as well lock yourself in your room, because you are not going to want to put this book down..

From the moment I picked up More Than Words, I was inexplicably drawn to the characters and the story. I was completely captivated and was dying for more. The lyrical writing and flow of the story just sucks you in. You can’t absorb the words fast enough. This story is so unique, but delivers so many powerful messages. This book is so much more than a love story. It is a story of friendship and hope. A story of the worst pain and heartache. A story of despair and at times hopelessness. A story of demons and hitting rock bottom. A story of longing and love you want to give so badly, but don’t think you deserve. This story is just so much more than I will ever be able to say.

To say I loved this book would be a total understatement. It is the book my heart has been waiting for, but didn’t know existed. The characters will consume you and become a part of you. They are so real and flawed and beautiful. Their struggles and pain are so palpable. You can’t help but get lost in Callen and Jessie. Jessie is the girl who believes in fairytales and happy endings, always searching for an escape in made up worlds. And Callen is the beautiful broken boy who is lost and surrounded by demons, looking for a way out and finds hope in an unexpected place. Their story is complex and will tug at your heart. It will have you feeling so many emotions and at the same time will have you rooting for a happily ever after.

More Than Words has stolen my heart with it’s incredible writing and brilliant characters. It has consumed me and has left me with one heck of a book hangover. For me, this book ties Archer’s Voice for favorite reads and is definitely a top read of 2018.

You know you’re onto a winner when a book draws you in so much, it almost feels like you’re there.

More Than Words tells the story of Jessie and Callen. Both meet when they are children and whilst both have had troubled childhoods, fate sends them on a different path into adulthood.

Fast forward several years when they meet again as adults.

This book, from the very beginning, I found to be totally endearing and at times poignant. It was beautifully written which was also helped by the fact that it was mostly set in France. And whilst it was not a particularly fast paced book, I certainly couldn’t help being totally enamoured with Jessie and Callen’s relationship. They had such beautiful chemistry that I just couldn’t see how the couple could possibly not end up together.

Mia has such a wonderful way with words and I’m not sure she has ever matched the greatness that was Archers Voice, which I know captured a lot of our hearts, but she definitely continues to demonstrate what an amazing author she really is. Just nothing short of spectacular in my opinion.

There are no words good enough to express how much I loved this 5 story. I was brought back to my vacation a few years back in the Loire Valley, France.

Callen and Jessica met at an young age. Their time together was cut short but memorable. Years later they meet again in Paris. Callen is not in a good place right now but having Jessica in his life balances him out and gives him peace.

I always anticipate a book written by Mia. A love story that is set in France and really brought back my time there also. Beautifully written with an original storyline that flowed well. I was sucked in these amazingly created characters lives. I felt so many emotions. Bottomline this is a must read.

Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story. All of Mia’s previous books are all worth the readers precious time and money.

4.5 stars

“Live fiercely and without regret.”

I am a huge fan of Mia Sheridan’s writing and storytelling, I’ll blindly one-click her books because I trust her to deliver great stories with even greater characters. The blurb gives you just enough to intrigue and capture your attention. I was addicted to this story from beginning until end. I absolutely loved how Jessie and Callen met. They met at the perfect time, and provided each other with the best memories and support. Especially, Callen would profit the most from meeting Jessie at that certain time in his life. They both come from broken homes but have made the best out of their situations. The attraction between them is obvious when they meet again years later.

“I wanted a man who would fight for me, who would slay dragons for me, and whose love I could count on to be as steady and unchanging as the stars.”

What I love the most about this story was the strong connection and love between Jessie and Callen. When these two were together, everything else faded away. They were in their own world and I loved seeing them discovering each other again. I also absolutely enjoyed reading all the historical bits, involving Jessie’s job. It just added an extra layer to the story, it was just a pleasant addition to the story for someone who loves anything History related like myself. There was enough individual character development, and I also loved how the characters grew as a couple. The writing was phenomenal like always, and I just couldn’t get enough of Jessie and Callen. I can’t wait to see what Mia Sheridan has in store for us next.

“Sometimes the beginning of love is just a simple matter of proximity.”