Emily Ackerman has traveled the world, her constant compass and companion a book of letters her mother left for her when she died. With no father in the picture, her mom’s advice has been her only true north. But when professional failure leads Emily back to Nantucket to renovate and sell the family cottage she inherited, she wonders if her mom left advice to cover this. . . especially when her … when her grandmother arrives to “supervise.” And especially when her heart becomes entangled with Hollis McGuire, the boy next door-turned-baseball star who’s back on the island after a career-ending injury.As sparks fly between her and Hollis, Emily is drawn to island life, even as she uncovers shocking secrets about the tragic accident that led to her mother’s death. With her world turned upside down, Emily must choose between allowing the voices from her past to guide her future or forging her own path forward.
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I’m enjoyed If For Any Reason! Weaving the mother’s and daughter’s stories together like this is such an interesting way to capture and hold the reader’s interest. The letters from the mother make the story even more meaningful. I felt like I was at Nantucket with all the great descriptions. Well done!
This review is for extended preview of Courtney Walsh’s If For Any Reason. I received a copy of this extended preview from Tyndale House Publishers via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Courtney Walsh has a way of drawing you completely in to her setting, characters, and plot. From page one, you will feel like you are traveling to Nantucket with Emily as she relives her summers spent on the island and tries to forge a new life renovating her grandfather’s cottage. She embarks on this journey bogged down by sense of failure from her failed theater production but encouraged by her deceased mother’s book of letters and fond memories of her Nantucket days. There is a sense of mystery and intrigue as Emily’s mother’s story slowly unfolds parallel to Emily’s. Hollis, a retired baseball player, is a somber, practical, protective hero who is trying to find his way to his preteen daughter during the summer days on Nantucket. Hollis and Emily’s friendship goes way back and their reconnection is sweet. There is a lot of heartbreak even in the beginning chapters of this book but there is also a glimpse of hope and healing on the horizon. Courtney Walsh does an amazing job, as always, creating her characters that you want to read more about them with each turn of the page.
If you enjoy heart-tugging contemporary romance, you will want to read this one. Fans of Courtney Walsh will fall head over heels again and newbies to her writing will find a new favorite author.
An enjoyable and well written story that blended the past and the present. The story showed personal growth, hope, understanding and forgiveness in its characters throughout the book.
I especially like the Nantucket beach setting.
Warm and inviting, If for Any Reason is a delightful read. I fell in love with the characters and with my time in Nantucket. Don’t miss this one.
P.S. I absolutely loved the letters from mother to daughter. They melted my heart.
I read A Match Made at Christmas a few months ago. It is the novella which comes right after If for Any Reason. It was easy to read as a stand alone, but I am so glad to have now gone back and read Hollis and Emily’s story in order to know these characters, as well.
If for Any Reason was a bit of a slow start for me and I felt so bad for the young couple in the flashbacks, knowing that things were not going to work out for them in the long run. However, this was definitely an engrossing tale, encompassing both past and present. I loved, loved, loved the relationship between Hollis and Emily. Their shared past during childhood set up the possibility of a beautiful and solid relationship in the present and future. Hollis was a swoon worthy hero and I was impressed with the way he wanted to make things right with his daughter and start a new life with Emily.
There is something about the sea air that soothes my soul and warms my heart. Emily has traveled all over the world, but is back in Nantucket and almost immediately runs into Hollis, a friend from her past. Although there are bumps along Emily’s journey and secrets to uncover, there is a comforting thread running throughout this poignant story.
Emily has a lot of challenges to overcome and this sweet book allowed for growth, love, and dreams to manifest. I loved the way Emily bonded with Jolie, which unintentionally strengthens their individual relationships with Hollis.
The flashbacks to the past helped to complete this moving story and the whole thing encompassed every inch of my heart.
Content: mild romance (implications to intimacy, kissing), mild+ religion
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
What a great story of redemption and forgiveness! Ms. Walsh has done a wonderful job with character development and the plot. Set in modern-day, this is the story of love, loss, forgiveness, and a future unexpected. This story is a real page-turner for any reader!
I highly recommend this story for someone who loves contemporary fiction, romance, and Christian fiction.
“If For Any Reason”, I loved this title and the way it played into the story. When I first heard it, it sounded a bit strange but I didn’t think much about it. Then as the story of this book started to unfold it made complete sense and I loved it.
Courtney Walsh knows how to put her characters through the hard things in life and she writes in such a beautiful way that their pain, struggles, and emotions become yours. I always connect with her characters in a way that I don’t often do and it’s honestly beautiful. This was definitely the case with Emily and Hollis. Emily was such a broken character, she had lost so much and built so many walls and my heart honestly broke for her. But I loved watching her journey to healing and finding where she belonged. And Hollis, while it was his own choices that led him to where he was he’s deep remorse and dedication to being better was enough to endear him to me. I also loved the quiet way he broke down Emily’s walls and showed her unconditional love. I really enjoyed the way their relationship played out and how real they were able to be with each other.
Jolie was a sweet kid and the author did a great job of writing an authentic preteen who was still likable! I also loved Hollis’s family!
The setting of this story was beautiful and the escape to Nantucket was exactly what I needed on these dreary winter days!
If you like fiction with a lot of heart, tender romance, and emotions that reach deep then I cannot recommend this book enough!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Courtney Walsh has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and this new book is no exception! With a story inside as bright as the cover, this book is filled with hope and second chances. Add in old letters, a small town theatre, and a gorgeous setting and I was hooked. I’ve always wanted to visit Nantucket and now I want to go even more. It’s a perfect summer love story to carry you through February into warmer days.
TAKE ME AWAY TO NANTUCKET
Confession : I have never read a book by Courtney Walsh. Now I am left wondering why it took me so long.
Immediately, I was swept into the life of Emily Ackerman. Her pain is tangible, her reluctance is understandable, and her insecurity is relatable. There wasn’t a single facet of her life that I could not connect to in some way and I believe that is why it was so easy to immerse myself into the life and mind of Emily.
As the scenery of Nantucket began to unfold, I found myself longing to be there, even in these cooler temps. Ocean waves, sand between the toes, and a quant seaside cottage placed me right in the middle of this perfect getaway location. Sadly, it wasn’t so perfect for Emily and her family.
Enter Hollis. Can I just say that I think he is one of my favorite “heros”? He is real and raw and full of flaws that so many can relate to. I appreciated the reflection Ms. Walsh put into this character as he navigated life with a tween girl. It is scary enough for a mother, I can’t imagine how terrified a dad would feel. Ms. Walsh did a stellar job exhibiting that fear.
Now, I was only given a portion of this book from the publisher through CelebrateLit BUT I loved what I had read so much that I bought the Audible version so I could find out what happened next. I was so enthralled in the story that I knew I had to have the paperback on my shelf. As soon as I was able, I purchased the book. It was worth every moment and dollar spent and I look forward to reading it again and again.
For this review I received an extended sample of this book. Emily Ackerman was a character who drew me in to her world. I loved the statement of, “I can do hard things.’
Hollis and his family spent their summers in the house next to Emily’s family. But when Emily’s mother died when she was a girl they did not see each other for years. The emotional reunion between Emily and Hollis’ family was everything I wanted it to be. I also loved the dynamics between Hollis and his daughter JoJobas well as the dynamics between Emily and JoJo.
So check out this book for yourself.
I received a sample of this book for my fair and honest review.
What I think you should know:
If For Any Reason is a contemporary romance by Courtney Walsh, however I would classify it as contemporary fiction rather than romance as there is much more to the story. The story contains two timelines, one set currently and one starting in the summer of 1989. In the current timeline Emily had not been back to Nantucket since the tragic death of her mother, until her grandfather passed away and left her their summer home. Hollis grew up wanting to be more than just the son of the help on an Island that was the playground for the rich. Now as an adult he has a home of his own on the island, however he regrets many choices he has made along the way.
What you might need to know:
Emily lost her mother suddenly and tragically while still in her youth. She has chosen to base many of her life choices on the contents of her mother’s letters.
Hollis has been mostly an absent father.
What I think about this book:
Walsh has written a complex story of love, loss and learning to grow and live for your passion. I enjoyed looking at the letters that Isabelle had written to Emily and my heart ached for both of them. However I felt that Emily sometimes missed some of the most important message that her mother wanted her to see. which was about the Love of God. I as a theater geek raising three younger theater geeks LOVE that portion of the story. I enjoyed this story and would not hesitate to read another story by Walsh.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
My Thoughts on If For Any Reason:
Wonderful read. First book that I’ve read from this author but I have to say I’m sure it won’t be the last. She has done a fine job melding characters and making you invested in this book. It tugs at your heartstrings for sure!
I love the letters that Emily has from her mother. They make me want to take the time and start writing letters to my children. I have a lot of children and several years to catch up on though! They are poignant and wonderful and the central pivot of the story.
While I first thought this was just going to be a cutesy romance book there are some minor mystery subplots and a whole lot of family drama that has to come out too. Emily is a likeable character and you can’t help but feel sorry for her at times. No father in the picture, her mother is dead, life has not been easy.
This is a book I can recommend. I hope you’ll give it a read and then check out the author’s other books like I’m going to do.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Reading a Courtney Walsh book is like taking a vacation, without the bugs. Walsh does a great job of describing the setting of Nantucket. You really will be transported for a while.
If For Any Reason has moments of lightness as well as tackling some heavier subjects, but the author does that very well. Her characters are well developed and grow throughout the story as they should, while dealing with disappointments, hardships, and rough emotions. Besides a clean romance, Walsh weaves faith and forgiveness throughout. If you enjoy contemporary fiction then I recommend reading this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
My Thoughts On This Book My Rating: 5++ out of 5 Stars
I love IF FOR ANY REASON for so many reasons! I love the setting in Nantucket, the incredible characters were so realistic, the letters from Emily’s mom were priceless, and I love Emily and Hollis, I love the way Emily and Jolie clicked, and I love the chemistry between Emily and Hollis! And there is so much more. Courtney Walsh writes such an awesome story, I didn’t want it to end.
Emily’s main purpose for her visit to Nantucket was to sell the cottage left to her in her grandfather’s will, and leave. What she didn’t expect to find was Hollis and his family still in Nantucket. Upsetting her life even more. I could understand why this was Emily’s choice, so much hurt had happened here. I was really upset at her grandparents for so many lies, but I did respect her grandfather’s letter to try to make amends. But the hurt was so deep, and trying to find answers went even deeper.
I love, love this story, and I will for sure be reading this one again!! IF FOR ANY REASON is so worth a second read. There is so much to be said about this story, it is such a well written story, and so many things happening. Courtney Walsh for sure has us, her readers wanting more and more as the story unfolds. You really need to read the book for yourself to get the full impact of the story and all of its happenings. If you enjoy good, clean Contemporary fiction, this is one you will love so much.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This book had me hooked from the very first chapter. The characters are so genuine and deep that I fell in love with Emily and Hollis immediately (and Hollis’s daughter-Jolie). There isn’t a single character who is forgettable, and I would love to sit around the McGuire table anytime for a family dinner.
The island of Nantucket is a beautiful backdrop for this story, but its beauty also accentuates the painful pasts both Emily and Hollis are trying to reconcile. The author does a wonderful job mapping out the island so that you feel like a local and know what street to take to get the best ice cream!
The idea for Emily’s mother to write a series of letters for her daughter about different subjects on life was thought-provoking (as a mother myself, I love the idea). I loved the letters and thought they strengthened the connection between Emily and her mother, Isabelle, in the story. They also gave more insight into the secondary storyline of Isabelle and her time on the island as a teenager.
I was provided with an extended sampler by Celebrate Lit for this book, but I enjoyed it so much, I will be purchasing the full book soon! Any fan of contemporary Christian fiction/romance will enjoy this book.
I was provided a copy of this book by Celebrate Lit with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
When I chose to participate in a Celebrate Lit book tour I was given an extended excerpt to read and review. Well, I can tell you that this excerpt wasn’t enough….I WILL be reading the whole book and I WILL be urging others to read it also. Courtney Walsh has written a beautiful story of love: romantic love, the love of a mother for her child, and the love that God offers all of His children. If For Any Reason also stresses the importance of forgiveness and second chances. We all know that we should forgive others but how many of us know how to forgive ourselves? How willing are we to offer second chances?
In this narrative of Emily Ackerman’s past and present life, I loved that Walsh used letters to offer a glimpse of Emily’s mother Isabelle. These letters are woven throughout the story and my heart ached when reading some of Isabelle’s words. Words of encouragement, words of advice, and words that reminded Emily that she would always have one person she could rely on. In one of these letters that especially resonated with me Isabelle told her, “I hope you find a place where you’re loved and accepted, but on the days you feel neither of those things, I hope you remember that you are in fact loved and accepted, not just by me, but by God. Yeah, I’m going to go there—I’m going to be that mom, talking to you about Jesus.” How many of us mothers have yearned that our own children would feel this assurance?
If you are looking for a book that will overwhelm you with emotions and captivate you with its realism, you will definitely want to read If For Any Reason. It is contemporary romantic fiction at its finest!
I received a complimentary e-book from Celebrate Lit but there was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thought
Courtney Walsh is an author that has been on my radar for a while but for whatever reason I have never had an opportunity to pick up one of her books, however I found If For Any Reason intriguing and I was very much in the mood for a summer read.
However, even though there is a romance that takes place, there are also some heavy topics that are discussed throughout the novel such as the death of a parent and abandonment.
The first 100 pages reeled me in and I was fully invested in the story, however about halfway through the novel, the story seemed to lose steam and some of the things that end up happening, especially to the main characters just seemed a little melodramatic. But I did enjoy the story for the most part and following Emily and Hollis on their journey. I also really enjoyed the split timeline of showing Emily’s mom’s past, as well as the letters that she left for Emily. Another complaint I have is that I wish there had been an epilogue because the ending seemed kind of abrupt…and while the ending makes sense, I still would have loved gettinga look at these character several months, or even a year after the end of the plot to see how they are doing.
While there were things about If For Any Reason that I did not like, it was still a good read and I highly recommend for anyone looking for a good beach read that also deals with a few hard topics. I’m looking forward to checking out some of Courtney Walsh’s other novels. 3/5 Stars.
Author Courtney Walsh pens a contemporary romance set in Nantucket, a story where parental decisions have a long-range effect on their children and grandchildren.
In If For Any Reason, Emily Ackerson – broken from professional failure and exhausted from world travels – returns to Nantucket following her grandfather’s death. He left her the family cottage, which she plans to renovate and sell quickly to help her financial situation. She traveled the world, never settling in one place or relationship very long. When she returns to Nantucket, a place she hasn’t visited since her mother’s death, things are about to change for Emily. Meanwhile she meets Hollis McGuire, former professional baseball player, former childhood friend and neighbor. His estranged teenage daughter – JoJo – is spending the month with him. Will Hollis, Emily, and JoJo learn to trust one another and trust in God’s plan, despite their hurts from the past?
Raised by her single mother until her untimely death, Emily has a collection of letters her mother wrote about various topics. She treasures these letters, using them to guide her though life, including not taking chances on love or relationships. Her mother’s letters range in topic from trusting in God, to being cautious with her heart, to following her passions – only are the letters meant to guide her, not dictate her life. Her mother was twenty-five at her death, just five years younger than Emily, so her letters reflect her thoughts as a young adult, without the possibility that her thoughts would change over time.
Walsh pens a second-chance romance with main characters who share a broken past, both searching for a place to belong. Emily was abandoned by her father even before she was born, while Hollis abandoned his daughter JoJo because of his work-related accident and recovery. Faith is clearly evident in the story (both Hollis and Emily are seekers in their faith journey), and theirs is a clean romance. Her cast of realistic characters lead the reader through the journey each one makes. This is not a lighthearted story but one that will make the reader to think about their own life’s decisions and dreams.
Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write reviews, nor to even post positive reviews.
I have to confess I’m more than a little jealous of Emily—I’m an actress who hasn’t been on stage in years!
Even though dimmed, Emily’s passion for theatre is evident. Pain from the past distorted her heart and her thinking, shadowed her every decision.
Hollis had a past that stirred conflict with his present—and alienated his from his twelve-year-old daughter.
Ms. Walsh spins a tale that tugs at the heart, with characters so real, emotions so raw. She crafts her words in lovely patterns, descriptions that invite the reader into the scenes.
I ached along with Emily as she returned to the last place she wanted to be. I squealed like a giddy adolescent when she and Hollis chatted—and as their hearts resisted in vain the growing attraction—and urged them to let the sparks rekindle their youthful attraction.
I eagerly read this story, looking for the answers as keenly as Emily and Hollis. A page-turning story, beautifully told.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
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