‘BEGIN AGAIN’: Healing, Forgiveness and Danger Paint this Contemporary Romance

‘BEGIN AGAIN’: Healing, Forgiveness and Danger Paint this Contemporary Romance. Review of the 2017 Indie contemporary from Crystal Walton. Text © Rissi JC

The past doesn’t frame a pretty picture for Trina Russo. It’s this that puts New York in the rear-view and sends her to the shores of Carolina. By doing this, she leaves behind a successful art studio business, and worries her
friends, but she finds something precious. 

BOOK REVIEW | ‘Write Me Home’ : Emotionally Complex Contemporary Romance

In the small coastal town, she meets Drew Anderson. A single father struggling to keep on top of overwhelming medical bills, and the family business he fears having to give up, Ti’s arrival seems almost too good to be true. Looking for distractions and a place to hide, she puts every effort into helping Drew revamp his business, but when things between them become more personal than professional, at what cost will Ti’s participation in Drew’s life come?

Begin Again, by Crystal Walton | Book Review

‘BEGIN AGAIN’: Healing, Forgiveness and Danger Paint this Contemporary Romance #bookarchives Share on X

When first we met Ti in Crystal’s novel from last year (originally a standalone, Write Me Home), she was a fun character who made us laugh. Or so first impressions suggest. Little do we realize the extent and depth the scars of her past extend.

Ti’s story is one of pain, heartbreak, and disbelief. All emotions that have to be turned upside down so we, along with this character, can discover the joy to be found in the small things. To remember what hope looks like, to remember what it feels like to truly feel free, happy and whole. This is where Drew’s unexpected role in her life makes the different. Drew’s pursuit of her is one of attraction, but also a deeper connection. He pursues her to tell her she’s worth more than her vision of herself. He pursues her to give her a place to call home. And he pursues her to show her the depth love and family can mean.

Those who like Nicholas Sparks novels will appreciate this romance in Begin Again. It hides deeper secrets than first glance suggests and blooms into a novel of hope, and forgiveness. The author carries through on the same theme as Write Me Home in its promise of discovering home as the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Flawed in shattered ways, these characters are sure to pique romance readers interest. What they’ve gone through is heartbreak and bittersweet, sorrow and joy, and all of it comes to a head in the final chapters of Begin Again. But as any good author is able to do, Walton brings these “hard” issues full circle, and gifts us – and these characters, an ending sure to draw a smile.

A B O U T THE B O O K

Author: Crystal Walton
Publisher: Impact Editions (Indie)
Source: Author Provided
Publication Date: 2017
Add the Book: Goodreads
Genre: Fiction; Contemporary Romance
Series: Home in You, 2
Rating: ★★★ 1/2

Content: though nothing “explicit,” some readers may not like the emphasis on the “physical” relationship between Trina and Drew. There is a lot of importance placed on the attraction, and a good deal of kissing.

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

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2 Comments

    1. My pleasure, Crystal. Thank you SO much for reaching out. Trina and Drew's story is full of so many emotions – and I love the theme of finding "home" in your novels. Write Me Home has a strong sense of this as well, and you write that emotion so well in these. :)

      (Apologies for the reply delay.)

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