From Glowing Embers by Emilie Richards
Note: This is a standalone book. There is a HEA, and you will not be required to read other books in a series (if this book is part of a series) to understand what is going on.
I wanted to like the story (being Hawaiian, I am biased when I see stories that take place in my beautiful homeland), but 'From Glowing Embers' fell short for me. Having seen all that Julie Ann faced growing up, I wanted more for her than what Gray was offering. He kept seeming so on the fence about being with her, at times he even only seemed to be spending time with her out of pity. He kept saying things like, "I want you, but we can't.", "I want to, but we shouldn't.". What reasons were there for him to keep saying that? The only thing mentioned was his fathers prejudices towards Julie Anns family. If your fathers ignorance is keeping you from moving forward with Julie Ann, she's better off without you. Considering the fact that Julie Ann has had no instances of love and affection in her life, Grays behavior towards her almost seemed emotionally abusive at times, because it was like she was settling for less than she (or anyone) deserves by putting up with his behavior, because she didn't know what a healthy relationship should be like.
*** Spoiler *** When Gray finally comes to terms with his feelings for her (which he has fought up until then), she gets pregnant, and he bails on her. He leaves Julie Ann in a hostile situation where she (an already emotionally fragile girl who has faced abuse) has to endure months and months of terrible treatment by his father. He does nothing when she goes to him for help, because, according to him, there are no other options. How about being an adult, quitting school, and taking care of your responsibilities yourself instead of ditching her with his parents?! *** End Spoiler ***
Years later, when Gray seeks her out, I can't disagree with Julie Anns (now Julianna) resentment towards him and her unwillingness to not want to talk to him. Yes he had some good in him, but in my humble opinion, the bad outweighed the good.
I found some things unbelievable about the story as well. For instance, Paige. A little too good to be true. A woman who is dating a man, but okay with him rekindling his relationship with someone else. Yes she is not in love with him, but that made it more unbelievable for me. Their whole relationship seemed a little 'thrown in for the sake of drama' to me. In all honesty, all of the side characters when they are in Hawai'i are unneeded. If you take Paige, Dillon, and Jody out of the story, it wouldn't matter at all. And while I'm on the subject, how unrealistic was the whole story with Jody?! *** Spoier *** He helped kidnap this child for a 'friend of a friend'? Really? I don't care if you're trying to make amends to your deceased daughter, you would not kidnap the child of a 'friend of a friend', possibly not even an actual friend. If I had to guess, I would say that Paige, Dillon, and Jody are in stories of their own, and being introduced here in this story. *** End Spoiler ***
In the end, there is a HEA, albeit a HEA that kind of hits you out of no where, because at that point, you don't really even care if they live HEA. After all of the nonsense, there should have at least been an epilogue so we can see if they even end up having the 'dream' they both want, but are unsure they can actually have. But noooo, the author skipped the opportunity to do so. Oh well. I guess I'll use my imagination.
On a side note, I would have preferred Julianna end up with Dillon. Him I liked.
Rating (based on a 5 star rating):
* * *
Would I recommend this book to others?:
Honestly, no.
Would I read other books by the author?:
Not on purpose, but sometimes I download books online without checking to see if I've read other books by that same author sooooo.
