Monday, September 7, 2020


Forever Home
By
Tammy L. Grace

As this Hometown Harbor series seems to be coming to an end, Tammy L. Grace brings us Izzy's story.   This is a story of a woman who is trying to find her place in life after semi-retiring to Friday Harbor.  A new beginning.  A place where she feels connected, where she could slow down and enjoy life at her pace.  It all seems like a perfect plan but life can still be challenging when it comes to family and the past.  People who tend to make life difficult.  Izzy has family and friends to support her in the small island community and it's these who help her throughout the story and traversing the family perils.

Ms. Grace has created a cast of characters who could be anyone I would meet or know in my own life.  Characters that are intimately and deeply created.  I felt the connection with Izzy and her emotions as her story unfolds.  I especially felt the kindrid spirit between Izzy and the sweet golden retriever, Sunny, as the pup chose Izzy to be her people. "Dogs have a way of knowing exactly what we need, don't they?"  "No matter your struggle, when you have a dog, you're never alone."  I love that Ms. Grace writes her love of dogs, in particular, golden retrievers, into the stories.  They become a vital piece to the whole and add the feel that "a house is not a home without the love of a dog".  

Izzy's story is one filled with issues that many families face. Her daughter, Mia, is disrespectful and was always a "daddy's girl" blaming her mom for the divorce of her parents. "Mothers and daughters, huh? It's always more complicated than it looks."   Shannon is the "black sheep of the family".  The sister whose irresponsible acts make things hard and uncomfortable for the family.  These two characters were so well written, that I found myself depising them many times. They were difficult to care about because of their self-centeredness and selfishness.  Just the way a good "bad" character should be.  

 But then there were the heartfelt, tender and compassionate characters.  They pulled at my heart and brought so much peace and calm to Izzy's life.  Colin is a heartthrob with his Scottish accent,  brilliant blue eyes and gentle caring ways to Izzy.  Ms. Grace built their relationship with a perfection of timing through the pages of the book.  Sigh!   The supporting characters bring a completeness to the story.  They unite together and enhance Izzy's story to perfection.  Add the cast of canine pooches  and it's a sweet, heartwarming story I loved reading.   

No less a part of the story is the setting.  It's a vivid visit to the Pacific Northwest San Juan Islands.  The beauty of the harbor and scenic shores.  The ferry rides across the water and the surrounding areas.  The quaint little shops and restaurants with friendly proprietors make the story even more special.  It was a virtual escape through the descriptive words Ms. Grace is so talented to put to paper.   

This book had such a heartwarming feel to it as I was reading it.  I love Tammy L. Grace's stories and this one was a wonderful and pleasurable read.  I want to thank Ms. Grace for the honor and privilege of spending time in the pages of this book.  It was an escape that made my heart happy.  It's a marvelous five star read for me.   All opinions and thoughts in this review are my heartfelt own.


 

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