Review: Between Hope & the Highway by Charissa Stastny

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Sometimes things get so messed up you have to pick up and get the heck out of Dodge. That’s what Liz Ruthersford does. Memories can be weapons, and hers have become incoming missiles. Fleeing home and her parents’ pity, she seeks refuge on a remote ranch in Montana where no one knows her tragic past. When she meets Bentley and Rawson Law, brothers with wounds of their own, life veers off course from her plans. Embers of hope and love flicker to life, but will Liz let them burn bright enough to warm her heart? Or will she hit the highway and run once again? A clean, heart-pounding romance and redemption story.

My Review

This is a great story of forgiveness and second chances. It's written in first person from three characters' points of view- Liz, Rawson, and Rawson's little brother Ben. The characters were easy to get to know, but not always easy to like. They each have their share of flaws and tragedy, and it was interesting to see how their relationships changed them and they are all the better for knowing each other. I initially thought that Ben's perspective wasn't needed and seemed out of place, but he gives important insight and incorporates clever banter (which was needed since Liz and Rawson's banter borders on cheesy). The book seems really long and the pacing lagged in a few parts, but I was invested in the characters and story from the beginning and just had to keep reading. I enjoyed the mannerisms of the characters which made them come to life and also provided some interesting tidbits throughout the book. Side note- I've never really been one for cowboy boots, but that pair on the cover is pretty darn awesome ;)

(I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher; all opinions in this review are my own)