Look out world! Let me introduce you to one of my favorite books of 2015! Guiding Lights by Jessica Florence is a fantastic story of love and healing! See more about the book, read Tina’s Thoughts, and enter the giveaway below. This is a book that NEEDS to be on your TBR list!

Guiding Lights
Jessica Florence
Publication Date: August 20, 2015

You can purchase your copy at the retailers listed below!

Amazon | Barnes &Noble

What first attracted me to this book was the cover. I mean look at it! It is gorgeous! I am easily drawn in by pretty things. I was intrigued by the synopsis (despite the vagueness of it all) and decided to take a chance on this book. I can say without a doubt that this book knocked it out of the park for me. It had so many things I love about books; different themes, character traits, and story lines that captured my mind and heart. Guiding Lights is a beautiful story of two broken souls finding one another and in the process learning to love, live, and cherish the moments they have.

First off, let’s talk characters. Nera is a strong woman who had lived through hell and made it out. She is fiercely independent and a woman who holds other at a distance. She is kind and hard-working but there is always a distracted silence beneath the surface of who she is. As the story progresses and the reader begins to understand where she came from and her past in Morocco, her attitude and reservations are understood. When she meets the mysterious hero of the story you know things are about to get good! My new book boyfriend (who knocked so many out of the park) is the intriguing Wolfe. When I read about him and watched Jessica develop his character, good Lord, I was hooked. He is kind, flirty, mysterious, and sexy. It is like Jessica stepped into my mind and pulled all the things I love about book boyfriends and men in general and she created Wolfe. He sings. He plays guitar. He pursues the girl relentlessly. And to top it off, he is a Scotsman with a sexy beard and man bun. *Insert swooning here* The secondary characters are fabulous. I loved Aggie, Evan, Nelson, Emma, and all the people we meet in this story. They add a spice to the tale and create a sense of family and home for Wolfe and Nera.

When reading a vague synopsis, you never truly know what to expect. Sometimes that is really good and sometimes not so much. In this case it was perfect. The story progresses really well. We have two very closed off characters, both with valid reasons, who are wounded and living life minute by minute. The relationship between Nera and Wolfe is never rushed. These two spend so much time together, developing a friendship tinged with attraction that cannot be ignored. They spend time together, getting to know the inconsequential facts about each other, skirting the deep heart issues they both so obviously have. When their attraction hits a bursting point it is a sweet burn of affection and desire. Nera needs a slow pace and Wolfe is willing to walk that road with her. They are so wonderful together. Despite their obvious hang ups from their past, they find a kindred spirit in each other, learning to let loose and begin to break free from their pain.

The love story of healing and companionship between Nera and Wolfe is beautiful and healing for them both. But one of my favorite parts of this story was watching Nera break out and banish her demons, beginning to heal from her past trauma and growing into a beautiful, free young woman. Learning of her past is heart breaking. It was a wonder she isn’t more messed up than she is. Seeing her learn to open her heart and love to someone is powerful. The theme of healing is deep and beautiful in this story. All the pain both Nera and Wolfe feel is valid but they are able to find hope and purpose in each other.

The ups and downs of this story are spot on. I want to sing this books’ praises from the hill tops. Guiding Lights will tug at your heart strings and take you on a ride of passion, love, healing, and redemption. Prepare yourself for moments of chaos but know that it is worth the anxiety! Jessica Florence, I will be stalking your resume of books and cannot wait to see what you have in store for us next!

To celebrate the release of Jessica’s new release and the blog tour, she is hosting an awesome giveaway! For your chance to win a $50 Amazon  Giftcard or one of Jessica’s book signed (5 winners) enter this Rafflecopter giveaway! just follow the instructions listed and you will be entered for a chance to win. Don’t miss out. Good luck!

 

Jessica Florence makes her home in Southwest Florida where she runs her own business, and of course writing! She one day after reading a book a day for a year just sat down and started writing, thus finding a new amazing hobby that she was looking for, for years, and that was also very therapeutic.