Book Review for: Decisive Moments
Written by: Toni Noel
Desert Breeze Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-61252-089-6
4.5 Stars
Reviewed by: S. Burkhart
Noel pens a high charged contemporary romance with “Decisive Moments.” Secrets surround Amy Millington and Charles Harding. Can Amy and Charles find a way to forge a future despite the secrets that harden their hearts?
Set in modern day San Diego, Amy Millington has one more project to finish before she can get her degree – photograph the Harding mansion. Gathering her courage, she approaches the stoic and guarded architect, Charles Harding.
Charles says “no,” of course, but Amy is undeterred. She picks up her daughter, Marta, from kindergarten and goes to the house. She promptly gets caught in the timbers and Charles comes to her rescue. Marta diffuses Charles’ anger, but his answer to Amy is still “no.”
Amy lets the issue rest. Marta, however, takes a liking to the handsome architect and invites him to her birthday party. Charles accepts.
Through Amy’s research, she learns Charles’ parents died a violent death. She’s also encouraged at how Charles’ drops his guard around Marta. Charles soon relaxes with Amy and Marta. He finally gives Amy permission to photograph her house, but Amy realizes the demons that haunt him are deep in his heart.
Amy’s doubts and fears have hardened her heart as well. A photograph that suggests her husband had an affair on her before he died has plagued her. While Amy is willing to explore the attraction she feels for Charles, she’s not prepared to fall in love. Will the secrets that haunt Amy and Charles keep them apart or will the decisive moments they face bring them together?
Noel’s writing is crisp, sharp, and easy to read, engaging the reader on the first page. The plot moves at just the right clip and I kept turning the pages wanting too see what would happen next.
Noel paints modern day San Diego with rich authenticity using a good economy of words. She captures not only the military feel of the city, but also the city’s rich historical vibe.
The best part of the novel is the rich characterization and how it drove the plot. Amy’s perception of a photograph has built battlements around her heart only love can break. Charles is honorable and steadfast. It’s heartwarming to see Marta crack is amour, but only Amy can free him of its confines.
The love scenes are tasteful and sensual, embodying a sweet, intimate romance in every gesture. “Decisive Moments” is an engrossing romance with charming characters and a picturesque setting. Noel’s story will resonate with the reader long after the last page.
Book Review for: "Decisive Moments"
No comments:
Post a Comment