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Arnco (2014)

by Ben Muse(Favorite Author)

3.8 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

1496051939 (ISBN13: 9781496051936)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

4EyesBooks

review 1: Curiosity made me download this book bearing the name of a small mill village in the county where I live, mainly to see whether the author "got it right" in describing the people and the place of Arnco or whether he was here to make fun. I was pleasantly surprised that he was respectful of the Arnco of both past and present, and I very much enjoyed meeting Jake, Allie, Alex, and the other characters in this book. It needs better editing to correct some punctuation and grammar errors ("to" for "too," etc.), but overall I found it a good story, well told.
review 2: "ARNCO" by Ben Muse which I won from Goodreads Giveaways is a heartwarming contemporary romance about second chances. It begins with Jake Brigham a writer whose overnight success with his first novel ... morehas left him with a creative block, bored and continually drinking, much to his wife's displeasure. Unable to cope with his failing marriage and the demanding lifestyle of New York, Jake returns to the slower pace of Arnco, an aging Georgia town that brings him memories of happiness as a child. After building a house on the land where his grandmother's house once stood, Jake begins to rebuild his life, finding new passion in his writing and rekindling love with childhood friend Allie Tanner. Like Jake Allie is struggling with her own problems; coping with a serious heart condition, widowhood , an energetic four year old and an alcoholic father.When their past history collides in the present, the chemistry between Jake and Allie ignites. They reach out for a second chance at love, but only time and circumstances will determine if they are meant to be together. In a story where tragedy is very tangible and the painful parts of life are barely manageable Jake and Allie find hope, happiness and a love that transcends time- past, present and future. The plot which is starkly realistic and definitely not a happily ever after tale, is filled with humour and witty dialogue that lessens the intensity of the more emotional moments. This is a narrative that brings laughter and tears as the characters struggle with demons from their past, and troubles in the present. With vivid description Ben Muse pulls you into the heart of the old mill town with its low income homes, and good-hearted, aging neighbours who thrive on local gossip. I loved Jake's memories of the past; his saintly grandmother who inspired his kind and generous qualities as well as his antics as a curious and awkward young boy. Well-written and engaging from beginning to end, there are sound lessons woven into this story about tolerance, compassion, generosity, unconditional love and the redeeming virtue of second chances.The characters like the plot are well-developed, their strengths outweighing any flaws or faults. In New York Jake Brigham is an overweight, tired, guilt-ridden author with a drinking problem who feels adrift, empty and alone. Yet underneath all his faults beats the heart of a good man, one who is kind-hearted, generous, and humorous. Prim and proper Katrina Allison (Allie) Tanner haunted by a dysfunctional family and poverty as a child is intelligent, tenacious and easy-going. Although fearful of the serious heart condition that could be fatal and leave her daughter an orphan, Allie is resolute and determined to bring not only normalcy to her life and Mia's, but to grab hold of the love Jake offers. Mia Tanner is Allie's adorable, bubbly, clever and curious four year old. Alex Brigham the workaholic, health conscious lawyer is Jake's no-nonsense, take- charge brother who masks his love and over - protectiveness behind sarcasm and glib remarks. All these characters and more add drama, passion and power to a captivating story."ARNCO" is very deserving of its 5 star rating. For those that want a realistic contemporary romance I recommend it highly and look forward to reading more by this talented author in future. less

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