The Guy Next Door by Kate Palmer

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Jan 232013
 

The Guy Next Door

Author: Kate Palmer

Publisher: Covenant

Published: September 2012

Paperback: 235 pages

ISBN: 9781608612

FTC FYI: I received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

On the surface, Eva Black’s life seems practically perfect. The small-town kindergarten teacher is set to wed ambitious lawyer Sean Langley, and their plans for a dream wedding are well underway. Eva accepts that she will soon live life in the spotlight as a member of the prestigious Langley family, but can she overlook her fiancé’s tendency to dominate the details of her life and push the limits of her standards?

Mere weeks before the wedding, Eva is thrown into a traumatic, life-changing event that changes her view of family commitment and creates a sharp contrast between her ideals and Sean’s. With her engagement to Sean in jeopardy, Eva finds herself relying on the support and encouragement of Peter, her kind and attentive next-door neighbor. Faced with a choice between her penitent fiancé and the increasingly mysterious Peter, Eva is unprepared for the consequences—and peril—that come with her decision.

My Review — Possible Spoiler

I really enjoyed this book.  I would say my one complaint was Sean.  He was such a jerk.  Some very tragic events occur in Eva’s life, and what she has to cope with is big and life changing.  Sean treats her poorly, and she doesn’t see it as first.  Only when Peter comes into her life, is when things start to change with their relationship.  However, Peter has some secrets of his own.  Although I didn’t like that one character, I really liked Eva, Peter, and the other supporting characters.  Through the time when Peter and Eva were getting to know each other, while he was away for work, Peter would send Eva notes.  I really liked how he saw her and the way their relationship developed.  Eva goes through a lot in the book, and I really enjoyed what she learned about herself, too.

3 1/2 stars.  I was on the edge of my seat at times, wondering what would happen to these characters.  The Guy Next Door is well written and an enjoyable, fast read.

Author Links

Website / Facebook / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Seagull / Deseret Book

Blog Tour Review for The Guy Next Door by Kate Palmer

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Oct 262012
 

Product Details

  • Title: The Guy Next Door
  • Author: Kate Palmer
  • Paperback
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc. (September 2012)
  • Genre: Mystery/Romantic Suspense
  • ASIN: B009958AH2
  • FTC FYI: I recieved a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
  • Reviewed by Sheila

 

 

 

 

Book Description:
On the surface, Eva Black’s life seems practically perfect. The small-town
kindergarten teacher is set to wed ambitious lawyer Sean Langley, and
their plans for a dream wedding are well underway. Eva accepts that she
will soon live life in the spotlight as a member of the prestigious
Langley family, but can she overlook her fiancé’s tendency to dominate
the details of her life and push the limits of her standards?
Mere weeks before the wedding, Eva is thrown into a traumatic, life-changing event that
changes her view of family commitment and creates a sharp contrast
between her ideals and Sean’s. With her engagement to Sean in jeopardy,
Eva finds herself relying on the support and encouragement of Peter, her
kind and attentive next-door neighbor. Faced with a choice between her
penitent fiancé and the increasingly mysterious Peter, Eva is unprepared
for the consequences—and peril—that come with her decision.
My Review:(There will be spoilers in this review)
The Guy Next Door is a wonderful mix between a Romance, with a thriller mixed in half way in the story. The story starts with such sadness and shock. The sense of loss, main character Eva goes through, is so heartbreaking. Eva’s parents are dead and soon her only sister and brother-in-law pass away leaving Eva to mother and raise her newborn niece, Melody. Eva was engaged to super rich and handsome, Sean, but he has a hard time accepting Eva’s new role as “mother” to Melody. To add things into the mix, Eva’s next door neighbor Peter, is a kind and rather ruggedly handsome man who attracts Eva’s interest. There is a major love triangle in this story, but I really liked the way it all played out.

I liked Eva, a school teacher, and someone dedicated and loyal to family and friends. This LDS Romantic/ Mystery Suspense shows her struggle to learn to trust, have patience and faith. As the two men try to win her love, she is caught up in things she never would have imagined. Some of the shocking things revealed near the end I kind of guessed what was happening, but there were still many surprises. I always like when an author can surprise me with twists and turns along the way. This truly is an enjoyable read that keeps you on your toes at the end. My favorite male character is by far, Peter. Even though he was a mystery through most of the book, I loved his values and kindness. He is the type of man I could go for. This book also has a very satisfying ending. You will cheer for Eva as she gains strength in herself as a woman and mother.  Author Kate Palmer’s first book is a job well done. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Blog Tour Schedule
October 10: Ranee S. Clark – Review
October 13: Bookworm Lisa – Review
October 14: Geo Librarian – Review
October 14: LDS & Lovin’ It – Review
October 19: Gamila’s Reviews – Review
October 21: Books Are Sanity – Review
October 22: Debbie’s Inkspectations – Review
October 25: Tristi Pinkston – Review
October 26: Why Not? Because I Said So! – Review
October 26: LDS Women’s Book Review – Review
October 29: The Book Bug – Review
Giveaway:
As part of the tour, Kate is generously offering a grand prize giveaway of a copy of The Guy Next Door plus Junior Mints (Eva’s favorite candy), and a copy Eva’s lemon chicken recipe.
To enter to win these prizes, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form
provided. (Each tour stop will have the same Rafflecopter form)
  • Open from October 2 to November 2.
  • Must be 13+ years of age to enter
  • US mailing addresses only
Earn entries by doing any/all of the following:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio:
Kate began her career as an elementary school teacher, but was soon promoted
to full-time mom. She is the mother of six living in the country. Her
husband is trying to teach her to be a farm girl. She can’t saddle a
horse, but she knows how to butcher a chicken. After a day of chasing
children, cooking meals, and folding laundry, she likes to escape into a
good book.
Social Networking Links:
Purchase Links:

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