Title: Once and Again
Author: Lauren Dane
First published June 14, 2011
ebook
Rating: 3.83
Overview
After years of being away from her hometown and the heartache it brought, Lily Travis is back in Petal, Georgia, to start fresh. But when she runs into Nathan Murphy, her brother’s former teacher and the man who broke her heart, old feelings come rushing back.
Nathan, now more mature and charming than ever, knows he made a mistake and is determined to make it up to her. Despite Lily’s reluctance, Nathan’s persistence and the undeniable chemistry between them soon have her falling for him all over again.
But with their past still looming over them, can they truly move forward and find their happily ever after?
About the Author
Lauren Dane has been crafting stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Even before then, she would regale anyone who would listen with her imaginative tales.
Now, thanks to fate and good fortune, she is able to share her writing with a wider audience – a truly wonderful experience.
At her core, Lauren is a devoted mother, partner, friend, and daughter. She resides in the picturesque yet rainy Pacific Northwest and spends her evenings writing tirelessly once her children have finally fallen asleep.
Editoral Review
Once and Again by Lauren Dane is a steamy romance novel that will leave readers wanting more. Dane is a New York Times bestselling author known for her captivating plots and strong characters.
This 2011 publication is a part of Danes Petal, Georgia series. The story takes place in the small town of Petal, Georgia, where Lily Travis returns after a bad breakup.
She is intent on starting over and forgets the challenges she faced before leaving town. Unfortunately, her past catches up with her, and she has to confront it.
Lilys ex-husband, Nathan Murphy, is back in town to help run the familys failing retail store. Despite their troubled past, the two quickly find themselves drawn back to each other.
However, their reconciled relationship is threatened when Nathans estranged father returns to town. Once and Again is a classic romance novel that is well-seasoned with drama and suspense.
Dane tells this story in such a way that readers are not sure where it is going to lead. The setting of Petal, Georgia, adds to the overall charm of the novel, as it is a small town where everyone knows each other’s business.
Danes portrayal of the characters in Once and Again is confident and does not rely on clichs. She is able to craft believable characters that readers will invest their time in.
Through the novels detailed descriptions of the characters, emotions, and setting, readers become submerged in the world of the novel. The main characters, Lily and Nathan, are thoroughly developed and convincing.
Nathan’s personality and behavior are carefully depicted, revealing a nuanced character with a deeply troubled past. Furthermore, the pacing is just right, with one scene flowing seamlessly into the next.
Dane also tackles a number of themes in the novel such as forgiveness, redemption, and family dynamics, making the novel much more than just a romance book. With Once and Again, Dane has put together a well-crafted novel that is invigorating to read.
The novel is a classic romance with a modern twist that poses questions about forgiveness and the unpredictability of love. While there are minor flaws present, such as a lack of depth in some of the side characters, the overall quality of the novel is not affected.
It will have readers wanting more and waiting for the next installment in the series. In conclusion, Once and Again is a thoroughly enjoyable and captivating read.
Lauren Dane has done an outstanding job crafting a story that is well balanced, effortlessly readable, and emotionally engaging throughout. This book is perfect for anyone who loves romance novels with complex characters, a well-thought-out plot, and engaging characterization.
This novel exemplifies what a quality romance novel should be, and it earns a solid score of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
