The One Real Thing

First read by this author but I enjoyed the story and the characters

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I definitely would. I was sucked in from the get go, the characters, the story, the writing, all perfect. I have read and loved many of Samantha Young's books, and this has by far topped them all. When Dr Jessica Huntington decides to holiday in Hartwell, she gets so much more than she was expecting, she gets family, and family is something that Jess has not had in a very long time. Following his divorce from his cheating wife 18 months earlier, Cooper Lawson has been coasting from woman to woman not looking for anything more. Then into his life enters the beautiful, happy, selfless Jess and she rocks his world. All is not quite as peaceful as it seems though in the town of Hartwell and in Jess's life. Hartwell has the power hungry Devlin family wanting to take over the businesses of The Boardwalk, and they're willing to do anything to get what they want. Jess has secrets about her past that she wants no one to know about, ever! The question is, is she willing to risk her own happiness and that of those she has grown to love to protect her secrets? Beautifully written in duel POV, this story has left me wanting for more. Cooper Lawson exceeded all my expectations in a book boyfriend, thus the chemistry between Cooper and Jess is scorching hot. The interactions between all the characters has been written so perfectly, I feel like I know them all personally. I can't wait to read future stories, the characters have all weaved their way into my heart, just like they did to Jess, and just like Jess, I too wouldn't want to leave Hartwell.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The One Real Thing is Samantha Young’s eagerly anticipated introduction into her new Hart's Boardwalk series. It’s a charming small town romance set in an idyllic town full of characters who are begging for their stories to be told. In short, post reading I can confidently say, be prepared to loose your heart in Hartwell.

For Jessica Huntington, Hartwell is the perfect location when she finds herself at a crossroads in her life. Working as a Doctor in a women’s prison, she is lead to Hartwell when she discovers some letters embedded in one of the library books. Intrigued and taken with it’s tragically romantic undertones, she embarks to deliver the letters to their intended recipient. Once in Hartwell however, the letters take a back seat when she becomes enamoured with he town and it’s residents.

Along with the town’s attractions comes Cooper Lawson. His interest in Jessica goes beyond that of mysterious tourist, and his unashamed pursuit of her made me a fan almost instantly. It’s a sweet relationship that progressively blossoms, but it’s Jessica’s past that contributes to the dramatic element of the story.

It in some ways it reminded me of Kristen Ashley’s Colorado Mountain series. Samantha cleverly weaves snippets of some residents story into proceedings. Combined with the ever present community spirit, it succeeds in hooking the reader into the next potential book whilst still be immersed in the present one.

The One Real Thing was a delightful reading experience and another string to Samantha Young’s bow. The town, it’s residents and it’s author guarantee that i’ll be visiting again soon.