Book Review: Everything We Promised (The Hamilton Series Book 6), by Kate Smith

Everything We Promised (The Hamilton Series Book 6), by Kate Smith

Publication: July 21, 2017; updated version September 2018

About the book: 

Do you believe in second chances?

After three years overseas, Aiden Hamilton returns to Chicago. During his absence, he thought often of his teenage love, Tiffany, and longs to rekindle their relationship. Except he faces two major hurdles—his acceptance into medical school in another state, and the continued efforts of their families to keep them apart.

Tiffany Baxter has spent the last three years of her life doing her best to remain invisible to her unsupportive parents. The events of her teenage years have created deep emotional scars, and despite the sporadic and secret contact from Aiden, she assumes he is lost to her forever.

Each has struggled to accept the circumstances that separated them. Both want to move on, yet overcoming the obstacles seems to be impossible. Whenever they manage to find their way back to each other, inevitably they are torn apart.

**My Review**

For those of you that regularly follow my blog, thank you 🙂 And if you are one of those people, then you will probably remember a few months back when I had the extraordinary pleasure to read and review Kate Smith’s novels in her Hamilton Series. I gushed and carried on about all of these incredible books and basically, I had an addiction for a while! Anyway, I am finally reviewing the final in the series, Everything We Promised (book 6). This novel is almost a prequel to the rest of the series, as it takes us back to when Aiden and Tiffany were young teenagers and first meet, and then when they meet again after being separated due to Savannah’s birth. Aiden has been overseas and finally reunites with Tiffany after returning to his grandparents’ home right before leaving for medical school. As their families are still trying to keep them apart, these young lovebirds struggle to be together while everything else seems to be working against them.

Having read all of the other installments in this series, I was a bit leery of this one. It has nothing to do with the author or the series, but I am all about Aiden and Emily and have never been a fan of Tiffany. Yes, towards, the end of the series, she began to redeem herself in my eyes, but still, she wasn’t my favorite. However, Kate Smith has completely changed my perception of Tiffany.

This young woman endured a very challenging upbringing, fell in love, endured tragedy, fell in love even more, finally got the guy, but screwed it up. My thoughts have always been that she got what she deserved, and I am still not a fan of infidelity in any way, shape, or form. However, Kate managed to characterize and humanize Tiffany in a way that I didn’t know was possible. There is certainly more to this underdog of a character than what her actions suggest. Which, of course, I always knew this but still chose not to like her.

Anyway, I won’t go into the plot much more because readers of the series already know the outcome of Tiffany and Aiden’s relationship. However, I will mention that not only does Kate Smith show a different side of Tiffany, she also shows a different side of Aiden that at times, was disturbing, but also made me love his character and who he eventually became, all the more. 

Like the others in the series, Everything We Promised is emotional, endearing at times, heartbreaking at times, but most of all – honest. I can’t recall ever being so in love with a series, the characters, the author’s writing, and just the overall feeling I get after reading one of these books. I can’t begin to find the words that would truly encompass my respect of Kate Smith. What an incredible author and an incredible series. I cannot wait to read what she sends me in the future. 

*Many thanks to the incredible Kate Smith for sharing her novel with me in exchange for my honest review.

Purchase Everything We Promised on Amazon!

Learn more about author Kate Smith!

Book Review: Everything we Dream (The Hamilton Series Book 5)

Everything we Dream (The Hamilton Series Book 5), by Kate Smith

Publication: July 3, 2018

About the book: 

Three deceptively simple little words…

Three simple words. Words Savannah longs to say but doesn’t dare. She’s made that mistake already. Brandon seems perfect; the attractive, driven medical resident with a bright shining future. But, nobody is without flaws, and his rough edges and reluctance to commit begin to show. Hold on? Or cut him loose? Savannah is torn between the messages from her heart and the logic ruling her head.

Three little words. Words Brandon vows to hold in his heart for someone special. He’s never said them; not to anyone. His imperfect home life taught him the value of caution. He has issues but avoids them. Savannah forces him to confront his past and his problems. This charming young woman, who might be his perfect fit; if he’d met her five years in the future.

That future seems uncertain, until fate intervenes, drawing them closer together. Hard choices arise. Or are they choices at all? Repeat the past? Or break the cycle? Admit their feelings? Or live with regrets?

**My Review**

Wow, what an emotional roller coaster! There are not enough words to describe how I have loved this series, and Everything We Dream was just the cherry on top of this series. Honestly, I’ve had mixed emotions about this fifth book in the series and I hate to admit it, but I’ve read it three times before writing my review. So much has happened since the first book where Savannah found her father Aiden. She’s eighteen now, going to Harvard, living with her father, stepmother, and siblings. Her and Brandon’s relationship was still somewhat new at the start of the novel, but things progressed quickly testing their feelings. 

I’m struggling to review this without giving spoilers, yet, I shall try! There are definitely some life-altering events in this novel and I admit that in one way, I predicted them, but on the other hand, I was praying that it wouldn’t go the way that it did. The beauty of the novel and the situation was the ever-present support and love that Aiden have provided Savannah. Things have been tricky for her adjusting to her life with Aiden, but he and Emily have been incredible. The loving bond between them has made this series amazing, however, I found myself looking at Savannah as too supported and spoiled at times during this one. Choices were made that lead to consequences, yet Savannah continued on in her very financially comfortable lifestyle, living her life, with very little responsibility. Moreover, her immaturity was shining brightly as she pushed Brandon away. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely loved and devoured this novel, but Savannah tested my loyalty in this one. 

Moving on, Kate Smith has written yet another testament to the power of the love and bonds of family. Aiden and Tiffany have formed a peaceful and loving bond as she has moved on with her life and Aiden continues to grow his family with Emily. Brandon was shown enormous amounts of love and patience from Aiden, Emily, and honestly everyone throughout this novel. Brandon’s sister, Mia was welcomed into their family, and overall, everything was a complete bundle of love and perfection!

Everything We Dream, along with the rest of The Hamilton Series, repeatedly proves how extraordinary Kate Smith is as a writer. I have been blown away by her characterization and plots, while silently cursing her for causing my addiction to this series! I honestly cannot recall when I have seen so much detail and emotion be poured into a novel, nor an example of its characters coming to life like these have. Bravo to Kate Smith for this incredible series, and especially this happy ending for Savannah. 

*Thanks to Kate Smith for providing this novel in exchange for my honest review!

Purchase Everything We Dream on Amazon.

Book review: Everything Left Unsaid (The Hamilton Series Book 4)

Everything Left Unsaid (The Hamilton Series Book 4), by Kate Smith

Publication: January 17, 2018

 

 

About the book: 

Tumultuous and unpredictable. The very essence of Savannah’s life from the day she learned she was adopted. Her journey of self-discovery continues as she begins her first year of college and faces a series of difficult decisions regarding the woman she once hoped to know.

Regrets and devastation. The overwhelming emotions Tiffany faces daily since the loss of her daughter and her own betrayal of the man she loves. As she struggles with her inner demons, she realizes she’s sacrificed far too much to make everyone happy… everyone but herself, that is.

The road to happiness is filled with insurmountable obstacles, yet… hope and redemption can sometimes be found in unexpected times and places.

My Review:

Have you ever really felt like you shouldn’t like a character, but sometimes find yourself liking her anyway, even just a little bit? That describes my feelings about Tiffany, who is the focus of this 4th installment in the Hamilton series. The first 2 books resulted in my truly not liking her at all, but then slowly I started to feel bad for her and somewhat understand her behaviors. In Everything Left Unsaid, the readers get an in-depth and honest look into Tiffany’s life and how she has ended up where she has in life and in relationships. 

I will start by saying that I always support a parent-child reconciliation, so I was hopeful and optimistic throughout this novel that Tiffany and Savannah would find some sort of peace with one another. Tiffany became more human and relatable to me throughout this novel as I learned more about her past, her own relationships with her parents, and her reasoning for not wanting to see Savannah after she reappeared into her life. I also loved the developments with her and Stephan and couldn’t help but wonder if she found happiness and love, would she become a better person?

Despite all of the revelations and changes, I had some issues with her and Aiden’s relationship in this book. Somewhat like Aiden and Alex in book 3, I felt as if there were times that boundaries were being crossed. I must once again say that Kate Smith created the most wonderful, loving, forgiving, and selfless human ever when she created Aiden’s wife Emily. Whether emotional or financial support, I’m not sure that I could be so cool, calm, and collected as Emily was while Aiden was off to Tiffany’s rescue. The healthy displays of positive and open communication between Aiden and Emily always blow me away, but none more than what is in Everything Left Unsaid. 

I feel like a broken record lately as I read and review Kate Smith’s novels, but is evident as a progress through this series that a common denominator is what an amazing writer she is. The raw and honest emotion in this installment in the series is just as moving as in the previous books, continuing to draw me into this series and all of the characters that a part of it. Women’s fiction lovers need to get the first book, Reunited, and dive into this series! This group of family and friends will pull you in, unlike anything you have read, prompting you to cheer with them in good times and grieve with them during bad times. This was such a wonderful novel and I cannot recommend it enough!

*Thanks to Kate Smith for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest review!

Purchase Everything Left Unsaid on Amazon.

Book Review: Never Let You Fall (The Hamilton Series Book 3)

Never Let You Fall (The Hamilton Series Book 3), by Kate Smith

Publication: August 29, 2017

 

 

About the book: 

My world had caved in, and there was nothing I could do about it. I wondered if love was enough anymore. I’d been so happy, but now I couldn’t recall the last time I’d genuinely laughed or smiled.

Alexis and Joel Nichols are the perfect couple with the perfect marriage. At least that is how it appears on the surface, and they have struggled to maintain that illusion.

A series of mistakes forces them to confront their problems. Ignoring the issues only further alienates their friends… and each other.

Now they must find a way to make amends and repair all that is broken before it’s too late.

When your world turns upside down… How do you make it right?

My Review:

Once again, I am happy to bring you a review for another wonderful Kate Smith novel, Never Let You Fall! This 3rd novel in the Hamilton series focuses on Alex and Joel, their young son Daniel, and their troubled marriage. This couple seemed perfectly happy and in love earlier in the series, but now we realize that things are not what they seem. Alex is struggling with motherhood in that Joel is rarely around and not very helpful when he is. Joel is always gone whether for work, drinking, or odd brunches with an “old friend.” After he makes numerous mistakes during their summer vacation with their friends, Alex has finally had enough. Thus begins their journey of determining whether to save or end their marriage and if saving the marriage is even an option. 

I loved this novel, but I struggled with both Alex and Joel from start to finish. Both parties had made mistakes, both parties seriously lacked in healthy communication skills, and both parties were stubborn. However, Alex wins the award for being the most difficult, selfish, stubborn character of all time! Yes, Joel made several mistakes not only with Alex and Daniel but with all of their close friends. He almost killed Aiden, traumatized Samantha, hurt and angered Emily, hung out with his trashy ex-girlfriend, and so on. What drove me so crazy about Alex, however, was her annoying clinginess with Aiden, her holier than thou attitude, and her refusal to even attempt to be civil for most of the novel. As much as I want to believe in this couple, and as much as I love the way things were resolved, I found myself questioning if she really forgave him and wanted him, or if it was because all of their friends had forgiven him and moved forward? Joel blew me away with the changes that he made and especially with that last, romantic gesture, but did Alex really change anything?

This was a difficult and emotional read. There are so many arguments, accusations, and one person or another walking away that at times it was exhausting to read. With that being said, it is truly a tribute to Kate Smith’s exquisite, detailed writing that I felt that way. Never Let You Fall goes above and beyond just being a book about a troubled marriage. You will truly feel as if you are there witnessing it all in person as you devour this book. I am in awe of the way that she brings her characters to life, and cannot think of a better example of detailed characterization than what Kate Smith has done in this novel. 

The Hamilton series is so unique and relatable at the same time, as well as, completely addictive. As stated in previous reviews of Kate’s books, I cannot find enough words to express how much I recommend this series, but you need to start at the beginning with Reunited. The way these characters connect to each other and look out for each other as they all grow and change is remarkable. I promise you will quickly be pulled into their “family” and will burn up the pages as you learn about their lives.

*Many thanks to Kate Smith for providing this review copy in exchange for my honest review!

Miss my previous reviews in the series? 

Reunited: Everything We Lost (book 1)

Forgiveness: Everything We Love

Purchase Never Let You Fall on Amazon.

Book Review: Forgiveness: Everything for Love (The Hamilton Series Book 2)

Forgiveness: Everything for Love (The Hamilton Series Book 2), by Kate Smith

Publication: March 12, 2017

About the book: 

What would you sacrifice for love?

Aiden has made promises… ones he cannot break no matter what obstacles are in his path. Even with the support of his closest friends, the future he envisions seems daunting and unattainable. However, he makes the best of it. As he’s learned—when one door closes, another opens.

Failing to lay her insecurities to rest, Emily refuses to allow Aiden to break down her barriers. She’s learned the art of self-preservation is a valuable skill. If she could simply avoid Aiden, life would be much easier…

Constant self-doubts, the interference of his ex, and his manipulative family combine to create havoc. As they embark on new journeys in separate cities, each takes steps toward healing, forgiveness and the acceptance of themselves and their pasts.

Promises are easy to make, but hard to keep…
The eternal bonds of family do not rely on biology alone…
Second chances are sometimes granted and lessons learned…
To love is to forgive and accept…

My Review:

Today I am continuing my love and obsession with Kate Smith’s Hamilton series after reading the second installment, Forgiveness: Everything for Love! This time around, the emphasis is more on Aiden and Emily. Aiden has relocated to Boston and is getting settled into his new position at Mass General while Savannah starts a new school and makes new friends. Emily continues her new position in Chicago, while silently missing Aiden, Savannah, and the life she had hoped they would have together. Despite Aiden’s need and desire for some distance between him and Emily in order to let his heart heal, wedding festivities continue bringing them together until everything changes. 

Kate Smith really gets into Emily in this one, allowing us to see more of those deep fears she carries regarding relationships and why. Emily became a lot more human and feeling to me this time, although she still had some crazy, frustrating moments. 

Once again, I had nothing but love for Aiden! He frustrated me at times in how he continued to allow Tiffany to get to him and Emily, but otherwise, he was his normal, wonderful self as he continued caring for and building a relationship with Savannah while trying to navigate the situation between him and Emily. 

Besides Tiffany and the geographical distance between Aiden and Emily, there were plenty of other obstacles and challenges including Emily’s father and both of Aiden’s parents, beefing up this romance with the conflict that had me guessing for the first half of the novel, wondering will they, or won’t they? However, right when I felt like everything was going to be Cinderella-perfect, more conflict busted its way into their lives in the form of Joel’s ever-changing personality, his marital issues with Alex, more of Aiden’s father, and of course, more of Tiffany. 

Kate Smith has an incredible ability to create and develop characters all over the spectrum from sweet and wonderful to absolutely wretched human beings – which I love! Forgiveness, just like book 1, Reunited, is a wonderful contemporary romance/family saga that is relatable, realistic, yet still compelling fiction that completely draws the reader in. This book hooked me from the first line and I did nothing else yesterday until I had read the very last word. A lot was packed into this second book, but it was not overdone. Smith is an amazing storyteller that has truly brought these characters to life, and this is a series that should not be missed. I am on pins and needles waiting to read the next one, as well as, the remainder of the series. Highly, highly recommended, but make sure you start with Reunited! 

*Thanks to the author for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest review!

Purchase Forgiveness: Everything for Love on Amazon.

Book Review: Reunited: Everything We Lost (The Hamilton Series Book 1)

Reunited: Everything We Lost (The Hamilton Series Book 1), by Kate Smith

Publication: Kate Smith; 1 edition (December 12, 2016)

About the book: 

Some memories are lost forever…

Savannah has always felt a piece was missing from her life. After the devastating loss of her mother, she longs for answers about the couple who gave her away. When presented with the opportunity, she pursues her dream, but the reality is far from what she’d imagined.

Life for Aiden has never been easy. Plagued by secrets and regrets, he is unable to imagine the future. When a chance encounter brings his past rushing in, he’s forced to confront his family, take action, and break the silence.

A chain of events set these two individuals on a path that will forever change their worlds.

Life is full of unexpected moments…
Sometimes fate intervenes…
A story about a second chance that changes everything…
Forever…

My Review:

Wow, get ready for a roller-coaster of emotions while reading Kate Smith’s debut novel, Reunited: Everything we Lost! I’ve been dying to get to this one since Kate contacted me, and now you need to prepare yourselves for many more reviews of Kate’s novels as I have huge plans of continuing on with this series!

This novel tells the incredible story of fourteen-year-old Savannah, who was adopted by a wonderful couple as a baby but has longed to learn about her biological parents, especially since the death of her adoptive mother. Dr. Aiden Hamilton is a successful ER resident at a Chicago hospital. Aiden has not had a warm, fuzzy family life being shuffled to boarding schools or living with his grandparents, having had an almost non-existent relationship with his parents. Even worse, painful events from his past weigh heavily on his soul and have made him reluctant about romantic relationships. When Savannah travels from Portland to Chicago on a school trip, an unexpected accident brings her face to face with Aiden, leading to a series of life-changing events for Savannah and Aiden both.

I loved Savannah and found her to be a very well-adjusted, happy, creative, and unique girl. At times, I felt as if she was very immature for being fourteen-years-old, but think it was probably more innocence and the overwhelming emotions she kept experiencing rather than immaturity. This child was raised by a wonderful adoptive family, but she has always longed to learn about her parents. After meeting Aiden, this child goes through numerous wonderful and happy moments but also experiences some excruciating moments involving loss and rejection. Author Kate Smith did not sugar coat Savannah’s experiences, making my heart ache and tears fall several times while reading. Wonderful things would happen, then she would face rejection, then more positive things, then unimaginable losses and pain. This poor girl is put through the wringer in this novel, but it was all relevant and just deepened the emotional connection between her and Aiden. 

And speaking of Aiden… Where can I get one just like him? Handsome, wealthy, talented and caring doctor…. But his best quality throughout the novel is the absolutely amazing way he is with Savannah. This man completely steps up to immerse her in his life, while also building and developing a relationship with her adoptive father Ross. He makes up for lost time while also respecting Ross’ feelings, recognizes appropriate boundaries as to not over-shadow Ross and his relationship with Savannah, and truthfully, ends up finding a father figure of his own within the wonderful man that raised Savannah. 

Now, I must mention Emily. The beautiful colleague that turns into a girlfriend and a confidant to Savannah. I loved Aiden and Emily’s relationship and especially the relationship she built with Savannah. But as the novel progressed, my feelings changed. I’m not saying I disliked her character, but she will have some kissing up to do in the next installment in order for me to love her again!

Overall, Reunited is a very well-written and thoughtful novel that honestly portrays the emotions and experiences of a teenager gaining and losing so much in such a short time. Not only with Savannah, but also with Aiden, Tiffany, and many more, Smith went deep down into those inner, dark places and brought their feelings to the surface in an exceptional way. Regardless if a character was a good person or bad, she revealed them in ways that left no doubt about what they were really thinking or feeling. Although I wish things would not have been left so questionable, I am so incredibly glad to have read this novel and cannot wait to learn what happens next. Be on the lookout for my reviews of the follow-up books in the series very soon!

*Many thanks to the author for providing this review copy in exchange for my honest review!

Purchase Reunited: Everything We Lost on Amazon.

Learn more about author Kate Smith.