Stepping Stones

(Copy provided by NetGalley.)

From Goodreads:

"Onnaleigh Moore is part of a plan—and it isn’t hers. When her brother dies in a car accident, Onna is desperate to preserve the tatters of her family. Any hope of finding normalcy vanishes when her mother runs off and her dad turns to booze to numb his pain. Onna’s grief is crippling, but the boy who showed up just when she needed him is helping her cope.

Everett’s presence is comforting, though he knows things—Onna’s name just before they met, where she lives, and sometimes he comments on thoughts she doesn’t say aloud. She pegs him for a stalker, or maybe psychic, but the truth is deadlier than she imagines. As their feelings for one another deepen, Everett confesses a horrifying secret: Onna’s brother is only the beginning of the plan, and some fates are worse than death."

~~~~~

So, yes, Stepping Stones is a paranormal romance (yeah, yeah, quit rolling your eyes and get them back front and center. Thank you). And I love the direction the plot goes--the heroine, Onna, doesn't immediately trust the paranormal in her life to automatically know more than she does. She's torn and does her best to make the right decisions even though her life is falling apart around her. This makes for a very sad story, because making decisions without having all the information doesn't always lead to the best consequences.

BUT.

This story, despite the sadness, is completely worth reading, and not just for the romance that hits all the right notes. Onna's relationships with her almost sister-in-law, Cora, and her best friend, Hunter, are terrific and genuine. To me, this is what sets the story apart. Cora and Hunter have their own distinct personalities and I laughed often at what Hunter had to say. Most of all, both ladies trusted Onna to know her own mind. They loved her and supported her through the tragedies she had to endure. Neither one demanded answers or provided their help conditionally, as if Onna were some sort of addict. Instead, they believed her, gave her space, and were simply there for her. I loved these female friendships as much as I loved the ending of the book.

Also, keep an eye out for Chase. He was fun and I liked him a lot. He has a LOT of potential to be amazing in the upcoming sequel.

If you're one of the eye-rollers I called out in the first paragraph, give this story a chance on the strength of the friendships alone. It's worth it.


Gentle Reader Alert: This book has some strong PG-13 language.


From Goodreads:

"Onnaleigh Moore is part of a plan—and it isn’t hers. When her brother dies in a car accident, Onna is desperate to preserve the tatters of her family. Any hope of finding normalcy vanishes when her mother runs off and her dad turns to booze to numb his pain. Onna’s grief is crippling, but the boy who showed up just when she needed him is helping her cope.

Everett’s presence is comforting, though he knows things—Onna’s name just before they met, where she lives, and sometimes he comments on thoughts she doesn’t say aloud. She pegs him for a stalker, or maybe psychic, but the truth is deadlier than she imagines. As their feelings for one another deepen, Everett confesses a horrifying secret: Onna’s brother is only the beginning of the plan, and some fates are worse than death."