Bringing Bella Back: A Second Chance Romance

Bella and James magical connection in the beginning of their marriage slowly decompensates. There is a serious disconnect between them. Bella decides she needs some time away to think to be on her own and decide what she wants for herself. Whether she can forgive James and wants to stay with him or start a new life. Unfortunately on her travels she is attacked leaving her bruised and with no memory of her past. The doctor who treats her is a kind and gentle man named Sam has a soft spot for the injured woman he calls Jane. He volunteers to let her live in his extra apartment until she is well enough to leave. Sam and his housekeeper Louisa look after Jane and encourage her to relax and let the memories return or accept her new “normal”. Jane wants to know where she comes from, she has snippets of memories and the feeling that a family may be looking for her. With the help of the police her picture and story is put out to the public. James finds out she is alive and sets out to go to her. Unfortunately Jane aka Bella doesn’t remember James or their two children so James sets out to trigger her memories. This story has one of the most exquisite poignant love making scenes I’ve ever read. If Bella remembers what James did will she be able to forgive him and go home to the family that desperately misses her and the light and laughter she brought to their lives and their home or will she begin a new life? Jean Brashear has done it again written a book that draws you into the characters’ lives and emotions.

This is an exceptional story that is packed with emotion, family drama, and a love that has survived decades but has now hit a hard spot. It's clear it will take time, faith, determination, and trust to heal. It was nice to read a story featuring a mature couple who are flawed but honest, caring, and determined to get back what they once had. This is the second book in the Second Chances series but each book can be read standalone and in no particular order. I think everyone will enjoy Bella and James' journey back to happiness. I definitely recommend it.

This story was full of emotion. Some of it a little painful, but there was also fear, sadness, love, and hope. First, I liked that James and Bella were a mature couple with history. The second thing I could appreciate was that James took full responsibility for his mistake. At the same time, I liked that Luisa helped Bella to see That in James and Bella's situation, maybe there was more going on than just James being a bad person. There was the underlying theme that their love was strong enough for them to work their way back to each other. I have to say, I was worried about the role Sam could possibly end up playing in this drama. I really wish there had been an epilogue to this story. After riding the emotional rollercoaster with Bella and James, that would have been the icing on the cake. I would give this 4.5 stars. You do end up with a HEA. I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.