California Homecoming by Casey Dawes Review! $25~~~~ Giveaway! and Service person donation!!!

California Homecoming

by Casey Dawes

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BLURB:

When Sarah Ladina purchased an old Victorian in Costanoa with plans to turn it into a high-end destination inn, she had no idea life could get so complicated. Well, maybe she did. As an unwed pregnant woman who couldn’t cook, she had her work cut out for her. A good-looking disabled veteran, a doctor who orders modified bed rest, and an ex who’s trying to get back into her life make her wonder if she’ll ever be able to stand on her own and open the inn in time for her mother’s best friend’s wedding.

After returning from duty in the Middle East wounded in both body and spirit, Hunter Evans is in search of employment and a home, but finding a job has been tough and housing doesn’t come cheap in Costanoa, the town that he loves the most on the California Coast. Can he strike a deal with the pretty innkeeper to trade a room for handy work?

Excerpt Two:

The day gleamed in a way Hunter’s soul never would again. He should focus on the nature beauty of the bay. Ignoring the camouflaged paint-ball store at the curve of the road by the Bennet Slough, he concentrated on the egrets and herons stalking the wetlands.

His stomach grumbled. Moss Landing, the small town up ahead, was a good place to stop for something to eat and figure out his next moves. He needed a job and a place to live. 

As he turned off the highway by The Whole Enchilada, he caught a glimpse of otters in the cove and pulled over. Watching them flop their webbed feet as they rolled and dove in the water whispered boyhood memories of carefree afternoons on the Santa Cruz shores.

Before his father had uprooted them all and moved them to the chi-chi town of Sausalito. Before Hunter had gone to war.

Before Lauren had died.

Hunter scowled, got back into the Jeep and drove to the fish house. On a late Saturday, even in January, the place was awash with humanity, each person jostling for a place in line.

Panic crept his skin. He scanned the room for exits and examined faces for threats. His breath became shallower and he remembered why he was here. He focused on the fish on the walls, the choices before him and edged as close to the glass cases as possible.

Why did he ever think he could resume a normal life?

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Author Casey Dawes lives and writes on the bank of the Clark Fork River in Montana with the love of her life and two cats who think they own the joint. To learn more about Casey, visit her website:  www.stories-about-love.com.

Website:  www.stories-about-love.com

Twitter: @CaseyDawesAutho

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/wisewomanshining

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Casey-Dawes/177311175677765

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/caseydawes/

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5313263-casey-dawes

My Review:

At first I thought this book was about a women opening an inn. However as I got further into the book I realized that this book was about so much more. There were unplanned pregnancies, affairs, PTSD nightmares, and family dynamics. What I liked the most was Hunter's character and how he dealt with being an injured soldier. Freedom isn't free, and my Great uncle was a POW in the Battle of the Bulge. I felt for Hunter and his pain. I also give soldiers credit for what they have to witness, This book pointed out that some soldiers come home, and their jobs, and pasts are gone. Not only that they have a very hard time finding a new job. 

As I read this book I found all the aspects of love. Love for an unborn child, for fueding parents, for a friend, and most of all for a significant other. The characters in this book seemed to be fighting for what they wanted throughout the book. It is only after exes and past hurts are dismissed that they can find happiness. 

I am giving this book a 5/5 because I had so many feelings as I read this book, and I will read it again. I also would love to read a sequel and see more weddings at the Inn! 

I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own!

Giveaway!!

Casey will be awarding a bottle of Santa Cruz Mountain Pinot Noir (a wine served in California Homecoming)(US ONLY) OR a $25 Amazon gift certificate (winner's choice) to a randomly drawn commenter during this tour and her Virtual Book Tour, as well as donating $20.00 to Fisher House (http://www.fisherhouse.org/donate/) in honor or memory of a serviceperson of the winner's choice. At each stop, Casey will be donating on behalf of one randomly drawn host $5.00 to Fisher House (http://www.fisherhouse.org/donate/) in honor or memory of a serviceperson of the host’s choice.

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/05/virtual-review-tour-california.html

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D5X04U0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00D5X04U0&linkCode=as2&tag=wisewomanshin-20

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/california-homecoming/id657434656?mt=11

Kobo:  http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/California-Homecoming/book-z3tMVCUJvEmmH3AiGBCjtA/page1.html?s=XwyUxGftRU-2bio4UJ7aig&r=1