Disclosure: I received a copy of the book for the purpose of review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not responsible for giveaway or prize distribution.
Synopsis
Twenty-seven year old Carrie Thompson-Sherman has the life she always wanted: her PhD, a prestigious fellowship, and an amazing husband.
Her life begins to unravel as a jealous colleague puts her fellowship in jeopardy and a haunting secret Ray Sherman carried home from Afghanistan comes to light.
Hounded by a federal investigation and the ensuing media feeding frenzy, Carrie and Ray desperately lean on each other, until a disastrous accident puts both Ray and her sister’s lives at risk.
In the last hour, Carrie and Ray will each find themselves faced with a choice.
A choice that will change everything.
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My Thoughts
I’ve read the other Thompson Sisters books by Charles Sheehan-Miles and loved those. I want you to know and understand though that these are stand-alone books so you don’t have to read the others. You will completely be able to keep up with The Last Hour and I encourage you to read it with or without the others (although I totally recommend the others too).
Okay, I have been really, really busy lately and my reading has taken a backseat to moving. In fact, I do not have internet at my new house right now so I am sitting in my car to get this post done. (sad) But, I decided to get out my Kindle a few days ago knowing I wouldn’t and couldn’t let my friend, Charles Sheehan-Miles, down. He really is a wonderful man and a super talented author. His books are engaging and his characters are truly memorable.
The Last Hour had me from word one. I was drawn into the story of Ray and Carrie. Ray has been through so much. I actually dated a post-war veteran several years ago and the description of the dreams and flashbacks Ray has are spot-on. Ray battles with himself throughout the entire book. Should he leave Carrie now and not let her get dragged into his mess? Should he have never reported the dreadful day in Afghanistan? What should he do?
I loved seeing the character development and story line grow in this novel. You fell in love with Carrie and Ray as they fell in love with each other. They are both very strong characters but didn’t take away from the other. Carrie has her own set of problems but Ray is there for her throughout, just as she is there for him.
I was in tears often times during this novel. Why? Well, because I wanted everything to be okay. I crave that HEA so much and I really didn’t feel like I would get it with this book. I was so sad to see how things ended for this couple, this family but truly happy at the same time. My emotions were all over the place. I knew that there was going to be some sadness. I would really like to give you more information but I don’t want any spoilers in my review. Have your tissues ready but know that there is a lot of happy moments and there is a HEA in this book, even though it may not be a typical one.
This book is different than any other I have ever read. There is life, death, afterlife. There is love, grief, joy. There is so much to keep you interested and involved but not too much that you are overwhelmed. Charles writes a beautiful story and this one is no exception. For what it’s worth, I am not sure if this is truly a romance novel as some say. I mean it is but it isn’t. So, I added this to my contemporary/literary fiction and contemporary romance on Goodreads. I think it meets both but wanted to make sure it reached everyone when they were looking.
I gave The Last Hour five huge, beautiful stars. It is well worth your read and I truly hope you give it a shot. The only thing I will tell you is that there is so much more than what meets the eye at the beginning. So much more. Read, follow the story, and cry with both tears of happiness and sadness at the end. Just like me.
About Charles Sheehan-Miles
Charles Sheehan-Miles has been a soldier, computer programmer, short-order cook and non-profit executive. He is the author of several fiction and non-fiction books, including the indie bestsellers Just Remember to Breathe and Republic: A Novel of America’s Future.
Connect with Charles Sheehan-Miles
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The Giveaway
This book looks really good, thank you!
Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
great tour thanks for the chance
this looks like a good read.
The blurb made me want to read The Last Hour, but after your review, I’m sure I will. Seems deep, and different indeed. And I believe I’ll be in tears too.
Thanks for the giveaway…looks hot!
Nice giveaway. Love the book!