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The Simple Soul of Susan Book Review

 

This morning, I have a contemporary romance novel in our review spotlight.  This book caught my interest with it's simple cover--and small town based storyline.  What did I think of The Simple Soul of Susan by Noel Branham?


 I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the author.  All opinions are my own.

About the Book
“Simple is as simple loves.” Susan Combs had long ago found the love of her life. The only problem was the other party still didn’t know he had been found. Every day Susan saw Calder Hurtz, her next door neighbor and childhood best friend. They always enjoyed the short drive to school down the dusty streets of their small Texas town. She was happy in those perfect moments, for her life at home was most imperfect. The challenging homestead she inhabited was also the favorite subject of local gossip. But one autumn day she overhears two boys having a conversation. This occasion of accidental audience sets Susan’s life on an unforeseen path. In the seasons to come, her future will be changed by two hospitalizations, two confessions of love, and one betrayal. Compulsively readable, The Simple Soul of Susan is an engaging, soul-endearing romance and a mesmerizing debut.  

My Review
The author takes readers into the characters' worlds.   From the very first pages of this book, the author immerses the reader in Susan's small, rural town--and all of the characters and personality that come along with it.  Readers are pulled into the story and the setting in so many ways throughout the book that they feel that they are part of Susan's life and her small town world.

The Simple Soul of Susan offers a lot of realism.  Sometimes when you read a romance novel--you find yourself saying, "Oh, please--like that would really happen in the real world!"  I did not find myself saying that at all with this novel.  The characters were all very believable, and the characters and their storyline were true to the setting and the tone of the book.  There was never a point when the characters behaved "out of character", or the story was forced into a different direction.  The author created a very real-world novel that will pull in readers and hold them well beyond the last page of the book. 

Would I recommend The Simple Soul of Susan?  I am, honestly, rarely a fan of a romance novel.  I loved this book.  I would probably call it a life story rather than a love story--although it is a romance novel.  The author keeps the simple story well grounded and moves it along with a real-world focus.  Readers will find themselves drawn to the small town atmosphere and the entire cast characters.  It was one of those books that makes you sad to leave the story at the end.  I would recommend the book to romance novel fans--but, also to contemporary, women's fiction fan who like a little more reality to their fiction.

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Meet the Author

Born and raised in a small Texas town, Noel Branham started her career in digital communications after graduating with a degree in English. An award winning communicator, she now writes from her home in Florida about things closest to the heart: home, family, and love. Her debut novel will be published Fall 2017.  

Connect with the Author
 
Instagram: Branham.noel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noelbranham/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/branhamnoel/
 
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