Blog Tour: Never-Ending Night by Tanya Stowe, Review + Giveaway

Tanya Stowe is here today for the release of her new book Never-Ending Night. Welcome to the blog Tanya!

On the eve of the Battle of Shiloh, Union soldier Tyler Sheridan has a premonition he is going to die. That night, he writes an epic anti-war poem called “Never-ending Night.” The next day, a cannonball explodes in front of him, but rather than walking through the gates of Heaven, Tyler steps into a modern-day Civil War reenactment. Confused by a world he can’t comprehend, Tyler has no choice but to rely on a beautiful and fascinating photojournalist for help. As Stacy Sutton watches Tyler emerge from the rising smoke of faux cannon fire, she’s amazed by the authenticity of his uniform and demeanor—and then he claims to be from the nineteenth century, a mere delusion according to doctors. But Stacy’s not convinced Tyler is delusional and sees helping him as her second chance—an opportunity to atone for the death of her partner...and her past. As the mystery surrounding Tyler’s appearance deepens, it threatens any hope they have of a future together, and Stacy finds she must discover whether the man she loves is a traveller through time or a mad man lost in his own delusions.

Excerpt

She leaned over his bed. Her brown hair was cut at her shoulders and framed her heart-shaped face. He could smell her, something sweet, tangy and clean. Her skin was flawless, slightly tanned with a smattering of freckles across her pert nose. 

“Hello, T.R. Sheridan,” she murmured in a throaty voice. The sensual sound sent chills over Tyler’s skin. Everything about her was a feminine assault on his senses, and his body responded, suddenly reassuring him he was alive. In that moment, she was real, something he knew, something he could hang on to. 

“Tyler,” he managed to croak out between cracked lips. “My name is Tyler.” 

Her peach colored lips lifted in a soft smile. He wanted to savor the sight, but the pounding was making it difficult to focus. 

“How do you feel, Tyler?” 

“I wish I were dead,” he croaked again, his voice barely above a whisper. 

She frowned and leaned forward. Her tangy-sweet scent washed over him as she gripped his fingers through the railing. “Don’t say that,” she commanded, her voice deep and sincere. “Don’t ever say that. It’s good you’re alive. Do you hear me? It’s good.” 

She clenched his fingers tighter and glared at him with purpose. She wanted him alive. It was comforting to know that wherever he was, whatever was happening, this woman with her dark soul-filled eyes demanded that he live. His bound fingers clutched hers as if they were a lifeline. Only then, did he relax. He leaned back in the pillow, and his eyes drifted shut. 

My Review:

This book completely took me by surprise. I expected it to be a paranormal style romance, with a lot of focus on figuring out how Tyler came to be in the 21^st century. Whilst this story starts with that sort of feel, it develops into much more than that, and becomes a wonderfully crafted story about guilt, redemption, faith and love.

Stacy has moved around all her adult life as a photographer, capturing the brutal moments in warzones. When her partner is killed in front of her, she returns home and lives with horrible guilt, as she blames herself for his death. Stacy was such a strong person, she’s been through a lot and manages to keep going. Although she’s living something of an empty life and locks her emotions away, but that changes when she sees Tyler emerge from the smoke at a civil war re-enactment.

Tyler thinks that the re-enactment is the battle, and can’t fathom what’s happening. He believes that he is T. R. Sheridan- the poet who died in the Civil War. Stacy feels an instant connection with him and takes him under her wing. She recognises another lost soul, and feels that he is her second chance- her chance to redeem herself.

Both of them struggle with guilt, and understand the trauma of war. Together they work out exactly who he is- and what is going on. They also have a slow- burning romance, that helps them both re-discover the joy that can be found in life.

I have to give credit to Tanya Stowe for making this story so totally believable, it flows wonderfully. The romance was sweet and clean- don’t expect any torrid love scenes! The romance builds nicely, although personally I would have liked to feel that chemistry a little bit more.

I received a copy of this book from the author, in exchange for my honest opinion.

Buy Link

About The Author

Tanya Stowe has had an eclectic career in market research, arts education and event coordination.  She has written for television, publicity firms, national publications, and even collaborated on a Christmas musical.  Tanya has been married to her high school sweetheart for thirty-nine years.  They have four children and eighteen grandchildren.  Recently her husband retired from government work to take a new position.  They live in the Middle East and are sharing many new adventures.

www.TanyaStowe.com
www.creativewritingforces.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/TanyaStoweReadersPage?ref=hl

Giveaway

Tanya will be awarding a print copy of her Inspirational historical, Tender Touch, at each stop (US only - eBook copies will be substituted for international winners). A grand prize of ecopies of the first 4 books in the Heart's Haven collection will be awarded to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour

To enter, leave a comment, along with your email address. 

Remember to follow the tour and comment at each stop to increase your chances of winning the grand prize. The tour dates can be found here.

Good Luck!