Kate Vale writes the sort of books with whom women can identify. Her characters are drawn from real life and given a depth not often seen in romance books.
Where This Goes pits Nicole Vance, who has built her independent realty company into the biggest of the independents against Peter Dalton who is intent on purchasing the company for a large conglomerate.
Complicating Nicole’s life are issues with her family – particularly her mother – and a case of the “flu” that doesn’t go away. Peter is handsome, nice, and very persistent.
Can Nicole stand firm and keep her company intact?
Definitely a page turner! This story is a strong reminder of how words and actions can so deeply wound children for life. Had it not been for her own resiliency Faith Russell's parents set her up to be miserable. Owen Haskin's father and mother-in-law impact his life negatively and later Zara brings horrors upon Owen's precious son Ian. Maybe because their past lives have been so difficult you hope from early on that Faith & Owen will find love together, and perhaps Ian is their greatest matchmaker.
Once again Kate Vale brings us characters who seem so real. Nicole Vance has a very successful real estate brokerage and knows how to get what she wants in life. Peter Dalton succeeds at his work of encouraging realtors from businesses like Nicole’s Vance Realty to move to Realty World, the national franchise. He’s also kind, interested in Nicole for purely personal reasons, and not at all put out that she is pregnant with someone else’s child. The tyrant, Isadore Thornhill, a sexist bully who owns Realty World, reminds readers of the bad side of life.
The story certainly is a romance, but as with most of Vale’s books, it explores issues in thoughtful ways. In Where This Goes those issues are alcoholism, unplanned pregnancy, sexism, and dealing with older parents.
Nicole Vance was a formidable business woman. She had her brokers license and owned her own real estate business and was very successful. She owned her own home and was financially set. Most importantly, she had accomplished all of this success on her own. She didn't really want or need a man in her life, or so she led everyone to believe. This is the picture that Nicole had painted for everyone to see but underneath the surface things were beginning to unravel.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was a truthful account of what many women go through when they are successful. When drawing back the curtain to see the big picture, it is amazing to me how strong a person can be. Definitely a good read!
I have enjoyed reading Nicole's story. This book is about Nicole Vance. She owns a Real Estate Agency. She has a lot going on in her life. She discovers she is pregnant, her mother is not doing well, then to top things off Peter Dalton shows up. He is with an agency who is wanting to buy her company.
How does Nicole handle all of the pressure in her life. Like a lady. I do have to say "Go Charlie". When you read this book I think you will agree.
Kate Vale's book is not my usual type of book, but I was browsing independent writers and thought I'd give it a try. But, yeah, seriously - I'm not the target audience. That aside, this is really well written and a very grounded romance story. Actually, labelling it 'romance' is not doing it justice. There is certainly a strong romantic drive in the story but it's probably more about the story of regret and of re-establishing lost links between a mother and a daughter.
The characters take central stage here, although the descriptions of cities and the workplaces were well written (I'm a former bookshop manager, so I enjoyed the focus on that). Bella comes across as a down to earth heroine. She's established in her life, has a few relationship issues just behind her when the story begins, but is otherwise a pretty together type of girl. When she receives a message from the adoptive father of her daughter though, things become simultaneously hopeful and anxious - Bella has the chance to connect with the daughter she had to give up, but she's worried about the impact it might have on her and on her daughter, Destiny.
I really enjoyed the shifting storylines. Bella's story is powerful and steals the show, but it's nicely balanced with the stories of other characters, particularly Destiny who has her own life. The issue of adoption (particularly teenage adoption) is handled well, and although I'm not an expert it came across as very genuine from all sides: birth mother, child, adoptive parents.
I would recommend this for readers who enjoy character pieces. You'll really like Bella and although there's heartache along the way, 'Destiny's Second Chance' is ultimately hopeful and well worth the read.
EDIT: I forgot to mention that I loved the side characters too. Kate Vale has a great way of quickly establishing characters, particularly her female characters. Great stuff. :)
This book was very thought-provoking and truthful. Kate Vale did an excellent job of expressing what a lot of couples go through in their married lives. She handled the topic very well! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and look forward to reading the next in the series! Great job Kate!
I bought DESTINY'S SECOND CHANCE at the Chanticleer Writer's Conference where the book had been awarded the Chatelaine Award, lst in category in the Chanticleer Writing Competition. I was interested in the main character's journey - a young woman who had been forced to give up her child to adoption when she was 16.
Bella, the birth mother, years later has an opportunity to meet her daughter, Destiny. Bella's thinking demonstrates that she's been through the regret and pain that being a young mother separated from her baby would have gone through -- but she comes out the other side stronger for the experience. Although her family pressured her at the time of the adoption and was not supportive, Bella does not blame anyone; her regret focuses on starting anew positively with her daughter and the chance for a friendship.
At times I felt that Bella was so mature and reasoned about the adoption that she ought to be a model for other mothers with more ambivalent struggles. I've known women who have given up their babies, and many adoptive parents. It's a rich ground of human experience. There are other threads in this novel, and it was quite enjoyable to read and finish.
This is a powerful and moving story of one woman's struggle to deal with the tough choices in life. Lots to think about - recommended for book clubs!
This story illustrates loss and reunion, pain and joy, in a setting understood by too many young women today. Wonderfully written with complex, realistic characters, it both enlightens and inspires.