I Love You Three, a Green Pines Romance

This was such a great book. I loved the romance that blossomed between Julie and Mac. Mac and Julie were very relatable. This was a fantastic page turner. It grabs you at page 1 and holds your attention all the way thru to the end. Thank you Milou for another great romance!

Mac Bennett has just been released from the Marines after serving in Iraq. Yet, he realizes that he's not the same as when he left. He suffers from random acts of PTSD. In an effort to calm his mind and find purpose, he accepts a job in Green Pines. He thinks it's fate since that's where his best friend would go over the summers - the best friend that did not make it home from the war.

Julie Anderson is simply trying to survive after her husband abandoned her when she was 5 months pregnant. Not only did he abandon her and her child, he drained the bank account and ran up the debt on the credit cards. Struggling, yet determined to make a better life for her son, she's determined to not let the handsome new coach distract her plans.

When Mac and Julie meet, there's instant attraction, but they both have way too much baggage to sort through before either is willing to agree to anything - even a first date. But, what happens as they continue to see each other day after day?

As I was reading, I was impressed by how the author developed this into way more than a simple romance. The characters are well developed and the plot elements are realistic. I was able to feel the stress and anxiety of Mac as he desperately tried to manage his PTSD symptoms. Likewise, I understood the fear in Julie when she thought about trusting another man. Then, not only were the main characters well developed, the author fully developed the secondary characters as well. The boys at the school, Julie's parents, former in-laws, and close friends were all characters that the reader got to know and understand.

As far as the plot in concerned, there's a lot going on in this book. Not only do you read about PTSD and the struggles of being a single mom, you read about the effect of one's actions on those around you - whether it's alcohol abuse or getting tangled up in drugs.

All in all, it's an excellent book based in a world of cruel reality where a tender and beautiful romance blooms.

Romance - PG - some kisses
Language - PG - nothing offensive
Violence - there is a fight scene and non-graphic memories of war time.

My rating - 5 stars

Relationships are complicated. It was a positive, thrilling, adventure with love and Christian values. This book seamlessly integrated the past and present memories and interactions of the characters to form the basis for new development of relationships. The theme of struggle featured prominently in each major characters' path to resolution. There were multiple surprises with a nontraditional slant to the plot. This author's tight writing style enhanced the enjoyment of the book for this reader. Resolution of all the issues provided an ending that fit the storyline but still left the reader wanting more stories about the characters and town. I loved this book and highly recommend it.