Book Review for CHASING TRUST by Nancy Stopper

10/3/2019

The world is his home, she’s afraid to trust those who she can’t hold close. Can the two of them find a way to make their ten year long fantasies a reality?

Serena Harper leads a good life, rescuing animals that need saving. After her high school boyfriend cheated on her and discovering her father’s betrayal, she’s content to live her life alone. She’s known the men in Cedar Hill her entire life, and she can’t trust someone who doesn’t stay put.

She reconsiders everything she held true when Chase walks back into her life.

World-renowned photo journalist, Edward “Chase” Foster’s home is the world, only staying in one place long enough to share the struggles of the world through his photographs. His work has taken an emotional toll, so he jumps at the chance to work an easy assignment—a charity calendar for a local animal shelter. He certainly didn’t expect to run into the girl who intrigued him from the day he met her ten years ago on the Atlantic City boardwalk.

The girl whose image has accompanied him around the world.

Now that Chase and Serena have reunited, they are determined to find a way to be together. To explore the attraction that has been lingering below the surface for all these years. But is Serena ready to let go of her deep-seeded trust issues in order to open her heart to Chase? Is Chase willing to put down roots after all these years? Will both of them compromise for a chance at forever?

Trust issues and family drama are at the center of the new installment into the saga of the Harper family.
Even though I had a bit difficult time to get into - and stay in - the story of Serena Harper and Edward “Chase” Foster, as characters, I found them both charming and lovable. I admired their humble attitude towards life, their giving, and caring souls. Their generosity towards everyone, and everything, surrounding them was commendable, how their sole focus in life was contributing and giving to the community, was exemplary. Their example was inspirational, yet there was no showmanship in their humbleness, it seemed like it was their true nature to think others first, to find out how they serve the community and the individuals in it.
Both Serena and Edward had issues with their fathers, pain rooting into the parental relationships that had changed them and their future paths more than ordinarily. Serena felt betrayed by her father's infidelity, creating trust issues towards men, that her previous boyfriend just managed to strengthen.
In my opinion, Serena took her issues a bit too far and was a little unreasonable in some instances.
Edward had walked his own path in life, making his own success, surviving and thriving in the tough combative career on a global market, leaving his father's dreams and plans for him behind.
I loved how Edward and Serena met, how strong of a connection they had from the start, and how special Edward made Serena feel, a young girl who often felt left in her twin's shadow. The way they carried the torch for each other over the years was immensely adorable, there was something very innocent and sweet about it.
The Harpers have pain and distress in their family from their late father's choices and mistakes in life. Even though he is gone, his past actions still have a stronghold in his children's present life, creating awkward moments and difficult decisions. I love how the siblings stand for each other and protect each other, hold a united front when needed, yet still being strong individuals standing for their own mind and meaning.
The intriguing and charming Harper family saga continues with darling Serena's story where trust is hard to come by, and the feelings are tumultuous even though the emotions are deeply rooted over time...
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

Living in beautiful northern Virginia, Nancy dreams of small-town living where the everyone knows everyone else (including their business) and neighbors wave when you pass. Since she doesn’t live in one, she creates them for everyone else to enjoy through her books.

She’s a mom to (almost) 2 college students and 1 middle schooler who has spent more hours at the baseball field and the dance studio than she cares to admit. With her husband, her primary goal is to finish raising her 3 kids into productive adults!

Nancy writes small-town contemporary romance with sexy heroes and strong heroines. Her books tug at your emotional heartstrings and leave you with a warm feeling that lingers long after the last page. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Washington Romance Writers, and Virginia Romance Writers.