Review: "Never Too Late" by Susan L. Tuttle

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Never Too Late by Susan L. Tuttle, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I've been eager to read this book ever since I learned it existed, as I've really enjoyed the other books in the series!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Never Too Late
Series: Along Came Love #3
Author: Susan L. Tuttle
Publisher: Iron Stream Media
Release Date: November 2, 2021
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance 

Once, her art brought her fame. This time will it bring her love? 

Widowed homemaker Rachael Stark isn’t quite sure what comes after her only child leaves for college. To fill her suddenly quiet hours and scrawny bank account, she needs a job. But painful memories prevent her from resurrecting her former art career, and motherhood isn't much of a résumé. When her best friend needs help recovering from a gunshot wound that occurred in the line of duty, she is there. Finally, someone to take care of. 

Evan Wayne won't let his injury keep him from being a police officer. His dedication to protect the innocent stems from the guilt he carries over having failed his childhood friend. What he needs now is to recover and get back on the streets. Instead, he's handed a myriad of light-duty tasks by his captain―one of which involves heading up the department's entry into the town's annual mural contest. He's not an artist, but he definitely knows one. And he'll take any excuse to spend more time with her. 

When Rachael agrees to paint for Evan, she never expects to also be drawn into finding answers for the mother of a missing child. As the two friends work side by side on the mural and the case, their feelings move beyond friendship. But with Evan unwilling to leave his dangerous job, and Rachael unwilling to risk another loss of a loved one, their fears may paint over the promise of a beautiful future together. 

Well, Susan L. Tuttle has done it again - she's written a great romance with a flawed-yet-wonderful leading man and a spiritual arc that is very present but doesn't hit you over the head (but it kind of does because it's what you need to hear right now).

Rachael and Evan have been friends for several years. He wants more; she's afraid to love again (though if she did, it would obviously be with Evan). This is a really great friends-to-more love story! Rachael and Evan's friendship is so fun, and I really enjoyed watching them move into the "more than friends" category. And that first almost-kiss? Whew! But this isn't just about romance. There's a very intriguing mystery involving missing girls, and I also loved learning more about the meaning behind different flowers. And then there's the journey they each went on individually - Evan had to learn not to blame himself when bad things happened to people he loved, and Rachael needed to get over her fear of losing those she loved.

Overall, this is an excellent read. I've so loved Tuttle's entire Along Came Love series, and I can't wait to see what she writes next! (May I suggest a book about Evan's sister Hattie???) 5 stars.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

Read my reviews of Tuttle's At First Glance (4-1/2 stars), Then Again, Maybe (4-1/2 stars), and Love You, Truly (5 stars).

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ACFW Carol Award finalist Susan L. Tuttle lives in the Mitten State of Michigan where she's a mom of three and happily married to her best friend. Between still homeschooling her youngest and leading the women's ministry at church, she finds time to write stories filled with inspiration, hope, and encouragement. Connect with Susan at susanltuttle.com.

CONNECT WITH SUSAN:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a book on Floriography, a rose candle from Wick and Sarcasm, and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 15, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 22, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."