Annette Evans |

Reviews for I Will Always Love You

Review #1

In this novel that reads like a non-fiction account of a young woman’s first love, loss, abuse experience and… well I won’t give it away, we have an author finely skilled in writing a story. For me the dialog is particularly well done because every conversation is like a conversation you may have had at one time or another. To suggest it is realistic doesn’t really do justice to her fine work.
I found even the German character to speak correctly—I happen to know several Germans and one that is a good friend now living and working in the United States—and the deflections or mannerisms she writes in his speech are accurately represented in Ms. Evan’s work. Stefan is as real as they come.
The main character begins as a somewhat self absorbed person in my view and that helps understand the realism to be found as she grows and experiences more in life; the abuse she endures would seem to be something she felt she deserved for a time. There is a good bit of “me,” in terms of Melissa—especially when she was younger—but we may all be exposed to this personality in our own lives—whether it is our own or a son’s or daughter’s? But no matter the small degree of early self-centeredness accurately reflected, there is no excuse for what happens to her. The decision she makes is more giving (toward her parents) but then she makes a decision to more or less settle (exploit?) a hapless fellow who comes along—only to turn out to be an abuser. And I could be wrong; perhaps we all would think and do the same things if we were in this character’s shoes. The dialog is fluid and natural; the story is fluid, real and draws you in to learn what happens.
I believe the dialog is written at an expert level and moves the story nicely. It is predictable and it is not predictable. The reader knows it is a romance, but it is a romance from a very unique point of view as we follow counseling sessions and therapy. The ending is satisfying and that’s all I should say about that, of course. I recommend “I Will Always Love You,” as a well written novel that catalogs a young woman’s realistic search for a life and meaning, loss, and then finding a life of meaning.

Andrew O Huddleston
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Heart & Iron ISBN 1-4137-5397-3

Review #2

There is nothing better than a well written work of art, and that is the only way that I can describe “I Will Always Love You” by Annette Evans. This fiction novel is based on the realities of the loss of a girl’s first true love and how the experience takes hold and shapes the life of becoming a woman.

The trials and tribulations that Melissa faces are so realistic and understandable that I cannot fathom that any woman alive cannot relate to the experiences in which she endures. This book executes a prime example of how our first loves do shape our lives if for nothing more than to help us to discover the person in which we will become.

This book is so beautifully written that the reader cannot help but feel like they are submerged in the midst of the story. I was unable to put this book down until I had read every page in one sitting. I highly recommend “I Will Always Love You” to anyone who has ever experienced that first love.

Edean M. Bundick

Review #3

'I Will Always Love You,' by Annette Evans, is a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It starts out with the main character, Melissa, nervously waiting in a psychiatrist's office. We learn quickly that this is the idea of her mother and sister and not her own. We learn about the loss of her one true love and the effect it took on her life. We meet Melissa at the lowest point in her life and we learn about the woman she becomes and how she grows. It is a very well thought out and written book. I would suggest this book to anyone who loves to curl up to a good romance. Once you start reading, you can't stop till the end. Ms. Evans leaves you wanting more and waiting to read her next book.

~Leslie McGuinn~
Author/Poetess
"I've Been There Before"
www.leslieannmcguinn.com

Review #4

The Complete Picture of True Love

Annette Evans takes you on a journey of the heart in her book “I Will Always Love You”. Melissa has been shaped by her perception of the place she occupies within her family structure, which has left her feeling undeserving. As Melissa starts to experience life as her own person during a trip to Germany she meets a man named Stefan that will ultimately challenge her character, her self-esteem, and her personal strength, as well as change her life forever. Annette uses a brilliant form of dialogue to tell the story of Melissa’s heart, engaging the reader from the very first page. I found myself unable to put the book down because I needed to know what happened next. I marveled at how much one decision could impact a life and how fear and uncertainty could interfere with love. As Melissa works through her emotions fate steps in and leads her down some difficult roads. Only to find out that her life experiences were able to teach her things she otherwise might not have recognized about herself, her family, and life in general. Melissa gains strength as a person and is able to admit her mistakes and rebuild herself, stronger, better, and much more confident then she imagined she could be. Stefan lives life only to find out that some things are not always as they seem to be. Annette builds two characters that have no other option then to learn to really love and to follow the heart. Absolutely one of the best books I have ever read.

Abby M. Hunter

Author of “The Exchange”

ISBN # 1-4241-4679-8

Reveiws for Until I Met You

Review #1

As I read "Until I Met You", I was so enthralled by the story that I found myself reading the entire book in one sitting without really realizing it. I just could not find it in myself to stop. It was such an easy and entertaining read that I found myself at the end before I knew that I had read so much of it.

The love shared by Nick and Kelly was so pure and passionate that it pulled at me. The deception and the enduring promises of love and the effective way that the story was told all worked together to make this a simply wonderful and romantic read. The supporting characters - namely Susan and David- helped the story move along smoothly and gave it more of a realistic feel.

On a scale of one to five, I give this a solid four and a half.

Aretha Braylock

Author of Love for Kenya

Review #2

“Until I Met You” is a sweet love story about a woman finding her one true love, only to loose him to foolish pride. The vixen was well played; she enticed the reader to step into the story and ring her neck. This story has all the elements of a romance. The sexual scenes are written in good taste, just enough to keep you coming back for more.

Ann Halstead,

Author of The Compound

Review #3

Annette Evans' book, Until I Met You, pulled me in from page one!! Kelly grabbed me by the heart and pulled me so deep into the story I couldn't stop reading!! The story warms your heart one second then has it breaking with unexpected turns. Its your classic love story with a new swing and a few extra twists!! It is a must read!!! I give it a 4*!!!!!

Holly Farlee

Author of The Elf Princess: Into the Cursed Realm

http://www.hollydfarlee.webs.com