FALL FROM INDIA PLACE (On Dublin Street #4) by SAMANTHA YOUNG

Jenny: Samantha Young has done it again! Fall From India Place was a deeply emotional, passionate, witty story of second chance love and I devoured it. I revelled in being back with the extended Dublin Street clan (wow! Has that expanded) and thanks to this authors engaging prose I felt as though I was enjoying Sunday lunch with them, joining in their banter and sharing their hopes and dreams, and doubts right along with them. The fact that I picked some of the reveals early on became irrelevant as I found the journey getting there a wonderfully warm and moving experience.

“Should it be this hard, though, Marco?”…..Should it hurt this much?”
“I don’t know. I don’t know what the rules are.”

Hannah and Marco carried hurt, pain and secrets from their pasts, with neither having the opportunity to experience closure resulting in old wounds being opened when they meet again five years after Marco disappeared from Hannah’s life, leaving her heartbroken. Secrets on both parts remained buried and what transpired on both parties broke my heart, however it was Hannah’s story that really moved me made me understood her need to protect her heart all those years when Marco was gone from her life and again on his imminent return.

“I don’t need your explanations because what you did, you didn’t do it to me, you did it to that girl you left behind.”

I loved both characters. Marco became so much different to the young man he left behind and his confidence in his pursuit of Hannah had me swooning. He really was prepared to fight for her and fight hard. Hannah felt she could do it all on her own in her attempt to spare her loved ones from her pain and watching Hannah and Marco’s relationship grow was as beautiful as it was sad. There was a lot of healing to be done and trust to be gained. I have to also say, the friendship between Hannah and Cole was really something special and we can’t wait for Cole’s story can we, Gitte?

Gitte: Ah man I loved this book so much. I love Hannah and Marco (l.u.s.h!), loved being back with everyone from this series, and yeah there’s certainly been an explosion of little one’s. Mind you, if I was married to any of that lot it’d be nookie for breakfast lunch and dinner in our house too that’s for sure!

“I thought I told you we’re just friends.”

“I heard you. But I don’t think you heard me.”

It really was a reader’s dream and I have to give props to Samantha Young for bringing back more of the Scottish roots, or so it seemed anyway, as I found myself reading with a Scottish burr at times. It reminded me of when I listen to one of my fave bands; Twin Atlantic, I always sing in a Scottish accent which is weird really for a Dane living in London. But whatever, I love it!

The actual story had just the right amount of tension, drama, romance and angst. Though predictable at times and slightly confusing with the amount of characters new and old, I just could not put it down. Marco was an amazing character, I just fell more and more in love with him as the story progressed. He had a huge heart and such determination despite everything he’d been through. And sweet lovable Hannah, gah, I just wanted to hug her tight so many times. So brave and strong. Their second chance romance was tragic yet heart-warming. The journey wasn’t easy to read at times, it broke my heart but it was deeply beautiful at the same time.

“Why did you really ask me to meet you tonight, Marco?”

“Because, when I’m with you it feels like everything’s going to be okay. I can’t explain it.”

Oh wow yes Jenny, Cole grew up didn’t he?! I can’t express how much I LOVED his friendship with Hannah. To be honest, their friendship was one of my favourite parts of this story. It was like a warm hug, it made me laugh, smile and cry. Having followed Cole from when we first met him I have to say his story really excites me and my love and respect for this man is well….I love him. I’m gagging to get my hands on his book. So go write Sam….WRITE!!!!! Oh and I’m free for one of those manic Sunday dinner’s…just say the word!