For What It's Worth


Thursday, March 27, 2014

Review: Dare Island series by Virginia Kantra

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Meet the Fletchers of Dare Island
Steady Matt, the son who stayed
Ambitious Meg, the daughter who never looked back
And warrior Luke, the Marine who never expected to return.

A heartwarming new novel in New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra’s beloved series about family ties, second chances, and the power of love….


Source: Purchased

Review:
I binge read the Dare Island series over a weekend. I haven't done that in so long but this is a perfect series for doing so.

Each book features a different couple but the way the author explores the themes of family, loss, duty and love and ties them all back into each book makes this series special.

You really get a sense of the Fletcher family, Dare Island and the things each person will have to overcome to find peace. There are multiple pov's ranging from the Fletcher matriarch, Tess, to new family members like 10 year old Taylor. Instead of distracting or taking away from each couple, it enhances their story and their love.

The other thing that I loved so much about the Dare Island series, is the kindness of the characters. They are hit time and time again with difficult situations, but there is no self pitying or overblown angst. They do what's right and stand by each other with dogged determination. As the Fletcher siblings say…they have each other… back to back to back.

Each book could be read as a stand alone but you would miss out on so much if you don't start from the beginning. Carolina Home, book #1, is my favorite. I loved how it was a treat for the senses; the introduction to the  island and being immersed in the Fletcher family chaos, I didn't quite connect to to the couple in Carolina Girl but still very good, and Carolina Man will leave you misty eyed and ties together all three stories.

*Thanks to author Laura Florand who first introduced me to this series. If you don’t follow her on Twitter you should. She has the best romance recommendations!

16 comments:

  1. Ooh, I love a good binge read! And it's got two of my favorite things: a small town setting (or island, as the case may be) and a strong family structure. Checkin' this out!

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  2. oh this book series sounds good, and who doesn't love a beach read :)

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  3. LOL -- I was getting read to leave this comment when I saw your comment pop up on my blog. Mind meld!
    I love a good binge read and I love a good beach read. Sold!
    Thanks so much for stopping by! Jen @ YA Romantics

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    1. I thought the first book had the "beachiest/coastal/summer" feel.

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  4. Grief, its a rare series that is worthy of a binge read like this. An author I'll be certain to keep a look out for though whether I'd be up for a Dare Island binge is another matter.

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    1. It doesn't happen to often for me anymore.

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  5. That's great you really liked these books! I haven't binged a whole series ever, I don't believe. I really should though...some of these trilogies out there I'd like to check out.

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    1. I used to - waaaay before eI started blogging. lol

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  6. Sounds good to me :) I think I have read one by her before..or not

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  7. Oh sounds great! I love just sitting a reading a series like that. Oh I think you sold me! :)

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  8. Yay! I started this series, then saw Laura talking about it, and I love that we can bind over this delicious series! Carolina Home was my favorite too. There's just something so special about Matt and Allison, but really every character was great.

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    1. I thought the first book used the backdrop of Dare Island the best too. I felt like I was there. And I loved how Matt took on Taylor. So sweet.

      I was surprised and happy how well Taylor's story was integrated into all three books. I thought I would get annoyed but it was done well.

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