AWRW Book Review: Meredith Out Of The Darkness, by Amanda Gale

Meredith Beck is living the perfect life. She has a thriving career she loves and an apartment in New York City with the man of her dreams. But when she is devastated by tragedy, Meredith must rebuild her life in what she discovers is a shockingly less-than-perfect world.

In Book One, Meredith Out of the Darkness, Meredith stumbles through her day-to-day responsibilities without passion or hope. Her mundane routine is pleasantly interrupted when her brother introduces her to Nick Kelly, a quiet painter from a small town in Maine. Meredith is drawn to Nick’s love of nature and is comforted by his purity of heart. They begin a whirlwind romance, and as they plan their future together, she is delighted to have found peace once again, this time in a simple life far removed from the fast-paced life she’s known. But they are haunted by the past, competing with ghosts and desperate to meet unreachable expectations.

Full of colorful characters and leading the reader on an emotional journey from Philadelphia to Maine, Meredith Out of the Darkness is about two people’s awakening to a world of possibilities. But when their different visions of perfection come between them, the question remains: what is true perfection?

About The Meredith Series:

Meredith Beck, a teacher from Philadelphia, must redefine herself after she is shaken by tragedy. The series chronicles the remaking of her life and her relationships with three men, each struggling with his own journey. Carrying her experiences with her, Meredith emerges stronger, wiser, and at peace as she discovers the beauty of an imperfect world.

Book 1: Meredith Out of the Darkness
Book 2: Meredith Against the Wind
Book 3: Meredith Into the Fire
Book 4: Meredith With the Waves

Paperback, 247 pages

Published July 4th 2014 by Brenda & Cobena Books (first published July 3rd 2014)

Genre: Women’s Fiction

What Is It About?

“What did she have to do–what sacrifice did she have to make–to prove to the universe that she was ready to be happy.”

Meredith is a teacher working on her Master’s degree, with high hopes for her future. She has been swept up in a new relationship, and refuses to settle in life. Wide eyed and optimistic, she is going to make her life perfect.

Several years later, tragedy strikes. Grief stricken, Meredith is consumed by darkness. She moves back in with her parents to try to get her life back on track. It’s time for Meredith to reevaluate her future, and redefine “perfection”.

“I don’t think it’s about the perfect life… I think it’s about the perfect peace.”

Meredith’s brother Vince comes home, and with him he brings his buddy and co-worker Nick. Nick’s quiet voice reflects the quietude of his soul. For the first time in a year, Meredith doesn’t cry herself to sleep.

Finally, Meredith wants to move forward, and climb her way out of the darkness…

My Thoughts:

I’m torn between whether or not Meredith’s loneliness stems from her grief, or something deeper. I think I will have a better impression of her with the next Meredith installment. Her behavior reminded me of someone who is afflicted by borderline personality disorder.

I absolutely love Meredith as a character. She couldn’t possibly be any more likeable. And I enjoyed the family element to the story. Big brother Vince was an excellent supporting character, and the brother I wish I could have had for myself.

I loved the subtle, sexy love scenes in this novel. Author Amanda Gale’s subtle seduction was much more powerful than had she have went into full-out overkill by describing a graphic sex scene. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy an erotic romance. However, since her writing wasn’t meant to be erotic, I didn’t feel the need to examine Meredith’s sex life with a flippin’ microscope. In other words, Author Amanda Gale made good choices when she crafted Meredith’s sexual encounters.

I’d also like to mention that the cover art, done by Adara Sanchez Anguiano, is superb! I love having these beautiful books on my shelf!

What I Liked The Most:

The characters were extremely likable.

I enjoyed the pacing of the novel, and I look forward to following Meredith in the next installments.

I enjoyed the Author’s writing voice.

The story itself was extremely appealing, and it held my interest.

What I Disliked:

Oh, Nick! You idiot!!!!!!!!!!

Recommendation:

I would recommend Meredith Out Of The Darkness to fans of romance, and fiction that centers around a woman’s experiences.

Rating:

***In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided with a copy of Meredith Out Of The Darkness, by the Author, in exchange for a fair, thoughtful, and honest book review. This is no way swayed my rating.

Purchase Meredith Out Of The Darkness, here, and be charmed by Meredith and Author Amanda Gale’s writing like I am! 🙂

About The Author:

A graduate of Vassar College and Boston University, Amanda Gale taught high school English before she began writing women’s fiction. The four novels of her *Meredith* series explore love, growth, and the flaws that make us human.

A lover of history, classic literature, and quiet nights at home, she lives outside Philadelphia with her family. A graduate of Vassar College and Boston University, Amanda Gale taught high school English before she began writing women’s fiction.

The four novels of her *Meredith* series explore love, growth, and the flaws that make us human.

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