Leaving Yesterday: A Laurel Falls Novel

Zoe Dawson

Feb 2016 · Sold by Loveswept

About this ebook

If you love Susan Mallery, Kristan Higgins, or Rachel Gibson, don’t miss the start of this captivating small-town romance series! Laurel Falls, Montana, features spectacular mountain scenery—but it takes a rugged cowboy to convince one woman to slow down and enjoy the view.
 
Rafferty Hamilton doesn’t plan on putting down roots anytime soon. With her divorce final, the hotel heiress has left Manhattan behind to scout new locations for her family’s chain of resorts. Which is why it’s so frustrating to be stranded in Laurel Falls while a good-looking, slow-talking, Stetson-wearing mechanic takes his sweet time with her overheated coupe.
 
A decorated vet who paid his dues in Afghanistan, Trace Black can fix anything with an engine and get it revving—even Rafferty’s ridiculous sports car. He’s couldn’t say the same for the knockout driver, who looks like she’s never gripped a gear shaft in her life. Women like Rafferty don’t usually stick around in Laurel Falls, but Trace finds himself showing her everything his hometown has to offer before she cruises on down the road.
 
As the days pass, Rafferty finds herself charmed by the pace of life and the openhearted warmth of the residents. She’s even tempted to trust again—and it’s all thanks to Trace. He’s not the kind of guy she’s used to falling for, but he just might be the man she needs.

Praise for Leaving Yesterday
 
“I loved how Zoe Dawson’s wounded-soul hero and strong heroine both came alive in the pages of the story! Leaving Yesterday touched my heart and made me want to spend more time visiting this small-town world.”—USA Today bestselling author Alexis Morgan

“Rich with heartwarming romance and well-drawn secondary characters, Leaving Yesterday is a wonderful start to Zoe Dawson’s new Laurel Falls series.”—Elisabeth Barrett, author of The Best of Me

“With swoon-worthy men, family heartbreak, and the healing power of love, Leaving Yesterday is a perfect romance for your keeper shelf. You won’t want it to end.”—Vonnie Davis, author of the Highlander’s Beloved series
 
“A lovely story . . . I loved the descriptive writing of the locations, people, and landscape.”—Alpha Book Club
 
“A small-town story that will capture your heartfelt attention.”—Hines and Bigham’s Literary Tryst

Includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

Ratings and reviews

Her is divorce is final and Rafferty Hamilton has no plans to put down roots anytime soon but while scouting new locations, she finds herself stranded in Laurel Falls with a good-looking, sweet-talking, Stetson wearing mechanic in this captivating romance. Trace Black can fix anything with an engine, even Rafferty’s ridiculous sports car but he while he knows that women like Rafferty don’t stick around, he can’t help showing her everything his hometown has to offer and the readers can’t help but become caught up in this captivating romance as Rafferty finds herself charmed and tempted to trust again. The attraction between Trace and Rafferty sizzles with lots of heat but the romance is slow building due to some trust issues on both sides which has sparks flying not only from the chemistry but from some heated encounters as well. These strong compelling characters demand reader’s attention from the very beginning while the steady to fast paced plot captivates readers with suspense and romance. The romance itself builds lots of anticipation throughout the story as Rafferty and Trace decide to take advantage of the time Rafferty has to spend in Laurel Falls which results in some hot and steamy passion along with some inner emotional distress and expectation builds because Rafferty keeping secrets from the town and there is also lots of emotional turmoil flowing from the pages as all the family and friends surrounding Trace and Rafferty adds depth and a sense of community to the story. The scenes are well written with great details that capture the imagination and bring the story to life while the suspense draws the reader in and refuses to let go. Laurel Falls has quite a bit going for it, some beautiful mountain scenery that the author brought to vivid life making it easy to picture and some intriguing and sexy characters that have captured my attention and I can’t wait to for my next trip to Laurel Falls, not only for the next characters story but also to find out how Rafferty’s revitalizing plans are coming along. 4 ½ STARS

This was a better book than I expected. This is not just a story about Trace and Rafferty but a story about a town, the community and family. Throughout the story you are introduced to many residents. I loved Trace Black. He has such a strong family commitment. He was so devoted to his brothers (Reese, Harley) and his teenage sister (Cadie). He would do anything for them; even help Cadie find her “mango bra and panty set because it’s the only bra that holds…”. Can you just imagine how a grown man likes being asked this by his teenage sister? But he knows he will not get “any peace until the Great Mango Bra caper is solved”. He is the glue that keeps everything together. But because he is too busy taking care of everyone else; he doesn’t have time for himself. The book is told from many different POVs not just the H/h. However sometimes it could get confusing. Around the 4th chapter, it was like what the heck. I had to look to see if I was reading the same book. It seemed like it took a 180 turn. It totally started off with a different character but there was no transition/build up for this character. In the beginning I think Rafferty couldn’t see past this broken down town. I wouldn’t say it was necessarily because she thought it was beneath her because she was rich. But as time passed she saw the beauty in the people, town, environment and especially Trace. While Trace thinks Rafferty is the type of woman who will leave, just like his mother did when he was 10, he soon realizes there is more to her than this fancy rich woman. I like the way the author sets the stage for the next book. I look forward to reading more about the characters of Laurel Falls.

I am used to reading Ms. Dawson's stories that are packed with humor. Leaving Yesterday was different. There were still traces of her trademark humor but over all this read was a journey full of emotion and self examination. Rafferty is a woman who uses travel as a way to escape the heartbreak and insecurity she keeps inside. Running from place to place allows her focus to be on work not disappointment. When circumstances force her to to stop and contemplate her life, career and feelings- she is at a lost. It takes a little small town charm, a sexy cowboy and a broken down ride to set her on a path to healing and finding true happiness. I received an ARC of Leaving Yesterday in exchange for an honest review. No, this is not the standard Zoe Dawson novel but it is just as good maybe better. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

About the author

Zoe Dawson had always dreamed of becoming a full-time romance writer, and with determination, persistence, and a little luck that wish came true. Her other passions include traveling the world, owning a beach house (she believes she was a mermaid in another life), and seeing her books in movies. When she’s not writing, she’s painting or killing virtual MMORPG monsters in World of Warcraft. She lives in North Carolina with her two grown children and one small, furry gray cat.