This story is about Cole Braden and Annalise "Leesa" Avalon. Cole is an orthopedic surgeon. His practice is located in Peaceful Harbor. He had his heart broken in the past. However, this did not stop him from desiring to find that special woman, with whom he would spend the rest of his life with.  He wanted a meaningful and lasting relationship. He was not sure he would find what he was looking for in Peaceful Harbor. Then one fateful day he met a woman who awakened desires in him that he never knew existed.  Was this the woman he had been searching for all his life?

Annalise is a teacher, who was accused by one of her students of a heinous act.  This accusation proved to be the death of her career. Although she had the support of her colleagues, the one person she was counting on decided to distance himself from the situation. Tired of the stress stemming from the investigation, she came to Peaceful Harbor at the behest of her friend.  Little did she know that being in Peaceful Harbor would further change her life in a way she never expected.

It was easy to fall in love with Cole. I understand why Leesa was drawn to him. He is a family man. He is loyal, caring, protective and supportive of those he loved.  Leesa was strong and selfless.  In spite of what she had endured, she rose above it and took charge of her life. Being embraced by Cole's family helped with her healing process.  I liked that she was willing to forgive her accuser. In doing this, it made it easy for her to move on with her life. I loved her attitude. She was not the type to wallow in self-pity.  The fact that she did not blame her accuser for destroying her life speaks to her selflessness. 

The romance between Cole and Leesa moved quickly. It was evident that they were in love with each other. However, Leesa's past was proving to be a hindrance. She believed that the issues from her past would hurt Cole and his family.  I thought they were perfect for each other. They both deserved to have their happily ever after.

I understood Leesa's fears. Despite her innocence being proven, she still lived with the fear that someone may find out about her past. Some people may find her behaviour irrational.  However, society as a way of condemning persons, even after their innocence has been proven.

The story is well written. Which was no less that what I have come to expect from Ms. Foster. It was engaging and heart warming. 

This story demonstrates how  devastating lies are.  Lies may seem harmless,  but they have the power to destroy lives.  Surrender My Love is a story about forgiveness, healing, and love.  It shows that at times life will throw us curveballs, which forces us to make changes in our lives. Our willingness to make these changes will determine how successful we will be in dealing with these new challenges.

If you’re looking for a beautiful, heartwarming romance, then you have to try this book! 

The second novel in the Bradens of Peaceful Harbor series made me tear up. Surrender My Love is a relatable story with well developed characters.

It's scary how easy one event, accusation, or rumor could completely turn your life upside down.

Annalise "Leesa" Avalon's life is in shambles after a student she's been helping makes claims about how she's acted around him. After weeks of her life being invaded during an investigation, placed on leave, relationships destroyed, and friendships tested.

Now Annalise must find some order in the mess that's been made. Escaping to a new town and going by the name Leesa, Annalise must try to find herself or who she truly wants to be. Waiting for the bomb to drop of someone recognizing her get tiring, especially after she meets Cole. Now Annalise "Leesa" has to worry about her past affecting more than just her.

Cole Braden is the eldest of the Braden brothers. He's the one who has taught and encourage his younger siblings that family and loyalty come first. He cares deeply for his family and for his patients. Since meeting Leesa, the workaholic doctor has found that living life is just as important as him work.

My favorite part of the Braden novels is seeing their family interact. I love how close nit and caring they are for one another. They love to tease each other, yet the loyalty and love they have for each other runs deep.

Two people who have very similar values and interest can fall deeply in love fast. Annalise must deal with her present issues to determine if there's a possible loving future with Cole. The way Annalise faces her situation left me tearing up.

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

Surrender My Love - Melissa Foster

I fell irrevocably in love with Cole Braden just as quickly as he fell for Leesa. My heart melted at how compassionate he was toward her. Even when she repeated pushed him away, he remained persistent and sincere in his pursuit of her. When Leesa informed him of what she had faced before seeking shelter in Peaceful Harbor, his trust in her was unwavering. Leesa's painful experiences made her determined to stay a loner. The people she had trusted in the past turned their backs on her, she'd lost her home, career, her reputation. All the things she considered important disappeared rapidly and painfully. Peaceful Harbor proved to be her wake up call. There she found people willing to take a chance on a down on their luck woman. The Bradens showed her the beauty of family, love and trust. This opened her heart and mind to all types of possibilities. I have read a number of Ms. Foster's novels and they all have stirred emotions but I have to say Surrender My Love is the one I like the best. Through this novel Melissa Foster conveys the harm in jumping to conclusions and the benefit of keeping an open mind. Those qualities are important ones to remember. I received an ARC of Surrender My Love in exchange for an honest review. Any reader who doesn't read it is missing out.


Audio Review: Surrender My Love (The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor, MD #2)
by Melissa Foster (Author), B.J. Harrison (Narrator)

Surrender My Love still has the power to break my heart. I fell irrevocably in love with Cole Braden just as quickly as he fell for Leesa. My heart melted at how compassionate he was toward her. Betrayal points one courageous woman toward a second chance at a happy ending. I first set eyes on Lessa and Cole's emotional yet inspiring journey of love, five years ago. Yet it seems like no time has passed at all. Foster continues to make an impact with heartaching emotion, inspirational stories and unforgettable characters. Narrator B.J. Harrison seamlessly immerses himself in each and every word he relays and it shows in the mastery of the characters he portrays.

~~ Surf & Surrender, by Riley Edgewood

(Book # 2 in Summer Love Series)