In His Eyes ebook

I have so much to say but so few words to give this book the justice it deserves. But I will certainly try!

I was welling with tears and cheering in my heart (as I was on the city bus when I completed it...too much to explain in such a short bus ride!) when I finished this engrossing, emotionally touching second book from a writer whose natural talent is refining, becoming richer and deeper, much like the beloved Waterford Shiraz. As with Cassie, Emmie Dark's heroine from her debut novel, 'Cassie's Grand Plan' (which, if you haven't read it, what are you waiting for??), I easily related with Zoe Waters, the heroine of 'In His Eyes'. As Cassie and Zoe are completely different characters, I related to both on completely different levels, but it was there.

I knew from the beginning that I would understand Zoe...but the emotional level to which I 'got' her hit me full force, like a full wine bottle to the gut, in the second half of the novel.

The reader knows, from the very first moment they meet Zoe, that her life is shrouded in secrecy, some of her own making, some of Hugh Lawson's (the SEXY owner of the winery just across the way from her childhood home and winery as well), and some of the world around her in that small town in a small corner of Australia. I knew that secrets would be revealed...

...I just wasn't ready for the impact it would have on the story's players, the ghosts of the past...and my heart.

Ms. Dark's ability to capture the depth of emotions and transplant them into her Zoe was so startling I began evaluating my life. For me, it was Zoe's tendency to ignore the pain by judging the situation in a way so she could justify, and hold onto, her feelings (one of Zoe's self-admitted flaws), that hit me full-force. I do the exact same thing as a defense. I believe we all do.

With Hugh by her side through the torrent of emotional revelations (much to her 'chagrin'...even SHE knows she's glad he's there, though she would never have admitted it), her life, and thereby the reader, gets turned upside down. But it was the last few chapters that made you forgive both Zoe and Ms. Dark for the turmoil they put you through...the well-written, and soul-searching, turmoil.

So thank you, Ms. Dark, for sharing your Zoe with the world. Because I read about your Zoe and your Hugh (hubba hubba ladies!), I had a heart-wrenching, emotional ride that ended on such a sweet and deservedly happy note that, when I turned off my Kindle, I knew why I was a romantic at heart.

Zoe Winters is headed back to her grandfather's winery in Australia to get the place in order for sale after his death. It's been a long time since Zoe's been home; not since she was sent away so long ago. She has many issues and most of them include the boy next door. Now, that boy has grown up and he wants her winery.

Hugh Lawson was heartbroken when Zoe left him so long ago. He has steeled his heart against the woman and made his father's winery into a massive success. Now that Zoe is back to sell her Grandfather's winery he will do anything to get his hands on it.

What will happen when Zoe and Hugh are forced to spend time together? Will they rediscover the love they felt so long ago or will the past continue to haunt them?

Okay, I have to admit I'm a sucker for romances set in Australia and this one is no different. Emmie Dark's In His Eyes is brimming with heart-melting romance. Zoe is returning to a place that holds so many memories for her and a lot of them painful. Hugh is faced with the woman that broke his heart. This makes for some powerful emotion-filled scenes. I love that Zoe and Hugh are forced to work together. The attraction between them is obviously alive and well after so many years. In His Eyes is a wonderful romance with beautiful characters and a magical plot.

Miranda for Joyfully Reviewed

A love story of reunited lovers and second chances. I really enjoyed it. The characters are well developed. Winemakers find love, despite meddling families.

Really loved this story. Emmie Dark's writing just keeps getting better and better. I can't wait for her next book!

In His Eyes is quite the emotional roller coaster by Emmie Dark. This is my first book by her and I will be looking for more. I love finding new authors that pull your heart strings with their words.

The last place on Earth Zoe Waters wanted to be was back in Australia, but when she found outher grandfather was gravely ill she came as fast as possible. She arrived just in time to say goodbye, and now she has to stay in the home town she hates to settle his affairs. Her grandfather was the single force behind the Waterford wine brand, and now she has to decide who to sell Waterford too. The last person her grandfather would want her to sell to is Hugh Lawson of Lawson Estates and her high school boyfriend.

Hugh has wanted to get Waterford into his hands for years, and he sees this as the perfect time to do so. But what he underestimated was dealing with the past with Zoe. The reasons he was told she left town left him beyond hurt, and to find out the story he was told was not only a lie but the truth hurt him even more. Now he has to get her to tell him the whole story while he convinces her that he is the only option for selling the vineyard. As they work together to get out her grandfather's last batch of wine, can they heal the hurts of the past and start to trust each other again??

This is one of those great stories that grabs from the beginning and you can't stop till you know how it will end. These two have such deep hurts, and those are built somewhat on the lies of their own families. Their path to HEA is not an easy one, and it was not only emotional for them but me as well. I hope y'all like this one as much as I did!!!

Review copy provided for an honest review.