#Review: Baby Steps by Anne Stormont @writeanne #romance #BabySteps

I’m delighted today to share my review of Baby Steps, the latest novel from Anne Stormont: independently published on 13th July, this lovely romance is now available both for kindle and in paperback. The e-copy I read was my own, purchased via Amazon for my kindle.

This book is a spin-off from Anne’s Skye Series of novels, and as such was rather a “must read” for me. I never did manage to read the first book in that series, Displacement (something I’m often rather sorry about…) – but the moment I picked up the second, Settlement, I knew I’d found something rather special, with characters it was so easy to identify with and its insights into the particular challenges of a mature relationship (you can read my review again here). I then went on to read the third, Fulfilment, and enjoyed it even more (you’ll find my review here) – character and relationship driven, sensitively handling all the emotional baggage that life brings. All three books are entirely readable, and very enjoyable, as standalones (and available free via Kindle Unlimited if you’d like to give one – or more – a try).

And this book promised to be readable as a standalone too. Sophie – the lead character – is the daughter of Rachel, one of the main characters in that series, and features in the supporting cast, as does Steven. And I was looking forward very much to reading their story…

Estranged from her mother, cheated on by her ex and grieving the loss of her brother, emotionally distraught Sophie Campbell decides she needs to focus on her career as a researcher for a TV and radio broadcaster. What she doesn’t need is a man in her life. And as for marriage and children – definitely not.

 

Honourably discharged from the British army following life-changing injuries sustained while serving in Afghanistan, Steven Jackson is rehabilitated and embracing life to the full. Working as the manager of a support centre for military veterans brings him a great sense of pride and achievement. But he wants more. He wants to meet the love of his life, and to one day be a husband and father.

 

When Sophie and Steven meet through work, there’s an undeniable chemistry between the two thirty-somethings. But will Steven’s open, caring and patient ways be enough to break down Sophie’s barriers and allow a relationship to develop between them?

 

Set in the Scottish city of Glasgow, Baby Steps is a contemporary romance which tells a story of love against the odds.

This was a romance I really believed in from the couple’s first encounter. Career-driven Sophie is struggling with grief after the loss of her brother, estranged from her mother because of its circumstances, and has chosen to insulate herself from any emotional entanglements. Steven certainly has his issues too – both mental and physical after his experiences in Afghanistan – but the attraction between them is something neither of them are able to fight. Their path to happiness definitely isn’t a smooth one – but they both have supportive friends (and, in Sophie’s case, family) who do what they can to help them develop a clearer view of the happy future they might find together.

Both Sophie and Steven were characters – no, not characters, two very real people – who I took to my heart entirely and I was totally invested in their relationship throughout its many twists and turns. They’re both damaged in their different ways, and sometimes their actions and decisions drive you to despair – this book had me in tears several times, and punching the air when things started to go the way I wanted them to (until, of course, the next obstacle of their own creation begins to rear its head). Their different issues are very sensitively explored, and there’s a particular authenticity in the way both of them sometimes shock or surprise you with their choices. As a couple, they have an extraordinary chemistry – this is one of those books that really grabs you by the heart, as they begin to heal and tentatively (with baby steps…) begin to allow themselves the possibility of a happy ending.

This book is something of a companion piece – there are certainly parts of the story that overlap with events in the author’s Skye series, seen from a different perspective – but there’s nothing that makes reading the series essential to your enjoyment. If you’re looking for a thoroughly engaging contemporary romance with a fine emotional touch, you won’t find many much better than this. Highly recommended – I loved it.

About the author

Anne Stormont writes contemporary romantic fiction where the main characters may sometimes be older – but not necessarily wiser. She hopes the stories she tells will entertain, but she also hopes they will move, challenge and inspire her readers.

She has written four novels so far – Change of Life was her first. This was followed by the three novels set on the Scottish island of Skye – Displacement, Settlement and Fulfilment which tell the story of Rachel and Jack.

Anne is a Scot, living in the land of her birth. She’s a former teacher and when she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, country walks and gardening – and the occasional pillion ride on her husband’s motor bike. She also loves spending time with friends and family – especially her three grandchildren.

Anne has travelled all over the world and has visited every continent except Antarctica – somewhere she really should go considering her penchant for penguins.

She can be a bit of a subversive old bat, but she tries to maintain a kind heart.

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