Book Review: Season of Deception by Sara Jane Jacobs
Phoebe Garrison is determined to steer her niece, Amanda Jarvis, away from her old friend, Tyler Armstrong. She thinks his Navy SEAL career isn’t up to high-society standards. When billionaire J.E. Bridwell steps in, trying to shield Amanda from Phoebe’s control, Phoebe turns the tables. She hatches a plot set to drive Amanda away from Tyler and into the arms of a wealthy bachelor, the kind of lifestyle Phoebe believes Amanda deserves. As the deception thickens, will Amanda be able to see through the lies in time to save her relationship with Tyler?
I was super pumped to start book two after finishing Season of Hope! The author generously gave me a physical copy of book 2, Season of Deception, and let me tell you, it was absolutely incredible to read!
I filled it with notes like crazy once again, and I was blown away by this second installment in the series.
Review of the book
Plot
This book, let me tell you, is a thrilling ride from the very start. Unlike the first book, which mind you, was a beautiful journey into Amanda and Tyler’s childhood, the sequel just hits the ground running.
And it’s not just about the pace, your heartstrings will get a workout too! Seriously, you’ve got to brace yourself for an emotional roller coaster.
“I’m learning that you sometimes have an unusal way of saying things. I think you probably read too many books.”
Season of Deception by Sara Jane jacobs
“I am shocked, Mr. Bridwell. Can one read too many books?”
“Maybe, Miss Jarvis.”
And just when you thought you’ve got it all figured out, there’s this huge secret that’s been kept from Amanda and Tyler. It’s like a ticking time bomb, and when it does explode at the end of the book, boy, it changes everything!
Season of Deception, it’s more than just good, it’s a masterpiece in storytelling.
Setting
What really got me hooked on this book was how the author used the bustling cityscape of New York City and the romantic charm of Paris as a backdrop to depict Amanda’s transformative journey. It wasn’t just about her personal growth, but also how she felt this growing chasm from her childhood home, Nathan’s Mountain.
The more her world expanded, the more distant she felt from her roots. These settings weren’t just locations in the book; they were symbols, reflecting the internal conflict that Amanda was grappling with.
It gave a whole new depth to her character and to the story.
This isn’t just a book you read; it’s an experience that you feel, and it’s these little details that make it so much more than just a story.
Characters
Let me just begin with Eric. At first glance, he seemed like just another character added to the roster, but oh boy, was I wrong! Sara, the author, pulled me in with her incredible character-crafting skills. Eric isn’t just a character; he evolves into an indispensable part of Amanda’s life.
I mean, I didn’t think I would end up liking him, but just like she always does, Sara made me fall head over heels for him!
The character development in this book is nothing short of a spectacle. You’d think with all the twists and turns, there’s no way everything could come together neatly. Yet, it does! In a display of stunning storytelling, Sara ties up all the loose ends, bringing everything together in a way that left me astounded.
Reading this book, it’s like watching a complex puzzle come together, each character playing their part beautifully. You think you’ve got it all figured out, but then Sara throws in a twist that leaves you reeling.
The characters, the plot, the setting – it’s all woven together so intricately, making this book a captivating read from start to finish.
“My heart is taken,” she said softly.
Season of Deception by sara jane jacobs
Themes
The themes in the book are a significant factor contributing to its brilliance. The friendship that blossoms throughout the pages adds a unique warmth to the story. It’s not just surface-level camaraderie; the characters care deeply for one another, making sacrifices and always showing up when it matters.
This emphasis on friendship provides a relatable, real-world element that resonates with me.
Then, there’s the romance. The burgeoning love between the two main characters is so exquisitely crafted, that it’s impossible not to get emotionally invested. It’s not an instant, fairy-tale love but rather a slow and sweet journey of two people exploring their feelings for each other. This realistic portrayal of love adds a layer of depth to the narrative.
Lastly, the theme of keeping God at the center of everything brings a spiritual dimension to the story. The characters’ faith guides them through their ups and downs, serving as a constant source of strength and hope.
This spiritual underpinning not only instills a profound sense of purpose in the story but also makes it an enriching read that goes beyond mere entertainment.
All in all, these themes significantly enhanced my reading experience, making the book a deeply engaging and meaningful read.
Writing Style
Sara’s writing style in this book is simply a delight to engage with. Her clean, flowing prose sweeps you into the narrative, making it easy and enjoyable to follow the characters’ journeys.
What’s special, and something I truly cherish as a reader, is the emotional depth she’s brought into this second book.
It’s like riding an emotional roller coaster; one moment you’re laughing, the next you’re swooning, and before you know it, you’re tearing up.
This heightened emotional element makes you feel so connected to the characters, sharing in their joys, their love, their challenges, and their triumphs. Sara has a knack for drawing out emotions from her readers, which is one of the many reasons why her books are such a pleasure to read.
My thoughts on Season of Deception
Well, where do I start? This book had me hooked from the get-go and that’s majorly thanks to Sara’s unique storytelling. She took the plot in a direction I didn’t see coming and boy, was that twist delightful!
It’s not every day that you get caught off-guard in such a satisfying way. And the way she spans years across her narratives? Simply genius!
Despite the book covering a significant time period, she still leaves room for more; a door, metaphorically speaking, that piques your curiosity and makes you hungry for what’s to come.
I must admit, the anticipation is palpable and I’m practically buzzing with excitement to dive into book three.
Amanda and Tyler’s romance has taken us on such an epic journey, and the promise of a climactic conclusion to their love story in the upcoming book is too tantalizing to resist. It’s not just a romance; it’s an epic love story that has unfolded before our eyes, and I can’t wait to see how it all wraps up.
This is why Sara’s books are an absolute delight to read – they offer more than just a story; they invite you into a world that you won’t want to leave.
Grab your copy of Season of Deception!
About the author
Hailing from sunny Florida, Sara Jane Jacobs uses her father’s hometown, Franklin, North Carolina, as inspiration for her debut novel, Season of Hope. Jacobs, a lover of Florida’s sunshine and pristine beaches, also cherishes the Great Smoky Mountains. A mother and Nonna, she resides with her cat family.
