By Any Other Name by Samantha Hastings, New Release & Review

Book Summary:

When Peter Hathorn proposes to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny Monroe, the outcome is far from the happy ending he envisioned. Before she can give him an answer, Jenny falls desperately ill. He does all in his power to ensure her recovery, but something between them has changed. Determined to win Jenny’s hand, he proposes each time he sees her, never realizing that the woman he loves harbors a secret that makes it impossible for her to accept.

After surviving the illness that claimed the lives of her parents, Jenny’s own life is changed in ways she never imagined possible. When her parentage is called into question, Jenny must delve into the truth of her identity—and what she discovers turns her entire world upside down. Although she learns to embrace an inner worth that defies social status, she knows it’s unrealistic to expect Peter to do the same. It’s time for them to leave behind their childish dreams of happily ever after.

My Review:

By Any Other Name swept me away into Jenny’s world. Hastings starts the story off with an emotional bang and my heart was torn into pieces for Jenny and her loss. Hastings certainly doesn’t shy away from the hard topics: death, an unwed mother, and depression. She tactfully handles each topic beautifully and she faced them head on. Life isn’t easy. Not everything is roses and sunshine, but we have to choose how we look at life and what we do with the circumstances we have been given. 

Watching Jenny grow and learn was beautiful. Her journey is one that will stick with me long after the last page was read. The relationship between Jenny and Peter was one of a kind. He had to grow and change as well. This is part of why this book is so good, neither character was perfect, both had flaws and needed to become different and better people. I really enjoyed how Hastings brought everything full circle and that each character was memorable. I received a complimentary copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Happy Reading!!