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Jane Harvey-Berrick

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Lifers Kindle Edition

by Jane Harvey-Berrick (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

611 ratings

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The extraordinarily moving AMAZON BESTSELLER, a tale of love and redemption for a man newly released from prison by Jane Harvey-Berrick

"It was powerful, emotional and had us gasping with nervous anticipation. We fell in love with two characters who certainly took a piece of our hearts with them by the end of this book. Lifers is a standalone story and one we absolutely recommend picking up." TOTALLY BOOKED 5*****

"Confidently and eloquently written, addictive cover to cover, every emotional word of this oh-so wonderful tale stole my breath away..." NATASHA IS A BOOK JUNKIE, 5*****

After eight years in prison, twenty-four year old Jordan Kane is the man everyone loves to hate. Forced to return to his hometown while on parole, Jordan soon learns that this small town hasn’t changed since he was carted off to juvie all those years ago. He is the local pariah, shunned by everyone, including his own parents. But their hatred of him doesn’t even come close to the loathing he feels every time he looks in the mirror.

Working odd jobs for the preacher lady, Jordan bides his time before he can leave this backwards town. But can distance erase the memories that haunt him? Would living in another state free him from the prison of his mind? Will the pain of living ever subside?

Torrey Delaney is new in town and certainly doesn’t behave in a way the locals believe a preacher’s daughter should. Her reputation for casual hook-ups and meaningless sex quickly spreads around town. And that’s on top of her budding friendship with the hardened ex-con handyman – the good Reverend is less than thrilled with her estranged daughter’s path.

As friendship forms, can two damaged people who are afraid to love take their relationship to the next level? Can Torrey live with Jordan’s demons, and can Jordan break through Torrey’s walls? With the disapproval of a small town weighing heavily on them, they struggle to find their place in the world. Can they battle the odds, or will their world be viciously shattered?

Is love a life sentence?

Due to scenes of a sexual nature, not recommended for under 18s

*****
TOTALLY BOOKED, 5* REVIEW *****
“This book consumed me. You know you’re on to a good read when you can’t even let go of your Kindle to cook the evening meal. Jane Harvey-Berrick’s writing was flawless. The story was sad, poignant, emotive, and tragic and held a valuable lesson we can all take with us and Jordan and Torrey completely stole my heart. This story tells how one wrong decision, one split second of misjudgement can change your life and it’s told beautifully. We fell in love with two characters who certainly took a piece of our hearts with them by the end of this book. Lifers is a standalone story and one we absolutely recommend picking up.”

Product description

About the Author

Jane Harvey-Berrick writes smart, thoughtful contemporary romances, set in the real world that we an all recognize.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00H3E9WGY
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harvey Berrick Publishing
Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
Publication date ‏ : ‎ 7 Feb. 2014
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 2.4 MB
Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 382 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0957496187
Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled

Best Sellers Rank: 990,708 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- 15,239 in Small Town Romance eBooks
- 40,296 in Contemporary Romance Fiction
- 93,859 in Contemporary Romance (Kindle Store)

Customer reviews:
611 ratings

About the author

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Jane Harvey-Berrick

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Thoughtful contemporary romance, new adult, military romance, also thrillers, suspense and romcom - I just love to write!

Join my newsletter and you'll receive a new short story ever month, teasers of upcoming books before anyone else, exclusive freebie short stories and extracts. Copy and paste this link into your web browser to sign up and you'll receive my little heartbreaker novella ebook PLAYING IN THE RAIN, completely FREE:

http://janeharveyberrick.co.uk/shortstory-signup/

¸¸.•*¨*•☆• ♥NEW - GYPSY♥•☆•*¨*•.¸¸

She'll tell your fortune, and help you find your one true love ♥

The fifth book in the TRAVELING SERIES but can be read as a standalone. Out May 19th

¸¸.•*¨*•☆•Romcom•☆•*¨*•.¸¸

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗕𝗬 𝗚𝗔𝗠𝗘 with STUART REARDON, a laugh-out-loud romcom. Join two couples as the experience the highs, lows and green poop of new parenthood.

¸¸.•*¨*•☆•HISTORICAL ROMANCE WW2•☆•*¨*•.¸¸

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗰 𝗖𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗰, an epic love story at a time of war

“An epic and sweeping story of love, loss and sacrifice. We were left breathless in its heartbreak and beauty!”

TOTALLY BOOKED BLOG

¸¸.•*¨*•☆• ♥ •☆•*¨*•.¸¸

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to write. Perhaps it was growing up in a small village that was well known for its mystery and folklore, all of which sparked my imagination as a child.

I enjoy writing in several different genres and I'm inspired by the personal stories of those around me. It's often from a simple discussion overheard in the train ('Exposure'), in a café, or in the street, where ideas for characters or scenes come to me.

I fall in love with by characters and miss them desperately once I'd finished their stories. I love my carnie boys from the Traveling Series, my dancers from LUKA and SLAVE, my smokin' hot Marine, SEBASTIAN. I love writing dialogue and always try to include touches of humor in the most poignant stories.

Whether you like thrillers, fantasy or adult romance novel, MM or FM, I hope you'll enjoy the journey through my stories.

I'm also a great supporter of the military charity www.felixfund.org.uk and sales of SEMPER FI go to support them. The stage play LATER, AFTER and the novel duet TICKTOCK and BOMBSHELL was written to honour their work.

Customer reviews

611 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book an amazing read that surpasses expectations, describing it as a must-read emotional rollercoaster about real true love. The writing style is beautifully executed, with one customer noting the well-written sex scenes, and customers appreciate the great characters and the gentle soul of the protagonist. The book receives positive feedback for its pacing, with one customer highlighting Torry's optimism and strength, and customers enjoy the laughter and heat level throughout the story.

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Readability Heartwarming story Writing style Character development Pacing Laughter rate Book content Heat level

46 customers mention ‘Readability’42 positive4 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, with many describing it as an amazing and brilliant read that surpasses expectations. One customer mentions being hooked from the first chapter.

"...This is a must read, it is one of books that touches you, that will stay with you and one that I feel I will certainly be reading again...." Read more

"...this book by Jane has both Jordan and Torrey’s POV which is great to read in books, I felt it gave a bit more prospective of the characters and..." Read more

"...Torrey and Jordan’s relationship is as volatile and it is beautiful and she pushes him all the way to stand up for himself...." Read more

"...This book was so emotional. But definitely worth reading. I wish I'd read it sooner." Read more

37 customers mention ‘Heartwarming story’37 positive0 negative

Customers describe this book as a must-read emotional rollercoaster filled with heartwarming situations and wonderful tales of real love, with one customer noting it as a beautiful poignant story of acceptance.

"...She created characters I loved, a storyline that had me hooked and plenty of steamy action...." Read more

"...Great characters, good storyline, sweet ending with just a couple of little tears...." Read more

"...I seriously cannot gush about this book enough. This is a love story and it is this slow but sure tale that has you totally and utterly entranced...." Read more

"...you angry at how people can be but it will also make you cry, it has so much emotion, determination and heartwarming situations in it that you just..." Read more

23 customers mention ‘Writing style’23 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, describing it as beautifully written and easy to read, with one customer noting the well-crafted sex scenes.

"...Jordan’s story is heart breaking, intensified by the extremely emotive writing of Jane Harvey-Berrick...." Read more

"A quick easy read a little predictable in places." Read more

"...I found the tone of the book sincere and while I have read some comments with regards to use of local dialect, I found it was pertinent and did not..." Read more

"...The answer was yes she did! Jane simply and beautifully pulls me in to her stories, I get to know and feel her characters like they are family and I..." Read more

21 customers mention ‘Character development’21 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book, with one mentioning how they take readers on an emotional rollercoaster.

"Well, what can I say? Jane Harvey Berrick does it again! She created characters I loved, a storyline that had me hooked and plenty of steamy..." Read more

"...Great characters, good storyline, sweet ending with just a couple of little tears...." Read more

"...I absolutely loved the characters, I felt for them both but Jordan, my heart broke for him...." Read more

"...Jane created a great heroine in my opinion, who knew what she wanted and took what she needed. Torrey had no fear but still had feelings...." Read more

17 customers mention ‘Pacing’15 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, with one customer highlighting Torry's optimism and strength, while others note the gentle soul of the main character.

"...She brings him out of his shell, makes him start to believe in himself, and gives him a new purpose in his life...." Read more

"...Feisty and she will stand up for what is right. She is braveness personified. Jordan, I loved how Jane coveys his Texan accent...." Read more

"...It is this huge heart, his passion, his loyalty and his sincerity that finally break down any remaining walls Torrey had erected. “..." Read more

"...Torrey the Preacher’s Daughter--- what a firecracker she is, she is headstrong, impulsive and speaks her mind, but she is also a young lady who has..." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Laughter rate’5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous.

"...This book will make you laugh, it will make you angry at how people can be but it will also make you cry, it has so much emotion, determination and..." Read more

"...It made my cry, laugh and made me believe that love can conquer all...." Read more

"...It has gone straight to my favourites/ re-read list. It is laugh out loud funny in places and heart breaking in others...." Read more

"...I laughed out loud, felt the sadness Jordan and his family felt and also felt angry at his treatment, it was a really great read...." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Book content’4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's content, with one noting it has many layers.

"...Well, yes that is the gist of it but this book has sooooo much more to it...." Read more

"...This book had so many layers. It was its absolute strength. The characters were fully developed in a wonderful realistic way...." Read more

"I honestly don't know what to say except wow. This book has it all. Love heartache and lose violence but it is written in the best of ways...." Read more

"This story really did have a little bit of everything. Drama, action, heartbreak, love and much more. Loved it :)" Read more

4 customers mention ‘Heat level’4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book hot, with one mentioning it left them with the warm and fuzzies.

"...never hurt her; she is at peace with him, not to mention his smoking hot body, oh yes she loves that too and his tattoos...." Read more

"...This book is about the very hot, brooding, sexy Jordan Kane who has been in prison for 8 years and is forced back to his hometown on parole and..." Read more

"...The epilogue was fitting and left me with the warm and fuzzies. Fab book, another "pom-pom" shaking one Jane!!" Read more

"I keep going back to this one, Jordan and torrey are a hot couple, it's not complicated or complex, but I love their story and their characters so..." Read more

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Jo Reads
a perfect story about love, forgiveness and second chances
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 February 2014
Verified Purchase

Well, what can I say? Jane Harvey Berrick does it again! She created characters I loved, a storyline that had me hooked and plenty of steamy action.

Jordan Kane is fresh out of prison, for a crime he will never be allowed to forget. Thanks to the Preacher in his local parish, he’s out on parole, living back in his parents’ house, and hoping to get a chance to start again.

Torrey Delaney is the estranged daughter of said Preacher, staying with her mother after her father recently remarried. She hasn’t seen her mother in a long while, not since she left her behind to pursue her religious vocation. New to town, she has no idea who Jordan Kane is when he walks into the diner she’s working at. All she knows is that he’s hot but not very talkative, and she’s perplexed at the animosity towards him.

No one is willing to give Jordan a chance, except Torrey’s mother. She gives him a job doing things around the house, and this is where Torrey gets to know him better. As they share conversations over coffee, they gradually build a friendship. Torrey is an ideal match for him. She takes no crap, and gives as good as she gets.

I loved Jordan. My heart went out to him for all he went through. Yes, he made a mistake, a HUGE one, and one that shattered a lot of people’s lives but he was young when it happened, and not everything is so cut and dried. He doesn’t believe he deserves to be happy after what he’s done and there are plenty of people around him who believe that too. After 8 years in prison he’s become institutionalized, wary of people, unsure who to trust, and so fearful of going back to prison that he won’t even defend himself against others. There was many a time in this book where I cried for him, he took everything people threw at him, he had no belief in himself whatsoever. Even his parents made it very obvious he was not wanted, that they only took him in under sufferance and a lot of persuasion on the preachers’ part.

Torrey sees beyond the labels and vicious attitudes of others towards Jordan. She sees the kind, loving and loyal man he is underneath. She brings him out of his shell, makes him start to believe in himself, and gives him a new purpose in his life. She’s like a whirlwind in his life, the storm to his calm. She wants to see him start to LIVE his life, and not just merely exist.

Torrey has her own issues too, she is afraid of commitment, she doesn’t believe in long term relationships after seeing her parents marriage breakdown and having her first serious boyfriend cheat on her. Before she met Jordan her life consisted of meaningless hook-ups with random guys and she had lost her way in life. Jordan grounds her, and he makes her want to believe in Happily Ever Afters. They’re perfect for each other.

If you’ve read any of Jane’s other books, you’ll love this one too. And if you haven’t read any of hers yet, I STRONGLY recommend you do!

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Cundykj
Loved Torrey and Jordan
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 May 2015
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There was lots of noise about this book when it first released and it hit my never reducing TBR. Finally got around to it ( it did help that there was a big price reduction) and I loved it.

The Lifers in the title - it's all of Jordan Kane's family and Torrey, the woman he chose to love and loves him back. A life changing moment left his mother, father and Jordan's lives forever scarred. I hurt for Jordan, poor, poor boy. He just needed love, forgiveness and someone to give him a break. Instead he gets judgement, hatred and callous treatment by those who should love him regardless.

I loved Torrey. Girl knows what she likes and isn't afraid to show it. Feisty and she will stand up for what is right. She is braveness personified.

Jordan, I loved how Jane coveys his Texan accent. He is so damaged by everything that happened to him that he just accepts pain, sorrow and rejection as his punishment. I wanted to hug him hard - and maybe do naughty things with him too! I picture him as Steve Boyd which would explain why I would do naughty things with him.

Great characters, good storyline, sweet ending with just a couple of little tears.

"If I could, I'd take you somewhere real upscale. There'd be a starched white cloth on the table, napkins folded into fancy shapes, and candles all around us. I'd order champagne and the best food on the menu. We'd eat and laugh and talk, and I'd lay you down on soft sheets and love you till the sun was high in the sky."

"A life without love is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead."

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DonnaC
Amazing story, definitely a must read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 March 2014
Verified Purchase
Lifers by Jane Harvey-Berrick
5 stars!!

“You’ve turned…into a life sentence for all of you – for Paul, for Jordan. You turned them into lifers.”

This book was certainly an emotional rollercoaster and the writing was absolutely flawless! This is one of those books that makes you “feel” and as I have said in numerous reviews, that is a really special talent. Yes this story is sad in parts, it is emotional, it has you thinking and is extremely thought provoking, but the genius here is that Jane Harvey-Berrick has written her heroine (Torrey) with such an amazing sense of humour that even when I was crying, in the next heart beat I was laughing. This book is perfectly balanced, I totally and utterly loved it and I could not put it down.

Torrey was a girl that you couldn’t help but fall in love with; she has had more than her fair share of knock backs and this has left her very mis-trusting. After her latest failed relationship, she plays the field, desperate to never feel that sense of loss again. She literally puts up a wall on her emotions and her dalliances with the opposite sex are purely that, after all it is just sex, just a release. Having relocated back to her mum’s whom she hasn’t had a relationship with for over 10 years; she gets a mundane job in a café while taking a break from her career as a paralegal. One day in walks Jordan Kane, the world stops, he seems to be the local pariah but Torrey is fascinated and that is the day the world changed for them both.

Jordan Kane, I totally and utterly fell for this guy, hook, line and sinker. He had me the minute he walked into that café. You cannot help but be drawn into his story; he is out on parole, having had to move back to his parents as one of the conditions. This is a small town, everybody knows everybody and of course they all know yours and everyone else’s business. He is un-liked, unloved and unwanted by everyone, including his parents. He is desperate for some acceptance, some love, anything. He feels extremely guilty for what has happened and cannot live with it, he feels that he needs to be constantly punished so takes all these knock backs as his retribution; this is the life that he feels that he deserves. The trouble is, he doesn’t and until he can accept that, he will never be able to live or love, at the end of the day it was an accident and he needs to learn to forgive himself first and foremost.

“And Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear.””

Jordan’s story is heart breaking, intensified by the extremely emotive writing of Jane Harvey-Berrick. She certainly pulls you in, captivates you and doesn’t let you go till the very last page. I seriously cannot gush about this book enough. This is a love story and it is this slow but sure tale that has you totally and utterly entranced. You want them both to succeed, you want them both to love and most importantly you want them both to heal. They are truly perfect for each other. Torrey’s no-nonsense and shoot from the hip attitude are just what Jordan needs to keep him grounded, she reigns him in when he falters, she gives him solace when he needs it, but no matter what she is always there for him no matter how hard sometimes he tries to push her away. It is Jordan’s huge heart that will have you melting, with Torrey working her magic, slowly bringing the real “Jordan Kane” back to life, you start to see the real man emerge and once he does you just love him all the more. It is this huge heart, his passion, his loyalty and his sincerity that finally break down any remaining walls Torrey had erected.

“every time I think it couldn’t be better than the last time, but every time it is. Every time I think I’ve had the best there is, you teach my body something new. I can’t get enough of you, Jordan Kane.”

This is a must read, it is one of books that touches you, that will stay with you and one that I feel I will certainly be reading again. I totally and utterly loved it. Go forth and 1click, you won’t be disappointed!

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Marko
Easy read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 September 2014
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A quick easy read a little predictable in places.

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Top reviews from other countries

LittleDarling
Thought-provoking, touching and sexy...what more could you want
Reviewed in Germany on 14 June 2014
Verified Purchase

"Lifers" by Jane Harvey-Berrick is an extraordinary story - not just about love but about guilt, forgiveness, redemption, acceptance and second chances.
It is extremely intense without the need of big drama moments. By being more low-key, it actually manages to evoke so much more emotion and to move deeply. But not only did it touch my heart, but also my mind. There were so many emotions and thoughts towards various characters and although it was easy to consider some of the behavior described as wrong, this book made it hard to judge anyone. Pain, anguish, despair, loss and guilt can make people do things they normally wouldn't do.

And Jordan's life is governed by those emotions. Getting out of jail after serving eight years, he tries to survive his parole in the town he grew up in. In the town where his life changed forever, with one mistake affecting the whole community.
But Jordan wasn't just imprisoned due to a court sentence. Even more than that, the guilt and hate he feels for himself have been keeping him captive.
Feeling undeserving of forgiveness, love, happiness, a second chance and of life, he doesn't even question it when people treat him like the dirt on their shoes. This alone had me weep so many tears for him.
But things start to change when Torrey comes into his life and like a force of nature takes it upon herself to show him he is worthy - worthy of friends, laughter, joy, love, happiness and life. It is not an easy task, made harder by the fact that those two couldn't be any more different.

While Jordan, unlike his younger self, is now shy, reserved, subservient, careful, fearful and closed-off, Torrey is like a whirlwind. She is full of life, speaks her mind and doesn't do it in a diplomatic manner. She likes to laugh and enjoy life and she doesn't care if someone might disagree. She also has an extremely good heart - that is why she doesn't want to see Jordan broken and defeated. She wants him to realize his worth and step by step she helps him to embrace life again. It's not a fast or easy road they are traveling, but she stays beside him with understanding, strength and forgiveness.

What started out as a friendship laced with some mutual attraction, quickly turns into more - no matter how much Torrey might fight the idea of commitment. And since their situation does not allow many of the superficial things relationships start out with, it allows their feelings to be deeper and more intense.

As we get to travel the road with them, I was shocked at the treatment Jordan had to suffer - not just from his community, but from his so-called friends and even his parents. It was heart-breaking and gut-wrenching.
I was livid and angry at how people can behave, but the book did not allow me to see things in black and white. There was always the hidden message that pain can change people and their behavior. It can break them and destroy reason.
But the hate from others made me appreciate the fact that Jordan manages to find his place - in the world and with Torrey. What made it even more realistic was that although he found love, his life didn't just turn to rainbows and cupcakes. What he went through will never fully leave him or others that were touched by the tragedy, but Jane Harvey-Berrick shows perfectly, that living is the only answer and the only way forward.

This book was raw, intense and emotional and I loved every bit of it.

5 redeeming, sympathy evoking stars.

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dinkydragonfly
Love it!
Reviewed in France on 16 March 2015
Verified Purchase
“For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live”

This is a book that I don’t know how to rate for I have loved it but at the same time, there was things that bugged me. It’s not the Southern dialect like I have read in most of the reviews that bothered me – although it wasn’t always easy to read – it’s something I can’t pinpoint clearly.

I love the main characters. They’re both at a crossroads, having to decide how to live their life. Jordan is so broken, it’s hard not to want to hug and help him. He believes that his life sentence is to pay for what he did eight years ago. Everyone confort him with it. The reaction of the inhabitants is unnerving. He has the whole small town turn against him, up to his parents and the only person who accepts him is the Reverend until her daughter comes into town.

Torrey is a strong girl, playing around with guys. She swore off of any real relationship after having been hurt by an ex-boyfriend. But she can’t help feeling something for Jordan. Slowly, she became his friend and soon, more. I love the way she was around him. Never being cautious with her words. Never avoiding the prison subject. Maybe she was too brazen at times but it’s what makes her personality. She’s wild, but in a good way.

“Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead” (Oscar Wilde)

This is my second book by this author. She has a way to describe every scene that you don’t have any choice than to be pulled into them and to feel. But it didn’t erase the length of the whole story. It could have been done in less chapters. And maybe that is the thing to reproach to the book, the monotonous parts. And there are quite a few.

“A lot can happen in six seconds. Your whole life can change in a heartbeat.”

Also there is the whole reason behind Jordan’s incarceration. The town’s reaction is a bit too much considering it had been eight years since it happened. Plus the way everyone saw his brother and how he really was, is a totally different thing.

Despite that, I quite enjoyed it. Don’t let this review put you away from this book. Give it a chance and see for yourself what you think about it.

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Blanca
Second chances
Reviewed in Australia on 11 April 2015
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This book is about second chances, about moving on. It's a beautiful love story between two very different people: the preacher's daughter and a young man out on parole, who's got to face everybody's wrath and hate, including his own parents'. Will they make it?

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Mercia
Lifers = Jane Harvey Berrick at Her Best!
Reviewed in Canada on 7 February 2014
Verified Purchase
This is a book which will remain with me for a long, long, time! Before you open the book. Take a good look at the beautiful cover which so aptly describes the loneliness that is Jordan Kane's existence.
The first few pages of the book describe a very bleak place; Smallbutt, Nowheresville on the Gulf of Texas. Even the trucks and cars passed it by.
I felt that the beginning of Lifers was a little like the movie, " The Wizard of Oz." The first little while it is all black and white. The colour happens later. As it does in Lifers.
Torrey Delaney could, perhaps be described as, ' the mouth that roared.' I would say, Torrey is a beautifully written character, just right for, lonely Jordan Kane . She has left a good job in Chicago to come stay with her mom, The Preacher Lady.
I wondered why, despite her troubles with her boss, she would leave, to come and work in this desolate place? Then Jordan Kane walked into her life; a very lonely and hurt man. And their lives changed!
The day Jordan came into the Busy Bee Family Diner, all the conversation stopped! He didn't look up. He came in for a coffee, but Doreen the owner wouldn't let Torrey serve him. Jordan just ducked his head, and walked out. Doreen called, " putting out the garbage!" It is only when Torrey takes out a coffee anyway, that she sees his face.
" He stared at me, and for a fraction of a second our eyes met - beautiful , soulful, brown irises. They were so deep, I could have swam a few laps in those eyes."
I don't really see Torrey and Jordan so much as hear them. That, for me is unusual . Perhaps I am a little hypnotized by the beautiful, Texan voice that Jane gave to Jordan. All the others on the board; Torrey's mom, Jordan's parents,Hulk, Ryan, Bev and her boyfriend, remain like actors in a well crafted play. They come in from stage right and left, but the whole story is beautifully blocked around Torrey and Jordan .
Jordan has spent the last 8 years, ( since he was 16) in prison. His parents never visited him. Now he is back in town, and the whole town shuns him! His parents eat separately from him.
Jordan never answers back. He is so full of self doubt and guilt. At one point in the book, Jordan behaves like a rubber punching bag. No matter how you hit it, it bounces back in line.
The wonder of this story is to watch as Jordan comes back to life with Torrey's love and belief in him.
Lifers is a beautiful, beautiful, book! I do hope that you will buy, and read it, and get the same enjoyment as I did.
I have no hesitation is giving Lifers 5 Stars. I'd give it the moon too, if I could.

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Natasha T.
DROP EVERYTHING AND READ THIS BOOK!!
Reviewed in the United States on 20 March 2015
Verified Purchase
“I didn’t believe life was worth living ‘til I met you.”

I don’t know why I am even surprised anymore when I fall in love with another novel by this extraordinary author because it happens every single time, and I always end up walking away a total wreck, unable to pick up another book for days to come. An unexpected but truly phenomenal reading treat, this was a story I loved with all my heart, and even now, days after I first finished it, I am drawn to it again, aching for the characters, for more of their life journey, for more of that unique, exquisitely poignant feel a Jane Harvey-Berrick novel possesses beginning to end. This is a book I want to urge everyone to read, to drop everything and not wait another minute, because beautiful, inspiring stories like these are rare finds these days, and it baffles me why they are not on everyone’s lips when they truly deserve to be.

“What would it do to a person, living day in and day out surrounded by nothing but memories and hatred?”

Torrey Delaney does not believe in love. Her parents’ broken marriage and her mother’s subsequent abandonment when she was just a young girl have taught her that relationships are undependable, that hearts are expendable and that the only person she will always be able to rely on is herself. But while such a life mantra has protected her so far from heartbreak and disappointment, it has also caused her to act recklessly when picking her casual hook-ups, her latest affair finally driving her to leave her old life behind and to start afresh somewhere else. With limited resources at her disposal, however, Torrey is forced to make a small town on the gulf coast of Texas her temporary new home—the very town in which her estranged mother happens to be the local preacher. Perceived by everyone as the preacher’s trashy daughter, she does nothing to dissuade others of that opinion of her because it gives her the freedom to behave as she chooses…until she crosses paths with a young man who cannot escape what the whole town thinks of him as his every move is judged and condemned.

“I wouldn’t want a guy like me spending time with my daughter either.”

Jordan Kane has spent the last eight years of his young life serving a prison sentence for one careless act that cost him the life of his beloved older brother—the town’s golden boy. Now treated as the local pariah by everyone he once knew, Jordan is met with disdain and disgust everywhere he goes, but no one hates him as much as he hates himself for getting to live the life his brother never got to live. Alone and broken in a town that wishes he were dead, he struggles daily with the burden of his memories and his newly found freedom, clueless as to how to assimilate into a world that keeps rejecting him at every turn. Until an outspoken firecracker breaks through his defences and teaches him how to live again.

“In prison I’d kept to myself; out here, I didn’t know what the boundaries were anymore. It was a game of life where I didn’t know the rules and couldn’t work them out— and I was losing. Big time.”

A friendship born out of loneliness and curiosity soon becomes a powerful bond that neither of them can deny, or live without. But while Torrey struggles to recognise her feelings for the sad, broken man she is slowly falling for, for Jordan she represents everything he never dared to hope he would find in life, and everything he believes he will forever remain unworthy of. Torrey eases his despair, her no-nonsense attitude forcing him out of his self-imposed purgatory, and the more time they spend together, the more he no longer feels all alone in the world.

“If I could, I’d take you somewhere real upscale. There’d be a starched white cloth on the table, napkins folded into fancy shapes, and candles all around us. I’d order champagne and the best food on the menu. We’d eat and laugh and talk, and I’d take you dancin’ till dawn. Then I’d lay you down on soft sheets and love you till the sun was high in the sky.”

Living in a small town determined to never forget or let him forget his sins, however, remains a constant test for their budding romance, and while our hearts melt with delight as we watch them fall irrevocably and passionately in love with one another, they also break every time their love is met with hostility and intolerance. A story of forgiveness, of second chances, and of letting go of anger and self-hatred in order to be truly free to embrace all that life has to offer—a story like this is simply my favourite kind of reading escape. Confidently and eloquently written, addictive cover to cover, every emotional word of this oh-so wonderful tale stole my breath away and even though it was my undoing on more than one occasion, it left me with the goofiest grin on my face. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

“…the only thing I’d miss if I went back now would be you.”

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