Title: Keep Happy
Author: A.C. Bextor
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: May 14, 2018
Cover Designer: Margeet Asselbergs of Rebel Edit And Design
Those who think they know me would tell you I’m a caring mother, a loyal friend, and a dutiful wife. They’d say the golden path which led me here is the road every little girl dreams of taking.
However, the guise of my happy existence has come to be just that—an illusion. A mask of contentment intended for the world to believe.
Not many years into my marriage, I became an abandoned housewife to an adulterous husband. A proud, but sad, mother of two beautiful daughters.
My days were spent somewhere lost between empty and alone.
Then he came back.
Mason Cole offered a second chance to share the life we were supposed to have together. He gave me a glimpse of myself. The woman I'd forgotten long ago.
My road to hell was paved with good intentions. But sometimes good intentions get lost amidst a heart's desire.
At least mine did.
Now I’ll tell you why.
Author Freya Barker: “I have yet to meet an AC Bextor book I didn’t like, but Keep Happy just moved that bar even higher.”
Michella: “A gripping story of love and loss that expands over years.”
Linda Diamond: “Wow I am a huge fan a A.C. Bextor and this book is absolutely amazing!!”
Opening my eyes, I find what I knew I would. My life’s happiness coming to full circle. All the memories of us together push forward. All the laughter, intimacy, and peace emerge. Everything we had, everything I never expected to end. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye.
I don’t think I ever truly did.
“Be with me,” I whisper.
“I’m not sure I can do that,” he returns with reverence.
“Be with me,” I say again.
Mason drops his head, staring to the ground at our feet.
“We do this, it’ll change you, Katie,” he tells me. “It’ll cut deep.”
Mason doesn’t know about Thomas and his life outside our marriage. He doesn’t understand how long my days have been or the grief each is filled with. He couldn’t fathom my reasons for staying in a marriage because I’ve promised my daughters the life they deserve. An oath not unlike the one Thomas gave me on our wedding day, but one stronger and more protective, as only a maternal promise could be.
Grabbing his hand that now cups my cheek, I lace my fingers with his.
A subtle sob breaks through my words but manage, “Mason, being with you again won’t cut me.”
“It will,” he assures.
“It doesn’t matter if it does,” I reply.
“Of course it fucking matters.”
“No,” I assert, shaking my head. “My heart is already bleeding.”
5 Stars
This is a truly emotional read full of first loves, lost loves with devastating heartache, unconditional parental love and a second chance that leaves us with and HEA in the end.
Mason Cole is true alpha all the way, from the very young adult when we first meet him. He had a unexplained need to look out for Katie, make sure she was treated right. A man with a undesired upbringing determined to be more than the man who was his role model. His love for Katie was all consuming, but sometimes love doesn't happen at the right time and life gets in the way.
Katherine crushed on Mason as a young teen, years of friendship turned to a beautiful love. Life circumstances send Katherine on a different path. Loneliness and longing seem to be her norm these day. Thankful for the love of her children to keep her going.
Is there a possible chance for a second chance at the love they once knew? Is it possible to be Happy finally?
A.C. Bextor has made be a believer that for the right story, continual moving from past and present can work beautifully. If the story was told in sequence of events, the same impact would not have been felt by the readers. Please don't let this hold you back as this is a wonderful book that should be read.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
AC Bextor lives in a small town in the Midwest. When she's not writing she can be found reading or watching her favorite sports teams. She enjoys spending time outside fishing, swimming, or camping.
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