Leslie Kirkland has been widowed for two years, she is raising her young daughters in the small town of Gauthier, Louisiana. The town's busybodies have been forever trying to set her up with Sawyer Robertson, an eligible bachelor who recently came back to his hometown, but Leslie says she's still not ready to date. Gabriel Franklin, a young progressive teacher has the town buzzing because he is very good-looking but not everyone likes his methods, especially when rumour has it that he wants to cut the traditional fundraiser for the school.

Leslie is the PTO president and she will have to deal with Mr. Franklin and discuss what is going on; she is not that eager because she's had a crush on Gabe ever since he moved to Gauthier, only a few months ago. Gabe is a bit younger than Leslie, but he's had an eye on her since he saw her. Leslie thinks Gabe is much too young for her, besides he's also her eldest daughter's teacher, so it comes as quite a shock to Leslie when Gabe asks her out! FOREVER WITH YOU is the fifth instalment in the Bayou Dreams series, and not for one moment did I feel I had missed something. All the characters blend so fluidly in the story, that I could not even tell whom had been in the previous books, which is rather unusual and very commendable! I loved how Ms. Rochon conveyed the feeling of a small Louisiana town; I felt as if I were there, and the pace of the book matched that feeling: unhurried, but never sluggish. I found it easy to relate to both Gabe and Leslie: they're nice, ordinary people, who act rationally even when it comes to secrets in their respective pasts.

FOREVER WITH YOU is beautifully written, the dialogues sound very natural, and I loved how organically the romance progressed. There were interesting plot twists and a shocking revelation I never expected but which put a lot into perspective. The characters are very well defined and engaging, so much so that I hope I can look forward to read more of Sawyer Robertson; I thought him rather intriguing. Farrah Rochon was a new author to me, and with FOREVER WITH YOU, she has gained a new fan!

Book Summary

New life. New love?

The tranquil bayou town of Gauthier is the perfect place for widowed single mother Leslie Kirkland to raise her two daughters. Until she's elected president of the elementary school's Parent-Teacher Organization. Caught in a clash between the community and progressive science-teacher- turned-assistant-principal Gabriel Franklin, Leslie vows not to take sides. But it's hard to be objective when a sexy younger man is awakening such an irresistible desire.

Years ago, a teacher saved Gabriel from a one-way path to destruction, and now he is dedicated to his students and the Louisiana town he calls home. But the chemistry sizzling between him and Leslie could ignite a scandal. And when the gathering firestorm threatens both their dreams, Gabe is ready to take a stand. Can he convince Leslie that it's time to move on and make a bright future… with him?

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