| Title | : | From This Moment On (Windswept Bay, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 234 |
| Publication | : | First published July 12, 2016 |
Grant Ellington loves his ranch, his horses, and his life as a sought-after artist. But after walking away from a plane crash that killed his best friend and the young pilot, he’s still struggling with survivor’s guilt as he heads to Windswept Bay. Painting a sea life mural at the resort started out as a favor to his neighbor, but one meeting with the beautiful Cali and he feels alive again—and determined to spend time on the moonlit beaches with her in his arms…
But, like him, Cali has her own emotional scars—can they learn to trust the love that sparks between them and move forward from this moment on?
From This Moment On (Windswept Bay, #1) Reviews
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What a sweet story this was! At the beginning of the book, we see two wounded people who are just doing their best to get by from day to day. Both Cali and Grant carry burdens of guilt and lost hope. Even though their emotional obstacles come from very different events in their lives, they each could use a fresh start. And that is definitely what they get in From This Moment On.
I really enjoyed this first book of the Windswept Bay series. Grant and Cali had great chemistry and romantic tension. There were also some other fun characters who were introduced in this novel and I’m looking forward to reading their stories in future books. I thought that Grant’s journey of learning to live again and Cali’s journey of learning to trust again made for a beautiful love story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c... -
Cali was deeply hurt by her failed marriage and is trying to get her life back in order by returning to her hometown and help make her family resort a success. One of her plans is to get the famous painter, Grant Ellington, to paint some murals at the hotel. She doesn't plan on how charming Grant is and how persistent he is in tearing down her walls. Grant is going through his own trials and meeting Cali is a breath of fresh air and has given him hope to find his own happiness again.
Overall, this was a pleasant read. I really enjoyed the island setting of this one and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None - mild mention of abuse in previous marriage, no details
Religious: None
Series: Book one, assuming the series will be around 9-10 books (There are nine kids in the Sinclair family and I'm guessing each will get their own book. Five out so far.)
Source: Amazon (currently free!) -
This is one of those books where I'm wondering why the ratings are so high. It was just a really bland book. Nothing was exciting. Not the characters or plot. Honestly, I'm probably being a little generous giving it a 2.
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This is a sweet romance story set on a beach resort island in Florida. The owner of a family-run hotel has asked a famous mural artist to come and paint murals for her, hoping to attract tourists. The man is somewhat stressed after a plane accident but accepts. The lady is recovering from her own stressful divorce. I particularly like that one of the family works in a sea turtle rescue centre and we get to learn about why turtles may need help and what problems they face. (With an extract from the next book about this issue at the end.)
The part I don't like is that the heroine blushes, fidgets, stumbles and thinks the guy she has just met has hair she wants to run her fingers through - this is no kind of example of a business woman. This is a silly little girl playing at running a hotel, some would say. Obviously that is not what the author intended. Yes, she might feel instant attraction, even blush and smile, but she ought to be a professional and take pride in showing off her family business.
Also I dislike "the older woman manning the desk"... that would be staffing.
This book is suitable for older teens or adults.
This is an unbiased review. -
💝FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (6/23/2018)!💝
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From this Moment On, written by Debra Clopton, is the first book in the WIndswept Bay series.
I struggled to connect at the beginning of this book...figuring out who was in the Sinclair family and the roles that they played in each others lives and in the small boutique resort that they operated on the island in Florida. Once I figured it out, the pages whipped by and the story grew better as I connected. This story is mainly introducing us to a few of the Sinclair family, but focuses on Cali Sinclair. She's a wounded soul that has some scars and recently moved back to the island and to the resort to move on in her life. Can she truly move past the past?!
I think my favorite character of this book is definitely Grant Ellington...all time gorgeous hunk of man from Texas, ranch owner, and renown artist. Unfortunately, Grant had recently gone through a tragedy himself...he was the sole survivor of a plane crash that killed two of his good friends. Survivors guilt was eating at him when his neighbor and good friend, Cam Sinclair (yes, related to the Sinclairs that own the resort) asked him to help his sisters by painting three murals at the resort. Grant didn't know what an impact his trip to the resort would have on him for his present broken spirit and possibly his future. Was he really capable of caring about people when he was so saddened over losing his close friends in the plane crash?! Could he truly paint again after such sadness that had overwhelmed his life?
I'm excited to see what happens in the next book, Somewhere with You, book two about the Sinclair sister, Shar. Having read book one and learned a bit about the family, I'm sure the connection will be easier and more gripping as I learn more of this other sister!
From this Moment On is a clean read. It does have some kissing, not in excess. It does not have a preachy message nor is it a highly spiritual read. I was gifted this book in exchange for my honest review. -
The moment you open a new book with anticipation and feel chills as you start the first chapter and begin to find yourself there with the characters is special. Not many writers can capture that feeling for a reader but this author has an amazing way to open your eyes to a new adventure with words that skip across the pages with gusto. I am honored that I was able to read From This Moment On and thankful that there is more to come from this inspiring series.
Cali is a very smart young woman who has come back to the family's resort after a disasterous marriage that ended with an emotional scar that Cali carries with her. She is putting all her energy into helping the family renovate the resort. I loved how all the siblings worked together in a family business and helped them stay as a tight knit family. There is nothing more special then a family that looks out for each other and is there when they are needed. Cali is still very hurt by the divorce but won't talk about it. Will she ever be able to trust a man again?
As part of the renovation, Cali's brother has hired Grant to do some murals to improve the appeal of the resort. He is quite handsome and famous but carries a heavy burden of a plane accident that he can't get over. Will his guilt stop him from believing in himself? I loved when Cali and Grant first meet. I could feel the attraction right away as the author captured their intense and guarded look. As Grant started working on the murals , I enjoyed the details of the painting and felt the scenes come to life.
The story is filled with touching moments between Cali and Grant. I loved how their relationship was slowly developed and how Grant was patient with Cali. Will Cali be able to open her heart again and trust Grant to make her feel safe? I loved the way the author masterfully wrote a story about forgiveness and trust and allowed us to witness the gift of true love. Be sure and pick up a copy of this beautiful story and travel to Windswept Bay and experience the waves as they crash against the rocks, feel the sand as you walk along the beach and fall in love with characters that will have you wanting to meet them.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. -
The premise was ok, but....
The premise was ok, but this is written almost like a teenager would write about love. It's too idealized. You see these characters fall in love without really dating, and there's no real conflict between them. Also, some of the descriptions and writing just made me roll my eyes.
"Big sis, you're in a dither." No one addresses their older sister directly as "big sis," and I don't know anyone of a young age who uses the phrase " you're in a dither."
"But Cali had kept most of her problems to herself, not wanting her large family of three sisters and five brothers, parents, and close-knit extended family to know the dirty details." Read that as "There are eight more books in this series, and then there will be another series."
"Jillian and Olivia are paternal [twins] so they look alike, though age has brought slight differences." First of all, it's "fraternal." "Paternal" is "of the father." Second of all, fraternal twins do not necessarily look alike. I suspect the author meant they were identical twins.
And the one that made me roll my eyes the most (note that the author had already identified the two adopted children): "Jake was leaner and, because he was adopted, he didn't resemble Sam at all." NO! Really?!?!
I finished it, but I'm glad it was free. I won't be reading anymore by this author. -
Nice premise but I was not impressed by the writing. There were clumsy sentences due to a mixture of over telling the details and grammatical errors. Incorrect words were also in evidence : “And Shar, Jillian and Olivia are triplets but Jillian and Olivia are paternal so they look alike, though age has brought slight differences. Shar is one of a kind.” (P92). While she might have meant fraternal, the word Clopton needed was identical. Also, “clamoring down the scaffold” (p129), springs to mind. The sentence that made me snort aloud, though, was “Levi was tall and muscular and looked strikingly like his father, Sam; Jake was leaner and, because he was adopted, he didn’t resemble Sam at all”. Wtf? Plus, we already knew that Jake and Max were adopted.
I also felt the character development was very shallow. I found that I didn’t like Cali at all — she was very abrupt and terse, and while I liked Grant, I realised that I still didn’t know him by the end of the book. Their love developed after some very casual moments spent together where very little was shared, and then, as he finished painting the mural, it all just tumbled together to the ending — no real conflict built and no resolution.
With nine kids in the family, there is the potential for nine books. I don’t think I will be reading them. -
From This Moment On by Debra Clopton
Windswept Bay Series Book One
Grant Ellington is stepping out of his reclusive state after six months. After a plane crash that took the lives of two of his friends, he stayed on his ranch. Keeping his feet on solid ground. Until now. His friend and neighbor asked a favor of him. To paint some murals for his sisters' resort. He'd said yes, not knowing if he could still use his talents or not.
Cali Sinclair was happy working with two of her sisters at their island resort. The only one out of nine children to marry—and she had failed at that. She didn't need another man...ever. She had found peace once again at Windswept Bay. Her home.
The beautiful island surroundings has brought peace to Cali's life and the island...and Cali...are doing the same for Grant. This is the first book in this series and I'll be biting at the bit for the next books. I really enjoyed this. And even though Grant is an artist and on a beach—he still has his cowboy roots and heart.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/... -
A fun and light romp. Two people come together and overcome their pasts while falling in love in the beautiful Windswept Bay. A sweet and clean romance that will surely appeal to many.
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Good
I liked it, but it ended a bit quickly for men. I also like more development in character type stories, though both characters seem to help each other. -
"Il suo respiro si mozzò quando le labbra di Grant scoprirono le sue.
E Cali dimenticò tutto, tranne quel momento.
Che forse era l’unica cosa che valesse la pena di ricordare."
E' più un 3 e 1/2 in realtà ma regalo mezzo punto per l'atmosfera della cordiale e marittima cittadina di Windswept Bay, che mi ha ricordato vagamente Virgin River, quei posti incantati in cui tutti si aiutano a vicenda e l'armonia regna sovrana XD La storia tra Cali e Grant è un instantlove tra due anime ferite che cercano di tirare avanti e troveranno rifugio l'uno nell'altra... ci sono molti momenti delicati e romantici, suffragati anche dal lavoro di artista di Grant capace di cogliere la vera essenza della sua lei dietro l'apparenza fredda e riservata...non che duri molto con lui nelle vicinanze XD Promette assai bene l'intero (ed enorme) clan dei Sinclair, non so tra le sorelle e i fratelli chi darà maggiori soddisfazioni XD Unico piccolo neo, non mi è piaciuto il modo in cui è stato trattato il "grande segreto" di Cali riguardo il suo ex marito e il loro rapporto...è un tema delicato e che merita un minimo di approfondimento se si decide di tirarlo fuori, invece qui sembra messo solo per suscitare compassione e basta...male male! -
A quick, sweet romance. I liked the setting and the MCs. An island resort off the coast of Florida sounds lovely. The only thing I didn't like was the bit about the sick sea turtles.
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What a sweet and romantic novella! I love seeing two characters that have been through painful pasts start to come together and grow past their fears. I also enjoy seeing characters that defy stereotypes. Enter Grant, strong and masculine cowboy.....who also happens to be an artist of the sea! It's little things like this that authors put in their stories that bring a smile to my face.
I felt the characters were completely relatable in this story, however I almost felt as if Cali warmed up to Grant a little too quickly. Most times women who have had a bad marriage (I won't say why due to spoiler alert) take a long time to "warm up" to another male. But perhaps in this story the connection between them was so strong it melted that all away.
I loved seeing Cali's sisters and cannot wait to see what the future holds for them. They certainly provided comedic relief which I feel is a must, even in a romance novella. It just breaks up the mood and keeps my interest better. Thank you Debra for providing these characters!
I recommend this book to anyone who wants a sweet love story that could easily be read in one sitting. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review which I have given. -
First I will say this is my first book by Debra Clopton and it won’t be the last. I’m so glad that this book is the first of a series Windswept Bay because I didn’t want it to end. The author did a great job of describing Windswept Bay. I live just north of St. Pete and know there isn’t a real Windswept Bay, but I was ready to jump in the car and drive down it sounded so nice. The characters were well written and true to life. Also, this is a sweet romance so it’s great to read something without bad words a lot of sex.
The story is Cali Sinclair who went through a very bad divorce and returns to her family’s resort. She wants to have a family but has been deeply hurt by her ex and not sure if she can trust men. Then she hires, Grant Ellington, a well-known mural artist to help restore the resort. He has his own issues just recovering from a plane crash where he was the only one to survive losing two friends. When they meet there are sparks but they both are going through rough times especially Cali. Working with him for a few weeks starts to break down the barriers she has put around her heart and Grant can’t stop thinking about. I won’t tell you the ending but I did think it ended rather abruptly but then maybe that’s because I didn’t want it to end. -
Cali Sinclair works on the Florida coast at her family's resort called Windswept Bay. She is caring but serious ever since she went thru an emotionally damaging divorce.
Grant is a successful painter but he can't seem to get past his survivor guilt from his plane crash. His friend Cam, Cali's brother, asks Grant to visit his family's resort and paint some murals for them.
Cali and Grant are immediately attracted to each other but both have some serious emotional troubles hindering them from moving forward in a serious relationship. The longer that Grant stays in Florida and paints for Cali, the more he wants her to love him and trust him.
"From This Moment On" was a sweet, romantic story. It was very well written and I loved the family and setting of this series. Cali has 9 Sinclair siblings which is the perfect setup for this new series by author Debra Clopton. I can't wait to read more!!
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own. -
From This Moment On ( Windswept Bay Book #1 )
By: Debra Clopton
From This Moment On is book one in Windswept Bay series. I really enjoyed From This Moment On by Debra Clopton. This is one of those books that once you start reading you do not want to put it down. Clopton drew me in right from the start. The story is about two hearts that have been wounded and are struggling find a cure. Cali had a failed marriage and returns to Windswept Bay on the coast of Florida to be with her family and start over. Grant loves his ranch life with his horses in Texas. He is struggling with guilt. Grant is an artist and comes to Windswept Bay to paint sea life murals. Can these two find a cure for their hearts and move on? There is sparks that is flying between these two , but Cali Can’t afford to have another broken heart.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review. -
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily writing an honest review.
Grant is trying to move on with his life after an airplane crash that took his friends' lives. Cali runs a resort with her sisters and is trying to recover from a painful divorce. Cali needs help to draw more visitors to the resort and Grant is the solution. Despite Cali's impression that Grant is just a cowboy, he is a world renowned artist. As he works to help the resort, Cali's presence helps him to start to move past the guilt he feels for surviving the crash. Can he help her learn to trust again? A beautifully written story about moving on, recovering, and learning to love again. I enjoyed meeting all of the characters and look forward to getting to know all of the Sinclair sisters. -
I did not enjoy this serious insta-romance. The two main characters had some serious hurts, like divorce, betrayal, loss of friends, PTSD. But none of those things really mattered once the two MCs met each other. By glossing over their pasts, it made the characters completely one dimensional and then I don't invest in them or the story much.
Honestly I only decided to read this one because I wasn't sure what to read next and it was short. It was a breezy way to pass the time, and I still finished it. If you're looking for a short, instalove story with a beach setting, try this one. -
Okay
Story line was pretty good. Characters needed more development, though. Also, way to wordy and verrrry repetitive. The story would have been wonderful with more thought put into the characters and a lot less verbiage. -
Dnf at 48 %. There was no tension or plot to keep me engaged. The writing was too wordy to pull me into the story. I want realistic dialogue, and a lot less of the utterly implausible insta-love/lust that is now everywhere. This was like candy floss, all promise and no substance.
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Loved this book. Very sweet and entertaining. I highly recommend this book if you want a quick fun read!
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This is a sweet story of 2 people struggling with tragedy and heartache in their past. When they meet, the sparks fly and their healing begins.
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Great story
This was a well written story. It told a romantic story and has a HEA. I enjoyed reading this book . -
I enjoyed reading Debra Clopton's books. From This Moment on is full of beautiful landscaping, faith, family, and love. Garth and Cali both need to overcome the past. Great book!!
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It is a great book to read
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FROM THIS MOMENT
DEBRA CLOPTON
Review by Author Roy Murry
Grant arrives in Windswept Bay. He meets Cali Sinclair, one of the owners of the resort. He is to paint a few murals.
It is a setup neither Grant nor Cali comprehend at the moment they meet. Sparks fly when they enjoy the beauty and sound of the oceanfront resort and journeys around the area so that he can get inspiration for the murals.
Both have psychological baggage to overcome - Cali a broken marriage and Grant the death of friends. It takes a while for each to confide in each other with the gentle pushing of the Sinclair family.
The story is simple - boy meets girl. She is beautiful, and he is gorgeous. And, the environment is conducive for enjoying life.
There are not any significant conflicting moments in this story, just a crescendo of enjoyment with considerate self-evaluations by each. It is their gut-wrenching pasts that brings Grant and Cali together.
The writing is enjoyable; the characters are few, and the background description is colorful—an excellent read for one sitting. -
2.5 stars. It isn't a bad storyline but it was very much insta-love as they'd only known each other for two weeks and wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. I had some problems with the writing. I was actually listening by "text to speech" and sometimes a sentence would just stick out. I don't have an exact example but it was too wordy or too descriptive or something.
I get that there was a plug for caring for the ocean and its creatures but it felt a bit stilted to me.
I liked Grant's character more than I did Cali. Not a lot happens in the story. It is mostly the two of them dealing with their past demons so they could have a future together.
Sex: none, a few kisses
Violence: Cali had experienced domestic abuse from her ex but we only hear a little about it in past tense. Nothing graphic.
Language: I don't remember any problems.
What I liked most about the story was that it was clean.
