Steadfast

True North: Small Town Romance, Book 2

By: Sarina Bowen

Narrated by: JF Harding, Vanessa Edwin

She’s the only one who ever loved him—and the only one he can never have.

Jude lost everything one spring day when he crashed his car into an apple tree on the side of the road. A man is dead, and there's no way he can ever right that wrong. He’d steer clear of Colebury, Vermont forever if he could. But an ex-con in recovery for his drug addiction can’t find a job just anywhere.

Sophie Haines is stunned by his reappearance. After a three year absence, the man who killed her brother and broke her heart is suddenly everywhere she turns. It’s hard not to stare at how much he’s changed. The bad boy who used to love her didn’t have big biceps and sun-kissed hair. And he’d never volunteer in the church kitchen.

No one wants to see Sophie and Jude back together, least of all Sophie's police chief father. But it's a small town. And forbidden love is a law unto itself.

©2016 Sarina Bowen (P)2024 Tuxbury Publishing LLC

Critic reviews

"This book slayed me. I was up until 3am finishing it!" -Feeding My Addiction Book Reviews

"Sarina Bowen has topped herself again. I couldn't put down Steadfast!" -Unapologetic Book Addict

"A dark and heart rending story. I was inspired to think more about giving people second chances and the benefit of the doubt. Also? It's really, really sexy." -Tiff at Mostly YA Lit

Incredible

The new narrators just brought this book to another level. I can’t get over how amazing they did. They truly took on these characters and it showed.

It’s just a messy raw beautiful story. Even though this was a reread for me I was still full of anticipation for things to happen. This book brings out so many emotions. I forgot just how much it makes me feel.

I love Jude and Sophie so much. They have a rough road but it all comes together wonderfully. Plus they have some insane chemistry!

Definitely recommend but check the trigger warnings prior to read!

Heartbreakingly beautiful.

This book broke my heart but the story was so beautiful. The pain and heartache that Jude and Sophie went through was unbelievable, This book was heartbreakingly beautiful, no review I can write without spoiling the plot so I’m going to just say this, please give this book a try if you love a tortured hero working on his sobriety and reinventing his life. Steadfast is that book.

Griff is one BA

Great story line, didn’t like the domestic violence scenes but we all know they happen. They were well written. Alcohol and drugs can destroy so much, good to see these stories of perseverance, determination and courage.

Emotional, raw and healing

This book is so raw and full of feelings. “Steadfast” is an emotional, heartfelt, and honest second chance romance that was an amazing addition to the series.

Oh Jude, my heart was absolutely breaking for him. We got to meet him in the first book when he came to the farm after getting out of prison. Jude is an addict and Sarina wrote his story in the most respectful way, really showing the ups and downs that some in recovery go through. Going back home was the last thing he wanted but it was the only option and something he needed although it didn’t seem like it at the time. Sophie is incredible as well and the perfect person for Jude. She lost her brother that same day and even though they were still alive, she lost her parents as well. For those three years, Sophie had been going through the motions but not really living. Having Jude come back home is what she needed too. They had a deep history and connection which remained strong even though they didn’t talk to each other during those three years. They both needed that time and the time they had together when they were back was the slow healing as they worked through everything. And as we got deeper into what happened that night, I was shocked. The ending was healing and I loved these so much.

J.F. Harding and Vanessa Edwin narrated this audio and they were fantastic. Both were compassionate and vulnerable in their narration. I was enthralled with them from the beginning and could not stop listening as they brought this powerful and emotional story to life.

Extremely Well Written

Very well written and performed. A realistic storyline. Unpredictable, splashes of humor, it grabs your attention early and definitely keeps it.