Audra has grown up surrounded by the beauty of her father’s horse farm; a beauty that includes her father’s horse trainer J.P. Unfortunately, Audra’s father has forbidden her to date any of his employees, forcing Audra and J.P. to fight the temptation they have to be together. The fact that Audra is only sixteen and J.P. is five years older forces J.P. to wait to act on the fierce attraction between them until she has grown up. He is sweet and patient when most men his age would have been impulsive and taken what he wanted, despite the consequences.
Ms. Alder writes a wonderful introduction to her Tapestry Series with this sweet, coming-of-age love story with a loving and respectful hero who knows what he wants and is willing to wait and do what is best for the woman he loves. At times the dialogue felt a bit unrealistic, as if it would be more likely to have been internal dialogue instead of spoken out loud. The characters are well developed and believable and Audra’s journey into adulthood is heartfelt and beautifully described. Readers will find themselves emotionally invested in J.P. and Audra’s story and rooting for their happily ever after. As the first book in a series, there is a bit of a cliffhanger ending, leaving readers craving more.
Molly S. Daniels
Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite
When twelve-year-old Audra Becker first sets eyes on hunky horse trainer J.P. Ryan, it's definitely love at first sight. The gorgeous cowboy works with his shirt off, and he's great with horses to boot. But he's five years older than her, and employed by her father, so she knows she doesn't have a chance with him. So starts the intriguing relationship between Audra and J.P. in Crewel Work, the first book in The Tapestry Series by author Natalie Alder. But when Audra grows up and develops into a stunning sixteen-year-old, she realizes that the thing she's desired for so long, a relationship with J.P. just might be within her grasp. And when he kisses her on her birthday, it seems possible that both of their dreams might come true.
In a sweet, fun and very romantic tale, author Natalie Alder has done a fantastic job in writing a book that will keep you turning the pages from the start all the way to the finish. Audra's crush on J.P. is one that almost any woman can relate to, and the realization of that crush is what most people have daydreamed about at one time or another. Author Alder's characters are ones that the reader will definitely relate to, and will think about long after they've finished the book. If that isn't the hallmark of a great author, I don't know what is. Crewel Work is a book that would appeal to any reader who loves romance, a fun and sweet story, or just a good work of fiction. I am pleased to recommend this book, and can't wait to read the next in this very promising series by Natalie Alder.
