Blog Tour Stop & Review of Watch Over Me by Tara Sivec

"I'll take a story over real life any day."

When I got my hands on the ARC of this book, I was jumping up and down for joy! I couldn't believe my luck that Tara Sivec, one of my favorite authors, would actually allow me to read her book before it was available. I had pre-ordered the book when I learned it was coming out so now I have a bonus! *jumps up and down squealing!!* Now, about the book:

Watch Over Me is a departure from what readers are used to seeing from Tara. However, I think they will be pleasantly surprised. It seemed obvious to me that this book is a labor of love that Tara just had to write, and I am glad that she did. It was a heartfelt story that many women will identify with. 

I cried many times reading this book. It was so touching on so many levels. The relationship that grows between Addison and the significant others in her life are raw, real, intense, and inspiring. I have not lost my mother, but I know I will feel like Addison when it happens. The realism in this book is almost overwhelming. I am also a therapist, so I appreciate how realistic Addison's journey through her grief is. The book takes you on the journey with Addison and you will feel like you are right there with her. Then we meet Zander. We all need a Zander in our lives to be there, hold us when we're upset, and love us just because. Trust is a difficult thing to earn and not without some pitfalls. I can't tell you anymore without giving away spoilers!

You will not regret reading this book. I am glad I did! 4.5 out of 5!

Synopsis:
Addison Snow is your typical teenager. She has a family that loves her, friends that make her laugh, and she's wrapped up in the excitement of graduating high school and going off to college to pursue her dream of becoming an author. When her mother, who also happens to be Addison's best friend, dies unexpectedly, her world comes to a crashing halt.

Death changes everyone...

To make the pain go away, Addison and her father travel down separate, dark paths. She chooses to end her grief forever, while he drowns his sorrows in the bottom of a bottle. How do you learn to live again when the most important person in your life is gone?

Addison struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. Instead of getting back to being the carefree teenager she once was, she's stuck handling all of the responsibilities that should have been her father's. She has no time to grieve, no time for emotions, and no time for happiness...until Zander Reinhardt walks in. All it takes is one little handwritten note on a napkin to kick-start her back to life and help her realize that maybe there's more to that life than pain.

But can it really be that simple? Can she really trust this man who makes her feel alive again for the first time in a year?

Addison and Zander both have secrets they aren't ready to share. When the truth finally comes out, is it enough to tear them apart or has something bigger than themselves always been watching over them, pushing them together, making sure they both get their happily ever after?