Tell Me (A Love Me Novel)

Caleb is a handsome cowboy and Sam's best friend, Sam is the sassy and energetic adventurer, and Jane, Jane is Sam's little sister and resident Plain Jane book owner. Jane has accepted her role, accepted that she's different than her sister, and accepted that her life is most exciting when she's living in a book. She's found a certain kind of happiness, a happiness that works for her, but it's shaken up by Caleb's visit and request. She's adamant about not joining them on a hike, not even for Sam's birthday, but when an unexpected accident occurs Jane finds that the most she can do is just get by. Caleb makes it his mission to bring the old Jane back and spark some of Sam's energy inside of her while he's at it. He joins her on a trip that's as crazy as they come, but together they find out that saying goodbye could also help them start anew.

"'Now, if you were going to imagine the perfeact man for yourself, what would he be like?'
The perfect man."

Talk about a book to get you over your reading slump! I have read so many great books this year and I've tried a lot of new authors, but I've been getting discouraged by what is out there. The stories are all the same and so predictable, so I sort of put off reading Tell Me by Abigail Strom for quite a while. I've filled my time with suspense books and other various activities, but something about this cover, this blurb, sucked me in. It turns out, this was just the right book for me. It's romantic, it's sweet, it's got quite a bit of angst, and it breathes life into the sibling's best friend trope that was growing so old.

"Feeling and sesnation swept through her. Her whole body felt like a frozen limb coming back to life, the blood tingling and smarting as it returned."

I really enjoyed Jane, she's my sort of bookworm. Caleb, on the other hand, is your greatest cowboy fantasy wrapped in a boy. They shouldn't make sense, in fact they really don't make sense, but they work. They each have flaws and great losses to work through, something that only friends who trust one another can work through together. I loved that most of the book focused on their friendship and how Sam is the glue that really holds them together. I really appreciate the focus on sibling jealousy, the natural rivalry that comes with it, and the love that really overpowers it all. It's a unique story and it feels like a true story and not just a bit of fiction. I found myself laughing at them, crying at other times, and really hoping they get the happy ending each so deserves. It's heart wrenching and emotional, but wrapped in a sweet, romantic bow that any sweet romance fan will love. The weight of this novel is the only downside, I really hadn't expected to cry, but ended up appreciating the direction Abigail Strom took the story in. Plus, these two have so much chemistry that it's obvious from the start that they are meant to be.

"His heart squeezed in his chest. You are different. You are special."

Tell Me may feature a simple storyline, but Abigail Strom effectively brings it to life like a movie. The characters are well developed, the book features a really great tie-in of Anne of Green Gables (only my favorite book as a child), and the characters share dynamic interactions and fantastic dialogue. If you're a fan of friends-to-lovers and sibling's best friend romances, Tell Me is a book to check out.

Jane and Caleb have known each other for years. He is her sister's business partner and they have always had a brother/sister relationship, even when they each secretly want to explore more. When a tragedy happens in Jane's life, she is thrown off balance and sinks into a deep depression. He comes around to check on her and they argue.
Throughout the book, they pick on each other, argue and when one thinks they might have an honest discussion about their feelings, the other backs off. On one hand, I understood the reasons they had for not pursuing a relationship (he is an adventure seeker who leaves all the time and she likes her life in NY). BUT, on the other hand, considering they were adults, I found that they were acting like teenagers by not talking honestly about their feelings.
Overall, I did enjoy Caleb and Jane and their quest for love and happiness. I especially liked the quotes and the paper crane part of the story. I enjoy reading Abigail's books and will continue to read the books she writes. I received an ARC, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

Masterfully written by author Abigail Strom, Tell Me is a love story so full of genuine people and emotions that it is almost impossible to put down. There is no doubt that the author has chosen every word and phrase to carefully build her story and bring the reader to a very satisfying conclusion. Each description and every piece of dialogue is crisp and sharp, easily allowing the reader to see and feel what they read on the page. No scene is weighed down by bloated verbiage and that clarity only adds to one's reading experience. The HEA flows naturally from the events and is neither forced or contrived. Highly recommended to all who appreciate a well told tale that will leave them satisfied and content. I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest revie