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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Heidi Sturgess

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Domestic violence is so common and I think it’s been for years which is heartbreaking but these days woman speak out which they didn’t in the days past and I commend every brave woman who said NO MORE , left , battled and survived!

Elle arrived in Sweet Valley with next to no money and basically the clothes on her back and some really nasty bruises 🥲what better place to heal than home with your family and loved ones .,,,

Elle suffered at the hands of Aaron both physically and emotionally and those wounds take time to heal and I’m so grateful Elle had her family …

Blake and Elle share a history and he had the potential to be a brilliant vet but life happened and Blake hasn’t had it easy but one has to hit rock bottom before you can rise from the ashes …

I cried … ALOT … this story and it’s characters just played my heart strings like a harp I felt compassion , empathy , fear , anger , frustration , love and so many other things all I can say is have a huge box of tissues on hand and the biggest bar of chocolate for comfort when you read this !

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Jamie Burns

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Raising Elle is the first book in the Sweet Valley series by S.E. Reichert. The reader is drawn into the story by Elle and Blake who have both faced difficult times. Blake has turned to the bottle to help nurse his pain. While Elle has came back home to escape the violence she faced in the past. Will Blake and Elle help each other find healing and fall in love while doing so? Find out be reading Raising Elle.

Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Lyndsey Fairley

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a new to me author and I really enjoyed this book.
Eleanor or Elle, moves back home without warning running from her husband with bruises both visible and not. Her family welcomes her home with open arms but also wants to help her gain her confidence back.
Being back home in her small town brings her face to face with Blake, who has his own issues.
When Elle becomes his new “boss” they push each others buttons and build each other back up in the process.
I liked the interactions with everyone in this story, yes even Ty despite what he did. I felt connected to this story but I did not expect that twist in there so great job to the author on that one. Hope we get to see more of this town.

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Christine Baranek

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Raising Elle
By: S.E. Reichert

This was such a fantastic book! I will say that it has a trigger warning for abuse and it definitely needs a trigger warning. Elle left home 6 years ago with Aaron, the man that she thought was the love of her life. Man was she wrong. She has escaped Aaron and is left with some scars both visible and invisible. She is shocked when the family she left behind takes her back with open arms and rallies around her. She sets out to attempt to save and rebuild her grandmothers house before the family sells it (if they still need to). Blake was in love with Elle. He never quite got over her. When she comes back they have the opportunity to work together and rebuild their relationship. I loved watching Elle become stronger and more sure of herself. I also really loved how she advocated when she wanted something to do rather than sit around and be scared that Aaron would find her. I also love how quick her sisters were to agree and defend her. I feel like this is the true story of overcoming struggles and perseverance in hard times. More importantly I truly think this is a survivors tale. I definitely recommend it!

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Kayla Octaviano

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Elle is a quaint, small town girl who got herself into a bad relationship. She got herself out, but now returning home feels like the walk of shame. Elle’s first love and best friend Blake has also moved back to their hometown and he has also hit his rock bottom. Drunk and angry all the time, he doesn’t see a light at the end of any tunnel. These characters are so relatable and adorable. I love how in depth and true their feelings, reactions, and experiences are. The plot of the story is great and the truth that comes out is nothing like you expect! Watching these two and their families reunite and work together is beautiful. I loved this book! And cannot wait for the next one in the series!

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by April McCoy

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Honestly I loved this book, even though I faced a trigger here or there. This book is something that talks about or brings to light a subject that we often don’t get enough exposure of. I thought this book was well executed, the characters were well thought out and I enjoyed seeing them progress and grow. I couldn’t have put this one down if I had tried. It was very well written and a great read!!!

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Rosanna Ingram

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a good story about picking yourself up and finding love again. Elle returns home with both seen and unseen bruises. She quickly finds out that trying to hide secrets and heal in a small town proves to be quite challenging. Add in her childhood sweetheart, who has quite the surly response to her reappearance, and things get even more complicated. Seems that Blake has been fighting his own demons since Elle left town.

I found my heart going out for Elle and wanting her to be able to find happiness. By having Blake help her with the ranch, the reader can only hope that they will both pick themselves up and get back on the right track. I really admired Blake’s own journey of healing. Add in Elle’s family who were supportive and it makes reading a story that covers some quite heavy subject matters a little easier to get through. Overall, a good book that I enjoyed.

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Shannen Kern

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a beautifully written book about a second chance at love after heartbreak. I wasn’t sure what to expect as I hadn’t read anything from this author before, but I am very impressed and will be picking up more books from them! I really enjoyed the range of emotions and the depth of each character. You really feel like you get to know both Elle and Blake on their own and can feel the hesitation along with their chemistry. I never felt any lulls in the book and thought every scene pulled me in each time. I highly recommend picking this book up so you can prepare for the next in the series!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Jasmin Marie

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/80319425-raising-elle” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Raising Elle” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1674168362l/80319425._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/80319425-raising-elle”>Raising Elle</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7815704.S_E_Reichert”>S.E. Reichert</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5555339897″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A great story about love, forgiveness , and redemption. Elle left Sweet Valley six years ago but the horrors that she faced has changed her entirely. After leaving her abusive husband, Elle returns to her hometown just in time to save her grandparents’ ranch. Blake was heartbroken when Elle left town six years ago and honestly feels like life hasn’t gotten much better for him since. Despite their rocky past, Elle and Blake find each other when they most need it and prove that love can heal anything. <br /><br />This is my first read by this author but it won’t be the last! I enjoyed the flow of the story and the characters were relatable.
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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Emily H

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elle Sullivan thought that when she left home in Sweet Valley, Wyoming that all her dreams would be fulfilled. Instead Elle is heading home with bruises and a broken soul, she finds her family embracing her and respecting her wishes to keep her secrets. Seeing Blake O’Connor again she is hurt by his gruff response to her, he was her one but he pushed her away. Two broken souls end up working together to heal but will Elle’s past let her go.

This was a bit of a surprise to me, the way the story unfolded. I was haunted by Elle, she is trying so hard to heal herself and small towns have a way of being the best and the worst in some instances to others. Blake was unlike a male lead that I have read, he has to work on himself and there is a rawness to the story that goes from blistery raw to healing with each turn of the page. Really good story, definitely would read more from this author.

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Rayne East

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Heartwarming and heartbreaking
This is the first book in the Sweet Valley series. Elle has come back to town after going through some horrendous stuff. Blake is one bottle away from outcast. What unfolds is a journey of discovery and healing. This contemporary romance has everything, from tension, chemistry and tragedy to family, friendships and romance. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be continuing onto book two. Highly recommend.

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Jules Herbert

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow what a wonderfully written story of two people, I guess I should say two broken-hearted people, who help each other heal along the way. I know some topic areas covered may be difficult for some to read as the author has you really feeling the characters emotions and struggles but they are topics that should be shared and learned about. With such a well written storyline I promise you will be completely hooked from start to finish as this story unfolds, I know I sure was and I will definitely be looking forward to more great books from this wonderful author.

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Angela Shirley

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elle left the small town of Sweet Valley and the only person she really loved, when she got caught up with Aaron she thought this is the best she could do but over the ten years of marriage and torture she is making her way back to the childhood town she misses. Aaron had warn her down and with the physical abuse and mental torture believing no-one will care to love her within her family she is nervous driving into town.

Elle is left utterly shocked that not only is she welcomed home but her family rally around her to make sure is overcomes the abuse she has suffered, but what will happen when she sees the one man she ever loved and left looking back.

Blake has been lost in Sweet Valley ever since Elle moved on, his only ever love of his life so what is there worth fighting for, she left and I am still here, until one day she comes crashing back in his life but although the chemistry and memories are still there his heart is that protected can she hammer her way through and let them have the happily ever after they deserve.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I loved it. I love a good flawed character and you had two for the price of one. I have to say if you have triggers ready abuse this may not be the right book for you, but the author wrote those scenes with emotion and tact that your heart bleeds for the character of Elle and just want to protect her. I loved the character also of Blake who is just heartbroken by the past but you see with Elle’s help him putting his life back together and seeing that he does have a future.

The goats arriving at the ranch made me giggle as you can just imagine within the description of the book the scene and that just sums the book up, well written with brilliant main characters with the added extra of the secondary characters adding to the story as it went on although there is a hint of sadness in parts I devoured the book and want to read more in this wondering series, possibly Katelyn story next.

Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Heather Bass

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read from this author and let me tell you she has a new fan. I love a good small town romance but this book exceeded all my expectations. This is the first book in the Sweet Valley series. I was hooked on both of the characters right from the beginning of the story. I could not stop reading until the end. I can’t wait to see who this author will write about next.

Elle Sullivan is back in her hometown Sweet Valley Wyoming. She just came out of a horrible relationship and all she wants to do is heal. Elle is told that her family is going to lose the farm if they don’t do anything. She decides to fix the farm up and that’s what she does. Elle is shocked she runs into her old high school sweetheart but he is not the same at all. He is very rude and distant from her. She doesn’t understand why but she also has secrets of her own. Will Elle save the farm or will someone try to destroy it first?

Review @heatherbass

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Megan Pesek

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Elle has been a shadow of a person since leaving Sweet Valley six years ago. The horrors she endured at the hands of her husband were unbearable and she finally finally escaped back home just in time to save her grandparents’ ranch. She’s determined to live life to the fullest, even if past skeletons haunt her.

Blake hasn’t done anything worthwhile since his heart was broken six years ago. He wants to move on, but the pain of losing his first love was too much. But now she’s back and he’s hit rock bottom.

Elle and Blake have a rocky past and their current relationship is turbulent at best.

Raising Elle is a story of love, loss, redemption, and perseverance. The story keeps moving at a good pace throughout and keeps you on your toes. The emotions are raw and the love is deep. A great read that covers the not so great sides of relationships and the best they have to offer.

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I love the small town feel where this story mostly takes place of Sweet Valley, Wyoming as Elle and Blake try and navigate past hurts, miscommunication, love and hard work. This is my first book I read from this author and I am already looking forward to more from this series.

When Elle returns to Sweet Valley after leaving the busy area of California, she is determined to no longer be beaten down emotionally, physically and mentally. Elle decides to take over her old Gran’s place and make a life on her own terms while trying to raise animals and also pick up her love of cooking and baking. She slowly builds herself back but also she knows the likes of Blake O’Conner is still very much in Sweet Valley as well.

Blake hears the news of Elle’s return but not without being bitter and down right mean at times. He is determined that he wants nothing to do with Elle, but with a little convincing from Elle to get Blake back on his feet…..Elle offer’s Blake work on her farm and a safe place to be.

What happens when Elle feels like her past may be out to get her at every turn, will Blake be able to help Elle when she needs it most while they are both also trying to heal from their past from many years ago and express the love they have for each other that they have not done?

This is a great story. Please be warned of some triggers of abuse and neglect. I love the characters and just navigating their way to each other with a slow burn.

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Beverly Finnie

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Raising Elle hits a little close to home, on a ptsd front. I liked it but it could be a trigger for anyone who has been through abuse. Though that part was hard it wasn’t the big picture, so I pushed through it. And I’m glad I did.
The 2 main characters the author has written are definitely going in the same but different directions. They are both running, but one is running to take her life back. While other is running his life into the ground. Ellie and Blake were best friends growing up. She lifted him up. Gave him confidence. Made him believe he could do anything, but then she left.
Ellie tried to get Blake’s attention but he ran from her, so she left. Now she’s back and they are working together.
Will this bring them back to each other?
Will Blake finally realize he’s better than the life he’s leading?
The author wrote a story with some heavy themes. Heavy themes that could set anyone off. However I am one of those people and I made it through and I’m happy I did. I did not let it let me enjoy this story. It’s time for you to enjoy it too!

@placexba
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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Alison Risher

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a story of courage. It is the story of what it may take to start over after leaving an abusive situation. It is the story of second chances, of overcoming baggage. I found it to be haunting, for I, too, have made impulsive decisions that had long-lasting consequences. Readers may look to this story as a beacon of hope for overcoming a difficult situation.

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Wendy Wary

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book about a woman coming back from dire circumstances and finding healing and peace with her family. The characters are strong and resilient, and you also get a glimpse into some of the things that we find hard to let go in human nature. I found it to be relatable and entertaining. I hope to read more about the Sullivan family in the future, as Elle seems to have feisty sisters that are sure to have stories of their own to share.

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Tanya Wall, May 2023

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First off, living in Wyoming made me like this book a little more! Small town romance, good characters and a story line that keeps you reading is what you get with this story. I liked Elle’s determination and desire to keep the ranch going. The romance between her and Blake was made even more deep with the family history that you learn. This is a sweet little romance if you like romance!

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Elle has had enough! Life had to be better somewhere else. Her past 6 years had been horrible for Elle. Now is the time to take her life back. Blake has had his share of heartbreak. His answer was the bottle, so he thought. Both Elle and Blake must take back their lives. Will these two broken people be able to get out from under their secrets and move on? The author has set up a story some of us have lived through. It was hard in the beginning, the emotions were raw, but the end brought forth a new message. I enjoy reading a strong willed woman, and a stronger male character who can fight their way out, and build back their independence. While this was a hard story for me to read, in the beginning. It soon became a must read book, sending out a whole new outlook. The emotions are raw and the events are real. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

review@cinful

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Katie Matthews

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love a Western Romance read and I’m so glad I stumbled across this one! It was a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The emotions of the characters just poured off the pages and I could really feel what they were feeling at times. Elle was such an inspirational character to read about, I really feel like the author took her time when planning and writing about Elle, she took a very sensitive and triggering issue and really wrote about it well and with respect. Elle wasn’t the only character with past demons that she had to face we also had Blake as well with everything he was dealing with. Both characters had an inner strength and I loved seeing how they supported each other throughout the story.
This really was a wonderful, yet hard to read at times, story however the author did an amazing job with handling everything sensitively and I would absolutely recommend this book to other readers.

@katiem
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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Trish Ann

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought this was a good read. I was biased about the character Blake because that name is very special to me. I loved that his character was working hard to better himself and I thought Elle was a good counterpart for him. I love books that are about people finding there way back home. I look forward to book 2.

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Bethany Rollins

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elle returns to Sweet Valley a bruised, yet willful woman. Blake has been living his life in a bottle since Elle left town and broke his heart. Elle, deciding to take over her Grandmother’s property, offers Blake a chance of redemption and healing by hiring him on. While these two reconnect, they both realize their attraction to the other never disappeared.

This was a quick and enjoyable read. I appreciate the level of suspense the author was going for but it was a highly predictable ending. The characters were mostly great although my favorite character was a goat name Frankie. I like the simmering anger you felt Elle fighting throughout the story and her finding life after trauma. Although Blake was a tough character to enjoy early on, he does become more tolerable, although still not a likeable main character for me. Good read and looking forward to the next in this series.

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Kristin Boutele

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Raising Elle is a very fun and easy read. The author has done an amazing job in creating the story and the characters. All of the characters are very relatable from the minor characters to the main characters. The story does flow well from beginning to end. The character development was very well done.

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the story about Elle Sullivan who returns back to her home town trying to put away a traumatic past behind her. She is relieved when her family welcomes her with open arms, but equally nervous to begin her life afresh. When she meets her childhood sweet heart Blake, who has still not gotten over her and is facing issues of his own, she offers to help. Together they try to erase each other’s demons.
However romantic the storyline might seem, this book is not for the faint hearted. The book does have a graphical version of domestic violence and the language is profane.
Once you are aware of the context, the book is an emotional rollercoaster and very inspirational, a story of second chances and healing. After all that’s what we look for is’nt it? A beautiful book.

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Kerry Carr

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a second chance romance and a very emotional one at that. This is not your standard second chance romance. This deals with some subjects that maybe a trigger for some people. As a survivor of domestic violence reading parts of this story was hard but the author deals with the topic in a way that is respectful but also paints a very realistic picture of what it is like to be in that position.
I love the main characters of Elle and Blake. Both characters have so much depth that it is hard not to feel invested in their stories. Blake has also had a hard time in his past and when he reunites with Elle you just want to make everything better for them so they don’t have to deal with anymore heartache.

This is a very moving emotional story about heartache and heartbreak, losing and forgiving and finally healing.
Can Elle and Blake heal each other from their past so that they have a future together?

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Robin Rankin

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1)

I’m in love with this book, these characters and knowing there will more books coming so I can visit my friends. I found myself reading when I should have been working, sleeping and cooking and would lose myself in the story

Elle is a remarkable and strong woman which everyone but she sees. She finds her way home after way too long, she felt like a stranger at first but then remembers the joys of living in the small town she grew up in and is able to renew old friendships and even develop new ones.

She rebuilds her life and several other things after several years of neglect and it’s inspiring. Her story isn’t an unfamiliar one, but it can never be told too much.

As important as Blake is to the story I feel like I need to focus on Elle. She definitely deserves the spotlight. Looking forward to catching up with her soon.

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Kerry Baker

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I went into this book expecting a nice, sweet romance that was easy to read and a great way to pass an afternoon. What I actually got was a book that was filled with so much emotion and depth that it completely took me by surprise. This book is well written with some brilliant characters right at its center.
The overall story was really well written. It catches the readers attention straight away and takes you on the journey with the characters. These are the kind of ones that you root for and want them to find their happy ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the next one.

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Daree Blake

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am still reeling from this heart-wrenching and steamy second-chance romance. Elle has been through so much heartache and so much pain. Blake has been drowning all his pain for a long time. Domestic violence is a tough thing to read about and knowing that women find themselves in scary horrible situations where they are convinced no one loves them and nothing can save them, is horrible. Coming home to her family, who welcome her with open arms and finding a purpose sets Elle on a path of healing. I cannot wait for S.E. Reichert to publish the next story in the series!

Reviewed by @daree222
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