Blog Tour: Synchrony by Cindy Ray Hale

Destiny #2. Self-published (April 2014) Lola's Blog Tours

When her parents discover she’s been sneaking out with Isaac Robinson, the forbidden Baptist boy, Mormon girl Destiny Clark decides it’s time to keep their relationship quiet. As their relationship moves to shakier ground, Destiny discovers that Isaac has a terrible secret, and she is left completely shattered.

The moment Destiny feels all hope is lost, Preston Nelson, her longtime church friend and Isaac's bitter rival, arrives like a beacon of light. It isn't long before two separate disasters strike for Preston and Destiny's best friend, Hannah. As Destiny helps them through their issues, she discovers that sometimes the best way to forget about your own problems is to help a friend in need.

Just as her heart begins to mend and her friendship with Preston begins to heat up, Isaac walks back into her life, threatening to rekindle the feelings she’d hoped to bury forever. Will Destiny and Preston find the synchrony they so desperately need, or will she find a way to forgive Isaac and return to his outstretched arms?

I was surprised when I first read Destiny. I didn't expect I would like a book that had so much to do with religion - well it wasn't about religion but religion is what caused two families to feud and two people to struggle to be together. I ended up loving Destiny's story and was really thrilled to continue on with Synchrony. Fortunately, it left me feeling satisfied and entertained like I was hoping it would as well as having an ending that keeps me wanting for more.

In Synchrony we start off with Isaac and Destiny having to hide their relationship once again. There are so many people against their relationship that they both decide it's best to keep away from each other in public. Tension starts to arise from them having to hide their relationship. Ultimately, Destiny and Issac are driven apart by past mistakes that are revealed by the very people who are so against them being together. Emotionally distraught from Isaac's betrayal Destiny seeks comfort from Preston, her childhood friend who has had a crush on her for the longest time. You know him as the guy Destiny used as her fake boyfriend in the last book. As Destiny and Preston become closer she is able to heal from the heartache that Issac caused. And as her heart is healing she starts to think maybe she was wrong about Isaac. Just maybe, he isn't as bad as she once thought.

I knew their secrets were going to come back and haunt them! I called it. There was a lot of drama in this second half of Destiny's story that included secrets being revealed, a love triangle, and unexpected friend and family problems cropping up. There was much to take in yet I didn't feel overwhelmed at all. One of the biggest facets of this story is the love triangle. I don't particularly like love triangles unless I love both love interests. I don't in this case. Preston is okay but Isaac is better. So I didn't really like that it's going to continue on into the next book. Although, I am still a little excited to see how it all turns out romance wise. Destiny wise, at first I was annoyed that she was constantly worried and wouldn't give Isaac a chance to defend himself when his secret is revealed. However, as I got into the story I realized she acted the way any teenager would have if they were faced with the same situation. So she was insecure -everybody is at one point. I'd probably be worried if I were her too. So after I got over that I enjoyed where her story took me. 

I may sound strange but this book felt like a guilty pleasure read for me. It's just really entertaining. The plot line kept me engaged so much that I flew by this book wanting to read more as soon as I was done. It's an easy read that flows very nicely. It also has the addition of the right amount of drama that keeps me interested while also not overwhelming me. The religion portion of the book was once again addressed really well and didn't hinder the way I felt about the story as a whole. It actually was very refreshing especially since the book is all about accepting each others beliefs respectfully. I honestly enjoyed Destiny more than Synchrony however, I really like where the story headed in Synchrony. I also really look forward to the battle that is sure to ensue in the next book to come. Things are going to get really crazy, really fast, I know it. And I'll be there cheering Destiny on.

An Excerpt from Synchrony:

“Destiny.”

I looked up.

“I want things back the way they were with us.”

I clenched my fists at my sides. “That can’t happen.”

“Why not? I’m doing everything I can here. Don’t you see that?”

“Isaac.” I sighed. “I’m already dating someone else.” There. I’d finally said it.

“What? You’re pulling the ‘I’m dating Preston’ card again? Hannah told me you were faking that. Do you know what I think? I think you’re scared to commit. You’re afraid of getting hurt again. We belong together. Can’t you feel that? Look me in the eyes and tell me that you don’t still feel something for me.”

I studied the bushes.

Isaac took my chin and turned it toward him. “Look me in the eyes.”

I bit my lower lip to keep it from trembling. It was impossible to look in his beautiful eyes. I couldn’t say it because my heart was overflowing with my feelings for him.

“You can’t say it, can you?” He placed his hands on either side of my face, and I finally looked him in the eyes. I had to do what was best for him. He deserved better. I only had one heart to give, and I’d just pledged the entire thing to Preston.

Obviously I'm Team Issac.

About the Author:  

Cindy Ray Hale lives in a little slice of wooded heaven near Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and children. She spends way too much time following up-and-coming musicians on YouTube and dreams of joining their ranks one day. She’s a bit of a health food nut and can’t live without her daily green smoothies. She tries to stay sane as she juggles writing with four kids, staying active on social media, and keeping up her book blog. In addition to writing and self-publishing two Young Adult Contemporary novels, she has also written articles for "New Era" magazine and The American Preppers Network.

Website/Blog/Twitter/Facebook

To enter for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card (INTL) and a Destiny Swag Pack which includes: a signed copy of Destiny, a signed copy of Synchrony, a Destiny bookmark, a Destiny magnet, a Destiny keychain, and a Synchrony keychain as well as other prizes you can enter in a rafflecopter giveaway here. 

Thanks to Lola's Blog Tours and the author for letting me read and review Synchrony in exchange for an honest review!